Clinical Utility of ESWT in Restoring Hand Function of Patients With Nerve Injury and Hypertrophic Scars Due to Burns

Launched by HANGANG SACRED HEART HOSPITAL · May 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) to help improve hand function in patients who have experienced nerve injuries and thick scars from burns. After a burn, many people can have difficulty moving their hands due to joint stiffness and nerve damage. The researchers want to see if ESWT can help reduce pain, improve hand movement, and make the scars less noticeable. Participants will receive 12 weekly treatments of ESWT, while some may receive a placebo treatment that does not have any real effect, to compare the results.

To join the study, participants must be at least 18 years old and have had a deep or full-thickness burn on their dominant hand that was treated with a skin graft. They should also have confirmed nerve injury in the hand within the last six months. However, people with certain hand injuries, infections, or other specific health issues may not be eligible. Throughout the trial, participants will undergo various tests to measure pain, hand function, grip strength, and the condition of their scars before and after the treatment period. This study aims to provide valuable insights into how ESWT can help improve recovery for patients with hand injuries due to burns.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥ 18 years old
• • had sustained a deep partial-thickness (second-degree) or a full-thickness (third-degree) burn in the right dominant hand, which had been treated with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) after the thermal injury
• • nerve injury to the hand was confirmed by electromyography
• • \< 6 months prior to the enrollment
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • musculoskeletal diseases (fracture, amputation, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative joint diseases) of the hands
• • acute infection
• • malignant tumors
• • coagulopathy
• • pregnancy
• • potential for additional skin damage if exposed to ESWT and conventional occupational therapy.