Signs and symptoms to predict movement ability outcome

In the December edition of PM&R Dr. Ramasamya and his UK group from the Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Birmingham and colleagues from Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, University Hospital, Middlesborough and Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre discuss Peripheral nerve injury following combat extremity trauma—does plantar sensation return? The report can be found at http://bit.ly/hB7oHK.

They conclude that as 95% of salvaged limbs with a documented insensate foot at initial presentation showed a return of plantar sensation then initial plantar sensation is not prognostic of long-term plantar sensory status and should not be a component of a limb-salvage decision algorithm.

Therapists and doctors should focus on signs and symptoms rather than initial diagnosis as an outcome prediction. The HandTutor system can be used for all patients that have hand movement dysfunction regardless of diagnosis. The system focuses on the sign and symptoms which are the amount and quality of patient’s active movement ability. This information provides the therapist and patient with real time feedback on movement ability and improvement.