229 A Systematic Review Protocol Examining the Role of Immobilisation in Hand Infections

Published Date: 28th February 2022

Publication Authors: Nolan G

Aim
Hand infections are common and varied, leading to long-term complications when managed poorly. Splinting of the hand in a position of safe immobilisation (POSI) is frequently used to avoid complications including pain and stiffness, however it is not a universally accepted technique because the effects of splinting in hand infections remain unestablished.

This systematic review will compare outcomes in adult hand infections between those treated using hand immobilisation and those not immobilised. The primary aim is to compare patient reported outcomes, for example pain, and the secondary aim is to compare functional active range of motion, complications, and resource use.

Method
A systematic review protocol has been developed. The search strategy was developed following background reading, expert opinion, and review by an academic librarian, and will be used to search MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, to identify publications on management of hand infections including use of hand immobilisation. Title, and full-text screening will be carried out by two independent investigators to identify studies for inclusion. Editorials, letters, and literature reviews will be excluded.

Results
This systematic review has been successfully registered on the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021232880)

Conclusions
This systematic review will summarise the available evidence to establish the effect of hand immobilisation in hand infections, including whether hand immobilisation leads to improved outcomes in hand infections, which could guide health care professionals in their practice and influence future clinical guidelines.

Banhidy, N; Ramjeeawon, A; Nolan, G; Jain, A. (2022). 229 A Systematic Review Protocol Examining the Role of Immobilisation in Hand Infections. BJS. 109 (Suppl 1), i43-i44

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