Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Karrianna Iseminger

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this product is to focus on furthering exposure to cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) of the upper extremity (UE) through the development of a case report. This will further explore treatment methods, therapy progression, and management for diagnoses that are associated with repetition and the overuse of the UE. The client of focus possesses the UE CTD of trigger finger as the primary diagnosis but has several concurrent conditions. This increases the complexity of the case since the client must navigate the symptomatology of UE CTDs to engage in occupational performance.

Case Presentation: The client was selected due to her relevant diagnosis of the UE CTD of trigger finger. After trialing conservative management, the client finally decided upon surgery to assist with the pain, swelling, lack of range of motion, decreased strength, and catching of her involved finger. It was necessary to be cognizant of the client’s concurrent diagnoses within her hands as they may have altered how interventions were given. The concurrent conditions include osteoarthritis of her carpal metacarpal joint, joint contracture, peripheral neuropathy of the hand, and arthritic finger joints. Overall, the client was able to progress in all the physical areas she identified as a priority to engage in occupational performance.

Discussion: This demonstrated that although there are typical post-surgical rehabilitations to follow, there will still be unique differences for each client based on characteristics, occupations, and contexts. It is necessary to be cognizant of concurrent diagnoses, in addition to the UE CTD, as it may alter the response to treatment. Addressing the client as a whole and their lived experiences, will contribute to the successful rehabilitation of their physical skills

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