The The relationship between injury severity, grip strength and functionality in traumatic hand injuries

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between injury severity and functionality in traumatic hand injuries.Methods: Forty-four patients with traumatic injuries to the hand were included. Patients who were grouped as minor, moderate, and severe-major by Modified Hand Injury Severity Score (mHISS) score, were evaluated with grip strength, lateral grip strength, and Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHFT) at the 4th and 12th weeks. Among the functional scales, The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Patient-Rated Hand and Wrist Evaluation (PRWHE), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used.Results: According to the patients’ total mHISS score, 27.2% were classified as having minor injuries, 43.1% as having moderate injuries, and 29.4% as having serious-major injuries. The first 4 weeks of the rehabilitation period showed a statistically significant increase in both grip strength and SHFT scores. Furthermore, grip strength and SHFT scores were significantly lower across all mHISS groups, with greater reductions observed in the group with more severe injuries. A significant positive correlation was observed between the total mHISS score and PRWHE, DASH, and HAQ scores in all follow-ups. As the severity score increased, functionality worsened.Conclusion: Assessing the severity of injury and functionality in these patients allows for effective management of treatment and rehabilitation, ultimately improving their functional status and general health.