Rehabilitation of stage-one scapholunate instability (ReSOS): An online survey of UK practice

Introduction Scapholunate instability is one of the most frequent types of wrist instability, but optimal management is not established. This research aims to identify current conservative management strategies for stage-one scapholunate instability and how these interventions are evaluated in the UK.Methods A cross-sectional online survey of UK physiotherapists and occupational therapists with self-reported experience in the rehabilitation of stage-one scapholunate instability (ReSOS), was developed using the CROSS guideline and a clinical vignette. The frequency of treatment strategies was collated via a five-point Likert-type scale and evaluation strategies via fixed-response answers at three-to-six, seven-to-eleven and after 12 weeks post-injury. Data were analysed descriptively.Results Forty-three electronic surveys were completed and analysed. Thirty physiotherapists and 13 occupational therapists responded, with 90% working in the NHS. Activity advice and education was the most frequently used treatment at all time-points (100%, 98%, 98%). Quick-DASH was most frequently used region-specific patient reported outcome measure at all time-points (72%, 60%, 67%).Discussion Despite some identified themes, including neuromuscular rehabilitation strategies, the supporting evidence is limited in the ReSOS. It is unclear what rehabilitation and evaluation strategies are optimal and the development of a consensus on best practice is recommended.