Abstract
‘Digital Dynamics’ is the most recent addition to the HandLab's popular educational resources. This DVD/CD module is the first in a series to be produced by HandLab on digital dynamics. It is a comprehensive teaching tool for hand therapists and surgeons alike that would benefit any hand unit.
In addition to the DVD there is a CD that consists of self-study questions and exercises, a glossary, references and a couple of useful articles in Adobe PDF format. It is helpful to download the information from the CD in advance prior to watching the instructional video.
This DVD was reviewed by a large hand therapy team made up of all grades of staff from assistants to clinical specialist physiotherapists and occupational therapists. It comprises of almost three hours of lecture material presented by Judy Colditz and supported by international hand surgery expert, Marc Garcia-Elias. It comprehensively and systematically works through the complex anatomy of the hand focusing on the extrinsic and intrinsic structures that enable digital motion. Due to the subject material, it requires the viewer to already have a clear understanding of bone and joint anatomy of the hand and therefore would not be suitable for a complete novice.
The detailed verbal information discussed is supported by clear anatomical illustrations, cadaveric photography and digitalized images along with PowerPoint type presentation. The DVD is helpfully split up into chapters allowing it to be watched in stages to aid digestion of the material provided. Our team found it to be thought provoking and it resulted in positive clinical discussions surrounding injury, surgery and management. It is an invaluable resource for all grades of staff providing education for those relatively new to the field, to in-depth revision for even the most experienced hand therapist.
The DVD begins by clarifying the often confusing and ambiguous terminology used throughout the literature (and surgical notes!) when describing the extensor anatomy in the finger and the components of the dorsal apparatus. It thoroughly describes each aspect of the dorsal apparatus in turn, combining anatomy with biomechanics describing the function of each structure and its interaction with others at the metacarpophalangeal, proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.
It goes on to outline amongst other things:
the important retaining structures (i.e. ligaments, pulleys) of the finger; anatomy of the muscles that drive digital motion; anatomical comparisons between interosseous and lumbrical muscles; muscles of the little finger; muscle fibre length, tension index and work capacity index of the five finger muscles.
Each section of the video ends with a clear, concise helpful summary reinforcing the more salient points.
As the first DVD in the series on ‘Digital Dynamics’ it provides an all-encompassing, detailed but clear overview of the anatomy surrounding digital motion. This is an excellent preface to the follow-up in the series which will be entitled: ‘Digital Dynamics: the moving finger’. As a team we would thoroughly recommend this aid to clinical practice to any clinician working within the field of hand therapy.