Usage and clinical perspectives of silicone oil as a therapeutic adjunct in hand rehabilitation: A survey of New Zealand and Australian therapists

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify current silicone oil usage by therapists in New Zealand and Australia, and gauge clinician perceptions regarding the therapeutic properties of silicone oil. To ascertain clinical beliefs, a questionnaire containing Likert scales was custom designed. Therapists attending a combined hand conference held in Melbourne, Australia, in 2013 were surveyed, with a 50.4% response rate. One-quarter of therapists surveyed (n = 126) reported current usage of silicone oil. Therapists’ perceptions were that silicon oil impacted positively on wound healing (Likert scale agreement score, 4.6/5) and finger movement, with less pain reported (Likert scale agreement score, 3.8/5). Silicone oil was used specifically after Dupuytren’s palmar contracture release surgery. Non-use of silicone oil was mainly attributable to unavailability in the clinical setting. Results indicate that silicone oil is currently used and valued due to its pain-relieving and movement-promoting properties in combination with facilitation of wound healing.