The optimal wrist position between extension and flexion to achieve the highest grip strength, was assessed on the dominant hand of 20 normal female subjects aged 18–25. Seven fixed wrist positions between 60 degrees flexion and 60 degrees extension were assessed as well as a “self selected” position which was chosen by the subjects. Other variables were recorded and analyzed such as hand length, wrist circumference, height and weight of the subjects. Grip strength was recorded using an electrodynamometer. The mean self selected angle was 28 degrees wrist extension, and this position had the highest mean strength of all angles tested. The self selected angle was positively correlated with hand length. Grip strength decreased dramatically in marked wrist flexion compared to extension. The self selected wrist position increased with hand length, height, and weight

Purpose. Handgrip dynamometry has previously been used to detect pre - operative malnutrition and predict the likelihood of post - operative complications. This study explored whether a relationship exists between pre-operative pinch and power grip strength and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. We investigated whether handgrip dynamometry could be used pre - operatively to identify patients at greater risk of longer inpatient stays. Methods. 164 patients (64 male, 100 female) due to undergo lower limb arthroplasty (83 Total Knee Replacement, 81 Total Hip Replacement) were assessed in pre - admission clinic. Average measurements of pinch grip and power grip were taken from each patient using the Jamar hydraulic dynamometer (Jamar, USA). Duration of each inpatient stay was recorded. Patients with painful or disabling conditions involving the upper limb were excluded. Other clinical variables such as age and ASA grade were investigated as potential confounders of the relationship of interest and adjusted for. Results. Average duration of hospital stay was 9.4 days. Average pinch grip was 6.3kg, average power grip 25.4 kg. Both average pinch grip strength (p = 0.001) and average power grip strength (p=0.04) had a significant negative correlation with duration of inpatient stay. Patients with a pinch grip strength less than 6.3kg remained in hospital 2 days longer on average. Patients with a power grip strength less than 15kg remained in hospital 1.6 days longer on average. Conclusions. This study demonstrated a clear relationship between pre - operative grip strength and length of hospital admission in these patients. This simple test may be beneficial pre - operatively in identifying those patients likely to require longer inpatient stays and therefore those who would benefit from early nutritional intervention and focussed physiotherapy. We believe this may effect significant cost reductions in the NHS

Introduction. Closed avulsion of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) from distal phalanx most commonly affects the ring finger when an extensive force is applied to a finger in active flexion. Whilst it is undoubtably reasonable to provide treatment for those who present with symptoms, there may be a cohort of people who sustain an avulsion without noticing. This study aims to quantify the effect of ring finger FDP avulsion on overall grip strength to determine the functional effect of a missed injury. Method. Right handed volunteers, with no abnormality on examination were included (N= 42). Proximal muscle group action was excluded. Grip strength was tested using a Jamar dynamometer with and without splinting of the ring finger to block flexion at the DIPJ and repeated six times alternately to mitigate the effects of fatigue. Results. Most subjects showed a small (0.3–3kg) change in their average grip strength with the splint (N= 29). Some showed a dramatic change in their grip strength (6–11.4) (N=6) others showed no change or slight improvement with the splint (−3–0) (N=7). Data were not normally distributed (kolmogorov-smirnov p=0.023). A wilcoxon signed rank test showed a statistically significant difference in performance with, compared to without, the splint, mean 2.34kg reduction (−3.3 − 11.4) (p <0.0005. Discussion. Horton et al have examined the quadriga effect and shown that the individual strength of other digits is reduced when one FDP is isolated. This implies overall grip strength should be reduced; our data supports this assertion. However despite splinting, the majority of subjects were still within the normal range of power for age. Larger scale studies are required to assess the functional effect of repair vs conservative management

To assess the effect of deformity on Grip strength characteristics in the Rheumatoid Hands using force time curves. Forty seven (6 males and 41 females) patients with mean age 62 years (29–79 yrs) with Rheumatoid arthritis had their handgrip strength measured with closed fluid dynamometer generating force-time curves. These were analysed further in blinded fashion for:. peak force;. average force;. time to peak. and variance of the force data through the plateau region (final 60% of curve). Data was also collected on joint mobility, pain and disability using Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) and Functional Disability Scores (FDS). The patients were divided into five groups according to the degree of deformity: No deformity, ulnar deviation, Boutonniere, Swan neck or combined deformities (two or more deformities). These patient groups showed significant differences in grip strength (p value < 0.01). Patients with combination of deformities showed low peak and average forces as measured on force-time curves. The hands with Swan neck deformities had the highest variability in the plateau region of the curve and had the greatest disability scores both with PEM and FDS scores (P Value < 0.005). This group was particularly disabled (P Value < 0.007) being less able to sustain the grip over time. Swan Neck Deformity causes the most significant dysfunction and this should be carefully considered when making decisions regarding surgery

Aims. Patients with a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury report ulnar-sided wrist pain and impaired function. The surgical procedure of TFCC reinsertion aims to improve function in patients with this injury in whom conservative treatment has failed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of open TFCC reinsertion. Methods. The study involved 274 patients who underwent open repair of the TFCC between December 2013 and December 2018. The patients completed the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire, and scored pain and function using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Range of motion (ROM) was assessed by experienced hand therapists. Results. Clinically significant improvements were reported in pain, function, and grip strength in 220 patients (80%) three and 12 months postoperatively. Conclusion. These data will help surgeons to make decisions about the outcomes of open repair of the TFCC and to counsel patients appropriately. Level of evidence: III. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):711–717

Aims

We conducted a study to determine whether radiological parameters correlate with patient reported functional outcome, health-related quality of life and physical measures of function in patients with a fracture of the distal radius.

Aims. This study aims to report the outcomes in the treatment of unstable proximal third scaphoid nonunions with arthroscopic curettage, non-vascularized bone grafting, and percutaneous fixation. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of 20 patients. All cases were delayed presentations (n = 15) or failed nonoperatively managed scaphoid fractures (n = 5). Surgery was performed at a mean duration of 27 months (7 to 120) following injury with arthroscopic debridement and arthroscopic iliac crest autograft. Fracture fixation was performed percutaneously with Kirschner (K)-wires in 12 wrists, a headless screw in six, and a combination of a headless screw and single K-wire in two. Clinical outcomes were assessed using grip strength, patient-reported outcome measures, and wrist range of motion (ROM) measurements. Results. Intraoperatively, established avascular necrosis of the proximal fragment was identified in ten scaphoids. All fractures united within 16 weeks, confirmed by CT. At a mean follow-up of 31 months (12 to 64), there were significant improvements in the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Mayo Wrist Score, abbreviated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, wrist ROM, grip strength, and the patients’ subjective pain score. No peri- or postoperative complications were encountered. Conclusion. Our data indicate that arthroscopic bone grafting and fixation with cancellous autograft is a viable method in the treatment of proximal third scaphoid nonunions, regardless of the vascularity of the proximal fragment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):946–952

There is no consensus for the appropriate surgical management of chronic ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb. A systematic review of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ePub Ahead of Print was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Items in Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and formal protocol registered with PROSPERO. Two authors collated data from 10 studies that met strict inclusion criteria, using various surgical techniques in 131 thumbs. Results were heterogenous and metanalysis of results not possible. These data were, therefore, qualitatively assessed and synthesised. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Direct repair, reconstruction with free tendon or bone-tissue-bone grafts and arthrodesis all demonstrated favourable outcomes with Patient Reported Outcome Measures. Direct repair can be safely performed more than two months following injury, with a positive mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 13.5 despite evidence of radiographic osteoarthritis. Arthrodesis should be considered in heavy manual laborers or those at risk of osteoarthritis as it provides significant reduction in pain (Mean Visual Analogue Score of 1.2) when compared to other methods. Free tendon grafting has been criticised for failure rates and poor functional grip strength, however collated analysis of 97 patients found a single graft rupture and mean grip strength of 97% (of the contralateral thumb). Bone-tissue-bone grafting was the least effective method across all outcome measures. Studies included were at high risk of bias, however, it can be concluded that delayed direct repair can be performed safely, while arthrodesis may benefit certain patient subgroups. New findings suggest poor efficacy of bone-tissue-bone grafts, but that free tendon grafting with palmaris longus are in fact safe with good restoration of grip strength. The optimal graft and configuration are yet to be determined for reconstructive methods

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess and compare active rotation of the forearm in normal subjects after the application of a short-arm cast (SAC) in the semisupination position and a long-arm cast (LAC) in the neutral position. A clinical study was also conducted to compare the functional outcomes of using a SAC in the semisupination position with those of using a LAC in the neutral position in patients who underwent arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal repair. Methods. A total of 40 healthy right-handed volunteers were recruited. Active pronation and supination of the forearm were measured in each subject using a goniometer. In the retrospective clinical study, 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic foveal repair were included. The wrist was immobilized postoperatively using a SAC in the semisupination position (approximately 45°) in 16 patients and a LAC in 24. Clinical outcomes were assessed using grip strength and patient-reported outcomes. The degree of disability caused by cast immobilization was also evaluated when the cast was removed. Results. Supination was significantly more restricted with LACs than with SACs in the semisupination position in male and female patients (p < 0.001 for both). However, pronation was significantly more restricted with SACs in the semisupination position than with LACs in female patients (p = 0.003) and was not significantly different in male patients (p = 0.090). In the clinical study, both groups showed improvement in all parameters with significant differences in grip strength, visual analogue scale scores for pain, modified Mayo Wrist Score, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score. No significant postoperative differences were noted between LACs and SACs in the semisupination position. However, the disability caused by immobilization in a cast was significantly higher in patients who had a LAC on the dominant hand (p < 0.001). Conclusion. We found that a SAC in the semisupination position is as effective as a LAC in restricting pronation of the forearm. In addition, postoperative immobilization with a SAC in the semisupination position resulted in comparable pain scores and functional outcomes to immobilization with a LAC after TFCC foveal repair, with less restriction of daily activities. Therefore, we recommend that surgeons consider using a SAC in the semisupination position for postoperative immobilization following TFCC foveal repair for dorsal instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):249–256

Aims. The purpose was to evaluate early clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes of the scapholunate ligament 360° tenodesis (SL 360) technique for treatment of scapholunate (SL) instability. Methods. We studied the results of nine patients (eight males and one female with a mean age of 44.7 years (26 to 55)) who underwent the SL 360 procedure for reducible SL instability between January 2016 and June 2019, and who were identified from retrospective review of electronic medical records. Final follow-up of any kind was a mean of 33.7 months (12.0 to 51.3). Clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcome data included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and Patient-Rated Wrist Examination (PRWE). Means were analyzed using paired t-test. Results. Before surgery, patients with SL instability were significantly impaired with respect to wrist flexion, extension, and grip strength (mean flexion, 51° (20° to 85°) vs 73° (45° to 90°); mean extension, 46° (15° to 70°) vs 66° (45° to 80°); mean grip strength, 25 kg (20 to 31) vs 50 kg (35 to 68) compared to the unaffected side). The mean SL gap (4.9 mm (2.3 to 7.3) vs 2.1 mm (1.6 to 2.9)) and mean SL angle (71° (59° to 105°) vs 50° (38° to 64°) were also significantly greater in the affected wrist. At final follow-up, there was mean improvement regarding clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes comparing preoperative to final postoperative values for the VAS for pain scale, QuickDASH, MWS, PRWE, and SL gap and SL angle. Conclusion. In our small series, the SL 360 procedure for reducible SL instability has favourable early clinical, patient-reported, and radiological outcomes at a mean of 33.7 months (12.0 to 51.3). The suture tape and tendon construct confers robust stability, permitting earlier mobilization without the inherent disadvantages of Kirschner wire stabilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):939–945

The April 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: Lunocapitate versus four-corner fusion in scapholunate or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse: a randomized controlled trial; Postoperative scaphoid alignment, smoking, and avascular necrosis determine outcomes; Grip strength signals broader health concerns in females with distal radius fractures; Clearing the smoke: how smoking status influences recovery from open carpal tunnel release surgery; Age matters: assessing the likelihood of corrective surgery after distal radius fractures; Is pronator quadratus muscle repair required after anterior plate fixation for distal radius fractures?; Efficacy of total wrist arthroplasty: a comparative analysis of inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis outcomes; A comprehensive review of the one-bone forearm as a salvage technique

Introduction and Purpose. Metacarpal fractures constitute approximately one third of all hand fractures. The majority of these fractures are treated by conservative non-surgical methods. The aim of this study is to obtain the appropriate anatomical alignment of the fracture with dynamic metacarpal stabilization splint (DMSS) and to maintain the proper bone anatomy until the union is achieved. In addition, by comparing this method with short arm plaster splint (SAPS) application, it is aimed to evaluate whether patients are superior in terms of comfort, range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Materials and Methods. In our study, SAPS or DMSS was applied to the patients with 5th metacarpal neck fracture randomly after fracture reduction and followed for 3 months. A total of 119 patients with appropriate criteria were included in the study. Radiological alignment of the fracture and amount of joint movements were evaluated during follow-up. Grip strength was evaluated with Jamar dynamometer. EQ-5D-5L and VAS scores were used for clinical evaluation. Results. 103 patients completed their follow-up. 51 patients were treated with SAPS and 52 patients were treated with DMSS. The mean age of the SAPS was 29.5 (SD ± 9.4; 16–53 years) and the mean age of the DMSS group was 27.8 (SD ± 11.6; 16–63). Pressure sores was seen in 5 patients in the DMSS group, while no pressure sore was seen in the SAPS (p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the VAS scores at all times. There was no significant difference between the mean dorsal cortical angulation (DCA) before the reduction, after the reduction and at the third month follow-ups. There was no statistically significant difference between the length of metacarps at first admittion before reduction, after reduction and at third month follow-ups. When the grip strength of the two groups were compared as a percentage, the grip strength of the patients in the DMSS group was found to be higher at 1st month, 2nd month and 3rd month (p <0.001). When the ROM values of the patients were evaluated, DMSS group had a higher degree of ROM in the first month compared to the SAPS group (p <0.001). No statistically significant difference was detected among groups at third month in the ROM of the IP and MP joints. However, wrist ROM was statistically higher in DMSS group at 3rd month (p <0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between EuroQol scores in favor of DMSA group (p <0.05). Discussion and Conclusion. In stable 5th metacarpal neck fractures, DMSA is as effective as SAPS to maintain bone anatomy. In addition, DMSA can be preferred for fixation plaster splint or circular plaster applications for the prevention of reduction in boxer fractures, with the advantage of having high clinical scores, which is an indication of early acquisition of grip strength, ease of use and patient comfort

Aims. Fixation of scaphoid nonunion with a volar locking plate and cancellous bone grafting has been shown to be a successful technique in small series. Few mid- or long-term follow-up studies have been reported. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term radiological and functional outcome of plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion. Methods. Patients with a scaphoid nonunion were prospectively enrolled and treated with open reduction using a volar approach, debridement of the nonunion, and fixation using a locking plate and cancellous bone grafting, from the ipsilateral iliac crest. Follow-up included examination, functional assessment using the patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE), and multiplanar reformation CT scans at three-month intervals until union was confirmed. Results. A total of 49 patients with a mean age of 31 years (16 to 74) and a mean duration of nonunion of 3.6 years (0.4 to 16) were included. Postoperatively, the nonunion healed in 47 patients (96%) as shown on CT scans. The mean time to union was 4.2 months (3 to 12). Due to impingement of the plate on the volar rim of the radius and functional limitation, the hardware was removed in 18 patients. At a median follow-up of 38 months in 34 patients, the mean active range of motion (ROM) improved significantly from 89° to 124° (SD 44°; p = 0.003). The mean grip strength improved significantly from 52% to 79% (SD 28%; p < 0.001) of the contralateral side. The mean PRWHE score improved significantly from 66 to 17 points (SD 25; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Locking plate fixation supplemented with autologous cancellous bone grafting is a successful form of treatment for scaphoid nonunion. Functional outcomes improve with the passage of time, and mid-term results are excellent with a significant improvement in ROM, grip strength, and functional outcome as measured by the PRWHE. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1697–1702

Aims. The objective of this systematic review was to describe trapeziectomy outcomes and complications in the context of osteoarthritis of the base of the thumb after a five-year minimum follow-up. Methods. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide study design, and 267 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After exclusion criteria application, 22 studies were included, involving 728 patients and 823 trapeziectomies. Outcomes included pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological characteristics. Complications and revisions were recorded. Results. All the studies reported good results regarding pain and range of motion at the last follow-up of 8.3 years (5 to 22); the mean satisfaction rate was 91% (84% to 100%). It was difficult to assess the impact on metacarpophalangeal joint motion in extension with contrary results. The key pinch returned to its preoperative values, whereas tip pinch showed a modest improvement (+14%), with a mild improvement found in grip strength (+25%) at the last follow-up. The mean progressive trapezial collapse was 48% (0% to 85%) and was not correlated with pain, grip strength, or satisfaction. The most represented complications were linked to tendons or nerves affected during additional procedures to stabilize the joint (11.6%; n = 56). Mechanical complications included symptomatic scapho-M1 impingement (3.1%; n = 15/580), leading to nine surgical revisions out of 581 trapeziectomies. Meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity and limited data. Conclusion. After a minimum five-year follow-up, trapeziectomy achieved high patient satisfaction and pain relief. However, strength seemed to be deteriorating with detrimental consequences, but this did not correlate with trapezial collapse. The issues related to underestimating mechanical complications and varying degrees of success should be highlighted in the information given to patients. Evidence-based analyses should help the surgeon in their decision-making. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):141–149

The trapeziometacarpal joint (TMCJ) is the most common hand joint affected by osteoarthritis (OA), and trapezium implant arthroplasty is a potential treatment for recalcitrant OA. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of various trapezium implants as an interventional option for TMCJ OA. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies up to May 2022. Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines were adhered to and registered on PROSPERO. The methodological quality was assessed by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools for observational studies and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Subgroup analyses were performed on different replacement implants, the analysis was done via Open Meta-Analyst software and P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 123 studies comprising 5752 patients were included. Total joint replacement (TJR) implants demonstrate greater significant improvements in visual analogue scale pain scores postoperatively. Interposition with partial trapezial resection implants was associated with the highest grip strength and highest reduction in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. Revision rates were highest in TJR (12.3%), and lowest in interposition with partial trapezial resection (6.2%). Total joint replacement and interposition with partial trapezial resection implants improve pain, grip strength, and DASH scores more than other implant options. Future studies should focus on high-quality randomized clinical trials comparing different implants to accumulate higher quality evidence and more reliable conclusions

Abstract. Background. We know that tears of the Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can cause DRUJ instability and ulnar sided wrist pain. This study shows the clinical result of patients who had arthroscopic transosseous repair of the TFCC tear with DRUJ instability. Arthroscopic repair of TFCC tear is a promising, minimally invasive surgical technique especially in patients with DRUJ instability. Materials and methods. Fifteen patients who underwent TFCC one tunnel repair form 2018–2021 were reviewed retrospectively in hospital. The proximal component of TFCC was repaired through arthroscopic one- tunnel transosseous suture technique. VAS score for pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength and post operative complications were evaluated and each patient was rated according to the DASH score. Results. The patients had a TFCC tear confirmed on MRI and was confirmed on arthroscopy by doing a hook test. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Twelve patients had normal stability of DRUJ and three patients showed mild laxity compared with the contralateral side. The mean VAS score reduced from 4.7 to 0.8 (P=0.001) and grip strength increased significantly. The quick DASH score (P=0.001)also showed significant functional improvement. No surgical related complications occurred. Conclusions. Arthroscopic one tunnel transosseous TFCC foveal repair can be an excellent and safe method for repair of TFCC tear with DRUJ instability. Its a good treatment option in terms of reliable pain relief, functional improvement and reestablishment of DRUJ stability

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common and the indication for surgical treatment remain controversial in patients higher than 60 years old. The purpose of the study was to review and analyze the current evidence-based literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines in order to evaluate the efficacy of volar locking plating (VLP) and conservative treatment in DRF in patients over 60 years old. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of science and Clinical Trial.gov were searched from inception to October 2020 for randomized controlled trials. Relevant article reference lists were also passed over. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. Main outcomes included functional status: wrist range of motion, validated scores and grip strength. Secondary outcomes include post-operative complications and radiologic assessment. From 3009 screened citations, 5 trials (539 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All trials of this random effect meta-analysis were at moderate risk of bias due to lack of blinding. Differences in the DASH score (MD −5,91; 95% CI, −8,83; −3,00), PRWE score (MD −9.07; 95% CI, −14.57, −3.57) and grip strength (MD 5,12; 95% CI, 0,59-9,65) were statistically significant and favored VLPs. No effect was observed in terms of range of motion. Adverse events are frequent in both treatment groups, reoperation rate is higher in the VLP group. VLP may provide better functional outcomes in patients higher than 60 years old. More RCT are still needed to evaluate if the risks and complications of VLP outweigh the benefits

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common and the indication for surgical treatment remain controversial in patients higher than 60 years old. The purpose of the study was to review and analyze the current evidence-based literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines in order to evaluate the efficacy of volar locking plating (VLP) and conservative treatment in DRF in patients over 60 years old. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of science and Clinical Trial.gov were searched from inception to October 2020 for randomized controlled trials. Relevant article reference lists were also passed over. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data. Main outcomes included functional status: wrist range of motion, validated scores and grip strength. Secondary outcomes include post-operative complications and radiologic assessment. From 3009 screened citations, 5 trials (539 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All trials of this random effect meta-analysis were at moderate risk of bias due to lack of blinding. Differences in the DASH score (MD −5,91; 95% CI, −8,83; −3,00), PRWE score (MD −9.07; 95% CI, −14.57, −3.57) and grip strength (MD 5,12; 95% CI, 0,59-9,65) were statistically significant and favored VLPs. No effect was observed in terms of range of motion. Adverse events are frequent in both treatment groups, reoperation rate is higher in the VLP group. VLP may provide better functional outcomes in patients higher than 60 years old. More RCT are still needed to evaluate if the risks and complications of VLP outweigh the benefits

Sarcopenia is an age-related geriatric syndrome which is associated with subsequent disability and morbidity. Currently there is no promising therapy approved for the treatment of sarcopenia. The receptor activator of nuclear factor NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its receptor (RANK) are expressed in bone and skeletal muscle. Activation of the NF-κB pathway mainly inhibits myogenic differentiation, which leads to skeletal muscle dysfunction and loss. LYVE1 and CD206 positive macrophage has been reported to be associated with progressive impairment of skeletal muscle function with aging. The study aims to investigate the effects of an anti-RANKL treatment on sarcopenic skeletal muscle and explore the related mechanisms on muscle inflammation and the polarization status of macrophages. Sarcopenic senescence-accelerated mouse P8 (SAMP8) mice at month 8 were treated intraperitoneally with 5mg/kg anti-RANKL (IK22/5) or isotype control (2A3; Bio X Cell) antibody every 4 weeks and harvested at month 10. Senescence accelerated mouse resistant-1 (SAMR1) were collected at month 10 as the age-matched non-sarcopenic group. Ex-vivo functional assessment, grip strength and immunostaining of C/EBPa, CD206, F4/80, LYVE1 and PAX7 were performed. Data analysis was done with one-way ANOVA, and the significant level was set at p≤0.05. At month 10, tetanic force/specific tetanic force, twitch force/specific twitch force in anti-RANKL group were significantly higher than control group (all p<0.01). The mice in the anti-RANKL treatment group also showed significantly higher grip strength than Con group (p<0.001). The SAMP8 mice at month 10 expressed significantly more C/EBPa, CD206 and LYVE1 positive area than in SAMR1, while anti-RANKL treatment significantly decreased C/EBPa, CD206 and LYVE1 positive area. The anti-RANKL treatment protected against skeletal muscle dysfunctions through suppressing muscle inflammation and modulating M2 macrophages, which may represent a novel therapeutic approach for sarcopenia. Acknowledgment: Collaborative Research Fund (CRF, Ref: C4032-21GF)

Introduction. Despite the rising popularity of 1st carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthrodesis as one of the surgical options for basilar thumb arthritis, the available literature on this is poor. This study aims to investigate post-operative pinch and grip strength following 1st CMCJ arthrodesis, at a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Complication rates, range of motion and patient reported scores were also evaluated. Methods. A retrospective cohort (2012–2020) was used, which included patients who had arthrodesis performed by the Hands surgeons at Counties Manukau DHB. In a 15 minute visit, we took the measurements using our standard dynamometer and pinch gauge, and collected three questionnaires [QuickDASH, PRWHE, PEM]. For analysis, we compared our results to the preoperative measures, contralateral hand, and to a previous study on a similar cohort looking at thumb strength following trapeziectomy. Results. 42 arthrodesis were performed, and 24 were available for follow-up. The average follow-up time was 77 months and the average age was 51 years old. Overall, we found a statistically significant improvement in thumb strength following surgery. Mean preoperative grip strength was 21.4kg and 32.5kg postoperatively (= +11kg). Preoperative pinch strength was 5.5kg and 7kg postoperatively (= +1.5kg). These results were significantly higher compared to the trapeziectomy cohort. We also found an improvement in 1st CMCJ ROM post-operatively. 7 complications were reported (29.1%). 4 were metalware-related and 3 were non-union. QuickDASH score significantly improved from a median of 42.95 to 12.5 while PRWHE from 67.5 to 14.5. Overall patient satisfaction was 87.4%. Conclusion. 1st CMCJ arthrodesis leads to an improvement in thumb function, pain and range of movement and results in high patient satisfaction, and therefore should be recommended for younger patients who need a pain-free and strong thumb