This annotation reviews current concepts on the three most common surgical approaches used for proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty: dorsal, volar, and lateral. Advantages and disadvantages of each are highlighted, and the outcomes are discussed. Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to describe the introduction of a virtual pathway for the management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid, and to report patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction following treatment using this service. All adult patients who presented with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture that was not visible on radiographs at the time of presentation during a one-year period were eligible for inclusion in the pathway. Demographic details, findings on examination, and routine four-view radiographs at the time of presentation were collected. All radiographs were reviewed virtually by a single consultant hand surgeon, with patient-initiated follow-up on request. PROMs were assessed at a minimum of one year after presentation and included the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH), the EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), the Net Promoter Score (NPS), and return to work.Aims
Methods
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. 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.Aims
Methods
The primary aim of this study was to assess if traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears can be treated successfully with immobilization alone. Our secondary aims were to identify clinical factors that may predict a poor prognosis. This was a retrospective analysis of 89 wrists in 88 patients between January 2015 and January 2019. All patients were managed conservatively initially with either a short-arm or above-elbow custom-moulded thermoplastic splint for six weeks. Outcome measures recorded included a visual analogue scale for pain, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and the modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS). Patients were considered to have had a poor outcome if their final MMWS was less than 80 points, or if they required eventual surgical intervention. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors for a poor outcome.Aims
Methods
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. 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 Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) score in patients treated with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture. This study was a retrospective review of a prospective database of 155 patients who underwent internal fixation with a volar locking plate for a distal radial fracture between August 2014 and April 2017. Data which were collected included postoperative PROMs (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE)), and SANE scores at one month (n = 153), two months (n = 155), three months (n = 144), six months (n = 128), and one year (n = 73) after operation. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from this study. Correlation and agreement between PROMs and SANE scores were evaluated. Subgroup analyses were carried out to identify correlations according to variables such as age, the length of follow-up, and subcategories of the PRWE score.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in functional outcome after repair and non-repair of the pronator quadratus muscle in patients undergoing surgical treatment for a distal radial fracture with volar plating. A total of 72 patients with a distal radial fracture were included in this randomized clinical trial. They were allocated to have the pronator quadratus muscle repaired or not, after volar locked plating of a distal radial fracture. The patients, the assessor, the primary investigator, and the statistician were blinded to the allocation. Randomization was irreversibly performed using a web application that guaranteed a secure and tamper-free assignment. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, pronation strength, grip strength, the range of pronation and supination, complications, and the operating time.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of the Scaphoid Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Trauma (SMaRT) trial was to evaluate the clinical and cost implications of using immediate MRI in the acute management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid with negative radiographs. Patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid and negative radiographs were randomized to a control group, who did not undergo further imaging in the ED, or an intervention group, who had an MRI of the wrist as an additional test during the initial ED attendance. Most participants were male (52% control, 61% intervention), with a mean age of 36.2 years (18 to 73) in the control group and 38.2 years (20 to 71) in the intervention group. The primary outcome was total cost impact at three months post-recruitment. Secondary outcomes included total costs at six months, the assessment of clinical findings, diagnostic accuracy, and the participants’ self-reported level of satisfaction. Differences in cost were estimated using generalized linear models with gamma errors.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy
of collagenase clostridium histolyticum compared with fasciectomy
and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) for Dupuytren’s disease. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science,
Cochrane, Teseo and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for clinical
trials and cohort or case-control studies which compared the clinical
outcomes and adverse effects of collagenase with those of fasciectomy
or PNF. Of 1345 articles retrieved, ten were selected. They described
the outcomes of 425 patients treated with collagenase and 418 treated
by fasciectomy or PNF. Complications were assessed using inverse-variance
weighted odds ratios (ORs). Clinical efficacy was assessed by differences
between the means for movement of the joint before and after treatment.
Dose adjustment was applied in all cases.Aims
Materials and Methods
To determine whether an early return to sport in professional
Australian Rules Football players after fixation of a non-thumb
metacarpal fracture was safe and effective. A total of 16 patients with a mean age of 25 years (19 to 30)
identified as having a non-thumb metacarpal fracture underwent open
reduction and internal plate and screw fixation. We compared the
players’ professional performance statistics before and after the
injury to determine whether there was any deterioration in their
post-operative performance.Aims
Patients and Methods
Chronic conditions of the wrist may be difficult to manage because
pain and psychiatric conditions are correlated with abnormal function
of the hand. Additionally, intra-articular inflammatory cytokines
may cause pain. We aimed to validate the measurement of inflammatory cytokines
in these conditions and identify features associated with symptoms. The study included 38 patients (18 men, 20 women, mean age 43
years) with a chronic condition of the wrist who underwent arthroscopy.
Before surgery, the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Hand20 questionnaire
and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were used. Cytokine and
chemokine levels in the synovial fluid of the wrist were measured
using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and correlations between
the levels with pain were analysed. Gene expression profiles of
the synovial membranes were assessed using quantitative polymerase
chain reaction.Aims
Patients and Methods
We report a new surgical technique for the treatment
of traumatic dislocation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the
thumb. This is a tenodesis which uses part of the flexor carpi radialis. Between January 2010 and August 2013, 13 patients with traumatic
instability of the CMC joint of the thumb were treated using this
technique. The mean time interval between injury and ligament reconstruction
was 13 days (0 to 42). The mean age of the patients at surgery was
38 years: all were male. At a mean final follow-up of 26 months (24 to 29), no patient
experienced any residual instability. The mean total palmar abduction
of the CMC joint of the thumb was 61° and the mean radial abduction
65° The mean measurements for the uninjured hand were 66° (60° to
73°) and 68° (60° to 75°), respectively. The mean Kapandji thumb
opposition score was 8.5° (8° to 9°). The mean pinch and grip strengths
of the hand were 6.7 kg (3.4 to 8.2) and 40 kg (25 to 49), respectively.
The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire
score was 3 (1 to 6). Based on the Smith and Cooney score, we obtained
a mean score of 85 (75 to 95), which included four excellent, seven
good, and two fair results. Our technique offers an alternative method of treating traumatic
dislocation of the CMC joint of the thumb: it produces a stable
joint and acceptable hand function. Cite this article:
We conducted an observational radiographic study
to determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the AO classification
of fractures of the distal radius. Plain posteroanterior and lateral
radiographs of 456 patients with an acute fracture of the distal
radius were classified by a consultant orthopaedic hand specialist
and two specialist trainees, and the k coefficient for the inter-
and intra-observer reliability of the type, group and subgroup classification
was calculated. Only the type of fracture (A, B or C) was found to provide substantial
intra-observer reliability (k type 0.65). The inclusion
of ‘group’ and ‘subgroup’ into the classification reduced the inter-observer
reliability to fair (kgroup 0.29, ksubgroup =
0.28) and the intra-observer reliability to moderate (kgroup 0.53,
ksubgroup 0.49). Disagreement was found to arise between
specific subgroups, which may be amenable to clarification. Cite this article:
We performed a retrospective study to determine
the effect of osteoporosis on the functional outcome of osteoporotic
distal radial fractures treated with a volar locking plate. Between
2009 and 2012 a total of 90 postmenopausal women with an unstable
fracture of the distal radius treated with a volar locking plate
were studied. Changes in the radiological parameters of 51 patients
with osteoporosis (group 1, mean age 66.9, mean T-score –3.16 ( We found that osteoporosis does not have a negative effect on
the functional outcome and additional analysis did not show a correlation
between T-score and outcome. Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect
of a Galeazzi fracture on the strength of pronation and supination at
a mean of two years after surgical treatment. The strength of pronation
and supination was measured in varying rotational positions of the
forearm of ten male patients (mean age 38.9 years (21 to 64)) who
had undergone plate fixation for a Galeazzi fracture. The stability
of the distal radioulnar joint was assessed, and a clinical assessment using
the quick-Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (quickDASH)
questionnaire and patient-related wrist examination (PRWE) scores
was undertaken. In addition, the strength of pronation and supination
was measured in a male control group of 42 healthy volunteers (mean
age 21.8 years (18 to 37)). The mean absolute loss of strength of supination in the injured
compared with the non-injured arm throughout all ranges of forearm
rotation was 16.1 kg ( Loss of strength of pronation (27.2%), and of supination (12.5%)
in particular, after a Galeazzi fracture is associated with worse
clinical scores, highlighting the importance of supination of the
forearm in function of the upper limb. Cite this article:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment
results following arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)
debridement for recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain. According to the
treatment algorithm, 66 patients (36 men and 30 women with a mean
age of 38.1 years (15 to 67)) with recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain
were allocated to undergo ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO; n = 24),
arthroscopic TFCC repair (n = 15), arthroscopic TFCC debridement
(n = 14) or prolonged conservative treatment (n = 13). The mean
follow-up was 36.0 months (15 to 54). Significant differences in
Hand20 score at 18 months were evident between the USO group and
TFCC debridement group (p = 0.003), and between the TFCC repair
group and TFCC debridement group (p = 0.029). Within-group comparisons showed
that Hand20 score at five months or later and pain score at two
months or later were significantly decreased in the USO/TFCC repair
groups. In contrast, scores in the TFCC debridement/conservative
groups did not decrease significantly. Grip strength at 18 months
was significantly improved in the USO/TFCC repair groups, but not
in the TFCC debridement/conservative groups. TFCC debridement shows
little benefit on the clinical course of recalcitrant ulnar wrist
pain even after excluding patients with ulnocarpal abutment or TFCC
detachment from the fovea from the indications for arthroscopic
TFCC debridement. Cite this article:
