Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Improved Nipple Survival in Large Volume Reduction Mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Large volume breast reductions are at increased risk of nipple ischemia and necrosis due to tenuous blood supply of long pedicles. We adapted incisional negative pressure wound therapy to augment nipple survival in such patients undergoing mammaplasty by inferior pedicle technique. METHODS: Patients with nipple-to-inframammary fold distance >14 cm were informed of increased risk of requiring free nipple graft. All patients underwent inferior pedicle technique with Wise pattern skin incision. Once incisions were closed and the nipple-areolar complex was inset, the complex was assessed for vascularity. In 12 cases there was evidence of compromised arterial inflow or venous outflow. For these patients, incisional negative pressure wound therapy was applied to the bilateral nipple-areolar complexes for 5-7 days. RESULTS: None of the 12 patients (24 breasts) in this series experienced nipple-areolar complex ischemia or necrosis. Only 2 patients experienced delayed wound healing which was successfully managed by local wound care. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the utility of negative pressure wound therapy in nipple survival for at-risk patients. We believe it augments healing by allowing improved micro-circulation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Factors Affecting Healing in the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating condition. Treatment of HS depends on disease stage, goals of care, access to care, and frequency of symptoms. We present our experience with surgical treatment for patients with HS. METHODS: Patients were followed longitudinally for at least 2 years postsurgical intervention. Demographic data, participation in a multidisciplinary program, type of surgery, healing rates, and potential factors contributing to wound healing were retrospectively reviewed in all cases using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria with a total of 810 involved sites. Overall, 59% of patients had Hurley stage 3 disease at the time of surgery. Healing rates of 80% were observed in stages 1 and 2, and 74% were observed in stage 3. Hurley stage was not a significant predictor of healing (P = 0.09). Surgical treatment consisted of 38% incision and drainage, 44% excision without closure, and 17% excision with primary closure. Incisional and excisional treatments healed 78% and 79%, respectively, at 2 years. Primarily repaired defects (grafts and flaps) were 68% healed at 2 years. Observed healing rates were uniform regardless of the number of sites involved (P = 0.959). Participation in the multidisciplinary program was the strongest predictor of healing (78% vs 45%, P = 0.004). Sex, age, body mass index, tobacco use, diabetes, presurgery hemoglobin, and family history of HS were statistically not significant. Continuation of immune modulating therapy within 2 weeks of surgery was a predictor of reduced healing (odds ratio, 0.23; P = 0.004), whereas holding biologics for at least 2 weeks was not significant (odds ratio, 1.99; P = 0.146). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a multidisciplinary program is a strong predictor of long-term success when treating HS. Hurley score and number of involved sites did not correlate with successful healing after surgery. If taking biologics, we identified 2 weeks as an appropriate break from biologics before and after surgical intervention. Healing rates were highest with ablative procedures (incision and drainage, excision) alone.

Proceeding report of the Second Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances (SHSA) 2017.

The 2nd Annual Symposium on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advances (SHSA) took place on 03-05 November 2017 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This symposium was a joint meeting of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (HSF Inc.) founded in the USA, and the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (CHSF). This was the second annual meeting of the SHSA with experts from different disciplines arriving from North America, Europe and Australia, in a joint aim to discuss most recent innovations, practical challenges and potential solutions to issues related in the management and care of Hidradenitis Suppurativa patients. The last session involved clinicians, patients and their families in an effort to educate them more about the disease.

Alternating Pressure Overlay for Prevention of Intraoperative Pressure Injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-profile alternating pressure (AP) overlay system on hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). DESIGN: Prospective case series with historical controls. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study setting was the operating room and critical care unit of an urban quaternary care hospital in the Midwestern United States. One hundred neurosurgery patients undergoing surgery for 2 hours or longer in supine position were included in the study (AP group). The outcomes for the AP group were compared to a historical control group of 292 patients. METHODS: A group of 100 patients were prospectively placed on the AP overlay during surgery. Participants were enrolled preoperatively and tracked by the research team during their hospital stay. Demographic data, details of the operation, and pressure injury risk factors were recorded. Following surgery, AP group patients were evaluated daily and continued on standard protocol for pressure injury prevention. The primary study outcome was HAPI rate during the perioperative period (up to 5 days postsurgery) for the AP group (plus standard of care) compared to the standard of care alone (historical control). Control group data were extracted from electronic health records for the prior 2 years. A written questionnaire was given to the care team that used the AP technology; items queried the degree of acceptance of the overlay by surgeons and the operating room and intensive care unit (ICU) staff. RESULTS: None of the patients in the AP group developed perioperative pressure injuries. Review of historical control group revealed a 6% perioperative pressure injury incidence (18 pressure injuries in a group of 292 patients). Responses on the written questionnaire indicated that the AP technology was well accepted by surgeons and the operating room and ICU staff. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that AP overlay system can safely and reliably be used during neurological surgeries. Findings further suggest that using the AP product may improve outcomes with respect to perioperative HAPIs, including patients deemed at high risk for pressure injury development. Further studies are underway to evaluate the use of this AP overlay system beyond the operating room for more comprehensive care.

Development and Validation of a Scoring System to Predict Surgical Site Infection After Ventral Hernia Repair: A Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a rare but significant complication following an elective ventral hernia repair. This study aims to develop a risk assessment tool in order to predict the risk of developing SSIs postoperatively. METHODS: All patients undergoing an elective ventral hernia repair were identified using the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) database. Patients' demographics, comorbidities and technical aspects of the operations were extracted. Logistic regressions were used to create a predictive scoring system for SSIs. RESULTS: A total of 4983 were included. SSIs occurred in 3.4% of the patient population. A stepwise forward logistic regression identified the need to use drains, BMI, wound classification at the end of the surgery, presence of severe adhesions, a history of CAD, the need for intensive care after surgery, the use of pressors, EtOH abuse and history of PVD as being independently associated with the development of postoperative surgical site infections. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing an elective hernia repair, the incidence of SSI is low. Several preoperative and perioperative factors can contribute to the development of SSIs.

Posterior Iliac Crest Bone Graft: How Much Is Enough?

Autogenous bone grafting is the gold standard for reconstructing craniofacial defects. Mandibular defects are reliably reconstructed with free nonvascularized bone, such as from the posterior iliac crest (PIC). In light of improved imaging, including 3-dimensional computed tomography scanning, a more accurate defect estimation is possible. A strong understanding of bone graft available is necessary. The purpose of this study was an updated review of the dissection and quantification of the amount of bone that can be safely harvested. Bilateral bicortical osteotomy was performed on 55 cadavers to obtain 110 PIC bone grafts. Demographic factors and bicortical osteotomy measurements were recorded. Average osteotomy lengths, widths, and depths were 7.4, 5.5, and 1 cm, respectively. The average bicortical osteotomy volume was 40.6 cm. During the dissection, the authors identified 2 anatomical variants with respect to muscle insertion into the PIC. In variation 1, which occurred in 62% of dissections, the latissimus dorsi and thoracolumbar fascia did not originate from the PIC. When this occurred, the quadratus lumborum attached to the PIC. In variation 2, which occurred in 38% of dissections, the latissimus dorsi and thoracolumbar fascia originate from the PIC. By identifying the maximal bone volume obtainable from a PIC graft and noting 2 anatomical variants, this study allows for more accurate surgical planning and management.

Tobacco Use and Body Mass Index as Predictors of Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Breast Reduction Mammoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction mammoplasty accounts for more than 60,000 procedures annually, but the literature is still sparse on outcomes, especially beyond the single institution perspective. The aim of this study was to seek a broader view by study breast reduction outcomes in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set was queried for the Current Procedural Terminology code 19318 from the years 2005 to 2010. The principal outcomes measured were wound complications, surgical site infections, and reoperations. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify significant relationships. RESULTS: A total of 2779 patients were identified. The mean age was 42.7 (14.1) years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.6 (7.0) kg/m2. Tobacco use was associated with a higher rate of reoperation (P = 0.02). Body mass index was identified as an independent risk factor for wound complications (odds ratio, 1.85, P = 0.005). Patients with BMI greater than 40 kg/m were significantly more likely to develop postoperative wound complications (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest sample on breast reduction in the literature. Age and surgeon specialty did not correlate with negative results. In contrast, tobacco use and BMI were associated with worse breast reduction outcomes.

Friction-induced skin injuries-are they pressure ulcers? An updated NPUAP white paper.

Friction injuries are often misdiagnosed as pressure ulcers. The reason for the misdiagnosis may be a misinterpretation of classic pressure ulcer literature that reported friction increased the susceptibility of the skin to pressure damage. This analysis assesses the classic literature that led to the inclusion of friction as a causative factor in the development of pressure ulcers in light of more recent research on the effects of shear. The analysis in this article suggests that friction can contribute to pressure ulcers by creating shear strain in deeper tissues, but friction does not appear to contribute to pressure ulcers in the superficial layers of the skin. Injuries to the superficial layers of the skin caused by friction are not pressure ulcers and should not be classified or treated as such.

Recurring pressure ulcers: identifying the definitions. A National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel white paper.

Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the accepted terminology pertaining to the pressure ulcer healing progression and recidivism. This lack of uniformity can negatively impact initiation of treatment pathways, completion of appropriate interventions, clinical documentation, medical coding, patient education, discharge planning and healthcare revenue through out the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a standard nomenclature as it pertains to pressure ulcer healing progression and any recidivism that may occur. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel has formulated a framework of terms regarding pressure ulcer progression. We also developed a clearer nomenclature for lack of progress and recidivism of pressure ulcers. This document should serve as a starting point for the discussion of the pressure ulcer care, research, and terminology.

Adipose-derived stem cells significantly increases collagen level and fiber maturity in patient-specific biological engineered blood vessels.

Tissue engineering has driven significant research in the strive to create a supply of tissues for patient treatment. Cell integration into engineered tissues maximizes functional capabilities, however, issues of rejection remain. Autologous cell sources able to solve this issue are difficult to identify for tissue engineering purposes. Here, we present the efficacy of patient-sourced cells derived from adipose (adipose-derived stem cells, ASCs) and skin tissue (dermal fibroblasts, PtFibs) to build a combined engineered tunica media and adventitia graft, respectively. Patient cells were integrated into our lab's vascular tissue engineering technique of forming vascular rings that are stacked into a tubular structure to create the vascular graft. For the media layer, ASCs were successfully differentiated into the smooth muscle phenotype using angiotensin II followed by culture in smooth muscle growth factors, evidenced by significantly increased expression of αSMA and myosin light chain kinase. Engineered media vessels composed of differentiated ASCs (ASC-SMCs) exhibited an elastic modulus (45.2 ± 18.9 kPa) between that of vessels of undifferentiated ASCs (71.8 ± 35.3 kPa) and control human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs; 18.7 ± 5.49 kPa) (p<0.5). Tensile strength of vessels composed of ASCs (41.3 ± 15.7 kPa) and ASC-SMCs (37.3 ± 17.0 kPa) were higher compared to vessels of HASMCs (28.4 ± 11.2 kPa). ASC-based tissues exhibited a significant increase in collagen content and fiber maturity- both factors contribute to tissue strength and stability. Furthermore, vessels gained stability and a more-uniform single-tubular shape with longer-term 1-month culture. This work demonstrates efficacy of ASCs and PtFibs to create patient-specific vessels.

A randomized study comparing corticosteroid injection to corticosteroid iontophoresis for lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: We designed a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the effects of iontophoresis delivery of dexamethasone versus corticosteroid injection therapy on patient outcomes. METHODS: We randomized 82 patients to 10 mg dexamethasone via iontophoresis using a self-contained patch with a 24-hour battery; 10 mg dexamethasone injection; or 10 mg triamcinolone injection. All patients received the same hand therapy protocol. Primary outcomes tracked were change in grip strength (flexion vs extension), pain, and function scores on a validated questionnaire. The secondary outcome was return-to-work status. Patients were evaluated at baseline, completion of physical therapy, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The iontophoresis patients had statistically significant improvement in grip strength at the conclusion of hand therapy compared with baseline. They were also more likely to get back to work without restriction. By 6-month follow-up, all groups had equivalent results for all measured outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone via iontophoresis produced short-term benefits because for this group grip strength and unrestricted return to work were significantly better. This study suggests that this iontophoresis technique for delivery of corticosteroid may be considered a treatment option for patients with lateral epicondylitis. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

The Predictive Validity of Functional Outcome Measures With Discharge Destination for Hospitalized Medical Patients.

Objective: To investigate the predictive validity for discharge to home or facility of 4 functional mobility outcome measures. Design: Retrospective, observational study. Setting: Urban, academic hospital in the United States. Participants: Adult patients (N=3999) admitted to medical units between June 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020, with 2 or more recorded scores on each of 4 tools: Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) 6-Clicks Basic Mobility and Daily Activity, Henry Ford Mobility Level, and The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Mobility scores and discharge destination. Results: For the 3999 subjects, 51.4% went home at discharge and had higher mean scores on each measure than those not returning home. Both early (I) and later (II) time point for each measure had positive predictability for discharge home. AM-PAC 6-Clicks had the highest confidence intervals for early and later recorded scores. The c-statistic value for Basic Mobility I (cut point=16) was 0.74 and for II (cut point=18) was, 0.79. The value for Daily Activity I (cut point=18) was 0.75 and for Daily Activity II (cut point=18) was 0.80). The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility and Henry Ford Mobility Level measures were less discriminative at initial score (c-statistic 0.704 and 0.665, respectively) and final score (c-statistic 0.74 and 0.75, respectively). Conclusions: Functional outcome measures have good predictive validity for discharge destination. The AM-PAC Basic mobility score appears to have a slightly higher confidence interval than the other tools in this study design.

Outpatient Management of Diabetic Hand Infections.

Purpose For many providers, hand infections among diabetic patients is a condition that necessitates focused inpatient care. These patients are believed to have decreased innate immunity to fight infection, a more virulent course, and difficulty with recovery. Diabetes is considered by some to represent an additional risk factor that can result in an unfavorable outcome if not managed in an aggressive manner. Our own experience suggests that many of these patients can be safely managed in the outpatient setting. The purpose of this project was to better define the clinical outcomes for this population. Methods Evidence-based criteria were utilized to direct inpatient versus outpatient treatment pathways. A database was developed to track hand infections treated by the specialty service. The primary outcome was the resolution of hand infection. Secondary outcomes included specific treatment responses as well as patient characteristic comparisons of the different treatment groups. Independent variables included (parenteral and enteral) antibiotic use and bedside interventions performed. Patients were followed to complete the resolution of infection. Results For all patients managed as outpatients, diabetic patients had statistically significantly decreased improvement rates at two weeks as compared to non-diabetic patients (62% vs 75%, p =0.024). This difference disappeared at two months. Among diabetic patients, those with the highest rate of recovery at two weeks (90%) received intravenous antibiotics, bedside procedures, and oral antibiotics. Patients who did not receive antibiotics or undergo bedside procedures had the lowest percent of improvement (37%). Across all treatment subgroups, bedside procedure was the most impactful intervention. Less than 10% of patients were converted from outpatient to inpatient care, both diabetic and non-diabetic. Conclusions We reviewed our experience managing diabetes mellitus hand infections treated in the outpatient setting. Appropriate and effective treatment is possible, and the results are equivalent to those of patients without diabetes mellitus.

Long-Term Weight Loss with Body Contour Surgery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is accepted as an evidence-based treatment for morbid obesity. Many patients seek out body contour surgery afterwards to correct acquired deformities. This study seeks to better define the impact of body contour surgery on long-term weight loss. METHODS: This study is a single-center retrospective review of 78 patients who underwent body contouring surgery post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass compared with 221 matched control patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass only. Data was collected for patients at least 7 years post-Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. RESULTS: Patients who underwent both bariatric surgery and body contour surgery maintained mean long-term weight loss of 58 kg. The matched control group mean weight loss over the same time interval was 42 kg. The difference was statistically and clinically significant (p = 0.005). Change in body mass index, percent total weight loss, and percent excess body mass index loss were all statistically significant between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent body contour surgery better maintained long-term weight reduction in comparison to those who only had gastric bypass. Further understanding of the etiology of this association is important for patients contemplating body contouring surgery.

Recurrence of giant cell tumors in the hand: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: Giant cell tumors of the hand remain a treatment dilemma: treatment requires a balance between extensive dissections for excision versus risk of recurrence. There is no consensus regarding how best to manage this balance. The purpose of this study was to identify the recurrence rate of giant cell tumors of the hand, as well as the correlation with the specific tissue type involved. METHODS: Two hundred thirteen cases of giant cell tumor of the hand were recorded in a prospectively designed, anatomically based registry that identified tumor location and surgical planes entered and tissues excised during the procedure. Mean follow-up was 51 months. Demographic and follow-up data were also tracked. The primary outcome tracked was tumor recurrence. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square analysis and the Fisher exact test to determine which perioperative and intraoperative factors were associated with tumor recurrence. RESULTS: There were 27 recurrences among our cases. Tumors involving the extensor tendon, flexor tendon, or joint capsule had the strongest correlation with recurrence: 12, 8, and 12 cases, respectively. Conversely, there was only one recurrence among the patients who did not have any involvement of either the flexor or extensor tendons or joint capsules. There was no association for involvement of skin, neurovascular bundle, tendon sheath, or bone at the initial excision. No identifiable preoperative or postoperative factors were linked to recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that direct involvement of the extensor tendons, flexor tendons, or joint capsule puts patients in a high-risk category with respect to recurrence. Based on these findings, efforts regarding close monitoring and the role of adjuvant therapy should be directed at the high-risk population. This information may be helpful for hand surgeons developing evidence-based treatment algorithms for giant cell tumor in the hand. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic III.

Challenging the Surgical Axiom: Albumin Level Does Not Reliably Predict Development of Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Body Contouring.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoalbuminemia has traditionally been associated with a poor nutritional status and subsequent high incidence of postoperative wound complications in surgical patients. Recent evidence, however, suggests that traditional nutritional markers are inadequate in predicting postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that preoperative albumin levels are not associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing body contouring. METHODS: All patients undergoing body contouring from 2015 to 2017 were identified using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographics, comorbidities, and wound classification were extracted from the database. The independent predictors of developing wound complications were identified. Logistic regressions were used to identify the impact of albumin on outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, 4496 patients were identified. Wound complications developed in 202 patients (4.5%). Increasing body mass index, history of diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, history of prior open wound, and tobacco use were independently associated with the development of postoperative complications. Albumin levels were not associated with the development of wound complications. Similarly, albumin levels were not associated with the need for a repeated operation, with readmission, or with the total hospital length of stay. CONCLUSION: Albumin values were not associated with wound complications or need for reoperation in patients undergoing body contouring. Further research is warranted.

Evidence-Based Performance Measures for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: An American Society of Plastic Surgeons Quality Performance Measure Set.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons commissioned the Autologous Breast Reconstruction Performance Measure Development Work Group to identify and draft quality measures for the care of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction and other breast reconstruction surgery. Four outcome measures and one process measure were identified. Outcomes include patient satisfaction with information for all breast reconstruction, a subscale of the BREAST-Q, and the length of stay, operative time, and rate of blood transfusion for autologous blood transfusion. The process measure looks at coordination of care around managing the breast reconstruction patient's care, with the physician coordinating the ongoing care, be it an oncologist, radiologist, other specialist, or primary care physician. All measures in this report were approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Quality and Performance Measures Work Group and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Executive Committee. The Work Group recommends the use of these measures for quality initiatives, continuing medical education, maintenance of certification, American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Qualified Clinical Data Registry reporting, and national quality-reporting programs.

Botulinum toxin type A: a treatment option for digital ischemia in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

PURPOSE: Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggerated vasospastic response that causes pallor and cyanosis. In the hand, it results in pain, disability, and the need for amputation. Current accepted medical and surgical treatments are not uniformly successful and have their inherent morbidities. Reports in the literature describe the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for the treatment of vasospastic ischemia of the digits. We report the results of the treatment of recalcitrant digital ischemia with BTX-A in our institution. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review between January 2003 and February 2007. All patients presented with a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon with worsening pain, discoloration, or nonhealing wound of the hand. Patients received BTX-A injections into the perineurovascular tissue of the wrist or the distal palm, or along the digit. Outcomes measured included pain rating, digit color and appearance, transcutaneous oxygen saturation, and healing of chronic ulcers. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were treated, with a total of 55 treatment encounters. Patients were observed for an average of 18 months. Statistically significant improvements were noted for pain score and digit transcutaneous oxygen saturation measurements after treatment (p < .05). We found smokers and women were more likely to have improved coloration and appearance after injections. Complications included localized injection-related pain and transient intrinsic muscle weakness. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin type A significantly improves pain and improves healing in Raynaud's patients with few complications. BTX-A was found to be a safe and useful treatment option for vasospastic digital ischemia.

Workstyle as a predictor of pain and restricted work associated with upper extremity disorders: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: A patient's reaction to a perceived increase in work demand may be related to his or her upper limb symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a brief measure of a patient's perception of how they respond to perceived increases in demands at work predicts pain levels and work status 6 months after an initial consultation with a hand surgeon. METHODS: Working patients with diverse upper extremity diagnoses completed a measure of response to job stress at their first clinic visit and were followed for 6 months during their prescribed treatment course. Controlling for age, gender, job type, diagnosis, patient perceptions of work-relatedness, baseline pain, grip strength, and treatment (surgery vs no surgery) analyses were conducted to determine whether self-reported response to perceived job stress was associated with pain and work status 6 months after the initial consultation. RESULTS: Higher scores on the patient-reported job stress measure predicted higher levels of pain at 6 months. The measure was also a modest but significant predictor of work status at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of a working patient's self-reported cognitive and behavioral response to perceived increases in work demands, or what has been referred to as workstyle, predicts subsequent levels of upper extremity pain and work status. Generalization to other practice settings requires further study. This measure provides a brief evaluation of reaction to job stress that can be an important factor in certain patients with upper extremity symptoms. Future controlled studies addressing this aspect of the clinical picture are indicated. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Nerve Transfer Surgery for Penetrating Upper Extremity Injuries.

CONTEXT: Nerve transfer surgery is an option for repair of penetrating injuries of the upper extremity. In the right setting, it has advantages over tendon transfers and nerve grafting. OBJECTIVE: To review our experience since 2006 of nerve transfer surgery in the upper extremities. DESIGN: We included cases performed to repair penetrating trauma within three months of injury with at least three years' follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative muscle strength of the affected extremity. RESULTS: All 16 patients were males aged 16 to 43 years. Six patients underwent nerve transfer surgery because of elbow flexion; 5, finger extension; 3, finger flexion; and 2, wrist pronation. Nine patients (56%) had associated vascular injury, and 4 (25%) had fractures. Average follow-up was 6 years. No perioperative complications occurred. Patients had a mean of 3.7 operations after the initial trauma. All patients received physical therapy. All patients improved from 0 of 5 muscle strength preoperatively to a mean of 3.8 (range = 2/5 to 5/5) within 1 year after surgery. In all cases, strength was maintained, and 8 (50%) had continued improvement after Year 1. Ten (63%) returned to their previous employment level. Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved from 68 to 83 postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Nerve transfer is a safe, effective technique for correcting penetrating trauma-related nerve injury. In appropriate patients it offers advantages over other techniques. Outcomes can be maintained long term, and many patients can return to their previous level of function.