Cast selection and non-union rates for acute scaphoid fractures treated conservatively: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cast selection for conservatively treated acute scaphoid fractures remains controversial. Cast options include short arm versus long arm, and those that include the thumb or leave it free. We sought to investigate the role of how cast choice affects nonunion rates after conservative management of scaphoid fractures. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar from inception through July 14, 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We extracted information of interest, including cast type, and non-union rates at the end of the treatment period. We then performed a meta-analysis using the random-effects model. We identified seven relevant studies. Non-union was observed in 15 out of 156 (9.6%) with short-arm cast and 13 out of the 124 (10.5%) with long-arm cast (OR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.19, 3.26], p = 0.74). Non-union was observed in 18 out of 174 (10.3%) with thumb immobilization cast and 18 out of the 179 (10.1%) without thumb immobilization (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.49, 1.94], p = 0.69). In our study, short arm casting was proven non-inferior to long arm casting. Similarly, casts without thumb immobilization were equally as effective as casts with thumb immobilization in terms of non-union rates for acute scaphoid fractures treated non-operatively.

Traumatic Complex Scaphoid Dislocation With Radial Carpal Disruption: A Case Report.

Background. Scaphoid dislocation with radial carpal disruption constitutes an extremely rare injury, and there are no clear guidelines for treatment. This article reviews a delayed presentation of this injury and its surgical management.

Dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger requiring open reduction due to the presence of an intra-articular sesamoid bone.

Complex dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger is rare and often requires surgical intervention. Here, we present a case of an index finger metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation requiring open reduction due to obstruction by a displaced volar plate and the intra-articular entrapment of a sesamoid bone. Surgical approach was performed dorsally, allowing easy visualization of the volar plate and sesamoid bone as well as minimizing risk to the radial digital nerve to the index finger. Postoperatively, the patient reported good functional return despite the delay in definitive management.

Acute Ulnar Neurapraxia and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Context of a Distal Radius Fracture.

Distal radius fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ulnar nerve compression are common causes of symptoms that result in patients presenting for hand evaluation. This is a unique case of a distal radius fracture leading to both carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve compression requiring urgent operative management.

Prevalence of a Septated First Dorsal Compartment Among Patients With and Without De Quervain Tenosynovitis: An In Vivo Anatomical Study.

Background: The reported prevalence of a subcompartment housing the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon within the first dorsal compartment varies widely in the literature, especially regarding the rates of occurrence between genders and among those with and without De Quervain. Based on direct intraoperative observation, we hypothesized that the prevalence of a septated compartment is far greater than previously reported, particularly in those with De Quervain disease. Methods: A prospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent first dorsal compartment release was carried out. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with De Quervain tenosynovitis ("De Quervain" group) and a control cohort without a primary diagnosis of De Quervain ("non-De Quervain" group). The intraoperative findings of a single compartment or a separate subcompartment were recorded. The prevalence of a septated compartment was calculated and compared between genders and both patient groups. Results: A total of 102 consecutive patients were included, with a female predominance (74.5%). Overall, 79.4% of patients had a separate subcompartment for the EPB. In the De Quervain cohort, 89.1% had 2 compartments, while 71.4% of non-De Quervain patients had a subcompartment. Men and women had a similar rate of double compartments (80% and 82.4%, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of a septated first dorsal compartment is considerably higher than previously reported, most notably in patients afflicted with De Quervain tenosynovitis. This higher rate of septation occurs with a similar prevalence in both men and women. Owing to its consistent presence, the dual first dorsal compartment should be regarded as an expectant anatomical component of the normal wrist.

Update on Post-mastectomy Lymphedema Management.

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition caused by an imbalance of lymphatic flow. Upper extremity lymphedema has been reported in 16-40% of breast cancer patients following axillary lymph node dissection. Furthermore, lymphedema following sentinel lymph node biopsy alone has been reported in 3.5% of patients. While the disease process is not new, there has been significant progress in the surgical care of lymphedema that can offer alternatives and improvements in management. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update and overview of the current advances and surgical treatment options for upper extremity lymphedema.

Asymmetric sternotomy and sternal wound complications: assessment using 3-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Wound complications after midline sternotomy result in significant morbidity and mortality. Despite many known risk factors, the influence of sternal asymmetry has largely been ignored. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of 3-dimensional computed tomographic scan reconstructions to assess sternal asymmetry and determine its relationship with sternal wound infection. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent midline sternotomy and received a postoperative computed tomographic scan between 2009 and 2010. Cases were composed of all patients who had a sternal wound infection after undergoing sternotomy. Controls were randomly selected from patients without poststernotomy wound complications. Sternal asymmetry was defined as the difference between the left and the right sternal halves and was expressed as a percentage of the total sternal volume. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were identified and 32 controls were selected as described earlier. The patients were similar in baseline characteristics and risk factors including age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preoperative creatinine, and operative time. Univariate factors associated with sternal wound infection include an asymmetry of 10% or greater, body mass index, and internal mammary artery harvest. In a multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of sternal wound infection included an asymmetry of 10% or greater (odds ratio, 3.6; P = 0.03) and diabetes (odds ratio, 3.3; P = 0.0442). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an association between asymmetric sternotomy and sternal wound infections. We recommend an assessment of sternal asymmetry to be performed in patients with sternal wound infection and if it is found to be 10% or greater, the surgeon should implement measures that stabilize the sternum.

Neonatal mandibular distraction osteogenesis: converting virtual surgical planning into an operative reality.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) has become an accepted method to manage severe cases of micrognathia-induced airway obstruction in neonates. Current imaging used to plan these procedures aids in surgical planning, but offers only a rough guide for the operating room. To our knowledge the following report offers the first description of virtual surgery used to guide DO in the mandible of a neonate. The plan provided a valuable link between the simulated procedure and the actual operative steps. Such technology can serve an important role in DO and offers objective guidance in device selection, vector planning and operative guide positioning.