The incidence and decompression rates of median and ulnar neuropathies following shoulder surgery.

Background: Upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is a known, but uncommon complication that can occur after shoulder surgery. The incidence rate is well documented, and most of these cases historically have been treated conservatively. However, we hypothesize peripheral compression neuropathy requires a much higher need for surgical decompression than originally reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, decompression rates, and prognostic factors for developing median and ulnar neuropathies following shoulder surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed examining patients who underwent open and arthroscopic shoulder surgery from a multisurgeon, single-institution database. Perioperative data and functional outcomes were recorded. Symptom resolution was assessed with both conservative and surgical management of compression peripheral neuropathy. Further analysis was made to compare open and arthroscopic procedures, the type of neuropathy developed, and electromyographic (EMG) severity. Results: The incidence rates of compression peripheral neuropathy following open arthroplasty and arthroscopic procedures was 1.80% (31/1722) and 0.54% (44/8150), respectively. 73.33% (55/75) of patients developed ipsilateral disease, while 20.00% (15/75) of patients had bilateral disease. Amongst the 75 included patients, there were 99 cases of neuropathy. Carpal tunnel syndrome was more common than cubital tunnel syndrome, comprising 61.61% (61/99) cases of neuropathy. 12.00% (9/75) of patients developed both carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Decompression surgery was performed for 36.84% (35/95) cases of neuropathy with >90% obtaining symptom resolution with surgery. 63.16% (60/95) cases of neuropathy were managed conservatively, 71.67% (43/60) of which had persistent symptoms. When comparing arthroscopic versus open procedures, patients who underwent open procedures were significantly older (68.62 vs. 49.78 years, P < .001) and developed peripheral neuropathy significantly faster after the index procedure (87.24 vs. 125.58 days, P = .008). EMG severity did not correlate with decompression rates or symptom resolution. There were no differences in the subgroup analyses between beach chair and lateral positioning in regard to the type of neuropathy, laterality of symptoms, and/or treatment received. Conclusion: The overall incidence of peripheral neuropathy after shoulder surgery was 0.76% (75/9872). The development of peripheral neuropathy is multifactorial, with older patients undergoing open arthroplasty more at risk. Neuropathy symptoms were refractory to conservative management despite the type of shoulder surgery, type of neuropathy, or EMG severity. Decompression consistently led to resolution of symptoms.

Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review on Current Nonoperative and Operative Treatment Modalities.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of elbow pain that is generally self-limiting. For patients who have persistent symptoms refractory to conservative treatment, there is still no clear consensus on the most favorable treatment modality. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available literature regarding both nonoperative and operative treatment modalities for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (RLE) to provide insight into the efficacy of treatment options. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, where the PubMed, MEDLINE/Ovid, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were queried to identify studies evaluating treatment options for RLE. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies with 1,958 patients were included. Of the reviewed studies, there were a wide variety of treatments including platelet-rich plasma injections, percutaneous tenotomies, and various arthroscopic and open procedures. CONCLUSION: There are a wide variety of treatment modalities available for RLE that have promising efficacy in the short, medium, and long terms. A comprehensive approach combining evidence-based and patient-centered care is critical for effective management of refractory symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes of upper extremity sensory neuromas treated with excision and burial.

Background: Upper extremity sensory neuromas can be extremely debilitating leading to pain and dysfunction. Surgical management of neuromas can either be ablative or reconstructive. The primary aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of surgically treated sensory neuromas within the forearm, wrist, and hand with exclusion of digital neuromas. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients surgically treated for an upper extremity sensory neuroma from a multi-surgeon, single institution database. The types of neuroma, mechanism of injury and the surgical technique utilized for treatment were documented. Patient reported outcomes were collected including resolution of symptoms, pain scores, complications, and need for revision surgery. Averages and proportions were used for analysis. Results: 79 patients were included with mean age of 42.3 years and an average follow-up of 6.7 months. The types of sensory neuromas included 23 dorsal radial sensory, 21 medial antebrachial cutaneous, 15 palmar cutaneous, and 14 dorsal ulnar sensory. Single isolated cases of neuromas were more common (94.9%) than multiple neuromas (5.1%). 67.1% (53/79) of patients experienced pain or hypersensitivity with a mean improvement of 2.0 in the visual analog scale (VAS) following surgery. 6.3% (5/79) required revision surgery, and 82% returned to work in some capacity. Conclusion: Surgical excision of neuroma and burial into local surrounding tissue can be safely performed with a relatively low reoperation rate. 80% of patients had full resolution or improvement in their symptoms.

Traumatic Rhabdomyolysis: Crush Syndrome, Compartment Syndrome, and the 'Found Down' Patient.

Traumatic rhabdomyolysis is a systemic manifestation of muscle injury and can occur from various traumatic etiologies, including crush syndrome (CrshS) and compartment syndrome (CS). Although historically described in natural disaster survivors trapped under collapsed structures, the frequency of CrshS has increased in the setting of 'found down' patients from opioid overdoses. Signs and symptoms of the injured limb in CrshS may range from pressure-induced skin changes to neurologic deficits and paralysis. Although its pathophysiology differs from CS, severe injuries may lead to an associated CS. Identifying CS in a patient with CrshS can be difficult but is important to distinguish because it affects treatment. The degree of muscle damage, viability of the remaining muscular compartment, and presence of elevated compartment pressures dictate the need for surgical intervention in the form of fasciotomy. Surgical outcomes from CrshS and delayed CS result in similar high morbidity and surgical complications. This review defines and classifies the types of traumatic rhabdomyolysis and summarizes the outcomes to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate management for this population to reduce morbidity associated with these conditions.

Carpal Joint Malalignment With Distal Radius Malunion and Factors in Correction After Distal Radius Osteotomy.

Purpose: There is a paucity of data regarding recommendations on when to correct for distal radius malunions and if the initial severity of the radiographic outcomes is correlated with the ability to correct to baseline. We evaluated the effects of distal radius corrective osteotomy on preoperative carpal joint malalignment resulting from distal radius malunions, correlated injury severity and osteotomy timing to radiographic outcomes, and developed a straightforward classification system for predicting radiocarpal and midcarpal maladaptive patterns. Methods: A retrospective review included 26 patients (27 wrists) who reported initial closed treatment for a distal radius fracture and who subsequently underwent a corrective osteotomy for malunion. Data included patient demographics, range of motion, preoperative fracture deformity, fracture deformity correction, and preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements of the radiocarpal and midcarpal alignment patterns. Results: Of 27 dorsally angulated malunions, 16 were classified as type 1 midcarpal adaptation and 11 as type 2 radiocarpal adaptation. The midcarpal group showed significant improvements in distal radius and carpal alignment parameters after surgery, except for the ulnar variance. The radiocarpal group showed significant improvements in distal radius and carpal alignment parameters, except for the radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, and capitolunate angle. The radiocarpal group exhibited an overall decrease in range of motion compared with that of the midcarpal group. Severity of the fracture and time taken from injury to corrective osteotomy correlated with the ability to correct carpal radiographic parameters in dorsally angulated malunions of the distal radius, especially beyond 40 weeks. Conclusions: The severity of the initial fracture and time taken from injury to corrective osteotomy correlate with the ability to correct radiographic parameters in dorsally angulated malunions of the distal radius. Early correction of distal radius malunions is recommended, especially in radiocarpal malalignment patterns. A useful analysis for predicting midcarpal and radiocarpal adaptation patterns is the direct measurement of the distal articular surface of the radius to the lunate, termed the relative-radiolunate angle. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Avascular Necrosis of an Adolescent Distal Radius: A Literature Review.

A 12-year-old boy was tackled mid-air, resulting in a fall on the outstretched hand without fracture. The patient was treated conservatively but developed sharp pain and stiffness 6 months later. Imaging revealed distal radius avascular necrosis with physeal involvement. Owing to the injury chronicity and location, we treated the patient conservatively with hand therapy. After 1 year of therapy, the patient returned to normal activities without pain and with a resolution of findings on imaging. Avascular necrosis is more frequent in carpal bones (eg, Kienböck disease of the lunate and Preiser disease of the scaphoid). Growth arrest at the distal radius can lead to ulnocarpal impaction, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, or distal radioulnar joint injury. In this case report, we discuss our treatment rationale and review the literature on pediatric avascular necrosis for hand surgeons.

Patient Perspectives on Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Patients received care over telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their perspective is useful for hand surgeons. METHODS: Online surveys were sent October-November 2020 to 497 patients who received telemedicine care. Questions were free-response and multi-item Likert scales asking about telehealth in general, limitations, benefits, comparisons to in-person visits, and opinions on future use. RESULTS: The response rate was 26% (n = 130). Prior to the pandemic, 55% had not used telemedicine for hand surgery consultation. Patients liked their telemedicine visit and felt their provider spent enough time with them (means = 9/10). In all, 48% would have preferred in-person visits despite the pandemic, and 69% would prefer in-person visits once the pandemic concludes. While 43% had no concerns with telemedicine, 36% had difficulties explaining their symptoms. Telemedicine was easy to access and navigate (M = 9/10). However, 23% saw telemedicine of limited value due to the need for an in-person visit soon afterward. Of these patients, 46% needed an in-person visit due to inadequate physical examination. Factors that make telemedicine more favorable to patients included convenience, lack of travel, scheduling ease, and time saved. Factors making telemedicine less favorable included need for in-person examination or procedure, pain assessment, and poor connectivity. There was no specific appointment time the cohort preferred. Patient recommendations to improve telemedicine included decreasing wait times and showing patient queue, wait time, or physician status online. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine was strongly liked by patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, nearly 70% of patients still preferred in-person visits for the future.

Return to Sport Following Distal Triceps Repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the timeline of return-to-sport following distal triceps repair; evaluate the degree of participation and function upon returning to sport; and identify risk factors for failure to return to sport. METHODS: Patients who underwent distal triceps repair with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients completed a subjective sports questionnaire and were scored on a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Index; the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 113 eligible patients who had a distal triceps repair, 81 patients (71.7%) were contacted. Sixty-eight patients (84.0%) who participated in sports prior to surgery were included at 6.0 ± 4.0 years after surgery, and the average age was 46.6 ± 11.5 years. Sixty-one patients (89.7%) resumed playing at least 1 sport by 5.9 ± 4.4 months following distal triceps repair. However, 18 patients (29.5%) returned to a lower level of activity intensity. The average postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Mayo Elbow Performance; visual analog scale for pain; and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores were 8.2 ± 14.0, 89.5 ± 13.4, 2.0 ± 1.7, and 82.2 ± 24.3, respectively. No patients underwent revision surgery at the time of final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Distal triceps repair enables 89.7% of patients to return to sport by 5.9 ± 4.4 months following surgery. However, 29.5% of patients were unable to return to their preinjury level of activity. It is imperative that patients are appropriately educated to manage postoperative expectations regarding sport participation following distal triceps repair. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Relationship Between Preoperative and Postoperative Motion After Four-Corner Wrist Fusion for Osteoarthritis: Clustering and Regression Analyses.

PURPOSE: Four-corner fusion (4CF) is a surgical option for refractory scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist arthritis. Preoperative range of motion (ROM) predicts outcomes in many orthopedic procedures. This study investigates ROM in a cohort of 4CF patients to examine the relationship between preoperative and postoperative motion and identifies different clinical patterns. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 4CF patients. Patients with a history of inflammatory arthritis and radiographic characteristics of inflammation were excluded. Demographics, prior wrist surgery history, and ROM data were collected at preoperative and postoperative intervals after cast removal at 8 weeks, 3 months, and 8 months. Regression analysis compared the motion before and after 4CF. Subsequent cluster analysis to reduce confounding compared postoperative motion differences in the top 20% to the bottom 20% of patients by preoperative motion. RESULTS: We included 148 patients; 27 had prior surgery on the ipsilateral wrist. Preoperative arc averaged 86° ± 28° (flexion 46° ± 17°, extension 40° ± 15°); 8-week arc 43° ± 19° (flexion 19° ± 12°, extension 24° ± 12°); 3-month arc 62° ± 17° (flexion 30° ± 12°, extension 32° ± 11°); and 8-month arc 74° ± 17° (flexion 36° ± 11°, extension 37° ± 12°). Preoperative and final arcs were (r = 0.39). Clustering by the preoperative arc, the top 20% (mean 124° ± 15°) achieved a mean final arc of 81° ± 16°, while the bottom 20% (mean 47° ± 16°) achieved a mean final arc of 65° ± 19°. Intercluster differences were statistically significant. The bottom 20% gained motion postoperatively. Most patients in the middle 60% did not differ significantly in postoperative motion. CONCLUSIONS: Although wrist motion following 4CF correlates positively with preoperative motion, most patients do not differ significantly in postoperative motion. Patients with substantial preoperative motion deficits gain motion after 4CF. This information is important when counseling patients, determining the timing of surgical intervention, and managing expectations related to motion outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Traction Tenolysis for Flexor Tendon Adhesions: Outcomes in 97 Patients.

PURPOSE: Traction tenolysis is an alternative, less invasive way of performing flexor tendon tenolysis by winding affected tendons around a surgical instrument. This study assessed outcomes and complications in a cohort of patients who underwent traction tenolysis to determine its effectiveness. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 97 patients who underwent traction tenolysis performed by 4 fellowship-trained hand surgeons from 2010 to 2019. We collected data on preoperative and postoperative ranges of motion, the number and type of prior ipsilateral hand surgeries, and the duration of therapy and follow-up. Cases of traditional open tenosynovectomy tenolysis were excluded. RESULTS: Approximately two-thirds of the patients achieved more than 75% of the normal total active motion, and 80% achieved at least 50% of the normal total active motion. The mean total active flexion increased significantly by 42° and passive flexion by 25°. The differences in active and passive flexion significantly decreased from 28° before the surgery to 9° after the surgery. The active and passive flexion of the distal interphalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints improved similarly, at approximately 20° and 10°, respectively. The average duration of follow-up was 11 ± 8 weeks. The complication rate was 5%: 1 case of intraoperative flexor digitorum superficialis tendon rupture, 1 case of postoperative infection, and 3 reoperations because of failure to progress. CONCLUSIONS: Traction tenolysis is an alternative to traditional open tenolysis surgery in selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

The use of tranexamic acid in open elbow release surgery.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been effective in reducing perioperative blood loss in hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. Our purpose was to assess the effect of TXA on perioperative blood loss for open elbow release. Methods: Consecutive open elbow releases performed between October 2016 and March 2020 were identified. Patients were included if both anterior and posterior joint releases with a single medial approach was performed. From November 2018 onward, intravenous TXA and topical TXA infused through a deep hemovac drain were administered as part of the perioperative protocol. Drain output, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative aspiration rate, and postoperative transfusion frequency were assessed. Results: Fifty patients (25 TXA, 25 non-TXA) were included. Drain output was significantly lower in the TXA-treated group compared to the non-treated group (121 mL vs. 221 mL; p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and the incidence of postoperative aspiration between groups. None of the patients received a blood transfusion or had a documented thromboembolic event. Discussion: The use of tranexamic acid with open elbow release surgeries resulted in decreased drain output, with no thromboembolic events. Perioperative tranexamic acid can be a safe and effective modality in reducing perioperative blood loss for open elbow release surgery.

Clinical Outcomes After Revision Distal Biceps Tendon Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the clinical indications of performing a revision distal biceps tendon repair/reconstruction, and there is even less data available on the clinical outcomes of patients after revision surgery. PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing revision distal biceps tendon repair/reconstruction and evaluate the causes of primary repair failure. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing ipsilateral primary and revision distal biceps tendon repair/reconstruction at a single institution. Between 2011 and 2016, a total of 277 patients underwent distal biceps tendon repair, with 8 patients requiring revision surgery. Patient characteristics, surgical technique, and patient-reported outcome scores (shortened version of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [QuickDASH], 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12], visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS]), were assessed. Complications as well as indications for reoperation after primary and revision surgery were examined. RESULTS: The overall revision rate was 2.9%. The number of single- and double-incision techniques utilized were similar among the primary repairs (50% single-incision, 50% double-incision) and revision repairs/reconstructions (62.5% single-incision, 37.5% double-incision). Reasons for reoperation included continued pain and weakness (n = 7), limited range of motion (n = 2), and acute traumatic re-rupture (n = 1). The median duration between primary and revision surgery was 9.5 months (interquartile range [IQR], 5.8-12.8 months). Intraoperatively, the most common finding during revision was a partially ruptured, fibrotic distal tendon with extensive adhesions. At a median of 33.7 months after revision surgery (IQR, 21.7-40.7 months), the median QuickDASH was 12.5 (IQR, 1.7-23.3), MEPS was 92.5 (IQR, 80.0-100), SF-12 mental component measure was 53.4 (IQR, 47.6-58.2), SF-12 physical component measure was 52.1 (IQR, 36.9-55.4), and VAS for elbow pain was 1.0 (IQR, 0-2.0). Revision surgery had a complication rate of 37.5% (3 of 8 patients), consisting of persistent pain and weakness (2 patients; 25%) and numbness over the dorsal radial sensory nerve (1 patient; 12.5%). Two patients required reoperation (25% reoperation rate). CONCLUSION: The overall revision distal biceps repair/reconstruction rate was approximately 3%. While patients undergoing revision distal biceps repair demonstrated improved outcomes after revision surgery, these outcomes remained inferior to previously reported outcomes of patients undergoing only primary distal biceps repair.

Return to work following distal triceps repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate and duration of return to work in patients undergoing distal triceps repair (DTR). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing DTR from 2009 to 2017 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Patients completed a standardized and validated work questionnaire; a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Score; the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and a satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Of 113 eligible patients who underwent DTR, 81 (71.7%) were contacted. Of these patients, 74 (91.4%) were employed within 3 years prior to surgery (mean age, 46.0 ± 10.7 years; mean follow-up, 5.9 ± 3.9 years). Sixty-nine patients (93.2%) returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Sixty-six patients (89.2%) were able to return to the same level of occupational intensity. Patients who held sedentary-, light-, medium-, and high-intensity occupations were able to return to work at a rate of 100.0%, 100.0%, 80.0%, and 76.9%, respectively, by 0.3 ± 0.5 months, 1.8 ± 1.5 months, 2.5 ± 3.6 months, and 4.8 ± 3.9 months, respectively, postoperatively. Of the workers' compensation patients, 15 (75%) returned to work by 6.5 ± 4.3 months postoperatively, whereas 100% of non-workers' compensation patients returned to work by 1.1 ± 1.6 months (P < .001). Seventy-one patients (95.9%) were at least somewhat satisfied, with 50 patients (67.6%) reporting excellent satisfaction. Seventy-two patients (97.3%) would undergo the operation again if presented the opportunity. A single patient (1.4%) required revision DTR. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 93% of patients who underwent DTR returned to work by 2.2 ± 3.2 months postoperatively. Patients with higher-intensity occupations had an equivalent rate of return to work but took longer to return to their preoperative level of occupational intensity. Information regarding return to work is imperative in preoperative patient consultation to manage expectations.

Anatomic Restoration of the Biceps Brachii Insertion Through a Single Anterior Incision.

Treatment of distal biceps tendon ruptures with surgical repair has been shown to restore peak elbow flexion and supination strength, as well as minimize fatigue with repetitive activity. The anatomic footprint of the biceps is slightly posterior to the apical prominence of the bicipital tuberosity. Single-incision and double-incision methods for repairing distal biceps tendon ruptures have been described. However, previously described single-incision techniques have been unable to accurately re-establish the anatomic position of the tendinous insertion. We describe our technique of performing an anatomic distal biceps repair using a single anterior incision. The proposed benefits of this technique include the restoration of the anatomic footprint area, insertion site, and consequently the native cam effect of the bicipital tuberosity all through a single incision. From a patient's perspective, the proposed benefit of this technique includes the restoration of supination strength using a single incision.

Restoration of peak strength and endurance following distal biceps reconstruction with allograft for chronic ruptures.

BACKGROUND: Distal biceps reconstruction for chronic rupture often requires a graft to recover length and allow for distal tendon reattachment to bone. Our purpose was to assess peak strength and endurance recovery following biceps reconstruction with tendon grafts. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that allograft reconstruction would result in decreased flexion and supination peak strength and endurance. METHODS: Consecutive distal biceps reconstructions with allograft, performed for chronic ruptures between January 2008 and March 2018 at a single institution, were reviewed. Isokinetic dynamometry for peak strength and endurance testing was performed on the operative and contralateral arms in flexion and supination. Functional outcomes and overall satisfaction with the operation were determined. RESULTS: Eleven patients were available for a complete evaluation, including dynamometry, at a mean of 46 months postoperatively. Reconstructions demonstrated a nonsignificant trend toward decreased peak flexion strength (P = .06), and significantly decreased peak supination strength (P = .01) compared with the unaffected arm. There were no differences in flexion and supination endurance between the affected and unaffected arms. Using standardized outcome scales, patients reported excellent function. CONCLUSION: Chronic biceps ruptures undergoing reconstruction are highly functional and patients are satisfied. Somewhat surprisingly, supination and flexion endurance were equal to the contralateral, uninvolved arm. However, this procedure does not restore peak supination strength.

Index Finger Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis With a Dorsal Locking Plate.

Index finger metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthrodesis is a potential reconstructive option for recalcitrant MCP arthritis. Due to lateral forces applied by the thumb, our institutional experience supports index finger MCP arthrodesis as a successful option in younger, higher demand patients and in the setting of significant joint instability. We present our technique of performing index finger MCP arthrodesis using a dorsal locking plate. The proposed benefits of this technique include the ability to position the MCP joint in the desired degree of flexion, generation of parallel fusion surfaces with even compression across the arthrodesis site, and stable fixation.

Saline Load Test for Detecting Traumatic Arthrotomy in the Wrist.

Background Open injuries communicating with the wrist joint are essential to detect to facilitate timely, appropriate treatment. While the saline load test to detect traumatic arthrotomy has been well studied in the knee and ankle, it has not been studied in the wrist, and therefore the appropriate volume of saline infusion to detect traumatic arthrotomy is not known. Purpose The purpose of this study was to utilize wrist arthroscopy to determine the saline infusion volume necessary to achieve 99% sensitivity in detecting traumatic arthrotomy. Methods Twenty consecutive patients undergoing elective wrist arthroscopy were prospectively enrolled. A 5-mm arthrotomy was established between the third and fourth dorsal extensor compartments. An 18-gauge needle was inserted into the 6R portal on the radial side of the extensor carpi ulnaris. Sterile normal saline was injected into the wrist joint through the needle at a rate of 0.1 mL per second until extravasation from the 3-4 portal was visualized. Saline volumes required for extravasation were analyzed. Results The mean saline volume required for extravasation was 0.8 mL. The volume of saline needed to achieve sensitivities of 50, 90, 95, and 99% were 0.4, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.5 mL respectively. Conclusions The saline infusion volume required to detect a dorsal radiocarpal arthrotomy with 99% sensitivity was 2.5 mL. We recommend using at least 2.5 mL when performing the saline load test to rule out a potential arthrotomy to the wrist in the traumatic setting. Level of Evidence: This is a Level II, diagnostic study.

Surgical Repair of Distal Triceps Tendon Injuries: Short-term to Midterm Clinical Outcomes and Risk Factors for Perioperative Complications.

BACKGROUND: Few large-scale series have described functional outcomes after distal triceps tendon repair. Predictors for operative success and a comparative analysis of surgical techniques are limited in the reported literature. PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term to midterm functional outcomes after distal triceps tendon repair in a broad patient population and to comparatively evaluate patient-reported outcomes in patients with and without pre-existing olecranon enthesopathy while also assessing for modifiable risk factors associated with adverse patient outcomes and/or revision surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 69 consecutive patients who underwent surgical repair of distal triceps tendon injuries at a single institution. Demographic information, time from injury to surgery, mechanism of injury, extent of the tear, pre-existing enthesopathy, perioperative complications, and validated patient-reported outcome scores were included in the analysis. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. RESULTS: The most common mechanisms of injury were direct elbow trauma (44.9%), extension/lifting exercises (20.3%), overuse (17.4%), and hyperflexion or hyperextension (17.4%). Eighteen patients were identified with pre-existing symptomatic enthesopathy, and 51 tears were caused by an acute injury. A total of 36 complete and 33 partial tendon tears were identified. Bone tunnels were most commonly used (n = 30; 43.5%), while direct sutures (n = 23; 33.3%) and suture anchors (n = 13; 18.8%) were also used. Perioperative complications occurred in 21.7% of patients, but no patients experienced a rerupture at the time of final follow-up. No statistically significant relationship was found between patient age (P = .750), degree of the tear (P = .613), or surgical technique employed (P = .608) and the presence of perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: Despite the heightened risk of perioperative complications after primary repair of distal triceps tendon injuries, the current series found favorable functional outcomes and no cases of reruptures at short-term to midterm follow-up. Furthermore, age, surgical technique, extent of the tear, and mechanism of injury were not associated with adverse patient outcomes in this investigation. Pre-existing triceps enthesopathy was shown to be associated with increased complication rates.

Cerclage Fusion Technique for 4-Corner Arthrodesis.

Four-corner arthrodesis is commonly performed for symptomatic scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse. Potential complications associated with current techniques include nonunion, hardware issues, and dorsal impingement. A method for achieving 4-corner arthrodesis with strong internal fixation and effective compression while avoiding dorsal and cartilage-bearing surfaces can maximize the benefits of the fusion while minimizing the aforementioned complications. We present a cerclage fusion technique for achieving 4-corner arthrodesis. Proposed benefits of this technique include ease of fixation placement in the coronal plane, inclusion of a large surface area for compression, avoidance of dorsal and cartilage-bearing surfaces, and the ability to adjust sagittal alignment in the midcarpal joint.

Physician Extenders in Hand Surgery: The Patient's Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Physician extenders, such as physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), have been incorporated into health systems in response to the rising demand for care. There is a paucity of literature regarding patient perspectives toward physician extenders in hand surgery. METHODS: We anonymously surveyed 939 consecutive new patients before their clinic visit. Our questionnaire assessed patient perspectives toward physician extenders, including optimal scope of practice, the effect of the extender when choosing a hand surgeon, and pay equity for the same clinical services. RESULTS: Of 939 patients, 784 (84%) responded: 54% were male and 46% were female with a mean age of 44.1 years. Most (65%) patients consider the extender's training background when choosing a hand surgeon, with 31% of all patients considering PAs to have higher training than NPs and 17% the reverse. Patients responded that certain services should be physician-provided, including determining the need for advanced imaging (eg, magnetic resonance imaging), follow-up for abnormal diagnostics, and new patient visits. Patients were amenable to services being extender-provided, including minor in-office procedures, preoperative teaching, and postoperative clinic visits. Patients lacked a consensus toward reimbursement equity for hand surgeons and physician extenders providing the same clinical services. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patients presenting to a hand surgeon are comfortable receiving direct care from a physician extender in many, but not all, circumstances. Hand surgeons can use these data when deciding how to use extenders to optimize patient satisfaction and practice efficiency as health care systems become increasingly consumer-focused and value-based.