Hand-Specific External Fixation for Treatment of Complex Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Injuries.

Background: Complex proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) fractures are challenging injuries to treat. There are multiple established treatment methods available for these injuries, including dynamic external fixation. This study reports the outcomes of complex PIPJ fractures treated with a hand-specific external fixation device. Methods: Twenty-five fingers in 25 patients were treated with the DigiFix external fixator device for treatment of a PIPJ dorsal fracture dislocation (n = 16) or pilon fracture (n = 9). There were 16 males and 9 females with a mean age of 40 years (range: 14-75 years) at the time of injury. The median time from injury to surgery was 10 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 5; range: 3-49). Chart and radiographic data were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The average duration of external fixation was 41 days (range: 26-62 days). At a mean follow-up of 28 weeks (range: 12-105 weeks), the mean PIPJ flexion was 82 (range: 30-105 degrees), extension was -10° (range: -30 to 0 degrees), and flexion/extension arc of motion was 72 degrees (range: 30-95 degrees). Final mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 21.5 (range: 0-65.8). There were zero major complications and six (24%) minor complications, including superficial cellulitis (4) and stiffness (2). Conclusion: Dynamic external fixation for the treatment of complex PIPJ injuries allows for early range of motion and leads to favorable outcomes. This hand-specific external fixator has a reproducible technique which results in predictable and reliable PIPJ distraction.

Longitudinal Tear of the Central Slip Causing Painful and Unusual Snapping of the Finger: A Case Report.

The most common cause for catching or snapping in the finger is stenosing tenosynovitis, that is, trigger finger. Although less common, snapping can also occur as a result of extensor mechanism injury. Among these injuries, sagittal band rupture is most common and leads to snapping at the metacarpophalangeal joint. Snapping at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is rare with only 4 reported cases; reported mechanisms of PIP joint snapping include retinacular ligament injury or tendon impingement. We present a unique case of painful finger snapping at the PIP joint as a result of longitudinal tear of the central slip, leading to sudden subluxation of one-half of the central slip and conjoint lateral band with flexion of the PIP joint.

Continuous Passive Elongation Through an External Fixator: A Versatile and Beneficial Adjunct Technique to Treat Severe and Recurrent Cases of Dupuytren Contracture.

Dupuytren disease and its associated digit contracture often negatively impact the quality of life for patients. Severe cases of Dupuytren contracture and symptom recurrence are both difficult for hand surgeons to treat. Improved treatment options are therefore needed. One method is continuous passive elongation (CPE). In CPE, a device is affixed to the digit, which applies a continuous extending force to pull the affected finger out of flexion. Multiple external fixators used to induce CPE have been reported. However, a low-profile, hand-specific external fixator, the DigiFix, provides benefits over previously reported devices. We present the technique of CPE using DigiFix as a beneficial and versatile adjunct treatment for severe and recurrent cases of Dupuytren contracture.

Unusual Anatomic Location of the Median Nerve Within the Pronator Teres Muscle: A Case Report.

CASE: A 57-year-old man presented with pain and paresthesia in both hands and was diagnosed with pronator teres syndrome. Surgical decompression of the left elbow and forearm revealed the median nerve in an unusual anatomic location, specifically running within the pronator teres muscle. CONCLUSION: Anatomic anomalies of the pronator teres muscle and the path of the median nerve have been described. However, there are no reports of the median nerve entering and traveling within the pronator teres. Surgeons should be aware of this anomaly to avoid potential iatrogenic injury when performing an anterior surgical approach to the elbow and proximal forearm.

Coban Method for Removing a Constricting Ring.

BACKGROUND: Various techniques have been described for removal of a tight constricting ring from a finger. A novel procedure is described in this article. METHODS: The method is a modification of the string wrap or winding technique. A 1-inch Coban wrap, lubricant, and pickups are all that is required. RESULTS: The author has used this method to remove constricting rings from swollen and arthritic fingers in 5 patients. The technique has been successful in all cases, and no complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The Coban method is a quick, easy, and inexpensive technique for ring removal from a finger. The technique should be taught to and known by every clinician who treats hand problems.

Deep Friction Massage Versus Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of deep friction massage in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis by comparing outcomes with a control group treated with splinting and therapy and with an experimental group receiving a local steroid injection. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare outcomes after recruitment of consecutive patients presenting with lateral epicondylitis. Patients were randomized to receive one of 3 treatments: group 1: splinting and stretching, group 2: a cortisone injection, or group 3: a lidocaine injection with deep friction massage. Pretreatment and posttreatment parameters of visual analog scale (VAS) pain ratings, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, and grip strength were measured. RESULTS: Outcomes were measured at early follow-up (6-12 weeks) and at 6-month follow-up. There was a significant improvement in VAS pain score in all treatment groups at early follow-up. DASH score and grip strength improved in the cortisone injection group and the deep friction massage group at early follow-up; these parameters did not improve in the splinting and stretching group. At 6-month follow-up, only patients in the deep friction massage group demonstrated a significant improvement in all outcome measures, including VAS pain score, DASH score, and grip strength. CONCLUSIONS: Deep friction massage is an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis and can be used in patients who have failed other nonoperative treatments, including cortisone injection.

A Novel Screening Technique for Ulnar-Sided Carpometacarpal Dislocations.

Diagnosing ulnar-sided carpometacarpal joint dislocation is difficult, and more than half of injuries are missed on initial examination. The authors hypothesized that measuring the angle between the capitate and the metacarpals (capitate-metacarpal angle) on a plain radiograph would provide a simple, reliable tool to aid in the diagnosis of ulnar-sided carpometacarpal dislocation. This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgery for ulnar-sided carpometacarpal dislocation (study group). Two authors identified the contour of the capitate and the second, fourth, and fifth metacarpals on plain radiographs. The control group consisted of patients who had radiographs and no bony carpal or metacarpal pathology. Information on the contour of each bone was entered into MATLAB, version 8.5, software (MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts), which calculated the 2-dimensional angles. A 3-dimensional model based on computed tomography scan data was used to obtain a "true lateral" image to account for variable rotation on plain radiographs. With the use of conventional lateral hand radiographs, the average capitate-metacarpal angle in the control group was 10° compared with 19° in the study group. Using a screening value of 15° on plain radiographs, the sensitivity of the capitate-metacarpal angle was 0.85 and the specificity was 0.79. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional measurements showed that the angle between the capitate and the lesser metacarpals is a reliable screening tool for carpometacarpal dislocation. During evaluation of patients with posttraumatic hand pain, an increased capitate-metacarpal angle may indicate the need for advanced imaging studies to further evaluate the carpometacarpal joints. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e352-e356.].

Computerized 3D morphological analysis of glenoid orientation.

An accurate preoperative measurement of glenoid orientation is crucial for evaluating pathologies and successful total shoulder arthroplasty. Existing methods may be labor-intensive, observer-dependent, and sensitive to the misalignment between the scapula plane and CT scanning direction. In this study, we proposed a computation framework and performed an automated analysis of the glenoid orientation based on 3D surface data. Three-dimensional models of 12 scapulae were analyzed. The glenoid cavity and external anatomical features were automatically extracted from these 3D models. Glenoid version was calculated using the scapula plane and the fulcrum axis alternatively. Glenoid inclination was measured both relative to transverse axis of the scapula and the medial pole-inferior tip axis. The mean (±SD) of the fulcrum-based glenoid version was -0.55° (±4.17°), while the scapular-plane-based glenoid version was -5.05° (±3.50°). The mean (±SD) of glenoid inclinations based on the medial pole and inferior tip was 12.75° (±5.03°) while the mean (±SD) of the glenoid inclination based on the medial pole and glenoid center was 4.63° (±4.86°). Our computational framework was able to extract the reproducible morphological measures free of inter- and intra- observer variability. For the first time in 3D, we showed that the fulcrum axis was practically perpendicular to the glenoid plane normal (radial line), and thus extended the fulcrum-based glenoid version for quantifying 3D glenoid orientation.

Dynamic Distraction External Fixation for Contracture of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint.

Metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint contractures are common after traumatic injury, and can be difficult to manage. After surgical capsulectomy, it remains challenging to maintain motion that was obtained at the time of surgery. Our group uses a novel, prefabricated digital external fixator to provide both distraction, and motion therapy across the MP joint after surgical treatment of MP contracture. The purpose of this technique is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an adjunctive dynamic distraction external fixator for the maintenance of joint motion after surgical treatment of MP contractures of the border digits.

Complications associated with hinged external fixation for chronic elbow dislocations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent application of hinged external fixators for chronic elbow fracture-dislocations. We hypothesized that patients treated for this injury pattern can achieve satisfactory outcomes but encounter many complications and require numerous additional procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 7 patients who were surgically treated with application of a hinged external fixator for chronic ulnohumeral elbow fracture-dislocation. Patients were included only if they had complete ulnohumeral dislocation of greater than 1 month's duration. Demographics, injury pattern, and range of motion were documented. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion was recorded and any treatment complications or additional surgeries were noted. RESULTS: The interval between the initial injury and index procedure averaged 8 months. All patients underwent initial treatment with open reduction internal fixation. Average arc of ulnohumeral motion improved from 26° (range, 0° to 60°) to 120° (range, 100° to 145°). Overall, 4 of 7 patients developed at least one complication during treatment. Three patients required additional procedures aside from removal of the hinged external fixator. These 3 patients underwent a total of 13 additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients can achieve good outcomes, realistic expectations should be set. Patients should be aware that surgery can be associated with a high risk of complications, potential treatment failure, and a need for additional surgical procedures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Fracture pattern characteristics and associated injuries of high-energy, large fragment, partial articular radial head fractures: a preliminary imaging analysis.

BACKGROUND: High-energy radial head injuries often present with a large partial articular displaced fragment with any number of surrounding injuries. The objective of the study was to determine the characteristics of large fragment, partial articular radial head fractures and determine any significant correlation with specific injury patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients sustaining a radial head fracture from 2002-2010 were screened for participation. Twenty-five patients with documented partial articular radial head fractures were identified and completed the study. Our main outcome measurement was computed tomography (CT)-based analysis of the radial head fracture. The location of the radial head fracture fragment was evaluated from the axial CT scan in relation to the radial tuberosity used as a reference point. The fragment was characterized by location as anteromedial (AM), anterolateral (AL), posteromedial (PM) or posterolateral (PL) with the tuberosity referenced as straight posterior. All measurements were performed by a blinded, third party hand and upper extremity fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon. Fracture pattern, location, and size were then correlated with possible associated injuries obtained from prospective clinical data. RESULTS: The radial head fracture fragments were most commonly within the AL quadrant (16/25; 64 %). Seven fracture fragments were in the AM quadrant and two in the PM quadrant. The fragment size averaged 42.5 % of the articular surface and spanned an average angle of 134.4(°). Significant differences were noted between AM (49.5 %) and AL (40.3 %) fracture fragment size with the AM fragments being larger. Seventeen cases had associated coronoid fractures. Of the total 25 cases, 13 had fracture dislocations while 12 remained reduced following the injury. The rate of dislocation was highest in radial head fractures that involved the AM quadrant (6/7; 85.7 %) compared to the AL quadrant (7/16; 43.7 %). No dislocations were observed with PM fragments. Ten of the 13 (78 %) fracture dislocations had associated lateral collateral ligament (LCL)/medial collateral ligament tear. The most common associated injuries were coronoid fractures (68 %), dislocations (52 %), and LCL tears (44 %). CONCLUSION: The most common location for partial articular radial head fractures is the AL quadrant. The rate of elbow dislocation was highest in fractures involving the AM quadrant. Cases with large fragment, partial articular radial head fractures should undergo a CT scan; if associated with >30 % or >120(°) fracture arc, then the patient should be assessed closely for obvious or occult instability. These are key associations that hopefully greatly aid in the consultation and preoperative planning settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

Repeat emergency room visits for hand and wrist injuries.

PURPOSE: To characterize patients with hand or wrist injuries presenting to our university-based emergency department (ED) after a previous evaluation by an outside ED. We hypothesized that a majority of these patients did not require emergent care, most arrived during working hours, and a disproportionate number were uninsured. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3,047 orthopedic hand consults from 2002 to 2010. Patients were included if our ED was the patient's second ED evaluation within 30 days for the same complaint. Demographics, diagnosis, referral instructions from the initial institution, date and time of ED visit, treatment received, and insurance status were recorded. Clinical urgency was quantified on an ordinal scale. RESULTS: A total of 325 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses were distal radius and metacarpal fractures. There were 266 (82%) patients with nonurgent diagnoses. A junior-level orthopedic resident treated and discharged 97% of patients from the ED. Sixty-two percent of the patients were uninsured, 32% had Medicaid, and 6% had commercial insurance or Medicare. There was a disproportionate percentage of uninsured and Medicaid patients compared with the payer mix of our state, orthopedic department, and ED. Ninety percent of patients presented on weekdays, and 84% arrived between 6 am and 6 pm. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who met our inclusion criteria presented to our ED during regular business hours. Most were uninsured and did not have a condition that warranted urgent or emergent evaluation and treatment. With limited resources, it is important that an appropriate follow-up plan from the initial ED be in place so that patients do not have to present to a second ED for the same problem. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Current indications and outcomes of total wrist arthroplasty.

This article reviews the current indications and clinical outcomes of total wrist arthroplasty. The section on indications reviews both rheumatoid and nonrheumatoid arthritic conditions. The section on clinical outcomes examines the data regarding the 3 current total wrist implants approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Sequelae of foreign bodies in the wrist and hand.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating injuries to the hand are a common occurrence in the emergency room, and embedment of foreign bodies is suspected in many of these cases. The existing literature offers little information on retained foreign bodies. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics, determine prevalence, and observe outcomes for retained foreign bodies in the wrist and hand. METHODS: Four hundred thirty-seven consecutive hand and wrist radiographs in 437 patients from the emergency department of a level 1 trauma center were reviewed for the presence of retained foreign bodies. Location, size, number, and type of foreign body were recorded. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and treatment were obtained from medical records. All subsequent hospital and outpatient encounters were reviewed. Follow-up period was 18 months (range, 1-40). RESULTS: Of 437 cases, 65 patients (15 %) had at least one retained foreign body. Nineteen patients underwent removal of foreign body at initial presentation. The average size of foreign bodies removed was 6 mm, compared to 3 mm for those retained. Of 46 patients where the foreign body was left in situ, two (4 %) developed symptoms directly related to the retained foreign body. One of these patients underwent removal. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the safe removal of foreign bodies which are easily accessible or when part of a broader procedure to repair injured structures. Otherwise, we advocate expectant management for all other patients, as the likelihood of persistent symptoms is low and only 2 % of retained foreign bodies required removal later.

Transformation between different local coordinate systems of the scapula.

The existence of multiple local coordinate systems (LCSs) for the scapula makes it difficult to compare the kinematics of the scapula across various studies and reports. This study aimed to build transformation matrices between different LCSs for the scapula and to provide the coordinates of previously measured muscles and ligaments around the scapula with respect to the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) recommended LCS. The bony landmarks necessary for building various local coordinate systems were digitized on 13 CT scanned scapulae. The LCSs were built based on the digitized bony landmarks and then used for calculating the transformation equations. The approximate coordinates of 28 muscles and ligaments of the scapula were expressed with respect to the ISB-recommended LCS using the derived transformation equations. The results of this study may be used for the comparison of scapula kinematics data with respect to various LCSs and for building a scapula biomechanical model with respect to ISB-recommended LCS.

Distal radius osteotomy with intramedullary fixation for the treatment of Kienbock disease.

Symptomatic Kienbock disease with ulnar-negative variance is commonly treated with a distal radius shortening osteotomy. Traditionally, the osteotomy is stabilized using dorsal or volar plating. Use of an intramedullary implant to stabilize the osteotomy in the treatment of this condition is demonstrated in this article. In addition to changing the mechanical loading through the lunate, the technique also allows for core decompression the distal radial metaphyseal bone that may further help in restoring the vascularity to the lunate. The authors believe that this technique is a valuable method that demonstrates both clinical and technical improvements in the treatment of Kienbock disease.

Skin sterility after application of ethyl chloride spray.

BACKGROUND: Ethyl chloride topical anesthetic spray is labeled as nonsterile, yet it is widely used during injection procedures performed in an outpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sterility of ethyl chloride topical anesthetic spray applied before an injection. Our a priori hypothesis was that application of the spray after the skin has been prepared would not alter the sterility of the injection site. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, blinded, controlled study to assess the effect of ethyl chloride spray on skin sterility. Fifteen healthy adult subjects (age, twenty-three to sixty-one years) were prepared for mock injections into both shoulders and both knees, although no injection was actually performed. Three culture samples were obtained from each site on the skin: one before skin preparation with isopropyl alcohol, one after skin preparation and before application of ethyl chloride, and one after ethyl chloride had been sprayed on the site. In addition, the sterility of the ethyl chloride was tested directly by inoculating cultures with spray from the bottles. RESULTS: Growth occurred in 70% of the samples obtained before skin preparation, 3% of the samples obtained after skin preparation but before application of ethyl chloride, and 5% of the samples obtained after the injection site had been sprayed with ethyl chloride. The percentage of positive cultures did not increase significantly after application of ethyl chloride (p = 0.65). Spraying of ethyl chloride directly on agar plates resulted in growth on 13% of these plates compared with 11% of the control plates; this difference was also not significant (p = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Although ethyl chloride spray is not sterile, its application did not alter the sterility of the injection sites in the shoulder and knee.

Comparative analysis of intramedullary nail fixation versus casting for treatment of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: Intramedullary fixation is one treatment option for distal radius fractures. Our purpose was to compare the outcomes of intramedullary nailing to those of casting for these injuries. METHODS: From 2006 to 2009, we reviewed 63 adult patients with isolated distal radius fractures. Thirty-one patients had surgical fixation with an intramedullary device (IMN group) within 4 weeks of the injury, and 32 (cast group) had casting as definitive treatment of the fracture. Clinical outcomes (grip strength; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; active wrist range of motion; and complications) and radiographic indices (radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, and tilt) of both groups were analyzed for the 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up periods. RESULTS: The flexion-extension arc was significantly higher in the IMN group than in the cast group at 2-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. The IMN group exhibited significantly greater grip strength and lower DASH scores throughout the follow-up period. At final follow-up, all radiographic indices were significantly better in the IMN group than in the cast group. There was no significant difference between the initial reduction to final position in the IMN group, but the cast group showed an increase in ulnar variance and a significant change in dorsal-volar tilt. In addition, the cast group experienced more clinical complications in the delayed period compared to the IMN group. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary nail fixation, as compared to casting, results in less functional disability, not only in the early postoperative period but also up to a year after treatment. On the basis of our data, intramedullary fixation should be considered for patients with unstable extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures.