Volar Wrist Arthroscopy Portals Using the NanoScope Are Safer than Traditional Arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: The NanoScope, given its smaller size, may be further from critical structures when establishing volar wrist arthroscopy portals compared to the traditional 2.7-mm arthroscope. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen latex-injected cadaver specimens were utilized. The volar radial (VR) and volar ulnar (VU) portals were created using an inside-out approach. The volar radial midcarpal (VR-MC) and volar ulnar midcarpal (VU-MC) portals were created using an inside-out approach. The arm was then dissected under 3.5-mm loupe magnification. Digital calipers were used to measure the distance between the portals and the surrounding anatomic structures by two fellowship-trained hand surgeons. RESULTS: The median nerve was on average 1.6, 7.2, 1.8, and 5.6 mm away from the trochar for the VR, VU, VR-MC, and VU-MC, respectively. The median nerve fascia was pierced by the VR portal in one specimen. The radial artery, ulnar artery, and ulnar nerve were not pierced in any specimen. Compared to historical controls, for the VR-MC portal, the NanoScope was further from all critical structures, aside from the radial artery, and did not pierce any neurovascular structures. For the VU-MC portal, the NanoScope was further from the ulnar artery and median nerve and did not pierce any neurovascular structures. CONCLUSION: In developing volar portals, after placing the cannula through the volar capsule from an inside-out approach, we recommend making a volar incision and dissecting the local anatomic structures to guard against injury. Compared to historical controls, the NanoScope was typically further from neurovascular structures.

Optimal hand surgery fellowship interview format.

CONTEXT: The ideal format for residency and fellowship interviews has been consistently debated. Secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions, including all hand surgery fellowship programs, transitioned interviews to an all-virtual format. In the past year, with ease of travel restrictions, some programs have transitioned back to in-person interviews, while others remain solely virtual. Hand surgery fellowship programs are continually assessing what are the best means for conducting these interviews, with little perspective regarding the applicant's preferences. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine hand surgery fellowship applicants' perspectives regarding in-person and virtual interviews. It was hypothesized that applicants would value interpersonal relationships between faculty when deciding upon their ideal hand surgery fellowship, which would be easier to appreciate in-person. METHODS: All hand fellowship interviewees at a single institution were given a voluntary, electronic survey. The survey consisted of questions examining different aspects of the program's interview day and supplemental resources. Responses were recorded after the in-person interview for the years 2018-2020. Questions were altered for the virtual 2021 and 2022 interviews. Questions were scored on a Likert scale. RESULTS: For the in-person interview cycles, there were 60/86 respondents (69.8 %). For the virtual interview cycles, there were 45/73 respondents (61.6 %). During the in-person interview cycles, applicants reported that the current fellows' perspective talk was the most helpful component. Many applicants commented that they enjoyed meeting their potential co-fellows. The virtual interviewees felt that they had the best understanding of the program's core values/culture and the worst understanding of faculty personalities and personal/family life. Twenty-nine (64.4 %) of virtual applicants would prefer an all in-person interview. Of the 16 respondents who did not advocate for a completely in-person interview, 56.3 % preferred the option for an in-person site visit. CONCLUSIONS: Hand surgery fellowship applicants desire interpersonal interactions to better understand prospective fellowship programs, which can be difficult to convey with an all-virtual interview. The results of this survey can help guide fellowship programs as they continue to optimize in-person, virtual, and hybrid interview formats and refine recruitment resources.

Wrist Arthroscopy Using the 2R Portal: Is It Safer Than the 1,2 Portal?

BACKGROUD: The purpose of this study was to compare the 1,2 with a novel 2R portal in terms of proximity to critical structures. METHODS: Wrist arthroscopy was performed on 8 fresh frozen cadavers via the 1,2 and 2R portals. External anatomy was then dissected under loupe magnification. The closest distance between the portals and surrounding anatomical structures was measured in millimeters using digital calipers. RESULTS: The 1,2 portal was significantly closer to radial artery and first extensor compartment tendons than the 2R portal. The radial artery was on average 1.32 mm from the 1-2 portal and 14.25 mm from the 2R portal. The 2R portal was significantly closer to the second and third extensor compartment tendons. The closest branch of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) was on average 2.04 mm from the 1-2 portal and 7.59 mm from the 2R portal, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We advocate using the 2R portal preferentially to the 1,2 portal when treating radial sided wrist pathology to decrease the risk of iatrogenic radial artery and SBRN injury.

Nonoperative Management of Humerus Fractures in Patients With Ispilateral Hemiparesis or Hemiplegia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with upper limb dysfunction from a brain injury often have different goals of treatment and expectations following a fracture of the upper extremity. This study retrospectively reviewed outcomes of nonoperative management of acute humerus fractures in patients with severe ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. METHODS: Patients who had sustained an acute humerus fracture managed nonoperatively, greater than 1 year following an upper motor neuron (UMN) injury resulting in ipsilateral severe hemiparesis or hemiplegia at a single tertiary care center from 1988 to 2019, were reviewed. Fractures were classified using the AO-Müller/Orthopaedic Trauma Association and/or Neer classifications. Primary outcome measures included House classification level of function, pain, achievement of and time to radiographic union, and the need for subsequent surgical procedures. RESULTS: Ten distinct nonoperatively managed humerus fractures-3 proximal (11A23), 5 mid-shaft (12A2b = 1, 12A2c = 2, 12A3a = 1, 12A2b = 1), and 2 distal (13A2 = 1, 13 C1 = 1)-were identified in 8 patients (6 women and 2 men) with ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. The median radiographic follow-up was 20 months (range: 78 days to 12 years). The median clinical follow-up was 33.5 months (range: 100 days to 12 years). All patients presented with severe pain that was absent at final follow-up. Radiographic union was achieved in all patients with a mean time to union of 90.9 ± 39.3 days (range: 35-185 days). No patients required operative management. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative management of humerus fractures in patients with an ipsilateral UMN injury might result in reliable pain relief and union without the need for further surgical intervention. Management of humerus fractures in this patient population should be individualized toward their goals of care.

Is Wrist Arthroscopy Safer with the Nanoscope?

Background Nanoscope, given its smaller size, may be safer when establishing dorsal wrist arthroscopy portals compared with the traditional 2.7 mm arthroscope. Case Description Ten fresh frozen cadaver specimens were utilized. Dorsal radiocarpal portals were established with the Nanoscope and calipers were used to measure the distance between the portals and the surrounding anatomical structures. The only structure that was pierced during portal placement was the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve (DSUN) in one specimen when establishing the 6U portal. Our study did not note any tendon injuries. Literature Review Traditional wrist arthroscopy may be performed with a 2.7 mm arthroscope. With its larger outer sheath cannula, this may place adjacent anatomical structures at risk of injury. Clinical Relevance During wrist arthroscopy, the Nanoscope may be safer when creating portals to underlying structures. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Distal Radius Fracture Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Ipsilateral Hemiplegia or Hemiparesis.

BACKGROUND: Little information exists to guide decision-making with regard to distal radius fractures in the setting of ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. METHODS: Patients who sustained a distal radius fracture in the setting of ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia secondary to brain injury were evaluated. Investigated variables included perioperative pain, preinjury House functional classification score, length of immobilization, radiographic outcome measurements, and time to union. RESULTS: There were 15 patients with distal radius fractures with a mean age of 65.9 years. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 2.8 and 2.9 years, respectively. Wrists were placed into the nonoperative group (NOG, n = 10) and operative group (OG, n = 5). Pain significantly decreased at final follow-up for both groups. Baseline House functional classification scores averaged 1.3 and 1.6 for the NOG and OG, respectively, and were maintained at final follow-up. Length of immobilization for the NOG was 46 days and OG was 37 days, P = .15. Radiographic outcomes at final follow-up in the NOG and OG, respectively, were a mean radial height of 9.3 versus. 11.6 mm, radial inclination of 18.3° versus 22.3°, 4.2° dorsal tilt versus 5.3° volar tilt, and tear drop angle of 45.6° versus 44.5°. There were no significant differences in these measurements. Time to radiographic union averaged 58 days for the NOG and 67 days for the OG, P = .42. There were no revision surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this small case series, patients with distal radius fracture and ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia may have similar clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes, regardless of nonoperative or operative treatment.

Sauve-Kapandji Remains a Viable Option for Distal Radioulnar Joint Dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can be significantly debilitating. The Sauve-Kapandji (S-K) procedure can be indicated to address multiple etiologies of DRUJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to review our institution's results performing the S-K procedure for DRUJ dysfunction in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes, as well as complications and reoperations. METHODS: A retrospective review of S-K procedures performed at 2 institutions between 1998 and 2017 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion were reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for DRUJ healing, carpal translation, and radiocarpal degenerative changes. RESULTS: The cohort included 35 patients. The mean age was 51 years. The mean follow-up was 49.5 months. The postoperative range of motion was unchanged in regard to pronation, supination, and wrist extension. There was a decrease in wrist flexion from 43 degrees to 34 degrees. Successful union was noted in 100% of the wrists. There was 1 case (2.8%) of progressive ulnar translation and 4 major complications (11.3%). CONCLUSION: The S-K procedure has several theoretical benefits compared to other procedures for DRUJ dysfunction with results of this study demonstrating excellent pain relief, improved postoperative grip strength, retained wrist pronation, supination, and extension, high rate of successful arthrodesis and low rate of major complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Radiotherapy Does Not Impact Long-term Function Following Resection of Soft-tissue Sarcomas of the Hand.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the hand is thought to be associated with poor function. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term functional outcome in patients with and without radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: At long-term follow-up (mean 10±5 years), 33 (13 males, 20 female) patients, were alive for review. The mean patient age at surgery was 33±17 years and 13 (39%) patients received radiotherapy (mean dose 55±6 Gy). RESULTS: Postoperatively, the mean QuickDASH and MSTS93 were 7±8 and 92±8%, respectively. Comparing patients with and without radiotherapy, there was no difference (p>0.05) between the mean QuickDASH (5±5 vs. 8±9) or MSTS93 (93±9% vs. 91±8%). Surgical complication occurred more commonly in patients with radiotherapy (46% vs. 15%, p=0.10). CONCLUSION: The use of radiotherapy was associated with a higher rate of complications, however, was not associated with a worse long-term functional outcome in patients with hand STS.

Outcomes of ulnotriquetral split tear repair: a report of 96 patients.

Ninety-six wrists (56 right and 40 left) in 96 patients (36 males and 60 females, mean age 38, range 15-77 years) underwent repair of ulnotriquetral ligament split tears between 2007 and 2016. Mayo wrist scores, visual analogue scale pain scores, and objective measures including grip strength and range of motion were obtained. Patients were assessed after a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 6-112 months). Ulnotriquetral split tear repair resulted in substantial improvements in pain and function. The mean Mayo wrist score improved from 57 preoperatively to 81 postoperatively, with 84% of patients achieving a good or excellent outcome. Pain scores decreased from 5.8 to 1.2. Grip improved from 25 kg to 29 kg. There was no significant change in range of motion of the wrist. Complications were noted in eight patients, with three experiencing continued pain, four with dysaesthesia of the dorsal sensory ulnar nerve, and one superficial infection. Arthroscopic ulnotriquetral split tear repair significantly reduced pain and improved Mayo wrist scores. Level of evidence: IV.

Ulnar head replacement and sigmoid notch resurfacing arthroplasty with minimum 12-month follow-up.

Our study aimed to report the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent partial ulnar head replacement and distal radial ulnar joint interposition arthroplasty. From 2012 to 2016, nine patients underwent this procedure with mean follow-up of 27 months (range 12-55). Seven of the nine patients had previously undergone surgical intervention on the ipsilateral wrist. The procedure resulted in substantial improvements in pain and function. Mayo Wrist Score improved from 37 preoperatively to 73 postoperatively, and six patients achieved a good or excellent outcome. Visual analogue pain scores decreased from 7 preoperatively to 1 postoperatively. Grip improved from 20 kg preoperatively to 30 kg postoperatively. There was no significant change in wrist range of motion. Two patients underwent revision surgery to improve wrist motion. We conclude that over short-term follow-up the procedure provides a feasible option for distal radial ulnar joint arthritis. Level of evidence: IV.

Is Molecular Weight or Degree of Polymerization a Better Descriptor of Ultrasound-Induced Mechanochemical Transduction?

A detailed understanding of the fundamental processes that govern mechanical transduction in covalent polymer mechanochemistry is essential to advance innovation in this field. In contrast to progress in the development of new mechanophores, the influence of polymer structure and composition on mechanochemical activity has received relatively little attention. In order to address this gap in knowledge, a continuous flow system with synchronous UV-vis absorption capabilities was designed to quantify the ultrasound-induced mechanical activation of a spiropyran mechanophore in real-time. Measurements of reaction kinetics with polymer tethers of varying repeating unit structure demonstrate that degree of polymerization is the key descriptor of mechanochemical activity, independent of molecular weight and pendant group constitution. These results have important implications for the rationalization of mechanochemical properties and the design of new mechanochemically active polymer systems.

Skin Grafts vs Local Flaps for Reconstruction of Nasal Defects: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

IMPORTANCE: Nasal defects commonly are a result of removal of skin lesions, and reconstruction presents a cosmetic challenge to surgeons. Conventional thought and study results have held that cosmetic outcomes of local flap reconstructions may be superior to those of skin grafts. However, local flap reconstructions require more adjunctive procedures. We propose that in select cases, skin grafts can provide aesthetic outcomes equal to those of local flaps with fewer adjunctive procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cosmetic outcomes of skin grafts vs local flaps in the reconstruction of nasal defects. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a retrospective review of medical records for 103 patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with either skin graft (n=39) or local flap (n=64) between 2005 and 2013. All patients were treated by a single surgeon at an academic medical institution. Patients who had defects larger than 30 × 35 mm or a history of adjacent reconstruction that would detract from the cosmetic outcome of the procedure under analysis were excluded. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Cosmetic outcome was graded using a visual analog scale (VAS) score based on an ordinal 5-point Likert scale (1, excellent; 5, poor) by 4 independent raters blinded to reconstruction technique. Information was collected regarding patient demographics, defect size, pathology, type of reconstruction, and any postoperative procedures performed. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for the skin graft group was 2.18, while the mean score for the flap group was 2.12 (P = .43). The 39 patients with graft reconstruction had a total of 11 triamcinolone acetonide injections and 8 dermabrasion sessions postoperatively. The 64 patients with local flap reconstruction had a total of 259 triamcinolone acetonide injections and 13 dermabrasion sessions postoperatively plus 39 additional staged surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Skin grafts are a valuable reconstructive option that provide aesthetic outcomes comparable to those of local flap procedures and with less need for additional postoperative interventions in properly selected nasal defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Three-dimensional evaluation of unilateral cleft rhinoplasty results.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is a relatively new method of objectively evaluating surgical results, allowing the surgeon to accurately measure postsurgical changes with little inconvenience to the patient. Its accuracy and reliability has been consistently demonstrated in the literature. This article describes updated methods that we use with 3D imaging software to assess rhinoplasty results at our institution. The measurements described include the assessment of symmetry, tip projection, rotation, volume, width, and topographic width. We also apply these techniques to assess the surgical changes of patients with unilateral clefts who underwent secondary rhinoplasty performed by the senior author.