Forensic bone age assessment of hand and wrist joint MRI images in Chinese han male adolescents based on deep convolutional neural networks.

In Chinese criminal law, the ages of 12, 14, 16, and 18 years old play a significant role in the determination of criminal responsibility. In this study, we developed an epiphyseal grading system based on magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the hand and wrist for the Chinese Han population and explored the feasibility of employing deep learning techniques for bone age assessment based on MRI of the hand and wrist. This study selected 282 Chinese Han Chinese males aged 6.0-21.0 years old. In the course of our study, we proposed a novel deep learning model for extracting and enhancing MRI hand and wrist bone features to enhance the prediction of target MRI hand and wrist bone age and achieve precise classification of the target MRI and regression of bone age. The evaluation metric for the classification model including precision, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy, while the evaluation metrics chosen for the regression model are MAE. The epiphyseal grading was used as a supervised method, which effectively solved the problem of unbalanced sample distribution, and the two experts showed strong consistency in the epiphyseal plate grading process. In the classification results, the accuracy in distinguishing between adults and minors was 91.1%, and the lowest accuracy in the three minor classifications (12, 14, and 16 years of age) was 94.6%, 91.1% and 96.4%, respectively. The MAE of the regression results was 1.24 years. In conclusion, the deep learning model proposed enabled the age assessment of hand and wrist bones based on MRI.

Hand and wrist - what the hand surgeon wants to know from the radiologist.

Hand surgeons, as unique specialists, appreciate the complexity of the anatomy of the hand. A hand is not merely a group of anatomic structures but a separate organ that works by feeling, sending information to the brain, and enabling a variety of movements, from precise skills to firm tasks. Acute and chronic problems interfere with complicated hand function and potentially influence work or daily life activities for a long time. Thus, the surgeon's role is to propose appropriate treatment with predictable results. This paper attempts to specify the preoperative considerations and their influence on the choice of surgical procedure and the assessment of results potentially influencing further treatment. We have divided the manuscript by anatomical structures, which is a natural surgical assessment and planning approach. The most common problems were highlighted to introduce the method of decision-making and surgical solutions.

Changes in illness perception, pain catastrophizing, and psychological distress following hand surgeon consultation: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Baseline mindset factors are important factors that influence treatment decisions and outcomes. Theoretically, improving the mindset prior to treatment may improve treatment decisions and outcomes. This prospective cohort study evaluated changes in patients' mindset following hand surgeon consultation. Additionally, we assessed if the change in illness perception differed between surgical and nonsurgical patients. METHODS: The primary outcome was illness perception, measured using the total score of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ, range 0-80). Secondary outcomes were the B-IPQ subscales, pain catastrophizing (measured using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)), and psychological distress (measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4). RESULTS: A total of 276 patients with various hand and wrist conditions completed the mindset questionnaires before and after hand surgeon consultation (median time interval: 15 days). The B-IPQ total score improved from 39.7 (±10.6) before to 35.8 (±11.3) after consultation (p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.36); scores also improved for the B-IPQ subscales Coherence, Concern, Emotional Response, Timeline, Treatment Control, and Identity and the PCS. There were no changes in the other outcomes. Surgical patients improved on the B-IPQ subscales Treatment Control and Timeline, while nonsurgical patients did not. CONCLUSIONS: Illness perception and pain catastrophizing improved following hand surgeon consultation, suggesting that clinicians may actively influence the patients' mindset during consultations, and that they may try to enhance this effect to improve outcomes. Furthermore, surgical patients improved more in illness perceptions, indicating that nonsurgical patients may benefit from a more targeted strategy for changing mindset.

Morphology of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint: A multi-domain statistical shape modeling approach.

The scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joint is involved in load transmission between the wrist and thumb. A quantitative description of baseline STT joint morphometrics is needed to capture the variation of normal anatomy as well as to guide staging of osteoarthritis. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) techniques quantify variations in three-dimensional shapes and relative positions. The objectives of this study are to describe the morphology of the STT joint using a multi-domain SSM. We asked: (1) What are the dominant modes of variation that impact bone and articulation morphology at the STT joint, and (2) what are the morphometrics of SSM-generated STT joints? Thirty adult participants were recruited to a computed tomography study of normal wrist imaging and biomechanics. Segmentations of the carpus were converted to three-dimensional triangular surface meshes. A multi-domain, particle-based entropy system SSM was used to quantify variation in carpal bone shape and position as well as articulation morphology. Articular surface areas and interosseous proximity distributions were calculated between mesh vertex pairs on adjacent bones within distance (2.0 mm) and surface-normal angular (35°) thresholds. In the SSM, the first five modes of variation captured 76.2% of shape variation and contributed to factors such as bone scale, articular geometries, and carpal tilt. Median interosseous proximities-a proxy for joint space-were 1.39 mm (scaphotrapezium), 1.42 mm (scaphotrapezoid), and 0.61 mm (trapeziotrapezoid). This study quantifies morphological and articular variations at the STT joint, presenting a range of normative anatomy. The range of estimated interosseous proximities may guide interpretation of imaging-derived STT joint space.

Does lidocaine reduce pain intensity during corticosteroid injection? A double-blind randomized controlled equivalence trial.

Of the strategies considered to limit the discomfort of corticosteroid injection, one is to inject without lidocaine to reduce the total volume and avoid acidity. In a Bayesian trial, adults receiving corticosteroid injections were randomized to receive 0.5 mL of triamcinolone with or without 0.5 mL of lidocaine. Serial analysis was performed until a 95% probability of presence or absence of a 1.0-point difference in pain intensity on the 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale was reached. Injections with lidocaine were associated with a median of 2.4-point lower pain intensity during injection with a 95% probability of at least a 1-point reduction. The 95% probability was confirmed in 90% of the repeated analysis (36/40). Lidocaine is associated with lower immediate pain intensity during corticosteroid injection for hand and wrist conditions.Level of evidence: I.

Effectiveness of Regional Nerve Blocks Versus Local Anesthetic Infiltration for Elective Hand and Wrist Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pain relief by different methods in elective hand and wrist surgery is pivotal for patients undergoing elective wrist and hand surgery. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and duration of peripheral nerve block versus local surgical site anesthetic infiltration among patients undergoing elective wrist and hand surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in the Orthopaedic Department of Duhok Emergency Teaching Hospital, Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq. All patients who attended the Orthopaedic Department (total number=496) for elective hand and wrist surgery between November 2021 and November 2022 were included in the study, but only 300 patients completed the study protocol after the exclusion of 196 patients. Three methods of nerve block were used for postoperative pain relief. The degree and duration of pain relief were assessed. RESULTS: Patients who underwent ultrasound-guided nerve block had more duration of pain relief when compared to those patients who underwent local surgical site anesthetic infiltration and anatomical landmark nerve block (p<0.01), while patients who underwent local surgical site anesthetic infiltration had better pain relief when compared to those patients who underwent ultrasound-guided nerve block and anatomical landmark nerve block (p<0.01 for the group experiencing mild pain and p=0.12 for the group experiencing moderate pain and p<0.01 for the group experiencing severe pain). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided nerve block is better for a longer duration of pain relief postoperatively than local surgical site anesthetic infiltration, while local surgical site anesthetic infiltration more effectively controls the severity of pain following elective hand and wrist surgery.

Preoperative predictors of two-year satisfaction in hand and wrist surgery patients.

Purpose: As stakeholders seek to improve patient outcomes while maintaining cost-effectiveness in an increasingly expensive healthcare system, metrics such as patient satisfaction are becoming more important. This present study sought to identify factors associated with and independently predictive of better surgical satisfaction two years following hand and wrist surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing hand and wrist surgery at an urban outpatient institution were enrolled preoperatively into a surgical registry and assessed two years postoperatively. Patient satisfaction with surgery was measured at two years postoperatively with the Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ-8). Bivariate analysis determined associations between postoperative satisfaction and patient demographics, injury specifiers, medical history, and multiple patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Multivariable analysis determined independent predictors of two-year postoperative satisfaction following hand and wrist surgery. Results: Better surgical satisfaction was associated with having never smoked, no preoperative opioid use, lack of an accompanying legal claim, lack of a workers compensation claim, no clinical history of depression/anxiety, less comorbidities, and higher preoperative expectations.Various PROs relating to function, pain, activity, and general health at both baseline and two years demonstrated associations with postoperative satisfaction. Multivariable analysis confirmed that never smoking, lack of a legal claim, and better preoperative Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire scores were independently predictive of better surgical satisfaction two years following hand and wrist surgery. Conclusion: At two years following hand and wrist surgery, better patient satisfaction was best predicted by never smoking, no related legal claim, and better baseline Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire scores. Level of evidence: III.

What Patients Say About Their Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeons: A Qualitative Analysis of Negative Reviews on Yelp.

Background Patients often turn to online reviews as a source of information to inform their decisions regarding care. Existing literature has analyzed factors associated with positive online patient ratings among hand and wrist surgeons. However, there is limited in-depth analysis of factors associated with low patient satisfaction for hand and wrist surgeons. The focus of this study is to examine and characterize extremely negative reviews of hand and wrist surgeons on Yelp.com. Methods A search was performed using the keywords "hand surgery" on Yelp.com for eight major metropolitan areas including Washington DC, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. Only single-star reviews (out of a possible 5 stars) of hand and wrist surgeons were included. The complaints in the 1-star reviews were then categorized into clinical and nonclinical categories. Result A total of 233 single-star reviews were included for analysis, which resulted in 468 total complaints. Of these complaints, 81 (18.8%) were clinically related and 351 (81.3%) were nonclinical in nature. The most common clinical complaints were for complication (24 complaints, 6%), misdiagnosis (16 complaints, 4%), unclear treatment plan (16 complaints, 4%), and uncontrolled pain (15 complaints, 3%). The most common nonclinical complaints were for physician bedside manner (93 complaints, 22%), financially related (80 complaints, 19%), unprofessional nonclinical staff (61 complaints, 14%), and wait time (46 complaints, 11%). The difference in the number of complaints for surgical and nonsurgical patients was statistically significant ( p < 0.05) for complication and uncontrolled pain. Clinical Relevance Patient satisfaction is dependent on a multitude of clinical and nonclinical factors. An awareness of online physician ratings is essential for hand and wrist surgeons to maintain and improve patient care and patient satisfaction. We believe the results of our study could be used to further improve the quality of care provided by hand and wrist surgeons.

The Importance of Ultrasound-Guided Synovial Biopsy in the Workup of Seronegative Inflammatory Arthritis: A Case Report.

We report a case of a 74-year-old male who presented with typical clinical features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as elevated markers of inflammation. However, the patient did not respond to multiple RA treatments, and an ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy (UGSB) of the right wrist was performed, which established the diagnosis of amyloidosis. A variety of inflammatory conditions sometimes get misdiagnosed as seronegative RA due to similarities in clinical presentation. This case report highlights the importance of a thorough workup in patients who appear to have seronegative RA. Given the wide availability of ultrasound-guided, minimally invasive synovial biopsies, these procedures should be employed more often to detect rare conditions that may mimic seronegative RA, such as amyloidosis.

Acute Compression of the Anterior Interosseous Nerve After a Proximal Both-Bone Forearm Fracture: A Case Report.

Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome is a rare condition characterized by isolated weakness in the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) muscle, sometimes accompanied by weakness in the index flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscle. In this clinical case report, an 18-year-old male presented with a right proximal both-bone forearm fracture that was sustained while playing soccer, with subsequent development of AIN palsy, without sensory deficits or progressive pain. Preoperative imaging was performed, showing a proximal third radius and mid-shaft ulna fracture. Given the progressive presentation of an acute AIN palsy, the patient was indicated for urgent operative intervention. During exploration and decompression of the AIN within the pronator tunnel, the nerve was found to be in continuity but was compressed by a large hematoma and the distal radial shaft. The patient recovered full median nerve function by his six-week postoperative examination and by his final follow-up recovered full range of motion with painless return to full activities. In proximal or mid-shaft both-bone forearm fractures, a careful neurovascular exam is essential, as uncommon conditions like anterior interosseous syndrome (AIS) can present without obvious sensory deficits or pain. Potential etiology for traumatic AIN compression includes significant fracture displacement, soft tissue injury, active extravasation on advanced imaging, and/or clinical concern for compressive hematoma. Patients presenting with FPL and/or index FDP weakness in the absence of sensory deficits or pain on passive stretch may benefit from dedicated surgical exploration and decompression of the AIN to prevent irreversible nerve damage.

Preoperative Factors Associated With Worse PROMIS Pain Interference 2 Years After Hand and Wrist Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with worse postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference (PI) scores 2 years after hand and wrist surgery. We hypothesized that older age, more comorbidities, increased substance use, and lower socioeconomic status would correlate with worse 2-year PROMIS PI scores. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of prospectively acquired data on 253 patients. Surveys were administered within 1 week of surgery and 2 years postoperatively. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of worse 2-year PROMIS PI scores and change in PROMIS PI scores. RESULTS: Older age, higher body mass index, more comorbidities, lower preoperative expectations, more prior surgeries, unemployment, smoking, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and multiple other socio-demographic factors were correlated with worse 2-year PROMIS PI scores (P ≤ .018). Similar factors were also correlated with less improvement in 2-year PROMIS PI scores (P ≤ .048). Worse scores on all preoperative patient-reported outcome measures correlated with worse 2-year PROMIS PI scores (P ≤ .007). Multivariable analysis identified smoking history, less frequent alcohol consumption, worse preoperative PROMIS social satisfaction and Numeric Pain Scale whole body scores, and higher ASA scores as independent predictors of worse 2-year PROMIS PI. The same factors in addition to better baseline PROMIS PI were predictive of less improvement in 2-year PROMIS PI. CONCLUSION: Numerous preoperative factors were predictive of worse postoperative 2-year PROMIS PI and less improvement in 2-year PROMIS PI for patients undergoing hand and wrist surgery.

[Skeletal maturation of the hand and wrist and ossification of the mid palate suture in adolescents: a literature review]. / Maduración esquelética de mano y muñeca y osificación de sutura media palatina en adolescentes: una revisión de literatura.

Introduction: The evaluation of skeletal age is an important factor in orthodontic planning to anticipate changes in growth, with the analysis of hand and wrist radiographs showing the degree of bone and facial growth potential. The objective was to evaluate the relationship between skeletal maturation of the hand and wrist and ossification of the midpalatal suture (MPS) in adolescents. Materials and methods: A search was carried out in four databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct and Embase were reviewed until December 13, 2022. The included studies were descriptive and comparative articles on the skeletal maturation of the hand and wrist and ossification of the midpalatal suture of patients aged 7 to 18 years. Two researchers carefully selected the articles evaluated and analyzed the different key topics related to the topic. Results: Four articles were included in this study; According to the studies, it was found that the greater the degree of bone maturation there is an increase in the approximation of the SMP, especially in late stages, with high and positive correlations; Furthermore, there were greater evaluation results with the Fishman analysis method as opposed to the Hagg and Taranger and Björk methods. The critical limit stages in SMI7-9, a greater approach to the closure of SMP compatible with stage D-E was found. The completion of maturation in women occurs up to 2 years earlier than in men. Conclusions: Diagnostic evaluation methods using carpal analysis can be used for predictive evaluations of the maturation stage of SMP; However, the results were not absolute in all cases so they cannot be generalized.

Estimate of age through the analysis of x-ray of third molar and hand and wrist: case reports

The Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Dentistry, in one of its branches, aim to base skills making possible to estimate the age period for an individual, through factors such as tooth mineralization and bone development. This paper aims to report on two cases from Scientific Expertise Center - Renato Chaves, Belém- PA, where two individuals after committing crime, were referred to under 18s without supporting documents. Through data collected in the archives of the Scientific Expertise Center, an analysis of the mineralization of the teeth were made, highlighting the third molars by panoramic radiography; as well as the study of bone development of the hands and wrists of individuals through radiographs. After, the analysis was compared to surveys conducted by Nicodemos, Moraes and Médici-Filho, befitting the chronology of mineralization of permanent teeth among Brazilian citizens together with the work of Greulich-Pyle, Radiographic correlation concerning the chronology of the development of the hand and wrist. As a result of the analysis, it was obtained, for case 01, an estimated age of 17; and for case 02 the estimated age was between 18-19 years.

A relação entre o crescimento mandibular e a maturação esquelética em jovens brasileiras melanodermas / Relationship between mandibular growth and skeletal maturation in young melanodermic Brazilian women

OBJETIVO: avaliar o grau de correlação existente entre o crescimento mandibular e a maturação esquelética em jovens brasileiras melanodermas. MÉTODOS: examinou-se 140 telerradiografias, obtidas em norma lateral e 140 radiografias de mão e punho de jovens do gênero feminino, brasileiras, melanodermas, com 8 a 14 anos de idade, com oclusão normal ou má oclusão de Classe I, de Angle, não submetidas a tratamento ortodôntico prévio. Nas radiografias da mão e do punho, avaliou-se o desenvolvimento dos centros de ossificação da falange proximal do 3º dedo e da epífise distal do osso rádio, apoiando-se no método descrito por Eklõf e Ringertz; e nas telerradiografias, obtidas em norma lateral, analisou-se a pneumatização do seio frontal, de acordo com o método descrito por Rüf e Pancherz, e as medidas cefalométricas representativas do crescimento mandibular (Co-Go, Co-Gn, Go-Gn e Fg-Pg). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística, utilizando-se a Correlação de Pearson, para determinar o grau de relacionamento entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: ocorreu uma correlação altamente significativa entre os centros de ossificação observados na radiografia de mão e punho e as medidas cefalométricas representativas do crescimento mandibular (r = 0,777). Apesar de estatisticamente significativa, ocorreu uma baixa correlação entre a pneumatização do seio frontal e os eventos da maturidade esquelética (r = 0,306), assim como a relação entre a pneumatização do seio frontal e as medidas cefalométricas representativas do crescimento mandibular (r = 0,218).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of correlation between mandibular growth and skeletal maturation in young melanodermic Brazilian women. METHODS: The authors examined 140 lateral teleradiographies and an additional 140 radiographies of hands and wrists of young female Brazilian melanodermic subjects aged 8 to 14 years with normal occlusion or Angle Class I malocclusion, who had not been subjected to previous orthodontic treatment. Using the hand and wrist radiographies, the authors evaluated the development of ossification centers in the proximal phalanx of the 3rd finger and the distal epiphysis of the radius bone, drawing on the method described by Eklõf and Ringertz. The lateral teleradiographies enabled an analysis of frontal sinus pneumatization according to the method described by Ruf and Pancherz, and of the cephalometric measurements representative of mandibular growth, namely, Co-Go, Co-Gn, Go-Gn, Fg-Pg. The data were statistically analyzed using Pearson's Correlation to determine the degree of relationship between variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A highly significant correlation was found between ossification centers observed on the hand and wrist radiographies and cephalometric measurements representative of the mandibular growth (r = 0.777). Although statistically significant, there was a low correlation between frontal sinus pneumatization and the progression of skeletal maturity (r = 0.306), as well as a relationship between frontal sinus pneumatization and the cephalometric measurements representative of mandibular growth (r = 0.218).

Comparação entre as idades óssea, dentária e cronológica por meio de método radiográfico simplificado / Comparison between bone age, dental age and chronologic age through radiographic simplified method

O objetivo deste estudo é a comparação entre a idade óssea, idade cronológica e o padrão de desenvolvimento dentário, com a finalidade de obter uma diretriz para a escolha da época de tratamento ortodôntico mais conveniente. Foram analisados clinicamente 140 pacientes, na faixa etária de 7 a 13 anos, de ambos os gêneros. Para a determinação da idade óssea esses mesmos pacientes foram submetidos a exame radiográfico da região da articulação metacarpofalangeana do primeiro dedo da mão esquerda, utilizando película radiográfica oclusal, pela técnica de cone longo (40 cm), com tempo de exposição de 0,9 segundo, para avaliação do desenvolvimento do osso sesamóide adutor. Conclui-se que o método radiológico empregado é de fácil aplicação, principalmente em cidades que não possuem centros radiológicos. A ossificação do osso sesamóide adutor pode ser utilizado como indicador do início do Surto de Crescimento Puberal (SCP) sendo mais precoce nos indivíduos de gênero feminino; o padrão dentário é variável tanto para a idade óssea como para a cronológica em ambos os gêneros.

The aim of this study is a comparison between bone age, chronologic age and dental age, with the purpose of to obtain a guideline for the choice of the treatment time more convenient. Were analyzed 140 patients both genre, in the age group from 7 to 13 year. For the determination of the bone age those same patients were submitted to radiographic exam of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the first finger of the left hand using radiographic oclusal film, for the technique of the long cone (40 cm), with time of exhibition of 0,9 seconds, for the evaluation of the development of the sesamoid adutor bone. The conclusions of this study were that the radiographic method used is a easy application, mainly in cities that do not have radiological centers. The ossification of sesamoid adutor bone can be utilized as an indicator of the beginning of Pubertal Growth Spurt (PGS), being more precocious in the individuals of feminine gender; the dental pattern is variable than for bone age than for chronologic age in both genres.