The impact of psychosocial variables on initial presentation and surgical outcome for ulnar-sided wrist pathology: a cohort study with 1-year follow-up.

AIMS: Ulnar-sided wrist pain has historically been equated to lower-back pain of wrist surgery. Little is known about the relationship between psychosocial profile and the manifestation of ulnar-sided wrist pathology and their treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the impact of pain catastrophising, psychological distress, illness perception, and patients' outcome expectations on patient-reported pain and hand function before and one year after surgery for ulnar-sided wrist pathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included patients who underwent surgical treatment for ulnar-sided wrist pathology. Before surgery, patients completed the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), and Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ). Pain and dysfunction were assessed before (n = 423) and one year after surgery (n = 253) using the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the relationship between psychosocial factors and the preoperative PRWHE score, postoperative PRWHE score, and change in PRWHE. RESULTS: Psychosocial variables explained an additional 35% of the variance in preoperative PRWHE scores and 18% on postoperative scores. A more negative psychosocial profile was associated with higher (worse) preoperative PRWHE scores (PCS: B = 0.19, CI = [0.02-0.36]; B-IPQ Consequences: B = 3.26, CI = 2.36-4.15; and B-IPQ Identity, B = 1.88 [1.09-2.67]) and postoperative PRWHE scores (PCS: B = 0.44, CI = [0.08-0.81]) but not with the change in PRWHE after surgery. Higher treatment expectations were associated with a lower (better) postoperative PRWHE score (CEQ expectancy: B = -1.63, CI = [-2.43;-0.83]) and a larger change in PRWHE scores (B =|1.62|, CI = [|0.77; 2.47|]). CONCLUSION: A more negative psychosocial profile was associated with higher pain levels and dysfunction preoperatively and postoperatively. However, these patients showed similar improvement as patients with a more feasible psychosocial profile. Therefore, patients should not be withheld from surgical treatment based on their preoperative psychosocial profile alone. Boosting treatment expectations might further improve treatment outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Cohort study).

Outcomes of ulna shortening osteotomy: a cohort analysis of 106 patients.

BACKGROUND: Ulna shortening osteotomy (USO) for ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) aims to improve pain and function by unloading the ulnar carpus. Previous studies often lack validated patient-reported outcomes or have small sample sizes. The primary objective of this study was to investigate patient-reported pain and hand function at 12 months after USO for UIS. Secondary objectives were to investigate the active range of motion, grip strength, complications, and whether outcomes differed based on etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on 106 patients with UIS who received USO between 2012 and 2019. In 44 of these patients, USO was performed secondary to distal radius fracture. Pain and function were measured with the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) before surgery and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Active range of motion and grip strength were measured before surgery and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Complications were scored using the International Consortium for Health Outcome Measurement Complications in Hand and Wrist conditions (ICHAW) tool. RESULTS: The PRWHE total score improved from a mean of 64 (SD = 18) before surgery to 40 (22) at 3 months and 32 (23) at 12 months after surgery (P < 0.001; effect size Cohen's d = -1.4). There was no difference in the improvement in PRWHE total score (P = 0.99) based on etiology. Also, no clinically relevant changes in the active range of motion were measured. Independent of etiology, mean grip strength improved from 24 (11) before surgery to 30 (12) at 12 months (P = 0.001). Sixty-four percent of patients experienced at least one complication, ranging from minor to severe. Of the 80 complications in total, 50 patients (47%) had complaints of hardware irritation, of which 34 (32%) had their hardware removed. Six patients (6%) needed refixation because of nonunion. CONCLUSION: We found beneficial outcomes in patients with UIS that underwent USO, although there was a large variance in the outcome and a relatively high number of complications (which includes plate removals). Results of this study may be used in preoperative counseling and shared decision-making when considering USO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.

Increase in upper extremity fractures in young male soccer players in the Netherlands, 1998-2009.

Young male soccer players have been identified as a target group for injury prevention, but studies addressing trends and determinants of injuries within this group are scarce. The goal of this study was to analyze age-specific trends in hospital-treated upper extremity fractures (UEF) among boys playing soccer in the Netherlands and to explore associated soccer-related factors. Data were obtained from a national database for the period 1998-2009. Rates were expressed as the annual number of UEF per 1000 soccer players. Poisson's regression was used to explore the association of UEF with the number of artificial turf fields and the number of injuries by physical contact. UEF rates increased significantly by 19.4% in boys 5-10 years, 73.2% in boys 11-14 years, and 38.8% in boys 15-18 years old. The number of injuries by physical contact showed a significant univariate association with UEF in boys 15-18 years old. The number of artificial turf fields showed a significant univariate association with UEF in all age groups, and remained significant for boys aged 15-18 years in a multivariate model. This study showed an increase of UEF rates in boys playing soccer, and an independent association between artificial turf fields and UEF in the oldest boys.

Correction of symbrachydactyly: a systematic review of surgical options.

Symbrachydactyly is a rare congenital malformation of the hand characterized by short or even absent fingers with or without syndactyly, mostly unilaterally present. The hand condition can vary from a small hand to only nubbins on the distal forearm. This study aims to systematically review the surgical management options for symbrachydactyly and compare functional and aesthetic outcomes.The review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Literature was systematically assessed searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and PROSPERO databases up to January 1, 2023. Studies were identified using synonyms for 'symbrachydactyly' and 'treatment'. Inclusion criteria were the report of outcomes after surgical treatment of symbrachydactyly in humans. Studies were excluded if they were written in another language than English, German, or French. Case reports, letters to the editor, studies on animals, cadaveric, in vitro studies, biomechanical reports, surgical technique description, and papers discussing traumatic or oncologic cases were excluded.Twenty-four studies published were included with 539 patients (1037 digit corrections). Only one study included and compared two surgical techniques. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score and ranged from 25 to 47. The range of motion was the main reported outcome and demonstrated modest results in all surgical techniques. The report on aesthetics of the hand was limited in non-vascularized transfers to 2/8 studies and in vascularized transfers to 5/8 studies, both reporting satisfactory results. On average, there was a foot donor site complication rate of 22% in non-vascularized transfers, compared to 2% in vascularized transfers. The hand-related complication rate of 54% was much higher in the vascularized group than in the non-vascularized transfer with 16%.No uniform strategy to surgically improve symbrachydactyly exists. All discussed techniques show limited functional improvement with considerable complication rates, with the vascularized transfer showing relative high hand-related complications and the non-vascularized transfer showing relative high foot-related complications.There were no high-quality studies, and due to a lack of comparing studies, the data could only be analysed qualitatively. Systematic assessment of studies showed insufficient evidence to determine superiority of any procedure to treat symbrachydactyly due to inadequate study designs and comparative studies. This systematic review was registered at the National Institute for Health Research PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews number: CRD42020153590 and received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.Level of evidenceI.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42020153590.

Predicting complete finger extension in Dupuytren's disease.

Multiple studies have reported the effectiveness of treatment on contracture reduction in Dupuytren's disease. However, very few studies have attempted to quantify to which extent patient and disease characteristics influence the chance of achieving a straight finger after surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore to which extent pre-operative patient and disease characteristics can reliably predict a straight finger after surgery for Dupuytren's disease. In total, 812 and 281 patients, who underwent a limited fasciectomy or needle fasciotomy, respectively, were included in the final analyses. Analysis was performed using a logistic modeling framework. For both treatments, the combination of the extension deficit at baseline; which finger is most affected, which joint is most affected, and the number of affected fingers provided reliable predictions. Classical patient characteristics, such as age and sex, had no additional predictive value. The models presented in this study provide reliable predictions and could be helpful in informing patients and managing their expectations.

MR intensity measurements of nondenervated muscle in patients following severe forearm trauma.

Fluid increases resulting in higher MRI signal intensities in T(2) -weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences can be used to diagnose nerve injury. By comparing the signal intensities over time, MRI may become a new method for monitoring the healing process. Muscle edema is assessed by comparing the signal intensity of affected muscle with that of nonaffected muscle. However, in severe forearm trauma, the signal of nondenervated muscle may also be increased by wound edema, thus masking the effect of denervation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of wound edema on muscle signal intensity in 29 consecutive patients examined on a 1.5-T MRI scanner at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after severe forearm trauma. The long-term course of wound edema and the influence of wound distance were thus investigated using a standardized imaging, calibration and post-processing protocol. The signal intensities of nondenervated intrinsic hand muscles were measured in the affected and contralateral sides. Muscle signal intensities were increased on the trauma side at 1 and 3 months (18% and 7.4%, respectively; p < 0.001) and normalized thereafter. In the contralateral hand, no significant signal changes were seen. No relationship was found between wound distance and the severity of wound edema. This study shows that wound edema influences muscle signal intensity comparisons in patients with forearm trauma. When comparing denervated muscle with nondenervated muscle, an additional scan of the contralateral side is indicated during the first 6 months after trauma to assess the extent of wound edema. After 6 months, the ipsilateral side can be used for muscle signal intensity comparisons.

Trends in wrist fractures in children and adolescents, 1997-2009.

PURPOSE: Distal radius and carpal fractures in children and adolescents represent approximately 25% of all pediatric fractures. Incidence rates and causes of these fractures change over time owing to changes in activities and risk factors. The purpose of this study was to examine recent population-based trends in incidence and causes of wrist fractures in children and adolescents. METHODS: We obtained data from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System of emergency department visits of 15 geographically distributed hospitals, and from the National Hospital Discharge Registry. This included a representative sample of outpatients and inpatients, respectively. We calculated incidence rates of wrist fractures per 100,000 person-years for each year between 1997 and 2009. Using Poisson's regression, we analyzed trends for children and adolescents 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 19 years of age separately for boys and girls. RESULTS: During the study period, incidence rates increased significantly in boys and girls 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years of age, with the strongest increase in the age group 10 to 14 years. The observed increases were mainly due to increased incidence rates during soccer and gymnastics at school. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study revealed a substantial sports-related increase in the incidence rate of wrist fractures in boys and girls aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years in the period 1997 to 2009. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With knowledge of the epidemiology of wrist fractures, prevention programs can be improved. From this study, we know that the incidence rate of wrist fractures in childhood is increasing, mainly as a result of soccer and gymnastics at school. Future sport injury research and surveillance data are necessary to develop new prevention programs based on identifying and addressing specific risk factors, especially in young athletes.

Designing and utilizing 3D-printed skin incision guides during the first Dutch bilateral hand-arm transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To preoperatively plan skin incision in the case of the first Dutch bilateral hand-arm transplantation. BACKGROUND: A bilateral hand-arm transplantation has been performed for the first time in the Netherlands in 2019. In the context of preparation for this surgical procedure, the optimal patient-specific skin flap was determined. Skin flaps should be properly matched between donor and recipient to ensure sufficient tissue for the approximation of skin over the tendon anastomosis, adequate distal tip perfusion, and esthetics. METHODS: Preoperatively, stereophotogrammetry was obtained from the upper extremities of the patient and a volunteer with similar body physique. Skin flap dimensions were determined for each extremity, which resulted in patient-specific incision patterns. Combining this digital information yielded practical skin incision guides for both the donor and acceptor arms. Finally, the computer-aided designs were 3D printed. RESULTS: The 3D prints were convenient to utilize in both shaping the donor flaps as in preparing the acceptor extremities, taking only a few seconds during precious ischemia time. There was sufficient skin flap perfusion, and the wound-healing followed an uncomplicated course. No corrections were made to the initial skin incisions. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional printed templates were successfully utilized in the first Dutch bilateral hand-arm transplantation. We believe its usage increased time efficiency, improved the match of skin flaps in donor and recipient arms, and allowed us to control the amount of skin surplus without skin flap tip necrosis. In these procedures where time is of the essence, we believe preoperative planning is imperative for its success.

Factors associated with return to work after open reinsertion of the triangular fibrocartilage.

The aim of this study was to assess return to work (RTW) after open Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) reinsertion. RTW after open surgery for TFCC injury was assessed by questionnaires at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-operatively. Median RTW time was assessed on inverted Kaplan-Meier curves and hazard ratios were calculated with Cox regression models. 310 patients with a mean age of 38 years were included. By 1 year, 91% of the patients had returned to work, at a median 12 weeks (25%-75%: 6-20 weeks). Light physical labor (HR 3.74) was associated with RTW within the first 15 weeks; this association altered from 23 weeks onward: light (HR 0.59) or moderate physical labor (HR 0.25) was associated with lower RTW rates. Patients with poorer preoperative Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) total score returned to work later (HR 0.91 per 10 points). Overall cost of loss of productivity per patient was €13,588. In the first year after open TFCC reinsertion, 91% of the patients returned to work, including 50% within 12 weeks. Factors associated with RTW were age, gender, work intensity, and PRWE score at baseline.

Palmar abduction: reliability of 6 measurement methods in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to assess reliability of 6 palmar thumb abduction measurement methods: conventional goniometry, the Inter Metacarpal Distance, the method described by the American Medical Association, the method described by the American Society of Hand Therapists, and 2 new methods: the Pollexograph-thumb and the Pollexograph-metacarpal. METHODS: An experienced hand therapist and a less-experienced examiner (trainee in plastic surgery) measured the right hands of 25 healthy subjects. Palmar abduction was measured both passively and actively. Means and ranges for palmar abduction were calculated, and intrarater and interrater reliability was expressed in intraclass correlation coefficients, standard errors of measurement, and smallest detectable differences. RESULTS: Mean active and passive angles measured with goniometry resembled values measured with the Pollexograph-thumb method (approximately 60 degrees). Mean angles found with the Pollexograph-metacarpal method were approximately 48 degrees. Mean active and passive distances for the Inter Metacarpal Distance were 64 mm. Mean active and passive distances found with the American Society of Hand Therapists method were 97 to 101 mm, and mean distances found with the American Medical Association method were 67 to 70 mm for active and passive measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients for the Pollexograph-thumb, Pollexograph-metacarpal, and the Inter Metacarpal Distance indicated good and significantly higher intrarater agreement for active and passive measurements than intraclass correlation coefficients of conventional goniometry, the American Society of Hand Therapists method, and the American Medical Association method, which showed only moderate agreement. For interrater reliability, the same measurement methods were found to be most reliable: the Pollexograph-thumb, Pollexograph-metacarpal, and the Inter Metacarpal Distance. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the Pollexograph-thumb, Pollexograph-metacarpal, and the Inter Metacarpal Distance are the most reliable measurement methods for palmar abduction.

Ligament reconstruction arthroplasty for primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (weilby technique): prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The Weilby procedure is one of several accepted methods to treat primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. We found no previous studies that included preoperative and postoperative subjective outcomes using validated questionnaires or preoperative and postoperative objective outcomes such as specific strength and range-of-motion measurements. Therefore, we performed a prospective cohort study in which we analyzed preoperative and postoperative objective and subjective outcomes after Weilby interposition tendoplasty. METHODS: Nineteen patients (20 thumbs) with primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis were treated with Weilby interposition tendoplasty. For subjective assessment, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) outcome data collection instrument was used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative outcomes at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Furthermore, patients completed a specific personal questionnaire at 12 months of follow-up. Objective assessments included interphalangeal joint flexion/extension; metacarpophalangeal joint flexion/extension; and carpometacarpal joint palmar abduction, opposition, and extension. Tip pinch, key pinch, 3-point pinch, and overall grip strengths were also measured. The measurements were performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. All complications were registered. RESULTS: The DASH score was significantly improved, and 17 of 19 patients were satisfied with the procedure. The interphalangeal joint flexion/extension, metacarpophalangeal joint flexion/extension, and carpometacarpal joint extension did not significantly change. Carpometacarpal joint palmar abduction and opposition were significantly improved at 12 months. The tip pinch and key pinch strengths were increased but not significantly. The 3-point pinch and overall grip strengths were significantly improved at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The Weilby procedure is a reliable alternative to treat primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis without requiring bone tunnel creation. It achieves pain relief, stability, mobility, and strength. The objective and subjective outcomes of this study compare favorably with those of earlier reports of the Weilby procedure and are similar to the published results of the more commonly performed Burton-Pellegrini technique. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Digital rewarming patterns after median and ulnar nerve injury.

PURPOSE: Posttraumatic cold intolerance (CI) is a frequent and important sequel after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, it is hypothesized that altered rewarming patterns after peripheral nerve injury are related to the degree of posttraumatic CI. This hypothesis is tested by quantitatively comparing rewarming patterns of the digits in controls and in median or ulnar nerve injury patients and by investigating relationships between rewarming patterns, sensory recovery, and CI. METHODS: Twelve median or ulnar nerve injury patients with a follow-up of 4 to 76 months after nerve repair and 13 control subjects had isolated cold stress testing of the hands. Video thermography was used to analyze and compare rewarming patterns of the injured and uninjured digits after cold stress testing. Temperature curves were analyzed by calculating the Q value as an indicator of heat transfer (temperature added during the first 10 minutes after start of active rewarming) and the maximum slope. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was 0.64 and 0.79, respectively, for the Q value and maximum slope. High Q values and maximum slopes were interpreted as the presence of active rewarming. Patients with return of active rewarming had better sensory recovery and lower Blond McIndoe Cold Intolerance Severity Scale (CISS) scores. Better sensory recovery was correlated with lower CISS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Test-retest reliability of cold stress testing was good, and we found a difference in rewarming patterns between nerve injury patients and controls. The presence of active rewarming in the nerve injury patients was related to sensory recovery and fewer complaints of posttraumatic CI.

Results of the Universal 2 Prosthesis in Noninflammatory Osteoarthritic Wrists.

Background/Purpose Many treatment options are available for wrist osteoarthritis, with the objective of decreasing pain and preserving function. In later stages when midcarpal and radiocarpal osteoarthritis occur, two choices remain: total wrist arthrodesis or total wrist arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to present the short-term functional changes following total wrist arthroplasty with the Universal 2 total wrist system (Integra Life Sciences) in patients with noninflammatory wrist osteoarthritis. Patients and Methods Patients with severe noninflammatory wrist osteoarthritis were assessed preoperatively, 6 and 12 months after surgery using a range of motion, grip strength, pain, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. The additional assessment was performed after 1 year for a range of motion using a biaxial electrogoniometer, grip strength, DASH, and the Michigan hand questionnaire. Results All range of motion directions and grip strength did not change from preoperative values. The DASH score improved from 53 preoperatively to 14 during latest follow-up. Median patients' satisfaction score decreased with approximately 20 points during the last follow-up. Conclusion The relatively good DASH score combined with the partly maintained wrist range of motion indicates that reconstruction with the Universal 2 total wrist prosthesis should be considered in patients with end-stage noninflammatory wrist osteoarthritis. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic study.

Comparison of activities of daily living after proximal row carpectomy or wrist four-corner fusion.

Proximal row carpectomy and four-corner fusion are commonly used in the patients with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse or scapholunate advanced collapse. We compared activities of daily living of the 24 patients after proximal row carpectomy with 24 patients with four-corner fusion procedures using the modified Sollerman hand function test and Michigan Hand Questionnaire. Most tasks were performed significantly quicker by the patients after proximal row carpectomy. The patients after proximal row carpectomy reported better function during activities of daily living. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Cold intolerance of the hand measured by the CISS questionnaire in a normative study population.

Cold intolerance has been recognized as one of the most disabling sequelae of upper extremity trauma, especially when neurovascular structures are involved. In this study, we aimed to describe cold intolerance in a normative study population, validate the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) questionnaire and define the threshold for abnormal cold intolerance. One hundred and eight volunteers participated in our study. In addition to the CISS score, information about age, gender and previous surgery or trauma to the upper extremity was obtained. There were no volunteers with previous peripheral nerve injury and subjects with a history of Raynaud's disease, upper extremity injury or surgery were excluded (n=40). The CISS scores of the study population (n=68) averaged 12.9 (SD 8.2). Age and gender were not correlated with CISS score. The upper 95% confidence interval of the CISS scores for healthy subjects is about 30. We suggest this value as a threshold for pathological cold intolerance.

[A boy with functional impairment of his thumb]. / Een jongen met een functiebeperking van zijn duim.

An 11-year-old boy was referred with poorly understood atrophy of his thenar and functional impairment of his right thumb. Sensation in the median nerve distribution was normal but the affected thumb was smaller with decreased skin creases, an unstable metacarpophalangeal joint and diminished strength. He was diagnosed with a type 2 hypoplastic thumb and we advised an opponensplasty.

Mesh expansion as the cause of bulging after abdominal wall hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence is the most important complication of abdominal wall reconstruction. It is possible the repair itself is intact, but bulging or expansion of mesh causes recurrent swelling's of the abdominal wall. CASE SUMMARY: In this report, we present bulging of a polyester mesh due to central pore expansion. DISCUSSION: Repetitive stress and variations in intra-abdominal pressure can change tensile strength and stretches mesh materials. CONCLUSION: A swelling after abdominal wall repair can be caused by bulging of the mesh. A progressive bulging might be the result of failure of the mesh implant due to elongation. Mesh characteristics should be considered when choosing a feasible and suitable mesh for abdominal wall reconstruction. Clinical distinction between recurrent hernia and mesh bulging is difficult but therapeutically irrelevant in symptomatic patients.

Clinical Presentation, Surgical Treatment, and Outcome in Radial Polydactyly.

Radial polydactyly or 'thumb duplication' is the most common congenital upper limb anomaly ('CULA') affecting the thumb. The clinical presentation is highly diverse, ranging from an extra thumb floating on a skin bridge to complicated thumb triplications with triphalangeal, deviating, and hypoplastic components. Radial polydactyly can be classified into one of 7 osseous presentations using the Wassel classification, with type IV (45%), type II (20%), and type VII (15%) occurring most frequently. When faced with a radial polydactyly case, hand surgeons specialised in congenital anomalies must weigh the preoperative functional potential and degree of hypoplasia of both thumbs in order to decide whether to resect one thumb and reconstruct the other ('resection and reconstruction'), excise a central part of both thumbs and unite the lateral tissues into one thumb ('the Bilhaut procedure'), transfer the better-developed distal tissues of one thumb onto the better-developed proximal tissues of the other ('on-top plasty'), or discard both severely hypoplastic thumbs and pollicise the index finger. Mere excision of the hypoplastic thumb is rarely indicated since it often requires subsequent revision surgery. Even after being treated by experienced surgeons, about 15% of patients with polydactyly will need additional procedures to correct residual and/or new problems such as deviation from the longitudinal axis and joint instability. Nevertheless, radial polydactyly patients usually achieve unimpaired everyday hand function postoperatively.

Outcome of two types of surgical correction of the extra phalanx in triphalangeal thumb: is there a difference?

The surgical strategy of treatment of the opposable triphalangeal thumb is correction of the radio-ulnar deviation, reduction of the additional length and joint stabilization. The commonest procedures are: (1) removal of the extra phalanx and stabilization of the remaining joint; and (2) a combined reduction osteotomy with resection of the distal joint followed by arthrodesis. We treated 20 patients (33 hands). In 17 hands the extra phalanx was removed, and in 16 hands we used the combined osteotomy procedure of distal joint removal and arthrodesis. None of the patients in either group had an unstable interphalangeal joint. The mean radial or ulnar deviation in the interphalangeal joint was 5° degrees and 9°, respectively. Mean active flexion in the interphalangeal joint was 35° and 46°, respectively, in the two groups. Results for both procedures are similar, for both objective measures and self-rated function and activities of daily living. Either surgical approach seems reliable.Therapeutic, Level of evidence: Level III.

Healthcare costs and productivity costs of hand and wrist injuries by external cause: A population-based study in working-age adults in the period 2008-2012.

BACKGROUND: Hand and wrist injuries are very common at the Emergency Departments (ED), and among the most costly injury types in the working population. The purpose of this study was to explore the causes of non-trivial hand and wrist injuries (i.e., hand fractures, wrist fractures and complex soft-tissue injuries) in working-age adults in order to identify target areas for prevention. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, from the National Hospital Discharge Registry and from a patient follow-up survey in working-age adults (aged 20-64 years) in the period 2008-2012. An incidence-based cost model was used to estimate healthcare costs, and an absenteeism model for estimating the productivity costs. Total costs were calculated by external cause, subdivided in their main categories (home, sports, work, traffic and violence) and their most important subclasses. RESULTS: Total costs of these injuries in The Netherlands were US $410 million per year, of which 75% (US $307 million) productivity costs. Males represented 66% (US $271 million) of the total costs. Within the male group, the group 35-49 years had the highest contribution to total costs (US $112 million), as well as the highest costs per case (US $10,675). Work-related injuries showed the highest costs per case (US $11,797), however, only 25% of the total costs were work-related. The top five causes in terms of total costs were: accidents at home (falls 23%, contact with an object 17%), traffic (cycling 9%) and work (industrial work 4%, and construction work 4%). CONCLUSION: Hand and wrist injuries are a major cause of healthcare and productivity costs in working-age adults. To reduce the costs to society, prevention initiatives should be targeted at major contributing causes, that are mainly related to activities at home (falls, contact with an object) and accidents at the road (cycling).