Revision of Motec Total Wrist Replacement in the Second Metacarpal.

Wrist arthroplasty is becoming more commonplace, with various implant choices available. The Motec (Swemac Orthopaedics AB, Linköping, Sweden) cementless ball-and-socket system is being increasingly utilised and is designed for the distal component to be implanted into the third metacarpal. However, distal component failure is a recognised complication. We outline our experience with the revision of this component into the second metacarpal. This technical note is presented through our experience of two patients who underwent revision arthroplasty for the management of peri-prosthetic fracture of the third metacarpal. This technique has demonstrated a safe and viable solution to this complication, achieving good anatomical centre of rotation, function, range of movement and patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Outcomes following acute poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid bleed - Is early definitive treatment better than delayed management?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Patients with poor-grade subarachnoid bleed (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades 4-5) often improve their neurocognitive function months after their ictus. However, it is essential to explore the timing of intervention and its impact on long-term outcome. We compared the long-term outcomes between immediate management within 24 h and delayed management after 24 h in patients following poor-grade subarachnoid bleed. METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based study, including patients with poor-grade subarachnoid bleed who received definitive management between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016 in a large tertiary neurocritical care unit. The primary outcome was adjusted odds ratio of favourable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4-5) for survivors at 12 months following discharge, as measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. The secondary outcomes included adjusted odds ratio of a favourable outcome at discharge, 3 months and 6 months following discharge and survival rate at 28 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months following haemorrhage. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were included in this study: 53 (48%) received immediate management and 58 (52%) received delayed management. The mean time delay from referral to intervention was 14.9 ± 5.8 h in immediate management patients, compared to 79.6 ± 106.1 h in delayed management patients. At 12 months following discharge, the adjusted odds ratio for favourable outcome in immediate management versus delayed management patients was 0.96 (confidence interval (CI) = 0.17, 5.39; p = 0.961). At hospital discharge, 3 months and 6 months, the adjusted odds ratio for favourable outcome was 3.85 (CI = 1.38, 10.73; p = 0.010), 1.04 (CI = 0.22, 5.00; p = 0.956) and 0.98 (CI = 0.21, 4.58; p = 0.982), respectively. There were no differences in survival rate between the groups at 28 days, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months (71.7% in immediate management group vs. 82.8% in delayed management group at 12 months, p = 0.163). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate management and delayed management after poor-grade subarachnoid bleed are associated with similar morbidity and mortality at 12 months. Therefore, delaying intervention in poor-grade patients may be a reasonable approach, especially if time is needed to plan the procedure or stabilise the patient adequately.

Patient experience and reflective learning (PEARL): a mixed methods protocol for staff insight development in acute and intensive care medicine in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Patient and staff experiences are strongly influenced by attitudes and behaviours, and provide important insights into care quality. Patient and staff feedback could be used more effectively to enhance behaviours and improve care through systematic integration with techniques for reflective learning. We aim to develop a reflective learning framework and toolkit for healthcare staff to improve patient, family and staff experience. METHODS & ANALYSIS: Local project teams including staff and patients from the acute medical units (AMUs) and intensive care units (ICUs) of three National Health Service trusts will implement two experience surveys derived from existing instruments: a continuous patient and relative survey and an annual staff survey. Survey data will be supplemented by ethnographic interviews and observations in the workplace to evaluate barriers to and facilitators of reflective learning. Using facilitated iterative co-design, local project teams will supplement survey data with their experiences of healthcare to identify events, actions, activities and interventions which promote personal insight and empathy through reflective learning. Outputs will be collated by the central project team to develop a reflective learning framework and toolkit which will be fed back to the local groups for review, refinement and piloting. The development process will be mapped to a conceptual theory of reflective learning which combines psychological and pedagogical theories of learning, alongside theories of behaviour change based on capability, opportunity and motivation influencing behaviour. The output will be a locally-adaptable workplace-based toolkit providing guidance on using reflective learning to incorporate patient and staff experience in routine clinical activities. ETHICS & DISSEMINATION: The PEARL project has received ethics approval from the London Brent Research Ethics Committee (REC Ref 16/LO/224). We propose a national cluster randomised step-wedge trial of the toolkit developed for large-scale evaluation of impact on patient outcomes.

Four-Year Outcomes of Midcarpal Hemiarthroplasty for Wrist Arthritis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the average 4-year outcomes of a cohort of patients with wrist arthritis, treated by a single surgeon with a novel prosthetic hemiarthroplasty of the midcarpal joint. We hypothesized that midcarpal hemiarthroplasty would improve range of motion and grip strength of patients with wrist arthritis, with a complication profile comparable with that of alternative solutions for wrist arthritis. METHODS: We reviewed a series of 20 patients treated with a midcarpal hemiarthroplasty at an average of 4 years following surgery. Patients were evaluated objectively with grip strength, wrist range of motion, serial radiographs, and subjectively surveyed with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Mayo scores. RESULTS: Range of motion increased by a mean 33° in flexion-extension and 10° in radial-ulnar deviation compared with preoperative range of motion. Mean grip strength improved to 20.8 kg from 14.1 kg, and Mayo and DASH scores also significantly improved. Three patients had a manipulation under anesthesia for stiffness. One patient required open reduction internal fixation of an unstable fourth carpometacarpal joint after falling. Two patients were revised to a total wrist arthroplasty and 1 to a wrist fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Midcarpal hemiarthroplasty provides improved wrist range of motion, grip strength, and patient-reported outcome scores compared with preoperative values, with a complication profile comparable with that of other surgical options for patients with wrist arthritis. Advantages of midcarpal arthroplasty include retention of the native distal carpal row, preservation of midcarpal motion, as well as the option for conversion to a total wrist arthroplasty should revision be required. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Management of a Complex, Multioperated Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fracture.

Background Intra-articular distal radius fractures can have many complications, including radiocarpal osteoarthritis and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dysfunction leading to pain and restricted wrist function. Case Description We describe the case of a 38-year-old patient who sustained a left distal radius intra-articular fracture, which was treated with volar plating. She developed pain from the radiocarpal joint as a result of intra-articular malunion and was listed for total wrist fusion. On the day of surgery this was converted to a Darrach procedure for minor DRUJ symptoms. This resulted in pain from the DRUJ as a result of instability, in addition to persisting radiocarpal arthritis pain. Due to her subsequent poor wrist function, she presented to the authors and underwent DRUJ arthroplasty with a proximally placed Scheker prosthesis to deal with her DRUJ symptoms and, later, a KinematX radiocarpal hemiarthroplasty for her radiocarpal symptoms. She remains happy with her outcome at 36-month follow-up. Literature Review The complications of the Darrach procedure include painful radioulnar convergence and wrist instability. The Scheker prosthesis allows restoration of stability of the DRUJ with good outcomes and 100% 5-year survival in one series. Sparing the midcarpal joint, the KinematX hemiarthroplasty allows preservation of the dart thrower's motion arc, which is key in many complex wrist movements and functions. Clinical Relevance This case highlights the negative consequences of distal ulna resection and shows both the Scheker and KinematX prostheses as viable, effective means to restore function to young, active patients with posttraumatic radiocarpal arthritis and/or instability.

Surgical approach to a vulval-pubic cartilaginous cyst: A case report and review of published work.

Cartilaginous cyst of symphysis pubis is rare and to our knowledge 12 cases have been reported in the published work. Although cartilaginous cysts of the vulva and pubis are likely to present to a gynecologist as a vulval-pubic mass, their diagnosis and management warrants a multidisciplinary team approach because of their rarity and anatomical location. Non-invasive diagnosis includes magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound scan, while the invasive preoperative biopsy is reserved for cases with a high index of suspicion of malignancy. The surgical approach for the management of vulval-pubic cartilaginous cyst is not well established. The current case demonstrates a joint surgical approach involving a gynecologist and orthopedic surgeon in management of a degenerative cartilaginous cyst. As this condition is benign, every effort should be made to preserve the stability of the pubic symphysis. Symphyseal dysfunction from surgery remains a potential complication for which treatment is not straightforward.

Isolated displaced non-union of a triquetral body fracture: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the body of the triquetral bone are the second most common carpal fractures, and these fractures can be missed on plain X-ray. Although non-union of triquetral body fractures is very rare, such cases are associated with considerable morbidity and reduction in functional activity. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 29-year-old Caucasian British man who sustained an isolated displaced triquetral body fracture that resulted in non-union, who was treated surgically. We describe an original operative management for this debilitating injury. An open reduction and internal fixation using double headed compression screws was performed, without bone grafting, and with early immobilization of the wrist. CONCLUSIONS: We propose this novel approach and advocate early clinical suspicion of triquetral body fractures in patients with a history of fall on an outstretched hand and ulnar sided wrist pain. We recommend evaluation using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scanning.

Midcarpal hemiarthroplasty for wrist arthritis: rationale and early results.

Midcarpal hemiarthroplasty is a novel motion-preserving treatment for radiocarpal arthritis and is an alternative to current procedures that provide pain relief at the expense of wrist biomechanics and natural motion. It is indicated primarily in active patients with a well-preserved distal row and debilitating arthritic symptoms. By resurfacing the proximal carpal row, midcarpal arthroplasty relieves pain while preserving the midcarpal articulation and the anatomic center of wrist rotation. This technique has theoretical advantages when compared with current treatment options (i.e., arthrodesis and total wrist arthroplasty) since it provides coupled wrist motion, preserves radial length, is technically simple, and avoids the inherent risks of nonunion and distal component failure. The KinematX midcarpal hemiarthroplasty has an anatomic design and does not disrupt the integrity of the wrist ligaments. We have implanted this prosthesis in nine patients with promising early results. The indications for surgery were as follows: scapholunate advanced collapse wrist (three), posttraumatic osteoarthritis (three), inflammatory arthritis (two), and Keinböck disease (one). Prospective data has been collected and the results are preliminary given the infancy of the procedure. The mean follow-up was 30.9 weeks (range: 16 to 56 weeks). The mean Mayo wrist score increased from 31.9 preoperatively to 58.8 (p < 0.05) and the mean DASH score improved significantly from 47.8 preoperatively to 28.7 (p < 0.05). There was a trend toward increased motion but statistical significance was not reached. Two patients required manipulation for wrist stiffness. There was no evidence of prosthetic loosening or capitolunate narrowing. The procedure is simple (average surgical time was 49 minutes) and maintains coupled wrist motion through preservation of the midcarpal articulation. The preliminary data show that it appears safe but considerably longer follow-up is required before conclusions can be drawn as to its durability, reliability, and overall success. The level of evidence for this study is therapeutic level IV (case series).

The efficacy of patient information sheets in wrist arthroscopy: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of perioperative information for wrist arthroscopy on postoperative pain, return to daily activities, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: 34 women and 21 men aged 19 to 54 (mean, 35) years underwent diagnostic wrist arthroscopy to explore the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. They were randomised to receive specific preoperative information on the procedure (pictures of the wrist joint anatomy, portal entry sites, and the arthroscope) and written instructions on postoperative care (n=28) or only standard preoperative information and verbal instructions on postoperative care (n=27). The visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and the Quick Dash score for return to daily activities of each patient were recorded before and after wrist arthroscopy. Analgesic intake after wrist arthroscopy was recorded. RESULTS: The mean post-arthroscopic VAS from days 2 to 6 was significantly lower in the experimental group than controls. This was reflected by the decrease in analgesic intake. The mean post-arthroscopic Quick Dash score was significantly lower in the experimental group than controls (40 vs. 47, p=0.02), indicating earlier return to daily activities. CONCLUSION: Patients who received specific preoperative information on the procedure and written instructions on postoperative care experienced less pain, consumed less analgesics, and had an earlier return to daily activities.

Double- versus single-incision technique for open carpal tunnel release.

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed comparing the double incision technique to the conventional open method used in carpal tunnel decompression surgery, with pillar pain, scar sensitivity, and recovery of grip strength each assessed independently. Forty patients (40 hands) were operated on, 21 hands with the standard single-incision technique and 19 hands with the double-incision technique. Patients were assessed throughout 6 months of follow-up. The results showed that the double-incision technique caused less pillar pain and scar sensitivity compared to the single-incision technique. No difference in recovery of grip strength was noted between the 2 techniques. The limited open technique using the double incision in carpal tunnel decompression surgery is advantageous over the standard technique in tackling scar-related morbidities.