Validity and Reliability of Hindi version of Foot and Ankle Disability Index in patients with chronic recurrent lateral ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: Lateral Ankle Sprain (LAS) is a recurrent musculoskeletal injury commonly noticed in primary care, podiatry, orthopaedics, and physical therapy centers. The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) is a self-reported and region-specific tool with no previous literature available on the translation of the FADI scale into Hindi language. AIM: The study aims to translate and evaluate each translated domain of FADI to see its cross-cultural adaptation, content validity and reliability for patients with chronic recurrent LAS. STUDY DESIGN: A Cross-Sectional Study. METHODS: The scale was translated from the reference language to the target language, Hindi, using the instructions provided in the literature. Delphi survey was conducted for content validation followed by recruitment of 51 participants with a history of long lasting repetitive lateral sprain of ankle to evaluate test-retest reliability of Hindi version of FADI. RESULT: The S-CVI/Ave and S-CVI/UA came out to be 0.988 and 0.884, respectively and I-CVI for all items of Hindi version of FADI were more than 0.90. The ICC (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient) and internal consistency was evaluated, which came out to 0.961 and 0.980, respectively for Hindi version of FADI. CONCLUSION: Hindi version of FADI is a valid and reliable scale that has been translated and adapted to be implemented among Indian population suffering from long lasting repetitive LAS.

The Effect of Derotational Kirschner Wires on Fracture Gap Reduction With Variable-Pitch Headless Screws.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of angled derotational Kirschner wires (K-wires) on fracture gap reduction with variable-pitch headless screws. METHODS: Fully threaded variable-pitch headless screws (20 and 28 mm) were inserted into "normal" bone models of polyurethane blocks. In separate trials, derotational K-wires were inserted at predetermined angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 40° and compared with each other, with no K-wire as a control. Fluoroscopic images taken after each screw turn were analyzed. The optimal fracture gap closure, initial screw push-off, and screw back-out gap creation were determined and compared at various derotational K-wire angles. RESULTS: Initial screw push-off due to screw insertion and screw back-out gap creation were not significantly affected by the angle of the derotational K-wire. With a 20-mm screw, only a 40° derotational K-wire led to significantly less gap closure compared with control and with 0°, 15°, and 30° derotational K-wires. It led to an approximately 60% decrease in gap closure compared with no K-wire. With the 28-mm screw, compared with no K-wire, 15° and 30° derotational K-wires led to statistically significant decreases in gap closure (approximately 25%), whereas a 40° derotational K-wire led to an approximately 60% decrease. With the 28-mm screw, the 40° derotational K-wire also led to a statistically significant smaller gap closure when compared with 0°, 15°, and 30° derotational K-wires. CONCLUSIONS: A derotational K-wire placed in parallel to the planned trajectory of a headless compression screw does not affect fracture gap closure. With greater angulation of the derotational K-wire, the fracture gap is still closed, but less tightly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Derotational K-wires can help prevent fracture fragment rotation during headless compression screw insertion. At small deviations from parallel (≤30°), fracture gap closure achieved by the screw is minimally affected. At greater angles (ie, 40°), fracture gap closure may be substantially reduced, preventing fracture compression.

Role of Dynamic Stabilizers of the Elbow in Radiocapitellar Joint Alignment: A Prospective In Vivo Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of dynamic stabilizers of the elbow on radiocapitellar joint alignment, before and after the administration of regional anesthesia. METHODS: At a single institution, 14 patients were prospectively enrolled in a study using a within-subjects control design. Before performing a supraclavicular regional block, 10 fluoroscopic images (1 anteroposterior and 9 lateral views) of the elbow were obtained for each patient. The lateral images were obtained with the forearm in maximal supination, neutral rotation, and maximal pronation, and these forearm positions were repeated for 3 elbow positions: (1) full extension; (2) flexion to 90°, with 0° of shoulder internal rotation; and (3) flexion to 90°, with 90° of shoulder internal rotation. After obtaining the 10 initial images, a block was performed to achieve less than 3/5 motor strength of the imaged extremity, followed by obtaining the same 10 images in each patient. Radiocapitellar ratio, defined as the minimal distance between the right bisector of the radial head and the center of the capitellum divided by the diameter of the capitellum, was measured in each image. RESULTS: The 14 patients had a mean age of 47.8 ± 15.7 years, and 10 (71.4%) patients were women. A difference between radiocapitellar ratios measured before and after the regional block administration was observed for all lateral images (-1.0% ± 7.2% to -2.2% ± 8.0%), although this difference was less than the minimum clinically important difference. CONCLUSIONS: Paralysis of the dynamic stabilizers of the elbow produces a difference in the radiocapitellar joint alignment, but this did not reach the minimum clinically important difference. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Paralysis of the dynamic stabilizers of the elbow via a supraclavicular nerve block produces no clinically relevant effect on the radiocapitellar alignment of uninjured elbows.

Trends of hand injuries presenting to US emergency departments: A 10-year national analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to observe current incidence and trends of hand and wrist injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) over a decade. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for hand and wrist injuries from January 2009-December 2018. Descriptive analyses were used to report injury types to the hand and wrist. Incidence, age, gender, race, injury location, and type of injury were recorded. Linear regression analyses were used to assess changes in trends over time. A p value <0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 649,131 cases of hand and wrist injuries were identified in the NEISS from 2009 to 2018, correlating to 25,666,596 patients nationally. Incidence rates for finger, hand, and wrist were 450, 264, and 182 per 100,000 people. The estimated number of patients per year declined by 8.6% from 2009 to 2018. Male adults (aged 18-39) were the most frequent demographic. Total national estimates of hand (-8.2%; p = 0.001), wrist (-6.1%; p = 0.007), and finger (-9.9%; p < 0.001) injuries declined over the study period. The most common injuries were lacerations (36.5%), fractures (19.9%), strains/sprains (12.3%), and contusions/abrasions (12.1%) which significantly declined over the study period. The overall admission rate was 1.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated annual number of hand/wrist injuries presenting to US EDs was 2.6 million with gradual decline over the decade. Hand injury registries could assist in quality improvement measures targeted toward increased efficiency and resource allocation and education.

An Analysis of Hamate Morphology Relevant to Hemi-Hamate Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint can lead to joint incongruity from loss of the buttress function of the middle phalanx volar base. Hemi-hamate arthroplasty can reconstruct the volar articular surface of the middle phalangeal base where repair is not possible. We compared the anatomy of the hamate graft with the middle phalanx base. METHODS: Forty unique skeletal specimens (40 hamates, 160 middle phalanges) were sampled. Anatomical features relevant to hemi-hamate reconstruction were measured, including the articular surface areas, the axial ridge angles, and the sagittal inclination angles of the hamate and the middle phalanx base specimens. Facets of the articular surfaces were classified as concave, convex, or flat. Calibrated measurements were made using digital photographs of the cadaveric specimens. Descriptive and univariate statistics were performed. RESULTS: There was greater variability in the distal hamate than in the middle phalanx base. The ring finger facet of the distal hamate was concave in 39 of 40 specimens, whereas the little finger facet was convex in 31 of 40 specimens. The hamate axial ridge angle (66.0° ± 3.7°) was significantly different from the middle phalanx base (90.4° ± 0.4°). The hamate articular sagittal inclination (3.2° ± 4.1°) was significantly different from the middle phalanx base (51.2° ± 1.3°). The hamate articular surface area (1.96 cm2) was significantly greater than the middle phalanx base (mean index/middle/ring finger = 0.85 cm2 and mean little finger = 0.59 cm2). CONCLUSIONS: The distal articular surface of the hamate is not anatomically identical to the middle phalanx base. The differences may still preclude anatomical reconstruction in the setting of a dorsal PIP fracture-dislocation, thereby affecting short- and long-term outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the anatomical differences between the distal hamate and the middle phalanx base may improve graft harvest and inset during reconstruction.

Zone 2 Flexor Tendon Repair Location and Risk of Catching on the A2 Pulley.

PURPOSE: To determine the region of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons in zone 2 that, when involved by a laceration repair, will reliably catch on the A2 pulley after surgery. METHODS: Using fresh-frozen cadavers (5 hands, 20 digits), excursions of the FDP and FDS tendons were measured in relation to the A2 pulley. The C1, A3, and C2 pulleys were resected. The digit was maximally flexed by applying traction to the flexor tendon in the forearm. An 8-0 suture tag was placed in the flexor tendons immediately distal to the A2 pulley. The digit was then passively fully extended to measure tendon excursion. Measurements were repeated with 50% venting and 100% release of the A4 pulley. Reference points such as tendon insertions and flexion creases were obtained. This protocol was repeated sequentially for the index, middle, ring, and little fingers. RESULTS: For all 20 fingers, the suture placed into the FDP just distal to the A2 pulley with the finger fully flexed traveled 1.6 ± 1.9 mm distal to the proximal edge of the A4 pulley with passive extension of the finger. The mean excursion for the FDP was 24.6 ± 3.2 mm, and 16.9 ± 3.1 mm for the FDS. The mean A2 pulley length was 16.2 ± 3.5 mm, and the mean distance between the distal edge of the A2 pulley and the proximal edge of the A4 pulley was 23.0 ± 3.3 mm. Venting the A4 pulley 50% and 100% increased FDP excursion a maximum of 0.9 and 1.9 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An FDP repair proximal to the A4 pulley will slide under the A2 pulley with full active digital flexion after surgery. If the distal FDP stump lies underneath the A4 pulley with the digit fully extended, the FDP repair will not likely engage the A2 pulley with full flexion after surgery. The FDP excursion can be reliably predicted as a percentage of the A2 (distal) to the A4 (distal) pulley distance. Most importantly, the distance between the repair site and the A4 pulley approximately equals the length of the A2 pulley that requires release to avoid postoperative triggering. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of this high-risk region of flexor tendon repair will guide surgeons regarding the potential need for partial release of the A2 pulley.

Declining Trend in Medicare Physician Reimbursements for Hand Surgery From 2002 to 2018.

PURPOSE: To evaluate trends in Medicare physician reimbursements for 20 common hand procedures/surgeries from 2002 to 2018. METHODS: The Physician Fee Schedule Look-up Tool was used to retrieve average reimbursement rates for 20 common hand surgeries/procedures from 2002 to 2018. All reimbursement data were adjusted for inflation to 2018 dollars. RESULTS: After adjusting all data for inflation, the average reimbursement for all included procedures decreased by 20.9% from 2002 to 2018, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.25%. Reimbursement percentage decreases were the greatest prior to 2010 (18.4% decrease), followed by a relative stabilization (0.94% increase) from 2010 to 2014, after which physicians experienced a decrease of 3.9% in reimbursements between 2014 and 2018, following implementation of the Medicare Access and Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act in 2015. The most significant decreases in reimbursements over time were noted for primary tendon/muscle repair (-49.6%), wrist arthroscopy for triangular fibrocartilage repair/debridement (-44.0%), trigger finger release in facility (-40.1%), excision of extensor tendon sheath (-38.2%), ganglion cyst excision (-36.7%), wrist arthroscopy for diagnostic/synovial biopsy (-35.7%), wrist arthroscopy for drainage/infection/lavage (-35.1%), wrist arthrodesis (-30.6%), endoscopic carpal tunnel release (-27.2%), total wrist arthroplasty (-26.6%), carpometacarpal/basal joint arthroplasty (-25.1%), and open carpal tunnel release (-22.3%). The only procedures with a significant increase in reimbursement over time were trigger finger release in office (+4.2%), open reduction internal fixation distal radius fracture (+2.5%), and cubital tunnel release (+1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for inflation, Medicare physician reimbursements for a major proportion of hand surgical procedures have decreased over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Health-policy makers need to understand the impact of decreasing reimbursements to develop policies of reimbursements that will not only ensure provider satisfaction but also maintain access to care for patients.

Reduction of Opioid Use After Upper-Extremity Surgery through a Predictive Pain Calculator and Comprehensive Pain Plan.

PURPOSE: For outpatient hand and upper-extremity surgeries, opioid prescriptions may exceed the actual need for adequate pain control. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine rates of opioid wasting and consumption after these procedures and (2) create and implement a patient-specific calculator for opioid requirements with a detailed multimodal analgesic plan to guide postoperative prescriptions. METHODS: Patients undergoing hand and upper-extremity surgery at a single ambulatory surgery center were recruited before (n = 305) and after (n = 221) implementation of a postoperative pain control program. On the first postoperative visit, patients were given a questionnaire regarding opioid use and pain control satisfaction. Demographic and procedural data were collected via chart review. With these data from the first cohort, we developed a patient-specific opioid calculator and pain plan that was implemented for the second cohort of patients. Bivariate analysis and multivariable regression analysis were used to determine the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: Pre-intervention data suggested that younger age; baseline opioid use; use of regional block; unemployment; procedures involving bony, tendinous, or ligamentous work (as opposed to soft tissue alone); and longer procedure time were predictive of higher opioid consumption. Pre- and post-intervention cohorts had similar age and sex distributions as well as procedure length. After the intervention, opioids prescribed decreased 63% from a mean of 32.0 ± 15.0 pills/surgery or 194.5 ± 120.2 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) to 11.7 ± 8.9 pills/surgery or 86.4 ± 67.2 MMEs. Opioid consumption decreased 58% from a mean of 21.7 ± 25.0 pills/surgery (137.7 ± 176.4 MMEs) to 9.3 ± 16.7 (64.4 ± 113.4 MMEs). Opioid wastage decreased 62% from 13.8 ± 13.5 pills/surgery (62.8 ± 138.0 MMEs) to 5.2 ± 10.3 (24.8 ± 89.9 MMEs). Implementation of the pain plan and calculator did not affect the odds of unsatisfactory patient-rated pain control or unplanned opioid refills. CONCLUSIONS: With implementation of a comprehensive pain plan for ambulatory upper-extremity surgery, it is possible to reduce opioid prescription, consumption, and wastage rates without compromising patient satisfaction with pain control or increasing rates of unplanned pain medication refills. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Fracture Gap Reduction With Variable-Pitch Headless Screws.

PURPOSE: Fully threaded, variable-pitch, headless screws are used in many settings in surgery and have been extensively studied in this context, especially in regard to scaphoid fractures. However, it is not well understood how screw parameters such as diameter, length, and pitch variation, as well as technique parameters such as depth of drilling, affect gap closure. METHODS: Acutrak 2 fully threaded variable-pitch headless screws of various diameters (Standard, Mini, and Micro) and lengths (16-28 mm) were inserted into polyurethane blocks of "normal" and "osteoporotic" bone model densities using a custom jig. Three drilling techniques (drill only through first block, 4 mm into second block, or completely through both blocks) were used. During screw insertion, fluoroscopic images were taken and later analyzed to measure gap reduction. The effect of backing the screw out after compression was evaluated. RESULTS: Drilling at least 4 mm past the fracture site reduces distal fragment push-off compared with drilling only through the proximal fragment. There were no significant differences in gap closure in the normal versus the osteoporotic model. The Micro screw had a smaller gap closure than both the Standard and the Mini screws. After block contact and compression with 2 subsequent full forward turns, backing the screw out by only 1 full turn resulted in gapping between the blocks. CONCLUSIONS: Intuitively, fully threaded headless variable-pitch screws can obtain compression between bone fragments only if the initial gap is less than the gap closed. Gap closure may be affected by drilling technique, screw size, and screw length. Fragment compression may be immediately lost if the screw is reversed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We describe characteristics of variable-pitch headless screws that may assist the surgeon in screw choice and method of use.

Lift-Off Screw Results in Accurate Sagittal Tilt Correction in a Distal Radius Fracture Model.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of a distal-first open reduction internal plate fixation technique in achieving correction of volar tilt in dorsally angulated distal radius fractures. METHODS: Twenty foam radius models were divided evenly into groups N (normal) and O (osteoporotic). Dorsally angulated extra-articular distal radius fractures were then created. Group O underwent further modification to simulate an osteoporotic model. After static pinning in various degrees of dorsal angulation, opaque fiducial markers were placed and fluoroscopy was used to measure prereduction volar tilt. A variation of the distal-first plate application technique was used where a lift-off screw (LOS) was placed in the proximal most locking hole and propped the proximal aspect of the plate by the screw's length. The LOS length corresponded to the volar tilt correction needed. After fracture reduction using this technique, we measured the volar tilt again. We then compared the actual volar tilt correction with what was predicted based on the LOS length used. We also compared the tilt correction accuracy in the normal and osteoporotic models. RESULTS: Prereduction tilt ranged from 3° to 52° of dorsal tilt from normal (10° volar tilt). Corresponding LOSs ranged from 5 to 42 mm in length. Tilt correction correlated with screw length in a linear fashion (R = 0.9). The mean difference between actual and predicted tilt correction for a given screw length was 0.5° ± 3.0°, and the mean absolute difference was 2.4° ± 1.7° for all specimens. There was no difference between normal and osteoporotic models. CONCLUSIONS: Prereduction dorsal tilt can be accurately corrected within a few degrees of the goal by using the distal-first technique with an LOS. The LOS length can be calculated, and this technique can potentially be used with any distal radius periarticular locking plate with locking options in the shaft. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A technique that provides accurate tilt correction would be of benefit to surgeons treating distal radius fractures with volar plates.

Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Approach in the Patient with Pulmonary Fibrosis in Critical Care Outpatient Department.

The purpose of the present case study was to explore the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in patient with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in the critical care outpatient department. Here, we present a 48-year-old male case with breathlessness, increased frequency of defecation, and pain in and around the nape of neck with diagnosed pulmonary fibrosis. He scored 3 on a patient-reported modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Osteopathic examination reveals multiple somatic findings across the chest and abdominal region and treated by OMT. Pre- and post-intervention changes were assessed by the 13-item shortness of breath with daily activities (13iSOBDA). 27.2, 22, 16.4, and 11.8 were noted at the end of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week of intervention, respectively, on 13iSOBDA while mMRC decreased from 3 to 1. OMT may be a feasible option in decreasing the symptoms of the PPF in the critical care outpatient department.

Metacarpophalangeal joint locking in 3 family members with brachymesophalangy: case report.

We report painful locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint in a man, his mother, and his sister, all of whom have brachymesophalangy. Surgical excision of loose osteocartilaginous fragments relieved their symptoms. The fragments appeared to be unfused ossicles of the metacarpal head, unique to patients with brachymesophalangy.

Gender-specific reference values of dynamometric and non-dynamometric trunk performance in individuals with different body fat percentages: A preliminary study.

Trunk muscles maintain steady effort with adequate strength and endurance. When the muscle performance is subpar, it might cause lower back discomfort. No reference for trunk strength and endurance has been established previously. The aim of this study was to determine the normative reference values for dynamometric and non-dynamometric tests in people with various body fat percentages. Two hundred sixty-four participants aged 19-40 years old were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The Siri equation was used to calculate the individuals body fat proportions, which were divided into normal, high, and very high body fat for men and women. The Modified Sorenson's and the Back-Leg-Chest Dynamometric tests were utilized to measure muscular performance. The means of strength in females with normal, high, and very high body fat percentages were 27.39, 25.75, and 25.37 N/m2, respectively. The males in the same category had the means of 56.48, 51.79, and 60.17 N/m2, respectively. The highest mean of endurance in females was in those with normal body fat percentage (42.28), so did males (71.02). Our findings suggest that males had higher trunk muscle strength and endurance than females, and normal-body-fat individuals had the greatest endurance regardless of gender.

Interspecialty Variation in Perioperative Health Care Resource Usage for Carpal Tunnel Release.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether any interspecialty variation exists, regarding perioperative health care resource usage, in carpal tunnel releases (CTRs). METHODS: The 2010 to 2021 PearlDiver Mariner Database, an all-payer claims database, was queried to identify patients undergoing primary CTRs. Physician specialty IDs were used to identify the specialty of the surgeon-orthopedic versus plastic versus general surgery versus neurosurgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify whether there was any interspecialty variation between the use of health care resources. RESULTS: A total of 908 671 patients undergoing CTRs were included, of which 556 339 (61.2%) were by orthopedic surgeons, 297 047 (32.7%) by plastic surgeons, 44 118 (4.9%) by neurosurgeons, and 11 257 (1.2%) by general surgeons. In comparison with orthopedic surgeons, patients treated by plastic surgeons were less likely to have received opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral steroids, and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis but were more likely to have received steroid injections and electrodiagnostic studies (EDSs) preoperatively. Patients treated by neurosurgeons were more likely to have received preoperative opioids, gabapentin, oral steroids, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, EDSs, and formal preoperative physical/occupational therapy and less likely to have received steroid injections. Patients treated by general surgeons were less likely to receive oral steroids, steroid injections, EDSs, preoperative formal physical therapy, and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, but were more likely to be prescribed gabapentin. CONCLUSIONS: There exists significant variation in perioperative health care resource usage for CTRs between specialties. Understanding reasons behind such variation would be paramount in minimizing differences in how care is practiced for elective hand procedures.

Effectiveness of the physiotherapy interventions on complex regional pain syndrome in patients with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is an umbrella term for a variety of clinical presentations characterized by persistent pain usually in the hands or feet that is disproportionate to any preceding injury and characterized by many autonomic, sensory, and motor symptoms. CRPS is among the most common causes of post stroke shoulder pain in approximately 80% of stroke survivors. This study reviewed the available literature of physiotherapy treatment for CRPS following a stroke. METHODS: Two electronic databases; PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to screen the articles from 2008 to March 2021 to be included in the study. Meta-analysis was done using the RevMan version 5.4 software. Higgins I2 and Chi-square (Tau2) statistical tests were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Out of all 389 studies, only 4 RCT's were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Mirror therapy, Laser therapy and Fluidotherapy was found to be effective than control in improving pain intensity (SMD 4.13, 95% CI 3.51 to 4.74, I2 = 99%) and functional independence (SMD 2.07, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.70, I2 = 100%) in patients with CRPS following stroke. CONCLUSION: This review concluded that physiotherapy interventions in the form of exercise therapy and electrotherapy has proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of CRPS following stroke. This commonest and devastating condition has not been studied to an extent in clinical settings, there is an utmost need for further studies using the available literature.

Tendon Transfers: Techniques to Minimize Complications.

Outcomes after tendon transfer to restore upper extremity function can be optimized using a standardized, multidisciplinary approach to the patient preoperatively, augmented intraoperative decision-making, and an early postoperative mobilization therapy protocol.

Effect of Strengthening Exercises on Sleep Quality among Females Suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Sleep problems also occur in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) of normal weight. Furthermore, PCOS and sleep disturbances are linked with worsening of cardiometabolic health in the long term. Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of strengthening exercises on sleep quality among females suffering from PCOS. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four female participants aged 20-45 years suffering from PCOS from at least 1 year with body mass index of 18.5-29.9 kg/m2 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score ≥5 were randomized into experimental (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups; allocation (1:1). The participants were blinded. Experimental group received strengthening exercises thrice per week for 4 weeks, and no intervention was given in control group. Sleep quality was assessed using PSQI. Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, and global score with strengthening exercises. Mann-Whitney U-test revealed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in use of medication (P = 0.016) and global score (P = 0.045). Conclusion: Four weeks of strengthening exercises has significant benefits in improving the sleep quality among females with PCOS.

Complications in Hand Surgery During Early Independent Practice: A Single Surgeon's 5-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to understand the frequency and types of complications, and the associated postoperative outcomes within the first 5 years of practice after hand and upper extremity surgery fellowship. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of all patients seen and surgically treated by a single surgeon at a single institution from August 2014 to September 2019. This corresponded to the first 5 years of practice after fellowship. Data collected included patient demographics, perioperative data, complication type, and outcome of the complication (better/same/worse than preoperative status). Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system and a unique, self-derived system. RESULTS: In total, 3301 surgeries were performed during the first 5 years of practice. The overall complication rate was 7.9% (261 complications from 239 patients). The 30-day complication rate was 5.2% (171/3301). Eleven (4.2%) of the 261 complications occurred intraoperatively. The total number of complications significantly declined during the first 5 years of practice as follows: 74, 71, 46, 37, and 33 (P = .010, R2 = .92). Hand and wrist were the most frequent anatomic locations involved and bone pathology was the predominant indication. CONCLUSION: The overall surgical complication rate for hand and upper extremity surgery was 7.9%, with a 30-day complication rate of 5.2% (171/3301). The rate of complications after fellowship declined over the first 5 years of independent practice. Superficial infections were the most common complication. More than 90% of patients ultimately improved after addressing the complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Risk Factors for Secondary Revision After Finger Amputations.

BACKGROUND: Digit amputations are relatively simple and are often performed in the setting of trauma or infection. However, it is not uncommon for digit amputations to undergo secondary revision due to complications or patient dissatisfaction. Identifying factors associated with secondary revision may alter treatment strategy. We hypothesize that the secondary revision rate is affected by digit, initial level of amputation, and comorbidities. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients undergoing digit amputations in operating rooms at our institution from 2011 to 2017. Secondary revision amputations were defined as a separate return to the operating room following initial surgical amputation, excluding emergency room amputations. Patient demographics, comorbidities, level of amputation, and complications were collected. RESULTS: In all, 278 patients were included with a total of 386 digit amputations and mean follow-up of 2.6 months. Three hundred twenty-six primary digit amputations were performed in 236 patients (group A). Sixty digits were secondarily revised in 42 patients (group B). The secondary revision rate was 17.8% for patients and 15.5% for digits. Patients with heart disease and diabetes mellitus were associated with secondary revision, with wound complications being the leading indication overall (73.8%). Medicare covered 52.4% of patients in group B versus 30.1% in group A (P = .005). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for secondary revision include Medicare insurance, comorbidities, previous digit amputations, and initial amputation of either the index finger or the distal phalanx. These data may serve as a prediction model to aid surgical decision-making by identifying patients at risk of secondary revision amputation.