Risk factors for distal radius fracture in postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to explore the risk factors for distal radius fracture in postmenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 611 postmenopausal women with distal radius fractures were included. In all, 173 patients with unstable distal radius fractures were included (unstable fracture group), while there were 438 patients with stable distal radius fractures (stable fracture group). The control group comprised 800 postmenopausal women with no fracture. A questionnaire survey was conducted. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the 611 postmenopausal women with distal radius fractures had a higher body mass index (BMI). Advanced age and higher BMI were more common in the unstable fracture group than in the stable fracture group (P <0.05). A higher proportion of the 611 postmenopausal women with a distal radius fracture had fallen in the last 12 months than in the control group. Comorbidities and the frequency of falls in the last 12 months were higher in the unstable fracture group than in the stable fracture group (P < 0.05). A higher proportion of the control group was taking calcium supplements, while the proportion taking calcium supplementation in the unstable fracture group was lower than that in the stable fracture group (P < 0.05). Osteoporosis in the two fracture groups (P < 0.05) was significantly higher than in the control group and was the highest in the unstable fracture group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women, obesity, falls, unknown osteoporosis status, and osteoporosis are associated with high risk of distal radius fracture. If comorbidities and advanced age are also present, this group of persons may be at higher risk for unstable distal radius fractures.

Preferences for the emergency department or alternatives for older people in aged care: a discrete choice experiment.

Background: To estimate the effect of factors that influence decisions to transfer residents of aged care facilities to an emergency department (ED) for acute medical emergencies. Design and Participants: A discrete choice experiment with residents (N = 149), the relatives of residents (N = 137) and staff members (N = 128) of aged care facilities. Setting: Aged care facilities in three Australian states. Outcome Measures: Using random parameter logit models, parameter estimates and odds ratios were estimated, and resultant utility functions for ED and alternate care were constructed. Results: All attributes (including waiting time, complication rates, symptom relief and time spent alone) significantly influence choice for accessing acute care. There is a strong overall preference for ED care (odds ratio 1.73, 95% confidence interval 1.57­1.92), but this varies by clinical scenario, being the strongest for pneumonia and weakest for wrist fracture. Relatives of residents were less tolerant of reductions in care quality than staff members or residents themselves. Conclusion: Underlying preference for ED transfer of aged care facility residents in acute medical emergencies is strong and independent of commonly used quality of care measures.

The effectiveness of passive physical modalities for the management of soft tissue injuries and neuropathies of the wrist and hand: a systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of passive physical modalities compared to other interventions, placebo/sham interventions, or no intervention in improving self-rated recovery, functional recovery, clinical outcomes and/or administrative outcomes (eg, time of disability benefits) in adults and/or children with soft tissue injuries and neuropathies of the wrist and hand. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, accessed through Ovid Technologies, Inc, and CINAHL Plus with Full Text, accessed through EBSCO host, from 1990 to 2015. Our search strategies combined controlled vocabulary relevant to each database (eg, MeSH for MEDLINE) and text words relevant to our research question and the inclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies were eligible. Random pairs of independent reviewers screened studies for relevance and critically appraised relevant studies using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Studies with low risk of bias were synthesized following best evidence synthesis principles. RESULTS: We screened 6618 articles and critically appraised 11 studies. Of those, 7 had low risk of bias: 5 addressed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 2 addressed de Quervain disease. We found evidence that various types of night splints lead to similar outcomes for the management of CTS. The evidence suggests that a night wrist splint is less effective than surgery in the short term but not in the long term. Furthermore, a night wrist splint and needle electroacupuncture lead to similar outcomes immediately postintervention. Finally, low-level laser therapy and placebo low-level laser therapy lead to similar outcomes. The evidence suggests that kinesio tape or a thumb spica cast offers short-term benefit for the management of de Quervain disease. Our search did not identify any low risk of bias studies examining the effectiveness of passive physical modalities for the management of other soft tissue injuries or neuropathies of the wrist and hand. CONCLUSIONS: Different night orthoses provided similar outcomes for CTS. Night orthoses offer similar outcomes to electroacupuncture but are less effective than surgery in the short term. This review suggests that kinesio tape or a thumb spica cast may offer short-term benefit for the management of de Quervain disease.

Examination and treatment of scaphoid fractures and pseudarthrosis.

BACKGROUND: About 2,000 patients annually incur a fractured scaphoid in Norway. Assessment and diagnosis can be difficult, and fractures are overlooked. Scaphoid fractures have traditionally been cast-immobilised, but for the last decade screw fixing has been used increasingly, and offers hope of a higher healing frequency and improved function. Some scaphoid fractures are not diagnosed in the acute phase and some do not heal after treatment. Patients may then end up with painful pseudarthrosis. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the assessment, treatment and outcomes of scaphoid fractures. METHOD: The article is based on literature searches in PubMed and the authors' own clinical experience. RESULTS: Primary diagnosis of scaphoid fractures and subsequent plaster cast immobilisation yield very good clinical results. Surgery should be limited to displaced fractures, fractures forming part of more extensive wrist injuries and exceptional other cases. Results comparable a quality equivalent to cast immobilisation are achieved by experienced surgeons in this area. Untreated scaphoid fractures often result in painful pseudarthrosis with subsequent abnormal position of the carpal bones and secondary arthrosis. This outcome can be counteracted by surgery on old fractures with bone grafting, internal fixation and cast immobilisation. INTERPRETATION: Norwegian procedures for treating scaphoid fractures/pseudarthrosis are consistent with internationally documented good practice. Assessment of wrist pain following falls can be improved by conducting clinical tests for scaphoid fracture and radiology with four wrist projections. In the event of clinical suspicion, but no X-ray findings, the patient should be referred for a CT or MRI scan.

Acute isolated volar dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint: case report and literature review.

The acute isolated distal radio-ulnar (DRU) dislocation is a rare traumatic pathology and no consensus concerning its management has been established. This case report describes an acute isolated volar DRU dislocation in a 26-year-old patient. The authors propose, based on this case and after an exhaustive review of the literature, a non-operative management for these isolated and non-complicated dislocations.

Clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of a proximal positional fault of the radius. A case report.

Positional faults are considered a possible underlying mechanism mimicking the symptoms of a joint sprain. Despite numerous clinical studies indicating the presence of positional faults, there is limited evidence of imaging studies confirming positional faults. This case report is a preliminary study that offers clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of a proximal positional fault of the radius, treated successfully with manual therapy techniques. Three weeks after a bike fall on the outstretched hand, the patient in this study presented with right wrist pain and a lack of progress with conventional conservative treatment (NSAIDs, rest and immobilization). Clinical findings indicating a proximal positional fault of the radius included pain during active pronation increased by associating a passive movement of the radius in a proximal direction and it was reduced by associating a passive movement of the radius in a distal direction. Ultrasonographic (US) images showed a reduction of radio-capitellar distance on the right side (11.4 mm) compared to the left side (13.3 mm). A positive response with a distal mobilization of the radius supported the proximal positional fault of the radius. After two manual therapy sessions, the patient had recovered normal asymptomatic function. The outcomes used to assess function and pain were active pronation range of motion, the Spanish version of the DASH questionnaire and a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale. Each measure was conducted prior and after each treatment session and one week post treatment. The patient was re-examined at 6 months follow-up, during which US images, demonstrated a normalization of the right radio-capitellar distance.

Reducción de la fractura de Colles cerrada con electroacupuntura: reporte de un caso / Reduction of Colles´s closed fracture with electroacupuncture. A case report

Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 18 años de edad, blanco, con antecedentes de salud anterior, que acudió al cuerpo de guardia de nuestro centro por presentar dolor intenso en la mano derecha con deformidad de la articulación de la muñeca, la cual se produjo por una caída. Se comprobó el diagnóstico clínico a los rayos X, se apreció fractura de Colles cerrada. Se aplicó tratamiento con electroacupuntura con el objetivo de evaluar la eficacia de este método acupuntural para lograr realizar la reducción manual de esta fractura. La electroacupuntura se realizó en el mismo lado de la lesión, mediante los puntos locales intestino grueso 4 (Ig 4: Hegu) y Sanliao 5 (Sj 5: Waiguan) con fines analgésicos con el empleo del equipo electroacupuntural multipropósito KWD 808 II, de fabricación china, con la onda continua a una intensidad tolerable por el paciente y alta frecuencia (100 herz), luego se procedió a realizar la maniobra reductiva de la fractura y se evaluó la técnica a través de la variable dolor durante la manipulación. La maniobra reductiva resultó eficaz con el uso de ésta técnica ya que se pudo realizar la misma sin dolor ni quejas por el paciente (AU)

The case of a white, 18-year-old patient is presented, with previous health antecedents that came to the emergency room by presenting intense pain in the right hand with deformity of the articulation of the wrist, which was produced by a fall. The clinical diagnosis to the X-rays was verified, a Colles´s closed fracture was appreciated. Electroacupuncture treatment with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of this acupunctural method to achieve the manual reduction of this fracture was applied. Electroacupuncture in the same side of the lesion was performed, by means of the local points large intestine 4 (Ig 4: Hegu) and Sanliao 5 (Sj 5: Waiguan) with analgesic purposes with the employment of the KWD 808 II multipurpose electroacupunctural equipment, of Chinese production, with continuous wave to a tolerable intensity for the patient and high frequency (100 herz), then it was proceeded to carry out the reductive maneuver of the fracture and the technique through the variable pain during manipulation was evaluated. The reductive maneuver turned out to be efficient with the use of this technique since it could be carried out without pain neither complaints by the patient (AU)

Magnetic resonance imaging of the triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions: a comprehensive clinicoradiologic approach and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: This article illustrates the frequent lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) by means of magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of the magnetic resonance images of 109 patients from our database. All subjects had history of trauma, and all underwent both radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging examination of the wrist. The changes (degeneration, tears) of the TFCC were assessed. RESULTS: Ten patients were excluded because of incomplete imaging protocol (4 patients) and low-quality images (6 patients). From the 99 wrists remaining, the TFCC was normal in 30 (30.3%). Degenerative changes were found in 40 (40.4%) wrists. Partial and complete tears were present in 17 (17.1%) and 12 (12.1%) wrists, respectively. CONCLUSION: The TFCC lesions in acute traumatic wrists should not be overlooked; they may contribute to wrist pain and disability after treatment of existing bone injuries.

Early-onset multiple myeloma: an illustrative case report.

OBJECTIVE: This case study describes a patient diagnosed with early manifestations of multiple myeloma and illustrates relevant aspects of differential diagnosis and the use of laboratory, radiologic, and advanced imaging techniques to aid in establishing the diagnosis and issues of management. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 36-year-old male student experienced midback pain that occurred primarily at night in conjunction with fever and unexplained weight loss. Minor trauma induced a significant fracture and an occult fracture in the upper extremity. Physical examination revealed an elevated temperature indicating a fever of undetermined etiology. Plain radiographs revealed diffuse osteoporosis of the thoracic spine. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, hypercalcemia, and abnormal monoclonal paraprotein. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fracture with poor healing and an occult fracture in the upper extremity. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was initially assessed for fever of undetermined etiology in association with nocturnal midback pain. Although considered a disease of the geriatric population, subsequent laboratory and radiologic evaluations established a diagnosis of early-onset multiple myeloma. Early recognition and referral with comanagement by an oncologist provided optimum care. Early-onset cases of multiple myeloma tend to have a more favorable response to treatment as compared with cases diagnosed in the geriatric population. CONCLUSION: Multiple myeloma should be a consideration when a patient presents with nocturnal back pain and fever of undetermined etiology. Differentiating multiple myeloma from other causes of back pain is especially important in making management decisions. With a precise history and physical diagnosis, the diagnosis may be suspected, but confirmation must rely on ancillary investigations. Multiple myeloma is frequently accompanied by a poor prognosis, but early-onset cases generally respond more favorably to interventions.

Hamate hook fracture in a 17-year-old golfer: importance of matching symptoms to clinical evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the importance of correlating symptoms with objective clinical findings and appropriate diagnostic imaging in a patient with traumatic wrist pain. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 17-year-old golfer had persistent left wrist pain of 4 months' duration that began while playing golf. Approximately 1 week after injury, he was diagnosed with a scaphoid fracture and was splinted. He reported that his pain did not decrease with splinting or with subsequent physical therapy, and on dismissal from orthopedic care he could not use the wrist well enough to return to golf. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was found to have marked point tenderness at the hamate. Although plain-film radiography was negative, secondary computed tomography of the wrist showed a fracture to the hook of the hamate. A referral was made to an orthopedic surgeon and surgical excision of the hook of the hamate was recommended because of the failure of union at the fracture site. CONCLUSION: This case shows the significance of follow-up diagnostic imaging in a patient who does not respond as expected. In addition, it stresses the importance of the doctor of chiropractic in the diagnostic process, although the patient may have been treated and released by another physician.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist: occult osseous lesions.

This article illustrates the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of occult osseous lesions in three different patients. All three patients suffered from a history of wrist trauma, but had negative plain film radiographs. The three types of occult lesions (bone bruise, microfracture and chronic osseous damage) are described, and their MRI characteristics are demonstrated by proton density and T2 weighted images. MRI proved to be the diagnostic modality of choice for the detection of posttraumatic intrinsic marrow changes.

Evaluation and treatment of hand and wrist disorders in musicians.

Hand symptoms in musicians reflect a complex, multifactorial etiology. A multidisciplinary approach is required for proper evaluation and treatment. Good results can be achieved in most patients with localized inflammatory and overuse disorders or nerve compression syndromes. Motor control disorders and chronic pain syndromes are associated with poorer results. Early diagnosis appears to improve outcome.

Fractures of the scaphoid bone. How to handle this common wrist injury.

A combination of forces makes the scaphoid bone susceptible to fracture. The common mechanism of trauma is a force applied to the palmar aspect of the wrist while it is in extreme dorsiflexion. Because early fracture diagnosis by x-ray study is difficult, all patients with a suspicious wrist injury and tenderness in the scaphoid region should be treated as if they have a fracture until radiographs at two and four weeks are normal. Treatment usually consists of immobilization using a long or short plaster arm cast. Various treatment methods, including electrical stimulation, are used when nonunion occurs. It is important to remember that patients are mainly concerned with results, not means, as long as such means are fast, safe, and minimally disabling.