Occult isolated fracture of the trapezoid diagnosed by ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with an occult isolated trapezoid fracture of the wrist. Isolated trapezoid fractures are very difficult to detect without advanced radiological imaging, since the fragment displacement does not occur in the sagittal plane. A discussion regarding the investigation of trapezoid fractures utilizing multiple imaging modalities includes the first demonstration of its detection via ultrasonography (US). METHODS: A 26-year-old male presented to a chiropractic teaching clinic with pain involving the left wrist, after vaulting over the handlebars of his bicycle 2 days prior. The mechanism of injury was hyperflexion of the left wrist. Left wrist pain, reduced range of motion, and dorsal soft tissue edematous changes were identified at examination. Although the initial radiographic examination was negative, elevated clinical suspicion triggered an US examination 4 days later. The US exam demonstrated an isolated 1.8 mm dorsal trapezoid fracture, which was minimally displaced by 0.7 mm. RESULTS: Following the US diagnosis of an isolated trapezoid fracture, the wrist was immobilized. The patient elected to not pursue an orthopedic consultation. Conservative care included ice and Class IV therapeutic laser therapy. The patient reported complete alleviation of clinical symptoms after approximately 2 weeks of splinting and treatment. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the limitations of radiography in the diagnosis of this fracture. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe the use of US in the diagnosis of an isolated trapezoid fracture.

Biologic Approaches to Problems of the Hand and Wrist.

Orthobiologics are not used as frequently in the hand and wrist as in other sites. The most frequently reported is the use of bone morphogenetic protein for the treatment of Kienböck disease. Animal studies have described improved tendon healing with the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but no clinical studies have confirmed these results. PRP has been reported to produce improvements in the outcomes of distal radial fractures and osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal in small numbers of patients. The use of orthobiologics in the hand and wrist are promising, but clinical trials are necessary to establish efficacy and safety.

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.

Laser Treatment on Acupuncture Points Improves Pain and Wrist Functionality in Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation Therapy after Wrist Bone Fracture. A Randomized, Controlled, Blinded Study.

The objective of this study was to determine whether application of laser beam on acupuncture points has a positive effect on the rehabilitation of patients with a diagnosis of distal radius fracture (1.5 inches proximal to distal articular surface of the radius) when applied with active conventional physical therapy exercises. Patients with a distal radius fracture treated with closed reduction, percutaneous pinning, and a short cast for six weeks was included and were assigned to one of two study groups. The control group was given simulated laser acupuncture with the laser off, while the experimental group received laser beam on acupuncture points. A low power infrared 980 nm, 50 mW laser (Diller & Diller Laser Performance) electric energy, was used; each acupuncture point was irradiated for 30 seconds at 8,000 Hz at each therapy session. In both groups, treatment was applied to the following points: Ipsilateral- Yanggu (S15), Yangchi (SJ4), Waiguan (SJ15), Yangxi (LI5), Daling (PC7); Bilateral- Hegu (L14); Contralateral- Shenmail (VL62), Kulun (V60), Taixi (KID3). All of the patients underwent a total of 10 sessions, at a frequency of three times per week. They were evaluated using the VAS, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and wrist mobility ranges at the beginning of treatment, at the end of the fifth session, at the 10th session, and a week after the 10th session. The patients treated with laser beam exposure on acupuncture points showed 44% reduction in pain and 33% of improvement in the functional status of the wrist compared with the control group. Application of laser beam on acupuncture points combined with active rehabilitation exercises show benefits in the rehabilitation of patients with a distal radius fracture managed with percutaneous pinning and a short cast.

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.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in the treatment of fresh scaphoid fractures. A multicenter, prospective, double blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The scaphoid bone is the most commonly fractured of the carpal bones. In the Netherlands 90% of all carpal fractures is a fracture of the scaphoid bone. The scaphoid has an essential role in functionality of the wrist, acting as a pivot. Complications in healing can result in poor functional outcome. The scaphoid fracture is a troublesome fracture and failure of treatment can result in avascular necrosis (up to 40%), non-union (5-21%) and early osteo-arthritis (up to 32%) which may seriously impair wrist function. Impaired consolidation of scaphoid fractures results in longer immobilization and more days lost at work with significant psychosocial and financial consequences.Initially Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields was used in the treatment of tibial pseudoarthrosis and non-union. More recently there is evidence that physical forces can also be used in the treatment of fresh fractures, showing accelerated healing by 30% and 71% reduction in nonunion within 12 weeks after initiation of therapy. Until now no double blind randomized, placebo controlled trial has been conducted to investigate the effect of this treatment on the healing of fresh fractures of the scaphoid. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multi center, prospective, double blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial. Study population consists of all patients with unilateral acute scaphoid fracture. Pregnant women, patients having a life supporting implanted electronic device, patients with additional fractures of wrist, carpal or metacarpal bones and pre-existing impairment in wrist function are excluded. The scaphoid fracture is diagnosed by a combination of physical and radiographic examination (CT-scanning).Proven scaphoid fractures are treated with cast immobilization and a small Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields bone growth stimulating device placed on the cast. Half of the devices will be disabled at random in the factory.Study parameters are clinical consolidation, radiological consolidation evaluated by CT-scanning, functional status of the wrist, including assessment by means of the patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire and quality of life using SF-36 health survey questionnaire.Primary endpoint is number of scaphoid unions at six weeks, secondary endpoints are time interval to clinical and radiological consolidation, number of non-unions, functional status at 52 weeks and non-adherence to the treatment protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2064.

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.

Análisis del manejo ortopédico de las fracturas de muñeca / Orthopedic management of distal radius fractures

Se realiza un trabajo prospectivo en 146 fracturas de muñeca con desplazamiento dorsal tratadas ortopédicamente, a fin de determinar la dinámica del desplazamiento de las fracturas, analizar los factores predictivos del resultado y la utilidad de distintas clasificaciones. Se efectuó una reducción ortopédica seguido de inmovilización durante 6 semanas. Se estudiaron con Rx iniciales, 1a, 2a, 3a y 6a semanas y 3º, 6º, 12 y 24 meses y Rx de la muñeca sana. Se clasificaron según Older, AO, Frykman y se presenta una clasificación basada en la conminución dorsal. Entre la reducción y la consolidación se observó una angulación dorsal promedio de 9,2º, un acortamiento radial de 1,7 mm y una inclinación radial de 2,6º. En 95 casos (65 por ciento de la población) ocurrió una angulación dorsal significativa la cual se presentó con mayor frecuencia y mayor magnitud en forma precoz (antes de la segunda semana). Lo mismo sucedió con la inclinación radial en 32 casos (24 por ciento) el acortamiento radial presente en 42 casos (29 por ciento) fue de mayor magnitud en forma precoz pero más frecuente en forma tardía. Se comprobó que la reducción ortopédica, y en segundo término el desplazamiento inicial, fueron los factores predictivos más importantes en los resultados. Se encontró además una correlación estrecha entre el resultado anatómico y la clasificación de Older. Lo mismo ocurrió al analizar la conminución dorsal que fue significativo para el desplazamiento inicial, la reducción obtenida y los resultados. La clasificación AO tuvo una correlación menos estrecha y la de Frykman no demostró utilidad. El compromiso articular no influyó en el resultado. Se describe a la fractura del cuello del cúbito asociada, como un factor protector, que al estar presente demuestra resultados significativamente mejores independiente del grado de conminución de la fractura. Además se definen los índices normales en 243 casos demostrando que no hay diferencias anatómicas en los casos que sufren fracturas, con respecto al resto de la población, pero sí presentan diferencias significativas en cuanto al acortamiento e inclinación radial al comparar distintos grupos etarios

Treatment of hand and wrist pain. A randomized clinical trial of high voltage pulsed, direct current built into a wrist splint.

To determine the effectiveness of high voltage pulsed current (HVPC) in reducing chronic hand edema, 120 individuals were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Group I clients were given an appropriate sized wrist splint, incorporating an energized, high voltage pulsed unit. Group II clients were given an identical splint with a non-energized unit. Each client received daily treatments at the worksite consisting of 30 minute sessions totaling 20 treatments during a 35 day period. Pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations included measurements of pain, grip strength, and edema volume; repetitive task testing; and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament sensory testing. In the energized group, post-treatment evaluation showed statistically significant decreases in the amount of stimulation required to stimulate the median nerve and the amount of hand edema and pain. The energized group also had improved repetitive task times. None of these improvements occurred in the non-energized group. Based on these results, HVPC appears to be an effective method for minimizing the severity of repetitive stress injuries of the wrist.

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.

[Advantages and disadvantages of various kinds of anesthesia in reposition of distal radius fracture]. / Vor- und Nachteile der verschiedenen Anästhesieformen zur Reposition der distalen Radiusfraktur.

The fundamental differences of general anesthesia and somatic blockade have to be considered. When selecting the method of anesthesia to reduce distal fractures of the radius. Brachial plexus block and local anesthesia within the therapeutic dose of the drug leave vital centers intact and metabolism undisturbed. Somatic blockade can be applied without further investigations when urgency is indicated. If an anesthesiologist is not present, the surgeon can apply the method. Experience reduces the rate of drawbacks.

Traumatic volar dislocation of the second, third and fourth carpometacarpal joints: mechanism and manipulation.

Traumatic volar dislocation of the second, third and fourth carpometacarpal joints without associated fracture is extremely rare. A single case, treated successfully by manipulative reduction supplemented with splint immobilization and isometric and isotonic muscle exercise is reported, with restoration of complete anatomical alignment revealed by postmanipulative radiographs. The radiology of carpometacarpal joint dislocation is discussed. The conservative traction-dorsiflexion manipulative reduction for multiple volar carpometacarpal joint dislocations is described and recommended before using open reduction. Based on the case, it is postulated that the mechanism of a carpometacarpal joint dislocation is due to a sudden violent force acting almost perpendicularly to the metacarpal head or heads; the reactive forces create the opposite directed forces as a lever type of strain on the involved carpometacarpal joint and produce the dislocation.

Electrical stimulation applied to bone and nerve injuries in the upper extremity.

In conclusion, electrical stimulation of bone has advanced from the laboratory to clinical reality. Despite the lack of good double-blind clinical studies, it is impossible to ignore the excellent results reported from numerous multicenter trials. Doubts and controversies will and should continue. Electrical stimulation has a definite place in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion as well as other failures of osteogenic biology in the upper extremity. The future may realize the enormous potential of electrical stimulation in areas of nerve repair, wound healings, or osteoporosis. The hand surgeon may soon be operating in the age of biophysics where he or she can charge by the kilowatt hour. Yet one should not become a mere technician, but understand the basic science of what one is doing and, above all, maintain a balanced and critical approach.

Scaphoid (navicular) fracture of the wrist.

This common fracture most frequently affects young males. In most cases, the fracture is found on initial examination. Occasionally, it is missed on the initial radiographic evaluation but becomes apparent on follow-up films. Although most scaphoid fractures respond to conservative therapy, some fail to heal. Nonunion of the scaphoid may respond to various nonoperative and operative techniques. In such cases, consultation with a hand surgeon is useful.