Radiocarpal Fracture Dislocations: A Retrospective Review on Operative Fixation and Postoperative Range of Motion.

BACKGROUND: Radiocarpal dislocation (RCD) and radiocarpal fracture dislocation (RCFD) are rare but severe injury patterns with multiple types of fixation techniques described. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of RCD and RCDF treated at our institution. METHODS: Patients were identified using our institution's electronic medical records between 2013 and 2022. Seventeen patients met criteria who suffered either RCD or RCFD. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively with a focus on demographics, mechanism of injury, smoking status, open injury, direction of dislocation, Moneim and Dumontier classification, procedures, complications, final range of motion and subsequent surgeries. RESULTS: Seventeen patients met criteria with an average age of 38.5 years. Thirteen patients sustained dorsal dislocations while 4 sustained volar dislocations. Four were Dumontier type I and 13 were type II. Twelve were Moneim type I and 5 were type II. Fourteen of the 17 patients had at least 6-month follow-up. The average flexion and extension at time of last follow-up was 33.6° and 39.5°, respectively. Average pronation and supination was 80.6° and 63.1°, respectively. Fourteen patients underwent subsequent surgeries, mainly hardware removal, and 5 had complications resulting in unplanned return to the operating room. There was no significant difference in post operative range of motion, complications, or subsequent surgeries based on Moneim or Dumontier classification (P > 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Radiocarpal dislocation and RCFD are challenging and rare injuries with multiple patterns and variance. With proper fixation and recognition of associated injuries, patients with these injuries can expect to return to work and achieve functional range of motion.

Neuromuscular ultrasound of the brachial plexus: A standardized approach.

Reliable assessment of brachial plexus disorders can be challenging due to the complexity of the anatomy and variation of potential pathology. Electrodiagnostic testing can be both uncomfortable for the patient and inconclusive. Ultrasound can serve as a complement to clinical assessment, electrodiagnostic testing, and other imaging modalities. This study describes a systematic approach for performing neuromuscular ultrasound for suspected pathology in the brachial plexus. The literature regarding techniques for brachial plexus ultrasound was reviewed. A team composed of specialists in neurology, physiatry, anesthesiology, orthopedic surgery, and vascular surgery used this as the basis for describing standardized techniques for performing brachial plexus ultrasound. Four standard views, along with other supplemental views, are described for the evaluation of the brachial plexus. An illustrative case is presented. Ultrasound is a high-resolution point of care diagnostic tool that allows assessment of structural pathology affecting the brachial plexus. Muscle Nerve 58: 618-624, 2018.

A randomized trial of diagnostic ultrasound to improve outcomes in focal neuropathies.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular ultrasound is valid, reliable, and accurate, but it is not known whether combining it with electrodiagnostic studies leads to better outcomes in individuals with focal neuropathies. METHODS: One hundred twenty individuals with focal neuropathy, based on history, examination, and electrodiagnosis, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent neuromuscular ultrasound and were randomized to either have their ultrasound results sent to the referring physician or not have them sent. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months by evaluators blinded to group assignment. RESULTS: The Overall Disability Sum Score and 7 of 8 domains of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) showed more improvement in the "report sent" group, although only the general health perception domain was significant (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Most 6-month outcomes did not reach statistical significance between the 2 groups. However, the "report sent" group had trends toward better outcomes, with significance being reached in the general health perception domain of the SF-36.