Patterns of Osteoarthritis in Long Finger Joints: An Observational Cadaveric Study with Potential Biomechanical Considerations.

PURPOSE: To explore the distribution and prevalence of osteoarthritis in metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints in long fingers in a cadaveric study, and to discuss potential biomechanical influences on these patterns. METHODS: This cadaveric study evaluated 144 metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints from 12 embalmed cadaver hands. A dorsal dissection approach was used to expose the joints, which were then marked with color-coded pegs for consistent orientation during imaging. High-resolution digital images of the distal articular surfaces were captured for analysis. The images were analyzed using custom software to quantify osteoarthritic areas, distinguishing between radial and ulnar aspects. Percentage affected joint surface was calculated using pixel-based measurements. Statistical analysis was used the Student t-test and ANOVA, with the significance threshold set at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals RESULTS: The ulnar side of the proximal interphalangeal joint in digits 2 and 3 showed higher prevalence of osteoarthritis (59.31% ± 15.48%) than the radial side (40.68% ± 15.48%), p = 0.007; in contrast, for digits 4 and 5, prevalence was greater on the radial (54.3% ± 10.99%) than the ulnar side (45.7% ± 10.99%), p = 0.007. No significant differences were noted in osteoarthritis distribution between the radial and ulnar aspects of the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified distinct patterns of osteoarthritis distribution in long-finger joints, with greater prevalence in the proximal interphalangeal joints. Although there were differences between stable (digits 2 and 3) and mobile (digits 4 and 5) fingers, further research is necessary to conclusively determine the role of biomechanical forces in the development of osteoarthritis. These findings lay the groundwork for future studies of the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis in the hand, and could guide the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions.

[OLECRANON BURSITIS].

INTRODUCTION: The olecranon bursa is a pocket-like structure located at the posterior aspect of the elbow that is responsible for the smooth movement of the surrounding tissues. Frequently, it is the source of elbow pain due to an inflammation which may be caused by local injury or penetration of bacteria through the skin. This can lead to an initial acute and possibly a late chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation may originate from systemic diseases such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis as well. The treatment of olecranon bursitis may be conservative (non-surgical) or surgical. Recently, there is more supporting evidence for the use of conservative management over surgical intervention in treating olecranon bursitis.

[RADIAL TUNNEL SYNDROME].

INTRODUCTION: The radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) is an entrapment of the radial nerve in the forearm. It is characterized by pain focused on the trapping area in the proximal forearm as well as pain radiated down the forearm. The syndrome is more common in men and in our estimation, there is a circumstantial connection to the continuous use of the computer keyboard. Radial tunnel syndrome is a consequence of nerve entrapment in the tunnel, which is formed from a covering consisting of the supinator muscle and the distal margins of this muscle. There is a clear association between radial tunnel syndrome and the occurrence of tennis elbow. The sensitivity in nearby locations along with the lack of familiarity of some of the clinicians with RTS lead to misdiagnosis and therefore, even to mistreatment in some cases. The physical examination is the most important means of making the correct diagnosis. The treatment of radial tunnel syndrome is divided into the conservative one in which emphasis is placed on physiotherapy and mobilizations of the nerve and the surgical one during which decompression of the radial canal is performed and in fact release of pressure at the exact anatomical location.

Trigger Finger Due to Anomaly of Lumbrical Insertion: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

CASE: Trigger finger (TF), or stenosing synovitis, is a common condition that can usually be diagnosed by physical examination. We recently operated on a patient with TF who did not respond to conservative treatment. At surgery, we found an anomalous insertion of the fourth lumbrical muscle to the A1 pulley. This insertion was observed to cause mechanical narrowing of the pulley due to a pulling effect by the muscle, which was relieved by resection. CONCLUSION: Although rare, the operating surgeon should be aware that local anatomical anomalies, such as insertion of a lumbrical into the A1 pulley, can be a cause of trigger finger.

Ulnar Superficialis Slip Resection Versus Radial Superficialis Slip Resection: A Biomechanical Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous clinical scenarios during which the surgeon contemplates whether the radial or ulnar slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) should be sacrificed. To date no study has assessed the point of failure of each one of the FDS slips in each digit, aiding the avid surgeon in deciding which slip to sacrifice. METHODS: A total of 41 digits were assessed, each digit was dissected, and a specimen containing the denuded bone of the middle phalanx with the attachments of the ulnar and radial FDS slips was obtained. An Instron 4502 device was utilized to biomechanically assess the point of failure of each slip of each digit. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between ulnar and radial slip point of failure when compared across all digits and subjects. There was no statistical difference between male and female subject's specimens. The point of failure was higher in the ulnar slips of the second and third digits, whereas the point of failure was higher in the radial slips of the fourth and fifth digits. CONCLUSIONS: Sacrifice of a FDS slip may cause loss of grip strength. In several clinical scenarios one may be faced with the dilemma which FDS slip to sacrifice. Our findings show this is not an arbitrary choice. Hand surgeons should keep our findings in mind when deciding which slip to sacrifice, in effort to preserve function and strength in the injured hand.

[MEDIAN NERVE COMPRESSION BY LIPOMA CAN MIMIC CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME].

INTRODUCTION: Lipoma of the nerve is an uncommon tumor, and usually has the highest incidence in the upper limb, especially in the median nerve. When the lesion is large it can cause peripheral neuropathy such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, a physical examination is paramount for correct surgery and patient preparation. In this article we present a case that was mainly diagnosed by a complete physical examination, which led to the selection of appropriate surgery for the patient.

[DE QUERVAIN'S TENOSYNOVITIS - CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: De-Quervain tenosynovitis, named after the Swiss surgeon Fritz De Quervain, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness over the first extensor compartment of the wrist. This compartment contains the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendons in their individual retinacular sheath. Non-inflammatory thickening of the tendinous sheath leads to entrapment of the individual tendons and increased friction. The condition is more common in women, particularly aged 30-50 years old and those 4-6 weeks in their post-partum period. It can be associated with trauma or repetitive motion but is typically of unknown etiology. While most cases are self-limiting, treatment is often required and comprises of non-operative treatment: anti-inflammatory medication, wrist splints and local steroid injection; and operative treatment: surgical release of the 1st dorsal compartment.

[MULTIPLE GIANT CELL TUMOR OF TENDON SHEATH: A CASE REPORT OF THREE LESIONS ON THE SAME FLEXOR TENDON].

INTRODUCTION: We present a case report of a triple location Giant Cell Tumor of tendon sheath appearance on the same flexor tendon sheath of a single digit. There have been scarce descriptions of multiple Giant Cell Tumors of tendon sheath. Multiple tumors may predispose patients to a higher recurrence rate; therefore, recognition and treatment of this rare entity is important.

[MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS (GOLFER'S ELBOW) - CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Medial epicondylitis, which is also called "Golfer's Elbow" is a pathology which typically presents as medial elbow pain. It affects 1% of the general population, yet affects 3.8% to 8.2% of work-related complaints. Golfer's elbow is common in the 40 to 60-year-old age group so those suffering from it are part of the workforce and hence, its economic impact. Women and men alike suffer from golfer's elbow, and microtrauma combined with attritional changes in the common flexor tendon origin at the medial aspect of the elbow are the culprit of this pathology. The first line of treatment is conservative therapy and only when it fails is an open surgical approach utilized. New approaches to treating this ailment such as use of Extra Corporeal Shock Wave therapy and the use of injectable blood derivatives, as well as new surgical techniques are also being applied.

[ACUTE INJURY TO FLEXOR TENDONS OF THE HAND: ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Hand lacerations are common injuries seen by the primary care physician. Even seemingly small cuts carry a high risk of injury to flexor tendons of the hand which requires surgical treatment by a specialist. Elucidation of the relevant history, along with a dedicated and focused physical examination is imperative for an early intervention which, along with a meticulous surgical technique and dedicated rehabilitation by occupational therapists, will lead to a much improved functional prognosis for the patient. This is a brief review of the anatomy and physiology of flexor tendons injury and repair, with historical milestones of developments in the approach to the injury. The article also highlights the surgical procedure brought forth by the late Professor Isidor Kessler, one of the founders of surgery of the hand in Israel, presented here as an overview and guidance to the primary care physician.

Diminished coordination skills may predispose injury to lesser toe fractures-a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Lesser toe fractures of the foot are a common lower extremity injury. The common mechanism of injury is a direct impact of force on the toe due to a collision of the toe with an object, often related as accidental injury or clumsiness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case-control study. We compared patients with lesser toe fractures to a healthy control group. We used a motor imagery tool to evaluate the proprioception and function of the pre-motor, center of motion planning cortex. Forty images of the left/right feet in various positions were incorporated into a dedicated software application. Participant reaction time and accuracy of recognition were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-two adult participants (20 with lesser toe fractures and 22 in the control healthy group) were included in the study. There was no difference in the participant's self-perception of clumsiness or involvement in activities that are related to better coordination. There was no difference in the accuracy or the reaction time in the motor imagery tool. The control group was significantly (p < 0.05) more accurate in recognizing their dominant side, whereas the fracture group was more accurate in recognizing their non-dominant side. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support the premise that diminished coordination skills may predispose to injury to lesser toe fractures. Our findings may suggest that mixed laterality (hand/foot) is related to lesser toe fractures and thus may be related to clumsiness. Whether these alterations in perception bare merit in other types of physical injuries has yet to be explored.

Photobiomodulation Therapy to Autologous Bone Marrow in Humans Significantly Increases the Concentration of Circulating Stem Cells and Macrophages: A Pilot Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) of the bone marrow (BM) on the concentration of stem cells and other cells in the circulating blood (CB) in humans. Background: Circulating stem cells have received increasing attention in recent years due to their potential role in regenerative medicine. Various biological processes have been shown to be affected by PBMT. Methods: The study was conducted on 15 volunteers. Ga-Al-As diode laser 808 nm wavelength was applied to both tibias of each volunteer for PBMT to the BM. The kinetics of concentration of various cells in the CB was followed by comparing blood samples relative to their baseline levels prior to application of PBMT to the BM. CD-34+ cells and macrophages were identified in CB samples using flow cytometry technology. Results: PBMT to the BM caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the concentration of CD-34+ cells in the CB from 7.8 ± 3.0% (mean ± SD) of total mononucleated cell to 29.5 ± 10.1% of total commencing at about 2 h post-PBMT. The levels of CD-34+ cells peaked at 2-4 days post-PBMT and then gradually returned to baseline levels. Macrophages in the CB were also significantly (p < 0.01) elevated following PBMT to the BM from 7.8 ± 6.0% (mean ± SD) of the total mononucleated cells to 52.1 ± 7.9% of total. Conclusions: Application of PBMT to the BM in humans can significantly increase the concentration of CD-34+ cells and macrophages in the CB. These cells may consequently home in on the impaired target organs and improve their function, as has been previously shown in experimental animal models. Furthermore, the results may also have clinical relevance in respect to enrichment of CB in cells that may be consequently isolated for cell therapy. Clinical Trial Registration No. is 7/14.

[THE CONGENITAL TRIGGER THUMB - CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Congenital trigger thumb is found in 0.3% of all children. There is an ongoing debate whether the finding of a congenital trigger thumb is truly congenital or is developmental, although the current tendency in the literature is to see it as a developmental finding. When a toddler is found to have a thumb with the interphalangeal joint locked in flexion there are a number of differential diagnoses to be considered. Absence or aberrance of the extensor mechanism, arthrogryposis, spasticity and the clasped thumb deformity all may explain this finding. The most common diagnosis of a toddler found with his thumb locked in flexion or extension is the congenital trigger thumb. Clinical inspection will reveal, in most cases, a distinct nodule at the base of the thumb named Notta's Node, and a thumb fixed in either flexion or extension at the interphalangeal joint. A trial of conservative treatment extending for at least six months should be made, but once this fails, surgical intervention is the rule of thumb. Surgical intervention consists of ligation of the A1 pulley while preserving structures in its vicinity.

Forearm Shortening Impact on Pronation and Supination.

Background: Shortening has been described to treat severely mangled extremities, replantations and nonunions. Outcomes after this procedure in the forearm are vaguely described. This study addresses how the forearm rotation is affected by: (1) location of the shortening; (2) the amount of the shortening at different locations. Methods: Nine fresh cadaveric forearms were dissected preserving intact proximal and distal radio ulnar joints and interosseous membrane. The widest point of the interosseous space and its location over the ulna were measured, defining the peak interosseous distance (PID) and the peak interosseous distance level (PIDL). Stabilization and fixation of the specimens were performed by using a platform and external fixators. Consecutive ostectomies were performed within one centimeter intervals at the distal, middle and proximal forearm thirds. A repeated measures mixed-effects (RMME) specific model was designed for the statistical analysis. Results: Before intervention, the average full forearm rotation was 157° (101-185), supination 80° (56-90)/pronation 77° (45-95). The average PID was 15.6 mm in supination and 12.5 mm in pronation. The PIDP were 52.2% and 58.3% of the ulna length in supination and pronation, respectively. The rotation lost were: middle third 5.31°/cm in supination and 6.12°/cm in pronation, distal third 1.62°/cm in supination and 2.20°/cm in pronation, the proximal third was not affected by up to 5 cm of shortening. Conclusions: These data suggest that shortening of the middle and distal third of the forearm might have more significant adverse effect on forearm rotation compared with the proximal third.

Effect of adding medical cannabis to analgesic treatment in patients with low back pain related to fibromyalgia: an observational cross-over single centre study.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) occurs in many patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The current study aimed to assess the possible pain and function amelioration associated with medical cannabis therapy (MCT) in this setting. METHODS: 31 patients were involved in an observational cross-over study. The patients were screened, treated with 3 months of standardised analgesic therapy (SAT): 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride equivalent to 4.5 mg oxycodone and 2.5 mg naloxone hydrochloride twice a day and duloxetine 30 mg once a day. Following 3 months of this therapy, the patients could opt for MCT and were treated for a minimum of 6 months. Patient reported outcomes (PRO's) included: FIQR, VAS, ODI and SF-12 and lumbar range of motion (ROM) was recorded using the modified Schober test. RESULTS: While SAT led to minor improvement as compared with baseline status, the addition of MCT allowed a significantly higher improvement in all PRO's at 3 months after initiation of MCT and the improvement was maintained at 6 months. ROM improved after 3 months of MCT and continued to improve at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This observational cross-over study demonstrates an advantage of MCT in FM patients with LBP as compared with SAT. Further randomised clinical trial studies should assess whether these results can be generalised to the FM population at large.