Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Pathogenesis of Dupuytren's Contracture.

Dupuytren's disease is a common fibroproliferative disease that can result in debilitating hand deformities. Partial correction and return of deformity are common with surgical or clinical treatments at present. While current treatments are limited to local procedures for relatively late effects of the disease, the pathophysiology of this connective tissue disorder is associated with both local and systemic processes (e.g., fibrosis, inflammation). Hence, a better understanding of the systemic circulation of Dupuytren related cytokines and growth factors may provide important insights into disease progression. In addition, systemic biomarker analysis could yield new concepts for treatments of Dupuytren that attenuate circulatory factors (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents, neutralizing antibodies). Progress in the development of any disease modifying biologic treatment for Dupuytren has been hampered by the lack of clinically useful biomarkers. The characterization of nonsurgical Dupuytren biomarkers will permit disease staging from diagnostic and prognostic perspectives, as well as allows evaluation of biologic responses to treatment. Identification of such markers may transcend their use in Dupuytren treatment, because fibrotic biological processes fundamental to Dupuytren are relevant to fibrosis in many other connective tissues and organs with collagen-based tissue compartments. There is a wide range of potential Dupuytren biomarker categories that could be informative, including disease determinants linked to genetics, collagen metabolism, as well as immunity and inflammation (e.g., cytokines, chemokines). This narrative review provides a broad overview of previous studies and emphasizes the importance of inflammatory mediators as candidate circulating biomarkers for monitoring Dupuytren's disease.

Etiology and Diagnostic Challenges of Ulnar Wrist Pain in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

PURPOSE: Diagnosing the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain can be difficult in the pediatric and adolescent age group. While frequently used, the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance image (MRI), as compared with intraoperative arthroscopic findings, is not well-described in this population. This study aimed to determine concordance rates between magnetic resonance and arthroscopic findings depending on the specific ulnar wrist pathology. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent operative treatment of ulnar wrist pain between 2004 and 2021. Patients were included in the analysis if they were <18 years of age, complained of ulnar-sided wrist pain, underwent MRI of the affected wrist with an available report interpreted by a consultant radiologist, and had a diagnostic arthroscopy procedure within one year of imaging. Ulnar pathologies analyzed included triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) tears, ulnotriquetral (UT) ligament tears, lunotriquetral ligament abnormalities, and ulnocarpal impaction. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with a mean age of 15-years-old (range 11 to 17) were included in the analysis. Twenty-four were female, and approximately half had their dominant extremity affected. Most had a history of antecedent trauma (n = 34, 85%), but only 15/40 (38%) had a history of fracture. The mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was six months (standard deviation, 7). The most common etiologies were Palmer 1B TFCC tears (n = 27, 68%) followed by UT split tears (n = 11, 28%). MRI overall demonstrated high specificity (82% to 94%), but low sensitivity (14% to 71%) for ulnar-sided wrist conditions. Accuracy varied between 70% and 83% depending on the specific injury. CONCLUSION: While MRI is a useful adjunct for determining the cause of ulnar wrist pathologies, findings are often discordant when compared with diagnostic arthroscopy. Surgeons should have a high degree of suspicion for TFCC-related pathology in the setting of positive provocative clinical examination despite negative MRI findings in young patients. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IIb.

Investigation Into the Effects of Intra-Articular Steroid on Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded pilot study was to determine the rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and assess joint space width in the presence or absence of a single intra-articular injection of corticosteroid after an acute, intra-articular distal radius fracture (DRF). METHODS: Forty patients received a single, intra-articular, radiocarpal joint injection of 4 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) (n = 19) or normal saline placebo (n = 21) within 2 weeks of a surgically or nonsurgically treated intra-articular DRF. The primary outcome measure was minimum radiocarpal joint space width (mJSW) on noncontrast computed tomography scans at 2 years postinjection. Secondary outcomes were obtained at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postinjection and included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Michigan Hand Questionnaire; Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation; wrist range of motion; and grip strength. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, there was no difference in mean mJSW between the DEX group (2.2 mm; standard deviation, 0.6; range, 1.4-3.2) and the placebo group (2.3 mm; standard deviation, 0.7; range, 0.9-3.9). Further, there were no differences in any secondary outcome measures at any postinjection follow-up interval. CONCLUSIONS: Radiocarpal joint injection of corticosteroid within 2 weeks of an intra-articular DRF does not appear to affect the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis within 2 years follow-up in a small pilot cohort. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Bilateral lunotriquetral coalition: a dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography technical case report.

Lunotriquetral coalitions are the most common form of carpal coalition wherein the cartilage between the lunate and triquetrum ossification centers failed to undergo apoptosis. This technical case report examines the arthrokinematics of bilateral lunotriquetral coalitions with dissimilar Minnaar types in one participant with one asymptomatic wrist and one wrist with suspected distal radioulnar joint injury. Static and dynamic (four-dimensional) CT images during pronosupination were captured using a photon-counting detector CT scanner. Interosseous proximity distributions were calculated between the lunotriquetral coalition and adjacent bones in both wrists to quantify arthrokinematics. Interosseous proximity distributions at joints adjacent to the lunotriquetral coalition demonstrate differences in median and minimum interosseous proximities between the asymptomatic and injured wrists during resisted pronosupination. Altered kinematics from lunotriquetral coalitions may be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain and discomfort, limiting the functional range of motion. This case report highlights potential alterations to wrist arthrokinematics in the setting of lunotriquetral coalitions and possible associations with ulnar-sided wrist pain, highlighting anatomy to examine in radiographic follow-up. Furthermore, this case report demonstrates the technical feasibility of four-dimensional CT using photon-counting detector technology in assessing arthrokinematics in the setting of variant wrist anatomy.

Foveal Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: Recognition of a Combined Tear Pattern.

PURPOSE: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are categorized most commonly by the Palmer and the Atzei and Luchetti classifications. Combined tears are reported less frequently, and the classification of these tears is unclear. In this study, we present a series of patients with combined central disc and foveal TFCC tears that do not fit into either of these classifications. METHODS: Seventeen patients from 2 institutions presented with a combined central and foveal TFCC tear, confirmed by wrist arthroscopy between September 2017 and December 2020. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging results, surgeon description of tears, and treatment rendered were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly female (76%). Mean age was 40 years with a bimodal age distribution (7/17 patients <35 and 10/17 >45 years). Eleven patients (65%) sustained the injury from a fall. All had some degree of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability on clinical examination and almost half (8/17) had a history of a distal radius or ulnar styloid fracture during the initial injury. The foveal tear was confirmed by direct visual assessment and a positive hook test result; a suction test result commonly was positive as well. All patients underwent debridement of the central tear, and 16 of 17 underwent foveal TFCC repair with 1 having an irreparable tear. CONCLUSIONS: We present a series of patients with combined central disc and foveal TFCC tears, a pattern that does not fit current classification schemes. All patients exhibited some degree of instability of the DRUJ and almost half had a history of distal radius or ulnar styloid fracture. Identification of a central tear of the TFCC, together with even subtle DRUJ instability, should lead to consideration of a coexistent foveal tear. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Defining the Digit-Specific Confluence of the A1 Pulley.

PURPOSE: Variations in the description of the flexor pulley system exist, particularly in whether the A1 and A2 pulleys represent discrete or confluent entities. This has potentially important clinical relevance at the time of A1 pulley release for symptomatic trigger finger, given the goal of adequate release without overrelease. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative prevalence of confluent A1 pulleys on a digit-by-digit basis employing 2.5× loupes alone, thereby simulating a clinical surgical environment. METHODS: Cadaveric anatomic specimens underwent flexor pulley system dissection under 2.5× loupe magnification by 2 hand surgeons. The presence of pulley confluence and length (measured from the proximal aspect to the distal aspect) was recorded and compared on a digit-to-digit basis. RESULTS: Forty-five digits, comprising 9 adult forearm or hand specimens (5 right and 4 left) obtained from 6 donors (4 men and 2 women, age: 67 ± 8 years), were dissected. A total of 19 confluent A1 pulleys were encountered, with notable digit-by-digit variation in the prevalence of confluent pulleys. There were 0 confluent pulleys observed in the thumb, compared with 6 confluent pulleys observed in the middle finger. The average overall A1 pulley length was 5.0 ± 1.5 mm, with a similar pulley length observed between the digits. CONCLUSIONS: A1 pulley confluence varies on a digit-to-digit basis, with no observed confluence in the thumb and the most common confluence observed in the middle finger. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the setting of intraoperatively observed pulley confluence, we suggest pulley release under traction in order to develop the plane between the A1 and A2 pulleys and, thus, confirm the complete and isolated release of the A1 pulley.

Do Patients Want to Be Involved in Their Carpal Tunnel Surgery Decisions? A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: Carpal tunnel syndrome requires multiple decisions during its management, including regarding preoperative studies, surgical technique, and postoperative wound management. Whether patients have varying preferences for the degree to which they share in decisions during different phases of care has not been explored. The goal of our study was to evaluate the degree to which patients want to be involved along the care pathway in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multicenter study of patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery at 5 academic medical centers. Patients received a 27-item questionnaire to rate their preferred level of involvement for decisions made during 3 phases of care for carpal tunnel surgery: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. Preferences for participation were quantified using the Control Preferences Scale. These questions were scored on a scale of 0 to 4, with patient-only decisions scoring 0, semiactive decisions scoring 1, equally collaborative decisions scoring 2, semipassive decisions scoring 3, and physician-only decisions scoring 4. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients completed the survey between November 2018 and April 2019. Overall, patients preferred semipassive decisions in all phases of care (median score, 3). Patients preferred equally collaborative decisions for preoperative decisions (median score, 2). Patients preferred a semipassive decision-making role for intraoperative and postoperative decisions (median score, 3), suggesting these did not need to be equally shared. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome prefer varying degrees of involvement in the decision-making process of their care and prefer a semipassive role in intraoperative and postoperative decisions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Strategies to engage patients to varying degrees for all decisions during the management of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as decision aids for preoperative surgical decisions and educational handouts for intraoperative decisions, may facilitate aligning decisions with patient preferences for shared decision-making.

Acute Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury: Diagnosis, Management, and Return to Sports Considerations.

ABSTRACT: Thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament injuries are common in athletes and range from mild sprains to complete retracted tears. The typical injury mechanism of a valgus force directed onto an abducted or extended thumb is frequently seen in certain sporting activities, such as skiing, football, and baseball. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are excellent imaging supplements to the clinical evaluation for diagnosis confirmation. Positive treatment outcomes have been demonstrated when these injuries are appropriately managed both nonoperatively and surgically. When deciding on a treatment plan, it is paramount to take the athlete's injury severity and sport-specific factors into account. The aim of this review is to summarize the sport epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and return to play considerations for athletes who sustain an acute thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament injury.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Volar Scapholunate Capsulodesis: A New Technique.

Most current surgical techniques for scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries address the dorsal component only. Previously, volar capsulodesis has been described either as an open approach or an "all-inside" technique. In this article, we report an alternative arthroscopic technique to address volar scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries. Arthroscopic-assisted volar scapholunate capsulodesis may be considered in the treatment algorithm for volar scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries.

Kickstand Technique for Intraoperative Reduction of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures.

This article reports a novel intraoperative technique for the reduction of angulated metacarpal neck fractures undergoing retrograde headless intramedullary screw fixation. This technique is a useful reduction maneuver, especially for hand surgeons operating without a first assistant, because it eliminates the need to hold manual reduction during implant placement.

Accuracy of Ultrasound Compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries: A Prospective Case Series.

This prospective case series compared the accuracy of ultrasound (US) to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating complete displaced (CD) thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears from nondisplaced injuries in 10 patients with suspected traumatic thumb UCL injuries. Ultrasound identified 100% (2 of 2) of MRI-documented CD tears, both of which were further confirmed during surgical repair. Ultrasound identified the absence of CD tears in the remaining 8 patients. Although MRI is the reference standard imaging modality for characterizing thumb UCL injuries, ultrasound should be considered an accurate, cost-effective, and alternative imaging modality to differentiate surgical versus nonsurgical thumb UCL injuries.

Accessory abductor digiti minimi muscle, less muscular than thought: an update on prevalence, morphology, and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To update the prevalence and morphology of the accessory abductor digiti minimi muscle using 3T MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 3T wrist MRI was performed. Presence and morphology of the accessory abductor digiti minimi were evaluated in addition to its relationship to the ulnar nerve. Charts were reviewed for demographics, EMG, neuropathic symptoms, and initial MRI interpretation. RESULTS: Analysis of 396 wrist MRI studies yielded 25% prevalence of the accessory abductor digiti minimi, of which the majority (69%) demonstrated fascial-type morphology proximal to Guyon's canal. A minority (31%) demonstrated a contiguous muscle belly throughout its course. Overall, prevalence of a muscular type was only 8%. All patients were asymptomatic with normal EMG, unremarkable ulnar nerve, and no significant nerve compression. Anterior-posterior muscle dimension was larger in males. Only 1 of 98 accessory abductor digiti minimi muscles was prospectively identified. CONCLUSION: The accessory abductor digiti minimi is not uncommon; however, patients are usually asymptomatic without neuropathic symptoms. The most common anatomic variant is a small muscle belly at the level of the pisiform with fascial morphology proximal to Guyon's canal and origin from the distal antebrachial fascia. A contiguous muscle belly extending from the distal forearm through the wrist occurs much less frequently. Clinicians should be familiar with these anatomic variants to enhance its recognition, understanding that a muscular variant is rarer than previously reported, but historically can serve as a potential source of clinical symptomatology and could be encountered during physical examination or wrist surgery.

Dry Wrist Arthroscopy for Ulnar-Sided Wrist Disorders.

With the evolution of dry wrist arthroscopy, there is an ever-increasing role for its use in the treatment of disorders of the wrist including ligament repair or reconstruction, bony procedures such as distal radius corrective osteotomies or fracture fixation, and partial arthrodesis. We describe some of the tips and tricks that can be used to manage ulnar-sided wrist pain. We particularly emphasize the different technical points to perform dry wrist arthroscopy compared with previously described wet arthroscopic procedures.

Patient satisfaction of hand therapy services.

STUDY DESIGN: This study utilized a cross-sectional cohort design that used survey techniques for data collection. INTRODUCTION: Patient satisfaction is becoming increasingly important in the health care field; however, it is typically evaluated with the use a single question. Patient satisfaction encompasses numerous aspects that should be considered on evaluation. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to determine if the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18) is an appropriate outcome measure to determine patient satisfaction for people receiving hand therapy services and to determine mean satisfaction scores of participants. METHODS: Participants (n = 123) who received hand therapy services from an outpatient hand therapy center and a health care institute were obtained via a convenience sample. The PSQ-18, adapted for hand therapy, was used to assess patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean satisfaction score was 1.81 (SD = 1.26). The following patient satisfaction subscales were also evaluated: general satisfaction, communication, technical quality, interpersonal manner, time spent with therapists, accessibility and convenience, and financial aspects. DISCUSSION: Eighty percent of participants were satisfied with the therapy services they received. Patient satisfaction is complex, involving a multitude of components and thus must be evaluated in a manner that considers its multidimensional aspects. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the PSQ-18 adapted for hand therapy is an appropriate outcome measure to determine patient satisfaction for people receiving hand therapy as it evaluates multiple subscales of the phenomena.

The Biomechanical Consequences of Trapeziectomy and Partial Trapezoidectomy in the Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal and Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Arthritis.

PURPOSE: To determine, using a biomechanical cadaveric model, whether, in the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthritis, partial trapezoid resection following trapeziectomy causes carpal, specifically lunocapitate and scapholunate, instability. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen mid-forearm cadaver specimens with type I lunates and devoid of basilar thumb arthritis were used in the study. Specimens were mounted onto a wrist simulator applying cyclical wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation motions. Carpal kinematics, specifically lunocapitate and scapholunate joint relationships, were measured at 4 different conditions: (1) a native intact state, (2) after trapeziectomy, (3) after 2-mm partial trapezoid resection, and (4) after 4-mm partial trapezoid resection. RESULTS: During both flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation of the wrist, the lunocapitate and scapholunate joint relationship did not show any notable change following any of trapeziectomy, 2-mm, or 4-mm trapezoid resection compared with the intact state. Changes to the lunocapitate and scapholunate angles were clinically insignificant-a maximum of 6° and 4° change, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This biomechanical cadaveric study shows that performing a trapeziectomy followed by up to 4 mm of proximal trapezoid resection has a negligible effect upon carpal, specifically lunocapitate and scapholunate, stability. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term clinical consequences of limited trapezoid resection in vivo. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There may be no clinically relevant effects of resection of up to 4 mm of trapezoid in the surgical management of combined basilar thumb and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthritis.

Topographical Analysis of the Hamate for Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunion Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To quantify the similarity of the surface topography of the proximal hamate and proximal pole of the scaphoid for nonunion reconstruction. METHODS: Using previously acquired computed tomographic scans of the wrist of 10 patients, the 2 bones were segmented and subsequently aligned using both a manual and automated technique. Surface error between corresponding articular surfaces was computed to determine the similarity of the shape of the 2 bones. RESULTS: The median distance between the 2 articulating surfaces for each patient was 1 mm or less for all cases. Maximum distance varied from 2.7 to 9.7 mm. The automated method improved alignment such that the maximum distance was 4.1 mm. Visual review of the alignment revealed that the maximum error occurred on or around the margin of the articulating surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: In most cases, the proximal hamate appears to be a suitable donor match to reconstruct proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study serves as a guide to practitioners when considering the suitability of the proximal hamate autograft for unsalvageable proximal pole scaphoid nonunions.

Dry Wrist Arthroscopy for Radial-Sided Wrist Disorders.

The development of wrist arthroscopy has been useful in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of both ligament and osseous injuries. As the treatment indications and techniques become more refined, this article explores the role of dry arthroscopy to treat radial-sided disorders of the wrist.

A Survey of Burnout Among Members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

PURPOSE: Physician burnout affects approximately half of US physicians, significantly higher than the general working population. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of burnout specifically among hand surgeons and to identify factors unique to the practice of hand surgery that may contribute to burnout. METHODS: A Web-based survey, developed in conjunction with the American Medical Association, was administered to all active and lifetime members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand using the Mini Z Burnout assessment tool. Additional data were collected regarding physician demographics and practice characteristics. RESULTS: The final cohort included 595 US hand surgeons (American Society for Surgery of the Hand [ASSH] members) and demonstrated that 77% of respondents were satisfied with their job, although 49% regarded themselves as having burnout. Lower burnout rates were correlated with physicians aged older than 65, those who practice in an outpatient setting, practice hand surgery only, visit one facility per week, having a lower commute time, those who performed 10 or fewer surgeries per month, and being considered grandfathered for Maintenance of Certification. It was shown that sex, the use of physician extenders, compensation level, and travel club involvement had no impact on burnout rates. CONCLUSIONS: The survey demonstrated that nearly half of US hand surgeons experience burnout even though most are satisfied with their jobs. There is a need to increase awareness and promote targeted interventions to reduce burnout, such as creating a strong team culture, improving resiliency, and enhancing leadership. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Burnout has been shown to affect physicians, their families, patient care, and the health care system as a whole negatively. The findings should promote awareness among hand surgeons and inform future quality improvement efforts targeted at reducing burnout for hand surgeons.

Which Decisions For Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Distal Radius Fractures Should Be Shared?

PURPOSE: To evaluate, from the surgeon's perspective, the importance, feasibility, and appropriateness of sharing decisions during an episode of care of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or distal radius fracture in patients aged greater than 65 years. METHODS: A consortium of 9 fellowship-trained hand/upper-limb surgeons used the RAND Corporation/University of California Los Angeles Delphi Appropriateness method to evaluate the importance, feasibility, and appropriateness of sharing 27 decisions for CTS and 28 decisions for distal radius fractures in patients aged greater than 65 years. Panelists rated each measure on a scale of 1 (definitely not important/feasible/appropriate) to 9 (definitely important/feasible/appropriate) in 2 voting rounds with an intervening face-to-face discussion. Panelist agreement and disagreement were assessed using predetermined criteria. RESULTS: Panelists achieved agreement on 16 decisions (29%) as important, 43 (78%) as feasible, and 17 (31%) as appropriate for sharing with patients. Twelve decisions met all 3 of these criteria and were therefore considered important, feasible, and appropriate to share with patients. Examples in CTS included decisions to perform extra confirmatory diagnostic testing, to have surgery, and to perform a steroid injection into the carpal tunnel. Examples in distal radius fracture management included the decision to have surgery, type of pain medication prescribed after surgery, and whether to remove the implant. The remaining 43 decisions did not reach consensus on the importance, feasibility, and appropriateness of sharing with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using a validated consensus-building approach, we identified 12 decisions made during an episode of care for CTS or distal radius fracture that were important, feasible, and appropriate to share with patients from the surgeon's perspective. These decisions merit inclusion in shared decision-making models (eg, preoperative patient preference elicitation tools or decision aids) to align patient preferences with care decisions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding which aspects of care are important, feasible, and appropriate to share with patients may improve patient-centered care by aligning patient preferences with care decisions.

A multi-chamber tissue culture device for load-dependent parallel evaluation of tendon explants.

BACKGROUND: Injuries in the musculoskeletal system, such as tendon and ligament ruptures, are challenging to manage and often require surgical reconstructions with limited long-term success. Thus, characterizations of these tissues are urgently needed to better understand cellular mechanisms that regulate tissue homeostasis and healing. Explant culturing systems allow for ex vivo analysis of tissues in an environment that mimics the native microenvironment in vivo. METHODS: Collaborative efforts within our institution facilitated the establishment of a novel explant culturing system. Tissue specimens cultured in single wells, with individual applied loading and/or biological environment, allowed characterization of tissue cultured under a variety of biological loading conditions. Quantitative PCR analysis for selected gene markers was our primary outcome. RESULTS: Data were stratified for analysis by either culture environment or loading condition. Our gene expression results show that specimens clustered by culture condition may differ in molecular markers related to ECM production (e.g., Col1a1, Adamts4) and/or organization (e.g., Tnc, Dnc). In contrast, loading condition did significantly alter the median gene expression levels of tissues in comparison to unloaded control samples, although gene expression values related to ECM degradation (e.g., Mmp1, Mmp10) were altered in tendons cultured under tension in the device. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates promising utility of a novel explant culturing system for further characterization of musculoskeletal tissues such as native tendons and ligaments, as well as pathologic fibrotic tissues resulting from arthrofibrosis or Dupuytren's disease.