Changes in acute and trauma hand surgery in the first Covid-19 lockdown in a German trauma center: a retrospective analysis of 338 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Although Covid-19 and especially lockdown periods have affected our everyday live, its impact on hand traumatology is under investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients presenting at a FESSH accredited HTRC and level 1 trauma center in Germany during the Covid-19 lockdown period and an equivalent timeframe in 2019 regarding incidence of hand trauma, injury mechanism, type of injury and hand surgeries. RESULTS: 338 patients presented at our department with acute hand injuries. A significant reduction of work-related accidents was found during lockdown contrary to an increase of do-it-yourself related trauma. Although the incidence of hand trauma decreased during lockdown by 18%, the rate of hand surgery increased in absolute and relative numbers. CONCLUSIONS: Although Covid-19 has negatively impacting elective and semi-elective surgeries, acute hand surgery has gained in importance represented by a shift from work related to do-it-yourself trauma and an increased rate of surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (therapeutic).

[Resection arthroplasty for thumb basal joint arthritis]. / Die Resektionsarthroplastik bei Rhizarthrose.

Due to the crucial role of the thumb for gripping, osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint leads to a substantial impairment of hand function. There are effective nonoperative and joint-preserving surgical treatment options for early stages of the disease. In advanced cases, after exploiting conservative treatment, carpometacarpal thumb arthrodesis or arthroplasty may be indicated in selected cases but trapeziectomy with or without interposition or suspension constitutes the gold standard surgical procedure. This reliably provides favorable results, irrespective of the technique, with pain relief, good physical function, excellent patient global assessment and low complication rates.

[Fractures of the carpal bones without the scaphoid bone]. / Frakturen der Handwurzel ohne Os scaphoideum.

With the exception of the relatively frequent fractures of the scaphoid bone, isolated fractures of individual carpal bones are rare. Because these injuries are uncommon and because of the complex anatomy and function of the carpus, treatment of carpal bone fractures can be challenging. Carpal bone fractures generally occur in young, sports active and professional patients, can be easily overlooked in plain radiographs and are frequently associated with ligamentous instability, neurovascular injuries and tendon lesions. Small posttraumatic alterations of the precisely aligned carpal structure can cause chronic pain and functional impairment. Therefore, if a wrist fracture is suspected a thorough clinical examination and appropriate differentiated imaging is always necessary, at the end of which a fracture can be excluded or an appropriate conservative or surgical treatment is initiated, with the aim of restoration of carpal anatomy and function.

Long-term functional outcome after dorsal capsular imbrication for post-traumatic dorsal instability of the distal radioulnar joint.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was the assessment of long-term outcome of dorsal capsular imbrication of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in dorsal instability. METHODS: The study included ten patients (mean 38.7 years of age) with a mean follow-up time of 11.2 years (9.3 years to 14.3 years). Examination parameters included Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), determination of range of motion in comparison with the healthy extremity, pre- and post-operative pain level assessment, and examination of DRUJ stability. RESULTS: Eight of ten DRUJs proved to be stable after the above-mentioned follow-up. Mean MMWS was 92.5 (65-100; SD: 11.1). Mean DASH Score was 8.8 (0-60; SD: 18.4). Grip strength reached 93.5% of the contralateral unaffected hand. Range of motion did not differ significantly in comparison with the healthy contralateral extremity. Nine of ten patients regarded pain level reduction as excellent. Eight of ten patients regarded DRUJ stability as excellent after surgery. CONCLUSION: Dorsal capsular imbrication of the DRUJ is an efficacious surgical technique for post-traumatic dorsal instability in the long-term.

Functional outcome after endoscopic assisted release of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: mid-to-long term results.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to investigate functional and patient-rated outcome parameters after endoscopic assisted release of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS: One hundred of 204 consecutive patients between 2006 and 2011 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Fifty-one of these patients were recruited and evaluated clinically and by questionnaire testing retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 82 months (range: 60-116). RESULTS: Neurological parameters (two-point-discrimination, application of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, Tinel's test), grip, and three-point pinch strength were not significantly different from the contralateral extremity at the time of examination, whereas key pinch strength was significantly weaker. Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 20.82. Patients' overall opinion was good/excellent for 78% of the study population. DISCUSSION: The examined surgical procedure proved to be as efficacious as open in-situ decompression regarding functional outcome with fewer post-operative complications. Regarding the results it might be postulated that grip strength and three-point pinch strength determination is not necessarily relevant for ulnar nerve evaluation. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic assisted release of the ulnar nerve is a reliable and safe treatment option for cubital tunnel syndrome with satisfactory mid-to-long term functional and patient-rated outcomes.

[Corrective osteotomy of the hand]. / Korrekturosteotomie an der Hand.

Fractures of fingers and metacarpals are among the most frequent injuries. Many fractures can be successfully treated conservatively. Nevertheless, various malformations, such as malrotation, spur development, bone shortening, deviation of the axis and combinations of these individual deformities may appear in the course of time. Corrective osteotomy can correct these deformities with clinically impaired function and improve/optimize hand function. Prerequisites for corrective osteotomy are a precise analysis of the deformity, precise osteotomy, exercise stable osteosynthesis and intensive follow-up treatment of the hand. Complications, such as implant failure, postoperative tendon and joint adhesions, joint contracture and nonunion are however possible.

Biomechanical comparison of transosseous re-fixation of the deep fibres of the distal radioulnar ligaments versus deep and superficial fibres: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that the re-fixation of the deep and superficial fibres of the distal radioulnar ligaments provide improved stability compared to reconstruction of the deep fibres alone. METHODS: Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaver upper extremities were used for biomechanical testing. Transosseous re-fixation of the deep fibres of the distal radioulnar ligaments alone (single mattress suture group; n = 7) was compared to the transosseous re-attachment of the deep and superficial fibres (double mattress suture group; n = 7). Cyclic load application provoked palmar translation of the radius with respect to the rigidly affixed ulna. Creep, stiffness, and hysteresis were obtained from the load-deformation curves, respectively. Testing was done in neutral forearm rotation, 60° pronation, and 60° supination. RESULTS: The re-fixation techniques did not differ significantly regarding the viscoelastic parameters creep, hysteresis, and stiffness. Several significant differences of one cycle to the consecutive one within each re-fixation group could be detected especially for creep and hysteresis. No significant differences between the different forearm positions could be detected for each viscoelastic parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The re-fixation techniques did not differ significantly regarding creep, hysteresis, and stiffness. This means that the additional re-attachment of the superficial fibres may not provide greater stability to the DRUJ. Bearing in mind that the study was a cadaver examination with a limited number of specimens we may suppose that the re-attachment of the superficial fibres seem to be unnecessary. A gradual decline of creep and hysteresis from first to last loading-unloading cycle is to be expected and typical of ligaments which are viscoelastic.

The distal radial decompression osteotomy for ulnar impingement syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The decompression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is performed by ulnar translation of the radial shaft proximal to the sigmoid notch, i.e. detensioning of the distal part of the interosseous membrane (DIOM) while containment of the DRUJ is achieved by closed wedge osteotomy of the radius. The osteotomy shortens the radius which entails detensioning of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Facilitating the modified Henry approach to the distal palmar radius a radial based wedge osteotomy is applied. The proximal osteotomy is proximal to the ulnar head and distal osteotomy is proximal to the sigmoid notch to prevent iatrogenic impingement. Ulnar translation of the radial shaft is performed to loosen the DIOM. The closed wedge osteotomy reduces radial inclination which will foster containment of the DRUJ. CONCLUSION: Distal radial decompression osteotomy of the DRUJ preserves DRUJ function while relieving painful impingement. Further surgical interventions are not compromised in case of failure.

The median nerve´s system of connective tissue distal to the pronator teres to the carpal tunnel.

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue serves a role beyond mere spatial filling. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that connective tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). According to our hypothesis, the median nerve (MN) is surrounded by a system of connective tissue distal to the pronator teres and extending up to, and including, the carpal tunnel. METHODS: To visualize the connective tissue surrounding the median nerve, we dissected the forearms of 15 body donors from pronator teres to the carpal tunnel, created plastination slices stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and injected ink into the seen spaces. We verified our findings with a segmentational analysis of radiological data of 10 healthy individuals. RESULTS: We macroscopically describe the median nerve´s system of connective tissue (MC) distal to the pronator teres and up to and including the carpal tunnel. This system creates, connects, and separates spaces. At least from the pronator teres to the carpal tunnel it also creates subspaces from proximal to distal. For the MC, we established a mean cross-sectional area of 153.1 mm2 (SD=37.15) in the carpal tunnel. The median nerve consistently resides at the center of this MC, which further connects to flexor muscles of the forearm, and to the radius bone. In the carpal tunnel, the MC creates subspaces inside. There, it also acts as the outermost internal layer enveloping flexor tendons, and the MN. DISCUSSION: The term MC does not negate but orders the existence of other "connectives", like subsynovial connective tissue, endo-, epi- or perineuria, epimysia, periostea, or peritendinea, to a hierarchy related to the median nerve. Diseases of the MN are common. Knowing the anatomy of the MC and how it relates to MN function may help clinicians recognize and understand conditions like CTS.

The Conservative and Operative Treatment of Carpal Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Carpal fractures (incidence: 30-60 per 100 000 persons per year) are one of the more commonly overlooked fracture types. They can have serious consequences, as the use of the hand is indispensable in everyday life. In the following article, we present the elements of the diagnosis and treatment of fractures of the carpal bones. METHODS: This review is based on meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2013 to 2023 that were retrieved by a structured literature search, supplemented by guideline recommendations and expert consensus statements. In addition, data on the administrative prevalence of carpal fractures were obtained from the German Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigung, KV) and from the German Statutory Accident Insurance (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, DGUV). RESULTS: The administrative prevalence of carpal fractures in 2022 was 44 496 outpatient cases (KV, DGUV) in one year. After clinical history-taking, physical examination and x-ray have been performed, thin-slice computed tomography is recommended as part of the diagnostic evaluation. Treatment recommendations are based on evidence of levels II to IV. Multiple RCTs have been carried out on the treatment of scaphoid fractures, and a clinical guideline exists. Proximal, dislocated and unstable scaphoid fractures should be treated surgically. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures of the middle third of the scaphoid bone require a shorter period of immobilization with surgical treatment (2-4 weeks) than with conservative treatment (6-8 weeks). The use of plaster casts that do not hinder elbow and thumb mobility yields healing rates similar to those obtained with the immobilization of both of these joints. Failure to treat an unrecognized scaphoid fracture can lead to pseudarthrosis, avascular bony necrosis, and misalignment. Other, rarer types of carpal fractures must be managed on an individual basis, as the available evidence is limited to expert consensus. CONCLUSION: Early recognition and appropriate treatment of carpal fractures lead to healing in more than 90% of cases. Although the available evidence on their proper treatment is growing, many questions are subject to expert consensus, and decisions about treatment must be made individually.

State of the art review. Complications after carpal tunnel release.

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is the most performed surgery of the upper extremity. It is effective but not without complications. This state-of-the-art review covers most common intra- and postoperative complications after CTR. As endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) has developed over time, severe complications, such as nerve lesions, have diminished. ECTR still has a higher risk on transient nerve lesions. Open CTR on the other hand has a higher incidence of wound-related problems, including scar tenderness, irrespective of incision used. Most complications, such as pillar pain and infection, are ill-defined in the literature, leaving the exact incidence unknown and proposing challenges in treatment. The same is true for failure of treatment. Optimizing the length and location of incisions has played a vital role in reducing intra- and postoperative complications in CTR. It is expected that technical advances, such as ultrasound-guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release, will continue to play a role in the future.Level of evidence: V.

New Frontiers in Wide-Awake Surgery.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Explain the most important benefits of wide-awake surgery to patients. 2. Tumesce large parts of the body with minimal pain local anesthesia injection technique to eliminate the need for sedation for many operations. 3. Apply tourniquet-free surgery to upper and lower limb operations to avoid the sedation required to tolerate tourniquet pain. 4. Move many procedures out of the main operating room to minor procedure rooms with no increase in infection rates to decrease unnecessary cost and solid waste in surgery. SUMMARY: Three disruptive innovations are changing the landscape of surgery: (1) minimally painful injection of large-volume, low-concentration tumescent local anesthesia eliminates the need for sedation for many procedures over the entire body; (2) epinephrine vasoconstriction in tumescent local anesthesia is a good alternative to the tourniquet and proximal nerve blocks in extremity surgery (sedation for tourniquet pain is no longer required for many procedures); and (3) evidence-based sterility and the elimination of sedation enable many larger procedures to move out of the main operating room into minor procedure rooms with no increase in infection rates. This continuing medical education article explores some of the new frontiers in which these changes affect surgery all over the body.

[Radiocarpal dislocations and fracture dislocations]. / Radiokarpale Luxationen und Luxationsfrakturen.

Radiocarpal dislocations and fracture dislocations are rare but always severe and complex injuries. They occur frequently in young and active patients as a result of high energy accidents. A detailed clinical and imaging examination and an accurate classification leads to a suitable and mostly surgical treatment strategy. The strategy should consider the most important components of the injury, the bony, the ligamentous and the intracarpal lesions. Delayed sequelae, residual pain and functional impairment are frequent after these severe injuries, but with adequate treatment, good, even long-term functional results are possible.

The Treatment of Closed Finger and Metacarpal Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the fingers and metacarpal bones are the most common fracture type in the upper limb, with an incidence of 114 to 1483 per 100 000 persons per year. The clinical importance of closed finger and metacarpal fractures is often underestimated; inadequate diagnostic and therapeutic measures may result in serious harm. This review concerns the basic elements of the diagnosis and treatment of finger and metacarpal fractures. METHODS: This review of the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of finger and metacarpal fractures is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature. RESULTS: The main focus of treatment lies on restoration of hand function in consideration of the requirements of the individual patient. The currently available evidence provides little guidance to optimal treatment (level II evidence). Although most closed fractures can be managed conservatively, individualized surgical treatment is advisable in comminuted fractures and fractures with a relevant degree of torsional malposition, axis deviation, or shortening, as well as in intra-articular fractures. Minimally invasive techniques are, in principle, to be performed wherever possible, yet open surgery is sometimes needed because of fracture morphology. Postsurgical complication rates are in the range of 32-36%, with joint fusion accounting for 67-76% of the complications. 15% involve delayed fracture healing and pseudarthrosis. CONCLUSION: Individualized treatment for finger and metacarpal fractures can improve patients' outcomes, with major socioeconomic and societal benefits. Further high-quality studies evaluating the relative merits of the available treatments are needed as a guide to optimized therapy.

Long-term results of more than 13 years after arthroscopic repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) Palmer 1B tears: a comparison with short- and mid-term results.

PURPOSE: Goal of this study was the assessment of long-term outcome of arthroscopically assisted repair of Palmer 1B/Atzei 1 triangular fibrocartilage complex tears and the comparison with short- and mid-term results. METHODS: The study included nineteen patients (mean 49.2 years of age) with a mean follow-up time of 13.6 years (13.1-14.3 years). Examination parameters included disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire, modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), Krimmer Score, determination of range of motion in comparison to the contralateral extremity. Grip and pinch grip strength measurement and pain level assessment was performed, as well. RESULTS: The mean MMWS after at least 13.1 years was 95.8 (85-100, SD 5.6). Mean DASH Score was 10.2 (0-55.8, SD 13.6). Mean Krimmer Score was 97.2 (85-100, SD 4.8). Grip strength reached 101% of the contralateral unaffected hand. Range of motion did not differ significantly in comparison to the healthy contralateral extremity. None of the patients suffered from major complications. Fourteen of nineteen patients regarded pain level reduction as excellent. Five patients reported a relevant pain level reduction. Sixteen of nineteen patients regarded functional outcome as excellent, the other three patients reported on a pleasing improvement of the functional outcome. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopically assisted repair of Palmer 1B/Atzei 1 triangular fibrocartilage complex tears may be an efficacious and safe surgical technique for ulnar-sided TFCC tears in the long term.

Biomechanical Analysis of Coracoid Stability After Coracoplasty: How Low Can You Go?

Background: Arthroscopic coracoplasty is a procedure for patients affected by subcoracoid impingement. To date, there is no consensus on how much of the coracoid can be resected with an arthroscopic burr without compromising its stability. Purpose: To determine the maximum amount of the coracoid that can be resected during arthroscopic coracoplasty without leading to coracoid fracture or avulsion of the conjoint tendon during simulated activities of daily living (ADLs). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A biomechanical cadaveric study was performed with 24 shoulders (15 male, 9 female; mean age, 81 ± 7.9 years). Specimens were randomized into 3 treatment groups: group A (native coracoid), group B (3-mm coracoplasty), and group C (5-mm coracoplasty). Coracoid anatomic measurements were documented before and after coracoplasty. The scapula was potted, and a traction force was applied through the conjoint tendon. The stiffness and load to failure (LTF) were determined for each specimen. Results: The mean coracoid thicknesses in groups A through C were 7.2, 7.7, and 7.8 mm, respectively, and the mean LTFs were 428 ± 127, 284 ± 77, and 159 ± 87 N, respectively. Compared with specimens in group A, a significantly lower LTF was seen in specimens in group B (P = .022) and group C (P < .001). Postoperatively, coracoids with a thickness ≥4 mm were able to withstand ADLs. Conclusion: While even a 3-mm coracoplasty caused significant weakening of the coracoid, the individual failure loads were higher than those of the predicted ADLs. A critical value of 4 mm of coracoid thickness should be preserved to ensure the stability of the coracoid process. Clinical Relevance: In correspondence with the findings of this study, careful preoperative planning should be used to measure the maximum reasonable amount of coracoplasty to be performed. A postoperative coracoid thickness of 4 mm should remain.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic Problems in Paronychia and Felons]. / Fehlermöglichkeiten in Diagnose und Therapie bei Infektionen der Fingerendglieder.

The infections of the terminal phalanx are always special. Diseases, tumors or virus infections can look very similar and can show similar symptoms. Many require a radiological, dermatological, histological or general physical clarification, some need no surgery and in some surgery is contraindicated. If surgery is necessary, the exact incision is particularly important. A surgical approach set only a few millimeters wrong, can have catastrophic consequences at the fingertip. Differential diagnoses and the consequences of wrong incisions are shown.

[Paronychia and Felons - Surgical Treatment]. / Infektionen am Fingerendglied.

Infections of the distal phalanx are the most common of all hand infections. There are dorsal localised infections, which develop in the area of the nail and are called paronychia, and palmar infections, which affect the fingertip and are the typical felons. The acute paronychia must be specifically opened depending on the site of infection. This requires precise anatomical knowledge of nail structure. Chronic paronychia usually have other causes and treatment is much more difficult. Felons are often extremely painful. There is a complex system of fibrous septa and swelling is limited. If the septa are destroyed a spread into the bones or the flexor tendon sheath is possible.

[Reconstruction of the deep fibers of the distal radioulnar ligaments facilitating a tendon graft-Adams' procedure]. / Rekonstruktion der tiefen Anteile der distalen radioulnaren Bandstrukturen mit einem Sehnentransplantat ­ Operation nach Adams.

GOAL: Anatomical reconstruction of the deep fibers of the distal radioulnar ligaments to stabilise the distal radioulnar joint. INDICATIONS: Multidirectional instability of the distal radioulnar joint without the possibility for anatomic refixation of the distal radioulnar ligaments. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General operative contraindications, infection, insufficient soft tissue coverage, osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint, excessive ulna impaction syndrome, osseous deformation. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Dorsal approach to the distal radioulnar joint, preparation of the ulna head, transosseous transfer of tendon graft through the distal ulnar corner of the radius at the sigmoid notch, transfer through the ulnar fovea and transosseous fixation within the ulna head using an interference screw. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Long arm cast for 4-6 weeks, then Bowers splint for further 4 weeks; optional long arm orthosis without limiting elbow flexion and extension for 4-6 weeks, then Bowers splint for further 4 weeks; starting exercises after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Reconstruction of the distal radioulnar ligaments using tendon grafts stabilises the distal radioulnar joint with restoration of joint kinematics.

[Homodigital neurovascular island flap according to Venkataswami]. / Defektdeckung mit dem anterograden homodigitalen Insellappen nach Venkataswami.

OBJECTIVE: Reliable wound coverage of the fingertip and palmar aspect of the middle finger with a sensate flap in order to restore early function. INDICATIONS: Palmar, oblique pulp defects or amputations at the distal finger phalange with uncovered bone, tendons, and/or neurovascular structures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Peripheral perfusion deficiency, size of defect exceeding flap capacity, obliteration of the flap artery, i.e. contralateral finger artery. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Harvesting of adipocutane, midlateral triangle based on proper digital vessel flap; distal flap transposition and primary closure of the harvesting defect, flap dimension 4-5 mm larger than defect. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Finger splint for 2 weeks, followed by exercises with flap conditioning. RESULTS: Very reliable defect coverage with 9% minor and temporary complications, all of which healed without consequences.