Upper Extremity Diaphyseal Osseous Gap Reconstruction with Free Vascularized Bone Flaps: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of upper extremity osseous diaphyseal defects often requires complex reconstructions. In this study, we characterized and summarized the available literature on free vascularized bone flap (VBF) reconstruction for upper extremity diaphyseal defects. METHODS: A scoping review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews was conducted. A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify journal articles relating to the management of VBF reconstruction of upper limb long bone defects. Articles with patient-level data were included. Descriptive statistics were performed using Python. RESULTS: Overall, 364 patients were included in this study. The most common indications for VBFs included atrophic nonunion (125, 34.3%), postoncologic resection (125, 34.3%), septic nonunion (56, 15.4%), and trauma (36, 9.9%). Mean defect size was 8.53 ± 5.14 cm. A total of 67 (18.4%) cases had defects < 6 cm, and 166 cases (45.6%) had defects > 6 cm. The fibula was the most utilized VBF (272, 74.73%), followed by the medial femoral condyle flap (69, 18.96%). Overall, primary union rate was 87.1%. Subsequent flap fracture rate was 3.3%. There were only two (0.6%) VBF losses reported in the included cases, and donor-site complications were similarly rare (17, 4.7%). CONCLUSION: VBF reconstruction is often utilized for postoncologic defects and recalcitrant nonunions. The fibula is the most utilized VBF, but the medial femoral condyle flap is used frequently for smaller defects. VBF reconstruction demonstrates high union rates and low flap fracture rate across indications.

Evaluating Treatment Preferences and Perceptions of a Prosthetic Versus a Transplanted Hand: A Conjoint Analysis-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study used a conjoint analysis-based survey to assess which factors are most influential when considering treatment with a prosthesis or transplant after a unilateral hand amputation. METHODS: Overall, 469 respondents were recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk and asked to assume that they experienced a hand amputation. To determine preferences for a prosthetic, respondents chose among 11 pairs of alternatives with variations in the following attributes: appearance, function, maintenance, and learning time. Respondents were then presented with descriptions of the risks and outcomes of hand transplantation. The most compelling reasons for and against a transplant were determined and characteristics predictive of support for a transplant were identified. RESULTS: The most important attributes for a prosthesis were "lifelike appearance" and "myolectric function." For hand transplantation, respondents were most concerned about immunosuppression side effects (n = 323, 69%) and the intense nature of surgery (n = 275, 59%), whereas the most positive benefit was the concept of the transplant being "natural" (n = 339, 72%). When faced with the choice of a hand transplant or a prosthetic, approximately 50% of respondents chose a transplantation. Younger age, previous medical experiences, a perceived "familiarity with medical issues," and the regular attendance of religious services were associated with strong support for a hand transplantation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: When considering a hand prosthesis, respondents are motivated most by appearance and function. Meanwhile, with hand transplantation, the risks of immunosuppression and the intense nature of surgery and recovery are predominant concerns. These findings may help inform patient-physician discussions when considering treatment after unilateral hand amputation.

Isolated Scaphoid Dislocation With Radial-Axial Instability: A Treatment Strategy Utilizing Spanning Wrist Plates.

Isolated dislocation of the scaphoid is a rare injury with only a few case reports in the literature. We report on 2 complex scaphoid dislocations demonstrating concomitant axial instability with disruption of the capitohamate articulation as well as the long-ring metacarpal relationship. Both of these patients underwent reduction and fixation using a wrist spanning plate, which was removed approximately 2 months after injury. Follow-up of these patients demonstrated maintenance of reduction, axial stability, and return of painless range of motion.

A Cluster of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Tenosynovitis Following Hurricane Relief Efforts.

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a rare cause of infectious tenosynovitis of the upper extremity. Using molecular methods, clinical microbiology laboratories are increasingly reporting identification down to the species level. Improved methods for speciation are revealing new insights into the clinical and epidemiologic features of rare NTM infections. METHODS: We encountered 3 cases of epidemiologically linked upper extremity NTM tenosynovitis associated with exposure to hurricane-damaged wood. We conducted whole-genome sequencing to assess isolate relatedness followed by a literature review of NTM infections that involved the upper extremity. RESULTS: Despite shared epidemiologic risk, the cases were caused by 3 distinct organisms. Two cases were rare infections caused by closely related but distinct species within the Mycobacterium terrae complex that could not be differentiated by traditional methods. The third case was caused by Mycobacterium intracellulare. An updated literature review that focused on research that used modern molecular speciation methods found that several species within the M. terrae complex are increasingly reported as a cause of upper extremity tenosynovitis, often in association with environmental exposures. CONCLUSIONS: These cases illustrate the importance of molecular methods for speciating phenotypically similar NTM, as well as the limitations of laboratory-based surveillance in detecting point-source outbreaks when the source is environmental and may involve multiple organisms.

The Critical Portions of Carpal Tunnel Surgery: A Comparison Between Opinions of Surgeons and the General Public.

PURPOSE: Attending surgeons must participate in critical and key portions of procedures and otherwise be immediately available. However, surgeon-defined standards of the critical and key portions of surgery have been questioned, potentially affecting trainee graduated responsibility. This study compares the opinions of surgeons and the general public regarding what constitutes the critical portions of carpal tunnel release (CTR). METHODS: A survey was devised inquiring about the appropriateness of surgical trainee execution of each step of CTR. Surgeons who perform CTR were queried (n = 112) and 32 (29%) responded. The survey was modified to compare responses from a sample of 184 nonmedical respondents (NMRs). The NMRs were excluded if they indicated having a career in health care. RESULTS: Of the surgeon respondents, 94% (n = 30) had completed hand fellowship training, 53% (n = 17) declared themselves academic or affiliated with academia, and 53% (n = 17) utilized concurrent operating rooms. The NMR average age was 35.3 ± 10.3 years, 40% were female (n = 73), and they represented various regions of the United States including an assortment of socioeconomic and ethnic groups. Surgeons demonstrated significantly more hesitation with trainees performing surgical steps. Academic surgeons were significantly more comfortable having trainees performing surgical steps than nonacademic surgeons. Critical portions of CTR as agreed upon by surgeons and NMRs included incision, dissection, transverse carpal ligament division, and inspection of the median nerve for injury/complete release. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons are significantly less comfortable with trainee performance of CTR steps than the general public. Surgeons who regularly work with trainees are more accepting of trainee involvement than those who do not. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the opinions of surgeons as well as NMRs with respect to surgical trainee participation in the operating room is important to optimize the informed consent process as well as influence hospital policies that affect graduated surgical trainee autonomy.

Hand transplantation in the United States: A review of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing Database.

Hand transplantation is the most common application of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). Since July 3, 2014, VCAs were added to the definition of organs covered by federal regulation (the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) Final Rule) and legislation (the National Organ Transplant Act). As such, VCA is subject to requirements including data submission. We performed an analysis of recipients reported to the OPTN to have received hand transplantation between 1999 and 2018. Forty-three patients were identified as having been listed for upper extremity transplantation in the United States. Of these, 22 received transplantation prior to July 3, 2014 and 10 from then to December 31, 2018. Of patients transplanted after 2014, posttransplant functional scores included a decrease in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire in 3 of 10 patients, Carroll test scores ranging from 9 to 60 of 99, and monofilament testing with protective sensation achieved in 4 of 6 patients. Complications included rejection in nine recipients with Banff scores from II-IV. One patient experienced graft failure 5 days after transplantation. Of the remaining patients, two were reported as receiving monotherapy and seven receiving dual or triple immunosuppression therapy. The inclusion of VCA in the OPTN Final Rule standardized parameters for safe implementation and data collection.

Integrated Compression Screw Stabilization of the Dorsal Lunate Facet in Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of intra-articular distal radius fractures with displaced dorsal lunate facet fragments treated with a combination of volar plating and the use of a dorsal screw that integrates into the plate. METHODS: We reviewed a retrospective cohort of 22 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an intra-articular distal radius fracture with a volar plate in conjunction with the Frag-Loc Compression screw. Patient charts and radiographs were reviewed for clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients with a minimum 6-month follow-up who met all eligibility criteria were included in this study. There were 8 women and 4 men. The mean age was 55.2 years. Mean follow-up was 11.5 months (range, 6-21 months). The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from standing (75.0%). At final follow-up, all patients were able to return to their previous level of function. Bony union was achieved in all patients at the time of final follow-up. Average radiographic parameters at final follow-up were radial inclination 24.2° ± 5.3°, volar tilt 1.3° ± 5.2°, and ulnar variance 0.9 ± 1.7 mm. During the follow-up period, transient median nerve paresthesias were observed in 4 patients, with spontaneous resolution in 3 of 4 patients. Loss of articular reduction was not observed in any case. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and minimal complications with utilization of a new fixation device for distal radius fractures with displaced dorsal lunate facet fragments. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Surgical Techniques for Revascularization in Abdominal Wall Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation (AW-VCA) can be considered as a technically feasible option for abdominal wall reconstruction in patients whose abdomen cannot be closed using traditional methods. However, successful initial abdominal wall revascularization in the setting of visceral organ transplantation can pose a major challenge as graft ischemia time, operating in a limited surgical field, and variable recipient and donor anatomy must be considered. Several techniques have been reported to accomplish abdominal wall revascularization. METHODS: A literature review was performed using PubMed for articles related to "abdominal wall transplantation (AWT)." The authors of this study sorted through this search for relevant publications that describe abdominal wall transplant anatomy, technical descriptions, and outcomes of various techniques. RESULTS: A total of four distinct revascularization techniques were found in the literature. Each of these techniques was described by the respective authors and reported varying patient outcomes. Levi et al published a landmark article in 2003 that described technical feasibility of AWT with anastomosis between donor external iliac and inferior epigastric vessels with recipient common iliac vessels in end-to-side fashion. Cipriani et al described a microsurgical technique with anastomosis between donor and recipient inferior epigastric vessels in an end-to-end fashion. Giele et al subsequently proposed banking the abdominal wall allograft in the forearm to reduce graft ischemia time. Recently, Erdmann et al described the utilization of an arteriovenous loop for synchronous revascularization of abdominal wall and visceral transplants for reduction of ischemia time, operative time, while eliminating the need for further operations. CONCLUSION: Vascularized composite allotransplantation continues to advance with improving immunotherapy and outcomes in solid organ transplantation. Optimizing surgical techniques remains paramount as the field continues to grow. Refinement of the presented methods will continue as additional evidence and outcomes become available in AW-VCA.

Small bowel and abdominal wall transplantation: A novel technique for synchronous revascularization.

Abdominal wall transplantation (AWT) was introduced in 1999 in the context of reconstruction of complex abdominal wall defects in conjunction with visceral organ transplantation. As of recently, 38 cases of total AWT have been performed worldwide, about half of which were performed in the United States. While AWT is technically feasible, one of the major challenges presenting to the reconstructive surgeon is time to revascularization of the donor abdominal wall (AW), given the immediate proximity of the visceral organ and AWT. The authors report a novel AW revascularization technique during a synchronous small bowel and AWT in a 37-year-old man.

The Utilization of Video Technology in Surgical Education: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The use of surgical video has great potential to enhance surgical education, but there exists limited information about how to effectively use surgical videos. We performed a systematic review of video technology in surgical training and provided evidence-based recommendations for its effective use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of literature on surgical video in residency education was conducted. All articles meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated for technical characteristics pertaining to video usage. Included studies were critically appraised using a quality-scoring system. Recommendations were provided for the effective implementation of video in surgical education based on associations with improved training outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty articles met inclusion criteria. In these studies, the source of video acquisition was primarily laparoscopy (40.0% of papers), and the main perspective of video was endoscopy (45.0%). Features of videos included supplementation with other educational tools (55.0%), schematic diagrams or images (50.0%), audio (40.0%), and narration (25.0%). Videos were primarily viewed preoperatively (60.0%) or postoperatively (50.0%). The intended viewer for videos was usually residents (70.0%) but also included attendings/faculty (30.0%). When compared with a nonvideo training group, video training was associated with improved resident knowledge (100%), improved operative performance (81.3%), and greater participant satisfaction (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this review, we recommend that surgical training programs incorporate schematics and imaging into video, supplement video with other education tools, and utilize audio in video. For video review, we recommend that residents review video preoperatively and postoperatively for learning and that attendings review video postoperatively for assessment.

Management of Achilles Tendon Rupture Complications.

The management of Achilles tendon rupture complications has always been a challenge. Rerupture, infection, wound problems, suture reaction, weakness as a result of Achilles tendon lengthening, sural nerve injury, and thrombosis are the most common complications in patients who undergo treatment for Achilles tendon rupture. Given the increasing incidence of Achilles tendon rupture, orthopaedic surgeons must understand the basic principles for the management of Achilles tendon rupture and the appropriate techniques to help reduce the rate of complications.

Conjoint Analysis of Treatment Preferences for Nondisplaced Scaphoid Fractures.

PURPOSE: We used conjoint analysis to assess the relative importance of factors that influence a patient's decision between surgical or nonsurgical management of a nondisplaced scaphoid fracture. Our hypothesis was that out-of-pocket costs will have a greater influence on decision making than the time spent in a cast or brace, degree of soreness, or the risk of treatment failure. METHODS: Two-hundred and fifty participants were recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk and asked to assume that they had experienced a nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture. They then indicated their relative preferences among 13 pairs of alternatives with variations in the following attributes: time in a cast, time in a brace, duration of ongoing soreness, risk of treatment failure (by which we meant scaphoid nonunion), out-of-pocket costs based on estimates of direct costs ($500-2,500), and apprehension about surgery. A conjoint analysis was used to determine the relative importance of these factors when choosing between surgical or nonsurgical management. RESULTS: The factor with the greatest influence on treatment choice was the cost of the procedure. After assessing the respondent's apprehension to undergo surgery, a sensitivity analysis showed the proportion of respondents who would choose surgery given different outcomes. To make the predicted share of those who are "not worried" about surgery equal to those who are "somewhat worried" or "a little worried" would require that the cost of surgery increase by $2,700. In addition, 2 weeks in a cast, 3 weeks in a brace, 2 months of soreness, or a 2% increase in the risk of fracture nonunion generates the same surgical choice probability as a $2,000 increase in the out-of-pocket cost of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: As conceptualized in this conjoint analysis, out-of-pocket costs and apprehension about surgery seem to have a greater impact on a decision for surgery than the time spent in a brace or cast and the risk of treatment failure. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analysis III.

The Sigmoid Notch View for Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE: This study defines the sigmoid notch view of the distal radius. Specifically, we tested the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between the subchondral stripe of bone seen on a sigmoid notch view of the distal radius and the articular surface of the sigmoid notch. METHODS: We used 44 wrist specimens for anatomic and fluoroscopic analysis. We measured the articular depth of the sigmoid notch from its deepest point and classified the shape of the sigmoid notch. We then placed a radiopaque marker at the nadir of the articular surface and quantified the fluoroscopic depth of the sigmoid notch. A sigmoid notch view, which was a tangential fluoroscopic view of the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid notch, was obtained. The relationship of the articular surface to the stripe of subchondral bone seen on this view, called the sigmoid stripe, was determined. RESULTS: Anatomic analysis revealed sigmoid notch types with proportions similar to those in previous descriptions. The marker for the articular surface was superimposed or just ulnar to the sigmoid stripe in all specimens. In flat face and ski slope notches, this was coincident with the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid notch. In C- and S-type notches, there was a measurable distance from the articular surface marker to the edges of the bone of the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid. CONCLUSIONS: The articular surface marker at the nadir of the sigmoid notch is always coincident or ulnar to the sigmoid stripe in the sigmoid notch view. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons can use the sigmoid notch view as a reliable method to (1) evaluate the integrity of the articular surface, (2) ensure hardware is not placed in the distal radioulnar joint, and (3) guide placement of volar locking plates in the coronal plane.

Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula With Associated Pseudoaneurysm of Posterior Tibial Artery After Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

Iatrogenic vascular injuries in elective orthopedic surgery are rare. However, these are important complications to recognize early and treat appropriately because the potential sequelae can be devastating. Arteriovenous fistula of the lower extremity after total ankle arthroplasty has not been previously described in published studies. The proper diagnosis of arteriovenous fistulas can be difficult without a high index of suspicion, and treatment often involves surgical intervention. We present the case of a 62-year-old male who developed an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula with associated pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery after revision total ankle arthroplasty that was treated with surgical ligation and excision, followed by reverse saphenous vein grafting.

Major Peripheral Nerve Injuries After Elbow Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To survey the American Society for Surgery of the Hand membership to determine the nature and distribution of nerve injuries treated after elbow arthroscopy. METHODS: An online survey was sent to all members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand under an institutional review board-approved protocol. Collected data included the number of nerve injuries observed over a 5-year period, the nature of treatment required for the injuries, and the outcomes observed after any intervention. Responses were anonymous, and results were securely compiled. RESULTS: We obtained 372 responses. A total of 222 nerve injuries were reported. The most injured nerves reported were ulnar, radial, and posterior interosseous (38%, 22%, and 19%, respectively). Nearly half of all patients with injuries required operative intervention, including nerve graft, tendon transfer, nerve repair, or nerve transfer. Of the patients who sustained major injuries, those requiring intervention, 77% had partial or no motor recovery. All minor injuries resolved completely. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that major nerve injuries after elbow arthroscopy are not rare occurrences and the risk of these injuries is likely under-reported in the literature. Furthermore, patients should be counseled on this risk because most nerve injuries show only partial or no functional recovery. With the more widespread practice of elbow arthroscopy, understanding the nature and sequelae of significant complications is critically important in ensuring patient safety and improving outcomes.

In Situ Venous Bypass for Chronic Hand Ischemia: A Review of 25 Cases in 23 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic ischemia of the hand in the setting of atherosclerotic disease is a challenging problem that leads to serial amputations and significant morbidity. Salvage using an in situ venous bypass has been described. In selected cases, leaving the vein in situ for bypass allows a good size match for anastomosis at the wrist or palmar arch. Due to the rarity of the condition, there is a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of this technique. METHODS: Outcomes in 23 consecutive patients that underwent a total of 25 in situ vein grafts over a 16-year period were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Eighteen were men and 5 were women with a mean age of 61 years. Target vessels at the wrist or palmar arch were identified on preoperative vascular imaging. The cephalic vein (n = 19, 76%) was most commonly used followed by the basilic vein (n = 6, 24%). Overall patency rate at a mean follow-up period of 12.1 months was 92%. Success as determined by both symptomatic improvement and resolution of the ischemic changes or toleration of revision amputation was achieved in 16 (64%) cases. Postoperative complications occurred in ten cases (40 %). Progression of ischemia occurred in 7 cases (28 %) and 3 (12 %) of these cases required a hand amputation. CONCLUSIONS: In situ vein grafts in the upper extremity offer good short-term patency rates and can be used for salvage of chronic hand ischemia.

An outcomes analysis of 2142 breast reduction procedures.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction alleviates macromastia symptoms and facilitates symmetrical breast reconstruction after cancer treatment. We investigated a large series of consecutive breast reductions to study important factors that impact outcomes. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, retrospective review of all breast reductions from 1999 to 2009 in a single institution was performed using the medical record for demographics, medical history, physical examination, intraoperative data, and postoperative complications. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed using Stata 1.0. P ≤ 0.05 defined significance. RESULTS: Seventeen surgeons performed 2152 consecutive breast reductions on 1148 patients using inferior pedicle/Wise pattern (56.4%), medial pedicle/Wise pattern (16.8%), superior pedicle/nipple graft/Wise pattern (15.1%), superior pedicle/vertical pattern (11.6%), and liposuction (0.1%) techniques. Complications included discernible scars (14.5%), nonsurgical wounds (13.5%), fat necrosis (8.2%), infection (7.3%), wounds requiring negative pressure wound therapy or reoperation (1.4%), and seroma (1.2%). Reoperation rates were 6.7% for scars, 1.4% for fat necrosis, and 1% for wounds.Body mass index greater than or equal to 35 kg/m increased risk of infections [odds ratio (OR), 2.3, P = 0.000], seromas (OR, 2.9, P = 0.03), fat necrosis (OR, 2.0, P = 0.002), and minor wounds (OR, 1.7, P = 0.001). Cardiac disease increased reoperation for scar (OR, 3.0, P = 0.04) and fat necrosis (OR, 5.3, P = 0.03). Tobacco use increased infection rate (OR, 2.1, P = 0.008). Secondary surgery increased seromas (OR, 12.0, P = 0.001). Previous hysterectomy/oophorectomy increased risk of wound reoperations (OR, 3.4, P = 0.02), and exogenous hormone supplementation trended toward decreasing infections (OR, 0.5, P = 0.08). χ analysis revealed 7.8% infection risk without exogenous hormone versus 3.8% risk with hormone supplementation (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity, tobacco, cardiac history, and secondary surgery negatively impacted breast reduction outcomes. Hormonal status impacted reoperations and infections.

Olecranon fractures with sagittal splits treated with dual fixation.

PURPOSE: To assess the results of olecranon fractures with an intra-articular sagittal plane fracture managed by orthogonal fixation constructs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed and 14 proximal ulna fractures with intra-articular comminution resulting in separate medial and lateral fragments were identified. All fractures were classified according to the Schatzker, Mayo, and AO classification systems. Postoperative functional assessment, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, time to union, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Eleven patients were treated with both dorsal and lateral plates. Three patients were managed with a single dorsal plate and cerclage wires. All fractures healed. Mean length of follow-up was 15 months (range, 4-72 mo). Mean range of motion at final follow-up was a flexion-extension arc of 24° to 129° with 89° and 79° of pronation and supination, respectively. The most common complication was symptomatic hardware, leading to removal of hardware in 5 of 14 (36%) patients. Average postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 7. Two patients developed heterotopic ossification and 1 patient required a local pedicled flap for soft-tissue coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of this subset of fractures is critical to successful management. A supplemental lateral plate or cerclage wires can successfully manage these difficult fractures and achieve good outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

A comparison of débridement with and without anconeus muscle flap for treatment of refractory lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Whereas the majority of patients improve with conservative management, a small percentage will require surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of surgical débridement of the common extensor origin alone with débridement combined with rotation of an anconeus muscle flap in patients who failed to respond to conservative management of chronic lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who failed to respond to a minimum of 5 months of conservative treatment for lateral epicondylitis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients in group 1 were treated with open débridement of the common extensor origin. Patients in group 2 were treated with open débridement combined with rotation of an anconeus muscle flap. Outcome measures included elbow range of motion, grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Statistical analyses were performed by Student's t test with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: At final follow-up, average DASH scores were significantly lower in group 2. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to elbow range of motion or grip strength. VAS pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups. Preoperative VAS pain scores were significantly greater in group 2; however, at final follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups. There were no apparent complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to débridement of the common extensor origin, the rotation of an anconeus muscle flap may improve outcomes in cases of lateral epicondylitis that require operative intervention.

Salvage of distal radius nonunion with a dorsal spanning distraction plate.

Treatment of nonunion after previous instrumentation of distal radius fractures represents a reconstructive challenge. Resultant osteopenia provides a poor substrate for fixation, often necessitating wrist fusion for salvage. A spanning dorsal distraction plate (bridge plate) can be a useful adjunct to neutralize forces across the wrist, alone or in combination with nonspanning plates to achieve union, salvage wrist function, and avoid wrist arthrodesis in distal radius nonunion.