Predictive Power of Distal Radial Metaphyseal Tenderness for Diagnosing Occult Fracture.

PURPOSE: To correlate the physical examination finding of distal radial metaphyseal tenderness with plain radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging after acute wrist injury to diagnose occult distal radius fractures. We hypothesized that persistent distal radial metaphyseal tenderness 2 weeks after acute injuries is predictive of an occult fracture. METHODS: Twenty-nine adult patients presented, after acute trauma, with distal radial metaphyseal tenderness and initial plain radiographs and/or fluoroscopic images that did not show a distal radius fracture. Patients were reevaluated clinically and radiographically at approximately 2 weeks after initial presentation. Patients with persistent distal radial tenderness and negative radiographs underwent magnetic resonance imaging to definitively diagnose an occult distal radius fracture. We calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value for persistent distal radial metaphyseal tenderness using a 95% confidence interval and standard formulas. Both radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were used as our endpoint diagnosis for a distal radius fracture. RESULTS: We diagnosed 28 occult distal radius fractures, 8 by follow-up radiograph and 20 by magnetic resonance imaging. The positive predictive value for patients who completed the protocol was 96%. One patient who did not have an occult distal radius fracture had a fracture of the ulnar styloid. CONCLUSIONS: Tenderness of the distal radial metaphysis after wrist injury is strongly suggestive of a distal radius fracture despite both normal plain radiographs and fluoroscopic images. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

Dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations: evaluation and treatment.

Proximal interphalangeal joint injuries are common and often can be treated nonsurgically. Some dorsal fracture-dislocations, however, require special attention or surgical management to optimize outcomes. Treatment options for dorsal proximal interphalangeal fracture-dislocations include splinting, percutaneous pinning, fracture fixation, external fixation devices, volar plate arthroplasty, and hemihamate arthroplasty.

Malpractice in distal radius fracture management: an analysis of closed claims.

PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures comprise the majority of hand- and wrist-related malpractice claims. We hypothesized that a majority of lawsuits would be for malunions resulting from nonsurgical treatment. Additional goals of this study were to quantify costs associated with claims, determine independent risk factors for making an indemnity payment, and illustrate trends over time. METHODS: Seventy closed malpractice claims filed for alleged negligent treatment of distal radius fractures by orthopedic surgeons insured by the largest medical professional liability insurer in New York State (NYS) from 1981 to 2005 were reviewed. We separately reviewed defendants' personal closed malpractice claim histories from 1975 to 2011. Overall incidence of malpractice claims among distal radius fractures treated in NYS was calculated using the NYS Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database and the 2008 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons census data. RESULTS: The overall incidence of malpractice claims for distal radius fracture management was low. Malunion was the most common complaint across claims regardless of treatment type. Claims for surgically treated fractures increased over time. A majority of claims documented poor doctor-patient relationships. Male plaintiffs in this group were significantly older than males treated for distal radius fractures in NYS. Most defendants had a history of multiple malpractice suits, all were male, and only a small percentage were fellowship-trained in hand surgery. Defendants lacking American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certification were significantly more likely to make indemnity payments. Thirty-eight of 70 cases resulted in an indemnity payment. CONCLUSIONS: Malunion and poor doctor-patient relationships are the major features of malpractice litigation involving distal radius fracture management. Older defendant age and lack of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certification increase the likelihood of making an indemnity payment. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analyses II.

A Prospective Analysis of Patient Characteristics Affecting the Outcome of Dorsal Splinting for Soft Tissue Mallet Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Much has been written about the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue mallet injuries. However, there has been little regarding the characteristics of this injury affecting patients' prognosis. The purpose of this prospective study was to identify factors influencing the outcome of treatment of soft tissue mallet injuries. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with soft tissue mallet injuries were enrolled prospectively in a protocol of dorsal splinting for 6 to 12 weeks, followed by weaning over 2 weeks and then evaluated at 6, 9, and ≥12 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (38 digits) completed the study. Treatment success was defined as a final extensor lag of <15° and failure as a final extensor lag of ≥15°. Those failing splint treatment were older compared with those successfully treated. Patient compliance was significantly associated with a successful outcome. Factors that did not significantly affect success included time to treatment, initial injury severity, splinting duration, sex, and ligamentous laxity. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores >0 were not associated with treatment failure. Radiographic and clinical extension lag were statistically comparable. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows strong association between the success of splint treatment, younger patient age, and compliance with the treatment protocol. Despite this finding, most patients did not report any functional limitations, irrespective of the treatment success. In contrast to prior results, time to treatment and initial extensor lag did not significantly affect treatment success.

Surgical exposures of the wrist and hand.

The neurovascular anatomy of the carpus and hand is complex. Therefore, precise exposures are required to avoid iatrogenic injury. In general, dorsal exposures are more forgiving than volar exposures because major neurovascular structures lie on the volar aspect of the hand and fingers; however, volar, ulnar, and radial approaches to the carpal bones are also commonly used. Exposure of the metacarpals and phalanges is relatively straightforward by comparison. Exposure of the carpus and hand is also complicated by the dense and often superficial innervation network. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of the pertinent anatomy is required for safe surgical approaches to the wrist and hand.

Surgical exposures of the radius and ulna.

The forearm contains many muscles, nerves, and vascular structures that change position on forearm rotation. Exposure of the radial shaft is best achieved with the Henry (volar) or Thompson (dorsal) approach. The volar flexor carpi radialis approaches are used increasingly for exposure of the distal radius. Although the dorsal approach is a safe utilitarian option with many applications, its use for managing fracture of the distal radius has waned. Potential complications associated with radial exposure include injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve, the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, and the cephalic vein. Dorsal and ulnar proximal radial exposures are associated with increased risk of injury to the posterior interosseous nerve. With surgical exposure of the ulna, care is required to avoid injuring the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve.

Potential dangers of tension band wiring of olecranon fractures: an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: Displaced olecranon fractures are often amenable to treatment with open reduction and tension-band wiring. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships of the tips of K-wires used in a tension-band construct to volar neurovascular structures in the proximal forearm and the proximal radioulnar joint. METHODS: We performed simulated percutaneous pinnings of the proximal ulna under fluoroscopic guidance on 15 cadavers with intact proximal ulnas. The K-wires were drilled obliquely through the tip of the olecranon process and directed to engage the anterior ulnar cortex, distal to the coronoid. Using calipers, we measured the distance from the tip of each pin to the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), ulnar artery, proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ), and volar cortex of the ulna, as well as the distance from the volar cortex of the ulna to the AIN and ulnar artery. The angle created by the K-wires and the longitudinal axis of the ulna was measured on both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. RESULTS: The distance from pin tip to the AIN and ulnar artery measured a mean of 16 mm with a standard deviation of 6 mm and 14 mm with a standard deviation of 5 mm, respectively, with 1 pin abutting the artery. The shortest distance from both the AIN (11 ± 5 mm) and the ulnar artery (8 ± 6 mm) was measured with the shallowest angle of insertion, ranging from 10° to 14.9° on lateral radiographs. The mean distance between the pin tip and the PRUJ measured 7 mm with a standard deviation of 4 mm, with 3 pins penetrating the PRUJ. CONCLUSIONS: The impaction of K-wires under the triceps is often approximately 1 cm, which is similar to the distance of the K-wire tips to the AIN and ulnar artery. Our findings suggest that larger insertion angles might help avoid neurovascular injury when the insertion point of the K-wires is at or just proximal to the tip of the olecranon. In this study, the safe zone for pin insertion on the anteroposterior view is 0° to 10°, and on the lateral view it is 20° to 30°. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This anatomic study was done to diminish the chance of complications resulting from K-wire placement during tension-band wiring for olecranon fractures.

Anomalous Courses of the Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve in Relation to the Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon for ORIF of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: The purpose of this study was to prospectively document the incidence of variations in the course of palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBMN) that may increase the risk of injury to the nerve during the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach. We hypothesize that the incidence of anomalous branching of the PCBMN around the FCR sheath will be approximately 5%. Methods: All cases that met inclusion criteria between November 2013 and March 2018 were included. The operating surgeon made the final decision for operative intervention using the FCR approach. Each surgeon performed the standard FCR approach to the distal radius. The branching location from the median nerve, the relationship to the FCR sheath, and the course of the PCBMN were recorded. Results: In total, 101 distal radius fractures were included. The average branching point of PCBMN was 5.2 cm from the distal wrist crease (range = 3.3-9.0). There were 26 anomalous branching patterns of PCBMN. Nineteen (18.8%) crossed volar, dorsal, or ran within the FCR sheath. Six PCBMN were found within the FCR sheath, 1 penetrated the FCR sheath, 6 crossed volar to the FCR sheath, and 6 were dorsal to the FCR tendon sheath. When comparing the branching patterns of the PCBMN from the median nerve, 4 branched from the volar aspect, 2 branched from the dorsal aspect, and 1 branched from the ulnar aspect of the median nerve. Conclusions: Variation in the course of the PCBMN relative to the FCR sheath is more than previously thought and can be expected in approximately 18.8% of patients.

Comparison of needle position proximity to the median nerve in 2 carpal tunnel injection methods: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: Steroid injections are commonly performed by hand surgeons for relief of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of the needle to the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and to the palmar cutaneous branch, using 2 injection techniques. METHODS: Simulated carpal tunnel injections were performed on 15 cadaveric arms using 2 methods. The first injection used a widely accepted approach in which the needle is inserted at the wrist crease, just ulnar to the palmaris longus, and directed at a 30 degrees angle to the horizontal. In the second method, the needle is positioned just ulnar to the palpable ulnar border of flexor carpi radialis and angled 30 degrees to the horizontal. Specimens were dissected using an open carpal tunnel release. Calipers measured the distance from each needle to the median nerve within the carpal tunnel and to the palmar cutaneous branch. RESULTS: Using the first injection method, the needle pierced the median nerve in 4 specimens, and its mean distance from the nerve measured 1.34 mm +/- 1.83 mm. With the second injection method, the median nerve was pierced in 1 specimen, and the needle averaged a distance of 4.79 mm +/- 3.96 mm from the nerve. In the first approach, the needle averaged 9.47 mm +/- 4.11 mm from the palmar cutaneous branch, compared to 1.74 mm +/- 1.59 mm with the second technique. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians must exercise caution when performing carpal tunnel injections to avoid intraneural injection. The needle was a statistically significant shorter distance to the median nerve with the traditional injection method; however, the alterative method risks injury to the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve.

Percutaneous pinning of distal radius fractures: an anatomic study demonstrating the proximity of K-wires to structures at risk.

PURPOSE: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a reliable technique for treating 2- and 3-part distal radius fractures. There are currently no data that demonstrate the proximity of at-risk nerves and tendons during percutaneous placement of 5 commonly used K-wires. Whereas the previous literature notes the risk of superficial radial nerve injury with K-wire insertion into the radial styloid, the current study provides specific distances, not only to the superficial radial nerve (SRN) but also to the tendons of the first through fifth extensor compartments during K-wire insertion. METHODS: K-wires (1.5 mm or 0.059 in) were placed percutaneously into the distal radius of 15 cadaver specimens, simulating fixation of a distal radius fracture. After dissection, the distance from the K-wires to the extensor tendons and branches of the SRN were measured and tabulated. RESULTS: The volar radial styloid K-wire was an average distance of 1.47 mm +/- 1.7 from the closest branch of the SRN. One penetrated a branch of the SRN. The dorsal radial styloid K-wire was an average distance of 0.35 mm +/- 0.64 from the closest branch of the SRN. No tendons in the first compartment were found penetrated by or touching the K-wires. The transverse radial K-wire was an average distance of 1.07 mm +/- 1.57 from the branches or trunk of the SRN. One K-wire was found piercing the volar branch of the SRN, and 1 K-wire was found piercing the abductor pollicis longus. The dorsal rim K-wire was an average of 2.94 mm +/- 2.11 from the ulnar aspect of the extensor pollicis longus and an average of 1.44 mm +/- 1.65 from the radial aspect of the extensor digitorum communis. The dorsoulnar K-wire was an average distance of 1.88 mm +/- 1.6 ulnar or radial to the extensor digiti quinti proprius and penetrated it in three specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The volar radial styloid, transverse radial, and dorsoulnar K-wires all penetrated either tendons or nerves. It is therefore prudent to make a small incision to identify and protect the underlying structures prior to placement of K-wires used for the fixation of distal radius fractures. Also, care must be taken not to place the dorsal K-wires more than 5 mm ulnar to Lister's tubercle to avoid extensor digitorum communis injury.

Etiology, Evaluation, and Management Options for the Stiff Digit.

The stiff digit may be a consequence of trauma or surgery to the hand and fingers and can markedly affect a patient's level of function and quality of life. Stiffness and contractures may be caused by one or a combination of factors including joint, intrinsic, extensor, and flexor tendon pathology, and the patient's individual biology. A thorough understanding of the anatomy, function, and relationship of these structures on finger joint range of motion is crucial for interpreting physical examination findings and preoperative planning. For most cases, nonsurgical management is the initial step and consists of hand therapy, static and dynamic splinting, and/or serial casting, whereas surgical management is considered for those with more extensive contractures or for those that fail to improve with conservative management. Assuming no bony block to motion, surgery consists of open joint release, tenolysis of flexor and/or extensor tendons, and external fixation devices. Outcomes after treatment vary depending on the joint involved along with the severity of contracture and the patient's compliance with formal hand therapy and a home exercise program.

Accuracy and Reliability of Radiographic Estimation of Volar Lip Fragment Size in PIP Dorsal Fracture-Dislocations.

Background: A cadaveric study was performed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of radiographic estimation of the volar lip fragment size in proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations. Methods: Middle phalangeal base volar lip fractures of varying size and morphology were simulated in 18 digits. Radiographs and digital photographs of the middle phalangeal joint surface were obtained pre- and postinjury. Ten orthopedic surgeons of varying levels of training estimated the fracture size based on radiographs. The estimated joint involvement on radiograph was compared with the digitally measured joint involvement. Results: Radiographic estimation underestimated the volar lip fragment size by 9.02%. Estimations possessed high intraobserver (0.76-0.98) and interobserver (0.88-0.97) reliabilities. No differences were detected between levels of surgeon training. Conclusions: The significant underestimation of the volar lip fragment size demonstrates the lack of radiographic estimation accuracy and suggests that surgeons should be mindful of these results when making treatment plans.

Nonvascularized autogenous bone graft for extensive phalangeal bone loss: case report.

A 47-year-old man, a fine woodworker, sustained extensive phalangeal and soft tissue loss of his dominant left long and index fingers in a table saw injury. We report the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patient following reconstruction with corticocancellous iliac crest bone grafts. Rarely described in recent literature, we believe that primary nonvascularized autogenous bone grafting for phalangeal reconstruction is a worthwhile alternative to amputation when the soft tissue envelope is satisfactory.

Long-term outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for the treatment of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the long-term outcomes of patients with distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients with 55 AO type A2, A3, C1, or C2 distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The average age of the patients was 57 years. All patients returned for follow-up examination at an average of 59 months, with a minimum of 22 months. Measurements included active range of motion, grip strength, pain assessment, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and final radiographic assessment. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences. RESULTS: All fractures healed within 6 weeks. Active range of motion and grip strength of the injured wrist were statistically equal to those of the uninjured wrist for each of the parameters except wrist flexion and forearm supination. However, the difference in wrist flexion was 5 degrees and the difference in supination was 4 degrees , both of which are of little clinical importance. Eighty-five percent of patients were pain free. Radiographic parameters comparing the immediate postoperative view with the views taken at final follow-up showed no significant differences. One patient required reoperation for loss of reduction after a fall in the preoperative period, and 3 others had minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for distal radius fractures had excellent range of motion, normal Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and no significant differences in the radiographic parameters between fracture fixation and fracture healing. Complications were few. Pinning is an efficacious, low-cost treatment option for 2- and 3-part distal radius fractures with excellent long-term results. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparison of ligament reconstruction tendon interposition and trapeziometacarpal interposition arthroplasty for basal joint arthritis.

This study compared patients with basal joint arthritis who underwent either ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) or trapeziometacarpal interposition arthroplasty (TMIA). Twenty-two consecutive LRTI and 22 TMIA procedures were compared. Arthritis was graded using the staging system of Eaton. In the LRTI group, 1 patient (4.5%) had stage II, 3 patients (13.6%) had stage III, and 14 patients (15 LRTI procedures; 68.1%) had stage IV disease; 3 patients had previous silicone implants (13.6%). In the TMIA group, 3 patients (13.6%) had stage II and 19 patients (86.4%) had stage III disease. Mean age was 62.5 years in LRTI patients and 54.7 years in TMIA patients (P=.005). Mean follow-up was 48 months for both groups. Thumb shortening was determined using preoperative lateral and follow-up pinch lateral radiographs. Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were analyzed. Pinch strength averaged 8.1 lb for LRTI and 12.6 lbs for TMIA patients; this difference was significant (P<.002). Patients in both groups had high overall satisfaction rates, with scores averaging 8.5 for LRTI patients and 9.2 for TMIA patients. Thumb metacarpal proximal migration was 20.5% in the LRTI group, and 6.5% in the TMIA group; this difference was significant (P=.0006). There was no statistically significant linear correlation between proximal migration and pinch strength (R=0.32, P=.13). Five TMIA patients required revision to LRTI. Patients in both groups reported high satisfaction. Pinch strength was greater in TMIA patients, and proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal was greater in LRTI patients. There was no correlation between proximal metacarpal migration and pinch strength. Increased pinch strength with TMIA may not be sufficiently advantageous to outweigh the risk for revision surgery.

Anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve.

Anterior, subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition decompresses the ulnar nerve and, by transposing anterior to the medial epicondyle, eliminates longitudinal traction forces applied to the nerve during elbow flexion. This article reviews the indications and contraindications of the technique and describes the surgical technique in detail.

Surgical exposures of the humerus.

The neurovascular and muscular anatomy about the humerus precludes the use of a truly "safe" fully extensile approach. Working around a spiraling radial nerve at the posterior midshaft requires either a transmuscular dissection or a triceps-avoiding paramuscular technique. To gain maximal exposure, the radial nerve must be mobilized at the spiral groove. For exposure of only the proximal humeral shaft, many surgeons prefer the anterolateral approach because it uses the internervous plane between the axillary and deltoid nerves proximally and the radial and musculocutaneous nerves distally. Proximally, the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder continues to be the most widely used. However, the lateral deltoid-splitting approach is a viable, less invasive approach for both rotator cuff repair and fixation of valgus-impacted proximal humeral fractures. Distally, intra-articular exposure is dependent on triceps mobilization, either by olecranon osteotomy or triceps release; this exposure can be coupled with either a triceps-splitting or a paratricipital approach for proximal extension.

Assessment of Intra-articular Screw Penetration During Radial Head and Olecranon Locking Plate Fixation: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of radiographic and clinical exams in predicting screw penetration into the proximal radioulnar joint and ulnohumeral joint during open reduction and internal fixation of the radial head and proximal ulna. METHODS: Olecranon and radial head plates were applied to 15 cadaveric elbows. Screws were assessed for intra-articular joint penetration using both clinical exam and radiographic evaluation. Clinical exam consisted of evaluation for crepitus. Radiographs demonstrating screws positioned near the joint surface were evaluated for penetration by 3 fellowship trained hand surgeons. Elbows were disarticulated and screw prominence was determined and recorded using standardized calipers. The ability of clinical and radiographic exams to correctly predict a breach in the articular surface was determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Consideration was given to screw position. RESULTS: The sensitivity of crepitus was 81.1% for screws in the radial head plate and 72.6% for screws in the olecranon plate. The sensitivity of radiographs was 72.4% for the screws in the radial head plate and 55.0% for screws in the olecranon plate. Correct radiographic assessment of penetration varied but position o-2 on the olecranon plate consistently resulted in the lowest sensitivity of 30.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The study evaluates sensitivity and specificity of clinical and radiographic means when assessing for articular penetration of screws during olecranon and radial head locking plate fixation. Certain screw locations are more difficult to evaluate than others and may go undetected by standard means of assessment used in a surgical setting.

Combined physeal/apophyseal fracture of the proximal tibia with anterior angulation from an indirect force: report of 2 cases.

Physeal fracture of the proximal tibia is a rare injury, comprising less than 2% of all physeal injuries. The literature distinguishes between tibial tubercle avulsions (apophyseal injuries) classified by Ogden, Tross, and Murphy as type I, II, and III and Salter-Harris II fractures. An extensive review of the literature located only 5 cases in which patients sustained a combined fracture of the proximal tibial physis and tibial tubercle. We report 2 such cases, which are not amenable to classification by current systems, and agree with Ryu and Debenham's suggestion to add a fourth type, avulsion hinge fracture of the proximal tibial epiphysis, to the Watson-Jones/Ogden classification.

Blood transfusion in proximal humerus fractures.

This article is the first to specifically address blood transfusions associated with surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures. In our study, we retrospectively reviewed charts of all patients admitted to our institution with a diagnosis of proximal humerus fracture from January 1, 1994, to December 31, 1997. The transfusion rate for patients who sustained a proximal humerus fracture was 15%. Compared with patients treated nonoperatively, patients who underwent a surgical procedure were not at increased risk for requiring transfusion. Age, hematocrit level on admission, treatment method, and estimated amount of blood loss in patients who underwent a surgical procedure varied significantly between those who received a transfusion and those who did not. Certain characteristics placed patients at increased risk for requiring transfusion--age older than 60, admission hematocrit level less than 33%, and hemiarthroplasty as definitive surgical treatment. This information is important both in educating patients and their families and in making management decisions.