Relative Contributions of the Midcarpal and Radiocarpal Joints to Dart-Thrower's Motion at the Wrist.

PURPOSE: To identify the relative contributions of the radiocarpal (RC) and midcarpal (MC) joints to dart-thrower's motion (DTM) of the wrist. METHODS: Six cadaveric upper extremities were fixed to a custom-designed loading jig allowing for pure moment-rotation analysis in 24 different directions of wrist motion. Each specimen was tested in 3 states: intact, simulated radiocarpal fusion (sRCF) and simulated pancarpal fusion (sPCF). Moments of ± 1.5 Nm were applied at each of 24 directions for each state and the resulting wrist rotation recorded. Data from each specimen were reduced to compute the range of motion (ROM) envelopes and the orientation of the ROM for the 3 different states. RESULTS: The ROM was significantly decreased in the sRCF and sPCF groups compared with the intact group in the directions of the pure extension, radial extension, ulnar flexion, and ulnar deviation. No significant difference in ROM was detected between the sRCF and sPCF groups in any direction. The ROM envelopes for the intact, sRCF, and sPCF groups were all oriented obliquely to the axis of pure wrist flexion-extension near a path of ulnar flexion-radial extension, consistent with prior reports on DTM. CONCLUSIONS: Although both simulated fusion types decreased ROM compared with the intact wrist, the principal direction of wrist motion along the path of DTM was not significantly altered by simulated RCF or PCF. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings suggest that the RC and MC joints can each contribute to a similar mechanical axis of motion located along the path of DTM when the other joint has been eliminated via fusion. Surgical options such as partial wrist fusions may maintain the native wrist's mechanical axis if either the RC or the MC joint is preserved, despite significant reduction in overall ROM.

Single- versus double-bundle suture button reconstruction of the forearm interosseous membrane for the chronic Essex-Lopresti lesion.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the ruptured interosseous membrane (IOM) is critical to restore forearm stability for the chronic Essex-Lopresti injury. Positive outcomes have been reported following IOM reconstruction with a single-bundle suture button (Mini-Tightrope) construct, although recent work suggests that double-bundle Mini-TightRope® IOM reconstruction is biomechanically superior. The purpose of this study was to determine whether double-bundle Mini-TightRope® reconstruction of the forearm IOM results in superior clinical outcomes to the single-bundle technique. METHODS: Five patients with chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries treated with double-bundle Mini-TightRope® IOM reconstruction were matched to five patients treated with single-bundle Mini-TightRope® reconstruction. Improvement in clinical examination measures and patient-reported outcomes was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Results were good to excellent in all 10 patients. At final follow-up, forearm rotation was significantly better in the single-bundle group, while maintenance of ulnar variance was better in the double-bundle group. No significant differences were noted between the two groups for any other numerical outcomes, and no complications occurred. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that while IOM reconstruction with a double-bundle Mini-TightRope® construct results in greater resistance to proximal migration of the radius in the intermediate term, there is a modest concomitant loss of forearm rotation when compared to single-bundle reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

Orthogonal Plate Fixation With Corrective Osteotomy for Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture Malunion.

PURPOSE: To report outcomes of patients with distal radius fracture malunions treated with corrective osteotomy and orthogonal volar and radial "90-90" plate fixation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent distal radius corrective osteotomy and 90-90 fixation from January 2008 through December 2014. Demographic data, injury history, prior treatments, and clinical examination values were recorded. Preoperative radiographic measurements were used to classify the type and severity of deformity. The outcomes were patient-reported pain levels, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) functional scores, and radiographic outcomes. Secondary outcomes, including complications and the need for additional surgeries, were also noted. RESULTS: Thirty-nine cases (31 extra-articular, 8 combined intra- and extra-articular) were included. At mean postoperative follow-up interval of 4 years, significant improvements were observed clinically in wrist flexion-extension arc, grip strength, pain, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. Radiographically, significant postoperative improvements were noted in ulnar variance, radial inclination, intra-articular stepoff, and radial tilt, with volarly and dorsally angulated malunions corrected to 9° and 7° of volar tilt, respectively. Twelve patients (31%) underwent additional surgery, the most common being plate removal in 7 patients, 3 of which involved removal of the radial plate. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with symptomatic malunion of the distal radius, corrective osteotomy with 90-90 plate fixation is an effective treatment option for improving pain and restoring function for both volarly and dorsally angulated malunions, including malunions with an intra-articular component. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Dorsal versus lateral plate fixation of finger proximal phalangeal fractures: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Unstable proximal phalanx fractures are relatively common injuries but consensus of standard treatment is lacking. Outcomes following plate fixation are highly variable, and it remains unclear which factors are predictive for poorer results. The purpose of this study was to compare dorsal and lateral plate fixation of finger proximal phalangeal fractures with regard to factors that influence the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of proximal phalanx fractures treated with dorsal and lateral plating over a 6-year study interval was performed. Demographic data and injury-specific factors were obtained from review of clinic and therapy notes of 42 patients. Fractures were classified based on the OTA classification using preoperative radiographs. Outcomes investigated included final range of motion (ROM) and total active motion (TAM) of all finger joints. Complications and revision surgeries were also analyzed. RESULTS: Fracture comminution, dorsal and a lateral plate position, occupational therapy, and demographic factors did not significantly influence the outcome, complication, and revision rate after plate fixation of finger proximal phalangeal fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, no differences in the outcome of finger proximal phalangeal fractures treated by both dorsal and lateral plate fixation were observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, retrospective comparative, level III.

Risk Factors for Infection After Rotator Cuff Repair.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for infection after rotator cuff repair. We hypothesized that patient characteristics and surgical technique would affect the rate of infection. METHODS: The records of 1,824 rotator cuff repairs performed by a single surgeon from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Fourteen patients had an early deep postoperative wound infection that was treated with surgical irrigation and debridement. One hundred eighty-five control patients who were treated with rotator cuff repair and did not develop an infection were selected randomly for comparison and statistical analysis. Data regarding preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for infection were recorded, and a multiple logistic regression was conducted to investigate predictors of infection. RESULTS: The infection rate was 0.77% (14/1,822). On average 2.1 (range 1 to 4) surgical debridements were performed in addition to treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Patients who had open or miniopen rotator cuff repair had a significantly greater risk of acute postoperative infection (odds ratio [OR] = 8.63, P = .002). Seventy-nine percent of the patients in the infection group had an open or miniopen repair, whereas only 28% of the control group had an open or miniopen repair. Male patients also had a significantly greater risk of acute postoperative infection (OR = 9.52, P = .042). A total of 92% of the infection patients were male compared with 58% of the control group. In addition, as body mass index increased there was a reduction in the odds of infection (OR = 0.81, P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this case control study demonstrate that open or miniopen surgical technique and male sex are significant risk factors for infection after rotator cuff repair. In our study, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reduced the risk of infection compared with open techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Multifocal Neuropathy: Expanding the Scope of Double Crush Syndrome.

Double crush syndrome (DCS), as it is classically defined, is a clinical condition composed of neurological dysfunction due to compressive pathology at multiple sites along a single peripheral nerve. The traditional definition of DCS is narrow in scope because many systemic pathologic processes, such as diabetes mellitus, drug-induced neuropathy, vascular disease and autoimmune neuronal damage, can have deleterious effects on nerve function. Multifocal neuropathy is a more appropriate term describing the multiple etiologies (including compressive lesions) that may synergistically contribute to nerve dysfunction and clinical symptoms. This paper examines the history of DCS and multifocal neuropathy, including the epidemiology and pathophysiology in addition to principles of evaluation and management.

Complications Following Partial and Total Wrist Arthroplasty: A Single-Center Retrospective Review.

PURPOSE: To describe our institution's experience with complications following partial and total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 105 wrist surgeries in 100 patients who underwent surgery with prosthetic replacement of the distal radius, the proximal carpus, or both at a single institution. Patient factors including age, sex, body mass index, handedness, underlying disease, and previous injury were recorded. Outcomes focused particularly on postoperative complications and need for revision surgery. RESULTS: Forty-seven TWAs, 52 distal radius hemiarthroplasties, and 6 proximal carpal hemiarthroplasties were reviewed with a mean follow-up duration of 35 ± 28 months. Overall complication and revision rates were 51% (53 of 105) and 39% (41 of 105), respectively. Postoperative contracture accounted for the largest number of complications needing additional surgery (20%), followed by component failure (15%). Deep infections occurred in 2 TWAs and 1 distal radius hemiarthroplasty and required removal of hardware, antibiotic spacer placement, and a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics prior to a definitive operation. Of those patients requiring additional surgery, 41% (n = 10) underwent at least 2 procedures, and 10% (n = 4) underwent at least 6 additional surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Although TWA and partial wrist arthroplasty are attractive treatment options for the painful arthritic wrist, there remains a noteworthy potential for complications requiring additional surgery. A detailed understanding of these risks is essential for surgeons so that patients may be counseled accordingly and that alternative treatment options may be considered. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Variables Prognostic for Delayed Union and Nonunion Following Ulnar Shortening Fixed With a Dedicated Osteotomy Plate.

PURPOSE: To examine potential risk factors for the development of delayed or nonunion following elective ulnar shortening osteotomy using a dedicated osteotomy plating system. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent elective ulnar shortening using the TriMed single osteotomy dynamic compression plating system by 1 of 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons over a 5-year period. Demographic data and medical, surgical, and social histories were reviewed. Time to bony union was determined radiographically by a blinded reviewer. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed to examine the effect of explanatory variables on the time to union and the incidence of delayed or nonunion. Those variables associated with the development of delayed or nonunion were used in a multivariate logistic regression model. Complications, including the need for additional surgery, were also recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-two ulnar shortening osteotomy procedures were performed in 69 patients. Delayed union, defined as ≥ 6 months to union, occurred in 8 of 72 cases (11%). Of 72 surgeries, 4 (6%) resulted in nonunions, all of which required additional surgery. Hardware removal was performed in 13 of 72 (18%) of the cases. Time to union was significantly increased in smokers (6 ± 3 months) versus nonsmokers (3 ± 1 months). On multivariable analysis, diabetics and active smokers demonstrated a significantly higher risk of developing delayed union or nonunion. Patient age, sex, body mass index, thyroid disease, worker's compensation status, alcohol use, and amount smoked daily did not have an effect on the time to union or the incidence of delayed or nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of an osteotomy-specific plating system, smokers and diabetics were at significantly higher risk for both delayed union and nonunion following elective ulnar shortening osteotomy. Other known risk factors for suboptimal bony healing were not found to have a deleterious effect.

Predicting Revision Following In Situ Ulnar Nerve Decompression for Patients With Idiopathic Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of revision and potential risk factors for needing revision surgery following in situ ulnar nerve decompression for patients with idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients treated at 1 specialty hand center with an open in situ ulnar nerve decompression for idiopathic CTS from January 2006 through December 2010. Revision incidence was determined by identifying patients who underwent additional surgeries for recurrent or persistent ulnar nerve symptoms. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine which variables had a significant influence on the need for revision surgery. RESULTS: Revision surgery was required in 3.2% (7 of 216) of all cases. Age younger than 50 years at the time of index decompression was the lone significant predictor of need for revision surgery. Other patient factors, including gender, diabetes, smoking history, and workers' compensation status were not predictive of the need for revision surgery. Disease-specific variables including nerve conduction velocities, McGowan grading, and predominant symptom type were also not predictive of revision. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with idiopathic CTS, the risk of revision surgery following in situ ulnar nerve decompression is low. However, this risk was increased in patients who were younger than 50 years at the time of the index procedure. The findings of this study suggest that, in the absence of underlying elbow arthritis or prior elbow trauma, in situ ulnar nerve decompression is an effective, minimal-risk option for the initial surgical treatment of CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic III.

Evaluation and Management of Sleep Disorders in the Hand Surgery Patient.

Despite posing a significant public health threat, sleep disorders remain poorly understood and often underdiagnosed and mismanaged. Although sleep disorders are seemingly unrelated, hand surgeons should be mindful of these because numerous conditions of the upper extremity have known associations with sleep disturbances that can adversely affect patient function and satisfaction. In addition, patients with sleep disorders are at significantly higher risk for severe, even life-threatening medical comorbidities, further amplifying the role of hand surgeons in the recognition of this condition.

Risk factors predicting revision surgery after medial epicondylectomy for primary cubital tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Medial epicondylectomy (ME) is one of several accepted surgical options for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). Although reported outcomes after ME are generally favorable, few data exist regarding which patients are prone to poorer outcomes requiring revision surgery. The goal of this study was to identify risk factors predicting the need for revision surgery after ME for the treatment of CuTS. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients treated at our institution with ME for CuTS from 2006 through 2011. We identified patients who underwent additional operations for recurrent or persistent ulnar nerve symptoms as the revision cohort. We performed bivariate analysis to determine which variables had a significant influence on the need for revision surgery. We examined qualitative factors associated with revision, including the degree of bony resection performed during the index ME, and intraoperative findings at the time of revision surgery. RESULTS: Revision surgery was required in 13.3% of cases (11 of 83). On bivariate analysis, younger age, associated workers' compensation claims, lesser disease severity, and preoperative opioid use were all significant predictors of the need for revision surgery. Perineural scarring and heterotopic bone formation about the elbow were the 2 most common findings at the time of revision. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with CuTS, the risk of revision surgery after ME is higher in younger patients, patients with less severe disease, patients taking opioid medications preoperatively, and patients with associated workers' compensation claims. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study.

Recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome treated with revision neurolysis and amniotic membrane nerve wrapping.

BACKGROUND: Perineural scarring of the ulnar nerve is a predominant cause of symptom recurrence after surgical treatment for primary cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). We report our preliminary experience in revision ulnar nerve decompression and nerve wrapping with an amniotic membrane allograft adhesion barrier for treatment of recurrent CuTS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review with prospective follow-up of patients with recurrent CuTS who were treated with revision neurolysis with amniotic membrane nerve wrapping. Preoperative elbow motion, grip and pinch strengths, pain level on the visual analog scale level, and the 11-item version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand functional outcome score were compared with postoperative values using paired t testing. Symptom characteristics, physical examination findings, complications, and level of satisfaction were also obtained. RESULTS: Eight patients (mean age, 47.5 years) who had undergone at least 2 prior ulnar nerve operations satisfied study inclusion. At mean postoperative follow-up of 30 months, significant improvements were noted across all patients in visual analog scale pain levels (-3.5 vs. preoperatively; P < .0001), 11-item version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores (-30 vs. preoperatively; P < .0001), and grip strength (+25 pounds vs. preoperatively; P < .0001). Pinch strength and elbow motion were also significantly improved for those patients with comparative preoperative data available. All patients expressed subjective satisfaction with their results. No adverse reactions or complications occurred in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar nerve wrapping with amniotic membrane allograft, when combined with revision neurolysis, was a safe and subjectively effective treatment for patients with debilitating recurrent CuTS.

Interosseous membrane reconstruction with a suture-button construct for treatment of chronic forearm instability.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of interosseous membrane (IOM) reconstruction with a suture-button construct for treatment of chronic longitudinal forearm instability. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review with prospective follow-up of patients who underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy and IOM reconstruction with the Mini TightRope device from 2011 through 2014. Bivariate statistical analysis was used for comparison of preoperative and postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, range of motion, grip strength, and ulnar variance. Complications and patient satisfaction were also recorded. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age, 45.3 years) satisfied inclusion criteria: 8 treated for post-traumatic sequelae of Essex-Lopresti-type injuries, 1 for forearm instability secondary to previous elbow surgery, and 1 for instability secondary to trauma and multiple elbow surgeries. Surgeries were performed an average of 28.6 months from initial injury. At mean follow-up of 34.6 months after surgery, significant improvement was observed in elbow flexion-extension arc (+23° vs. preoperatively; P = .007), wrist flexion-extension arc (+22°; P = .016), QuickDASH score (-48; P = .000), and ulnar variance (-3.3 mm; P = .006). Three patients required additional surgery: 1 revision ulnar shortening osteotomy for persistent impingement, 1 revision ulnar osteotomy and Mini TightRope removal for lost forearm supination, and 1 fixation of a radial shaft fracture after a fall. CONCLUSION: IOM reconstruction using a suture-button construct is an effective treatment option for chronic forearm instability.

Forearm diaphyseal fractures in the adolescent population: treatment and management.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures are commonly treated in a variety of clinical settings. Most often, closed reduction followed by immobilization leads to satisfactory results. However, in the adolescent population (10-16 years of age), forearm fractures are more challenging due to less remodeling potential. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the anatomy, biomechanics, and treatment options relevant to adolescent patients. METHODS: A systematic review of peer-reviewed publications and abstracts related to the treatment for pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in adolescents was carried out. RESULTS: Forearm fractures in the pediatric population are most common following indirect blows to the forearm. When treating these fractures using closed reduction, it is important to recognize the muscular attachments of the forearm. In roughly 70-90% of cases, closed reduction leads to adequate alignment. In all cases, return to function is the primary goal; however, exact alignment parameters remain controversial. In the adolescent population, surgical treatment has risen substantially in the last few decades. Intramedullary nailing and open reduction using plate fixation are the two most common operative techniques. Unfortunately, recent results have shown that nonunion, malunion, and overall complication rates are higher in older pediatric patients. Moreover, no consensus exists regarding one technique over another. CONCLUSIONS: Both-bone diaphyseal fractures in the adolescent population present unique challenges regarding optimal treatment, especially when considering surgical intervention. Further research is necessary to better understand indications for specific surgical treatment.

J-splint use for temporizing management of pediatric femur fractures: a review of 18 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric femoral fractures are common injuries encountered in the field and in emergency departments. Currently described temporizing management strategies include skeletal traction, skin traction, traction splinting, and posterior splinting, all of which are suboptimal in some instances. J-splinting femur fractures may be advantageous in temporizing management of pediatric femur fractures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of J-splint use for temporizing management of pediatric femur fractures. METHODS: This study used a retrospective review of 18 pediatric patients with femur fractures treated with J-splinting in the emergency department. Patient age, weight, and presplinting and postsplinting pain scale ratings were recorded, as well as presplint and postsplint anteroposterior and lateral radiographic fracture angulation. Pain before and after J-splinting was compared using a paired t test. RESULTS: The mean age of this cohort was 5.4 years (range, 6 months-13 y), with a mean weight of 21.1 kg (range, 7.7-57 kg). In this cohort, there was a significant reduction in pain after reduction and splinting from a mean of 6 to a mean of 1 (P < 0.001). No significant difference in fracture alignment was noted after J-splinting. No complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The J-splint is a reliable, simple, and rapidly applied splint that prevents many of the complications and downfalls of other described temporizing measures and helps to provide excellent pain management in the acute setting.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Current Concepts.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Compressive neuropathy of the ulnar nerve across the elbow is a common diagnosis encountered frequently within a hand and upper extremity clinical practice. Appropriate and timely evaluation, diagnosis, objective testing, and evidence-based decisions regarding treatment options are paramount in the optimal care of the patient with this pathology. An understanding of current literature is critical in determining and understanding best practices. RECENT FINDINGS: A thorough review of the recent literature regarding physical examination, diagnostic testing, and nonoperative versus operative results was performed. Regarding physical examination, the glenohumeral internal rotation test and scratch collapse test are more effective and sensitive than traditional maneuvers such as Tinel's testing and the elbow flexion test. Electrodiagnostic testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound evaluation have all been shown to be effective in diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome. However, no single test has proven itself to be superior. Nonoperative treatment can be successful for mild cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. Surgical release techniques comparing open with endoscopic release are equivocal, and in situ release versus transposition techniques show that transposition should not be performed routinely. The diagnosis and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome do not have a well-defined algorithm based on current literature. The treating physician must therefore utilize the available information to determine a diagnostic and treatment plan individualized to the patient. More rigorous scientific studies are needed to determine the most effective surgical approaches for cubital tunnel syndrome.

Dual Antegrade Intramedullary Headless Screw Fixation for Treatment of Unstable Proximal Phalanx Fractures.

Background: Although intramedullary headless screw (IMHS) fixation is a promising minimally invasive surgical treatment option for unstable proximal phalanx fractures, a single IMHS may provide inadequate fixation for certain fracture patterns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes in a pilot series of patients with proximal phalanx fractures treated with dual antegrade IMHS fixation. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of proximal phalanx fractures treated with dual antegrade IMHS fixation with a minimum 1 year of follow-up. Demographic information including patient age, sex, occupation, workers' compensation status, mechanism of injury, hand dominance, and injured digit were obtained. Postoperative outcomes measured included range of motion, grip strength, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) outcome scores, return to full-duty work interval, and complications. Results: Ten fractures in 10 patients (4 male, 6 female) satisfied study inclusion. The mean age of patients was 39 years (range, 20-62), and average follow-up duration was 84 weeks (range, 61-106). Final postoperative total active motion was 258° (range, 245°-270°), mean grip strength was 97% (range, 84%-104%) of the uninjured side, and QuickDASH score was 3.9 (range, 0-13.6). No complications occurred, and no patients required additional intervention. Conclusions: Dual antegrade IMHS fixation of proximal phalanx fractures resulted in excellent postoperative motion, near-normal grip strength, positive self-reported patient outcomes, and no complications with follow-up of at least 1 year. Further study in a larger number of patients is warranted to determine if this promising technique is superior to other modes of fixation.

Sleep disturbance and response to surgical decompression in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective randomized pilot comparison of open versus endoscopic release.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance is a common complaint of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). While carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery has been shown to relieve subjective sleep-related complaints, data is lacking on the global effect on sleep using validated sleep measures. Additionally, it is not known if open (OCTR) or endoscopic release (ECTR) produce differing degrees of sleep-symptom relief. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to undergo either OCTR (n=30) or ECTR (n=30) surgery. Forty-three (71.7%) of the patients were female, and mean age of all patients was 49.4 years (range, 35-78). Prior to surgery, patients were administered three baseline self-reported outcome measures: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI), the Insomnia Severity Scale (ISI) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) survey, which were subsequently administered at three postoperative time points: 1-2 weeks, 4-6 weeks and 6-12 months. RESULTS: All 60 patients experienced significant improvements in the three outcome scores by their first postoperative visit compared to preoperatively. ECTR provided superior improvement to OCTR at the first postoperative visit for ISI (P=0.006) and PSQI (P=0.016), and at the second visit for PSQI (P=0.0038). There were no significant differences between the two groups for the QuickDASH at any time points, or for the ISI/PSQI at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic and open CTR both improve sleep symptoms postoperatively in the short-term which is sustained for 6-12 months, although endoscopic CTR does so more rapidly.

Self-Reported Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practices Following Commonly Performed Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgical Procedures: A Nationwide Survey Comparing Attending Surgeons and Trainees.

BACKGROUND: Although orthopaedic surgeons have been shown to prescribe excessive amounts of opioid analgesics postoperatively, the degree in which surgical trainees contribute to this trend is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare self-reported opioid-prescribing behavior, factors influencing this behavior, and perceptions of patient opioid utilization and disposal between hand surgeons and trainees. METHODS: Attending hand surgeons and trainees in hand, orthopaedic, and plastic surgery programs were invited to participate in a web-based survey including demographic characteristics; self-reported prescribing behavior specific to 4 procedures: open carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty, and distal radial fracture open reduction and internal fixation; and perceptions and influencing factors. Analgesic medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents and were compared across groups of interest using independent t tests or analysis of variance for each procedure. RESULTS: A total of 1,300 respondents (266 attending surgeons, 98 fellows, 708 orthopaedic residents, and 228 plastic surgery residents) were included. Surgeons reported prescribing fewer total morphine milligram equivalents compared with residents for all 4 procedures. Personal experience was the most influential factor for prescribing behavior by surgeons and fellows. Although residents reported that attending surgeon preference was their greatest influence, most reported no direct opioid-related communication with attending surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Residents self-report prescribing significantly higher morphine milligram equivalents for postoperative analgesia following commonly performed hand and wrist surgical procedures than attending surgeons. Poor communication between residents and attending surgeons may contribute to this finding. Residents may benefit from education on opioid prescription, and training programs should encourage direct communication between trainees and attending surgeons.

Late Reconstruction of the Interosseous Membrane with Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft for Chronic Essex-Lopresti Injuries: Outcomes with a Mean Follow-up of Over 10 Years.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report our long-term outcomes following reconstruction of the forearm interosseous membrane (IOM) with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft for treatment of chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries. METHODS: We identified 33 patients who underwent IOM reconstruction with BPTB graft for chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries over a 20-year treatment interval. Twenty male and 13 female patients, with a mean age of 42.1 years (range, 19 to 73 years) and a minimum follow-up interval of 5 years, were included. Preinjury clinical examination and radiographic measurements were obtained from records for comparison with prospectively collected data. Additional functional outcome data collected postoperatively included QuickDASH (an abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]), modified Mayo wrist (MMW), and Broberg-Morrey elbow function scores. RESULTS: IOM reconstruction was performed at a mean interval (and standard deviation) of 44.9 ± 60.0 months (range, 6.4 to 208 months) from the time of the initial injury. At a mean follow-up of 10.9 ± 4.4 years (range, 5.5 to 24.2 years), significant improvements were observed in mean elbow flexion-extension arc (+13° [95% confidence interval (CI), 4° to 22°]; p = 0.005), wrist flexion-extension arc (+19° [95% CI, 4° to 34°]; p = 0.016), forearm pronation-supination (+23° [95% CI, 8° to 39°]; p = 0.004), and grip strength (+25% of that of the contralateral side [95% CI, 18% to 32% of contralateral side]; p < 0.001). Improvements in ulnar variance were sustained over the long term from +3.9 mm (95% CI, 3.2 to 4.6 mm) preoperatively to -1.6 mm (95% CI, -2.3 to -0.9 mm) immediately postoperatively and -1.1 mm (95% CI, -1.8 to -0.4 mm) at the time of the final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean QuickDASH, MMW, and Broberg-Morrey scores were 29.8 (range, 5 to 61), 82.7 (range, 60 to 100), and 91.6 (range, 64 to 100), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IOM reconstruction with a BPTB graft is an effective treatment option for chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries, with satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes over the long term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.