The Epidemiology of Hand and Finger Lacerations in United States Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND: Hand and finger lacerations presenting to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) are common, although the burden of these injuries is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to describe the epidemiology and causes of hand and finger lacerations in U.S. EDs. METHODS: This National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database review investigates hand and finger lacerations presenting to EDs in the United States from 2015 to 2019. RESULTS: Annually, hand and finger lacerations account for 243,844 and 587,451 ED visits, respectively. Affected patients are frequently White (70.5%), male (63.4%), and aged 18 through 44 years (46.3%). The top three products linked to hand and finger lacerations are knives (30.5%), metal containers (4.2%), and drinkware (3.8%), and men are less likely to have injuries from these products than women, especially knives (odds ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.60-0.96; p < 0.02). Although a minority of hand and finger lacerations involve alcohol (1.2%), men have greater rates of alcohol involvement than women (χ21 = 11.7; p < 0.001). Lacerations frequently occur in the home (61.3%). Many patients (44.2%) present to very large hospitals, and nearly one-half of patients younger than 5 years and one-third of patients aged 5 through 17 years present to pediatric hospitals. Most patients (97.4%) are treated and released without admission and 0.2% are transferred to another hospital. Patients with alcohol, drug, or medication involvement are more likely to leave against medical advice, be admitted, or held for observation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hand and finger lacerations result in a significant number of ED visits. A better understanding of injury trends and presentations can guide injury prevention in manufacturing, education, and public health.

Post-operative Immobilization in Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Outcomes.

The purpose of this analysis is to determine the effect of length of immobilization following total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for rheumatoid arthritis on the outcomes, complications, and survival of the implant. A review of TEA literature was performed. Post-operative motion was categorized into three groups: no post-operative immobilization (group 1), short-term 2-5 days immobilization (group 2), and extended 7-14 days immobilization (group 3). Thirty-six articles reporting on 43 studies involving 2,346 elbows in 2015 patients were included. Total complication rates were 23% at 8.9 years for group 1, 31% at 6.8 years for group 2, and 31% at 6.9 years for group 3. Survival rates were 79% at 15.3 years, 75% at 10.4 years, and 92% at 9.1 years for each group, respectively. Total complication rates were lowest in elbows without post-operative immobilization. However, survival rates were greatest in elbows with extended post-operative immobilization. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(4):209-217, 2022).

Multifocal calcific periarthritis with distinctive clinical and radiological features in patients with CD73 deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial calcification due to deficiency of CD73 (ACDC) is a hereditary autosomal recessive ectopic mineralization syndrome caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ecto-5'-nucleotidase gene. Periarticular calcification has been reported but the clinical characterization of arthritis as well as the microstructure and chemical composition of periarticular calcifications and SF crystals has not been systematically investigated. METHODS: Eight ACDC patients underwent extensive rheumatological and radiological evaluation over a period of 11 years. Periarticular and synovial biopsies were obtained from four patients. Characterization of crystal composition was evaluated by compensated polarized light microscopy, Alizarin Red staining for synovial fluid along with X-ray diffraction and X-ray micro tomosynthesis scanner for periarticular calcification. RESULTS: Arthritis in ACDC patients has a clinical presentation of mixed erosive-degenerative joint changes with a median onset of articular symptoms at 17 years of age and progresses over time to the development of fixed deformities and functional limitations of small peripheral joints with, eventually, larger joint and distinct axial involvement later in life. We have identified calcium pyrophosphate and calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA) crystals in SF specimens and determined that CHA crystals are the principal component of periarticular calcifications. CONCLUSION: This is the largest study in ACDC patients to describe erosive peripheral arthropathy and axial enthesopathic calcifications over a period of 11 years and the first to identify the composition of periarticular calcifications and SF crystals. ACDC should be considered among the genetic causes of early-onset OA, as musculoskeletal disease signs may often precede vascular symptoms.

Dorsal Bridge Plate for Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This study presents patient demographics, injury characteristics, outcomes, and complications associated with dorsal bridge plating (DBP) in the treatment of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A literature search performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines identified 206 articles, 12 of which met inclusion criteria, accounting for 310 patients. Included articles contained the results of DBP for treatment of distal radius fractures with reported outcomes between 1988 and 2018. Data were pooled and analyzed focusing on patient demographics, as well as 3 primary outcomes of complications, range of motion (ROM), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and QuickDASH scores. RESULTS: Average age was 55 years, median follow-up was 24 months, and the most common use was in comminuted (92%) intra-articular (92%) distal radius fracture caused by fall (58%), or motor vehicle collision or motorcycle collision (27%). A minority of patients had open fractures (16%) and most were cases of polytrauma (65%). Median time from placement to DBP removal was 17 weeks (mean, 119 days). At final follow-up, mean wrist ROM was 45° flexion, 50° extension, 75° pronation, and 73° supination. Mean DASH score was 26.1, and mean QuickDASH score was 19.8. The overall rate for any complication was 13%; the most common was hardware failure (3%) followed by symptomatic malunion or nonunion (3%), and persistent pain after hardware removal (2%). CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal bridge plating was found to be used most commonly in intra-articular, comminuted distal radius fractures with overall functional wrist ROM, moderate patient-reported disability, and a 13% complication rate at follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Combat-Sustained Peripheral Nerve Injuries in the United States Military.

PURPOSE: Combat-sustained peripheral nerve injuries (CSPNIs) are often the result of high-energy blast mechanisms and are increasing in frequency and severity among US forces engaged in contemporary warfare. The purpose of this study was to describe CSPNIs and report outcomes after evaluation in a military multidisciplinary peripheral nerve clinic. We hypothesized that a shorter time to evaluation by a multidisciplinary peripheral nerve team would improve outcomes. METHODS: The Peripheral Nerve Consortium (PNC) maintains an electronic database of all active duty service members who sustained a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) and were treated by the PNC between 2004 and 2009. This database was queried for service member demographic information, injury characteristics, wounding patterns, CSPNI description, surgical procedures, and Medical Research Council final motor and sensory outcome. RESULTS: Among the 104 service members treated by the PNC in the 6-year period reviewed, there were 138 PNIs. Average age was 27 years, time to initial evaluation by the PNC was 4 (±7) months, and average follow-up was 18 (±18) months. Associated injuries included fractures (31.1%), multiple PNIs (76.8%), vascular injury (30.4%), and traumatic brain injury (34.1%). There was no association between Sunderland classification and time to evaluation, mechanism of injury, or nerve injured. However, Sunderland classification was correlated with final motor and final sensory scores. Service members with better final sensory score (S1 or S2) had shorter time to initial evaluation than did patients with a final sensory score of S0 (<0.05). This did not hold true for final motor score. CONCLUSIONS: Service members with more severe initial injuries had worse final outcomes. Although timely referral does not occur for most CSPNIs, a shorter time to presentation also led to improved sensory recovery. Complex combat-sustained PNIs may be best understood and treated within a multidisciplinary team. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Flexor Tendon Repair with Adjunctive Botulinum Toxin Administration: A Systematic Review.

Chemical denervation with Botulinum toxin has been proposed as an augment therapy to flexor tendon repairs to decrease complications including adhesions and re-rupture. We compiled and analyzed the results and complications for chemical denervation with Botulinum toxin in augmentation of flexor tendon repairs. Reviewed studies were from 1990-2018 and contained a minimum 3-month follow-up. A total of 26 patients were included in this review. All patients were reported to have excellent or good outcomes by the Strickland or Kleinert criteria. Complications were present in 9.3% of fingers including one with a flexion contracture, one with postoperative swelling, one with bowstringing, one with residual hypesthesia and first web contracture. Only one patient required re-operation. There were no cases of re-rupture or adhesions reported. All complications were unrelated to the use of Botulinum toxin. We conclude that Botulinum toxin therapy is a safe and efficacious augmentation to flexor tendon repair. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(1):036-039, 2021).

Wartime Military Orthopaedics.

Military orthopaedic surgeons are faced with hardship and decreased morale. Surgeons have frequent deployments and practice inefficiencies resulting in poor retention rates. The purpose of this analysis is to report demographics and factors effecting military retention. A survey was sent to all members of the Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons. The survey obtained demographic information, as well as factors affecting retention and termination of service. Data was compared between subset groups within the total respondent population. Of active-duty personnel, 38.5% plan on staying in the military until retirement. Most surgeons entered into the military due to a desire to serve their country, while most people leave service due to higher pay as a civilian. A minority of military orthopaedic surgeons achieve military retirement; however, increased pay, increased control over practice, and decreased frequency of deployments are factors that could improve retention rates. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(2):116-119, 2021).

How the US Army Forged Hand Surgery.

As the United States plunged into World War II, the surgeon general, Norman T. Kirk, scrambled to care for the complex hand injuries sustained in combat. To remedy this problem, Major General Kirk appointed Sterling Bunnell, a general surgeon and a World War I veteran with a keen interest in hand injuries, to serve as the consultant to the Secretary of War. Kirk and Bunnell formed 9 US military hand centers that treated 22,000 hand injuries in World War II. Bunnell and his pupils would later form the nucleus of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Through Dr. Bunnell's expertise, skillful care, dedication to teaching, and love of country, US hand surgery was born.

Capitolunate Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To compile and review the indications, outcomes, and complications of capitolunate arthrodesis (CLA). METHODS: We performed a literature search identifying 33 articles, 6 of which met inclusion criteria, including 80 patients. Included publications contained the results of CLA with minimum 12-month follow-up between 2000 and 2018. Data were pooled and analyzed focusing on the primary outcomes of union and complications. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 48 years (range, 22-86 years), median follow-up was 34 months (range, 12-198 months), and most common indication was scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (59%). Nearly half underwent a concomitant triquetrum excision (49%). Most patients were pain-free (78%) and returned to work (92%). Grip strength and visual analog pain scale both improved after CLA. Whereas 96% fused within a reported 42 to 210 days (median, 70 days), 11% of patients had complications including nonunion (3.8%) and loose hardware (6.3%). The reoperation rate was 14%, including wrist arthrodeses and wrist arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Capitolunate arthrodesis is a feasible option for scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrists with complications similar to those encountered in 4-corner arthrodesis. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

The impact of pre-existing ulnar nerve instability on the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The decision to perform nerve transposition (NT) or in situ decompression (SD) during surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome is often based on nerve subluxation through elbow motion. This review assesses what impact nerve instability has on study design and reported outcomes. METHODS: A search was performed with Boolean operators: "ulnar nerve" OR "cubital tunnel" AND "decompression" OR "transposition" on PubMed, Clinical Key, and CINAHL to identify primary studies comparing NT and SD that report pre-existing nerve instability. Primary outcome was the effect of instability on study design. Secondary outcomes were nerve instability, patient-reported scores, and complications. RESULTS: Five studies met criteria after screening 134 articles. In 3 studies, nerve instability dictated treatment. Prospective randomization was maintained in 1 study. Included cases totaled 464 SD and 304 NT. The complication rate was 8.6% overall, 4.3% for SD and 21.1% for NT. Bishop scores were 56.9% excellent and 37.3% good for stable nerves and 62.0% excellent and 29.3% good for unstable nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Very few studies report ulnar nerve instability, and study design is biased by ulnar nerve subluxation. Outcomes showed similar symptomatic improvement for both decompressed and transposed groups with higher complication rates for the transposed group.

Peripheral nerve repair throughout the body with processed nerve allografts: Results from a large multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve damage resulting in pain, loss of sensation, or motor function may necessitate a reconstruction with a bridging material. The RANGER® Registry was designed to evaluate outcomes following nerve repair with processed nerve allograft (Avance® Nerve Graft; Axogen; Alachua, FL). Here we report on the results from the largest peripheral nerve registry to-date. METHODS: This multicenter IRB-approved registry study collected data from patients repaired with processed nerve allograft (PNA). Sites followed their own standard of care for patient treatment and follow-up. Data were assessed for meaningful recovery, defined as ≥S3/M3 to remain consistent with previously published results, and comparisons were made to reference literature. RESULTS: The study included 385 subjects and 624 nerve repairs. Overall, 82% meaningful recovery (MR) was achieved across sensory, mixed, and motor nerve repairs up to gaps of 70 mm. No related adverse events were reported. There were no significant differences in MR across the nerve type, age, time-to-repair, and smoking status subgroups in the upper extremity (p > .05). Significant differences were noted by the mechanism of injury subgroups between complex injures (74%) as compared to lacerations (85%) or neuroma resections (94%) (p = .03) and by gap length between the <15 mm and 50-70 mm gap subgroups, 91 and 69% MR, respectively (p = .01). Results were comparable to historical literature for nerve autograft and exceed that of conduit. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide clinical evidence to support the continued use of PNA up to 70 mm in sensory, mixed and motor nerve repair throughout the body and across a broad patient population.

In vivo model of human post-traumatic heterotopic ossification demonstrates early fibroproliferative signature.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the tissue injury healing response and development of heterotopic ossification (HO) is poorly understood. Here we compare a rat blast model and human traumatized muscle from a blast injury to study the early signatures of osteogenesis and fibrosis during the formation of HO. METHODS: Rat and human tissues were characterized using histology, scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, as well as gene and protein expression analysis. Additionally, animals and humans were assessed radiographically for HO formation following injury. RESULTS: Markers of bone formation were dramatically increased in tissue samples from both humans and rats, and both displayed increased fibroproliferative regions within the injured tissues and elevated expression of markers of tissue fibrosis such as TGF-ß1, Fibronectin, SMAD3 and PAI-1. Markers of inflammation and fibrosis (ACTA, TNFα, BMP1 and BMP3) were elevated at the RNA level in both rat and human samples. By day 42, bone formation in the rat blast model appeared similar in radiographs compared to human patients who progressed to develop post-traumatic HO. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates that a similar early fibrotic response is evident in both the rat blast model and the human tissues following a traumatic injury and demonstrates the relevance of this animal model for future translational studies.

Outcome measures after medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions in a military population.

BACKGROUND: Medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) reconstruction outcomes are well described in competitive throwers but not in nonthrowers. This investigation elucidated epidemiologic variables, functional outcomes, and prognostic factors after MUCL reconstruction in young active patients. METHODS: United States military service members undergoing MUCL reconstruction were isolated using the Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2) database from 2009 to 2016. Demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical variables were extracted. Multivariate analysis was performed, discerning variables predictive of postoperative functional outcomes, complications, and reoperation. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients met inclusion criteria, and 47% participated in throwing sports. Of these, 36.4% reported a throwing mechanism of injury (MOI), 60.6% reported an acute trauma MOI, 59% reported preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms, and 39.4% experienced symptoms postoperatively. At final follow-up, average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) scores were 10.8 ± 16.2 and 87.6 ± 17.1, respectively. A total of 86.4% reported no disability (DASH < 30), and 83.3% experienced good or excellent outcomes (MEPS >74). Age < 30 years, dominant arm injury, competitive throwing history, and throwing MOI correlated with improved DASH and MEPS scores, push-up count, postoperative pain and instability, and rates of ulnar nerve symptoms (P < .05). Psychiatric diagnosis and preoperative stiffness and instability were associated with lower outcome scores (P < .05). Ulnar nerve interventions did not correlate with presence or absence of postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: MUCL reconstruction demonstrates a high good-to-excellent outcome rate and low complication and revision rates in young active individuals with intense upper extremity demands. Nonthrowing MOIs and psychiatric pathology are associated with postoperative complications and poorer outcomes.

Retrospective, nonrandomized analysis of subcutaneous anterior transposition versus in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve of military service members.

HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to compare the subjective and objective midterm functional clinical outcomes of subcutaneous anterior transposition (SAT) vs. in situ decompression (SD) of the ulnar nerve for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS: The US Military Health System was queried to identify all cases of ulnar neuroplasty (Current Procedural Terminology code 64718) between 2006 and 2010. Patient charts were reviewed to identify cases of isolated SAT and SD, and demographic and surgical variables were collected. The primary outcome variable was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. The inclusion criteria were isolated primary SAT or SD and adult active-duty service members with a minimum 6-year telephone follow-up. Terminal follow-up was determined by a telephone interview. The exclusion criteria were revision procedures, trauma, cases that included other procedures (eg, medial epicondylectomy, submuscular transposition, arthroscopy, or fracture fixation), non-active-duty service members, patients without a minimum 6-year telephone follow-up, and patients who had incomplete medical records or could not be reached to complete the survey. RESULTS: A total of 65 SD and 67 SAT patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a 72% telephone interview response rate. The average age was 32.3 years for all patients, with an average follow-up period of 6.5 years for SD patients and 6.3 years for SAT patients. SD patients had a lower mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score than SAT patients. No difference in reoperation rate was found. CONCLUSION: The active-duty cohort reported positive outcomes and a low reoperation rate at 6-year follow-up both after SAT and after SD. SD patients had mildly superior clinical outcomes compared with SAT patients.

High-resolution ultrasound in combat-related peripheral nerve injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) sustained in combat are typically severe and are frequently associated with marked soft tissue damage, anatomic distortion, and retained metallic fragments. These features complicate clinical and electrodiagnostic assessment and may preclude MRI. METHODS: We describe 4 cases of military personnel who sustained high-velocity gunshot wounds or blasts with metal fragment injuries in which high resolution peripheral nerve ultrasound (US) proved beneficial. RESULTS: In these cases, the clinical and electrodiagnostic exams provided inadequate localization and severity data of the nerve injuries, and MRI was either precluded or provided no additional information. In each case, US disclosed focal nerve segment abnormalities, including regions of focal enlargement and nerve discontinuity with end-bulb neuroma, which guided surgical planning for nerve repair. The findings on US were subsequently confirmed intra-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: High resolution peripheral nerve US is a useful modality in assessment of combat-related PNI. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 54: 1139-1144, 2016.

Neuralgic amyotrophy manifested by severe axillary mononeuropathy limited only to the anterior branch.

INTRODUCTION: In this study we describe a case demonstrating clinical, radiographic, electrophysiologic, and surgical evidence of a restricted but severe anterior branch axillary nerve mononeuropathy due to neuralgic amyotrophy (NA). METHODS: On each diagnostic modality there was severe involvement of the anterior and lateral deltoid muscle with sparing of the posterior deltoid and teres minor muscles and cutaneous innervation to the skin overlying the lateral shoulder. RESULTS: No structural etiologies were discovered during surgical exploration. CONCLUSIONS: This case provides another unique manifestation of NA and augments the theory of selective fascicular vulnerability.

Quality of healing: defining, quantifying, and enhancing skeletal muscle healing.

Skeletal muscle injury is common in everyday physical activity and athletics, as well as in orthopedic trauma and disease. The overall functional disability resulting from muscle injury is directly related to the intrinsic healing properties of muscle and extrinsic treatment options designed to maximize repair and/or regeneration of muscle tissue all while minimizing pathologic healing pathways. It is important to understand the injury and repair pathways in order to improve the speed and quality of recovery. Recent military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have highlighted the importance of successfully addressing muscular injury and showed the need for novel treatment options that will maximize functional regeneration of the damaged tissue. These severe, wartime injuries, when juxtaposed to peacetime, sports-related injuries, provide us with interesting case examples of the two extreme forms of muscular damage. Comparing and contrasting the differences in these healing pathways will likely provide helpful cues that will help physicians recapitulate the near complete repair and regeneration in less traumatic injuries in addition to more severe cases.

Hand Surgeons Are Tackling Tougher Scaphoids: A Study of ABOS Candidate Data.

BACKGROUND: This study will evaluate whether those who have completed a hand fellowship treat a disproportionate number of scaphoid fractures based on recent American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) data. We hypothesize that surgeons who have completed a fellowship in hand surgery will address most surgically treated scaphoid fractures, particularly those with fracture nonunions or requiring graft. METHODS: We queried the ABOS database for case log information submitted for part II of the ABOS examination. This search included all cases with Current Procedural Terminology codes for procedures related to scaphoid fixation. Demographic information, case volume, type of case, and complication rate were compared for hand fellowship-trained surgeons and those who had completed other fellowships as well as non-fellowship-trained surgeons. RESULTS: During the study period, 1686 surgeons reported treating 4244 scaphoid fractures. Of these surgeons, 1180 had completed a hand surgery fellowship. Hand fellowship-trained surgeons were shown to have operatively treated more scaphoid fractures both in total volume and on a per-surgeon basis. Hand fellowship-trained surgeons were also found to have performed a significantly higher proportion of difficult cases, which were those listed as being a malunion/nonunion or those incorporating a pedicle graft. There was no difference in the complication rate between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Among those orthopedic surgeons reporting case information for part II of the ABOS certification examination, statistically significant differences exist in case volume and case difficulty among surgeons with different areas of fellowship training. Complication rates increase with patient age and examination year.

Analysis of the Quality of Prospective Randomized Controlled Trials for Treatment of Boxer's Fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to review level I and II therapeutic studies on boxer's fractures to measure variation in quality among the highest level study designs. METHODS: We used quantitative measures of study quality to evaluate prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments of boxer's fractures. A search of PubMed, using terms "boxer's fracture" and "fifth metacarpal neck fracture" identified 164 articles from 1961 to 2019. From this list, we identified 6 RCTs. Two observers classified each trial according to 3 systems: the Oxford Levels of Evidence, the modified Coleman Methodology Score, and the revised Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) score. RESULTS: The 2 reviewers were consistent in their use of the Oxford Levels of Evidence (100% agreement). The differences between the average modified Coleman Methodology scores and the average CONSORT scores assigned by the 2 observers were not significant (46.2 vs 45.3 points, κ = 0) and (13.7 vs 14.3 points, κ = 0.33), respectively. Both observers rated all the studies as level I and as unsatisfactory according to the Coleman Methodology Score (100% and 100%), and less than half as unsatisfactory according to the CONSORT score (50% and 17%). Areas of deficiency included randomization, blinding, group comparability, clinical effect measurements, and allocation into treatment arms. CONCLUSION: Classifying orthopedic scientific reports according to the levels of evidence implies a degree of respect for level I and II studies that may not always be merited. Our data suggest that the quality of higher level studies, namely those involving boxer's fractures, varies and may often be unsatisfactory when critically evaluated.