Hamatolunate impingement, a differential diagnosis of ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain (USWP) is a diagnostic challenge. Although most of the etiologies are associated with the triangular fibrocartilage complex, the distal radioulnar joint, ulnocarpal impingement, or extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinopathy, other differential diagnoses should be suggested during propaedeutics. Carpal anatomical variations, specifically the hamatolunate joint, may be responsible for USWP. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the diagnostic approach to USWP and discuss an infrequent differential diagnosis and its surgical management. We present a 44-year-old male patient, a waiter, with USWP and work difficulties. After careful clinical investigation and radiologic studies (magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic fluoroscopy), it was observed the hamatolunate joint impingement. The patient underwent arthroscopy with inspection of the midcarpal joint through the midcarpal radial portal, revealing joint degradation of both articular surfaces. The proximal pole of the hamate was removed. The patient evolved well and returned to work two months later. Function and pain scores were satisfactory at the one-year follow-up.

Epidemiology of work-related hand and wrist injuries in a referral center: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational hand and wrist injuries (OHWIs) account for 25% of work-related accidents in low- and middle-income countries. In Colombia, more than 500000 occupational accidents occurred in 2021, and although the rate declined to less than 5% in 2020 and 2021, at least one in four accidents involved a hand or wrist injury. AIM: To describe the OHWIs in workers seen at the emergency room at a second-level hospital in Colombia. METHODS: An observational study was performed using data from workers who experienced OHWIs and attended a second-level hospital, between June, 2020 and May, 2021. The overall frequency of OHWIs, as well as their distribution by sociodemographic, clinical, and occupational variables, are described. Furthermore, association patterns between sex, anatomical area (fingers, hand, wrist), and type of job were analyzed by correspondence analysis (CA). RESULTS: There were 2.101 workers treated for occupational accidents, 423 (20.3%) were cases of OHWIs, which mainly affected men (93.9%) with a median age of 31 years and who worked mainly in mining (75.9%). OHWIs were more common in the right upper extremity (55.3%) and comprised different types of injuries, such as contusion (42.1%), laceration (27.9%), fracture (18.7%), and crush injury (15.6%). They primarily affected the phalanges (95.2%), especially those of the first finger (25.7%). The CAs showed associations between the injured anatomical area and the worker's job that differed in men and women (explained variance > 90%). CONCLUSION: One out of five workers who suffered occupational accidents in Cundinamarca, Columbia had an OHWI, affecting mainly males employed in mining. This occupational profile is likely to lead to prolonged rehabilitation, and permanent functional limitations. Our results might be useful for adjusting preventive measures in cluster risk groups.

Arthroscopy-assisted Procedures in Hand and Wrist Surgery: An Update. Where Are We So Far?

Wrist and hand arthroscopy, despite being an old tool, has gained popularity and advanced in assisting in the treatment of various injuries and conditions in the region in recent years. Dorsal, volar, ulnar, and radial accessory portals are used to reach all points of the carpal and hand joints. The minimal tissue damage, lesser injury to the capsule and its mechanoreceptors, the assessment of injuries associated with the reason for surgery, and aesthetically more favorable scars have attracted many doctors and their patients. As a result, there has been an increase in publications and diversifications of arthroscopic techniques. The aim of this update article is to present the advances and the evidence available in the literature to assist readers in their decision on which technique to use in the treatment of wrist and hand conditions.

Preliminary Outcomes of Scapholunate Ligament Augmentation with Internal Brace Technique.

Purpose: Injury to the scapholunate (SL) interosseous ligament (SLIL) is a common cause of carpal instability. Internal brace augmentation has been used in various ligament repair procedures; however, further investigation of its outcomes in hand surgery is needed. This study aimed to examine outcomes for patients who underwent SLIL repair with internal brace augmentation. Methods: Patients who underwent SLIL repair with the internal brace technique and had at least 1 year of follow-up were contacted. Available patients returned for an in-person evaluation with new radiographs and physical examination. If patients could not be contacted but had x-rays and physical examinations performed at greater than 1 year after surgery, these data were collected from their medical records. Participating patients completed the QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation surveys and rated their satisfaction with the surgery. Outcomes assessed included wrist range of motion, grip strength, scaphoid shift test, SL gap, SL angle, and radiographic evidence of radiocarpal arthritis. Results: We collected outcomes for 14 SLIL repairs among 13 patients (12 male). Mean length of the follow-up was 41 months (n = 14, 17-64). Mean QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores were 6.1 (0-43.2) and 9.6 (0-65), respectively. Radiographic measurements remained stable from immediate to latest follow-up, and no radiocarpal arthritic changes were noted. However, SL gap decreased from a mean of 5.33 mm (3.4-6.7) before surgery to 3.34 mm (2-4.6) at the latest follow-up, and SL angle decreased from a mean of 79.5° (67°-97°) before surgery to 67.3° (51°-85°) at the latest follow-up. All scaphoid shift tests were stable. Conclusions: Therefore, SL internal brace augmentation has favorable short-term results with improvements in pain, function, satisfaction, and carpal alignment at greater than 1 year postoperatively. This technique can be an effective option for the management of SL instability in the short term. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopy-assisted Procedures in Hand and Wrist Surgery: An Update. Where Are We So Far? / Procedimentos assistidos por artroscopia no punho e na mão: Atualização. Onde nós estamos?

Abstract Wrist and hand arthroscopy, despite being an old tool, has gained popularity and advanced in assisting in the treatment of various injuries and conditions in the region in recent years. Dorsal, volar, ulnar, and radial accessory portals are used to reach all points of the carpal and hand joints. The minimal tissue damage, lesser injury to the capsule and its mechanoreceptors, the assessment of injuries associated with the reason for surgery, and aesthetically more favorable scars have attracted many doctors and their patients. As a result, there has been an increase in publications and diversifications of arthroscopic techniques. The aim of this update article is to present the advances and the evidence available in the literature to assist readers in their decision on which technique to use in the treatment of wrist and hand conditions.

Resumo A artroscopia de punho e mão, apesar de ser uma ferramenta antiga, tem ganhado popularidade e avançado no auxílio do tratamento das mais diversas lesões e doenças da região nos últimos anos. Utilizam-se portais acessórios dorsais, volares, ulnares e radiais para se alcançar todos os pontos das articulações do carpo e da mão. O menor dano tecidual, a menor lesão da cápsula e de seus mecanoceptores, a avaliação de lesões associadas ao motivo da cirurgia e as cicatrizes esteticamente mais favoráveis têm atraído muitos médicos e seus pacientes. Com isso, houve um aumento das publicações e diversificações de técnicas artroscópicas. O objetivo deste artigo de atualização é mostrar os avanços e o que temos de evidência na literatura para apoiar os leitores na sua decisão sobre qual técnica utilizar nos tratamentos das doenças do punho e da mão.

Modeling the cortical response elicited by wrist manipulation via a nonlinear delay differential embedding.

Regarding motor processes, modeling healthy people's brains is essential to understand the brain activity in people with motor impairments. However, little research has been undertaken when external forces disturb limbs, having limited information on physiological pathways. Therefore, in this paper, a nonlinear delay differential embedding model is used to estimate the brain response elicited by externally controlled wrist movement in healthy individuals. The aim is to improve the understanding of the relationship between a controlled wrist movement and the generated cortical activity of healthy people, helping to disclose the underlying mechanisms and physiological relationships involved in the motor event. To evaluate the model, a public database from the Delft University of Technology is used, which contains electroencephalographic recordings of ten healthy subjects while wrist movement was externally provoked by a robotic system. In this work, the cortical response related to movement is identified via Independent Component Analysis and estimated based on a nonlinear delay differential embedding model. After a cross-validation analysis, the model performance reaches 90.21% ± 4.46% Variance Accounted For, and Correlation 95.14% ± 2.31%. The proposed methodology allows to select the model degree, to estimate a general predominant operation mode of the cortical response elicited by wrist movement. The obtained results revealed two facts that had not previously been reported: the movement's acceleration affects the cortical response, and a common delayed activity is shared among subjects. Going forward, identifying biomarkers related to motor tasks could aid in the evaluation of rehabilitation treatments for patients with upper limbs motor impairments.

Distal Radial Fractures with Scaphoid Fractures.

Objective This study evaluated the epidemiological data and functional outcomes from patients with concomitant distal radial and scaphoid fractures treated in a single center specialized in hand surgery. Functional outcomes analysis used validated instruments. Methods Patients diagnosed with distal radial and scaphoid fractures treated from January 2011 to December 2021 underwent assessments using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, goniometry, radiographic consolidation, and complications six months after surgery. Results The study included 23 patients, 73.9% men and 26.1% women. Most (56.5%) fractures occurred on the right side, and 43.5% happened on the left side. Treatment of most (56%) distal radial fractures used a locked volar plate. Functional assessment by PRWE resulted in a mean score of 35.9 points (range, 14 to 71 points), while DASH showed a mean score of 37.8 points (range, 12 to 78 points). The mean VAS was 2.33 during activities (range, 0.6 to 6.2). Conclusion Distal radial fractures associated with scaphoid fractures resulted from high-energy trauma, and most patients were males. There was a low rate of complications with surgical treatment, and the patients had satisfactory functional evolution with a low level of pain.

The "Bubble Test" in the Arthroscopic Diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilage Central Lesion: Description and Relevance to Treatment.

Background Ulnarly sided wrist pain is a common and challenging symptom. Arthroscopy has become a safe and effective tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment, proving to be better than all other clinical and imaging diagnostic methods. Some tests have been described for the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) lesions, such as the trampoline test for peripheral lesions and the hook, ghost, and suction tests for foveal detachments. In tears at the disc level, when they affect all layers of the TFC (complete lesion) at the same point, testing with the probe will usually suffice for the diagnosis. However, in some apparently partial lesions, the probe cannot pass through all layers because the proximal and distal sites of the lesion are not aligned. There has been no arthroscopic test described for such cases. Case Description We describe a simple and practical test that we have called the "bubble test" in a typical case to diagnose TFC central injuries, aiming to discriminate partial from complete lesions, which are eventually hard to differentiate through direct vision and arthroscopic probing, leading to a direct influence onto the treatment. The bubble test is performed with external compression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) aspect, with the thumb on the back of the DRUJ and the index and middle fingers onto the volar aspect. The abrupt compression of this region causes the passage of air mixed with synovial fluid from the DRUJ to the radiocarpal joint, generating bubble formation. Clinical Relevance The bubble test should correlate to physical examination and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) findings and is particularly useful in central and degenerative (Type II) TFC lesions in patients complaining of chronic pain on the ulnar region of the wrist, with no history of trauma and with inconclusive MRI findings. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, arthroscopic treatment consists of wide debridement of the lesion with resection of the injured tissue and the local inflammatory reaction. Thus, it is essential for the correct treatment to define the exact location of the lesion and to know whether the disc injury is complete.

Comparison of Sociodemographic and Radiographic Features in Distal Radio Fracture Treatment: Hand Surgeons versus Non-specialists.

Objective: This study evaluated sociodemographic and radiographic features of patients with distal radial fractures treated at a trauma hospital in southern Brazil, comparing those treated by hand surgery specialists (group 1) and non-specialists (group 2). Methods: This study consists of a retrospective cohort of 200 patients treated in 2020. After reviewing medical records and radiographs, the following parameters were analyzed: age, gender, trauma mechanism, laterality, associated comorbidities and fractures, fracture classification (AO), radial height, radial inclination, and volar inclination. Comparison of the two groups used the Student t-test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test. Results: Most subjects were women (54%), sustained low-energy traumas (58%), and were left-handed (53%). Group 1 had a lower mean age (50.2 years); most of their subjects sustained high-energy trauma (54%) and had type C fractures (73%); type A fractures prevailed in group 2 (72%). Radiographs showed a significant difference regarding the mean radial inclination (21.5° in group 1 and 16.5° in group 2 [ p < 0.001] in women, and 21.3° in group 1 and 17° in group 2 [ p < 0.001] in men) and volar inclination (10.1° and 12.8° in groups 1 and 2, respectively [ p < 0.001]). In addition, the absolute number of cases with reestablished anatomical parameters per the three evaluated variables was also significantly different; all parameters were better in group 1. Conclusion: Hand surgeons treated the most severe fractures and had the best radiographic outcomes.

Upper extremity infection: imaging features with focus on magnetic resonance imaging.

Upper extremity infections are frequently seen, especially in individuals with weakened immune system, posttraumatic events, and after surgery procedures. If not properly treated, such conditions can lead to serious consequences, such as movement impairment, amputation, and even mortality. These infections have the potential to spread extensively from their initial site of entry, traversing interconnected spaces either intra or extra-compartmental. Understanding the relevant anatomy is crucial to assess location and stage of infection, since surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics are usually required. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of upper extremity infection, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, this article sheds light on the pivotal role of radiology in managing hand, elbow, and shoulder infections offering an overview of available treatment options. KEY FINDINGS: Various types of infections affecting the upper extremity will be discussed, including infectious tenosynovitis, deep space infections, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Authors also highlight anatomical spaces, common pathogens, spread routes, and key radiological features of these conditions.

Distal Radial Fractures with Scaphoid Fractures / Fraturas do rádio distal associadas à fratura do escafoide

Abstract Objective This study evaluated the epidemiological data and functional outcomes from patients with concomitant distal radial and scaphoid fractures treated in a single center specialized in hand surgery. Functional outcomes analysis used validated instruments. Methods Patients diagnosed with distal radial and scaphoid fractures treated from January 2011 to December 2021 underwent assessments using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, goniometry, radiographic consolidation, and complications six months after surgery. Results The study included 23 patients, 73.9% men and 26.1% women. Most (56.5%) fractures occurred on the right side, and 43.5% happened on the left side. Treatment of most (56%) distal radial fractures used a locked volar plate. Functional assessment by PRWE resulted in a mean score of 35.9 points (range, 14 to 71 points), while DASH showed a mean score of 37.8 points (range, 12 to 78 points). The mean VAS was 2.33 during activities (range, 0.6 to 6.2). Conclusion Distal radial fractures associated with scaphoid fractures resulted from high-energy trauma, and most patients were males. There was a low rate of complications with surgical treatment, and the patients had satisfactory functional evolution with a low level of pain.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados epidemiológicos e funcionais dos pacientes que apresentaram fraturas concomitantes do rádio distal e do escafoide e foram tratados em um único centro especializado em cirurgia da mão, através de instrumentos validados para analisar os desfechos funcionais desses pacientes. Métodos Foram avaliados os pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura do rádio distal e escafoide tratados de janeiro de 2011 até dezembro de 2021, através dos questionários Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) e Escala Visual Analógica da dor (EVA); goniometria; consolidação radiográfica; complicações em seis meses de pós-operatório. Resultados Vinte e três pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, sendo 73,9% homens e 26,1% mulheres; 56,5% das fraturas ocorreram à direita e 43,5% à esquerda. A maioria das fraturas do rádio distal foi tratada com placa volar bloqueada, totalizando 56%. Na avaliação funcional pelo PRWE, obteve-se média de 35,9 pontos (variação de 14 a 71 pontos) e pelo DASH média de 37,8 pontos (variação de 12 a 78 pontos). A EVA apresentou uma média de 2,33 durante a atividade (variação de 0,6 a 6,2). Conclusão Verificou-se que as fraturas do rádio distal associadas a fraturas do escafoide foram causadas por traumas de alta energia, com o sexo masculino mais acometido. Houve baixo índice de complicações com tratamento cirúrgico e os pacientes tiveram evolução funcional satisfatória, com baixo índice de dor.

Comparison of Sociodemographic and Radiographic Features in Distal Radio Fracture Treatment: Hand Surgeons versus Non-specialists / Comparação de características sociodemográficas e radiográficas no tratamento de fratura de rádio distal: Cirurgiões de mão versus não especialistas

Abstract Objective: This study evaluated sociodemographic and radiographic features of patients with distal radial fractures treated at a trauma hospital in southern Brazil, comparing those treated by hand surgery specialists (group 1) and non-specialists (group 2). Methods: This study consists of a retrospective cohort of 200 patients treated in 2020. After reviewing medical records and radiographs, the following parameters were analyzed: age, gender, trauma mechanism, laterality, associated comorbidities and fractures, fracture classification (AO), radial height, radial inclination, and volar inclination. Comparison of the two groups used the Student t-test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test. Results: Most subjects were women (54%), sustained low-energy traumas (58%), and were left-handed (53%). Group 1 had a lower mean age (50.2 years); most of their subjects sustained high-energy trauma (54%) and had type C fractures (73%); type A fractures prevailed in group 2 (72%). Radiographs showed a significant difference regarding the mean radial inclination (21.5° in group 1 and 16.5° in group 2 [p < 0.001] in women, and 21.3° in group 1 and 17° in group 2 [p < 0.001] in men) and volar inclination (10.1° and 12.8° in groups 1 and 2, respectively [p < 0.001]). In addition, the absolute number of cases with reestablished anatomical parameters per the three evaluated variables was also significantly different; all parameters were better in group 1. Conclusion: Hand surgeons treated the most severe fractures and had the best radiographic outcomes.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as características sociodemográficas e radiográficas dos pacientes com fratura de rádio distal tratados em um hospital de trauma no sul do Brasil, comparando os casos tratados pelos especialistas em cirurgia da mão (grupo 1) com aqueles tratados por não especialistas (grupo 2). Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva realizada com 200 pacientes, no ano de 2020. Por meio da revisão de prontuários e radiografias, analisaram-se: idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, lateralidade, presença de comorbidades e fraturas associadas, classificação da fratura (AO), altura radial, inclinação radial e, inclinação volar. Comparou-se os dois grupos por meio do teste t de Student, qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. Resultados: A maioria era de pacientes do sexo feminino (54%), traumas de baixa energia (58%) e lateralidade esquerda (53%). O grupo 1 apresentou média de idade menor (50,2 anos), traumas de alta energia (54%), e fraturas tipo C (73%), enquanto no grupo 2 fraturas tipo A prevaleceram (72%). As radiografias apresentaram diferença significativa quanto à média de valores de inclinação radial (21,5° no grupo 1 e 16,5° no grupo 2 [p < 0,001] nas mulheres e, 21,3° no grupo 1 e 17° no grupo 2 [p < 0,001] nos homens) e inclinação volar (10,1° e 12,8° no grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente [p < 0,001]), bem como no número absoluto de casos que reestabeleceram os parâmetros anatômicos nas três variáveis avaliadas, sendo todos melhores no grupo 1. Conclusão: Os cirurgiões de mão trataram as fraturas mais graves e apresentaram os melhores resultados radiográficos.

Total Wrist Arthrodesis: A Preoperative Test to Predict Functional Outcomes.

Objective The study aims to demonstrate an evaluation method to predict the functional success of total wrist arthrodesis (TWA) and assist its indication. Methods A prospective study including ten patients submitted to (TWA) posttraumatic arthritis. Exclusion criteria were patients who lost postoperative follow-up or incomplete information in the medical record. The objective functional assessment (handgrip strength, three-point pinch, lateral pinch and pulp-pulp pinch) and the subjective functional assessment (DASH, PRWE, EVA) were evaluated in 3 different periods: (1) Before surgery without articular anesthesia, (2) Before surgery under articular anesthesia and (3) 12 weeks after the surgical procedure. Results There was an increase in handgrip strength in all three pinches measurements after pain relief, both after joint anesthesia and after the consolidation of the arthrodesis (p < 0.05). In the comparisons between the subjective evaluations (DASH, PRWE and VAS), the patients had better scores in the postoperative evaluation after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference when comparing the mean strength values found after anesthesia and after 12 weeks of TWA. Conclusion the outcomes could propose an assessment protocol for patients with indication for TWA, in which patients with good response to intra-articular anesthetic infiltration would benefit from the effects of the surgical procedure.

OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF A SCAPHOID NECK FRACTURE WITH A CANNULATED COMPRESSION SCREW: EVALUATION OF 52 PATIENTS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the dorsal fixation technique with a cannulated compression screw (CCS) for transverse scaphoid neck fractures. METHODS: A case series study was carried out with patients treated with a CSS between April 2014 and May 2021. The main outcome was the healing of the fracture, verified by radiographic evaluation that used images of the wrist in anteroposterior, lateral, radial deviation, ulnar deviation and oblique views, obtained in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients aged between 15 and 65 years were analyzed, of which 43 (83%) were male. Of the 52 patients, 19 (36.53%) had a right-hand injury and 33 (63.46%) had a left-hand injury. Results were excellent in 47 patients (90.38%); good in 4 patients (7.69%), with reduced mobility compared to contralateral and poor in 1 patient (1.92%), with failure of consolidation and breakage of the synthesis material. In 51 cases (99%) there was bone consolidation at the end of six months. CONCLUSION: Osteosynthesis with a cannulated compression screw is a safe, effective and promising method for the treatment of scaphoid neck fractures. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da técnica de fixação dorsal com parafuso canulado de compressão (CCS) para fraturas transversas do colo do escafoide. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de série de casos com pacientes tratados com CSS entre abril de 2014 e maio de 2021. O desfecho principal foi a consolidação da fratura, verificada por meio da avaliação radiográfica das imagens do punho em anteroposterior, perfil, desvio radial, desvio ulnar e oblíquo obtidas no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 52 pacientes com idade entre 15 e 65 anos, sendo 43 (83%) do sexo masculino. Dos 52 pacientes, 19 (36,53%) tinham lesão na mão direita e 33(63,46%) na mão esquerda. Os resultados foram excelentes em 47 dos pacientes (90,38%); bons em quatro (7,69%), com mobilidade reduzida comparada ao membro contralateral; e ruim em um (1,92%), com falha da consolidação e quebra do material de síntese. Em 51 casos (99%) houve consolidação óssea ao final de seis meses. Conclusão: A osteossíntese com parafuso canulado de compressão é um método seguro, eficaz e promissor para o tratamento das fraturas no colo do escafoide. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Late consolidation of the scaphoid. Case report and literature review.

Scaphoid fractures are a common wrist injury accounting for 2-7% of all adult fractures. Nonunion is described in 5-12% of cases leading to osteoarthritis. Several classifications have been developed focused on this pathology and its complication. We present a case of a 28 years old male patient with a scaphoid fracture and nonunion who spontaneously consolidates without treatment. We performed a literature review to recognize this pathology, its common evolution and possible treatment options.

Las fracturas de escafoides son una lesión frecuente de la muñeca y representan de 2-7% de todas las fracturas en adultos. La no unión se describe en 5-12% de los casos y conduce a la osteoartritis. Se han desarrollado varias clasificaciones centradas en esta patología y su complicación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 28 años con fractura y no unión de escafoides que consolida espontáneamente sin tratamiento. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica para reconocer esta patología, su evolución habitual y las posibles opciones de tratamiento.

Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon after conservative treatment of a non-displaced distal radius fracture in an adolescent.

A spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon after a fracture of the distal radius is a known complication in adults. In contrast, there are a paucity of reports concerning EPL tendon ruptures in children and adolescents. The authors present a case of a spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon in a 15-year-old girl after a non-displaced distal radius fracture. The patient had no predisposing factors including rheumatoid arthritis or steroid injection. During surgery, the EPL tendon was found to be ruptured at the extensor retinaculum (third compartment). Extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to EPL transfer was performed. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and showed satisfactory thumb function, with normal active extension.

La rotura espontánea del tendón del extensor largo del pulgar (EPL) tras una fractura distal del radio es una complicación conocida en adultos. En cambio, son escasos los informes sobre roturas del tendón del EPL en niños y adolescentes. Los autores presentan un caso de rotura espontánea del tendón del EPL en una niña de 15 años tras una fractura distal del radio no desplazada. La paciente no presentaba factores predisponentes como artritis reumatoide o inyección de esteroides. Durante la intervención quirúrgica, se descubrió que el tendón del EPL estaba roto a la altura del retináculo extensor (tercer compartimento). Se realizó una transferencia del extensor indicis proprius (EIP) al EPL. A los 18 meses de seguimiento, el paciente estaba asintomático y mostraba una función satisfactoria del pulgar, con una extensión activa normal.

Analysis of Terminated Hand and Wrist-Related Clinical Trials.

Purpose: While clinical trials provide high-quality evidence guiding medical decision-making, early trial termination can result in both lost time and resources. Our purpose was to investigate the rate of and reasons for clinical trial termination for hand and wrist-related conditions and identify study characteristics associated with early trial termination. Methods: The ClinicalTrials.gov database was queried for all hand and wrist-related clinical trials. All terminated and completed trials were reviewed, with characteristics and reasons for termination recorded. Study characteristics included type, purpose, intervention assessed, enrollment, group allocation, blinding, trial phase, sponsor type, and geographic region. Chi-square test was used to identify associations between trial characteristics and terminated versus completed status. Results: A total of 793 hand and wrist-related clinical trials were identified, with 77 trials (10%) terminated prior to completion. The most common reason for termination was "recruitment/retention difficulty," reported in 37 (48%) terminated trials. In comparing competed versus terminated trials, primary purpose (nonobservational studies), enrollment (<50 patients), and geographic region (North America) were all significantly more likely to be terminated. Terminated trials were more likely to have an intervention type investigating a specific device or drug. Conclusions: Early trial termination for hand and wrist-related conditions is common (10%), with patient recruitment and retention identified as the leading cause of termination. Trials involving potential commercial incentives (those investigating a device or drug) were associated with an increased rate of trial termination. Clinical relevance: An emphasis on patient enrollment during study design may aid in mitigating the most common cause of early clinical trial termination.

Trends in the Utilization of Computed Tomography in Operative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

Purpose: To identify patient, surgeon, and injury characteristics associated with preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan utilization for operative distal radius fractures (DRF). In addition, we aimed to determine if preoperative CT was associated with treatment methods other than isolated volar-locked plating (VLP). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all operatively treated adult DRFs within our health care system from 2016 to 2020. Baseline demographics, injury, treatment characteristics, and the fellowship training of the 44 included surgeons were recorded. We compared cases with and without a preoperative CT, and an adjusted logistic regression model was generated to determine the odds of having a preoperative CT. Results: A total of 1,204 operatively treated DRFs performed by 44 surgeons were included. CT utilization increased during the study period. Intra-articular fractures accounted for 76% of cases, and preoperative CT scans were ordered in 243 of 1240 cases (20%). Overall, isolated VLP was used in 83% of cases. Cases with a preoperative CT were more likely to be treated with an alternative method of fixation (such as dorsal plating). The adjusted logistic regression model demonstrated that male sex (OR 1.62; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.26), intra-articular fractures (OR 3.11; 95% CI: 1.87, 5.81), and associated fractures (OR 2.69; 95% CI: 1.82, 3.98) had a significantly increased odds of having a preoperative CT. Fellowship training was not associated with increased CT utilization overall, but hand surgeons were more likely to use a CT in Orthopaedic Trauma Association-C3 fractures. Conclusions: Patient and injury characteristics are associated with CT utilization in operative DRFs. Preoperative CTs are associated with alternative fixation approaches, as cases with a CT were more likely to use fixation methods other than isolated VLP. The costs and benefits of CT scans must be carefully weighed against whether this modality adds value or improves outcomes in treating DRFs. Level of evidence: Prognostic II.

Radiological Evaluation of Volar Cortical Angle in the Anatolian Population / Evaluación Radiológica del Ángulo Cortical Volar en la Población Anatoliana

SUMMARY: Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures of the upper limb. The most commonly used method in the repair of these fractures is volar locking plates. Recently, the frequency of removal of volar locking plates after surgery has increased. There are many factors in its reduction. Anatomically, incompatibility of the distal end of the radius with volar locking plates is one of them. In previous studies, different volar cortical angle (VCA) values were found in other races. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the mean values by making VCA measurements of the Anatolian population. The study was designed retrospectively. In the study, measurements were made on computed tomography (CT) images of the distal end of the radius of 53 men and 28 women. Radial width, intermediate volar angle, and radial volar angle were measured in the images. On average, the radius width was 23.35±1.96 mm, and the intermediate volar angle was 26.02±.3.83°, radial volar angle was 24±3.07°. Radial width, intermediate volar angle, and radial volar angle differed significantly by gender (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between radius width, intermediate volar angle, and radial volar angle values (p<0.001). It has been determined that the Anatolian population has a different VCA value than the European, Asian, and other populations. When using volar locking plates in distal radius fracture surgery, volar locking plates should be selected by considering the average values of the races.

Las fracturas del radio distal son las fracturas más comunes del miembro superior. El método más utilizado en la reparación de estas fracturas son las placas de bloqueo volar. Recientemente, ha aumentado la frecuencia de extracción de placas de bloqueo volar después de la cirugía. Existen muchos factores en su reducción y anatómicamente, la incompatibilidad de la extremidad distal del radio con las placas de bloqueo volar es una de ellas. En estudios anteriores, se encontraron diferentes valores del ángulo cortical volar (VCA) en otras grupos. Por esta razón, este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar los valores medios, realizando mediciones de VCA de la población de Anatolia. El estudio fue diseñado de manera retrospectiva. En el estudio, se realizaron mediciones en imágenes de tomografía computarizada (TC) de la extremidad distal del radio de 53 hombres y 28 mujeres. En las imágenes se midieron el ancho radial, el ángulo volar intermedio y el ángulo volar radial. En promedio, el ancho del radio fue de 23,35 ± 1,96 mm, el ángulo volar intermedio fue de 26,02 ± 3,83° y el ángulo volar radial fue de 24 ± 3,07°. El ancho radial, el ángulo volar intermedio y el ángulo volar radial difirieron significativamente según el sexo (p<0,001). Se encontró una correlación significativa entre los valores del ancho del radio, el ángulo volar intermedio y el ángulo volar radial (p<0,001). Se ha determinado que la población de Anatolia tiene un valor de VCA diferente al de las poblaciones europeas, asiáticas y otras. Cuando se utilizan placas de bloqueo volar en cirugía de fractura de la extremidad distal del radio, las placas deben seleccionarse considerando los valores promedio de los individuos de diferentes grupos.

Analysis of Wrist Morphology Through Hamate and Lunate Bone Variations in Anatolian Population Using Plain Radiography / Análisis de la Morfología de la Articulación Radiocarpiana a Través de las Variaciones de los Huesos Hamato y Semilunar en la Población de Anatolia Mediante Radiografía Simple

SUMMARY: The present study aimed to evaluate wrist (lunate) anatomy in terms of the incidence of lunatum morphology on plain-radiographs among the Anatolian (Turkey) population, accompanied by demographic analysis. We obtained all the patients' data regarding demographical features, diagnosis, and posteroanterior (PA) X-ray imaging. Two radiograph-reviewers repeated the analysis twice, one month later, blinded to their findings before the previous review. The lunatum structure was determined as Type-1 (n:293) and Type-2 (n:207) for each radiograph. Most of the 500 wrists' radiographs [n:293 (58.6 %)] were type-I lunate. The mean age was 36.7±13.3 (range:18-90) years. Sex distribution was as follows: 185 (63.1 %) males to 108 (36.9 %) females. Type-2 lunate was seen in 207 participants (41.4 %). The mean age for type-2 was 41.6±15.2 (18-88) years. 142 (68.6 %) participants were male sex, while 65 (31.4 %) were females. The mean age of subjects with type-I showed a difference with type-II (p=0.007). There was no relationship in terms of sex (p=0.206) between the groups. In the Anatolian region, type-1 lunate was dominant compared to type-2. The incidence rate of lunate type in Anatolian population was similar to the Arab population.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la anatomía de la articulación radiocarpiana en términos de la incidencia de la morfología del hueso semilunar en radiografías simples entre la población de Anatolia (Turquía), acompañado de un análisis demográfico. Obtuvimos todos los datos de los pacientes con respecto a las características demográficas, el diagnóstico y las imágenes de rayos X posteroanteriores (PA). Dos revisores de radiografías repitieron el análisis dos veces, un mes después, sin conocer sus hallazgos antes de la revisión anterior. La estructura del lunatum se determinó como Tipo-1 (n:293) y Tipo-2 (n:207) para cada radiografía. La mayoría de las 500 radiografías de muñecas [n:293 (58,6 %)] fueron semilunar tipo I. La edad media fue de 36,7±13,3 (rango: 18-90) años. La distribución por sexos fue la siguiente: 185 (63,1 %) hombres y 108 (36,9 %) mujeres. El semilunar tipo 2 se observó en 207 participantes (41,4 %). La edad media para el tipo 2 fue de 41,6±15,2 (18-88) años. 142 (68,6 %) participantes eran del sexo masculino, mientras que 65 (31,4 %) eran del sexo femenino. La edad media de los sujetos con tipo I mostró una diferencia con el tipo II (p = 0,007). No hubo relación en cuanto al sexo (p=0,206) entre los grupos. En la región de Anatolia, el semilunar tipo 1 era dominante en comparación con el tipo 2. La tasa de incidencia del tipo semilunar en la población de Anatolia fue similar a la de la población árabe.