Total Wrist Arthroplasty With a New Design, 20 Cases With 8-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is an established motion-preserving alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of wrist arthritis, but post-TWA complications requiring additional surgery remain an issue. A new TWA design has been proposed. The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of a cohort study of 20 patients who underwent surgery using the new TWA design. METHODS: Patients were assessed before surgery and at 1, 2, and 8 years after surgery for visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, wrist range of motion, hand grip strength, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Radiographic examination was conducted for evidence of prosthetic loosening. Reasons for revision were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 24 reoperations were performed, including 12 revisions in 6 patients. Patient-reported outcome measures improved significantly at the 2-year follow-up compared with preoperative values. Hand grip strength, wrist extension, and VAS pain scores improved significantly at the 2-year follow-up. No radiographic loosening of the components was observed, but backing out of the carpal screws was noted in 16 of the 20 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The new TWA resulted in improved VAS pain scores, PROMs, wrist extension, and hand grip strength. The high frequency of reoperation is a concern, and modification of the implant is needed. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Clinical, Radiographic, and Patient-Perceived Outcome After Radial Hemi-Wrist Arthroplasty With a New Implant: 20 Cases With 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Distal component loosening is a common mode of failure in total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). A radial hemi-wrist arthroplasty (RHWA) has the potential to avoid problems related to the distal component in TWA. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical outcomes following surgical treatment with a new RHWA design. METHODS: In this pilot study of 20 consecutive RHWAs, patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively for range of motion, grip strength, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, and functional scoring using Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Radiographs were analyzed at 12 months and 5 years (mean, 5.1 years) postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 46 secondary surgeries were undertaken in 16 wrists, including 7 revisions. Another 6 patients are waiting for revision to radiocarpal arthrodesis. In non-revised patients, the DASH and PRWE scores improved, and wrist range of motion remained largely unchanged except for wrist flexion, which decreased. The VAS pain score during activity was reduced, and hand grip strength remained largely unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: The new implant resulted in improved functional scoring and improved VAS pain scores in non-revised patients, but many cases needed secondary surgery due to persistent pain. The high revision rate is a major concern, and further use of the implant in its current form cannot be recommended.

Volar Locking Plate Compared With Combined Plating of AO Type C Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Study of 150 Cases.

PURPOSE: The optimal way to stabilize intra-articular distal radius fractures is unclear despite recent advances in surgical management. Volar plating is the most common treatment but may not be sufficient for more complex intra-articular AO type C fractures. The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of AO type C distal radius fractures, comparing volar with combined plating. METHODS: In this study, 150 patients were randomized to volar locking plate (n = 75) or combined plating (n = 75) following a distal radius fracture AO type C. The 1-year follow-up included radiographic outcome (Batra score), visual analog scale pain score, hand grip strength, wrist range of motion, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: Overall, 147 patients (median age 61 years) completed the 1-year follow-up (73 patients with volar plate and 74 with combined plating). No difference was found in radiographic outcome between the treatment groups. The volar plate group had significantly better Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, hand grip strength, visual analog scale scores during activity, and flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation than the combined plate group. Hardware removal was performed in 10% in the volar plate group and in 31% in the combined plate group. There was no postoperative infection in the volar plate group but 3 cases in the combined plate group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complex AO type C intra-articular fractures, volar and combined plating yielded the same radiographic result. The differences in Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores between the groups did not reach the thresholds for minimal clinically important differences, suggesting similar clinical outcome. The combined plating group had a considerably higher frequency of hardware removal and postoperative infections. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic I.

Total Wrist Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To assess long-term implant survival in total wrist arthroplasty (TWA), comparing 4 different implants. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 124 patients, 136 TWAs were evaluated 5 years and 10 years after surgery. The TWAs were implanted between 2005 and 2009. The primary outcome was implant survival. Survival analysis was performed with revision and radiographic loosening as the final end point. Revision was defined as exchange of whole or parts of the prosthesis. Implant loosening was assessed using radiographic examination at the 5-year and 10-year follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included wrist range of motion, hand grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and patient-related outcome measures, including Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). RESULTS: Total cumulative implant survival was 92% with revision as the primary end point. When including a nonrevised radiographic loose implant as a failure, total implant survival was 75%. Radiographic loosening differed significantly between the implants with a range in frequency from 0% to 37.5%. At the 10-year follow-up, assessing the nonrevised TWAs, range of motion was preserved compared with preoperative values. Significant improvement was recorded for hand grip strength, VAS pain scores, and patient-related outcome measures at the 10-year follow-up compared with preovperative values. CONCLUSIONS: High 10-year implant survival was found when defining the primary end point as revision of any cause. When including radiographic loosening of the implant in the survival analysis, implant survival was considerably lower. However, radiographic loosening does not seem to correlate with changes in secondary outcome measures, questioning the need for revision surgery in these cases. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Combined Volar T-Plate and Dorsal Pi-Plate for Distal Radius Fractures: A Consecutive Series of 80 AO type C2 and C3 Cases.

Background The distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common fracture among adults. In recent years, there has been a shift toward volar locking plates in the treatment of DRFs, and this shift has taken place with a low degree of evidence. Question/purposes Can combined volar T-plating and dorsal pi-plating of AO type C fractures yield a good functional and radiographic outcome 1 year postoperatively? Patients and Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 102 consecutive patients operated with combined dorsal and volar plating, of whom 80 completed the 1-year follow-up. The DRFs were operated between 2012 and 2013. All cases were AO type C2 and C3 fractures. The primary outcome was functional scoring including radiographic examination. Secondary outcome measures included range of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and hand grip strength. Results The median Batra radiographic score was 84.5. Wrist extension was 74% of the uninjured side, flexion was 70%, pronation was 94%, and supination was 90%. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 21 points, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 19.4 points. VAS pain scores were 0 at rest and 3 during activity. Hand grip strength was 80% of the uninjured side. Radiographic outcome did not correspond to a patient-reported outcome. Hardware removal was performed in 15/80 cases. Conclusions We conclude that a good outcome can be expected after combined dorsal and volar plating of DRFs. Radiographic outcome is not necessarily associated with functional outcome 1 year postoperatively. The rate of hardware removal was acceptable. Level of Evidence III.

Revision Arthroplasty of the Wrist in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mean Follow-Up 6.6 Years.

PURPOSE: Management of failed total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) can be challenging; surgical treatment options include salvage arthrodesis, revision arthroplasty, and resection arthroplasty. There are few studies regarding salvage arthrodesis, and revision arthroplasty has been infrequently investigated. The aim of the study was to report the outcome after revision arthroplasty of the wrist. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 16 revision TWAs was evaluated between 2003 and 2016. Data were collected before surgery and 1 and 5 years after surgery. The indication for revision arthroplasty was failed TWA. The primary end point was implant survival. Secondary outcome measures included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, range of motion, handgrip strength, and functional scoring with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 6.6 years. Synthetic bone graft was used in 9 cases, allograft corticocancellous bone graft in 1 case, and cement in 6 cases. Of the 16 revision TWAs, 4 were re-revised, 1 because of infection, and 3 cases underwent total wrist arthrodesis. In the non-re-revised cases, range of motion and grip strength was preserved compared with preoperative results. The VAS pain score in activity improved, but not significantly, at 1 (median, 1; range, 0-4.5) and 5 years after surgery (median, 0) compared with before surgery (median, 5). The COPM performance and satisfaction as well as PRWE scores improved significantly at 1 year (median COPM performance, 4.8; COPM satisfaction, 5.6; and PRWE, 24) and improved, but not significantly, at the 5-year follow (median COPM performance, 4.8; COPM satisfaction, 5.0; and PRWE, 37) in the non-re-revised cases. CONCLUSIONS: Revision arthroplasty of the wrist is a valid motion-preserving option to wrist arthrodesis in the management of failed TWA. However, the outcome is uncertain and as many as 25% require additional surgery. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Total Wrist Arthroplasty: A Single-Center Study of 219 Cases With 5-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To assess implant survival and radiographic loosening after total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) operated at a single tertiary referral center in Sweden. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated 189 consecutive patients with a TWA (219 wrists). The wrists were implanted between 2002 and 2013. The primary end point was revision for any reason. The mean follow-up period was 7 years (range, 2-13 years). In addition, radiological examination was done for evidence of prosthetic loosening 5 years postoperatively. Implant survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Secondary outcome measures included range of motion, visual analog scale pain scores, hand grip strength, and patient-related outcome measures. RESULTS: Cumulative implant survival after 8 years was 81% for Biax, 94% for Remotion, and 95% for Maestro implants. Radiographic loosening was present in 26% of wrists with the Biax design, 18% of those with Remotion, and 2% of those with Maestro. Visual analog scale pain scores and patient-related outcome scores improved significantly for all TWAs. Improved hand grip strength was noted for all TWAs except for the Universal 2. Range of motion improved somewhat, especially for the Biax and Maestro TWAs. CONCLUSIONS: Good midterm to long-term results were achieved in patients undergoing TWA. Radiographic loosening did not necessarily correlate with implant survival rates, but rather to severe arthritic destruction of the wrist preoperatively. All TWA implants studied offered a high level of patient satisfaction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.

An anatomic and kinematic analysis of a new total wrist arthroplasty design.

Background Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is a viable surgical treatment for disabling wrist arthritis. While current designs are a notable improvement from prior generations, radiographic loosening and failures remain a concern. Purpose The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate a new total wrist arthroplasty design kinematically. The kinematic function of a native, intact cadaveric wrist was compared with that of the same wrist following TWA. Method Six, fresh-frozen wrist cadaveric specimens were utilized. Each wrist was fixed to an experimental table and its range of motion, axis of rotation, and muscle moment arms were calculated. The following tendons were attached to the apparatus to drive motion: extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and abductor pollicis longus (APL). The wrist was then manually moved along a guide by an experimenter through a series of motions including flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, and circumduction. The experiment was then performed on the specimen following implantation of the TWA. Results Following the TWA procedure, there were statistically significant decreases in the ulnar deviation and the flexion/ulnar deviation component of dart throw ranges of motion. There were no statistically significant changes in flexion, extension, radial deviation, the extension/radial deviation component of the dart thrower motion, or the circumduction range of motion. Conclusions Kinematic analysis of the new TWA suggests that a stable, functional wrist is achievable with this design. Clinical Relevance While appreciating the limitations of a cadaveric study, this investigation indicates that the TWA design studied merits study in human populations.

Pyrolytic carbon hemiarthroplasty in the management of proximal interphalangeal joint arthritis.

PURPOSE: To review clinical, subjective, and radiographic results of pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthritis. METHODS: A total of 42 fingers in 38 patients underwent PIP joint hemiarthroplasty between 2005 and 2011. Preoperative diagnoses included 28 with osteoarthritis or posttraumatic arthritis and 10 with inflammatory arthritis. Average age at the time of surgery was 56 years. Digits treated included: index (10), middle (20), ring (9), and little (3). Average follow-up was 4.6 years (minimum, 2 y). RESULTS: There was considerable improvement in patient satisfaction measures including Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for both performance and satisfaction and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and visual analog scale pain scores. There was no significant change in motion or grip and pinch strength after surgery. Four joints were revised for failure: 3 underwent arthrodesis and 1 was converted to a silicone PIP joint arthroplasty. Radiographic outcomes in surviving implants demonstrated a Sweets and Stern grade 0 in 37 implants and grade 3 in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty appears to be a viable alternative to total joint arthroplasty in the treatment of PIP joint arthritis. Clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes compared favorably with published outcomes of arthroplasty. Radiographic outcomes of PIP joint hemiarthroplasty were encouraging with respect to implant position and loosening. Compared with total joint arthroplasty, proximal hemiarthroplasty is a simple procedure that preserves more bone stock and would allow for better success of salvage options such as arthrodesis and revision arthroplasty. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Patient related functional outcome after total wrist arthroplasty: a single center study of 206 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate patient related outcome measures after total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) using four different total wrist implants operated at a single referral center in Sweden. METHODS: 206 primary TWAs were assessed preoperatively and after one year postoperatively with respect to the following eight outcome measures: Range of motion (flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, pronation/supination), hand grip strength, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), performance and satisfaction, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and in activity. RESULTS: The Maestro TWA had a significantly greater improvement of radial/ulnar deviation than the Biax and Remotion TWAs. COPM performance and satisfaction improved more for the Maestro and Universal 2 prostheses than the Biax and Remotion. CONCLUSIONS: All four TWAs offer reduced VAS-scores and improved COPM-scores with preserved hand grip strength and somewhat improved range of motion. The Maestro TWA performed favorably compared to the Remotion TWA. Implant design may affect patient related outcome.

Patient controlled regional analgesia after carpal tunnel release: a double-blind study using distal perineural catheters.

This study was done to assess the efficacy of a perineural catheter for pain relief following carpal tunnel release (CTR). Sixty-six patients undergoing open CTR under local anaesthesia (LA) were randomly divided into three groups: Groups A and B had a perineural catheter and Group C served as non-blinded control group. Postoperative pain relief was by self-administration of either ropivacaine (Group A) or saline (Group B) via an elastometric pump and by oral paracetamol in Group C. Patients in Group A had a significantly greater difference in summed pain intensity than Group B. Fewer patients in Group A requested supplementary analgesics than in Group C. Patient satisfaction was higher in Group A than in Group B on day 1. However better analgesia was not associated with better functional recovery.

Stoichiometric constraints do not limit successful invaders: zebra mussels in Swedish lakes.

BACKGROUND: Elemental imbalances of carbon (C): nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) ratios in food resources can constrain the growth of grazers owning to tight coupling between growth rate, RNA allocation and biomass P content in animals. Testing for stoichiometric constraints among invasive species is a novel challenge in invasion ecology to unravel how a successful invader tackles ecological barriers in novel ecosystems. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We examined the C:P and N:P ratios and the condition factor of a successful invader in lakes, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), collected from two Swedish lakes. Concurrently, we analyzed the elemental composition of the food (seston) and tissue of the mussels in which nutrient composition of food and mussels varied over time. Zebra mussel condition factor was weakly related to the their own tissue N:P and C:P ratios, although the relation with the later ratio was not significant. Smaller mussels had relatively lower tissue N:P ratio and higher condition factor. There was no difference in C:P and N:P ratios between seston and mussels' tissues. Our results indicated that the variation in nutrient stoichiometry of zebra mussels can be explained by food quality and quantity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study suggests that fitness of invasive zebra mussels is not constrained by nutrient stoichiometry which is likely to be important for their proliferation in novel ecosystems. The lack of imbalance in C:P and N:P ratios between seston and mussels along with high tissue C:P ratio of the mussel allow them to tolerate potential P limitation and maintain high growth rate. Moreover, zebra mussels are able to change their tissue C:P and N:P ratios in response to the variation in elemental composition of their food. This can also help them to bypass potential nutrient stoichiometric constraints. Our finding is an important step towards understanding the mechanisms contributing to the success of exotic species from stoichiometric principles.

Percutaneous lumbar zygapophysial (Facet) joint neurotomy using radiofrequency current, in the management of chronic low back pain: a randomized double-blind trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled study of percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy was conducted in 40 patients with chronic low back pain (20 active and 20 controls). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of percutaneous radiofrequency zygapophysial joint neurotomy in reducing pain and physical impairment in patients with pain from the lumbar zygapophysial joints, selected after repeated diagnostic blocks. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Facet or zygapophysial joint pain may be one of the causes of chronic low back pain and may be treated by a percutaneous radiofrequency denervation. Patients may possibly be identified by a positive diagnostic block. These blocks need to be repeated as false positive responses to single blocks occur.In all previous studies patients treated with radiofrequency denervation have been selected after single diagnostic blocks resulting in a varying degree of relief. METHODS: All patients were examined by an orthopedic surgeon before and 6 months after the treatment (sham or active). Inclusion criteria were 3 separate positive facet blocks. Denervation was achieved by multiple lesions at each level in an effort to provide effective denervation. RESULTS: The active treatment group showed statistically significant improvement not only in back and leg pain but also back and hip movement as well as the sacro-iliac joint test. Pre operative sensory deficit and weak or absent ankle reflex normalized (P < 0.01) and (P < 0.05), respectively. There was significant improvement in quality of life variables, global perception of improvement, and generalized pain.The improvement seen in the active group was significantly greater then that seen in the placebo group with regard to all the above-mentioned variables. None of our patients had any complication other than transient postoperative pain that was easily managed. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that radiofrequency facet denervation is not a placebo and could be used in the treatment of carefully selected patients with chronic low back pain.

Effects of botulinum toxin type A and a programme of functional activity to improve manual ability in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical programme that combined botulinum toxin injections with a functional activity programme to improve manual ability in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. A total of 25 young people age range 2 to 19 years participated. They were given injections of botulinum toxin type A into spastic muscles in the upper extremities and participated in a functional activity training programme. Standardised clinical assessments were made before injections, one to two months after, and six months after, the final injections. To assess if the treatment had changed their ability to use the treated hand in activities of everyday life a questionnaire was given to the parents. The families thought that the ability had improved, and that the improvements took place both during the first three months after treatment and after more than six months after the final injections. The ability to extend wrist and fingers actively and the position of the thumb had improved significantly both in the short and long- term. This study supports the assumption that a programme combining botulinum toxin A injections with training in functional activity improves manual ability in young people with cerebral palsy.

NeuFlex compared with Sutter prostheses: a blind, prospective, randomised comparison of Silastic metacarpophalangeal joint prostheses.

Forty patients (156 metacarpophalangeal joints) with mutilating rheumatoid arthritis were randomly allocated in a blinded manner to have either NeuFlex or Sutter implants. Indications for operation were pain and severe deformity. Thirty-nine patients were followed up postoperatively for one year. An independent physiotherapist and occupational therapist examined each one. Grip strength, range of motion, and pain during activity and at rest were measured. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) assessed the patients' evaluation of their occupational performance. Both groups had overall good results, but it seems that though patients' mobility and grip strength improve considerably, pain seems to do so only relatively. Most patients seem to be satisfied with the operation and their functional gain. Five out of 78 Sutter and two out of 78 NeuFlex implants broke. We found no major differences between the two designs, but the patients in the NeuFlex group seemed to be more satisfied with their occupational performance (COPM performance) (p=0.05).

Replacement of proximal interphalangeal joints with new ceramic arthroplasty: a prospective series of 20 proximal interphalangeal joint replacements.

A prospective consecutive series of 20 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints replaced with a new ceramic unconstrained prosthesis (MOJE) included 13 patients with osteoarthrosis, five with rheumatoid arthritis, and one each with post-traumatic infection and traumatic arthrosis. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at one year by an independent physiotherapist and an occupational therapist who evaluated grip strength, range of motion, activities of daily living (ADL) and occupational scores (COPM Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). The mean range of motion of the PIP joint improved from 43 degrees to 60 degrees (p=0.001), and the mean grip strength from 169-199 N (p=0.002). The patients' self-perception of occupational performance, assessed by the COPM, improved significantly from 3.6-6.6 (p<0.001) for satisfaction, and 3.8-6.3 (p<0.001) for performance. The MOJE PIP joint replacement provides significant pain relief, improved strength and range of motion, and short-term satisfaction. Further long-term studies are therefore advocated.

Arthrodesis for chronic static scapholunate dissociation: a prospective study in 12 patients.

Twelve patients had limited arthrodesis between the scaphoid and the lunate for chronic static scapholunate dissociation using internal plate osteosynthesis. The median time between the injury and surgery was 50 months (range 9-180). They were followed up for a year postoperatively. Preoperative symptoms were pain, functional impairment, and restricted movement. During operation the scapholunate interosseous ligament was completely torn and the scaphoid malrotated in all patients. The range of motion was measured preoperatively and postoperatively, and the unaffected side used for control. For all patients except one postoperative extension, flexion, and radial deviation had considerably decreased. However, supination increased in seven of 12 patients postoperatively and so did pronation in seven of 12 patients. One patient (case 12) had an improved range of motion postoperatively in all directions. The mean grip strength was 76% of the unaffected side preoperatively, and has increased to 85% postoperatively. We found that bone healing was rare and most arthrodeses healed by a fibrous union. We found no correlation with preoperative arthrosis and clinical outcome. One patient had retired from work before operation because of back pain and one because of age. Two patients had taken early retirement because of wrist pain, and one patient was still on sick-leave at the follow-up a year postoperatively. Five patients returned to full-time work and two patients to part-time work. Four patients were on long-term sick-leave preoperatively and three of them returned to their previous occupations. Analysis of the patients' subjective outcome (including pain and functional scores) showed overall satisfaction, and objective data show that scapholunate arthrodesis for chronic static scapholunate dissociation provides substantial improvement over the preoperative condition.

Temperament and character: prognostic factors in whiplash patients?

We studied the relationship between whiplash injury and personality in 40 whiplash patients who admitted the hospital within 8 h from the car accident and 80 age- and gender-matched controls. For this purpose we used the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). We found that personality dimensions in whiplash patients both in the acute phase and at follow-up 2 years later showed the same results, i.e., significantly less Harm Avoidant (less anxious; low HA) than controls, but when dividing patients into groups depending on severity of outcome from whiplash injury 2 years after, no differences were found. According to our results personality symptoms related to whiplash injury is probably not a secondary phenomenon. Whiplash patients were normally developed in character, i.e., self-directedness (SD), and CO (cooperativeness) and therefore in general are capable of coping with their somatic problems.

Sensory recovery after hand reimplantation: a clinical, morphological, and neurophysiological study in humans.

Despite fairly good return of motor function, patients who have amputated hands reimplanted demonstrate poor sensory recovery and severe cold intolerance, two variables that are difficult to quantify reliably. In this study we wanted to find out if there is a correlation between morphological findings of sensory and sympathetic reinnervation and clinical and neurophysiological variables. Skin was biopsied from the reimplanted and corresponding area in the normal hands of eight patients who had sustained a hand amputation and subsequent reimplantation. The sections were immunostained using markers for both sensory and sympathetic nerve fibres. Comparison between the reimplanted and normal sides in each individual showed a mean loss of sensory immunoreactive nerve fibres of 30%, and for sympathetic immunoreactivity the loss was 60%. There was measurable two-point discrimination in the injured hand only in patients below the age of 40 years, corresponding to the better recovery of mechanical thresholds evaluated neurophysiologically for this age group. These results confirm the extensive loss of sensory nerve fibres after nerve injury, probably correlated to loss of sensory neurons. We have also shown that it is possible to correlate the results of clinical and neurophysiological evaluation with morphological results of skin reinnervation specific to the repaired nerve, and so improve the possibility for the quantification of sensory recovery.