The Prevalence of Osteoporosis in Patients Older than 50 Years with Distal Radius Fractures in an Institutional Registry of 2,572 Patients in Singapore.

Background: The distal radius is one of the common sites for fragility fractures. A fracture of the distal radius in the elderly is often associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). It is an early predictor of osteoporosis and increased risk of subsequent fragility fractures of the hip and the spine with greater morbidity. Osteoporosis is becoming an increasing cause for concern in the elderly population. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients aged 50 years and above with distal radius fractures in our local population. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients aged 50 years and above who were treated for a distal radius fracture at our institution over a 4-year period. Data regarding gender, mechanism of injury (low or high energy), and outcome of BMD scans were collected. The data were analyzed to look at the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia and the relation amongst BMD, gender, and the mechanism of injury. Results: About 2,572 patients aged 50 years and above were treated at our institution over a 4-year period from 2013 to 2016. The average age of the patients was 67.7 years old and 1,938 (75.3%) were women. A total of 1,034 patients had BMD scans and of these 56.0% had osteoporosis and 37.4% had osteopenia. There was no correlation between the prevalence of osteoporosis and gender or the mechanism of injury. Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis in patients aged 50 and above with distal radius fractures is a significant cause for concern in Singapore. Routine assessment for osteoporosis is recommended for all patients above 50 years old with distal radius fractures. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Clinical factors and mortality rates for non-traumatic upper extremity amputations.

Non-traumatic upper extremity amputations are an increasing concern with the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus. To ascertain the risk factors and mortality rates for these amputations, the demographic information, amputation history, comorbidities and clinical outcomes of 140 patients who underwent non-traumatic upper extremity amputations between 1 January 2004 and 31 October 2017 were studied. Correlations were assessed using Cochran-Armitage chi-squared tests, odds ratios and multivariate binomial logistic regression as appropriate. Diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, end-stage renal failure, peripheral arterial disease and prior lower extremity amputation were significant risk factors for multiple upper extremity amputations. One-year, 2-year and 5-year mortality rates were 12%, 15% and 38%, respectively, following first upper extremity amputation. The risk factors for upper extremity amputations correspond with those for lower extremity amputations, comprising mainly diabetes mellitus and its related comorbidities. The mortality rates for non-traumatic upper extremity amputations highlight their significant burden on patients.Level of evidence: III.

Transverse or longitudinal? A survey of volar wrist incision preferences.

INTRODUCTION: In volar wrist surgery, the traditional longitudinal incision leaves a scar that may be considered cosmetically unpleasant. Recent studies suggest that transverse wrist incisions result in more aesthetically pleasing scars that are well hidden in the wrist crease. The aim of our study was to explore the public's perceptions of longitudinal versus transverse wrist scars. METHODS: A prospective survey was conducted among the general public. Inclusion criteria were patients aged over 18 years with no prior surgery to the wrist. Survey questions assessed included: (a) longitudinal or transverse scar preference; (b) reasons for preference; and (c) demographic information. RESULTS: There were 107 respondents from the general public. More respondents preferred longitudinal scars. Top three reasons for longitudinal scar preference were: (a) perceived damage to wrist structures by a transverse incision; (b) better cosmesis; and (c) scar from the transverse incision appearing like a self-inflicted injury. Top three reasons for transverse scar preference were: (a) easily concealed by accessories; (b) less noticeable; and (c) better cosmesis. Respondents aged 60 years and above were most concerned about possible damage to wrist structures; younger respondents were most concerned that transverse scars appeared like self-inflicted injuries. CONCLUSION: Respondents from the general public preferred a longitudinal scar to a transverse one. Younger respondents were most concerned about how the transverse scar appeared like a self-inflicted injury while older respondents were most concerned with perceived functional implications of the incisions.

Trigonometry-Integrated 'Lift' Technique (TILT) for Restoring Volar Tilt in Distal Radius Fractures: Description of Technique and Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: Restoration of extra-articular and intra-articular parameters are important considerations during operative fixation of distal radius fractures. Restoration of volar tilt by using visual estimation and the 'lift' technique has previously been described. The aim of our study was to describe a mathematical technique for accurately restoring the volar tilt of the distal radius to acceptable anatomic values. METHODS: A retrospective review of cases performed using the trigonometry-integrated ' lift' technique (TILT) was performed. This technique uses the pre-operative volar tilt angle as well as the dimensions of the implant to calculate the 'lift' required to restore volar tilt. Intra-operative angles were measured using a marked transparency overlay on fluoroscopic images. Pre-operative and post-operative volar tilt were measured and analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven fractures were included in the study, with 20 being classified as Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) C-type. Pre-'lift' volar tilt ranged from 0° to -20°. Post-'lift' volar tilt ranged from 2° to 16°, with all but three cases ranging from 5° to 15°. The mean volar tilt achieved was 10.2°. CONCLUSIONS: The trigonometry-integrated 'lift' technique resulted in reliable intra-operative restoration of anatomic volar tilt in distal radius fractures.

Characteristics of Fingertip Injuries in Children in Singapore.

Fingertip injuries are common in children, with varying degrees of severity. However, there is limited epidemiological information in the literature. An understanding of the characteristics of these injuries can be used as a basis to prevent such injuries. Epidemiological data was gathered through a retrospective review of all fingertip injuries affecting children, that presented to our department. There were 202 children with 234 injured fingertips in a period of 36 months. Most children were boys and most children injured their left hand. The mode age affected was 2 years. Accidental crush injuries in doors was the most common cause of fingertip injuries in children. An unexpectedly high number of children have fingertip injuries, with many requiring surgical treatment. Safety awareness and prevention of door crush injuries could reduce a large number of fingertip injuries in young children.