Recurrence Rates of Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts After Arthroscopic Versus Open Surgical Excision: A Retrospective Comparison.

BACKGROUND: This study directly compares the recurrence rates of dorsal wrist ganglion cysts in patients treated via open surgical excision versus arthroscopic surgical excision. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between recurrence rates with these 2 surgical options. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with a dorsal ganglion cyst undergoing either open or arthroscopic surgical excision at a single academic center with 3 fellowship-trained attending hand surgeons from 2012 to 2017. Charts were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes and were reviewed using postoperative office notes for preoperative and postoperative symptoms, episodes of recurrence, time at which recurrence occurred, subsequent operations, and outcome at final follow-up. RESULTS: The charts of 172 patients undergoing either arthroscopic or open dorsal ganglion excision were reviewed. Nine of 54 (16.7%) arthroscopic excisions resulted in cyst recurrence, while 8 of 118 (6.8%) open excisions resulted in cyst recurrence (P = .044). Two of 9 (22%) recurrences after arthroscopic ganglion excision versus 2 of 8 (25%) recurrences after open ganglion excision underwent repeat surgical intervention. Time to recurrence, as well as final follow-up, was not statistically different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal wrist ganglion cysts are the most common benign soft tissue mass of the upper extremity, but it remains unknown whether arthroscopic or open surgical excision leads to lower recurrence rate. Scant literature exists directly comparing these 2 methods of surgical excision. This study suggests that open excision of dorsal wrist ganglia leads to a lower recurrence rate than does arthroscopic excision.

Bendable osteochondral allografts for patellar resurfacing: A finite element analysis of congruence.

Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation provides a safe and effective treatment option for large cartilage defects, but its use is limited partly due to the difficulty of matching articular surface curvature between donor and recipient. We hypothesize that bendable OCAs may provide better curvature matching for patella transplants in the patellofemoral joint (PFJ). This finite element study investigates PFJ congruence for unbent and bendable OCAs, at various flexion angles. Finite element models were created for 12 femur-patella OCA pairings. Two grooves were cut in each OCA bony substrate, allowing the articular layer to bend. PFJs with either unbent (OCA) or permanently bent (BOCA) allografts were articulated from 40 to 70 degrees flexion and contact area was calculated. OCAs and BOCAs were then shifted 6 mm distally toward the tibia (S-OCA, S-BOCA) to investigate the influence of proximal-distal alignment on congruence. On average, no significant difference in contact area was found between native PFJs and either OCAs or BOCAs (p > 0.25), indicating that both types of allografts restored native congruence. This result provides biomechanical support in favor of an emerging surgical procedure. S-BOCAs resulted in a significant increase in contact area relative to the remaining groups (p < 0.02). The fact that BOCAs produced equally good results implies that bendable allografts may prove useful in future surgical procedures, with the possibility of transplanting them with a small distal shift. Surgeons who are reluctant to use OCAs for resurfacing patellae based on curvature matching capabilities may be more amenable to adopting BOCAs.

An Analysis of Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Groove Morphology and Tendon Instability.

BACKGROUND: The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon has a distinct subsheath at the distal ulna. Symptomatic tears of this subsheath and subluxation of the ECU tendon often require reconstruction. We sought to determine the anatomical constraints of the ECU subsheath. METHODS: The ECU subsheath was exposed on 12 fresh-frozen upper extremities. The tip of the ulnar styloid, the distal ulnar joint surface, and the proximal extent of the distal radio-ulnar joint were identified and dimensions measured. Subluxation of the tendon was then assessed with and without an intact subsheath in 9 specimens. The travel of the tendon was measured in pronation through supination and flexion before and after sectioning of the subsheath. RESULTS: The ECU subsheath is 8.9 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 0.8 mm) wide proximally and 9.0 mm (SD = 1.2 mm) distally. The distal ulnar insertion is 0.5 mm (SD = 0.8 mm) proximal to the tip of the styloid, and stretches 10.2 mm (SD = 2.7 mm) proximally. From maximum pronation to maximum supination and flexion, the ECU tendon traveled 3.32 mm (SD = 4.24) medially when the subsheath was intact and 5.42 mm (SD = 5.0 mm) after sectioning. The maximum depth of the ulnar groove was 2.5 mm (1.59-3.56 mm). There was no significant association between changes in ECU subluxation and the depth of the ECU groove (Spearman's rho = 0.25). CONCLUSION: The ECU subsheath is roughly 1 cm square stretching proximally from the ulnar styloid. ECU groove depth is not a significant independent predictor of tendon subluxation.

Flexor tenosynovectomy in carpal tunnel syndrome as a screening tool for early diagnosis of amyloidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases that most often presents with advanced cardiac pathology. Another presentation of the disease can include symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome; however, the true incidence of amyloidosis in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome remains unclear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review on all patients who underwent an open carpal tunnel release, with tenosynovium biopsy by a single surgeon between 01/2000 and 12/2018. Samples were stored in formalin following hematoxylin-eosin or congo red staining. A total of 199 patients were excluded for incomplete records, and carpal tunnel release performed for traumatic or infectious etiologies. Histologic findings of the attending pathologist were examined and categorized as follows: amyloidosis, fibrous tissue, tenosynovitis/inflammation edematous, benign tenosynovium, and gout. RESULTS: Exactly 898 open carpal tunnel releases were performed, and 699 patients were included for final analysis. In all patients, biopsies for histology with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were taken; in those HE stains where amylogenic proteins were suspected (73 or 10.4%), a subsequent congo red staining was additionally performed which confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis in 10 patients (1.4% of the carpal tunnel procedures). Overall, 10 patients were identified and constituted 1.4% of all HE stains (n = 10/699) and 13.7% of all congo red stains (n = 10/73). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the incidence of amyloidosis in the general CTS patient population may be as high as 1.4% with routine screening by synovial biopsy and the diagnosis should be considered as a potential cause. Level of Evidence: III, retrospective study.

International Orthopaedic Volunteer Opportunities in Low and Middle-Income Countries.

ABSTRACT: Globally, the burden of musculoskeletal conditions continues to rise, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The ability to meet these orthopaedic surgical care demands remains a challenge. To help address these issues, many orthopaedic surgeons seek opportunities to provide humanitarian assistance to the populations in need. While many global orthopaedic initiatives are well-intentioned and can offer short-term benefits to the local communities, it is essential to emphasize training and the integration of local surgeon-leaders. The commitment to developing educational and investigative capacity, as well as fostering sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships in low-resource settings, is critical. To this end, global health organizations, such as the Consortium of Orthopaedic Academic Traumatologists (COACT), work to promote and ensure the lasting sustainability of musculoskeletal trauma care worldwide. This article describes global orthopaedic efforts that can effectively address musculoskeletal care through an examination of 5 domains: clinical care, clinical research, surgical education, disaster response, and advocacy.

A novel treatment for prevention of post-traumatic elbow stiffness using onaBotulinum toxin type A: a prospective placebo controlled randomized trial.

Approximately 30% of all upper extremity fractures are elbow fractures which may result elbow stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of onaBotulinum Toxin type A injection to prevent post-traumatic pain and elbow-stiffness. All patients were included who presented to a single surgeon with supracondylar/ intraarticular distal humerus fractures, proximal ulna and radius fractures. The study was developed in a randomized placebo controlled study between 2003-2007. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score as well as the arc-of-motion (AOM) were assessed after three, six, twelve-months and final follow up for evaluation. Of the 31-patients included, 15-patients (48.4%) received Botox injections. In all patients no complication was observed when injecting a dosage 100-units for the brachialis and biceps brachii muscles. Furthermore, it was an effective method to prevent post-traumatic elbow stiffness, lasting six- months. Significant differences in DASH, VAS-score and ROM after three-months between the Botox and control group (DASH 21.6±11.0 vs. 55.3±11.0 ; VAS 1.2±5.2 vs. 5.7±21.9 ; ROM 103±7.6 vs. 73±6.3 ; p>0.05) were identified in the prospective group. Botulinum toxin is a safe, reliable and effective treatment to prevent post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Our study demonstrates improved early range-of- motion (p<0.05), better extension after 6 weeks and improved functional outcome including VAS and DASH score (p<0.05).

Neck and Back Sprain and Hand Flexor Tendon Repair Are More Common in Victims of Domestic Violence Compared With Patients Who Were Not Victims of Domestic Violence: A Comparative Study of 1,204,596 Patients Using the National Trauma Data Bank.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the most common orthopedic diagnoses and procedures among patients who experience domestic violence (DV) and to determine whether these were more common in patients who experienced DV compared with those who did not. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients identified in the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients were divided into two cohorts for comparison: victims of DV and all other patients. The main outcome measurements were a diagnosis of an orthopedic injury and/or a procedure performed for an orthopedic diagnosis. RESULTS: In total, 1,204,596 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 3191 (0.26%) were victims of DV. Adult trauma patients with DV were more likely to have a diagnosis of neck and back sprain (odds ratio 1.98, 95% confidence interval 1.60 to 2.44, P < 0.0001) and more likely to undergo surgical repair of the flexor tendon of the hand (odds ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 1.75 to 4.35, P < 0.0001) than patients without a diagnosis of DV. DISCUSSION: Patients who experience DV were more likely to have back and neck sprain and more likely to undergo repair of flexor tendon of the hand than those who do not experience DV.

The history of orthopaedic surgery in India: from antiquity to present.

Indian orthopedists have a legacy dating back more than 4000 years. Starting with the Harappan civilization, ancient orthopaedic surgeons reduced fractures and conducted therapeutic trepanations. Since then, Indian physicians have pioneered many of the orthopaedic techniques still used today - including the use of prosthetics, fracture tables, and rehabilitative physical therapy. Today, orthopaedic surgeons coexist with traditional Indian bonesetters. Although bonesetting practices can have complication rates as high as 40%, bonesetters still handle a majority of fractures in India and are often culturally preferred. Importantly though, bonesetters are often the only expedient option available in both rural and urban settings.

Debate Update: Surgery After 48 Hours of Admission for Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients Is Associated With Increase in Mortality and Complication Rate: A Study of 27,058 Patients Using the National Trauma Data Bank.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between surgical timing and short-term morbidity and mortality in elderly patients who sustain hip fractures using a national trauma database (OTA/AO 31A1-3, 31B1-3). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I-IV trauma centers in the United States. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: All patients ≥65 years of age who underwent surgery for hip fracture from 2011 to 2013. INTERVENTION: Time to surgery of <24, 24-48, and >48 hours from admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was mortality by hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were complications of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), unplanned reintubation, pneumonia, stroke, severe sepsis, and intensive care unit length of stay. RESULTS: Twenty-seven thousand fifty-eight patients were included in the study. Relative to the <24 hours cohort, patients in the >48 hours cohort were at increased risk for mortality (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.52-2.33, P < 0.001), ARDS (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.94-3.39, P < 0.001 for ARDS), myocardial infarction (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64-2.94, P < 0.0001), pneumonia (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.71-2.44, P < 0.001), severe sepsis (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.52-3.58, P = 0.003), and intensive care unit stay (OR 2.48, 95% CI 2.25-2.74, P < 0.0001). A subgroup analysis showed that healthier patients (modified Charlson Comorbidity Index less than 5) who had surgery >48 hours were not at increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: For elderly patients with hip fractures, delaying surgery for more than 48 hours may be associated with increased short-term morbidity and mortality. This association may be pronounced for patients with more medical comorbidities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prospective Analysis of Hand Infection Rates in Elective Soft Tissue Procedures of the Hand: The Role of Preoperative Antibiotics.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic antimicrobial prophylaxis in elective hand surgery in preventing postoperative infection. Methods: Between 2009 and 2012, we performed a multicenter trial in which patients undergoing elective hand surgeries were categorized into an antibiotic or control group depending on the center they were enrolled in. Surgical site infections were defined according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. Results: In total, 434 patients were included: 257 did not receive antibiotics (control) and 177 received antibiotics at a mean age of 61.0 years. In the control group, comorbidities were more common with 23.7% (61/257) in comparison to the antibiotics group with 14.1% (25/177). Only one surgical site infection in each group was identified. One wound was opened surgically, and an antimicrobial treatment was indicated in both cases. In addition, we observed four complications in the control group and three complications in the antibiotics group which required conservative management. No significant differences in the two cohorts in infection rate (0.006% vs 0.003%, χ2 = 0.07, P > .05) and complication rate (2.8% vs 1.6%, χ2 = 0.01, P > .05) were found. Conclusions: Our prospective multicenter trial showed no significant difference in infection rate in elective hand surgery whether antibiotics were administered preoperatively or not.

Treatment of nonunions of the humeral shaft with nonvascularized fibular strut allograft: postoperative outcomes and review of a surgical technique.

HYPOTHESIS: Persistent humeral shaft nonunions result in continued pain and disability of the affected arm and are difficult to treat even with several surgical procedures and locked plating. A fibular allograft provides bony purchase for fixation as well as rotational stability and bridging of nonunion defects. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a single surgeon's clinical practice between July 1995 and January 2011. The inclusion criteria were patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent revision surgery for a humeral shaft nonunion by open reduction and revision internal fixation with a supplementary fibular strut allograft. RESULTS: Thirteen patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated with physical examinations, validated functional outcome measures, and radiographs to assess union rates. The mean follow-up period was 7.5 years (range, 0.5-15.6 years); there were 11 women (85%) and 2 men (15%). Of the patients, 3 (23%) had proximal-third nonunions, 7 (54%) had middle-third nonunions, and 3 (23%) had distal-third nonunions. After revision surgery with fibular allograft, 10 of 13 patients went on to achieve healing, giving a union rate of 76.9%. The mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 38.1 points (standard deviation [SD], 27.6 points). The mean Constant score was 55.2 points (SD, 24.0 points), representing a 62% return of function compared with the contralateral side. The mean postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 65.4 points (SD, 28.5 points), and the average visual analog scale pain score (out of 10) was 2.1 (SD, 3.3) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fibular allograft is an effective and straightforward option for treating humeral midshaft and distal-shaft nonunions; however, treatment of proximal-third nonunions remains challenging.

Estimates of Direct and Indirect Costs of Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The quantification of the costs of ankle fractures and their associated treatments has garnered increased attention in orthopaedics through cost-effectiveness analysis. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the direct and indirect costs of ankle fractures in operatively and nonoperatively treated patients. METHODS: A prospective, observational, single-center study was performed. Adult patients presenting for an initial consult for an ankle fracture were enrolled and were followed until recurring indirect costs amounted to zero. Patients completed a cost form at every visit that assessed time away from work and the money spent in the last week on transportation, household chores, and self-care due to an ankle fracture. Direct cost data were obtained directly from the hospital billing department. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in this study. With regard to patient characteristics, the mean patient age was 46.5 years, 55% of patients were female, 10% of patients had diabetes, and 17% of patients were active smokers. Weber A fractures composed 12% of fractures, Weber B fractures composed 72% of fractures, and Weber C fractures composed 18% of fractures. Operatively treated patients (n = 37) had significantly higher total costs and direct costs compared with nonoperatively treated patients (p < 0.01). In all patients, losses from missed work accounted for the largest portion of total and indirect costs, with a mean percentage of 35.8% of the total cost. The mean period preceding return to work of the 39 employed patients was 11.2 weeks. Longer periods of return to work were significantly associated with surgical fixation and having less than a college-level education (p < 0.05). The mean time for recurring observed costs to cease was 19.1 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated operatively and nonoperatively, the largest discrete cost component was a specific indirect cost. Indirect costs accounted for a mean of 41.3% of the total cost. Although the majority of the direct costs of ankle fractures are accrued in the period immediately following the injury, indirect cost components will regularly be incurred for nearly 5 months and often longer. To capture the full economic impact of these injuries, future research should include detailed reporting on an intervention's impact on the indirect costs of ankle fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Thumb Disability Examination (TDX) as a New Reliable Tool for Basal Joint Arthritis.

Background The general assessment of basal joint arthritis (BJA) is limited using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. This has been shown to be insensitive to pain and disability levels, leading to the development and validation of the thumb disability examination (TDX) as a specific tool for BJA in 2014. Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of the TDX score for BJA. Methods A multicenter BJA database was established in 2007 to collect prospective data. We evaluated the correlation between the TDX score, visual analog pain scale with activity (A-VAS), Eaton-Littler score, and grip strength using a Pearson test. Additionally, we evaluated the pre- and postintervention scores to assess their predictive values. Results A total of 109 thumbs of 74 patients with TDX scores were evaluated. Females were more commonly affected (75.2%), and the mean age was 65.39 years (standard deviation: 10.04). The majority of participants were white (90.8%). A high correlation between TDX and A-VAS score (Pearson's correlation = 0.520; p < 0.001) and between grip strength (Pearson's correlation = -0.336; p < 0.005) and Eaton-Littler score (Pearson's correlation = 0.353' p < 0.01) was identified. Additionally, when comparing pre- and post-intervention for all treatment groups and for operative intervention, significant differences in TDX scores were observed (both p ≤ 0.01). No significant differences could be identified for DASH score or A-VAS when assessing these same groups. Conclusion The TDX score correlates to high Pearson's correlation values and p -values, especially in grip strength, Eaton-Littler score, A-VAS score, and pre-/postintervention for all treatment groups combined and when specifically assessing the surgical intervention group. As a result, it can be concluded that the TDX score is a specific tool for the assessment of BJA. Level of Evidence This is a Level II, prospective comparative study.

Treatment methods for post-traumatic elbow stiffness caused by heterotopic ossification.

HYPOTHESIS: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication of surgically treated elbow fractures that can inhibit range of motion and impair quality of life. Although there are many treatment methods for HO, there is a lack of consensus as to the best option. We hypothesized that contracture release combined with Botox injection would lead to improved functional outcome scores when compared with current treatment methods. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who presented to a single surgeon with HO secondary to elbow fracture between 2005 and 2018. A total of 59 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria. Data were classified into 3 groups: contracture release (control - CR), Botox injection with CR (Botox + CR), and radiation therapy with CR (CR + RT). Range of motion measurements were obtained, including flexion, extension, pronation, and supination. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (30 of 59, 50.8%) received CR, 6 (6 of 59, 9.2%) were treated with CR + RT, and 23 (23 of 59, 40.0%) had CR + Botox. There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative arc of motion for both CR + RT (P < .01) and CR + Botox (P < .01). In addition, there was a significant difference in pre- and postoperative extension for patients who received intraoperative Botox injections (P < .05). There was no significant difference between pre- and postoperative motion nor extension in the CR group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative Botox injection with CR is an effective method in the treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness caused by HO.

Kienböck Disease: Quality, Accuracy, and Readability of Online Information.

Background: Patients with limited health literacy require online educational materials to be written below a sixth grade level for optimal understanding. We assessed the quality, accuracy, and readability of online materials for Kienböck disease (KD). Methods: "Kienbock's Disease" and "Lunate Avacular Necrosis" were entered into 3 search engines. The first 25 Web sites from each search were collected. Quality was assessed via a custom grading rubric, accuracy by 2 residents and a fellow, and readability by Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL) and New Dale-Chall test. Web sites were stratified according to the search term, FKGL, order of appearance, and authorship type. Results: A total of 38 unique Web sites were included, of which 22 were assigned to "KD" and 16 to "Lunate Avascular Necrosis." The average quality score out of 30, accuracy score out of 12, and FKGL for all Web sites were 13.3 ± 7.3, 10.4 ± 1.9, and 10.5 ± 1.4, respectively. Web sites assigned to the term "Kienbock's Disease" had a significantly higher FKGL. Web sites of higher FKGL had significantly worse accuracy scores. Order of appearance had no influence. Physician specialty societies (PSS) had a significantly lower FKGL than Web sites of other authorship types. Conclusions: Despite concerted efforts by national organizations, the readability of online patient materials is above the recommended level for KD. Patients with limited health literacy will be most affected by this reality. Until readability improves, patients should continue to consult their physicians when uncertain and prioritize Web sites that are easier to read and produced by PSS.

Sequential Radiographic Evaluation During Closed Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To test the null hypothesis that there is no significant change in radiographic parameters, which determines an acceptable reduction, beyond 3 weeks in distal radius fractures with closed treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective review of a prospectively gathered registry of distal radius fractures. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent closed treatment of distal radius fracture. INTERVENTION: Sequential radiographic evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Change of radiographic measurement including radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, articular tilt, teardrop angle, anteroposterior distance, intra-articular gap, and step-off. We compared postreduction radiographic parameters once within 2 weeks, at the third week, at cessation of immobilization, and analyzed the interobserver reliability test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between radiographic measurements, which determined an acceptable reduction between radiographs performed within 2 weeks versus the third week. Radial inclination and ulnar variance were statistically different at the third week compared with the time of cessation of immobilization. Seventy-seven percent of patients who had an acceptable reduction after 2 weeks maintained acceptable alignment at cessation of immobilization. Eighty-five percent of patients with acceptable reduction after 3 weeks maintained acceptable alignment at cessation of immobilization. Radial shortening >1.8 mm at the third week predicts an unacceptable radiographic outcome at cessation of immobilization (sensitivity 94.5% and specificity 90%). CONCLUSION: Radiographic parameters that determine acceptable reduction for closed treatment of distal radius fractures change minimally after 3-week postacceptable closed reduction. Radial shortening at the third week can be used to predict an unacceptable radiographic outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Musculoskeletal Health Literacy, Pain Catastrophization, and Sleep Quality: Effect on Functional Disability Scores.

Limited musculoskeletal health literacy, catastrophic pain thinking, and poor sleep quality may be associated with adverse long-term health outcomes, but are sparsely studied concomitantly in orthopedics. The purpose of this study was to assess how these factors influence baseline functional disability. Hand and wrist and foot and ankle patients presenting with a previously untreated complaint were enrolled and completed the Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems questionnaire, Pain Catastrophization Scale (PCS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Upper extremity patients completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and lower extremity patients completed the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) survey. DASH and FAOS scores were normalized to the same scale and termed "functional survey" (FS). Two hundred thirty-one patients (mean age 45.8 ± 16.8) were included in the analysis. PCS and PSQI were significantly correlated with FS score. The only other variables significantly correlated with FS score were insurance and diagnosis type. The variables PCS, PSQI, insurance, and diagnosis were entered into a multivariate analysis with FS score. All four variables significantly added to FS score in the model (R2 = .194, p < .001). Interventions that target both catastrophizing tendencies and sleep quality may independently improve functional outcomes. Further in-depth multifactorial research in this topic is critical to craft effective treatments with sustainable outcomes. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(2):144-149, 2019).

Artistic Gymnastics Injuries; Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Treatment.

Artistic gymnastics is a physically demanding sport that requires flexibility, agility, and extreme upper and lower body strength. The specific biomechanics of the sport leads to a unique injury profile. Gymnastic skills require intense upper body weight-bearing, placing unusual forces across the upper extremity joints and predisposing them to injury. In addition, the required body control during air aerobatics (tumbling, twisting, flipping) necessitates precise landing techniques to avoid spine and lower extremity injury. Common gymnastic injuries include those of the spine and upper extremity such as spondylolysis, shoulder instability, ulnar collateral ligament injuries, capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, and several wrist pathologies. Understanding the injury etiology, prevention, and treatment protocols is important for a successful recovery and return to sport.

Comparison of Exposure in the Kaplan Versus the Kocher Approach in the Treatment of Radial Head Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the complete visible surface area of the radial head, neck, and coronoid in the Kaplan and Kocher approaches to the lateral elbow. The hypothesis was that the Kaplan approach would afford greater visibility due to the differential anatomy of the intermuscular planes. METHODS: Ten cadavers were dissected with the Kaplan and Kocher approaches, and the visible surface area was measured in situ using a 3-dimensional digitizer. Six measurements were taken for each approach by 2 surgeons, and the mean of these measurements were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean surface area visible with the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) preserved in the Kaplan approach was 616.6 mm2 in comparison with the surface area of 136.2 mm2 visible in the Kocher approach when the LCL was preserved. Using a 2-way analysis of variance, the difference between these 2 approaches was statistically significant. When the LCL complex was incised in the Kocher approach, the average visible surface area of the Kocher approach was 456.1 mm2 and was statistically less than the Kaplan approach. The average surface area of the coronoid visible using a proximally extended Kaplan approach was 197.8 mm2. CONCLUSIONS: The Kaplan approach affords significantly greater visible surface area of the proximal radius than the Kocher approach.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Limited Musculoskeletal Health Literacy in the Outpatient Setting: A Logistic Regression Model.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors of limited musculoskeletal health literacy (MHL) in a general population of orthopaedic patients. METHODS: Patients presenting to either a foot or ankle surgeon or hand or wrist surgeon were given the Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) questionnaire, a nine-item survey for assessing "limited" MHL (LiMP score < 6). After confirming group homogeneity, the two populations were analyzed together to determine factors significantly correlated with and predictive of limited MHL. RESULTS: Overall, 231 patients were included in the analysis. Average LiMP score was 5.4 ± 1.8, and 49% of participants had "limited" MHL. Chi-square analysis revealed that being non-Caucasian, using cigarettes, and having a less than college-level education were associated with a higher prevalence of "limited" MHL (P < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that being of non-Caucasian race (P = 0.04) or having less than college-level education (P = 0.03) were significant independent predictors of "limited" MHL, with adjusted relative risks of 1.37 and 1.40, respectively. DISCUSSION: In this study, the patients at the greatest risk of limited MHL are often at the risk of many other complications. These results should be used as a groundwork to craft directives aimed at improving MHL and outcomes in these patients.