(Des)caminhos na garantia da saúde da população negra e no enfrentamento ao racismo no Brasil / Ways and detours in guarantee of health for the black population and the confrontation of racism in Brazil

Resumo O racismo institucional impera nos serviços de saúde no Brasil, fundados em relações concretas de poder que subjugam, dominam e excluem negros/as do adequado acesso aos serviços e instituições de saúde. Este ensaio crítico analisa a importância da ampliação do debate e da produção do conhecimento sobre a saúde da população negra (SPN), focando dois pontos: o papel da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra (PNSIPN) e a importância da inserção do quesito cor nos sistemas de informação em saúde; e a necessidade de um processo de formação permanente dos/as profissionais, inserindo conteúdos relacionados à compreensão do racismo como um dos elementos de determinação social de saúde/doença e seus efeitos. Para demonstrar como o racismo estrutural e institucional tem afetado a população negra, trazemos também exemplos das populações quilombolas no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19 no país a partir de 2020. Conclui-se que a promoção do cuidado, a redução das iniquidades e a qualidade da atenção à saúde precisam passar por mudanças em várias dimensões, como o fortalecimento do SUS e o combate cotidiano ao racismo estrutural e institucional.

Abstract Institutional racism is prevalent in the health services in Brazil and is based on concrete power relations that subjugate, dominate and exclude blacks from having adequate access to health care and health institutions. This critical essay analyzes the importance of expanding the debate, and the production of knowledge about the health of the black population (HBP), focusing on two points: the role of the National Policy for the Integral Health of the Black Population (PNSIPN) and the importance of including the skin color item in the health information systems; and the need for a process of permanent training of professionals, including contents related to the understanding of racism as an element of the social determination of health/disease and heir effects. To demonstrate how structural and institutional racism have affected the black population, we bring also examples of the quilombola populations in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country since 2020. It is concluded that the promotion of care, the reduction of inequities and the quality of health care need to undergo changes in several dimensions, such as the strengthening of the SUS, the daily fight against structural and institutional racism, among others.

Ways and detours in guarantee of health for the black population and the confrontation of racism in Brazil. / (Des)caminhos na garantia da saúde da população negra e no enfrentamento ao racismo no Brasil.

Institutional racism is prevalent in the health services in Brazil and is based on concrete power relations that subjugate, dominate and exclude blacks from having adequate access to health care and health institutions. This critical essay analyzes the importance of expanding the debate, and the production of knowledge about the health of the black population (HBP), focusing on two points: the role of the National Policy for the Integral Health of the Black Population (PNSIPN) and the importance of including the skin color item in the health information systems; and the need for a process of permanent training of professionals, including contents related to the understanding of racism as an element of the social determination of health/disease and heir effects. To demonstrate how structural and institutional racism have affected the black population, we bring also examples of the quilombola populations in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country since 2020. It is concluded that the promotion of care, the reduction of inequities and the quality of health care need to undergo changes in several dimensions, such as the strengthening of the SUS, the daily fight against structural and institutional racism, among others.

O racismo institucional impera nos serviços de saúde no Brasil, fundados em relações concretas de poder que subjugam, dominam e excluem negros/as do adequado acesso aos serviços e instituições de saúde. Este ensaio crítico analisa a importância da ampliação do debate e da produção do conhecimento sobre a saúde da população negra (SPN), focando dois pontos: o papel da Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra (PNSIPN) e a importância da inserção do quesito cor nos sistemas de informação em saúde; e a necessidade de um processo de formação permanente dos/as profissionais, inserindo conteúdos relacionados à compreensão do racismo como um dos elementos de determinação social de saúde/doença e seus efeitos. Para demonstrar como o racismo estrutural e institucional tem afetado a população negra, trazemos também exemplos das populações quilombolas no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19 no país a partir de 2020. Conclui-se que a promoção do cuidado, a redução das iniquidades e a qualidade da atenção à saúde precisam passar por mudanças em várias dimensões, como o fortalecimento do SUS e o combate cotidiano ao racismo estrutural e institucional.

Late Holocene dietary and cultural variability on the Xingu River, Amazon Basin: A stable isotopic approach.

Although once considered a 'counterfeit paradise', the Amazon Basin is now a region of increasing interest in discussions of pre-colonial tropical land-use and social complexity. Archaeobotany, archaeozoology, remote sensing and palaeoecology have revealed that, by the Late Holocene, populations in different parts of the Amazon Basin were using various domesticated plants, modifying soils, building earthworks, and even forming 'Garden Cities' along the Amazon River and its tributaries. However, there remains a relatively limited understanding as to how diets, environmental management, and social structures varied across this vast area. Here, we apply stable isotope analysis to human remains (n = 4 for collagen, n = 17 for tooth enamel), and associated fauna (n = 61 for collagen, n = 28 for tooth enamel), to directly determine the diets of populations living in the Volta Grande do Rio Xingu, an important region of pre-Columbian cultural interactions, between 390 cal. years BC and 1,675 cal. years AD. Our results highlight an ongoing dietary focus on C3 plants and wild terrestrial fauna and aquatic resources across sites and time periods, with varying integration of C4 plants (i.e. maize). We argue that, when compared to other datasets now available from elsewhere in the Amazon Basin, our study highlights the development of regional adaptations to local watercourses and forest types.

Risk Factors for Upper Extremity Refractures in Children.

BACKGROUND: Multiple descriptive studies have been published on refracture patterns, particularly for forearm fractures. However, few large cohorts have been analyzed quantitatively including the odds of refracture, and with a comprehensive assessment of the possible predictive factors associated with refracture. This study aimed to assess the frequency and timing of upper extremity refracture in a large pediatric orthopaedics practice, and to evaluate the strength of association of various patient-level and fracture-related factors with refracture. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for patients 1 to 18 years of age with at least 1 upper extremity fracture (ICD-9 codes 810 to 819) between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. Characteristics of patients and fractures were assessed for the association with refracture using bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 2793 patients with a total of 2902 upper extremity fractures, 2% were treated for refracture within 2 years, at a median of 6 months (188 d) after the initial injury. Midshaft location, and characterization of the fracture as angulated or buckle, were associated with being more likely to refracture. Eighty percent of refractures were the result of a fall, with almost 25% involving a high-energy mechanism and about 15% from monkey bars or other playground equipment. The adjusted odds of refracture were 4 times higher if noncompliance with treatment recommendations was documented, when controlling for insurance type and number of days before orthopaedic evaluation. Forearm fractures were almost 4 times more likely to refracture compared with other bones, controlling for midshaft location, days immobilized, and buckle or torus characterization of the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Our practice saw a refracture occurrence in 2% of patients, with median time to refracture of ~6 months. The factors most strongly associated with refracture were midshaft fracture location, forearm fracture as opposed to clavicle or humerus, and noncompliance as defined in the study. Falls and high energy activities, such as use of wheeled devices, skis, or trampolines, were important mechanisms of refracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This study is a Level II prognostic study. It is a retrospective study that evaluates the effect of patient and fracture characteristics on the outcome of upper extremity refracture.

HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Infection Among Warao Indigenous Refugees in the Brazilian Amazon: Challenges for Public Health in Times of Increasing Migration.

INTRODUCTION: Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection is endemic in indigenous populations of the Americas. We describe herein the prevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection among Warao indigenous refugees from Venezuela living in Belém, Pará, Brazil. METHODS: In total, 101 individuals of both sexes (43 men and 58 women) between 18 and 77 years of age were investigated. Blood samples were collected and separated into plasma and leukocytes. Serological screening was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Murex HTLV-I+II, DiaSorin, Dartford, UK), and seropositive samples were submitted to proviral DNA extraction followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A nested PCR of the env region (630 bp) followed by enzymatic digestion with XhoI was performed to identify the molecular subtype of HTLV-2, in addition to sequencing analysis of the 5'LTR-I and 5'-LTR-II regions. RESULTS: Of the 101 individuals analyzed, 3 (3.0%) were seropositive. Molecular analysis of the pol and tax genes confirmed the HTLV-1 infection in a 55-year-old woman and HTLV-2 infection in a man (68 years old) and a woman (23 years old). HTLV-2 strains were defined by enzymatic digestion as belonging to the HTLV-2b subtype. The sequencing of the 5'LTR regions confirmed the presence of subtype 2b and identified HTLV-1 as belonging to subtype 1A (Cosmopolitan) and the Transcontinental subgroup. Among the infected patients, it was possible to conduct medical interviews with two individuals after delivery of the result. One patient with HTLV-2 reported symptoms such as joint pain, foot swelling, frequent headache, dizziness and lower back pain. The HTLV-1-positive woman was diagnosed with a tumor, dementia, urinary incontinence, felt body pain, and had spots on her body. The presence of the HTLV-2b subtype highlights the prevalence of this molecular variant among indigenous South Americans, as well as the presence of HTLV-1 Transcontinental, which has a worldwide distribution. CONCLUSION: These results reveal a high prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among Warao immigrants, suggesting migratory flow as a virus spread mechanism among human populations and alert public authorities to the need to create epidemiological surveillance programs, public social and health policies aimed at welcoming immigrants in the Brazilian territory.

Da Amazônia ao guia: os dilemas entre a alimentação quilombola e as recomendações do guia alimentar para a população brasileira / From the Amazon to the guidelines: the dilemmas between quilombola foods and the recommendations of the dietary guidelines for the Brazilian population

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar se o hábito alimentar das famílias quilombolas paraenses segue as orientações do Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde, em 2014. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas nas comunidades de Santo Antônio (Concórdia do Pará, nordeste paraense) e São João (Salvaterra, ilha do Marajó) sob o protocolo CEP 060/07. Foram feitas análises do consumo e das preferências alimentares de acordo com o guia. Os resultados evidenciam: alto consumo de café adoçado, feijão, arroz e farinha; baixa participação de verduras, legumes e frutas na dieta dos entrevistados. Alimentos como pão, leite de vaca, macarrão, margarina e bolacha salgada são as formas comuns de diversificar os alimentos consumidos pelo grupo. Como fontes proteicas, destacam-se a carne vermelha - silvestre ou não -, o pescado, o charque, o frango e o ovo de galinha. São apresentadas algumas contradições do guia quando aplicado às comunidades. Apesar dos avanços do guia, conclui-se que o cumprimento das orientações para uma alimentação adequada e saudável nos grupos quilombolas da região amazônica enfrenta desafios. Guias alimentares são importantes para a saúde e a nutrição da população, porém precisam ser combinados com outros tipos de intervenções que respeitem a diversidade cultural do país.

Abstract The objective of this study is to analyze the food habit of quilombola families in Pará, following the guidelines of the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population published by the Brazilian Health Ministry in 2014. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the communities of Santo Antônio (Concórdia do Pará, in the Northeast) and São João (Salvaterra, on Marajó Island) under protocol CEP 060/07. Analysis of consumption and preferences were made according to the guide. The results show a high consumption of sweetened coffee, beans, rice and flour, and a low participation of vegetables and fruits in the interviewees' diet. Foods such as bread, cow's milk, pasta, margarine, and salt crackers are common means to diversify the foods consumed by the group. As protein sources, the most notable were red meat - wild or not -, fish, beef jerky, chicken and chicken eggs. Some contradictions of the Guide are discussed in relation to such communities. Despite the advancements promoted by the guide, we conclude that following the guidelines for an adequate and healthy food habit in quilombola groups in the Amazon region presents many challenges. Food guides are important for the health and nutrition of the population; however, they need to be combined with other types of interventions that respect the country's cultural diversity.

O Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil: desafios e contribuições à Atenção Básica na visão dos médicos cooperados / The More Doctors for Brazil Project - challenges and contributions to Primary Care in the vision of the cooperated physicians / El Proyecto Más Médicos para Brasil ­ Desafíos y contribuciones para la Atención Básica en la visión de los médicos cooperados

O Projeto Mais Médicos para o Brasil (PMMB) foi criado em 2013 visando prover médicos para áreas de difícil fixação de profissionais e oferecer treinamento em Saúde da Família para médicos brasileiros e estrangeiros. Neste artigo, são analisados aspectos relacionados às motivações, ao processo e condições de trabalho na Atenção Básica, à situação de saúde nos municípios, ao funcionamento do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e à relação com os gestores, a partir de entrevistas com 44 médicos cubanos, trabalhando em 32 municípios de todas as regiões do Brasil. As falas mostram que os cooperados têm um agudo senso de observação e conseguem fazer um detalhado diagnóstico situacional de suas áreas de atuação, demonstrando a precariedade ainda prevalente na Atenção Básica nos municípios. Porém, eles também evidenciam que, com a adequada formação, é possível fazer atenção primária de qualidade, mesmo diante de grandes adversidades.(AU)

The More Doctors in Brazil Project (MDBP) was created in 2013 in order to supply physicians for areas where it is difficult to retain professionals and to provide training in family and community medicine for Brazilian and foreign physicians. This paper examines aspects related to motivations and work processes and conditions in primary health care; the health situation in cities, operation of the of the Brazilian National Health System (SUS), and the relationship with managers. This study is based on interviews with 44 Cuban physicians who are working in 32 cities in all regions of the country. The results showed that the affiliated physicians have an acute sense of observation and are able to make a detailed situational analysis of the areas where they work. The findings also indicated that primary care is still precarious in these cities. However, they also demonstrated that with adequate training it is possible to provide quality primary care, even in the midst of major challenges.(AU)

El Proyecto Más Médicos para Brasil (PMMB) fue creado en 2013 con el objetivo de proporcionar médicos para áreas en donde es difícil la fijación de profesionales y ofrecer capacitación en Salud de la Familia para médicos brasileños y extranjeros. En este artículo se analizan aspectos relacionados a las motivaciones, al proceso y condiciones de trabajo en la Atención Básica, a la situación de salud en los municipios, al funcionamiento del Sistema Brasileño de Salud (SUS) y a la relación con los gestores a partir de entrevistas con 44 médicos cubanos que trabajan en 32 municipios de todas las regiones del país. Los diálogos muestran que los cooperados tienen un aguzado sentido de observación y consiguen hacer un diagnóstico detallado de la situación de las áreas en las que actúan, mostrando la precariedad todavía prevalente en la Atención Básica en los municipios. No obstante, ellos también dejan claro que, con una formación adecuada, es posible proporcionar atención primaria de calidad, incluso enfrentando grandes adversidades.(AU)

Carpal Coalitions and Metacarpal Synostoses: A Review.

Background: Carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis are uncommon congenital anomalies of the carpus and hand. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to help guide surgical and non-surgical treatment of carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis. Results: The embryology, epidemiology, medical and surgical management, and associated outcomes are detailed. Conclusions: Most patients with these disorders will likely benefit from conservative measures. Surgery should be considered in patients with pain and limitations in wrist and hand function.

Obesity, hypertension, social determinants of health and the epidemiologic transition among traditional Amazonian populations.

BACKGROUND: The health and nutritional situation of adults from three rural vulnerable Amazonian populations are investigated in relation to the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) and the epidemiologic transition. AIM: To investigate the role of the environment and the SDH on the occurrence of chronic-degenerative diseases in these groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric, blood pressure and demographic data were collected in adults from the RDS Mamirauá, AM (n = 149), Flona Caxiuanã, PA (n = 148) and quilombolas, PA (n = 351), populations living in a variety of socio-ecological environments in the Brazilian Amazon. RESULTS: Adjusting for the effect of age, quilombola men are taller (F = 9.85; p < 0.001) and quilombola women present with higher adiposity (F = 20.43; p < 0.001) and are more overweight/obese. Men from Mamirauá present higher adiposity (F = 9.58; p < 0.001). Mamirauá women are taller (F = 5.55; p < 0.01) and have higher values of waist circumference and subscapular/triceps index. Quilombolas present higher prevalence of hypertension in both sexes and there are significant differences in rates of hypertension among the women (χ(2) = 17.45; p < 0.01). The quilombolas are more dependent on government programmes, people from Mamirauá have more economic resources and the group from Caxiunã have the lowest SES. CONCLUSION: In these populations, the SDH play a key role in the ontogeny of diseases and the 'diseases of modernity' occur simultaneously with the always present infectoparasitic pathologies, substantially increasing social vulnerability.

The risk of ureteric injury associated with hysterectomy: a 10-year retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rates of ureteric injury among women undergoing hysterectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: English National Health Service hospitals. POPULATION: Women undergoing hysterectomy in 2001-2010. METHODS: Unadjusted rates of ureteric injury, within 1 year of hysterectomy, calculated by indication and type of procedure. Multivariable logistic regression used to assess the risk of ureteric injury with year of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ureteric injury within a year of the hysterectomy. RESULTS: In 2001-2010, 377 073 women underwent hysterectomy, of whom 1792 (0.5%) experienced a ureteric injury. In both benign and malignant groups the rate of injury was higher in 2006-2010 than 2001-2005. After 2006, ureteric injuries were most common for abdominal radical hysterectomy for uterine cancer (10.7%; 95% CI 7.3-15.1%). The proportion of women having a ureteric injury was similar for ovarian and cervical cancer (1.9-4.0% depending on type of procedure). For benign conditions, the rate of injury tended to be lower, typically <1%. Women with endometriosis had the highest risk among this group (1.7% following total abdominal hysterectomy; 95% CI 1.4-2.0%). CONCLUSION: The risk of ureteric injury within 1 year of hysterectomy varied by type of hysterectomy for benign and malignant conditions. The rates of injury have increased between 2001 and 2010. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Ten-year study shows ureteric injury rates have increased.

Possíveis impactos na saúde de idosos institucionalizados pelo seu afastamento do convívio familiar / Possible impacts on the health of institutionalized elderly by their family removal

Este estudo apresenta algumas perspectivas sobre a influência do afastamento do convívio familiar na percepção de saúde de idosos institucionalizados, no estado do Pará, Amazônia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo observacional e descritivo, em que foi realizada entrevista aberta individual, e os dados foram analisados segundo a técnica de análise de discurso. Conclui-se que a autoavaliação de saúde dos idosos institucionalizados é afetada por sua percepção sobre o afastamento do convívio familiar.(AU)

This study presents some perspectives on the influence of the removal of family life on the self-assessment of health of institutionalized elderly in Pará, Amazônia, Brazil. This is an observational and descriptive study, conducted through individual open interviews. Data were analyzed according to the technique of discourse analysis. It is concluded that the self perceived health of institutionalized elders is affected by their perception of the distance from family life.(AU)

Possíveis impactos na saúde de idosos institucionalizados pelo seu afastamento do convívio familiar / Possible impacts on the health of institutionalized elderly by their family removal

Este estudo apresenta algumas perspectivas sobre a influência do afastamento do convívio familiar na percepção de saúde de idosos institucionalizados, no estado do Pará, Amazônia, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo observacional e descritivo, em que foi realizada entrevista aberta individual, e os dados foram analisados segundo a técnica de análise de discurso. Conclui-se que a autoavaliação de saúde dos idosos institucionalizados é afetada por sua percepção sobre o afastamento do convívio familiar.

This study presents some perspectives on the influence of the removal of family life on the self-assessment of health of institutionalized elderly in Pará, Amazônia, Brazil. This is an observational and descriptive study, conducted through individual open interviews. Data were analyzed according to the technique of discourse analysis. It is concluded that the self perceived health of institutionalized elders is affected by their perception of the distance from family life.

Improving diagnostic efficiency: analysis of pelvic MRI versus emergency hip aspiration for suspected hip sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Accurately diagnosing and treating childhood hip sepsis is challenging. Adjacent bone and soft-tissue infections are common and can lead to delayed and inappropriate treatment. This study evaluated the effect of early advanced imaging (bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging) in the management of suspected hip sepsis. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients admitted between 2003 and 2009 with suspected hip sepsis was performed. Patients were classified into 2 categories: group I-immediate hip aspiration or group II-advanced imaging performed before intervention. RESULTS: In total, 130 patients (53 in group I and 77 in group II) were included. No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to laboratory values, temperature, number of anesthetics, and length of hospital stay. However, patients in group I were younger than in group II (5.4 vs. 7.3 y, P=0.02) and more patients in group I were unable to bear weight on the affected limb compared with group II (83% vs. 61%, P=0.009). In group I, 36 patients (68%) had a septic hip compared with 35 patients (45%) in group II. In group I, 16 patients (30%) required reoperation versus 13 (17%) patients in group II. Results from the multivariate analysis demonstrated that reoperation was required 2.8 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12-6.78) more often in group I as compared with group II (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced imaging performed before hip aspiration improves diagnostic efficacy and may decrease the need for reoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Identification of Polynesian mtDNA haplogroups in remains of Botocudo Amerindians from Brazil.

There is a consensus that modern humans arrived in the Americas 15,000-20,000 y ago during the Late Pleistocene, most probably from northeast Asia through Beringia. However, there is still debate about the time of entry and number of migratory waves, including apparent inconsistencies between genetic and morphological data on Paleoamericans. Here we report the identification of mitochondrial sequences belonging to haplogroups characteristic of Polynesians in DNA extracted from ancient skulls of the now extinct Botocudo Indians from Brazil. The identification of these two Polynesian haplogroups was confirmed in independent replications in Brazil and Denmark, ensuring reliability of the data. Parallel analysis of 12 other Botocudo individuals yielded only the well-known Amerindian mtDNA haplogroup C1. Potential scenarios to try to help understand these results are presented and discussed. The findings of this study may be relevant for the understanding of the pre-Columbian and/or post-Columbian peopling of the Americas.

Reliability of internal oblique elbow radiographs for measuring displacement of medial epicondyle humerus fractures: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Standard elbow radiographs (AP and lateral views) are not accurate enough to measure true displacement of medial epicondyle fractures of the humerus. The amount of perceived displacement has been used to determine treatment options. This study assesses the utility of internal oblique radiographs for measurement of true displacement in these fractures. METHODS: A medial epicondyle fracture was created in a cadaveric specimen. Displacement of the fragment (mm) was set at 5, 10, and 15 in line with the vector of the flexor pronator mass. The fragment was sutured temporarily in place. Radiographs were obtained at 0 (AP), 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees (lateral) of internal rotation, with the elbow in set positions of flexion. This was done with and without radio-opaque markers placed on the fragment and fracture bed. The 45 and 60 degrees internal oblique radiographs were then presented to 5 separate reviewers (of different levels of training) to evaluate intraobserver and interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Change in elbow position did not affect the perceived displacement (P=0.82) with excellent intraobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient range, 0.979 to 0.988) and interobserver agreement of 0.953. The intraclass correlation coefficient for intraobserver reliability on 45 degrees internal oblique films for all groups ranged from 0.985 to 0.998, with interobserver agreement of 0.953. For predicting displacement, the observers were 60% accurate in predicting the true displacement on the 45 degrees internal oblique films and only 35% accurate using the 60 degrees internal oblique view. CONCLUSIONS: Standardizing to a 45 degrees internal oblique radiograph of the elbow (regardless of elbow flexion) can augment the treating surgeon's ability to determine true displacement. At this degree of rotation, the measured number can be multiplied by 1.4 to better estimate displacement. The addition of a 45 degrees internal oblique radiograph in medial humeral epicondyle fractures has good intraobserver and interobserver reliability to more accurately estimate the true displacement of these fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level II (Development of diagnostic study with universally applied reference "gold" standard).

Effect of osteochondroma location on forearm deformity in patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis.

PURPOSE: Multiple hereditary osteochondromatosis (MHO) is an autosomal-dominant skeletal dysplasia that may result in forearm deformity. The purpose of this study was 2-fold: to describe the natural history of forearm deformity in patients with MHO, with particular attention to those who develop radial head dislocation, and to determine predictors of deformity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of all patients with MHO evaluated at our institution. Patients with the presence of a radiographically visible osteochondroma in the forearm were divided into 5 groups or types based on location of the osteochondroma(s). Radiographic measurements included radial articular angle, percent ulnar variance, radial bow, radial length, ulnar length, and ulnar bow. The predictive values of each measure were statistically evaluated for each type with relation to radial head dislocation. RESULTS: Of 146 patients with MHO, 102 patients (70%) had forearm involvement. Appropriate anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were available on 48 patients (76 forearms). Average age at initial radiographic evaluation was 12 years (range, 2-18 y). Average follow-up period was 7 years (range 1-19 y). Thirteen forearms demonstrated radial head dislocation, with all but 1 reported in the type 1 limbs (solitary distal ulna osteochondroma). Radial head dislocation was noted in 34% (12/35 forearms) of type 1 limbs. CONCLUSIONS: Forearms with isolated osteochondromas of the distal ulna are the ones most likely to develop radial head dislocation. Because the ulna growth is disproportionately less than radial growth, the soft tissues may act as a tether, linking the distal radius and ulna, and lead to radial head dislocation. Changes in radiographic measurements may predict limbs at risk for radial head dislocation.

Late reconstruction of ulnar nerve palsy.

Ulnar nerve palsy results in significant loss of sensation and profound weakness, leading to a dysfunctional hand. Typical clinical findings include loss of key pinch, clawing, loss of normal flexion sequence of the digits, loss of the metacarpal arch, and abduction of the small finger. Further deficits in hand/wrist function are seen in high-level ulnar nerve palsy, including loss of ring- and small-finger distal interphalangeal flexion, decreased wrist flexion, and loss of dorsal sensory innervation. This article reviews the clinical findings seen in low and high ulnar nerve palsies, and reviews surgical options for correcting certain motor and sensory deficits.