A systematic review of management options for symptomatic scaphometacarpal impingement after trapeziectomy.

Pain after trapeziectomy is a vexing problem, most commonly due to scaphometacarpal impingement. A number of treatment strategies have been described and are examined in this systematic review. In total, 27 studies describing revision surgery for unsatisfactory results after trapeziectomy were included. Results after soft tissue or synthetic suspensionplasties, arthrodesis procedures, implant arthroplasty and costochondral autografting were included. Most studies were heterogeneous in terms of patient selection and procedure performed, and the level of evidence and methodological quality were uniformly low. Autologous suspensionplasty procedures are the best studied and most rigorously reported techniques, with modest improvements in pain widely reported. Newer techniques using synthetic suture button suspension are encouraging with the benefit of earlier mobilization but require further study. Due to high incidences of complication and revision, the literature does not support the use of implant arthroplasty after trapeziectomy. Arthrodesis appears to be a reasonable last resort when attempts at suspension have failed.

Surgical Interventions for Chronic Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Thumb: A Systematic Review.

Background: There is no consensus for the appropriate surgical management of symptomatic chronic ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb. The aim of this study is to systematically review the treatment of chronic thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint UCL injuries to determine the optimal approach to treatment. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Medline, Embase and ePub Ahead of Print was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Items in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Data from 11 studies using various surgical techniques in 245 thumbs were heterogenous and meta-analysis of results not possible. These data were qualitatively assessed. Direct repair, reconstruction with free tendon grafts and arthrodesis all demonstrated favourable outcomes with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Conclusions: Direct repair can be safely performed more than 2 months following injury. Arthrodesis may be considered in heavy manual labourers or those with osteoarthrosis. Tendon grafting is safe, yet the optimal type and configuration are yet to be determined for reconstructive methods. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

'It's just a finger isn't it ': patients' perspectives of recovery following finger fractures and participation in surgical trials - a qualitative interview study.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) generate detailed, person-centred data about the experience of finger injury and treatment and (2) understand the patients' perspectives of research involvement with a view to informing better designed future studies in hand injury. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and framework analysis. PARTICIPANTS: 19 participants who were part of the Cohort study of Patients' Outcomes for Finger Fractures and Joint Injuries study in a single secondary care centre in the UK. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that although finger injuries are frequently seen as minor by patients and healthcare professionals, their effects on peoples' lives are possibly greater than first anticipated. The relative importance of hand functioning means that the experience of treatment and recovery varies and is shaped by an individual's age, job, lifestyle and hobbies. These factors will also inform an individual's perspective on and willingness to participate in, hand research. Interviewees showed reluctance to accept randomisation in surgical trials. Interviewees would be more likely to participate in a study testing two variants of the same treatment modality (eg, surgery vs surgery), rather than two different modalities, (eg, surgery vs splint). The Patient-Reported Outcome Measure questionnaires that were used in this study were seen as less relevant by these patients. Pain, hand function and cosmetic appearance were considered important, meaningful outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with finger injuries need more support from healthcare professionals as they may experience more problems than first anticipated. Good communication by clinicians and empathy can help patients engage with the treatment pathway. Perceptions of an 'insignificant' injury and/or need for quick functional recovery will influence recruitment to future hand research (both positively and negatively). Accessible information about the functional and clinical consequences of a hand injury will be important in enabling participants to make fully informed decisions about participation.

Computerized adaptive testing of symptom severity: a registry-based study of 924 patients with trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

We aimed to develop a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) version of the 11 item Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM), using an item response theory model. This model transformed the ordinal scores into ratio-interval scores. We obtained PEM responses from 924 patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis to build a CAT model and tested its performance on a simulated cohort of 1000 PEM response sets. The CAT achieved high precision (median standard error or measurement 0.26) and reduced the number of questions needed for accurate scoring from 11 to median two. The CAT scores and item-response-theory-based 15-item PEM scores were similar, and a Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated a mean score difference of 0.2 between the CAT and the full-length PEM scores on a scale from 0 to 100. We conclude that the CAT substantially reduced the burden of the PEM while also harnessing the validity of item response theory scoring.

The Nottingham Palmar Plate Arthroplasty for Metacarpophalangeal Joint Noninflammatory Arthritis.

Palmar (volar) plate interposition arthroplasty for osteoarthritis (OA) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the fingers is a well-established technique. Its use has diminished since its initial description and introduction because of poor results in patients with inflammatory arthropathy and a difficult surgical technique. We report the surgical technique and mid-term results of the novel Nottingham interposition arthroplasty for noninflammatory MCP joint OA. A dual dorsal and palmar incision is utilized to maximize the harvest of interposition substance. The surgical technique is described and illustrated in full. Prospective data concerning pain, range of movement and function are reported. The results of 12 arthroplasties in 9 patients are reported. At a median follow-up of 76.1 months the median arc of movement was 44 degrees, favoring an improvement in flexion. The median visual analog score for pain was 0, with all but 1 patient reporting no pain at all. Range of movement has been further improved with a progressively less restrictive rehabilitation regimen giving a median arc of 70 degrees in the more recent patients. Compared with modern implant arthroplasty techniques, the Nottingham Palmar Plate Arthroplasty has demonstrated favorable results in terms of range of movement and most importantly resolution of pain. We consider it to be a viable option in the first line management of MCP joint OA.

A 4-year study of the use of the short metacarpal cast in the management of metacarpal shaft fractures.

We report on our experience of using a short, moulded metacarpal cast over a 4-year period in the non-surgical management of metacarpal shaft fractures. Between 6 April 2015 and 6 April 2019, 117 patients were treated using this method. The majority were male, and the mean age was 24.6 years. The most common mechanism of injury was a punch injury (73 patients, 62%). Fifteen patients (13%) were treated for multiple metacarpal fractures. Immediately after cast removal, 68% had a full range of finger movement and 68% were pain free. Few required formal hand therapy. Fifteen patients experienced minor complications, primarily soft tissue irritation from the cast and non-limiting extensor lag. The moulded short metacarpal cast is an effective non-surgical treatment for angulated extra-articular metacarpal fractures of the diaphysis and diametaphyseal junction.Level of evidence: IV.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Radiographs in the Diagnosis of Little and/or Ring Carpometacarpal Joint Injuries.

Introduction Little and ring finger carpometacarpal joints (CMCJs) injuries are commonly missed due to misinterpretation of radiographs. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of four different radiographic views. Materials and Methods Radiographs (posteroanterior [PA], lateral [LAT], pronated oblique [POL], and supinated oblique [SOL] views) showing normal findings or little/ring finger CMCJ injuries were shown to two cohorts of orthopaedic trainees and a cohort of emergency nurse practitioners. Results The POL view performed best in all three testing scenarios. The SOL view performed least well. The combination of a PA, true LAT, and POL identified 78% of injuries correctly. In no cases did the SOL view correctly identify an injury when the other three views had been interpreted as normal. Conclusion We recommend a combination of the PA, POL, and LAT views in diagnosing these injuries. Where doubt remains, cross-sectional imaging is essential.

Common hand and wrist conditions: creation of UK research priorities defined by a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership.

OBJECTIVE: Prioritisation of important treatment uncertainties for 'Common Conditions Affecting the Hand and Wrist' via a UK-based James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. SETTING: This process was funded by a national charitable organisation and based in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: Anyone with experience of common conditions affecting the adult hand and wrist, including patients, carers and healthcare professionals. All treatment modalities delivered by a hand specialist, including therapists, surgeons or other allied professionals, were considered. INTERVENTIONS: Established James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership methods were employed.Electronic and paper questionnaires identified potential uncertainties. These were subsequently confirmed using relevant, up-to-date systematic reviews. A final list of top 10 research uncertainties was developed via a face-to-face workshop with representation from patients and clinicians. Impact of research was sought by surveying hand clinicians electronically. OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey responses and prioritisation-both survey and workshop based. RESULTS: There were 889 individually submitted questions from the initial survey, refined to 59 uncertainties across 32 themes. Eight additional uncertainties were added from published literature before prioritisation by 261 participants and the workshop allowed the final top 10 list to be finalised. The top 10 has so far contributed to the award of over £3.8 million of competitively awarded funding. CONCLUSIONS: The Common Conditions in the Hand and Wrist Priority Setting Partnership identified important research questions and has allowed research funders to identify grant applications which are important to both patients and clinicians.

The non-operative management of bony mallet injuries.

Over a 4-year period, 218 mallet fractures in 211 adult patients were treated using a custom-made thermoplastic splint. Clinical results were collected prospectively, including the visual analogue score for pain, the range of motion and extensor lag, and the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM). The joints were congruent in 168 and subluxed in 50. There were no differences in range of movement, extensor lag or PEM associated with articular subluxation or the size of the articular fragment. Pre-existing joint degeneration did not influence outcome. Non-surgical treatment demonstrates predictably good outcomes regardless of fragment size or subluxation in most patients and should be considered when discussing treatment for patients with bony mallet fractures.Level of evidence: III.

A comparative review of 1,004 orthopaedic trauma patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: COVID-19 necessitated abrupt changes in trauma service delivery. We compare the demographics and outcomes of patients treated during lockdown to a matched period from 2019. Findings have important implications for service development. METHODS: A split-site service was introduced, with a COVID-19 free site treating the majority of trauma patients. Polytrauma, spinal, and paediatric trauma patients, plus COVID-19 confirmed or suspicious cases, were managed at another site. Prospective data on all trauma patients undergoing surgery at either site between 16 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 was collated and compared with retrospective review of the same period in 2019. Patient demographics, injury, surgical details, length of stay (LOS), COVID-19 status, and outcome were compared. RESULTS: There were 1,004 urgent orthopaedic trauma patients (604 in 2019; 400 in 2020). Significant reductions in time to theatre and LOS stay were observed. COVID-19 positive status was confirmed in 4.5% (n = 18). The COVID-19 mortality rate was 1.8% (n = 7). Day-case surgery comprised 47.8% (n = 191), none testing positive for COVID-19 or developing clinically significant COVID-19 symptoms requiring readmission, at a minimum of 17 days follow-up. CONCLUSION: The novel split-site service, segregating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, minimized onward transmission and demonstrated improved outcomes regarding time to surgery and LOS, despite altered working patterns and additional constraints. Day-surgery pathways appear safe regarding COVID-19 transmission. Lessons learned require dissemination and should be sustained in preparation for a potential second wave or, the return of a "normal" non-COVID workload.Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:568-575.

A comparative study looking at trauma and orthopaedic operating efficiency in the COVID-19 era.

BACKGROUD: COVID-19 has led to a reduction in operating efficiency. We aim to identify these inefficiencies and possible solutions as we begin to pursue a move to planned surgical care. METHODS: All trauma and orthopaedic emergency surgery were analysed for May 2019 and May 2020. Timing data was collated to look at the following: anaesthetic preparation time, anaesthetic time, surgical preparation time, surgical time, transfer to recovery time and turnaround time. Data for 2019 was collected retrospectively and data for 2020 was collected prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients underwent emergency orthopaedic surgery in May 2019 and 161 in May 2020. A statistically significant increase in all timings was demonstrated in 2020 apart from anaesthetic time which demonstrated a significant decrease. A subgroup analysis for hip fractures demonstrated a similar result. No increase in surgical time was observed in hand and wrist surgery or for debridement and washouts.Although the decrease in anaesthetic time is difficult to explain, this could be attributed to a reduction in combined anaesthetic techniques and possibly the effect of fear. The other increases in time demonstrated can largely be attributed to the PPE required for aerosol generating procedures and other measures taken to reduce spread of the virus. These procedures currently form a large amount of the orthopaedic case load. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has led to significant reductions in operating room efficiency. This will have significant impact on waiting times. Increasing frequency of regional anaesthesia concurrently with non-aerosol generating surgeries may improve efficiency.

The development of a novel patient-derived recovery scale for open tibial fractures.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a psychometrically sound measure of recovery for use in patients who have suffered an open tibial fracture. METHODS: An initial pool of 109 items was generated from previous qualitative data relating to recovery following an open tibial fracture. These items were field tested in a cohort of patients recovering from an open tibial fracture. They were asked to comment on the content of the items and structure of the scale. Reduction in the number of items led to a refined scale tested in a larger cohort of patients. Principal components analysis permitted further reduction and the development of a definitive scale. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness were assessed for the retained items. RESULTS: The initial scale was completed by 35 patients who were recovering from an open tibial fracture. Subjective and objective analysis permitted removal of poorly performing items and the addition of items suggested by patients. The refined scale consisted of 50 Likert scaled items and eight additional items. It was completed on 228 occasions by a different cohort of 204 patients with an open tibial fracture recruited from several UK orthoplastic tertiary referral centres. There were eight underlying components with tangible real-life meaning, which were retained as sub-scales represented by ten Likert scaled and eight non-Likert items. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were good to excellent. CONCLUSION: The Wales Lower Limb Trauma Recovery (WaLLTR) Scale is the first tool to be developed from patient data with the potential to assess recovery following an open tibial fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):17-25.

Fractures at the junction of diaphysis and metaphysis of the proximal phalanges in adults.

We describe the treatment of 101 patients with 113 fractures of the proximal phalanx at the junction of the diaphysis with the proximal metaphysis. Fractures were stabilized using a single extra-articular percutaneous Kirschner wire passed lateral to the metacarpal head into the base of the phalanx base and across the fracture to engage the lateral cortex. Patients were treated semi-electively on a day surgery unit. The metacarpophalangeal joint was splinted in flexion with mobilization of the proximal inter-phalangeal joints, until the wire was removed at 24 days and the hand then freely mobilized. The mean total active movement was 230° and no patients experienced problems with significant pain. There were two pin site infections. There were no cases of angular or rotational malunion. These injuries can be successfully and safely treated using this simple technique, negating the need for close monitoring for angular displacement of the fracture, which is frequently seen with non-surgical management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The use of secure anonymised data linkage to determine changes in healthcare utilisation following severe open tibial fractures.

Severe open fractures of the lower limbs are complex injuries requiring expert multidisciplinary management in appropriate orthoplastic centres. This study aimed to assess the impact of open fractures on healthcare utilisation and test the null hypotheses that there is no difference in healthcare utilisation between the year before and year after injury, and that there is no difference in healthcare utilisation in the year post-injury between patients admitted directly to an orthoplastic centre in keeping with the joint BOA/BAPRAS standards and those having initial surgery elsewhere. This retrospective cohort study utilising secure anonymised information linkage (SAIL), a novel databank of anonymised nationally pooled health records, recruited patients over 18 years of age sustaining severe open lower limb fractures managed primarily or secondarily at our centre and who had data available in the SAIL databank. 101 patients met inclusion criteria and 90 of these had records in the SAIL databank. The number of days in hospital, number of primary care attendances, number of outpatient attendances and number of emergency department attendances in the years prior and subsequent to injury were recorded. Patients sustaining open fractures had significantly different healthcare utilisation in the year after injury when compared with the year before, in terms of days spent in hospital (23.42 vs. 1.70, p=0.000), outpatient attendances (11.98 vs. 1.05, p=0.000), primary care attendances (29.48 vs. 11.99, p=0.000) and emergency department presentations (0.2 vs. 0.01, p=0.025). Patients admitted directly to orthoplastic centres had significantly fewer operations (1.78 vs. 3.31) and GP attendances (23.6 vs. 33.52) than those transferred in subsequent to initial management in other units. There is a significant increase in healthcare utilisation after open tibial fracture. Adherence to national standards minimises the impact of this on both patients and health services.

Factors influencing K-wire migration in tension-band wiring of olecranon fractures.

BACKGROUND: Tension-band wiring is a popular method of internal fixation for simple olecranon fractures. Although fracture union rates and clinical outcomes are good, up to 80% of patients require removal because of prominent/symptomatic metalwork. The current literature remains unclear as to the best orientation of the longitudinal wires to minimize hardware failure. The aim of this study was to determine the surgically modifiable factors related to spontaneous wire pullout. METHODS: A retrospective review of hospital theater records over a period of 6 years was performed to identify all olecranon tension-band wire procedures. Preoperative radiographs were used to confirm and classify the fracture. Intraoperative and postoperative radiographs were analyzed for a number of wire-associated variables: wire length within the ulna, medullary/cortical position, parallelism of wires, proximal wire prominence, wire angle relative to the ulna, distance from the articular surface, fracture gap, and subsequent pullout. RESULTS: A total of 182 wires were analyzed. The mean age was 52.5 years, and the mean radiographic follow-up period was 7.3 months. Intramedullary wires had a mean pullout of 5.5 mm compared with 2.4 mm for transcortical wires (P < .0001). A multiple regression model noted 7 independent variables affecting wire pullout: age, bent wires, medullary/transcortical wire positioning, proximal prominence, ulnar shaft angle, distance from the articular surface, and articular step. CONCLUSION: To minimize postoperative pullout of wires, we suggest anatomic reduction and transcortical wire orientation, without bending, in the subchondral bone close to the articular surface.

Effect of knee position on gap size following acute Achilles rupture.

BACKGROUND: Acute traumatic rupture of the tendoachilles is a common problem. Following a recent Cochrane review, operative treatment has been shown to have a lower re-rupture rate compared with conservative treatment, but is associated with a slightly higher rate of other complications. Debate concerning the method and duration of conservative treatment remains. We aimed to assess the effect of knee position on the gap in acute tendoachilles ruptures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a history and examination consistent with an acute rupture were collected prospectively. They were investigated by the same musculoskeletal consultant radiologist using ultrasonography. Tendon gap was measured with the foot in neutral and full tolerable equinus with the knee both flexed to 90 degrees and fully extended. A pilot study of 10 patients was used to provide data for a power calculation. Following this a total of 25 consecutive patients were recruited for inclusion. A paired Student t-test was used to compare mean differences between the knee flexed/ankle plantarflexed and knee extended/ankle plantarflexed positions on the gap at the rupture site. RESULTS: A diagnosis of acute tendoachilles rupture was confirmed in all patients and tendon gap was measured with the knee flexed and extended with the ankle either neutral or plantarflexed. This confirmed there was no significant difference in the tendon gap with the knee flexed or extended provided the foot was in full equinus (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that knee position had no significant effect on the tendon gap at the rupture site. This study could have considerable implications on the rationale behind conservative treatment and splinting of acute tendoachilles ruptures with no apparent role for knee flexed immobilization.