Monitoring health as an opportunity to categorize preventative and early-treatment actions in a self-care journey: our experience with a Healthcare Magenta Scorecard.

Background: Applying a digital health intervention to measure health and wellbeing status offers opportunities to guide and augment healthcare and promotion. In our scenario, we consider mainly digital-native patients and present an evaluation of a new Healthcare Magenta Scorecard towards this end. Methods: Grounded in the six domains of health and promotion (physical activity; sleep quality; nutrition; habits/lifestyle; mental health; quality of life) we developed a health Magenta Scorecard (Magenta Score), a mobile based Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (e-PRO) that measures patients health and wellbeing every 3-5 months. The Magenta Scorecard was derived from previously published evidence-based instruments. We collected data as patients were onboarded into our healthcare system (T0 and T1, time span between measurements, 141 days) and provided correlations among our domains of care. Results: A total of 1,622 participants responded to T0 and T1 our Magenta Scorecard. Participants mean age was 31.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): 31.2-31.5] years and female (63.4%). Fifty-five percent (n=892) of our sample were categorized as relating to Health and Wellbeing promotion, 8.5% (n=138) disease management, 35.7% (n=579) self-care care support and only 0.8% (n=13) pertained to case management. From our care coordination guided approach, our Magenta Scorecards reported mean improvement across the study cohort of 26 ± standard deviation (SD) points, from T0 (649, 95% CI: 643-656) to T1 (675, 95% CI: 668-682). Our Magenta Scorecard domains had significant, albeit weak spearman correlations. Conclusions: We demonstrated our Magenta Scorecard rationale and its guided approach. The Magenta Scorecard displayed adequate responsiveness and was significantly correlated across all of the domains investigated. Further prospective research is needed to validate our results in the long term.

An integrative telehealth platform managed by nurses.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the feasibility and preliminary results of implementing a telehealth system, Alice Agora, as a tool for optimizing health delivery in a new primary care-based health system. RESULTS: We had 4193 consultations over the last 6 months (February and August 2021). Preliminary results show patients high level of satisfaction (Consumer satisfaction score of 4.92). The chief complaints were related to upper respiratory tract (n = 1542; 28.5%), gastrointestinal (n = 781; 14.43%), musculoskeletal (n = 607; 11.22%), and other (n = 643; 11.88%). We found that 20.1% (842) of the cases were solved digitally, that is, by a chat only with a nurse, through the use of health protocols, and 43.9% were solved by nurses with medical assistance. Only 6.6% (277) of the cases had to be referred to the emergency room (ER). This means that 64% of the cases were completely resolved by our nurses-driven system. Forty-eight hours readmission rates were higher for the uncoordinated ER cases compared with the coordinated cases (14.81% vs. 5.87%; p = 0.016). The same pattern was observed for the 72-h readmission rates (16.67 vs. 7.26%; p = 0.02).

No benefit for elbow blocking on conservative treatment of distal radius fractures: A 6-month randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: For displaced distal radius fracture, this trial aimed to compare an above-elbow (AE) and below-elbow (BE) cast at the end of a 24-week follow-up using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire as a primary outcome. METHODS: This is a clinical trial with parallel groups (1:1) and a blinded evaluator. There are two non-surgical interventions: AE and BE. A total of 128 adult patients with acute (up to 7 days) displaced distal radius fracture of type A2-3, C1-3 by the AO classification were included. The follow-up was 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the DASH questionnaire at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the maintenance of reduction by the evaluation of radiographic parameters, pain measured by VAS, PRWE, objective functional evaluation and rate of adverse effects. RESULTS: The difference between the two groups in the DASH score at 24 weeks was not significant, with the mean (95% CI) DASH score being AE: 9.44 (2.70 to 16.17) vs. BE: 9.88 (3.19 to 16.57) (p = 0.895). The above-elbow group had a significantly greater worsening of the mean DASH score from baseline to 2 weeks (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in any of the other follow-up assessments. Objective functional evaluation, PRWE, radiographical measures and rates of reduction loss were similar between groups. Above-elbow casting resulted in more adverse effects (mostly shoulder pain; 19 events vs. 9 events); RR = 0.39 (0.19-0.94); p = 0.033 at the end of six-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not demonstrate a difference between above-elbow and below-elbow cast in terms of DASH outcome at 6 months in non-surgical treatment of deviated distal radius fractures. However, below-elbow casting is less debilitating during the treatment period, has comparable performance in maintaining the reduction, and is related to fewer minor adverse effects than above-elbow casting.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Symptomatic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Local Corticosteroid Injection Versus Night Orthosis.

PURPOSE: For carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), local corticosteroid injection (corticosteroid), and/or wrist immobilization with night orthosis (orthosis) are commonly prescribed and are supported by strong evidence. The aim of this study was to compare orthosis versus corticosteroid for patients with CTS. METHODS: A CTS diagnosis was made clinically and supported by electrodiagnostic study. Patients were randomly allocated to either orthosis or corticosteroid. Clinical assessments were performed before the intervention, within the first week of the intervention, and 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Primary outcomes were improvement in nocturnal paresthesia and Boston-Levine questionnaire (BLQ) score. Secondary outcomes were pain assessed by visual analog scale and complications. RESULTS: Of 100 patients enrolled in the study, 95 completed the planned follow-up (45 in the orthosis arm and 50 in the corticosteroid arm). Corticosteroid injections were superior to orthosis in remission of nocturnal paresthesia (remission rates at 1 month, 84.6% versus 43.83%; 3 months, 71.1% versus 40.4%; and 6 months, 80.3% versus 28.8%). The BLQ scores (functional and symptom subscales) were also more favorable for corticosteroid at 1, 3, and 6 months (minimal clinically important differences for Function > 0.5 and Symptom > 0.16). Pain scores were lower and favored the corticosteroid group. There were no complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Both options are effective in the short term. Corticosteroid is superior to orthosis for improving CTS-related nocturnal paresthesia, BLQ scores, and pain. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic I.

Percutaneous Fixation without Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion.

Objective To describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients submitted to percutaneous fixation without bone graft for scaphoid nonunion, with a minimum follow-up of six months. Methods A case series study of a convenience sample of hand surgeons with prospective evaluation. Patients with scaphoid (waist or proximal pole) nonunion and the following features were included: more than six months of history; X-rays showing sclerosis of the edges of the nonunion, with resorption of the nonunion focus measuring less than 4 mm (Slade & Gleissler I, II, III and IV) and no angular deformity; and no proximal pole necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results After six months of follow-up, all nonunion were consolidated, with no major complications. The functional outcomes revealed good scores on the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH; n = 12; mean: 6.9; standard deviation [SD]: 2.1) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE; n = 12; mean: 7.97, SD: 1.5) questionnaires. The results of the visual analog scale (VAS) showed little residual pain (n = 12; mean: 0.71; SD: 0.2). Slight decreases in flexion (69 versus 59.1; p = 0.007), extension (62.4 versus 48.7; p = 0.001) and radial deviation (29.6 versus 24.6; p = 0.014) were detected in comparison to the contralateral side. Conclusions All cases in the series presented consolidation and good functional scores at the six-month evaluation. This is a promising option (with lower technical demand and morbidity) for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Comparative studies are required to assess the effectiveness of this technique in comparison with other options.

Percutaneous Fixation without Bone Graft for Scaphoid Nonunion / Fixação percutânea sem enxerto ósseo para pseudartrose do escafóide

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients submitted to percutaneous fixation without bone graft for scaphoid nonunion, with a minimum follow-up of six months. Methods A case series study of a convenience sample of hand surgeons with prospective evaluation. Patients with scaphoid (waist or proximal pole) nonunion and the following features were included: more than six months of history; X-rays showing sclerosis of the edges of the nonunion, with resorption of the nonunion focus measuring less than 4 mm (Slade & Gleissler I, II, III and IV) and no angular deformity; and no proximal pole necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results After six months of follow-up, all nonunion were consolidated, with no major complications. The functional outcomes revealed good scores on the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH; n = 12; mean: 6.9; standard deviation [SD]: 2.1) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE; n = 12; mean: 7.97, SD: 1.5) questionnaires. The results of the visual analog scale (VAS) showed little residual pain (n = 12; mean: 0.71; SD: 0.2). Slight decreases in flexion (69 versus 59.1; p = 0.007), extension (62.4 versus 48.7; p = 0.001) and radial deviation (29.6 versus 24.6; p = 0.014) were detected in comparison to the contralateral side. Conclusions All cases in the series presented consolidation and good functional scores at the six-month evaluation. This is a promising option (with lower technical demand and morbidity) for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Comparative studies are required to assess the effectiveness of this technique in comparison with other options.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever os resultados clínico-radiográficos de pacientes tratados por meio de fixação percutânea sem enxerto ósseo para pseudartrose do escafóide, com seguimento mínimo de seis meses. Métodos Série de casos de uma amostra de conveniência de grupo de cirurgiões de mão com avaliação prospectiva.. Foram incluídos pacientes com diagnóstico de pseudartrose do escafóide (cintura ou polo proximal) com as seguintes características: mais de seis meses de histórico; radiografias demonstrando esclerose das bordas da pseudartrose, com reabsorção do foco de pseudartrose menor do que 4 mm (Slade & Gleissler I, II, III e IV), sem deformidade angular; e sem necrose do polo proximal pela ressonância magnética (RM). Resultados Na avaliação com mais de seis meses, todas as pseudartroses estavam consolidadas e sem maiores complicações. Os resultados funcionais demonstraram boas pontuações nos questionários de disfunções do braço, ombro e mão (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand, DASH; n = 12; média: 6,9; desvio padrão [DP]: 2,1) e de avaliação do punho pelo paciente (patient-rated wrist evaluation, PRWE; n = 12; média: 7,97; DP: 1,5). Observou-se pouca dor residual de acordo com a escala visual analógica (EVA; n = 12; média: 0,71; DP: 0,2). Houve discreta diminuição da flexão (69 versus 59,1; p = 0,007), da extensão (62,4 versus 48,7; p = 0,001) e do desvio radial (29,6 versus 24.6; p = 0,014) em comparação ao lado contralateral. Conclusões Nesta série, todos os casos estavam consolidados ao sexto mês de avaliação, com bom status funcional. Trata-se de uma opção promissora (menor demanda técnica e morbidade) para o tratamento da pseudartrose do escafóide. Estudos comparativos serão úteis para avaliar a efetividade da técnica com relação a outras opções.

HOW SCAPHOID FRACTURES ARE TREATED IN BRAZIL.

OBJECTIVE: To verify how hand surgeons manage scaphoid fractures and their complications. METHODS: Two hundred questionnaires were distributed during the 36th Brazilian Hand Surgery Congress (2016). RESULTS: On suspicion of fracture without radiographic confirmation, 57% of surgeons request a CT or MRI scan, while 43% opt for immobilization and consecutive radiographs. In stable fractures the preference was for treatment with plaster cast. In fractures with no scaphoid waist displacement, 33% opt for percutaneous fixation. In displaced waist or proximal pole fractures, 66% and 99.4%, respectively, opted for surgical treatment. Most surgeons treat waist nonunion with a nonvascularized bone graft. When absorption at the site of nonunion is greater than 4 mm, 50% prefer to use iliac graft and screw fixation. In proximal pole nonunion, the Zaidemberg technique is preferred by 64%. More experienced surgeons are more likely to request tests in occult fractures (63.9% versus 47.6%; p=0.04), and tend to recommend surgery for distal third fractures more frequently (16.4% versus 4.7%; p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We have provided an overview of treatment preferences for scaphoid fractures. It should be noted that more experienced surgeons are more likely to request additional tests for occult fractures and to recommend surgical treatment of distal third fractures. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-sectional survey.

OBJETIVO: Verificar como os cirurgiões da mão conduzem o tratamento da fratura de escafoide e suas complicações. MÉTODOS: Durante o 36° Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia da Mão (2016) foram distribuídos 200 questionários. RESULTADOS: Na suspeita da fratura sem confirmação radiográfica, 57% dos cirurgiões solicitam TC ou RM, enquanto 43% optam por imobilização e radiografia seriada. Nas fraturas estáveis, a preferência foi tratamento com gesso. Nas fraturas sem desvio da cintura do escafoide, 33% optam pela fixação percutânea. Nas fraturas desviadas do polo proximal ou da cintura, a opção é o tratamento cirúrgico em 66% e 99,4%. A maioria trata a pseudoartrose da cintura com enxerto não vascularizado. Quando a absorção no foco da pseudoartrose é maior que 4 mm, 50% preferem utilizar enxerto do ilíaco e fixar com parafuso. Nas pseudoartroses do polo proximal, a técnica de Zaidemberg é a preferida por 64%. Os cirurgiões mais experientes têm maior propensão para pedir exames em fraturas ocultas (63,9% versus 47,6%; p = 0,04) e tendem a indicar cirurgia com mais frequência para as fraturas do terço distal (16,4% versus 4,7%; p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: Forneceu-se panorama das preferências de tratamento para as fraturas do escafoide. Destaca-se maior tendência de cirurgiões mais experientes para solicitação de exames subsidiários para fraturas ocultas e maior indicação cirúrgica para as fraturas do terço distal. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudo transversal tipo survey.

TREATMENT OF FINGERTIP INJURIES BY SPECIALISTS IN HAND SURGERY IN BRAZIL.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if there is consensus about the treatment of each type of injury or amputation of the fingertips, and if there is a statistical difference among the treatment options according to the surgeon's length of time in the hand surgery specialty. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the 37th Brazilian Congress of Hand Surgery, when one hundred and twenty questionnaires were randomly distributed. Observing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, ninety completed questionnaires were included. The answers were submitted to descriptive and inferential analysis with a significance level of p <0.05. RESULTS: This study showed agreement of 63.3% for the treatment with statistical difference for dorsal oblique injury less than 1 cm with bone exposure for the VY advancement flap alternative; 46.7% for volar tip oblique injury with bone exposure less than 1 cm for the Cross Finger alternative; 47.8% for oblique thumb volar injury greater than 1 cm with no bone exposure to the Moberg alternative; 54.4% for thumb pulp injury up to 2.5 cm with bone exposure to the Moberg alternative with proximal release, and 92.2% for antibiotic use, for the "cephalexin" alternative. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus regarding the treatment of most types of fingertip lesions, with agreement of 45.4%. When we subdivided by time group of specialty in hand surgery, there was an increase in agreement to 54.5% of the questions per subgroup. Further comparative studies are needed to assess the consensus among surgeons regarding the treatment of fingertip injury. Level of Evidence III; Cross-sectional survey.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se há consenso sobre o tratamento de cada tipo de lesão ou amputação da ponta do dedo e se há diferença estatística entre as opções de tratamento de acordo com o tempo em que o cirurgião atua na especialidade de cirurgia da mão. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa transversal realizada durante o 37° Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia da Mão, quando foram distribuídos cento e vinte questionários de forma aleatória. Observando-se os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, noventa questionários respondidos foram incluídos. As respostas foram submetidas a análise descritiva e inferencial com índice de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Este estudo apresentou concordância no tratamento com diferença estatística para lesão oblíqua dorsal menor que 1 cm com exposição óssea para a alternativa de retalho de avanço VY com 63,3%; lesão oblíqua volar com exposição óssea menor que 1 cm para a alternativa Cross Finger com 46,7%; lesão oblíqua volar do polegar maior de 1 cm sem exposição óssea para a alternativa Moberg com 47,8%; lesão da polpa do polegar com até 2,5 cm com exposição óssea para a alternativa Moberg com liberação proximal com 54,4% e uso de antibióticos para a alternativa "cefalexina" com 92,2%. CONCLUSÃO: Não há consenso quanto ao tratamento da maioria dos tipos de lesão da ponta do dedo, sendo que houve concordância em 45,4%. Quando subdividimos por grupo de tempo de especialização em cirurgia de mão, verificou-se aumento da concordância para 54,5% das questões por subgrupo. Há necessidade de realização de novos estudos comparativos para avaliarmos o consenso entre os cirurgiões com relação ao tratamento da lesão das pontas dos dedos. Nível de evidência III; Pesquisa transversal.

APPLICABILITY OF RANDOMIZED TRIALS IN HAND SURGERY: SURVEY STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability of randomized clinical trials and whether certain factors (surgeon experience/journal impact factor) influence their applicability. METHODS: In this survey study we used the Pubmed/Medline database to select 32 consecutive randomized clinical trials published between 2013 and 2015, involving hand surgery (high/low impact). These studies were independently assessed by 20 hand surgeons (with more or less than 10 years of practice) who answered 4 questions regarding their applicability. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa and comparison of proportions via chi-square statistics. P-value <5% constituted statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 640 evaluations were produced, generating 2560 responses. A weak correlation was observed between less and more experienced respondents (kappa <0.2; range 0.119-0.179). Applicability between the least and most experienced respondents was similar (p = 0.424 and p = 0.70). Stratification by journal impact factor showed no greater propensity of applicability (p = 0.29) for any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low agreement was found between the respondents for the applicability of the randomized studies. Surgeon experience and journal impact do not seem to influence this decision. Level of Evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aplicabilidade de ensaios clínicos randomizados e se há fatores que a influenciam (experiência do cirurgião/ impacto do periódico). MÉTODOS: Estudo tipo survey. Selecionou-se (via Medline/Pubmed) dentre os anos de 2013 e 2015, 32 ensaios clínicos randomizados consecutivos envolvendo cirurgia da mão (estratificados como alto/ baixo impacto). Estes estudos foram avaliados de forma independente por 20 cirurgiões de mão (mais versus menos de 10 anos de prática), que responderam quatro questões dicotômicas relativas à propensão da aplicabilidade clínicados estudos. A concordância foi avaliada pelo kappa de Cohen e comparação de proporções pelo Qui-quadrado. Constituiu-se como significantes p menores que 5%. RESULTADOS: realizou-se 640 avaliações, envolvendo 2560 respostas. Observou-se baixa concordância entre os avaliadores (menos versus mais experientes): Kappa <0,2; alcance 0,119-0,179. A propensão para aplicabilidade foi semelhante entre os menos e mais experientes (p=0,424 e p=0,70). O mesmo ocorre quando estratificados por impacto da revista, não há maior propensão de aplicabilidade para quaisquer dos grupos (p=0,29). CONCLUSÕES: Há baixa concordância entre os avaliadores quanto à aplicabilidade de estudos randomizados. Experiência do cirurgião e impacto do periódico parecem não influenciar nesta decisão. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo.

Applicability of randomized trials in hand surgery: survey study / Aplicabilidade de ensaios randomizados em cirurgia da mão: estudo tipo survey

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the applicability of randomized clinical trials and whether certain factors (surgeon experience/journal impact factor) influence their applicability. Methods In this survey study we used the Pubmed/Medline database to select 32 consecutive randomized clinical trials published between 2013 and 2015, involving hand surgery (high/low impact). These studies were independently assessed by 20 hand surgeons (with more or less than 10 years of practice) who answered 4 questions regarding their applicability. Agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa and comparison of proportions via chi-square statistics. P-value <5% constituted statistical significance. Results A total of 640 evaluations were produced, generating 2560 responses. A weak correlation was observed between less and more experienced respondents (kappa <0.2; range 0.119-0.179). Applicability between the least and most experienced respondents was similar (p = 0.424 and p = 0.70). Stratification by journal impact factor showed no greater propensity of applicability (p = 0.29) for any of the groups. Conclusions Low agreement was found between the respondents for the applicability of the randomized studies. Surgeon experience and journal impact do not seem to influence this decision. Level of Evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a aplicabilidade de ensaios clínicos randomizados e se há fatores que a influenciam (experiência do cirurgião/ impacto do periódico). Métodos Estudo tipo survey. Selecionou-se (via Medline/Pubmed) dentre os anos de 2013 e 2015, 32 ensaios clínicos randomizados consecutivos envolvendo cirurgia da mão (estratificados como alto/ baixo impacto). Estes estudos foram avaliados de forma independente por 20 cirurgiões de mão (mais versus menos de 10 anos de prática), que responderam quatro questões dicotômicas relativas à propensão da aplicabilidade clínicados estudos. A concordância foi avaliada pelo kappa de Cohen e comparação de proporções pelo Qui-quadrado. Constituiu-se como significantes p menores que 5%. Resultados realizou-se 640 avaliações, envolvendo 2560 respostas. Observou-se baixa concordância entre os avaliadores (menos versus mais experientes): Kappa <0,2; alcance 0,119-0,179. A propensão para aplicabilidade foi semelhante entre os menos e mais experientes (p=0,424 e p=0,70). O mesmo ocorre quando estratificados por impacto da revista, não há maior propensão de aplicabilidade para quaisquer dos grupos (p=0,29). Conclusões Há baixa concordância entre os avaliadores quanto à aplicabilidade de estudos randomizados. Experiência do cirurgião e impacto do periódico parecem não influenciar nesta decisão. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo.

Above-versus below-elbow casting for conservative treatment of distal radius fractures: a randomized controlled trial and study protocol.

BACKGROUND: A variety of cast options are available for the non-surgical treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) in adults. However, the literature is inconclusive regarding the need to immobilize the elbow joint after reduction in order to prevent rotation of the forearm in order to maintain the reduction of DRF. This study aimed to evaluate the best method of immobilization between above-elbow (AE) and below-elbow (BE) cast groups at the end of six-month follow-up. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial with parallel groups and a blinded evaluator. There are two non-surgical interventions: AE and BE. Patients will be randomly assigned. A hundred twenty eight consecutive adult patients with acute (up to 7 days) displaced DRF of type A2, A3, C1, C2 or C3 by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification will be included. The primary outcome will be the maintenance of reduction by evaluation of radiographic parameters and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). Secondary outcomes include function measured by Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), objective functional evaluation (goniometry and dynamometry) and rate of complications. Evaluations will be performed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. For the Student's t-test, a difference of 10 points in DASH score, with 95% confidence interval, a statistical power of 95%, and 20% sampling error. We consider an extra 10% for balancing follow up losses results in 64 patients per group. DISCUSSION: Results from this study protocol will help to define the need for elbow immobilization in maintenance of reduction, as well as functional performance of below elbow cast versus above elbow cast immobilization during the immobilization period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03126175 ( http://clinicaltrials.gov ). April 24, 2017.

Minimal important difference after hand surgery: a prospective assessment for DASH, MHQ, and SF-12.

INTRODUCTION: Minimal important difference (MID) score is an important measure for surgical clinical research and impacts on treatment decisions. Our approach considered patient satisfaction as the relevant anchor criteria. The aims of this study were: determine after surgery MID for three relevant questionnaires: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), and Short Form 12 (SF-12); and assess the correlation between these scores and patient reported satisfaction. METHODS: Adult patients where surgery was indicated for any hand/wrist conditions. Study was conducted in a teaching hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. Participants responded to DASH, SF-12, MHQ, and a Likert satisfaction scale before and three months after a procedure. Satisfaction was considered as the anchor for determining MID after a procedure. The correlation between satisfaction and the instruments were measured. Two statistical approaches were utilized for determining MIDs and were used for consistency and generalizability purposes. For MID determination, receiver operating curves were utilized and MID cut-offs were followed by sensitivity and specificity measures. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included with no follow-up losses. MID for DASH was 18.8 and 15.4. MID for MHQ was 14.7 for both approaches. Data from SF-12 was not reliable after statistical analyses and demonstrated poor correlation with patient satisfaction. MID for DASH and MHQ were found and demonstrated larger standards than literature-reported patients when surgery was not the main intervention. DASH and MHQ had moderate correlation with patient reported satisfaction. SF-12 MID was not reliable and had poor correlation to patient satisfaction. These data suggests that ambulatory hand surgery patients may have greater expectations regarding improvement than other patients.

Does Combined Intra- and Extraarticular ACL Reconstruction Improve Function and Stability? A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: ACL reconstruction aims to restore knee function and stability; however, rotational stability may not be completely restored by use of standard intraarticular reconstruction alone. Although individual studies have not shown the superiority of combined ACL reconstruction compared with isolated intraarticular reconstruction in terms of function and stability, biomechanical principles suggest a combined approach may be helpful, therefore pooling (meta-analyzing) the available randomized clinical studies may be enlightening. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether combining extraarticular with intraarticular ACL reconstruction would lead to: (1) similar knee function measured by the IKDC evaluation, return-to-activity, and Tegner Lysholm scores, compared with isolated intraarticular reconstruction; (2) increased stability measured by pivot shift and instrumented Lachman examination; and (3) any differences in complications and adverse events? METHODS: To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing combined intra- and extrarticular ACL reconstruction (combined reconstruction) with intraarticular ACL reconstruction only, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The main outcomes we sought were patient function and stability and complications after ACL reconstruction. Of 386 identified studies, eight RCTs were included (n=682 participants; followup, 12-84 months; men to women ratio, 2.17:1) in our meta-analysis. Study quality (internal validity) was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool; in general, we found a moderate quality of evidence of the included studies. RESULTS: When functional outcomes were compared, we found no difference between patients who underwent intraarticular ACL reconstruction only and those who underwent combined reconstruction (IKDC, return-to-activity, and Tegner Lysholm scores). However, patients who underwent combined reconstruction were more likely to show improved stability based on the pivot shift test (risk ratio [RR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99; p=0.02) and Lachman test (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98; p=0.01). In addition, our meta-analysis found no difference between the two treatments in terms of general complications or adverse events (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.70-2.34; p=0.40) and the proportion of patients whose reconstructions failed (RR, 2.88; 95% CI, 0.73-11.47; p=0.13). CONCLUSION: Combined intra- and extraarticular ACL reconstruction provided marginally improved knee stability and comparable failure rates but no difference in patient-reported functional outcomes scores. Complications and adverse events such as knee stiffness may be underreported and technical factors such as graft placement were difficult to evaluate. Future studies are needed to determine whether the small differences in additional stability warrant the potential morbidity of the additional extraarticular procedure and to determine long-term failure rates.

Does dorsal capsule interposition improve the results of proximal row carpectomy in Kienböck's disease? One year randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is an option as a salvage procedure in late stage Kienböck's disease. In this study, we hypothesize that interposition of a dorsal capsular flap following PRC improves functional outcomes. No comparative study is available to assess whether interposition is effective from the functional perspective. This study aims to determine whether the addition of this procedure may improve functional outcomes at a one year assessment. METHODS: Thirty adult patients with IIIA and IIIB Lichtman stages, aged 18-54 years, were randomized into two study groups. Fourteen patients were allocated to the "no interposition group" and 16 to the "interposition" group. DASH questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life. Cooney's system was used to assess pain, functional state, range of motion, and grip strength. Complications were also assessed. Final followup and clinical assessment occurred after 12 months. RESULTS: After 12 months and no patient losses, outcomes were similar in both groups. DASH scores (41.9 (7.5) vs. 42.9 (12.8), p = 0.79)), Cooney's system (poor results, 0.6 vs. 0.14, p = 0.54), and complications were similar between groups. In conclusion, the inclusion of a dorsal capsular flap does not improve functional outcomes in PRC. Low rates of complications were found in both groups.

Outcomes in orthopedics and traumatology: translating research into practice.

Clinical research is focused in generating evidence that is feasible to be applicable to practitioners. However, translating research-focused evidence into practice may be challenging and often misleading. This article aims is to pinpoint these challenges and suggest some methodological safeguards, taking platelet-rich plasma therapies and knee osteochondral injuries as examples. Studies and systematic reviews involving the following concepts will be investigated: clinically relevant outcomes, systematic errors on sample calculation, internal and external validity. Relevant studies on platelet-rich plasma for muscle-tendon lesions and updates on osteochondral lesions treatment were included in this analysis. Authors and clinicians should consider these concepts for the implementation and application of dissemination of the best evidence. Research results should be challenged by a weighted analysis of its methodological soundness and applicability. Level of Evidence V, Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Treatment of reducible unstable fractures of the distal radius: randomized clinical study comparing the locked volar plate and external fixator methods: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Various treatments are available for reducible unstable fractures of the distal radius, such as closed reduction combined with fixation by external fixator (EF), and rigid internal fixation using a locked volar plate (VP). Although there are studies comparing these methods, there is no conclusive evidence indicating which treatment is best. The hypothesis of this study is that surgical treatment with a VP is more effective than EF from the standpoint of functional outcome (patient-reported). METHODS/DESIGN: The study is randomized clinical trial with parallel groups and a blinded evaluator and involves the surgical interventions EF and VP. Patients will be randomly assigned (assignment ratio 1:1) using sealed opaque envelopes. This trial will include consecutive adult patients with an acute (up to 15 days) displaced, unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius of type A2, A3, C1, C2 or C3 by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification and type II or type III by the IDEAL32 classification, without previous surgical treatments of the wrist. The surgical intervention assigned will be performed by three surgical specialists familiar with the techniques described. Evaluations will be performed at 2, and 8 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months, with the primary outcomes being measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and measurement of pain (Visual Analog Pain Scale and digital algometer). Secondary outcomes will include radiographic parameters, objective functional evaluation (goniometry and dynamometry), and the rate of complications and method failure according to the intention-to-treat principle. Final postoperative evaluations (6 and 12 months) will be performed by independent blinded evaluators. For the Student's t-test, a difference of 10 points in the DASH score, with a 95% confidence interval, a statistical power of 80%, and 20% sampling error results in 36 patients per group. DISCUSSION: Results from this study protocol will improve the current evidence regarding to the surgical treatment these fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISCRTN09599740.

The IDEAL classification system: a new method for classifying fractures of the distal extremity of the radius - description and reproducibility.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE There is no consensus concerning which classification for distal radius fractures is best and the existing methods present poor reproducibility. This study aimed to describe and assess the reproducibility of the new IDEAL classification, and to compare it with widely used systems. DESIGN AND SETTING Reproducibility study, Hand Surgery Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS The IDEAL classification and its evidence-based rationale are presented. Sixty radiographs (posteroanterior and lateral) from patients with distal radius fractures were classified by six examiners: a hand surgery specialist, a hand surgery resident, an orthopedic generalist, an orthopedic resident and two medical students. Each of them independently assessed the radiographs at three different times. We compared the intra and interobserver concordance of the IDEAL, AO, Frykman and Fernandez classifications using Cohen's kappa (κ) (for two observers) and Fleiss's κ (for more than two observers). RESULTS The concordance was high for the IDEAL classification (κ = 0.771) and moderate for Frykman (κ = 0.556), Fernandez (κ = 0.671) and AO (κ = 0.650). The interobserver agreement was moderate for the IDEAL classification (κ = 0.595), but unsatisfactory for Frykman (κ = 0.344), Fernandez (κ = 0.496) and AO (κ = 0.343). CONCLUSION The reproducibility of the IDEAL classification was better than that of the other systems analyzed, thus making the IDEAL system suitable for application. Complementary studies will confirm whether this classification system makes adequate predictions for therapy and prognosis.

Influence of compensation status on time off work after carpal tunnel release and rotator cuff surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of post-surgical outcomes among patients with Workers' Compensation is challenging as their results are typically worse compared to those who do not receive this compensation. These patients' time to return to work is a relevant outcome measure as it illustrates the economic and social implications of this phenomenon. In this meta-analysis we aimed to assess the influence of this factor, comparing compensated and non-compensated patients. FINDINGS: Two authors independently searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Google Scholar, LILACS and the Cochrane Library and also searched for references from the retrieved studies. We aimed to find prospective studies that compared carpal tunnel release and elective rotator cuff surgery outcomes for Workers' Compensation patients versus their non-compensated counterparts. We assessed the studies' quality using the Guyatt & Busse Risk of Bias Tool. Data collection was performed to depict included studies characteristics and meta-analysis. Three studies were included in the review. Two of these studies assessed the outcomes following carpal tunnel release while the other focused on rotator cuff repair. The results demonstrated that time to return to work was longer for patients that were compensated and that there was a strong association between this outcome and compensation status - Standard Mean Difference, 1.35 (IC 95%; 0.91-1.80, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that compensated patients have a longer return to work time following carpal tunnel release and elective rotator cuff surgery, compared to patients who did not receive compensation. Surgeons and health providers should be mindful of this phenomenon when evaluating the prognosis of a surgery for a patient receiving compensation for their condition. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of prospective Studies/ Level III.