Ulnar-sided wrist pain: a prospective analysis of diagnostic clinical tests.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the cause of pain on the ulnar side of the wrist can be challenging. The outcome and recovery following surgery can be unpredictable. The aim of this study was to document and analyse the clinical tests used to evaluate the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and determine their diagnostic relevance. METHODS: This is a prospective evaluation of 110 patients who presented with pain on the ulnar side of the wrist. The clinical evaluation and results from radiological investigations were documented and analysed. RESULTS: There were 17 different diagnoses. Eighty-five percent of the diagnoses were triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries, ulnocarpal abutment syndrome (UCAS), pisotriquetral arthritis (PTA), triquetral fracture or non-union, distal radioulnar joint arthritis (DRUJ OA) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) pathology. The ulnocarpal stress test and ulnar foveal sign were positive in several diagnoses. The ulnar foveal sign had a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 48% for TFCC injuries, and 85% and 37% for UCAS, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of pisotriquetral shear test for PTA was 100% and 92%, respectively. Patients with PTA or ECU pathology localised their pain better on the patient's pain localisation chart. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of TFCC injuries, UCAS, DRUJ OA and ECU injuries are challenging as the clinical symptoms and signs for the four diagnoses were similar and required either magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography for diagnostic confirmation after clinical examination. The ulnocarpal stress test and the ulnar foveal sign were not sufficiently specific.

Eosinophilic Fasciitis - Beware of the Rare Form of Hand Contracture.

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare form of fibrosing disorder associated with peripheral eosinophilia with scleroderma-like skin induration and fasciitis in the extremities resulting in painful swelling, erythema and progressive contracture. We present a case report of EF and a literature review to raise awareness of this unusual condition and also highlight key features in its management.

Staged laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbidly obese patients: a risk reduction strategy.

BACKGROUND: In our centre laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is the most effective weight loss surgical procedure performed. However, LRYGBP may be associated with higher risk of peri- and postoperative complications in contrast to a purely restrictive procedure to justify this procedure on all comers. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a staged procedure may be an alternate risk reduction strategy. The aim of this study is to report on the short-term outcomes of LSG, the effect on operative risk reduction and resolution of comorbidities. METHODS: A prospective review of 138 patients who underwent consecutive LSG from November 2004 to November 2006 was performed. Data were collected on all patients who attended the three to six monthly clinical follow-up and/or the patient questionnaire. Data collection included demographics, degree of weight reduction, postoperative complications, and changes in comorbidities. RESULTS: Median BMI was 50.60 kg/m(2) (33-82). Of the patients, 46.38% had a BMI >or=50 kg/m(2). The overall median postoperative excess weight loss (EWL) was 43.26%, 31.08% at 6 months, 54.50% at 12 months, 51.47% at 18 months and 46.05% at 24 months. Of the patients, 39% had resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 48% had resolution of dyslipidemia, 29% in hypertension, 52% in obstructive sleep apnea. Complication rate was 5.07% and four patients needed further surgical intervention. The mortality rate was zero. CONCLUSION: LSG does minimize postoperative complication rates significantly on high-risk patients and achieves effective short-term weight loss with resolutions in comorbidities. Additional studies are required to evaluate LSG as a stand-lone procedure.