OUTCOME OF NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF MALLET FINGER.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the association between initial and residual angulation of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) in mallet finger treated conservatively. METHODS: An observational, prospective, descriptive and analytical research developed with uncomplicated closed mallet finger patients between January and December 2017. A total of two measurements of the DIJ were done, at the initial trauma and 6 weeks after conservative treatment. All measurements were ranked according to the Crawford Classification and Relative Risk was measured. RESULTS: In total, 43 patients were studied, in which 53.48% of outcomes obtained were excellent. The sample was divided in two groups; one with less than 30º of DIJ initial angulation, which had 28% of residual angulation. The second group with more than 30º presented 72.22% of residual angulation. The Relative Risk to present a residual angulation in patients that had 30º of DIJ initial angulation was 2.99 (CI 95%) with p = 0.0059. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that patients with an initial DIJ angulation more than 30º are more likely to present residual angulation with conservative treatment. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer a associação entre a angulação inicial e residual da articulação interfalângica distal em casos de dedo em martelo tratados de forma conservadora. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, prospectivo, descritivo e analítico desenvolvido com pacientes que apresentavam dedo em martelo fechado, sem complicações, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2017. Foram realizadas duas medidas na articulação interfalângica distal, no trauma inicial e seis semanas após o tratamento conservador. Todos foram classificados de acordo com a Classificação Crawford e o Risco Relativo (RR) foi calculado. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 43 pacientes, dos quais 53,48% apresentaram resultados excelentes. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: um com < 30º de angulação interfalângica distal inicial, com 28% de angulação residual, e outro com > 30º, apresentando 72,22% de angulação residual. O risco relativo de apresentar angulação residual em pacientes com 30º de angulação inicial da articulação interfalângica distal foi de 2,99 (IC 95%) com um valor de p = 0,0059. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que os pacientes com angulação inicial da articulação interfalângica distal superior a 30º têm maior probabilidade de apresentar angulação residual com tratamento conservador. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Outcome of non-surgical treatment of mallet finger / Resultado do tratamento não cirúrgico do dedo em martelo

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the association between initial and residual angulation of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) in mallet finger treated conservatively. Methods: An observational, prospective, descriptive and analytical research developed with uncomplicated closed mallet finger patients between January and December 2017. A total of two measurements of the DIJ were done, at the initial trauma and 6 weeks after conservative treatment. All measurements were ranked according to the Crawford Classification and Relative Risk was measured. Results: In total, 43 patients were studied, in which 53.48% of outcomes obtained were excellent. The sample was divided in two groups; one with less than 30º of DIJ initial angulation, which had 28% of residual angulation. The second group with more than 30º presented 72.22% of residual angulation. The Relative Risk to present a residual angulation in patients that had 30º of DIJ initial angulation was 2.99 (CI 95%) with p = 0.0059. Conclusion: It is suggested that patients with an initial DIJ angulation more than 30º are more likely to present residual angulation with conservative treatment. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer a associação entre a angulação inicial e residual da articulação interfalângica distal em casos de dedo em martelo tratados de forma conservadora. Métodos: Estudo observacional, prospectivo, descritivo e analítico desenvolvido com pacientes que apresentavam dedo em martelo fechado, sem complicações, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2017. Foram realizadas duas medidas na articulação interfalângica distal, no trauma inicial e seis semanas após o tratamento conservador. Todos foram classificados de acordo com a Classificação Crawford e o Risco Relativo (RR) foi calculado. Resultados: Foram estudados 43 pacientes, dos quais 53,48% apresentaram resultados excelentes. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: um com < 30º de angulação interfalângica distal inicial, com 28% de angulação residual, e outro com > 30º, apresentando 72,22% de angulação residual. O risco relativo de apresentar angulação residual em pacientes com 30º de angulação inicial da articulação interfalângica distal foi de 2,99 (IC 95%) com um valor de p = 0,0059. Conclusão: Sugere-se que os pacientes com angulação inicial da articulação interfalângica distal superior a 30º têm maior probabilidade de apresentar angulação residual com tratamento conservador. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Bilateral Forearm Transplantation in Mexico: 2-Year Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with proximal forearm and arm transplantation have obtained and/or maintained function of the elbow joint and full active range of motion of the extrinsic muscles of the hand, but with diminished protective sensibility and a lack of good function of the intrinsic muscles. These patients have improved function, as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. METHODS: We report the case of a 52-year-old man who suffered a high-voltage electrical burn requiring amputation of his upper limbs. He underwent bilateral proximal forearm transplantation in Mexico City in May 2012. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, immunosuppressive treatment has not led to metabolic, oncologic, or infectious complications. Keloid scars developed at the graft-recipient interface. There have been 4 acute rejections: the fourth was treated with methylprednisolone, rituximab, and immunoglobulin. Chronic rejection has not been detected. The extrinsic muscles of the wrist and digits have good function. Although the intrinsic muscles demonstrated electrical activity 15 months postoperatively, clinically, they are nonuseful. After 2 years, hand function is sufficient to allow the patient to grasp lightweight and medium-sized objects. The patient's Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score improved from 50.00 points to 30.83 points, and his Hand Transplantation Score System rating is good, at 69/73 (right/left) of 100. The patient and his family are very satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Upper arm or proximal forearm transplantation is a reconstructive option for patients who have experienced amputation because of trauma.

The effects of cardiovascular dynamics monitoring in the outpatient management of pregnancy hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the effects of the adjunctive use of cardiovascular dynamics monitoring in the ambulatory management of 199 pregnant patients with severe hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, observational study was performed. Determinants of mean arterial pressure were computed by using the Hon monitor. Indicators of arterial compliance and effective blood volume were developed. All patients were monitored in the outpatient clinic; additionally, 19 patients self-tested at home. No rigid medication protocol was followed, but furosemide was used in most cases when cardiovascular dynamics monitoring patterns were consistent with volume loading. Otherwise, vasodilators were prescribed. The t test for independent samples was used to compare the home-monitored subgroup with the outpatient-only group. RESULTS: Pregnancy was prolonged by 74 +/- 63.9 days (mean +/- SD). Mean gestation was 37.6 +/- 2.9 weeks, and mean birth weight was 2882.4 +/- 837 g. The primary cesarean delivery rate was 23.7%, but only 15 (7.5%) cesarean deliveries were performed because of failed therapy. The 19 home-monitored patients gained 108 +/- 75 days (83.1 +/- 42.2 days beyond 20 weeks). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive cardiovascular dynamics monitoring may have a role in the evaluation and management of hypertension during pregnancy.