Outcome analysis of cubital tunnel decompression.

BACKGROUND: Cubital tunnel decompression is a commonly undertaken upper limb procedure. Most studies compare the different techniques of decompression; however, only a few have specifically investigated the outcome of ulnar nerve decompression. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of ulnar nerve decompression following cubital tunnel syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 174 ulnar nerve decompression cases were identified from the upper limb surgery database with complete data available for 136 cases. Simple decompression was performed in 110 (80.88%) cases, and in 26 (19.12%), anterior subcutaneous transposition was also supplemented. These operations were performed at three different hospitals by surgeons of different levels of experience. The most common cause of cubital tunnel syndrome was idiopathic. The outcome was satisfactory in 86% of cases. No obvious association was demonstrated between the outcome of surgery and duration of symptoms, presence of co-morbidities or the type of surgery performed. CONCLUSION: This is the largest outcome analysis of the results of ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow. Good results following nerve decompression were attained in 86% of cases without any significant effect of duration of symptoms or co-morbidities on the outcome of surgery. It is hoped that the findings of the current study will help general practitioners, junior doctors and surgeons in their management and pre-operative consultation with patients having cubital tunnel syndrome.

Assessing the variability of injectate distribution following carpal tunnel injection--a cadaveric study.

This anatomical study was designed to assess the distribution of a solution (injectate) made up using local anesthetic, steroid and dye into the carpal tunnel using a commonly used injection technique. Dissections were undertaken in 29 embalmed cadaveric wrists. The cadaveric specimens were dissected 24 hours after injection to observe the effect of time on diffusion patterns in both superficial and deep planes. Eighteen of the 29 specimens showed the presence of the injectate in the superficial plane and three preferential patterns of distribution were noted in the deep plane: free in the carpal tunnel, exclusively in the tendon sheath and mixed. This is the first study investigating the delayed diffusion pattern of injectate in the carpal tunnel and illustrates its variability. The findings of variable degree of superficial diffusion and different patterns of intracarpal spread help to offer some explanation regarding the variability of the response following carpal tunnel injection.

Exploring the anatomy of dorsal radiocarpal ligament of the wrist and its ulnar part: a cadaveric study.

The current study aimed to explore the anatomy of the dorsal radio-carpal ligament (DRC ligament) and to investigate the presence and histological structure of ulnar part of the DRC ligament. Twenty cadaveric wrist joints were dissected and attachments of the DRC ligament and the newly described ulnar part of the DRC ligament were identified and noted. Samples of both ligaments were sent for histological examination. The DRC ligament was identified in all 20 specimens with type I Mizuseki arrangement of fibres seen in 60% of wrists. The ulnar part of the DRC ligament was successfully identified in 18 of the 20 wrists. The histological observation of the ulnar part of the DRC ligament showed the highly uniform arrangement of collagen bundles typical of ligaments. This study explores the anatomy of the DRC ligament and confirms the presence of the ulnar part of DRC ligament through histological analysis not undertaken in previous studies.

Objective assessment of the alterations in wrist mobility with the fastrak(®) system following dorsal capsulodesis.

The treatment for scapholunate dissociation is challenging and its management is varied depending on type, severity and duration of injury, and surgeon's preferred technique. This study aimed to objectively assess the variations in the range and patterns of wrist movements using the Fastrak(®) system in patients having undergone Blatt's dorsal capsulodesis (BDC). The wrist movements were successively measured between the operated and unoperated wrists, while the patients performed set tasks. Seventeen patients agreed to participate in the study. Following BDC the mean flexion loss was 23° (range 10°-38°). However, functional tasks revealed that the BDC did not adversely affect the function of the operated wrist. This novel study demonstrates objectively the functional restrictions that patients are likely to experience postoperatively following BDC. It would be interesting to note the pattern of wrist motion using the Fastrak(®) system in various other clinical settings.

Adapting the Fastrak system for three-dimensional measurement of the motion of the wrist.

The Polhemus Fastrak short-range miniature transmitter and mini-receivers allow wrist motion to be measured continually in three dimensions, registering patterns of motion, which until now were difficult to quantify. The current study aimed to determine the applicability and repeatability of the Fastrak system when assessing wrist movements during a set protocol of activities. The device was found to be easy to use and repeatable; the Fastrak system showed a mean error of up to 3 degrees in all movements tested. Its assessment of range of motion correlated with the results in the literature. The Fastrakv system was suitable for continuous registration of movements during the performance of set tasks in either of the wrists. It has the potential to be used for documentation of wrist motion in clinics for various pathologies and for assessing outcomes in wrist surgeries.

Continuous interscalene infusion and single injection using levobupivacaine for analgesia after surgery of the shoulder. A double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

We performed a double-blind, randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a continuous-infusion brachial plexus block with levobupivacaine compared with that of a standard single injection for the management of post-operative pain after surgery on the shoulder. Eight patients were randomised to receive a pre-operative brachial plexus block using 30 ml of levobupivacaine 0.5% with adrenaline 1:200 000 followed by insertion of a 20-gauge polyamide catheter. This was connected to a disposable elastometric pump, set immediately after surgery to administer a continuous flow of levobupivacaine 0.25% at a rate of 5 ml per hour. The other eight patients were randomised to receive only the initial injection of 30 ml. The study was double-blinded with the aid of sham catheters and clamped pumps. All patients were given regular paracetamol and were prescribed morphine through a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Motor and sensory block assessments, visual analogue scale pain scores and consumption of morphine were recorded after the operation and then at 6, 12 and 24 hours after administration of the block. Satisfactory motor and sensory block was achieved in all patients. The mean visual analogue scale pain score at 12 hours and consumption of morphine at 24 hours after injection were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the continuous-infusion group. This group also took longer to request their first additional analgesia and reported a significantly higher overall level of satisfaction. Our study has shown that continuous interscalene infusion of levobupivacaine is an effective method of post-operative analgesia after major surgery of the shoulder.

Biomechanical testing of the fractured distal radius treated with a new bone cement--is it strong enough?

This study evaluates the in vitro ability of CAP, a bone graft substitute with osteointegration and osteoconductive properties, to restore the anatomy and strength of fractured distal radii. Ten pairs of cadaveric radii were imaged and tested to failure, simulating a fracture. The radii were reconstructed using CAP and were re-fractured and sequentially imaged. The deformities of the bones were determined through computerised evaluation of the radiographs. Radiographic analysis showed that CAP is capable of restoring the anatomy of the distal radius. The load and work required to fracture intact radii were compared to those required to fracture the reconstructed radii. The load to fracture was similar in the two situations. The work to fracture, however, was higher with reconstructed radii, suggesting that these are stronger than the original bones. Our study supports the hypothesis that CAP is capable of restoring the original anatomy and dimensions of the distal radius and re-establishing its mechanical strength.

Prescribing a website.

AIM: To assess the value of directing the attention of patients to sources of medical information on the internet. DESIGN: Prospective qualitative study in an orthopaedic outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: 253 patients agreed to complete electronic questionnaires before and after reviewing information relevant to their conditions on the internet. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups; one group was given indications of general sites and the other recommended specific non-commercial sites. Completed questionnaires were received from 44 patients. RESULTS: 95% of the patients found the internet information easy to understand and 84% said that it was helpful for coping. 86% of the patients were satisfied that their current treatment was appropriate in the light of what they had learned from the internet. Ten patients out of the 36 who expressed a view thought that the internet information contradicted that provided by the doctor. Despite these results most patients still said that the doctor represented the best source of patient education. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing numbers of patients are familiar with the internet. Most of our patients felt that the internet was, on balance, helpful in providing information. The main difficulties with the internet are the sheer volume of information, the potential for misleading and the danger of misunderstanding. We feel that there is a real place for the specific prescription of an internet site by a clinician who has personally reviewed it to a patient thought to be able to benefit from it.

Patients and the Internet: a demographic study of a cohort of orthopaedic out-patients.

The Internet is a rich source of medical information but relatively few studies have evaluated its use by patients who seek medical information. The purpose of this study is to assess the demographics of Internet access and attitudes towards the Internet in a cohort of orthopaedic out-patients. Four hundred and three patients attending the orthopaedic outpatient fracture clinic completed a questionnaire consisting of six divisions including personal information, facility to access the Internet and their attitudes towards the information retrieved. Fifty per cent of the patients accessed the Internet, either from home or office and the maximum usage being in the younger age group. Twenty-nine per cent of the patients were aware of the medical information available through the Internet. 19% patients would like to have a consultation through the Internet, the maximum being in the middle-aged group. 70% of those patients who accessed the medical information reported that the Internet information was different than that obtained at consultation with the doctor at the out-patient clinic. This study reveals that the Internet use by patients is still limited. If an increased percentage of medical conditions is to be addressed through the Internet, involving patient information, on-line consultations, prescriptions and referrals, then a substantial amount of patient education and training is required

Peripheral bone mineral density in patients with distal radial fractures.

Fractures of the distal forearm are widely regarded as the result of "fragility". We have examined the extent to which patients with Colles' fractures have osteopenia. We measured the bone mineral density (BMD) in the contralateral radius of 235 women presenting with Colles' fractures over a period of two years. While women of all ages had low values for ultra-distal BMD, the values, in age-matched terms, were particularly low among premenopausal women aged less than 45 years. This result was not due to the presence of women with an early menopause. This large survey confirms and extends the findings from earlier small studies. We consider that it is particularly important to investigate young patients with fractures of the distal forearm to identify those with osteoporosis, to seek an underlying cause and to consider treatment.

Computerised measurement of tibiofemoral alignment.

Tibiofemoral alignment has a direct correlation with the survival of total knee arthroplasty. Traditionally, it has been measured using a goniometer on radiographs. We describe new software which measures this alignment on scanned radiographs by automatically detecting bones in the image. Two surgeons used conventional methods and two clerical officers used the computerised routine to assess 58 radiographs of the knee on two occasions. There were no significant differences between any of the paired comparisons. The largest mean difference detected was 1.19 degrees. Across all comparisons, the mean correlation was 0.755. A standardised routine for measuring tibiofemoral alignment was the greatest factor in reducing error in our study. These results show that non-medical staff can reliably use the software to measure tibiofemoral alignment. It has the potential to measure all the parameters recommended by the Knee Society.

Computerized analysis of radiographs in Colles' fractures.

Several radiographic parameters correlate with clinical outcome in distal radius fractures. This study describes a new, computerized routine that automatically defines the longitudinal axis of the radius, deriving the radial tilt, radial width, and radial height on anteroposterior radiographs of the wrist. The intraobserver and interobserver variability is reported in a series of 33 anteroposterior radiographs of the wrist. An edge-finding filter is used to determine accurately the cortices in several lines of each image. The midpoints between these two edges are used to determine the best-fit line, thereby defining the longitudinal axis of the bone. The operator marks the tip of the radial styloid and the lunate angle of the radius at the distal radioulnar joint. Radial shortening, widening, and loss of angle are calculated. The 33 radiographs were measured twice by two independent observers, and 12 sets of paired readings were analyzed using the two-tailed paired t test. The mean difference between readings was reduced to a fraction of degree or millimeter, virtually eliminating the intraobserver and interobserver errors. Thus, the current study shows the computer is a reliable and effective instrument for measuring radiographs. The computer-aided system of measurements can be extended to prostheses, fractures, and to other orthopaedic measurements.

Bone mineral density of the radius in patients with Colles' fracture.

To ascertain whether patients with Colles' fracture should be investigated for osteoporosis and the risk of future fractures, we measured the bone mineral density of the distal radius of the other arm in 31 women patients and compared the results with those of a control group of 289 normal women. We divided the patients into two groups, those younger than 66 years and those older. In 25 patients we found values for bone mineral density which were lower than one standard deviation below the mean value for their age. Younger patients had a deficit greater than that expected for their ages. We believe that women with Colles' fracture should be evaluated routinely for osteoporosis, particularly if they are under 66 years of age.

Prediction of bone strength from cancellous structure of the distal radius: can we improve on DXA?

Recent studies show that structural parameters of bone, obtained from computerized image analysis of radiographs, can improve the noninvasive determination of bone strength when used in conjunction with bone density measurements. The present study was designed to assess the ability of image features alone to predict the mechanical characteristics of bones. A multifactorial model was used to incorporate simultaneously a number of characteristics of the image, including periodicity and spatial orientation of the trabeculae. Fifteen pairs (29 specimens) of unembalmed human distal radii were used. The cancellous bone structure was determined using computerized spectral analysis of their radiographic images and the bones were tested to failure under compression. Multilayered perceptron neural networks were used to integrate the various image parameters reflecting the periodicity and the spatial distribution of the trabeculae and to predict the mechanical strength of the specimens. The correlation between each of the isolated image parameters and bone strength was generally significant, but weak. The values of mechanical parameters predicted by the neural networks, however, had a very high correlation with those observed, namely 0.91 for the load at fracture and 0.93 for the ultimate stress. Both these correlations were superior to those obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and with the cross-sectional area from CT scans: 0.87 and 0.49 respectively. Our observation suggests that image parameters can provide a powerful noninvasive predictor of bone strength. The simultaneous use of various parameters substantially improved the performance of the system. The multifactorial architecture applied is nonlinear and possibly more effective than traditional multicorrelation methods. Further, this system has the potential to incorporate other non-image parameters, such as age and bone density itself, with a view to improving the assessment of the risk of fracture for individual patients.

Evaluation of cancellous structure in the distal radius using spectral analysis.

A preliminary study was conducted to analyze trabecular patterns in digitized wrist radiographic images from 68 patients (31 males and 37 females), aged from 7 to 93 years. The fast Fourier transform was used to perform the spectral analysis of the distal radius. Three indices were defined to permit quantification of the cancellous structure in terms of the spacing and orientation of bone trabeculae (periodicity): a spectral trabecular index, a longitudinal trabecular index, and a transverse trabecular index. The spectral trabecular index reflects the periodicity of the trabeculae (spacing and orientation), while the other 2 selectively reflect the periodicity of longitudinally and transversely oriented ones. The ratio of the longitudinal and transverse trabecular indices was also studied. The shape of the high magnitude frequencies in the spectrum was crosslike for all patients, implying a preferentially orthogonal 2-dimensional structure for the cancellous bone in the distal end of the radius. The variation of the defined trabecular bone indices with age corresponded with the formation of bone through infancy and adolescence, reaching a peak in adulthood and gradual loss thereafter. This quantification detects structural changes that occur with aging and may therefore be useful in the study of osteoporosis.