Description of WALANT technique in open bone and ligament wrist surgery.

The gold-standard for bone, ligament and joint surgery in the wrist is locoregional anesthesia in most countries. Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is commonly used for simple soft-tissue hand surgery procedures such as carpal tunnel or trigger finger release, and can now also be safely used in procedures such as proximal row carpectomy, scapholunate ligament repair or partial wrist fusion, to name but a few. This article describes the use of WALANT for complex surgery in the wrist. WALANT surgery offers many known benefits, such as enhanced patient safety and comfort, simplified perioperative process and avoidance of anesthesia-related risks, and also allows the surgeon to perform intraoperative testing of the repaired structures. Thus, the surgeon can tailor the rehabilitation program and shorten recovery time. We describe detailed guidelines for performing WALANT procedures safely and effectively, making it a favorable option for complex surgeries in the wrist.

Lacertus Syndrome: an Outcome Analysis After Lacertus Release.

Purpose: The lacertus fibrosus or bicipital aponeurosis is a sheet of ligamentous tissue just distal to the elbow joint and can be a compression point for the median nerve. Essentially, lacertus syndrome is a subset of pronator syndrome and an uncommon diagnosis by itself. Surgical release of the lacertus consists of a small 2-cm incision that can be performed under local anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of lacertus release in resolving median nerve symptoms. Methods: This retrospective study was performed at Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from January 2020 until June 2021. Ninety-three patients who presented with numbness of fingers, hand, or upper limb; forearm pain; and muscle weakness. They were diagnosed with lacertus syndrome on the basis of local tenderness at the lacertus fibrosus with either weakness of flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger or paresthesia over the thenar eminence. The patients underwent 3 months of hand therapy, and those with no symptom improvement were offered lacertus release performed by a single surgeon. The surgical technique consists of a surgical incision starting from a point 2 cm distally and 2 cm radially to the medial epicondyle. The incision projects 2 cm distally in an oblique fashion toward the radial styloid. A wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technqiue was utilized and 20 mL of local anesthesic was injected subcutaneously around this region at least 20 minutes before the surgery. Careful dissection was made subcutaneously, and the lacertus fibrosus was identified as a thickened, shiny white structure and released. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, grip strength, and pinch strength were tested before and after surgery. At 6 months after surgery, the QuickDASH score was again assessed with a WALANT satisfactory questionnaire. Results: A total of 93 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 38.7 years, and most were women (77.4%). The mean operating time was 70 minutes. The mean preoperative QuickDASH score was 53, which significantly reduced immediately after surgery to 7.8 (P < .001) and remained low at 6 months after surgery (10.6). The mean grip strength showed a significant increase from a preoperative mean of 16 kg to a postoperative mean of 24 kg (P < .001). Pinch strength also significantly increased from a preoperative mean of 9 kg to 13 kg after surgery (P < .001). Conclusions: Lacertus syndrome remains an underdiagnosed disease that can be treated efficiently with a directed minimal surgical incision under wide-awake local anesthesia. Lacertus release appears to significantly reduce pain and numbness with markedly improved hand grip and pinch strength. The corresponding QuickDASH scores also improved significantly after surgery. This study is vital to our understanding of proximal median nerve entrapment and to accurately diagnose it. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

Safety of Lidocaine During Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet for Distal Radius Plating.

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical and biochemical safety profile of infiltration of lidocaine with adrenaline in wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet for distal radius plating. Methods: Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to the therapeutic group (n = 19) (1% lidocaine in 1:100,000 adrenaline) and control group (n = 5) (2% lidocaine alone). Clinical parameters, including skin necrosis, duration of recovery of sensation, and lidocaine toxicity, were monitored. The serum lidocaine level was measured at different time intervals using a high-performance liquid chromatography reagent. Results: No lidocaine toxicity was recorded in any participant. The therapeutic group had a longer time for recovery of sensation. There was a significant difference in the serum lidocaine levels between both the groups at all time intervals up to 6 hours, with all participants exhibiting serum lidocaine levels below the mild toxicity level of 6.0 µg/mL. Conclusions: Lidocaine used within a safe recommended dose in wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet for distal radius plating is clinically and biochemically safe. Clinical relevance: Determining the clinical and biochemical safety profile of lidocaine with adrenaline in wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet can promote wider use of this technique.

Application of WALANT in Diaphyseal Plating of Forearm Fractures: An Observational Study.

Purpose: Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is a novel anesthesia technique in distal radius and ankle fracture fixation. However, to date, there are limited studies in diaphyseal plating of forearm fractures under WALANT. This research is to study the feasibility of the use of WALANT technique in plating of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm as well as peri-operative outcomes. Methods: Sixty-one adult patients who underwent diaphyseal plating of the forearm under WALANT between the period of January 2019 and January 2021. It consists of 31 radius fractures, 15 ulna fractures and 15 ipsilateral radius and ulna fractures. Outcomes evaluated were duration of stay, peri-operative numerical pain rating scale, peri-operative blood pressure and heart rate, visual analogue scale for anxiety, blood loss, surgery duration, adverse effect, patient's satisfaction and any complications at 6 months follow up. Results: Fifty-four patients (88.5%) were male and 7 patients (11.5%) were female with a mean age of 31.7 years (SD = 13.564). Thirty-eight out of 61 patients were totally pain free throughout the surgery. Ten (13%) patients reported pain during muscle dissection, 14 (18%) patients reported pain during bone manipulation and 12 (16%) patients reported pain during bone drilling. There was no significant difference in pain score between radius and ulna bones (P > .05). There was a significant change in blood pressure after LA infiltration (P < .01). The mean estimated blood loss was 27.39 ml (SD = 11.44) and the mean duration of post-surgery hospital stay was 1 day (SD = 1.026). Fifty-six patients (92%) recommended diaphyseal plating of the forearm under WALANT. None of the patients required conversion to general anesthesia and had any adverse events or infection during 6 months follow up. Conclusions: Diaphyseal plating of the forearm under WALANT is a feasible alternative anesthesia technique and is well tolerated by patients. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

Technique of Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Injection for a Transradial Forearm Amputation in an Ischemic Hand.

A 48-year-old man with drug addiction presented with gangrene of the right hand following an inadvertent intra-arterial administration of crushed dihydrocodeine tartrate (DF 118) tablets (GlaxoSmithKline S.A.) dissolved in water; the solution was injected into his right antecubital fossa. After 3 weeks of pain, paresthesia, and cyanosis, his right hand became gangrenous. We performed a right forearm amputation by use of the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique. After surgery, his wound healed well, and he was successfully fitted with a hand prosthesis.

Prospective Evaluation of Pain and Anxiety Levels Between Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet and General Anesthesia With Tourniquet in Excision of Wrist Ganglions.

Purpose: Excision of wrist ganglions is a common procedure in hand surgery. Our objective was to determine whether the type of anesthesia (general anesthesia [GA] vs wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet [WALANT] technique) would affect patient satisfaction regarding intraoperative pain control, postoperative pain management, and anxiety. Methods: This was a prospective study with patients divided into either the WALANT or GA cohort. The waiting time for surgery, Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured. Postsurgical questionnaires with the visual analog scale were completed. The surgeon's feedback on the ease of ganglion stalk visibility and usage of diathermy as a measure of a bloodless field was recorded. Patients reported the amount of analgesia consumed and overall satisfaction with the operation via the Surgical Satisfaction-8 questionnaire. Results: A total of 42 patients underwent wrist ganglion excision in 2 orthopedic centers over a period of 2 years, with 21 undergoing GA and 22 undergoing WALANT. The GA group was more anxious about anesthetic use with a higher demand for information about GA (P = .04). The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the WALANT group and with a lower diathermy usage (P < .001). There was no difference in terms of surgical difficulty and stalk visualization. The visual analog scale pain score was significantly lower in the WALANT group than in the GA group immediately after surgery (P = .04) and on discharge (P = .004). While at home for 2 weeks, the WALANT group (mean = 2.91 tablets) consumed significantly fewer analgesic tablets than the GA group (mean = 6.25 tablets). However, both groups were satisfied with their experience. Conclusions: Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique in the excision of ganglions provides another option of anesthesia with painless experiences, and no pain rebound after surgery. Patients were less anxious about WALANT than GA. Excision can be performed without diathermy usage with similar visualization of the stalk. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic II.

Important updates of finger fractures, entrapment neuropathies and wide-awake surgery of the upper extremity.

Hand surgery is rapidly changing. The wide-awake approach, minimum dissection surgery and early protected movement have changed many things. This is an update of some of the important changes regarding early protected movement with K-wired finger fracture management, simplification of nerve decompression surgery, such as elbow median and ulnar nerve releases, and some new areas in performing surgery with wide-awake local anaesthesia without tourniquet.

A Review of 1073 Cases of Wide-Awake-Local-Anaesthesia-No-Tourniquet (WALANT) in Finger and Hand Surgeries in an Urban Hospital in Malaysia.

Background The Wide-Awake-Local-Anaesthesia-No-Tourniquet (WALANT) technique achieves an almost bloodless field for clear visualization during surgeries. WALANT utilizes lidocaine and epinephrine for anesthesia and hemostasis, respectively, without the usage of sedation and tourniquet. This avoids the potential side effects of tourniquet-related pain and sedation-related complications. However, acceptance is still low due to concerns regarding the safety of epinephrine injection in the finger. There is a persistent belief that epinephrine can cause digital ischemia. Purpose To evaluate retrospectively possible complications of hand surgeries performed using the WALANT technique. Methods All finger and hand procedures performed under the WALANT technique from June 2016 to May 2021 in an urban tertiary hospital were studied retrospectively. Results There were a total of 1073 cases, of which 694 were females and 379 were males. The mean age was 55 years. Finger surgeries (e.g., trigger finger release, excision of finger lesions, removal of implants) consisted of 707 cases; and the rest (366 cases) were hand surgeries (e.g., carpal tunnel release, excision of hand lesions, removal of implants). In all cases reviewed, there were no instances of circulatory compromise. There were also no circumstances where usage of reversal with phentolamine is recorded. Conclusion We believe that performing finger and hand surgeries using the WALANT technique is safe and beneficial. The usage of WALANT in hand surgeries avoids tourniquet pain. However, WALANT should be used with caution in those with vascular insufficiency or disease.

Hand Surgery in Malaysia.

We have all heard the old aphorism, "Necessity is the mother of invention." While the provenance of the proverb is uncertain, its truth is not in doubt. This is true for the development of hand surgery in Malaysia. As part of the management for leprosy, patients with high ulnar nerve palsies were managed by the pioneers of hand surgery in Malaysia. They did tendon transfers to improve the quality of life of these patients. Since then, hand surgery in Malaysia have grown leaps and bounds. From a small humble beginning in the suburb of Sungai Buloh to organizing the 10th Congress of Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand, hand surgery in Malaysia will only get better with time.

Flexor pollicis longus zone 2 tendon repair under WALANT with ultrasound assistance.

A feature of the flexor pollicis longus tendon injury is the frequency of palmar retraction so that a wrist approach is needed for retrieval of the proximal stump. We are reporting on our first outpatient zone T2 flexor pollicis longus tendon repair under WALANT with ultrasound guidance. In the event of zone T2 flexor pollicis rupture, ultrasound location of tendon extremities is used to plan surgical WALANT strategy and to guide the injection of lidocaine with epinephrine whilst limiting the injected volume to what is strictly necessary.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia With No Tourniquet (WALANT) to General Anesthesia in Plating of Distal Radius Fractures With Pain and Anxiety Level Perception.

INTRODUCTION: Distal end radius fractures are common fractures commonly treated with an option of open reduction and plating. Traditionally, plating is performed under general anesthesia (GA) or regional block. Recently, a new technique of plating under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) has been introduced. We aim to compare the preoperative anxiety level, intraoperative pain scores, post-operative pain scores, operating time, blood loss and clinical outcome of distal end radius plating with WALANT versus GA with tourniquet. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled study on patients with closed fracture of the distal end of the radius requiring open reduction and plating from January 2019 till April 2020. We recruited 65 patients (33 patients in the WALANT group and 32 patients in the GA group). Randomization was done via block randomization. Data were collected to evaluate preoperative anxiety using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) score, intraoperative pain score during injection (baseline) (V1), 10 minutes after injection (V2), during incision (V3), during gentle manipulation (V4), during aggressive manipulation (V5) and during first drilling of screw (V6), blood loss, duration of surgery and post-operative pain score. Additionally, intraoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score was obtained in the WALANT group. At three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months after operation, the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores and range of motion (ROM) of the wrists were obtained. RESULTS: The average age in the WALANT group was 47.19 (range, 36-64) years and GA group was 49.48 (range, 38-60) years. The mean APAIS score obtained was 7.78 (WALANT group) and 7.36 (GA group) with no statistical difference. For intraoperative VAS, only during V4 and V5 were the scores 1/10; otherwise at all other phases, the VAS score was 0. The average time for surgery was statistically longer in the WALANT group (61.22 minutes) compared to the GA group (55.33 minutes) (p = 0.003). There was no statistical difference in mean blood loss in both groups. The average post-operative VAS showed statistical significance only at 1 hour and 12 hours post-operation with no statistical difference at 2 and 24 hours post-operation. There was no difference in the post-operative ROM including wrist flexion, extension, supination and pronation for both groups up to six months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preoperative anxiety level, intraoperative and post-operative VAS score, amount of blood loss and clinical outcome in both groups for plating of the distal end radius. However, the operating time was slightly longer in the WALANT group. We conclude that distal radius plating under WALANT has similar outcomes to GA. In centres with limited resources, WALANT offers a safe, reliable and cheaper option, reserving GA time for head, abdominal and thoracic surgery.

Pain Perception During the Phases of Manual Reduction of Distal End Radius Fracture With a Periosteal Block.

Introduction Closed reduction is an effective method of treatment for distal end radius fractures. We present a case series of patients with distal end radius fractures who underwent closed manipulative reduction using the periosteal block. We describe the technique in detail and examine its efficacy in pain lowering effect during closed reduction. Methods Nineteen patients with distal end radial and ulnar fractures were included and grouped based on the Frykman classification. The reduction was performed using a periosteal block of 10 ml of 2% lignocaine injection. The severity of pain was recorded by utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) in five phases: 1) before injection, 2) after 15 minutes of analgesia in a resting position, 3) during minimal motion, 4) during full manipulation and reduction, and 5) post-procedure. The VAS scoring was classified as painless (VAS score of 0), mild pain (VAS score between 1-3), and painful (VAS score of 4 and above). Results The study included 19 patients [median age of 53 years (range: 18-88 years)]; there were 11 (58%) males and eight (42%) females. The mechanism of injury was a fall (n=12, 63%) or a motor vehicle accident (n=7, 37%). There was a statistically significant reduction of pain between phase one and all the other phases. Between the different fracture configurations, there was no significant difference in pain reduction. The most painful phase was expected to be phase four, ie, during full manipulation, in which four (21%) patients had a VAS score of 0, 12 (63%) patients had a VAS score between 1-3, and three (16%) patients had a VAS score of 4. Thus, 16 out of 19 patients (84%) had no or minimal pain during the most painful phase. There were no complications from the periosteal blocks. Conclusions The periosteal nerve block is an effective procedure providing satisfactory analgesia during the reduction of distal radial and ulnar fractures. It has no side effects and is free from complications associated with conventional sedation.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Synthetic Ligament (Orthotape) Usage in Reconstructive Surgery of the Hand.

Purpose: Synthetic ligaments have been widely used in the knees for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and in the shoulder rotator cuff repair, but they have been rarely used in the hand. The only reported usage is in the Artelon space for carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. We describe our experience using the synthetic ligament or scaffold known as Orthotape (its predecessor was known as the Leeds-Keio ligament) in the hand and fingers. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom polyester synthetic ligament (Orthotape) was used to reconstruct absent tendons involving both flexor and extensor compartments between 2011 and 2016. The reconstruction procedures were performed as elective surgeries. The tendons were absent due to either trauma or infection. We collected data on demographics, the injury mechanism, prior surgeries, the zone of tendon loss, the presence of skin flaps, and the number of strips of ligament inserted. Results: We inserted 18 strips of Orthotape in the hands of 9 patients. The follow-up period was 3-7 years, and the mean duration of Orthotape in the hand was 44.1 (range, 1-91) months. Four strips extruded, resulting in a 22.2% extrusion rate. Of the 9 patients, 5 retained the Orthotape within their hand for time periods ranging from 60 months (5 years) to 91 months (7.5 years). The extruded strips were in the superficial areas of the hand. Seven patients had traumatic injuries with varying severity and 2 had infections. Conclusions: The high extrusion rate of Orthotape discourages its use in the superficial areas of the hand, including flexor and extensor surfaces of the fingers and hand. We recommend its usage in regions with a thick skin cover such as underneath a flap or in deep areas such as the palm. Nevertheless, it remains as a possible option in cases of complex reconstruction with a limited availability of donor tendons. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Wide-Awake Anesthesia for Olecranon Fracture Fixation.

Introduction: Wide-awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) has come a long way. It has been reported to be successful in the surgery of distal radius and ulna fractures. We report a case of olecranon fracture plating under WALANT. Methods: Surgery was performed with the patient fully conscious where tumescent anesthesia was injected into the surgical site without application of tourniquet 30 minutes before the first incision. Posterior approach to the elbow was used, and the fracture was fixed with anatomical locking plates. Results: The surgery was successfully completed without pain. The numerical pain rating score was 0 throughout the surgery. Conclusions: The use of WALANT for surgical fixation can be expanded beyond the hand and wrist. This is a safe and simple option for patients at high risk of general anesthesia, producing similar surgical outcomes without intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Forearm Triple Tendon Transfer in Radial Nerve Palsy.

Tendon transfer for radial nerve palsy is a common procedure done under general anesthesia. We describe a surgical technique of triple tendon transfer with wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT). We transfer flexor carpi radialis to extensor digitorum communis, palmaris longus to extensor pollicis longus, and pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis. This is commonly known as the Brand transfer. Our anesthetic or WALANT solution consists of up to 200 mL of 1:400,000 epinephrine, 0.25% lidocaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate. This technique overcomes the problem of judging the appropriate amount of transfer tension by observing awake patients actively extend their fingers, thumb, and wrist during the surgery and making adjustments before we close the wound. In our experience, there is no need of brain retraining because a patient is able to immediately use the flexor muscles to perform extension movements. WALANT is a safe and viable option for radial nerve tendon transfers.

Plating of clavicle fracture using the wide-awake technique.

BACKGROUND: Fixation of clavicle fractures has now become a more popular option as it provides better outcome compared with conservative management. Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) has been effectively used in plating of distal radius and olecranon fractures. This paper expands the usage of WALANT into the shoulder girdle, namely plating of the clavicle that has not been described. The operation is typically performed under general anesthesia. METHODS: We report a case series of 16 patients who successfully underwent fixation of the clavicle under the wide-awake technique. The clavicle fractures were grouped under the AO Fracture Classification. The WALANT solution comprised 1% lidocaine, 1:100,000 epinephrine, and 10:1 sodium bicarbonate. A total of 40 mL was injected in each patient with 10 mL subcutaneously along the clavicle followed by 30 mL subperiosteally at multiple intervals and directions. RESULTS: The Numerical Pain Rating Score was 0 during WALANT injection and during surgery except for 2 patients with Numerical Pain Rating Scores of 1 and 2, respectively, during reduction. CONCLUSION: We conclude that clavicle plating under WALANT is a good alternative option of anesthesia.

Plating Distal Radius Fractures Using Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) Versus General Anesthesia: A Cohort Study.

Purpose: This study compared outcomes of plating distal radius (DR) fractures using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) versus general anesthesia (GA). Methods: From March 2018 to March 2019, 20 patients with DR fracture underwent plating using WALANT whereas 20 patients who underwent plating under GA were used as controls. Outcomes evaluated were pain control, waiting time for the operation, hemodynamic changes, blood loss, the occurrence of adverse effects of medications used in WALANT and GA, and the duration of postoperative stay. Results: The WALANT group experienced a significantly shorter waiting time for surgery (6 vs 20 days; P < .001) and a shorter postoperative stay (1 vs 2 days; P = .009) compared with the GA group. They also reported mild to no pain during surgery. The groups were similar with regard to blood pressure, blood loss, and operative time. None in the WALANT group required conversion to GA during surgery and no adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: The WALANT approach is a viable alternative to GA for plating of DR fractures. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

Efficacy of Human Cell-Seeded Muscle-Stuffed Vein Conduit in Rat Sciatic Nerve Repair.

We investigated the efficacy of a muscle-stuffed vein (MSV) seeded with neural-transdifferentiated human mesenchymal stem cells as an alternative nerve conduit to repair a 15-mm sciatic nerve defect in athymic rats. Other rats received MSV conduit alone, commercial polyglycolic acid conduit (Neurotube®), reverse autograft, or were left untreated. Motor and sensory functions as well as nerve conductivity were evaluated for 12 weeks, after which the grafts were harvested for histological analyses. All rats in the treatment groups demonstrated a progressive increase in the mean Sciatic Functional Index (motor function) and nerve conduction amplitude (electrophysiological function) and showed positive withdrawal reflex (sensory function) by the 10th week of postimplantation. Autotomy, which is associated with neuropathic pain, was severe in rats treated with conduit without cells; there was mild or no autotomy in the rats of other groups. Histologically, harvested grafts from all except the untreated groups exhibited axonal regeneration with the presence of mature myelinated axons. In conclusion, treatment with MSV conduit is comparable to that of other treatment groups in supporting functional recovery following sciatic nerve injury; and the addition of cells in the conduit alleviates neuropathic pain. Impact Statement It is shown that pretreated muscle-stuffed vein conduit is comparable to that of commercial nerve conduit and autograft in supporting functional recovery following peripheral nerve injury. The addition of neural-differentiated mesenchymal stem cells in the conduit is shown to alleviate neuropathic pain.

Human bone marrow-derived MSCs spontaneously express specific Schwann cell markers.

In peripheral nerve injuries, Schwann cells (SC) play pivotal roles in regenerating damaged nerve. However, the use of SC in clinical cell-based therapy is hampered due to its limited availability. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of using an established induction protocol for human bone marrow derived-MSC (hBM-MSCs) transdifferentiation into a SC lineage. A relatively homogenous culture of hBM-MSCs was first established after serial passaging (P3), with profiles conforming to the minimal criteria set by International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT). The cultures (n = 3) were then subjected to a series of induction media containing ß-mercaptoethanol, retinoic acid, and growth factors. Quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry analyses were performed to quantify the expression of specific SC markers, that is, S100, GFAP, MPZ and p75 NGFR, in both undifferentiated and transdifferentiated hBM-MSCs. Based on these analyses, all markers were expressed in undifferentiated hBM-MSCs and MPZ expression (mRNA transcripts) was consistently detected before and after transdifferentiation across all samples. There was upregulation at the transcript level of more than twofolds for NGF, MPB, GDNF, p75 NGFR post-transdifferentiation. This study highlights the existence of spontaneous expression of specific SC markers in cultured hBM-MSCs, inter-donor variability and that MSC transdifferentiation is a heterogenous process. These findings strongly oppose the use of a single marker to indicate SC fate. The heterogenous nature of MSC may influence the efficiency of SC transdifferentiation protocols. Therefore, there is an urgent need to re-define the MSC subpopulations and revise the minimal criteria for MSC identification.

Plating of Distal Radius Fracture Using the Wide-Awake Anesthesia Technique.

Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common types of injuries encountered in hand surgery. Plate osteosynthesis is recommended for unstable fractures. Because distal radius fracture fixation is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia with the use of a tourniquet, this exposes patients, especially elderly people with extensive comorbidities, to adverse effects commonly associated with these forms of anesthesia. As such, many of these patients are unable to undergo surgery in a timely manner until they are deemed medically fit for surgery or anesthesia, and some may still be treated nonsurgically. Injecting local anesthetic of lidocaine and epinephrine into the surgical field and without using a tourniquet is known to be advantageous for various surgical procedures of the hand. However, this approach, also known as wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT), has not been used in the fixation of fractures beyond the wrist. Using the WALANT approach as an alternative anesthetic for plating of distal radius fractures may enable patients who are normally denied surgery owing to their age or medical comorbidities to undergo plate fixation for the fractures. This article outlines the WALANT approach used for a single case of fixation of distal end radius fracture with a detailed description of the technique of administering local anesthesia.