Prevalence of Absence of Palmaris Longus Tendon in a Population Sample from a Multiethnic Brazilian City.

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of absence of palmaris longus tendon in a population sample from a multiethnic Brazilian city. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between October 2017 and April 2018. We included male and female volunteers aged 18 years or older. The absence of palmaris longus tendon was determined by asking the volunteers to perform the Schaeffer test bilaterally. Results We prospectively collected data on 1,008 volunteers, 531 male and 477 female, with age between 18 and 74 years (mean 38.4 years). The absence of palmaris longus tendon was observed in 264 (26.2%) volunteers. Bilateral absence was detected in 123 volunteers (12.2%), 60 female (48.8%) and 63 male (51.2%). Unilateral absence was found in 141 patients (14.0%), 54 female (38.2%) and 87 male (61.8%) ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of absence of palmaris longus tendon in our study was 26.2%. There was no statistically significant difference between gender and bilaterally. The absence of palmaris longus tendon was predominant on unilateral right side in males.

An Intraindividual Comparison of Open versus Paine Retinaculotome Release for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The main purpose of this research was to do an intraindividual comparison of outcomes between the open ulnar incision (OUI) and the Paine retinaculotome with palmar incision (PRWPI) techniques in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The patients underwent OUI surgery on one hand and PRWPI surgery on the contralateral hand. The patients were evaluated with the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, visual analogue scale for pain, palmar grip strength, and fingertip, key, and tripod pinch strengths. Both hands were examined in the preoperative and postoperative periods after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 and 6 months. Eighteen patients (36 hands) were evaluated. The symptoms severity scale (SSS) scores were higher, in the preoperative period, in the hands that underwent surgery with PRWPI ( p -value = 0,023), but lower in the 3rd month postoperative ( p -value = 0.030). The functional status scale (FSS) scores were lower in the periods of 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months ( p -value = 0,016) on the hands that underwent surgery with PRWPI. In a different two-group module study, the PRWPI group presents the SSS scores average on the 2nd week and 1st month, and the FSS scores average on the 2nd week, less 0.8 and 1.2 points respectively comported to open group. The hands that underwent surgery with PRWPI presented significantly lower SSS scores at 3 months postoperative, and lower FSS scores at 2 weeks, and 3 and 6 months postoperative, compared to open surgery group.

An Intraindividual Comparison of Open versus Paine Retinaculotome Release for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Comparação intraindividual dos resultados da liberação aberta ou com retinaculótomo de Paine na síndrome do túnel do carpo bilateral

Abstract The main purpose of this research was to do an intraindividual comparison of outcomes between the open ulnar incision (OUI) and the Paine retinaculotome with palmar incision (PRWPI) techniques in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The patients underwent OUI surgery on one hand and PRWPI surgery on the contralateral hand. The patients were evaluated with the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, visual analogue scale for pain, palmar grip strength, and fingertip, key, and tripod pinch strengths. Both hands were examined in the preoperative and postoperative periods after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 and 6 months. Eighteen patients (36 hands) were evaluated. The symptoms severity scale (SSS) scores were higher, in the preoperative period, in the hands that underwent surgery with PRWPI (p-value =0,023), but lower in the 3rd month postoperative (p-value = 0.030). The functional status scale (FSS) scores were lower in the periods of 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months (p-value = 0,016) on the hands that underwent surgery with PRWPI. In a different two-group module study, the PRWPI group presents the SSS scores average on the 2nd week and 1st month, and the FSS scores average on the 2nd week, less 0.8 and 1.2 points respectively comported to open group. The hands that underwent surgery with PRWPI presented significantly lower SSS scores at 3 months postoperative, and lower FSS scores at 2 weeks, and 3 and 6 months postoperative, compared to open surgery group.

Resumo O principal objetivo desta pesquisa foi fazer uma comparação intraindividual dos resultados entre as técnicas de incisão ulnar aberta e retinaculótomo de Paine com incisão palmar em pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) bilateral. Os pacientes foram submetidos à cirurgia aberta em uma mão e cirurgia com retinaculótomo de Paine na mão contralateral. Os pacientes foram avaliados com o Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, escala visual analógica para dor e força de preensão palmar, pinça lateral, pinça polpa-polpa e trípode. As duas mãos foram examinadas antes da cirurgia e 2 semanas, 1 mês, 3 e 6 meses após a cirurgia. Dezoito pacientes (36 mãos) foram avaliados. As pontuações da escala de gravidade dos sintomas (EGS) foram maiores no pré-operatório nas mãos submetidas à cirurgia com retinaculótomo de Paine (p = 0,023), mas menores no 3° mês após o procedimento (p = 0,030). As pontuações da escala de estado funcional (EEF) foram menores às 2 semanas, 3 meses e 6 meses (p = 0,016) nas mãos submetidas à cirurgia com retinaculótomo de Paine. Em um estudo de módulo de diferença de dois grupos, o grupo submetido à cirurgia com retinaculótomo de Paine apresentou pontuações médias de EGS na 2ª semana e 1° mês e de EEF na segunda semana inferiores a 0,8 e 1,2 pontos, respectivamente, em comparação ao grupo submetido ao procedimento aberto. As mãos submetidas à cirurgia com retinaculótomo de Paine apresentaram escores significativamente menores de EGS em 3 meses e de EEF em 2 semanas, e aos 3 e 6 meses após a cirurgia em comparação a técnica aberta.

Prevalence of Absence of Palmaris Longus Tendon in a Population Sample from a Multiethnic Brazilian City / Prevalência de ausência de tendão palmaris longus em uma amostra populacional de uma cidade brasileira multiétnica

Abstract Objective The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of absence of palmaris longus tendon in a population sample from a multiethnic Brazilian city. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between October 2017 and April 2018. We included male and female volunteers aged 18 years or older. The absence of palmaris longus tendon was determined by asking the volunteers to perform the Schaeffer test bilaterally. Results We prospectively collected data on 1,008 volunteers, 531 male and 477 female, with age between 18 and 74 years (mean 38.4 years). The absence of palmaris longus tendon was observed in 264 (26.2%) volunteers. Bilateral absence was detected in 123 volunteers (12.2%), 60 female (48.8%) and 63 male (51.2%). Unilateral absence was found in 141 patients (14.0%), 54 female (38.2%) and 87 male (61.8%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of absence of palmaris longus tendon in our study was 26.2%. There was no statistically significant difference between gender and bilaterally. The absence of palmaris longus tendon was predominant on unilateral right side in males.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a prevalência de ausência de tendão palmaris longus em uma amostra populacional de uma cidade multiétnica brasileira. Métodos Um estudo observacional transversal foi realizado entre outubro de 2017 e abril de 2018. Incluímos voluntários dos sexos masculino e feminino com 18 anos ou mais. A ausência do tendão palmaris longus foi determinada pedindo aos voluntários que realizassem o teste de Schaeffer bilateralmente. Resultados Foram coletados prospectivamente dados de 1.008 voluntários, 531 homens e 477 mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 74 anos (média de 38,4 anos). A ausência do tendão palmaris longus foi observada em 264 (26,2%) voluntários. A ausência bilateral foi detectada em 123 voluntários (12,2%), 60 mulheres (48,8%) e 63 homens (51,2%). A ausência unilateral foi encontrada em 141 pacientes (14,0%), 54 mulheres (38,2%) e 87 homens (61,8%) (p<0,05). Conclusão A prevalência de ausência do tendão palmaris longus em nosso estudo foi de 26,2%. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa bilateralmente e entre gêneros. A ausência do tendão palmaris longus foi predominante no lado direito unilateral no sexo masculino.

Translation and Cultural Adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (C-PAQ).

Objective To perform the translation and cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire Methods The process involved the stages of translation, synthesis, back-translation, and revision by the translation group. A prefinal version of the questionnaire was then created, and, subsequently, the final version. Results Due to the lifestyle of the population, eight activities described in the questionnaire were changed to adapt it to Brazilian culture: six sports activities and two leisure activities. Eight parents/legal guardians answered the questionnaire during the pretest, quickly, without inconsistencies, and without reporting difficulties in understanding when the final interview was conducted. Conclusion The translation and cultural adaptation of the Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese resulted in the version called C-PAQ.PT.

Changing Concepts for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Powerlifting Athletes with Disabilities.

Objective To examine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in powerlifting athletes with disabilities. Methods The present study evaluated the presence and intensity of pain (numerical scale), nocturnal paresthesia (self-report), and nerve compression (Tinel and Phalen signs) in wheelchair- and non-wheelchair-bound powerlifting athletes with disabilities. The clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed by the presence of two or more signs/symptoms. Results In total, 29 powerlifting athletes with disabilities were evaluated. None of the athletes reported the presence of pain or nocturnal paresthesia. The Tinel sign was present in 1 (3.45%) wheelchair-bound athlete. A positive Phalen test was present in 3 (10.35%) athletes (1 wheelchair-bound and 2 non-wheelchair-bound). Concurrent positive Tinel sign and Phalen sign tests were found in 2 (6.89%) athletes (1 wheelchair-bound and 1 non-wheelchair-bound). Conclusion Carpal tunnel syndrome was clinically diagnosed in 2 (6.89%) out of 29 powerlifting athletes with disabilities.

Changing Concepts for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Powerlifting Athletes with Disabilities / Mudando os conceitos para o diagnóstico da Síndrome do Túnel do Carpo em atletas do halterofilismo do esporte adaptado

Abstract Objective To examine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in powerlifting athletes with disabilities. Methods The present study evaluated the presence and intensity of pain (numerical scale), nocturnal paresthesia (self-report), and nerve compression (Tinel and Phalen signs) in wheelchair- and non-wheelchair-bound powerlifting athletes with disabilities. The clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed by the presence of two or more signs/symptoms. Results In total, 29 powerlifting athletes with disabilities were evaluated. None of the athletes reported the presence of pain or nocturnal paresthesia. The Tinel sign was present in 1 (3.45%) wheelchair-bound athlete. A positive Phalen test was present in 3 (10.35%) athletes (1 wheelchair-bound and 2 non-wheelchair-bound). Concurrent positive Tinel sign and Phalen sign tests were found in 2 (6.89%) athletes (1 wheelchair-bound and 1 non-wheelchair-bound). Conclusion Carpal tunnel syndrome was clinically diagnosed in 2 (6.89%) out of 29 powerlifting athletes with disabilities.

Resumo Objetivo Examinar a prevalência da síndrome do túnel do carpo em atletas do halterofilismo do esporte adaptado. Métodos Este estudo avaliou a presença e a intensidade da dor (escala numérica), a parestesia noturna (autorrelato), e a compressão nervosa (sinais de Tinel e de Phalen) em atletas do halterofilismo do esporte adaptado em cadeira de rodas e sem cadeira de rodas. O diagnóstico clínico da síndrome do túnel do carpo foi confirmado pela presença de dois ou mais sinais/sintomas. Resultados Vinte e nove atletas de halterofilismo de esporte adaptado foram avaliados. Nenhum dos atletas relatou a presença de dor ou parestesia noturna. O sinal de Tinel estava presente em 1 (3,45%) atleta de cadeira de rodas. O teste de Phalen positivo estava presente em 3 (10,35%) atletas (1 em cadeira de rodas e 2 sem cadeira de rodas). Testes positivos de sinais de Tinel e de Phalen foram encontrados concomitantemente em 2 (6,89%) atletas (1 em cadeira de rodas e 1 sem cadeira de rodas). Conclusão A síndrome do túnel do carpo foi diagnosticada clinicamente em 2 (6,89%) dos 29 atletas com deficiência física.

Intra-individual evaluation of results between open and endoscopic release in bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome / Avaliação intraindividual dos resultados entre as técnicas aberta e endoscópica de um portal na síndrome do túnel do carpo bilateral

ABSTRACT Objective: The authors performed an intra-individual comparison of surgical results between the open and endoscopic surgical techniques in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Each hand was submitted to surgery using one of these techniques. Methods: Fifteen patients (30 hands) were evaluated by the Boston Questionnaire, visual analogue pain scale, palmar grip strength, and for tip, key, and tripod pinch strengths. These measurements were taken before surgery and at two weeks, one month, three months, and six months after the procedure. Scores for each evaluation tool in each evaluation time period were compared. Results: In comparison to the group submitted to open surgery, the group submitted to endoscopic surgery had worse scores in the evaluation of the 1st and 6th postoperative months regarding the severity of the symptoms. The authors found no differences in the functional status of the hand. Regarding the intensity of pain evaluated by the visual analogue pain scale, no difference was found between the averages in all time periods evaluated. No differences in palmar grip strength and in fingertip, key (lateral), and tripod pinch strengths were found in all time periods. There were no differences between averages in the preoperative period at two weeks, one month, and three months after surgery. After six months, the group of patients submitted to open surgery presented greater tripod force than the group of patients who underwent endoscopic surgery. Conclusion: No differences were observed by using the intra-individual evaluation in the results between open and endoscopic techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Foi feito um estudo de comparação intraindividual dos resultados cirúrgicos entre as técnicas cirúrgica aberta e endoscópica de um portal em pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo bilateral, cada uma das mãos operada por uma das técnicas citadas. Métodos: Quinze pacientes (30 mãos) foram avaliados no pré-operatório, na segunda semana e no primeiro, terceiro e sexto mês pós-operatório pelo questionário de Boston, escala visual analógica da dor, força de preensão palmar, pinça lateral, pinça polpa-polpa e pinça trípode. Foram comparados os escores de cada ferramenta de avaliação obtidos com as cirurgias endoscópica e aberta em cada um dos tempos de seguimento. Resultados: Em comparação com o grupo submetido a cirurgia aberta, o grupo submetido a cirurgia endoscópica apresentou piores escores na avaliação do primeiro e sexto meses pós-operatório quanto à gravidade dos sintomas. Não foram observadas diferenças quanto ao estado funcional da mão. Quanto à intensidade da dor avaliada pela escala visual analógica da dor, não foram observadas diferenças entre as médias em todos os períodos de tempo avaliados. Não foram observadas diferenças nas forças de preensão palmar, pinça polpa-polpa, polpa-lateral em todos os períodos de tempo. Quanto aos escores da força de preensão trípode, não foram observadas diferenças entre as médias nos períodos pré-operatório, duas semanas, um mês e três meses após a cirurgia. Aos seis meses de pós-operatório, o grupo de pacientes submetido a cirurgia aberta apresentou força trípode maior do que o grupo de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica. Conclusão: Com o uso da avaliação intraindividual não foram observadas diferenças entre os resultados das técnicas aberta e endoscópica para o tratamento da síndrome do túnel do carpo.

Intra-individual evaluation of results between open and endoscopic release in bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The authors performed an intra-individual comparison of surgical results between the open and endoscopic surgical techniques in patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Each hand was submitted to surgery using one of these techniques. METHODS: Fifteen patients (30 hands) were evaluated by the Boston Questionnaire, visual analogue pain scale, palmar grip strength, and for tip, key, and tripod pinch strengths. These measurements were taken before surgery and at two weeks, one month, three months, and six months after the procedure. Scores for each evaluation tool in each evaluation time period were compared. RESULTS: In comparison to the group submitted to open surgery, the group submitted to endoscopic surgery had worse scores in the evaluation of the 1st and 6th postoperative months regarding the severity of the symptoms. The authors found no differences in the functional status of the hand. Regarding the intensity of pain evaluated by the visual analogue pain scale, no difference was found between the averages in all time periods evaluated. No differences in palmar grip strength and in fingertip, key (lateral), and tripod pinch strengths were found in all time periods. There were no differences between averages in the preoperative period at two weeks, one month, and three months after surgery. After six months, the group of patients submitted to open surgery presented greater tripod force than the group of patients who underwent endoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: No differences were observed by using the intra-individual evaluation in the results between open and endoscopic techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

OBJETIVO: Foi feito um estudo de comparação intraindividual dos resultados cirúrgicos entre as técnicas cirúrgica aberta e endoscópica de um portal em pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo bilateral, cada uma das mãos operada por uma das técnicas citadas. MÉTODOS: Quinze pacientes (30 mãos) foram avaliados no pré-operatório, na segunda semana e no primeiro, terceiro e sexto mês pós-operatório pelo questionário de Boston, escala visual analógica da dor, força de preensão palmar, pinça lateral, pinça polpa-polpa e pinça trípode. Foram comparados os escores de cada ferramenta de avaliação obtidos com as cirurgias endoscópica e aberta em cada um dos tempos de seguimento. RESULTADOS: Em comparação com o grupo submetido a cirurgia aberta, o grupo submetido a cirurgia endoscópica apresentou piores escores na avaliação do primeiro e sexto meses pós-operatório quanto à gravidade dos sintomas. Não foram observadas diferenças quanto ao estado funcional da mão. Quanto à intensidade da dor avaliada pela escala visual analógica da dor, não foram observadas diferenças entre as médias em todos os períodos de tempo avaliados. Não foram observadas diferenças nas forças de preensão palmar, pinça polpa-polpa, polpa-lateral em todos os períodos de tempo. Quanto aos escores da força de preensão trípode, não foram observadas diferenças entre as médias nos períodos pré-operatório, duas semanas, um mês e três meses após a cirurgia. Aos seis meses de pós-operatório, o grupo de pacientes submetido a cirurgia aberta apresentou força trípode maior do que o grupo de pacientes submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica. CONCLUSÃO: Com o uso da avaliação intraindividual não foram observadas diferenças entre os resultados das técnicas aberta e endoscópica para o tratamento da síndrome do túnel do carpo.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the 6-Item Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Scale and Palmar Pain Scale Questionnaire Into Brazilian Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: There are several medical questionnaires to evaluate the quality of life of carpal tunnel syndrome patients. However, most measures are only available in English. We chose to translate and culturally adapt to Portuguese the Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Scale and Palmar Pain Scale (CTS-6) questionnaire because it provides objective assessment using a small number of questions. METHODS: The translation and cultural adaptation were carried out according to the medical literature and consisted of five steps: (1) initial translation by two translators fluent in both languages, (2) association of initial translations, (3) back translation to Portuguese by two native speakers of English, (4) association of back translation and (5) comparison with the original version. RESULTS: The Portuguese version was administered to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and difficulties were noted concerning the comprehension and completion of the translated questionnaire. Patients had difficulty in understanding the horizontal layout of the response choices. Without altering the content, we changed the response choices to a vertical layout and re-administered the questionnaire to a new sample of patients followed up in the same ambulatory care service. We noted a substantial improvement in comprehension and completion of the questionnaire after the modifications. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of a Portuguese version of the Six-Item Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Scale and Palmar Pain Scale (CTS-6) questionnaire will allow an objective evaluation of the treatment of a syndrome that is very prominent in medical practice.

Corticoid injection as a predictive factor of results of carpal tunnel release.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the symptoms relief after local corticoid injection correlate with better results of surgical treatment in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Between February 2011 and June 2013, 100 wrists of 88 patients were included in the study. All patients were subjected to corticoid injections in the carpal tunnel and evaluated before and after infiltration and surgery. The following parameters were evaluated: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Boston questionnaire, sensitivity and strength. RESULTS: Only 28 out of 100 wrists subjected to injection were symptom-free after six months follow up. Sixty out of the 72 patients who did not present relief or relapse symptoms were treated surgically. Surgical results were better regarding VAS, Boston questionnaire and sensitivity in a specific group of patients, which had a longer relief of symptoms after the corticoid injection, with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Longer relief of symptoms after corticoid injection correlated with better results of surgical treatment.

Corticoid injection as a predictive factor of results of carpal tunnel release

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the symptoms relief after local corticoid injection correlate with better results of surgical treatment in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Between February 2011 and June 2013, 100 wrists of 88 patients were included in the study. All patients were subjected to corticoid injections in the carpal tunnel and evaluated before and after infiltration and surgery. The following parameters were evaluated: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Boston questionnaire, sensitivity and strength. RESULTS: Only 28 out of 100 wrists subjected to injection were symptom-free after six months follow up. Sixty out of the 72 patients who did not present relief or relapse symptoms were treated surgically. Surgical results were better regarding VAS, Boston questionnaire and sensitivity in a specific group of patients, which had a longer relief of symptoms after the corticoid injection, with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Longer relief of symptoms after corticoid injection correlated with better results of surgical treatment. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic Study.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese language.

PURPOSE: The use of patient-reported outcome questionnaires is recommended in orthopedic studies. However, validated tools are necessary to ensure the comparability of results across different studies, centers, and countries. The Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ) can be used for outcome measures in self-evaluation after carpal tunnel release. This study aimed to translate the BMHQ to Portuguese to permit cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilians patients. METHODS: We translated the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire from the original version (English) to Brazilian Portuguese. The translation and cultural adaptation of the content of this tool consisted of six stages, according to the methodology proposed by medical literature: (1) initial translation of the questionnaire by two independent translators; (2) synthesis of translations and reconciliation; (3) back-translation to English of the reconciled version; (4) verification of the cultural equivalence process by an expert committee; (5) pre-testing in a sample of patients to verify understanding of the items; and (6) development of a final version of the BMHQ. RESULTS: The pre-final version of the tool was applied to 43 patients to verify its understanding. Pre-testing showed that the questions and options were satisfactorily understood. The number of items from the original English version was maintained in the Brazilian Portuguese version of BMHQ. DISCUSSION: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the BMHQ is easily understood by patients and will be useful to clinicians and researchers.

Evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated by endoscopic technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative results of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by the endoscopic release technique with single portal. METHODS: 78 patients (80 wrists) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months by the Boston questionnaire, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, monofilament test sensitivity, grip strength, lateral pinch, pulp to pulp pinch and tripod pinch. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was significant (p <0.05) in the progressive decline of pain and improved function (Boston) during follow-up. The sensitivity significantly improved comparing the data pre and postoperatively. The grip strength, lateral pinch, pulp to pulp pinch and tripod pinch decreased in the first month after surgery, returning to preoperative values around the third month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The technique proved to be safe and effective in improving pain, function, and return sensitivity and strength. Level of Evidence II, Prospective study.

Evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated by endoscopic technique

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative results of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by the endoscopic release technique with single portal. Methods: 78 patients (80 wrists) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months by the Boston questionnaire, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, monofilament test sensitivity, grip strength, lateral pinch, pulp to pulp pinch and tripod pinch. Results: Statistical analysis was significant (p <0.05) in the progressive decline of pain and improved function (Boston) during follow-up. The sensitivity significantly improved comparing the data pre and postoperatively. The grip strength, lateral pinch, pulp to pulp pinch and tripod pinch decreased in the first month after surgery, returning to preoperative values around the third month postoperatively. Conclusion: The technique proved to be safe and effective in improving pain, function, and return sensitivity and strength. Level of Evidence II, Prospective study .

Avaliação clínica a longo prazo - pelo sinal de Phalen, Tinel e parestesia noturna - dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de liberação do túnel do carpo com instrumento de Paine®

A liberação do retináculo dos flexores para o tratamento da síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) é uma das cirurgias mais realizadas. Existem diversos métodos para a realização deste procedimento cirúrgico, como endoscópicos, via aberta clássica e mini-incisões. A longo prazo, poucos trabalhos mostram os resultados destas cirurgias. Este estudo tem como finalidade avaliar os pacientes submetidos à liberação do túnel do carpo com instrumento de Paine®, com no mínimo 84 meses de pós-operatório. Foram avaliados os parâmetros clínicos: teste de Phalen, sinal da percussão dolorosa e a queixa de parestesia noturna no pré e pós-operatório. Os resultados mostram que há significante melhora dos sinais avaliados (p.....), quando comparados com a avaliação inicial, e que estes sinais clínicos permanecem negativos ao longo do tempo.

The release of flexors retinaculum for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) treatment is one of the most frequently performed surgeries. There are many methods for performing this surgical procedure, such as endoscopic, classical open port and mini-incisions. Few papers show the long-term results of those surgeries. This study is aimed to evaluate patients submitted to carpal tunnel syndrome release using the Paine® instrument, in at least 84 months postoperatively. The following clinical parameters were assessed: Phalen test, painful percussion sign, and complaints of nighttime paresthesia pre- and postoperatively. The results show that there is a significant improvement of the signs assessed (p.....), when compared to baseline evaluation, and that those clinical signs remain negative with time.

Avaliação do questionário de Boston aplicado no pós-operatório tardio da síndrome do tunel do carpo operados pela técnica de retinaculótomo de paine por via palmar / Evaluation of Boston questionnaire applied at late pos-operative period of carpal tunnel syndrome operated with the paine retinaculatome through palmar port

Entre os anos de 1995 e 1998, foram realizadas 112 cirurgias para tratamento da Síndrome do Túnel do Carpo (STC) pela técnica de incisão palmar e utilização do retináculo de Paine. Com o objetivo de avaliar os resultados em longo prazo, os pacientes foram convocados. Houve o retorno de 44 pacientes. Deste total, três pacientes, por terem doenças associadas, foram excluídos, resultando, um total de 53 mãos analisadas. Apresentaremos os resultados da avaliação subjetiva, obtidos através da aplicação de um teste de auto-avaliação chamado de questionário de Boston. Este questionário consiste em perguntas que avaliam a gravidade dos sintomas e o estado funcional no momento da aplicação do mesmo. Através da aplicação do referido questionário encontramos um escore de 1,41 ± 0,57 para gravidade dos sintomas e 1,59 ± 0,93 para o estado funcional. Como este questionário não foi aplicado no pré-operatório deste grupo de pacientes analisados, comparou-se a pontuação obtida com as encontradas na literatura pertinente. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as pontuações pós-operatórias são similares àquelas existentes na literatura, mesmo sendo referidas a tempos diferentes de seguimento pós-operatórios, concluindo que havendo uma melhora dos sintomas, o questionário de Boston é sensível a esta mudança clínica.

Between the years of 1995 and 1998, 112 surgeries were performed for treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) using the technique of palmar incision employing the Paine retinaculum. With the objective of analyzing results in the long-term, the patients were called for review. Forty four patients returned. From these, three patients were excluded due to associated diseases, thus resulting in a total of 53 hands assessed. Here we present the results of the subjective evaluation achieved by applying a self-assessment test called Boston questionnaire. This questionnaire consists of questions evaluating symptoms severity and functional status at the moment of its application. By applying this questionnaire, we found a score of 1.41 ± 0.57 for symptoms severity and of 1.59 ± 0.93 for functional status. As this questionnaire was not applied at the pre-operative period for those patients assessed, its scores were thus compared to those found in pertinent literature. The achieved results show that post-operative scores are similar to those described in literature, even when reported in different postoperative follow-up times, thereby concluding that when symptoms are improved, the Boston questionnaire is sensitive to that clinical change.

Reavaliação a longo prazo do tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo por incisão palmar e utilização do instrumento de Paine® / Carpal tunnel syndrome: reassessment of long-term outcomes with the use of the Paine® retinaculatome during surgery through a palmar incision

A síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) é a síndrome compressiva mais comum e a cirurgia de liberação do retináculo dos flexores uma das mais realizadas no mundo. Desde a via aberta clássica, mini-incisões até a endoscópica, o sucesso obtido com a cirurgia a curto prazo está bem estabelecido, porém os estudos a longo prazo ainda são escassos e avaliam, principalmente, sinais clínicos e sintomas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os pacientes tratados pela incisão palmar e utilização do instrumento de Paine® com no mínimo seis anos de pós-operatório (98 meses em média). Foram feitas avaliações pré e pós-operatórias da força de preensão palmar, polpa-polpa, lateral e tridigital utilizando um dinamômetro de pressão. A sensibilidade dos dedos foi mensurada por meio de monofilamentos de nylon. Foi observado que com o passar do tempo houve melhora da sensibilidade e a força se manteve inalterada.

Coalizäo carpal escafóide-trapézio sintomática: relato de caso / Symptomatic scaphotrapezius carpal coalition

Os autores descrevem caso de coalizäo carpal escafóide-trapézio sintomática. Este tipo de coalizÒo é raro e o tratamento cirúrgico com realizaçäo de artrodese triescafóide proporcionou diminuiçäo da amplitude articular com desaparecimento da dor.