The serious full-length forearm injury - a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Among upper limb injuries, carpal bone fractures and dislocation, Essex-Lopresti injury, and the terrible triad injury of the elbow are serious and relatively rare injuries. These injuries require surgical intervention. The surgical method is difficult, and the treatment effect is poor. These injuries have not been described in the same limb in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old male patient fell from a height in our institution and sustained multiple injuries, including carpal bone fracture-dislocation, Essex-Lopresti injury, and the terrible triad injury of the elbow of his right upper limb. After 2 surgeries and rehabilitation, he returned to work. We reviewed available reviews and related literature on serious upper-limb damage. CONCLUSIONS: Full-length forearm injury is very rarely encountered, and the management of such fractures is difficult. Radial head replacement with a metal prosthesis, reconstructed the IOM with Tightrope, and fixed the DRUJ with a K-wire pin is appropriate treatment.

Recovery of strength after reduced pediatric fractures of the forearm, wrist or hand; A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The way strength recovers after reduction of pediatric fractures of the upper extremity has not previously been the specific scope of research. This is remarkable, since strength measurements are often used as an outcome measure in studies on trauma of the upper extremity. The aim of this study was to evaluate how strength recovers after sustainment of fractures of the forearm, wrist or hand treated by closed or open reduction in children and adolescents in the first 6 months after trauma. How much strength is lost at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after trauma, and is this loss significant? Are there differences in the pattern of recovery between children who underwent a different treatment? And finally, which of the following factors are associated with an increase in the ratio between affected grip strength and expected strength: type of fracture, cast immobilization, occurrence of complications, and degree of pain? DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents aged 4-18 years with a reduced fracture of the forearm, wrist or hand. METHODS: Grip strength, key grip and three-jaw chuck grip were measured twice in each hand 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after trauma. Details on fracture type and location, treatment received, cast immobilization and complications were obtained. Hand-dominance and pain were verbally confirmed. RESULTS: Loss of strength was more prominent and prolonged the more invasive the treatment, hence most extensive in the group receiving open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF), intermediate in the group receiving closed reduction with percutaneous pinning (CRIF), and least extensive in the group undergoing closed reduction without internal fixation (CR). Besides time passed, gender and age were of significant influence on strength, although there was no difference in pattern of recovery over time between children who received a different treatment. In the period of 6 weeks to 3 months after trauma, female gender, type of fracture sustained and occurrence of an unwanted event were associated with an increased ratio between affected and expected grip strength. For the later phase of recovery, between 3 and 6 months, this was only true for the occurrence of an unwanted event.

Retalho interósseo posterior reverso do antebraço para o tratamento cirúrgico do trauma elétrico da mão: relato de caso / Reverse posterior interosseous flap of the forearm for the surgical treatment of electric hand trauma: Case report

Introdução: Lesões que acometem as mãos com importante perda cutânea frequentemente requerem retalhos para cobertura precoce, visto que permitem melhor reabilitação. Dentre as opções, o retalho interósseo posterior reverso do antebraço é o mais utilizado para defeitos no dorso da mão e punho, com baixas taxas de complicações. Normalmente, esse retalho não é utilizado para a reconstrução de defeitos em região palmar, já que geralmente não alcança esse local. Relato de caso: Apresentamos o caso de um paciente com queimadura elétrica de terceiro grau, em palma da mão direita, cuja reconstrução foi realizada com o uso do retalho interósseo posterior reverso do antebraço, após debridamentos conservadores, no 14o dia após a queimadura. O paciente apresentou boa evolução pós-operatória, sem complicações ou sequelas funcionais a longo prazo. Conclusão: O retalho interósseo posterior reverso do antebraço permite cobertura adequada de lesões em palma da mão, preservando sua funcionalidade.

Introduction: Lesions affecting the hands with significant skin loss often require flaps for early coverage, as these permit faster healing. Among the various options, the reverse posterior interosseous flap of the forearm is most commonly used for defects involving the back of the hand and wrist due to low complication rates. Normally, this flap is not used for the reconstruction of defects in the palmar region since its distal reach is insufficient. Case report: We present the case of a male patient with third-degree electrical burns on his right palm, whose reconstruction was performed on the 14th day postinjury using the reverse posterior interosseous flap of the forearm after conservative debridement. The patient presented good postoperative evolution, without long-term complications or functional sequelae. Conclusion: The reverse posterior interosseous flap of the forearm permits adequate coverage of palm injuries, preserving its functionality.

Long-term results of elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.

Since its introduction by Metaizeau and Prevot, elastic-stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has been used for almost all diaphyseal fractures in children. Here, we present a retrospective study analyzing the long-term results of ESIN of forearm fractures in children.A total of 122 patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures and single subtypes in childhood were treated from 2000 to 2007 at our University Hospital by ESIN. At follow-up, the current conditions of the patients were evaluated using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Score, and the Mayo Wrist score. Moreover, an individual questionnaire with 16 items was used to collect further information about the patient's condition and limitations as adults.The evaluation was performed at 12.4 years (average) after surgery. In our study population (n = 90), the average DASH scores for sports, performing arts, and work were 0.4 (standard deviation: 1.45), 0.9 (standard deviation: 5.68), and 0.3 (standard deviation: 7.39), respectively. Furthermore, 77% of our patients achieved a DASH Score of 0 (optimum outcome). The average Mayo Wrist Score was 97.64 (standard deviation: 7.39), and 82% of the study population achieved a score of 100 (optimum outcome). A correlation between the DASH and Mayo Wrist Scores was found in few patients. Overall, the DASH Score, Mayo Wrist Score, and results of our individual questionnaire demonstrated convincing point values.This study demonstrated favorable long-term results achieved by ESIN of forearm fractures in children. It seems that good outcomes, reported by various studies with short- to mid-term follow-up beforehand, do not deteriorate over time.Level of Evidence: Level III; retrospective study; therapeutic study.

Quality of life for up to 18 months after low-energy hip, vertebral, and distal forearm fractures-results from the ICUROS.

This study used data from the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic fractures Study (ICUROS) to estimate the quality of life (QoL) impact of fracture. Hip, vertebral, and distal forearm fractures incur substantial QoL losses. Hip and vertebral fracture results in markedly impaired QoL for at least 18 months. INTRODUCTION: The International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic fractures Study (ICUROS) is a multinational observational study that aims to describe costs and quality of life (QoL) consequences of osteoporotic fractures. To date, 11 countries have participated in the study: Australia, Austria, Estonia, France, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Russia, Spain, the UK, and the USA. The objective of this paper is to describe the QoL impact of hip, vertebral, and distal forearm fracture. METHODS: Data were collected at four time-points for five QoL point estimates: within 2 weeks after fracture (including pre-fracture recall) and at 4, 12, and 18 months after fracture. Quality of life was measured as health state utility values (HSUVs) derived from the EQ-5D-3L. Complete case analysis was conducted as the base case with available case and multiple imputation performed as sensitivity analyses. Multivariate analysis was performed to explore predictors of QoL impact of fracture. RESULTS: Among 5456 patients enrolled using convenience sampling, 3021 patients were eligible for the base case analysis (1415 hip, 1047 distal forearm, and 559 vertebral fractures). The mean (SD) difference between HSUV before and after fracture for hip, vertebral, and distal forearm fracture was estimated at 0.89 (0.40), 0.67 (0.45), and 0.48 (0.34), respectively (p < 0.001 for all fracture types). Eighteen months after fracture, mean HSUVs were lower than before the fracture in patients with hip fracture (0.66 vs. 0.77 p < 0.001) and vertebral fracture (0.70 vs. 0.83 p < 0.001). Hospitalization and higher recalled pre-fracture QoL were associated with increased QoL impact for all fracture types. CONCLUSIONS: Hip, vertebral, and distal forearm fractures incur substantial loss in QoL and for patients with hip or vertebral fracture, QoL is markedly impaired for at least 18 months.

Differing trends in fall-related fracture and non-fracture injuries in older people with and without dementia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of dementia on the trends in fall-related fracture and non-fracture injuries for older people. METHODS: Individuals aged ≥65years who were admitted to a NSW hospital for at least an over-night stay for a fall-related injury from 2003 to 2012 were identified. Age-standardised hospitalisation rates, length of stay, access to in-hospital rehabilitation, 30-day and 1-year mortality were examined. Annual percentage change (PAC) over time was calculated using negative binomial regression. RESULTS: Of the 228,628 fall-related injury hospitalisations, 20.6% were for people with dementia. People with dementia were more likely to be admitted with a hip fracture, and less likely to be admitted with a fracture of the forearm/wrist, and received less in-hospital rehabilitation than people without dementia. Fall-related hip-fracture rates for people with dementia decreased by 4.2% (95%CI -5.6 to -2.7, p<0.001) per annum; there was no change over time for people without dementia (PAC-0.2%; 95%CI -0.8 to 0.5, p=0.643). Rates for other fractures decreased by 1.2% (95%CI -1.9 to -0.5, p<0.001) per annum in people with dementia, while rates increased by 2.2% (95%CI 1.9-2.5, p<0.001) for people without dementia. By contrast, non-fracture injuries including traumatic brain injury increased significantly for both people with and without dementia. CONCLUSION: Rates of fall-related fracture and non-fracture hospitalisations for people with dementia remain higher than for those without dementia. However, fall-related fracture hospitalisation rates have decreased for people with dementia, while there has not been a corresponding decrease in people without dementia.

The effectiveness of exercise for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand: a systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise compared to other interventions, placebo/sham intervention, or no intervention in improving self-rated recovery, functional recovery, clinical, and/or administrative outcomes in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1990 to 2015. Paired reviewers independently screened studies for relevance and assessed the risk of bias using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. We synthesized the evidence using the best evidence synthesis methodology. RESULTS: We identified 5 studies with a low risk of bias. Our review suggests that, for patients with persistent lateral epicondylitis, (1) adding concentric or eccentric strengthening exercises to home stretching exercises provides no additional benefits; (2) a home program of either eccentric or concentric strengthening exercises leads to similar outcomes; (3) home wrist extensor strengthening exercises lead to greater short-term improvements in pain reduction compared to "wait and see"; and (4) clinic-based, supervised exercise may be more beneficial than home exercises with minimal improvements in pain and function. For hand pain of variable duration, supervised progressive strength training added to advice to continue normal physical activity provides no additional benefits. CONCLUSION: The relative effectiveness of stretching vs strengthening for the wrist extensors remains unknown for the management of persistent lateral epicondylitis. The current evidence shows that the addition of supervised progressive strength training does not provide further benefits over advice to continue normal physical activity for hand pain of variable duration.

Reconstrucción de antebrazo con colgajo DIEP. Caso clínico / DIEP flap for forearm reconstruction. Case report

Las heridas complejas del antebrazo con fracturas asociadas y pérdida circunferencial de piel, suponen un doble reto reconstructivo. Mostramos el tratamiento de una paciente con lesiones combinadas en el miembro superior tras atrapamiento por rodillos fríos industriales mediante el uso de un colgajo libre de perforante del eje epigástrico inferior profundo (DIEP), tras tratamiento de la fractura articular de la extremidad distal de radio guiado por artroscopia. Conseguimos la estabilización de las fracturas y la cobertura completa del defecto. El colgajo DIEP permite la cobertura de áreas extensas con escasa morbilidad en la zona donante y con un correcto resultado estético (AU)

Complex injuries in upper limb like fractures and forearm circumferential skin loss involving are a double reconstructive challenge. We show a case management in a patient with combined injuries in the upper limb because of entrapment by industrial rollers, using deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap (DIEP) after treatment of an articular fracture of distal radius guided by arthroscopy. Was achieved stabilization of fractures and complete coverage of the defect, with good acceptance of the donor site by the patient. DIEP flap provides coverage for large areas with low morbidity and good aesthetic result (AU)

[Investigation of the relationship between severity of injury, return to work, impairment, and activity participation in hand and forearm injuries]. / El ve önkol yaralanmalarinda yaralanma ciddiyeti ile ise geri dönüs, bozukluk, aktivite ve katilim arasindaki iliskinin incelenmesi.

BACKGROUND: Forearm and hand injuries are the main cause of work-related disability. This study was planned to investigate the relationship between severity of injury, time of return to work, impairment, and activity participation of patients with hand and forearm injuries. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients who had patients who had had forearm or hand injuries with a mean age of 31±11.13 years participated in this study. Injury severity was evaluated using Modified Hand and Forearm Injury Severity Scoring (MHISS) after surgery. Patients were evaluated using the Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT) and Buck-Gramko scoring eight weeks after injury. Additionally, grip strength was evaluated with a dynamometer, and disability/symptom score was evaluated using the Turkish version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH-T) questionnaire twelve weeks after injury. RESULTS: A significant relationship between MHISS, hand strength, time of return to work, DASH-T, and Buck-Gramko scores of patients with forearm and hand injuries was identified (p≤0.05). Higher impairment was significantly related to body structure and body functions (1.86±1.47), and the most limited activity was writing (2.06±1.50) regarding ICF framework. CONCLUSION: Higher MHISS scores were associated with delays in returning to work and lower activity participation. The DASH-T score was the most strongly associated with time of return to work. Furthermore, there is a positive relation between time of return to work and activity participation of patients.

Rehabilitation of a patient following hand replantation after near-complete distal forearm amputation.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: Reports of comprehensive rehabilitation following hand replantation are limited. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To describe hand therapy of a patient following hand replantation. METHODS: Right hand dominant 55 year-old male assessed 9 days following left hand replantation to treat distal forearm amputation. Patient presented with dorsal blocking orthotic. Initial status: AROM digits and thumb 0-20° extension, 0-40° flexion; absent light touch sensation; 0-1/5 hand strength. Patient underwent 70 hand therapy sessions over 13 months focusing on A/PROM, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and modalities to address functional limitations. RESULTS: Hand therapy discharge status: AROM digits and thumb form composite fist, thumb opposition to digit 3, light touch sensation (monofilament) 4.03 (digits 2, 4) and 4.17 (digits 1, 3, 5); 3- to 4-/5 hand strength. DISCUSSION: Hand therapy allowed for near complete functional return of the hand following replantation. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive Hand therapy aided restoration of adequate sensation and strength for functional use of the replanted hand. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Repair of complete nerve lacerations at the forearm: an outcome study using Rosén-Lundborg protocol.

A comparison of outcomes based on a scoring system for assessments, described by Rosén and Lundborg, after sharp complete laceration of median and/or ulnar nerves at various levels in the forearm was carried out. There were 66 males (90.4%) and 7 females (9.6%), with a mean age of 31 years (range: 14-62 years). The patients were categorized into three groups according to the type of nerve injury. The median nerve was injured in 25 cases (group M, 34.3%), the ulnar in 27 (group U, 36.9%), and both the nerves in 21 (group MU, 28.8%). The demographic data of the patients and the mechanism of injury were recorded. We also examined the employment status at the time of the injury and we estimated the percentage of patients who returned to their work after trauma. In all cases, a primary epineural repair was performed. Concomitant injuries were repaired in the same setting. The mean period of time between injury and surgery was 5.3 hours (range: 2-120 hours). A rehabilitation protocol and a reeducation program were followed in all cases. The mean follow-up was 3 years (range: 2-6 years), with more distal injuries having a shorter follow-up period. The total score was 2.71 in group M (range: 0.79-2.99) and 2.63 in group U (range: 0.63-3), with no significant differences observed. There was a significant difference between these two groups and group MU (total score 2.03, range: 0.49-2.76, P = 0.02). Up to the last follow-up, 61 patients (83.5%) had returned to their previous work. The Rosén-Lundborg model can be a useful and simple tool for the evaluation of the functional outcome after nerve injury and repair temporally reflecting the processes of regeneration and reinnervation.

Reparación de las lesiones nerviosas en el antebrazo con tubo de silicona. Resultados clínicos a largo plazo / Repair of nerve injuries in the forearm using a silicone tube. Long-term clinical results

Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar los resultados motores y sensitivos obtenidos tras la reparación de los nervios mixtos del antebrazo con tubo de silicona. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 14 pacientes afectos de 16 lesiones de los troncos nerviosos en el antebrazo (7 medianos, 7 cubitales, 1 rama radial sensitiva, 1 rama cutánea dorsal cubital) en los que se realizó neurorrafia directa con tubo de silicona. En 11 pacientes existieron lesiones asociadas arteriales y tendinosas. Se realizó reparación secundaria en tres casos y primaria en los 13 restantes, dos de ellos durante un reimplante de miembro superior. La valoración se realizó mediante la escala de funcional descrita por Chanson. Resultados: Con un seguimiento medio de 24 meses y excluyendo dos casos que afectaban únicamente a ramos sensitivos, se obtuvieron un 64% de buenos o muy buenos resultados, 24% de resultados regulares y un caso de mal resultado. En 6 casos se retiró el tubo, por tumoración palpable no dolorosa en la zona de inserción en 4 pacientes, por la existencia de clínica compresiva y por herniación de los extremos nerviosos en el interior del tubo en otro. En todos los casos se pudo comprobar la restitución macroscópica de la estructura nerviosa. Conclusiones: El uso del tubo de silicona en la reparación de lesiones agudas, subagudas y crónicas de nervios periféricos en el antebrazo parece aportar buenos resultados en la mayoría de los casos, con restauración macroscópica de la anatomía del nervio y restitución de la función (AU)

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate motor and sensory results obtained after reconstruction of peripheral nerve injuries in the forearm, using silicone tubes. Methods: A series of 16 injuries of forearm nerves (7 median, 7 ulnar, 1 radial sensory branch, 1 dorsal ulnar cutaneous branch) repaired with use of direct neurorraphy through a silicon tube were retrospectively studied. Eleven patients suffered associated arterial and tendinous injuries. Secondary nerve repair was performed in 3 cases and primary repair in 13, two of them in the context of re-implant of the upper limb. The series was evaluated using the functional scale described by Chanson. Results: At a mean follow-up of 24 months, and having 2 cases excluded due to isolated injury of sensory branches, we obtained a 64% of good or excellent results, 28% of satisfactory results and 1 bad result. The tube was removed in 6 cases; 4 due to palpable painless tumour in the site of insertion, a case with compression symptoms after complete nerve function restoration and another that showed herniation of the stumps. In 5 cases the macroscopic restoration of the nerve was verified at the time of tube removal. Conclusion: The use of silicone tubes in the reconstruction of acute, subacute and chronic nerve injuries in the forearm seems to give good results in most of the cases, with macroscopic anatomy restitution of the nerve and good functional recovery (AU)

[Diametaphyseal forearm fracture in childhood. Pitfalls and recommendations for treatment]. / Die diametaphysäre Unterarmfraktur im Kindesalter. Pitfalls und Empfehlungen in der Behandlung.

The optimal treatment for fractures in the diametaphyseal transition zone of the forearm is still a matter of debate. Stable fractures should be immobilized or treated by closed reduction when non-tolerably displaced. Unstable and displaced fractures can be treated by various operative techniques, which are all characterized by technical impracticability or disadvantages for the patient. In younger patients transepiphyseal intramedullary K-wire fixation represents a minimally invasive, quick and technically easy treatment option but requires additional immobilisation. In adolescent patients volar locking plate osteosynthesis constitutes an immobilisation-free treatment option, but is combined with high invasiveness. Percutaneous K-wire fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing may lead to poor results in the diametaphyseal region due to technical or biomechanical problems associated with the implant. The external fixator is indicated in some multifragmentary fractures. The choice of treatment option often results from an individual decision based on the patient's age, complexity and stability of the fracture and interest of the patient. The priority objective of all treatment modalities is a fully functional upper extremity, i.e. full range of motion.

Occupational therapy interventions for work-related injuries and conditions of the forearm, wrist, and hand: a systematic review.

A systematic review of the literature related to effective occupational therapy interventions in rehabilitation of individuals with work-related forearm, wrist, and hand injuries and illnesses was conducted as part of the Evidence-Based Literature Review Project of the American Occupational Therapy Association. This review provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of 36 studies that addressed many of the interventions commonly used in hand rehabilitation. Findings reveal that the use of occupation-based activities has reasonable yet limited evidence to support its effectiveness. This review supports the premise that many client factors can be positively affected through the use of several commonly used occupational therapy-related modalities and methods. The implications for occupational therapy practice, research, and education and limitations of reviewed studies are also discussed.

Interosseous membrane reconstruction for forearm longitudinal instability.

Forearm longitudinal instability results from an axial load to the forearm with fracture or dislocation of the radial head and disruption of the interosseous membrane and that of the distal radioulnar joint. Patients may present in the acute or chronic setting with radioulnar instability as manifested by persistent or new forearm discomfort and wrist and elbow pain. Reconstruction of the interosseous membrane has been described to restore longitudinal forearm stability. We describe reconstruction of the central band of the interosseous membrane with a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft. This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with radial head fixation or replacement and TFCC repair in the acute setting or ulnar shortening osteotomy in late presenting cases.

Pronation and supination after forearm fractures in children: Reliability of visual estimation and conventional goniometry measurement.

BACKGROUND: Forearm fractures are common amongst children and often result in limited rotational function. In daily practice, pronation and supination of the arm are often visually estimated or measured using a conventional goniometer. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of these two methods in paediatric patients who had previously sustained a forearm fracture. METHODS: Intra- and interrater reliability of visual estimation and conventional goniometry were determined in 47 children who had previously sustained a forearm fracture. RESULTS: Intra- and interrater reliability of visual estimation and conventional goniometry was fair to excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging between 0.75 and 0.94. In addition, the overall goniometer data consistently showed lower smallest detectable differences (SDDs) compared to the visual estimation data, also indicating better reliability for the goniometer method. CONCLUSIONS: A conventional goniometer is an easy, fast and reliable method to determine the pronation and supination in a child who had sustained a forearm fracture. If an uncooperative child hinders the measurement, visual estimation is a good second choice. Measurements are more reliable when repeated by the same professional.

Patient rehabilitation following hand transplantation at forearm distal third level.

The results of hand transplantations in terms of both graft survival (49/52, i.e. 94.3%) and hand function recovery are very inspiring. The degree of functional recovery is similar to that achieved after hand replantation at the same level. With regard to function recovery, the most favorable level of replantation seems to be the distal third of the forearm, with 75% of hand transplantations performed at this level. The aim of this paper was to present the process of limb rehabilitation following a hand transplantation at the level of the forearm's distal third. The recipient, a 29-year-old male, lost his right dominant hand 6 years before the operation in a drum flaker accident. The donor was a 52-year-old female. The limb was transplanted in a standard manner, with an uneventful postoperative period. The multidirectional rehabilitation focused on motor and sensory function as well as the recipient's psychological status. First passive finger movements were introduced on postoperative day 2, followed by assisted active movements from day 21 post-transplant onwards, and from day 28 we implemented exercises with an outrigger extension splint. Favorable hand position positioning was ensured by changing ortheses frequently. Motor rehabilitation relied on Perfetti's visual-motor training (from d 28 p-op.) together with continuous passive motion (Artromot F device). We also used electrical stimulation of the nerve trunks and intrinsic muscles of the hand as well as discrimination exercises of tactile sensation. The rehabilitation process was very similar to the one we use in patients after limb replantation. We assessed the motor and sensory functions of the grafted limb as very good despite diminished muscle strength, which does not affect the general functional result. The recipient adapted perfectly to living with a transplanted limb. The outcomes achieved by the hand transplant recipient confirm the need of early and multidirectional rehabilitation.

One-bone forearm reconstruction procedure as salvage operation after severe upper extremity trauma: a case report.

An industrial worker in his early 20s sustained a severe injury to the right dominant upper extremity: fracture, inversion, and complete devascularization of the ulna; transection of the median nerve, the radial artery, and almost all flexor tendons of the hand and fingers; loss of all extensor muscles; and transection of the biceps and brachialis muscles at the elbow. Treatment consisted of conversion to one-bone forearm, immediate reconstruction of the biceps and brachialis muscles and of all flexor tendons of the hand, repair of the radial artery and median nerve and late tendon transfer for extension of the wrist and fingers. Two and a half years after injury, the patient had full flexion and extension of the elbow, full extension but limited flexion of the wrist, and full flexion and extension of the fingers.

The impact of incident fractures on health-related quality of life: 5 years of data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study.

UNLABELLED: Using prospective data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos), we compared health utilities index (HUI) scores after 5 years of follow-up among participants (50 years and older) with and without incident clinical fractures. Incident fractures had a negative impact on HUI scores over time. INTRODUCTION: This study examined change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) in those with and without incident clinical fractures as measured by the HUI. METHODS: The study cohort was 4,820 women and 1,783 men (50 years and older) from the CaMos. The HUI was administered at baseline and year 5. Participants were sub-divided into incident fracture groups (hip, rib, spine, forearm, pelvis, other) and were compared with those without these fractures. The effects of both time and fracture type on HUI scores were examined in multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: Men and women with hip fractures, compared to those without, had lower HUI measures that ranged from -0.05 to -0.25. Both women and men with spine fractures had significant deficits on the pain attributes (-0.07 to -0.12). In women, self-care (-0.06), mobility and ambulation (-0.05) were also negatively impacted. Women with rib fractures had deficits similar to women with spine fractures, and these effects persisted over time. In men, rib fractures did not significantly affect HUI scores. Pelvic and forearm fractures did not substantially influence HUI scores. CONCLUSION: The HUI was a sensitive measure of HRQL change over time. These results will inform economic analyses evaluating osteoporosis therapies.

A study to examine patient adherence to wearing 24-hour forearm thermoplastic splints after tendon repairs.

Adherence is believed to be essential in ensuring a successful clinical outcome. There is a paucity of research available investigating adherence and the effect of nonadherence in hand therapy. This study was conducted to investigate adherence relating to acute hand flexor and extensor tendon injuries. This exploratory descriptive study used a self-report questionnaire. Eighty subjects were recruited four weeks after flexor or extensor tendon repair to complete the anonymous questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the patient group profile. Chi-square test was used to determine any associations between patient profile and adherence. Seventy-six questionnaires were completed and this constitutes a return rate of 95%. Sixty-seven percent of patients reportedly removed their splints, commonly to wash and dress. No significant correlation (p < or = 0.0001) was found between patient profile and nonadherence. Two thirds (67%) of patients report to being nonadherent to their splinting regime, removing their splint after flexor and extensor tendon repairs.