New body surface indexes for germinal matrix: DIP joint extension boundary line and dorsal distal interphalangeal crease.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the proximal edge of the germinal matrix is essential to avoid injuries in the germinal matrix. The previous index such as terminal tendon insertion is not visible from the body surface. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the proximal edge of the germinal matrix and the body surface indexes by ultrasonographic measurements. METHODS: All participants underwent X-rays of the hand and were grouped based on the presence or absence of osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. The distance from the proximal edge of the germinal matrix to dorsal distal interphalangeal crease (parameter D1), and to ''DIP joint extension boundary line'' (parameter D2) were measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS: Thirty middle fingers of 24 patients were enrolled; 13 fingers were in control group and 17 fingers were in Heberden's node group. The average of parameter D1 was 6.17 mm (SD 1.12) in the control group (N = 13), and was 7.04 mm (SD 1.31) in Heberden's node group (N = 17) without significant difference. The DIP joint extension boundary line was not visible in 7 fingers with severe DIP joint osteoarthritis. The average of parameter D2 was 0.00 mm (SD 0.00) in the control group (N = 13), and was 0.04 mm (SD 0.13) in Heberden's node group (N = 10). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that DIP joint extension boundary line and dorsal distal interphalangeal crease are valuable indexes to predict the proximal edge of the germinal matrix from the body surface. Though the DIP joint extension boundary line was not visible in some cases, once it has been sighted, the line shows where the germinal matrix exactly is.

Questionnaire survey about the effects of new lifestyles during the pandemic of COVID-19 on upper limb diseases.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that emerged in 2019 and spread globally in 2020 has resulted in the imposition of lockdowns or a state of emergency in many cities worldwide. In Japan, a "new lifestyle" is being advocated. We hypothesize that the new lifestyle has changed people's use of their upper limbs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, through this questionnaire study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with exacerbation of symptoms during the pandemic and to investigate the current status of patients who require hand surgery. METHODS: This study was a prospective multi-center questionnaire survey. This study was conducted in Japan from December 2020 to July 2021 at university and general hospitals in nine prefectures. A questionnaire was administered to patients who visited a hospital with symptoms of nerve entrapment syndrome, osteoarthritis, or tenosynovitis. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients with a mean age of 63.8 years responded. The 240 patients who experienced exacerbation (exacerbated and markedly exacerbated) were compared with other patients (unchanged, improved, and markedly improved). An increase in the time spent on personal computers and smartphones was associated with exacerbation of hand symptoms. Patients who wanted to undergo surgery but were postponed due to COVID-19 accounted for 23.5% of the outpatients. The mean scores for pain, jitteriness, and anxious depression in these patients were significantly higher than those of patients who did not want surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that an increase in the time spent on personal computers and smartphones is associated with exacerbation of hand symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients who wanted to undergo surgery but were postponed by COVID-19 experienced greater pain, jitteriness, and anxious depression.

Evaluation of the first annular pulley stretch effect under isometric contraction of the flexor tendon in healthy volunteers and trigger finger patients using ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Isometric exercises for a flexed finger have been reported to be effective for treating trigger finger as the flexor tendon widens the space under the first annular (A1) pulley towards the palmar destination during the exercise. This study aimed to evaluate the structural changes during the A1 pulley stretch in healthy volunteers and patients with trigger finger using ultrasonography. METHODS: We enrolled 25 male and 14 female patients (39 middle fingers). The thickness of the subcutaneous tissue (parameter a), A1 pulley (parameter b), and the flexor tendon (parameter c) and the distance between the dorsal surface of the flexor tendon and the palmar surface of the metacarpal head (parameter d) were measured using ultrasonography of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger flexed at 45° at rest (pattern A) and under isometric contraction of the flexor tendon against an extension force of the proximal interphalangeal joint (pattern B). RESULTS: The average differences between patterns A and B in the healthy volunteers were 0.29 mm (parameter a; P = 0.02), 0.017 mm (parameter b; P = 0.63), 0.16 (parameter c; P = 0.26), and 0.41 (parameter d; P = 0.004), and those in patients with trigger finger were 0.22 mm (parameter a; P = 0.23), 0.019 mm (parameter b; P = 0.85), 0.03 mm (parameter c; P = 0.82), and 0.78 mm (parameter d; P < 0.001). The distance between the dorsal side of the A1 pulley and the palmar surface of the metacarpal head was also significantly increased by 0.57 mm (8.2%) in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001) and 0.81 mm (11%) in patients with trigger finger (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the space under the A1 pulley was expanded under isometric contraction of the flexor tendon. These findings support the effectiveness of pulley stretch exercises for the trigger finger condition.

Factors Associated With Surgical Intervention for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to analyze the initial clinical factors associated with surgical intervention for osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. METHODS: The study included patients who first visited our hand surgery clinic, were given the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint between May 2012 and January 2015, and were observed for more than 3 years. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to whether they had undergone surgery during the follow-up period. The following variables were extracted and included in a bivariate analysis: sex, age, age at onset, disease duration, dominant hand, pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and during use, night pain, Eaton classification, use of an orthosis, number of injections, tender area, range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength, Kapandji abduction index, palmar abduction distance, grind test results, CMC joint shape on radiographs, dorsal subluxation ratio, volar tilt of the metacarpal, presence or absence of ossicles, and the surgeon who recommended the surgery. Variables with P values less than .05 in the bivariate analysis were included in a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study included 80 thumbs of 48 patients. Pain scores at rest and during use, and the dorsal subluxation ratio were identified as factors significantly associated with surgical intervention in the bivariate analysis. The subsequent logistic regression analysis including these factors as explanatory variables also identified the VAS score at rest and dorsal subluxation ratio as significantly associated with surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The VAS score at rest and the dorsal subluxation ratio at the first clinical visit were associated with the likelihood of future surgical intervention within 3 years in patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb CMC joint. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Bone metastasis of limb segments: Is mesometastasis another poor prognostic factor of cancer patients?

OBJECTIVE: In contrast to acrometastasis, defined as bone metastasis to the hand or foot, the frequency and prognosis of bone metastasis of other limb segments remain unclear. To compare prognosis according to sites of bone metastasis, we defined two new terms in this study: 'mesometastasis' and 'rhizometastasis' as bone metastasis of 'forearm or lower leg' and 'arm or thigh', respectively. METHODS: A total of 539 patients who were registered to the bone metastasis database of The University of Tokyo Hospital from April 2012 to May 2016 were retrospectively surveyed. All patients who were diagnosed to have bone metastases in our hospital are registered to the database. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the most distal site of bone metastases: 'acrometastasis', 'mesometastasis', 'rhizometastasis' and 'body trunk metastasis'. RESULTS: The frequency of rhizometastasis (22.5%) or body trunk metastasis (73.1%) was significantly higher than that of acrometastasis (2.0%) or mesometastasis (2.4%). The median survival time after diagnosis of bone metastases for each group was as follows: 6.5 months in acrometastasis, 4.0 months in mesometastasis, 16 months in rhizometastasis, 17 months in body trunk metastasis and 16 months overall. In survival curve, there was a statistically significant difference between mesometastasis and body trunk metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that 'mesometastasis' could be another poor prognostic factor in cancer patients and that patients with mesometastasis should receive appropriate treatments according to their expected prognosis.

Prevalence of hand osteoarthritis and its relationship to hand pain and grip strength in Japan: The third survey of the ROAD study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence and pattern of hand osteoarthritis (HOA), and determine its relationship with grip strength and hand pain. METHODS: Among the participants of the third survey of the Research on Osteoarthritis/Osteoporosis Against Disability (ROAD) study, 507 Japanese men and 1028 Japanese women were included. Radiographs of both hands were graded for osteoarthritis (OA) using the modified Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale. HOA was defined as the presence of at least one affected joint. The absence or presence of subchondral erosion was also scored. RESULTS: The prevalence of HOA (KL grade ≥2) was 89.9% in men and 92.3% in women (p = 0.11), and it was significantly associated with age. OA in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was the highest overall. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and the residing area, both severity (KL grade ≥3) and erosion were significantly related to low grip strength and hand pain. With regard to the joint groups, severe OA in the DIP and first carpometacarpal joints were related to hand pain. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of radiographic HOA and a significant relationship between hand pain and the severity of HOA, in addition to erosion.

Treatment for complete extensor tendon rupture: A case report on extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis procedure to radius for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

The complete loss of finger extension leads to significant inconvenience in daily life and often requires surgical treatment. Despite some disadvantages, the Boyes method, which uses the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, is commonly performed for complete extensor rupture. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman living alone diagnosed with a subcutaneous rupture of all extensor tendons from the index to the little finger. The favourable range of motion of her wrist allowed us to perform extensor tenodesis. Additionally, the patient had a dislocated thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint, enabling us to use the extensor pollicis longus tendon for tendon transfer in combination with thumb IP joint fusion. The patient demonstrated favourable finger range-of-motion outcomes at the 6-month postoperative assessment. The case shows that extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis may be a viable treatment option for patients with complete extensor rupture accompanied by thumb IP joint deformity and normal wrist range of motion.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of displaced neurovascular bundle in Dupuytren disease.

PURPOSE: Neurovascular injury is a serious complication after surgery for Dupuytren disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cord and the neurovascular bundle ultrasonographically. METHODS: We included 22 healthy volunteers and 14 Dupuytren disease patients (25 fingers) in this study. We evaluated the cord and the digital artery with high-resolution ultrasound. We first investigated the effect of the angle of metacarpophalangeal joint on the position of the radial and ulnar digital arteries in volunteers without evidence of Dupuytren disease. We compared 3 parameters of the radial and ulnar digital arteries, including differences in depth, differences in lateral shift, and the shape of the cross-section of the artery, between volunteers and patients with Dupuytren disease. RESULTS: None of these parameters changed with flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint of 0°, 30°, and 60°. Digital arteries and cords could be identified ultrasonographically in all patients, and we confirmed ultrasonographic findings by operative findings in 13 fingers. We classified the fingers into 3 subgroups based on the ultrasonographic findings: type A (n = 13), in which the cord was above the artery; type B (n = 5), in which the cord was below the artery; and type C (n = 7), in which the cord was located between the radial and ulnar digital arteries. Types A, B, and C corresponded to natatory cord/abductor digiti minimi cord, spiral cord, and central cord, respectively. Comparisons among volunteers and patient subgroups showed that the difference in depth in type B patients was significantly larger than that of the other groups. When we set the cutoff point of the difference in depth to 3 mm, sensitivity and specificity to detect the spiral cord were 80% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between the neurovascular bundle and the type of Dupuytren disease cord can be evaluated by high-resolution ultrasound. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

Hand Grip Strength Differences in Geriatric Subjects with and without Hand Diseases.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of untreated hand diseases on hand grip strength, a value that is commonly used as a diagnostic parameter for sarcopenia and frailty in geriatric populations. We hypothesized that individuals with untreated hand diseases would have lower grip strength than those without hand diseases. Methods: A total of 240 individuals aged at least 65 years were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of typical hand diseases. Grip strength was compared between the two groups separately for men and women using a t-test, with each group consisting of 60 women or 60 men. Results: Both women and men in the hand disease group exhibited significantly lower grip strength than those in the control group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that untreated hand diseases have a negative impact on grip strength, and this may introduce bias in the screening or diagnosis of sarcopenia and frailty. It is essential to consider the presence of hand diseases when measuring hand grip strength in older adults.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the JHand for the Patient-Oriented Outcome Measure for Patients with Hand and Elbow Disorders.

The JHand is an easy-to-understand questionnaire that includes questions that exclude hand dominance. It was developed to evaluate patients with hand and elbow disorders. However, JHand has not been translated and validated in the Turkish language. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the culturally adapted Turkish version of the JHand for Turkish patients. A total of 262 patients were included in the study. JHand, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, and Hand20 were used to evaluate patients. Internal consistency and test-retest analyses were applied to determine the reliability of the Turkish version of the JHand. Confirmatory factor analysis and similar scale validity were used to determine its validity. The Turkish version of the JHand showed high levels of internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability (Cronbach α = 0.907, ICC = 0.923). The model fit indices of the Turkish version of the JHand had good and acceptable fit with reference values. Statistically positive and very strong correlations were found between JHand and DASH (r = .825, p < .001) as well as the JHand and Hand20 (r = .846, p < .001). The Turkish version of the JHand had excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability as well as a high level of validity.

Fungal arthritis of the wrist caused by Candida parapsilosis during infliximab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

A 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, who had been treated with infliximab, presented with uncontrollable wrist arthritis. Fungal arthritis caused by Candida parapsilosis was confirmed by examining her aspirated joint fluid. Her infliximab therapy was interrupted, and antifungal therapy with fluconazole was started. After the fungal infection had been ameliorated, surgical debridement and arthrodesis of the wrist joint were conducted, and her symptoms completely resolved. Although fungal arthritis is rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of exacerbated monoarthritis in patients treated with biological agents.

Risk factors for residual pain after ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition on osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint.

BACKGROUND: Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is currently the most performed procedure for osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. In general, satisfactory outcomes are expected, although some patients complain of residual pain after LRTI. The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with residual pain. METHOD: All patients with OA of the thumb CMC joint who underwent LRTI at our hospital between October 2013 and October 2018 and were regularly observed for at least 1 year were included. The following variables were extracted and included in the univariate analysis: sex, age, dominant hand, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, Eaton classification, grip strength, pulp pinch strength, and metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension angle were recorded as variables. Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test was used for univariate analysis of the above factors, and then multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the factors associated with residual pain. RESULTS: The study included 60 thumbs of 53 patients. Eleven thumbs had postoperative residual pain. The surgery on the dominant hand was significantly associated with the presence of postoperative residual pain, especially in males. CONCLUSIONS: Dominant hand was associated with residual pain after LRTI for OA of the thumb CMC joint, although residual pain was minimal. Our findings will help in preoperative and postoperative counseling of patients. In the future, our results may also help select surgical procedures according to the patient's characteristics.

Wrist Contracture Caused by Adhesion of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Tendon after Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report.

Although distal radius fractures are common, wrist contracture caused by an extra-articular lesion after a distal radius fracture is seldom reported. We report a rare case of wrist contracture caused by adhesion of extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon after distal radius fracture. The patient was successfully treated with tenolysis of the ECRB tendon.

Diagnostic prediction of COVID-19 based on clinical and radiological findings in a relatively low COVID-19 prevalence area.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia from other lung diseases is often difficult, especially in a highly comorbid patient population in a low prevalence region. We aimed to distinguish clinical data and computed tomography (CT) images between COVID-19 and other lung diseases in an advanced care hospital. METHODS: We assessed clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and chest CT images of patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients who were suspected of having COVID-19 between February 20 and May 21, 2020, at the University of Tokyo Hospital. RESULTS: Typical appearance for COVID-19 on CT images were found in 24 of 29 COVID-19 cases and 21 of 168 non-COVID-19 cases, according to the Radiological Society of North America Expert Consensus Statement (for predicting COVID-19, sensitivity 0.828, specificity 0.875, positive predictive value 0.533, negative predictive value 0.967). When we focused on cases with typical CT images, loss of taste or smell, and close contact with COVID-19 patients were exclusive characteristics for the COVID-19 cases. Among laboratory data, high fibrinogen (P < 0.01) and low white blood cell count (P < 0.01) were good predictors for COVID-19 with typical CT images in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In a relatively low prevalence region, CT screening has high sensitivity to COVID-19 in patients with suspected symptoms. When chest CT findings are typical for COVID-19, close contact, loss of taste or smell, lower white blood cell count, and higher fibrinogen are good predictors for COVID-19.

The effects of platelet-rich plasma on bone marrow stromal cell transplants for tendon healing in vitro.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow-derived stromal cell (BMSC)-seeded interposition in an in vitro canine tendon repair model. METHODS: Bone marrow, peripheral blood, and tendons were harvested from mixed-breed dogs. Bone marrow-derived stromal cells were cultured and passaged from adherent cells of bone marrow suspension. Platelet-rich plasma was purified from peripheral blood using a commercial kit. A total of 192 flexor digitorum profundus tendons were used for the study. Tendons repaired with a simple suture were used as a control group. In treatment groups, a collagen gel patch was interposed at the tendon repair site before suture. There were 3 treatment groups, according to the type of collagen patch: a patch with PRP, a patch with BMSC, and a patch with PRP and BMSC. The repaired tendons were evaluated by biomechanical testing and by histological survey after 2 and 4 weeks in tissue culture. To evaluate viability, cells were labeled with PKH26 red fluorescent cell linker (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) and surveyed under confocal microscopy after culture. RESULTS: The maximum breaking strength and stiffness of the healing tendons with the BMSC-seeded PRP patch were significantly higher than those of the healing tendons without a patch or with a cell-seeded patch (p < .02). Viable BMSCs were present at both 2 and 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet-rich plasma enhanced the effect of BMSC-seeded collagen gel interposition in this in vitro model. Based on these results, we now plan to investigate this effect in vivo.

Development of a patient-oriented outcome measure for patients with hand and elbow disorder: HandQ.

PURPOSE: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) is the most widely used patient-oriented outcome measure for the upper extremities in the world, and high reliability and validity of it has already been confirmed. However, there are several problems with using the DASH, some of which are culturally related. We aimed to (1) develop a patient-oriented disease-specific outcome measure for patients with disorders of the hand and elbow, which we call the HandQ and (2) examine the practical applicability, reliability, and validity of the HandQ for any patient with disorders of the hand and elbow. METHODS: A total of 216 patients were surveyed with the HandQ, as well as the Hand20 and the DASH to assess psychometric characteristics. RESULTS: There were no considerable floor and ceiling effects regarding the total HandQ score. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.942) and Cronbach's α test (0.961) were excellent. The HandQ was well correlated with the Hand20 and the DASH scores. Scree plot showed unidimensionality of the HandQ, and the graphical model showed the questionnaire items of the HandQ had reasonable correlation among each item. CONCLUSIONS: The HandQ has a sufficient reliability and internal consistency, and an excellent validity, and was shown to be able to be practically applicable in all patients with hand and elbow disorders.

Robust Suture Combination for Rat Flexor Tendon Repair Model.

Purpose: We aimed to develop a rat flexor tendon repair model that could be applied to experiments in similar clinical settings. Methods: We prepared 3 different combinations of sutures in rat flexor tendons: group A had 3 single peripheral sutures plus a 2-strand core suture; group B had 3 figure-of-eight peripheral sutures alone; and group C had 3 figure-of-eight peripheral sutures plus a 2-strand core suture. We examined the in vitro tensile strength of the repaired tendons by a biomechanical test, the rerupture rate within 3 weeks, and histological findings in vivo. Results: Group C displayed the greatest ultimate strength by the mechanical test. The flexor tendons in group C did not rerupture within 3 weeks after surgery, whereas many of those in groups A and B reruptured. Fibrous scar tissue was observed in the gap of the tendon stumps in groups A and B, but not in group C. Conclusions: The combination of figure-of-eight peripheral sutures and a 2-strand core suture provided the repaired rat flexor tendon with enough strength to prevent rerupture without cast fixation or immobilization after surgery. Clinical relevance: This combination of sutures is useful to reproduce flexor tendon repair similar to that performed in clinical settings and will contribute to various translational experiments in vivo.

Blood Glucose Control Strategy for Type 2 Diabetes Patients With COVID-19.

Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus has spread all over the world affecting tens of millions of people. Another pandemic affecting the modern world, type 2 diabetes mellitus is among the major risk factors for mortality from COVID-19. Current evidence, while limited, suggests that proper blood glucose control may help prevent exacerbation of COVID-19 even in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Under current circumstances where the magic bullet for the disease remains unavailable, it appears that the role of blood glucose control cannot be stressed too much. In this review the profile of each anti-diabetic agent is discussed in relation to COVID-19.

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: case report.

We report a case of rupture of the EPL tendon that occurred in a patient with trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. We assume that the rupture was secondary to attrition caused by a bony protrusion of advanced trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.