OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF COMPLEX COMMINUTED HAND BONE FRACTURES BY APPLYING THE LACING METHOD (A CLINICAL CASE STUDY).

Complex comminuted hand injuries are an urgent medical and social problem of national health systems, which is especially sensitive for countries with a low level of socio-economic development. The work aims to substantiate the effectiveness and safety of the shoelace method of hand bone osteosynthesis in complex comminuted fractures (a clinical case study). Clinical case: A 42-year-old female patient was admitted to the clinic with complaints of the presence of a crushed wound on the 2nd finger of the left hand. The shoelace method was applied for hand bone osteosynthesis. The surgical intervention time was 24 minutes, and the time before returning to work or daily activities equaled 7.1 weeks. The time to bone fusion was less than 45 days. The shoelace osteosynthesis method in complex comminuted fractures of the hand bones has prospects for modern clinical practice with the possibility of improving the performance and safety indicators.

Treatment of open fractures of the hand in the emergency department.

Current guidelines suggest early surgical treatment of open fractures. This rule in open hand fractures is not well supported and may be unpractical. Furthermore, desirable debridement and washout can be obtained in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of contamination, quality of washout in the emergency room, and the development of infection. Sixty-one patients with open fractures of the hand were retrospectively reviewed for demographic and fracture characteristics, and other complications. The infection rate was 14.8%. Contamination was present in 43 patients (70.5%). One thousand milliliters or more were used to obtain a grossly clean wound in 43 patients (70.5%). No significant relationship was found between fracture type, finger involved, hand dominance, comorbidities, and development of infection. The amount of fluid used for washout was significantly related to infection (P = 0.047), whereas wound contamination was not (P = 0.259). Type of oral antibiotic was significantly related to infection (P = 0.039). The level of contamination was not a significant factor in predicting infection, whereas the amount of fluid used for washout and the oral antibiotic type were significant factors in preventing infection. Since administration of intravenous antibiotics and thorough wound cleansing can be performed on open hand fractures in the ED under adequate anesthesia, most open fractures in the hand do not need to be treated early in the operating theater.

Unusual intraocular foreign bodies after an explosion: patient's hand bone fragments.

A 26-year-old Turkish Army soldier underwent full ophthalmoscopic examination after a penetrating ocular injury in the left eye due to the accidental explosion of a detonating fuse during handling. Visual acuity of the left eye was hand motion level. Funduscopy revealed foreign bodies suspended in the vitreous gel and accompanying vitreous haemorrhage. B-scan ultrasonography, CT of the orbits and microscopic examination of the intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) were performed prior to removal of bone fragments and pars plana vitrectomy. The IOFBs were fragments of the patients' bone tissue. Bone fragments from victim's body may cause IOFBs after an explosion in military personnel.

Increase in upper extremity fractures in young male soccer players in the Netherlands, 1998-2009.

Young male soccer players have been identified as a target group for injury prevention, but studies addressing trends and determinants of injuries within this group are scarce. The goal of this study was to analyze age-specific trends in hospital-treated upper extremity fractures (UEF) among boys playing soccer in the Netherlands and to explore associated soccer-related factors. Data were obtained from a national database for the period 1998-2009. Rates were expressed as the annual number of UEF per 1000 soccer players. Poisson's regression was used to explore the association of UEF with the number of artificial turf fields and the number of injuries by physical contact. UEF rates increased significantly by 19.4% in boys 5-10 years, 73.2% in boys 11-14 years, and 38.8% in boys 15-18 years old. The number of injuries by physical contact showed a significant univariate association with UEF in boys 15-18 years old. The number of artificial turf fields showed a significant univariate association with UEF in all age groups, and remained significant for boys aged 15-18 years in a multivariate model. This study showed an increase of UEF rates in boys playing soccer, and an independent association between artificial turf fields and UEF in the oldest boys.

[Injuries and posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint]. / Verletzungen des Sattelgelenks und posttraumatische Rhizarthrose.

BACKGROUND: Precise function of the hand is crucially characterized by opposition movement of the thumb, only possible because of the functional anatomy of the first carpometacarpal joint. High functional demands to this joint consequently lead to the highest rate of osteoarthritis of the hand joints and loss of function. Carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis of the thumb is rarely seen in posttraumatic cases. It can be caused by fractures involving the joint surfaces of both, the trapezium or the first metacarpal, whereas dislocations of the carpometacarpal joint itself only occasionally lead to osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVES: Identification and compilation of current concepts in diagnosis and therapy of posttraumatic carpometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb. METHODS: Selective PubMed and Cochrane review, data obtained from own patient investigations and author's experiences were used. RESULTS: Adequate treatment of the injury will minimize the risk for future malfunction. In early stages, arthroscopy is a valuable method for the diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic rhizarthrosis. For all stages, a multitude of operative procedures are described and being used but yet not finally assessed for effectiveness. Advanced osteoarthritis of the first CMC joint is widely treated by trapeziectomy, which is suitable for most patients, and considered as gold standard. Additional procedures like suspension, interposition or k-wire transfixation do not provide any significant advantage and lead to comparable results. It is advisable to treat hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb at any stage of CMC osteoarthritis.

[Carpometacarpal fractures and fracture dislocations of rays 2-5]. / Karpometakarpale Frakturen und Luxationsverletzungen des 2. bis 5. Strahls.

BACKGROUND: Fractures and fracture dislocations of carpometacarpal joints 2-5 may be easily overlooked. This can be explained by often subtle clinical and radiographic signs. In case of clinical suspicion with apparently normal standard x-rays, a computed tomography with thin slices should be promptly performed. Therapy is predominantly operative and aims at anatomic reduction and reconstruction of joint congruity. TREATMENT: To facilitate treatment decisions, especially concerning closed or open fixation, we have defined 3 pathomorphological patterns (types I-III). Decision criteria are sagittal or coronal plane of fracture, degree of destruction of the articular surface, and radial or ulnar location of the injury. Following operative therapy, early mobilization of all finger joints should be performed.

[Metacarpophalangeal joint injuries and sequelae]. / Verletzungen der Grundgelenke und ihre Folgen.

Injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb and fingers are of a bony or ligamentous nature. They can heal without subsequent problems if correctly diagnosed and treated but incorrect or absent diagnostics and therapy can result in chronic instability, dislocation, fusion as well as subsequent arthritis and functional limitations. They can lead to substantial impairment of the gripping function. Fractures with inclusion of joints and with fragments sufficiently large for refixation are as a rule treated operatively just as differences in torsion and instability. Persisting instabilities are secondarily stabilized by ligamentoplasty and arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is treated by fusion. For metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers the main concern is preserving motion. Established salvage operations for arthritis include denervation, resection arthroplasty and systematic arthrolysis for impairment of the joint and contractures with intact joint surfaces. Even in chronic conditions, with appropriate treatment good functional results for metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb and fingers can be achieved. This article presents the current pathophysiological principles and concepts for diagnostics and therapy of acute and chronic injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joints of fingers and thumbs.

[Injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint]. / Verletzungen der Mittelgelenke.

BACKGROUND: Injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP joint) are common. They are frequently underestimated by patients and initial treating physicians, leading to unfavorable outcomes. Basic treatment includes meticulous clinical and radiological diagnosis as well as anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the PIP joint. TREATMENT: In avulsions of the collateral ligaments and the palmar plate with or without involvement of bone, nonoperative treatment is preferred. Operative stabilization is reserved for large displaced bony fragments or complex instabilities. In central slip avulsion or rupture, osseous refixation, suture, or reconstruction is common and nonoperative treatment is limited to special situations like minimally displaced avulsions. In basal fractures of the middle phalanx, elimination of joint subluxation and restoration of joint stability are priority. If the fragments are too small for fixation with standard implants, therapeutic alternatives include refixation of the palmar plate, dynamic distraction fixation, percutaneous stuffing, or replacement by a hemihamate autograft. Early motion is initiated regardless of the treatment regime. Undertreatment leads to persistent swelling, instability, and limited range of motion, which are difficult to treat. Contributing factors are unnecessary immobilization, immobilization in more than 20° flexion or transfixation by K-wires. For residual limitations, nonoperative treatment with physiotherapists and splinting is first choice. Operative treatment is reserved for persistent flexion/extension contractures persisting for more than 6 months, as well as reconstructions in boutonniere and swan neck deformity and salvage procedures for destroyed joints.

[Injuries of the distal interphalangeal joints]. / Verletzungen der Endgelenke.

Injuries of the distal interphalangeal joints mostly involve the extensor tendon. Its superficial position on the dorsal aspect of the finger often exposes the extensor tendon to closed and open injuries. Lesions of the extensor tendons are more common than those of the flexor tendons. Furthermore, injuries of the joint often occur as fractures of the dorsal base of the distal phalanx, and, less frequently, as fractures of the head of the middle phalanx. In all cases, correct diagnosis and therapy is essential. Incorrect diagnosis and neglecting of the injury by both surgeon and patient often lead to considerable complications, e.g., delayed healing and lack of function.

Buried or exposed Kirschner wire for the management of hand and forearm fractures: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation on whether to bury or expose the Kirschner wire (K-wire) for the management of fractures has still been controversial with inconsistent results in the published studies due to the potential issue associated with exposed K-wire is the heightened risk of infection, as it comes into direct contact with the external environment and air. This study aims to summarize the specific outcomes between buried and exposed K-wire for the management of hand and forearm fractures. METHODS: We conducted relevant literature searches on Europe PMC, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using specific keywords. This investigation focuses on individuals of any age diagnosed with hand or forearm fractures who underwent surgery involving Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. It examines the comparison between buried and exposed K-wire fixation, emphasizing primary outcome pin infection, along with secondary outcomes such as early pin removal, days to pin removal, and surgical duration. The study includes observational studies (cohort/case-control) or randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The results of continuous variables were pooled into the standardized mean difference (SMD), while dichotomous variables were pooled into odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals using random-effect models. The quality of included studies was assessed with Cochrane Collaborations, Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2). RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included. Our pooled analysis revealed that buried K-wire was associated with a lower risk of pin site infection [RR 0.49 (95% CI 0.36-0.67), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and 33.85 days longer duration until pin removal [MD 33.85 days (95% CI 18.68-49.02), p < 0.0001, I2 = 99%] when compared with exposed K-wire. However, the duration of surgery was 9.98 minutes significantly longer in the buried K-wire [MD 6.98 minutes (95% CI 2.19-11.76), p = 0.004, I2 = 42%] with no significant difference in the early pin removal rate [RR 0.73 (95% CI 0.36-1.45), p = 0.37, I2 = 0%]. Further regression analysis revealed that sample size, age, sex, and duration of follow-up did not affect those relationships. CONCLUSION: Buried K-wire may offer benefits in reducing the infection rate with a longer duration until pin removal. However, further RCTs with larger sample sizes are still needed to confirm the results of our study.

Clinical and pathological characteristics of mycobacterial tenosynovitis and arthritis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and pathological features of patients with mycobacterial tenosynovitis and arthritis. METHODS: All patients with tenosynovitis and arthritis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) who were treated at a medical center in Taiwan from 2001 to 2010 were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with mycobacterial tenosynovitis and arthritis were identified. MTB was isolated exclusively from patients with arthritis of large joints (n = 11), while NTM were isolated from patients with arthritis of large joints (n = 4) and from those with tenosynovitis (n = 17). Among patients with tenosynovitis due to NTM, the most commonly found NTM were M. marinum (n = 7), M. intracellulare (n = 5), and M. abscessus (sensu stricto) (n = 2). Six of the seven patients with tenosynovitis due to M. marinum had suffered fishing-related injuries to the hands. All four patients with NTM arthritis had recurrent septic arthritis after surgery. NTM were isolated once from the debrided tissue specimens in three of these patients; the other patient died of systemic infection caused by M. intracellulare and multiple bacterial pathogens. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterial tenosynovitis should be considered in patients who present with indolent symptoms of chronic tenosynovitis. Complete clinical information, including history of trauma or joint replacement surgery and underlying systemic disease, is helpful in establishing an early diagnosis of the disease.

[Traps in tendon and joint injuries at hand level]. / Pièges des traumatismes ostéo-articulaires et tendineux de la main.

The patient with an injury of the hand has unfortunally not choose the type of injury, the time and the medical doctor; this patient is not sick but injuried. Even if this is an open or closed trauma, begnin or not, the patient is going to discover dressing, immobilisation and time to recover function with a "new hand" .... Hand injuries have shown their impact on global function in case of inadequate treatment. After hand trauma, finding the right diagnosis and choosing the right treatment depend on the capacity of avoiding the traps.

Time trends in pediatric hand fracture incidence in Malmö, Sweden, 1950-2016.

BACKGROUND: The hand is the second most fractured region in children. It is therefore important to update fracture epidemiology to be able to identify time trends for adequate health care planning. This study reports pediatric hand fracture incidence 2014-2016 and, using published data, also long-term time trends in 1950-2016. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Swedish city of Malmö, with 328,494 inhabitants in 2016, has only one hospital. We used the hospital radiological archive, medical charts, and diagnosis registry to identify hand fractures in city residents < 16 years in 2014-2016. These data were compared to those from three published studies that evaluated periods in 1950-2006. Differences between two periods were calculated as both unadjusted and age- and sex-adjusted incident rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We used joinpoint regression to estimate time trends during the entire period and present annual percent changes (APC) with 95% CI. RESULTS: In 2014-2016 phalangeal fractures accounted for 71% of all hand fractures, metacarpal fractures for 24%, and carpal fractures for 5%. We identified 615 hand fractures (419 in boys and 196 in girls) during 181,617 person-years in 2014-2016, resulting in an unadjusted pediatric hand fracture incidence of 339/100,000 person-years (boys 452/100,000 person-years and girls 220/100,000 person-years). The age-adjusted incidence 2014-2016 was similar to 2005-2006, the most recently evaluated period (IRR in boys 0.9; 95% CI 0.8 to 1.01, and in girls 1.0; 95% CI 0.8 to 1.2). Looking at the entire period 1950-2016, we found that age-adjusted incidence increased in 1950-1979, in boys by APC + 3.8%; 95% CI 3.0 to 4.5 and in girls by + 3.9%; 95% CI 2.8 to 5.0, but decreased in 1979-2016, in boys by - 0.7%; 95% CI - 1.4 to - 0.003, and girls by - 1.3%; 95% CI - 2.4 to - 0.1. CONCLUSIONS: Phalangeal fractures accounted for about three quarters of all hand fractures. The age-adjusted hand fracture incidence increased in both sexes in 1950-1979 and decreased in 1979-2016. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A 3-Dimensional-Printed Hand Model for Home-Based Acquisition of Fracture Fixation Skills Without Fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To design a low cost ($40), realistic and fluoroscopy-free percutaneous Kirschner wire hand fracture fixation training instrument kit for home-based skill acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: A 3D-printed hand was designed from a computed tomography scan of a healthy hand. These data were used to create replaceable hand and wrist bones and reusable silicone molds for a replica of the soft tissue envelope. The model is currently being integrated into the simulation curriculum at 2 integrated plastic surgery residency programs for training in percutaneous wire fixation of hand fractures. SETTING: Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Large academic quaternary referral institution. Yale University, Yale School of Medicine. Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Large academic quaternary referral institution. PARTICIPANTS: PGY 1-4 plastic surgery residents preparing to meet ACGME Accreditation for Graduate Medical Education hand surgery specific milestones. RESULTS: A realistic and durable 3D model with interchangeable bones allows trainees to practice the key motor skills necessary for successful fixation of hand and wrist fractures with K-wires in a home-based setting. CONCLUSIONS: A low cost, realistic and durable 3D hand model with interchangeable bones allows easy integration into any home-based hand surgery curriculum. With 3D printers and programming becoming more prevalent and affordable, such models offer a means of low-cost and safe instruction of residents in fracture fixation with no harm to patients.

Pediatric Hand and Wrist Fractures.

Hand and wrist fractures are common in the pediatric population. Accurate diagnosis relies on the understanding of the physeal anatomy and carpal ossification. Treatment of these fractures is largely influenced by physeal biology and compliance with treatment. A majority have a favorable outcome with nonoperative treatment. Operative treatment should be considered in patients with clinical deformity, open fractures, and significant fracture displacement. Physeal-friendly surgical approaches and implants should be used to minimize the sequelae of physeal injury.

Persistent Pain After Wrist or Hand Fracture: Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, the incidence of wrist fracture is increasing. There are currently no externally validated prognostic models to inform early decision making for these patients. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a prognostic model from a comprehensive range of candidate prognostic factors that can identify patients who are at risk of developing persistent pain following wrist or hand fracture. METHODS: We developed and validated a prognostic model using secondary data derived from a prospective cohort study (n = 715), with recruitment sites in 3 metropolitan hospitals in Sydney, Australia. The primary outcome was persistent pain 4 months following the injury. The current study used a backward stepwise regression analysis to develop the model in 2 hospitals (n = 408) and externally validate it in a third hospital (n = 307). To determine the accuracy of the model, we assessed calibration and discrimination in accordance with the PROGnosis RESearch Strategy framework. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 95% of the cohort. Of 14 candidate variables, the final model contained 2 prognostic factors: patient age and pain intensity reported at initial presentation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.56, 0.69) in the development sample and 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.70) in the validation sample. The model systematically overestimated risk (intercept, -1.13; slope, 0.73). CONCLUSION: We developed and externally validated a prognostic model to predict persistent pain 4 months after a wrist or hand fracture. Future studies are needed to assess whether the accuracy of this model can be improved by updating and validating it in local settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(1):28-35. Epub 12 Sep 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8342.

Epidemiology of hand fractures at a tertiary care setting in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the epidemiology of hand fractures including common bones affected, causes, interventions, outcomes, and complications. Methods: This retrospective records-based study included patients who were admitted to King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with traumatic metacarpal or phalangeal fractures between January 2016 and September 2017. Carpal fractures, wrist fractures, and all pathological fractures were excluded. Results: A total of 82 patients (90.2% of them men with an average age of 27.6±13.4 years) with 101 fractures were included. The fifth (25.5%) and first (24.5%) rays were the most commonly affected ones. The fifth finger (27.8%) and first metacarpal (28.9%) were the most commonly affected finger and metacarpal bone. Approximately 32.7% of the fractures were open fractures. The most frequent causes of hand fractures included falls (40.5%), road traffic accidents (20.3%), crushing injuries (9.5%), and machinery injuries (9.5%). Approximately 90.1% of the patients underwent operative interventions including open reduction (50.5%) and closed reduction (34.3%). The majority of fractures (79.2%) healed, and only 14.7% of fractures developed complications. Conclusion: In this study of hand fractures, patients were predominantly males and the main causes of fractures were falls and road traffic accidents.

[Plain radiographs of the wrist and hand]. / Les radiographies simples du poignet et de la main.

The purpose of this review is to describe the value of the different radiographic projections of the wrist and hand, provide criteria for quality control and key interpretation points. Plain radiographs of the hand and wrist are still, in this era of cross-sectional imaging, of great importance in the assessment and understanding of bone and joint disorders, particularly in the setting of trauma. Indeed postero-anterior and lateral views have to be completed with additional projections depending on the suspected lesion and clinical presentation.

Single ray amputation in traumatic injury of the hand: review of literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: ring avulsion are relatively common hand lesions and are associated with significant disability, especially in hand-workers. The treatment choice is still debatable. We sought to conduct a detailed systematic review in attempt to collate evidence on functional, cosmetic and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following ray amputation for the management of traumatic hand injury and ring avulsion injury. METHODS: using the PubMed database we made a systematic search for articles regarding single ray amputation after traumatic hand lesion. Nine articles met our including criteria and were analysed. RESULTS: most of the included studies suggest that for those worse cases ray amputation still represent a good option. Indeed ray resection can eliminate the gap, remove a cumbersome or painful digit and guarantes better cosmesis but reduces grip and pinch strength (from 15% to 30%) and decreased palm width. CONCLUSIONS: different surgical techniques are available, almost all of them results in a loss of strength but ensure good both functional and cosmetic results.

Hand and Wrist Injuries: Common Problems and Solutions.

Injuries to the hands and wrist are common in athletes. Injuries include acute fractures, dislocations, ligamentous, and tendon injuries, as well as more chronic injuries such as sprains and strains. Complications in the treatment of sports injuries of the hand and wrist may be divided into 2 categories: incorrect or delayed diagnosis and iatrogenic injury related to treatment. This article highlights common sports injuries of the hand and wrist and their complications, and includes tips for successful management.