Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100946
Christopher J. Dy MD, MPH
{"title":"Introduction to the Conference Proceedings from the 2025 Nerve SPACE Conference","authors":"Christopher J. Dy MD, MPH","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100946","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 3","pages":"Article 100946"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100933
Alexandre Vesselle MD , Ian Christman MD , Christopher Cheng MD , Blaine Bafus MD
Distal radius malunions are known in rare instances to present a risk of tendon rupture. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies also place patients at-risk of attritional tendon rupture as a sequelae of tendon degeneration from the underlying disease process. In this case report, we present a patient with psoriatic arthritis who sustained a distal radius fracture malunion after initially electing to pursue nonsurgical management, subsequently sustaining attritional dorsal carpal dislocation and ruptures of multiple flexor tendons 3 years after her initial injury resulting in considerable hand disability. She would then undergo wrist fusion and distal ulna resection with pending future staged flexor tendon reconstruction. Given the poor outcomes associated with multiple flexor tendon attritional ruptures, this case represents a cautionary example of the risks associated with nonsurgical management of distal radius fractures in patients with inflammatory arthropathies.
{"title":"Attritional Carpal Dislocation and Flexor Tendon Rupture as a Rare Complication of Conservatively Managed Distal Radius Fracture in a Rheumatoid Patient","authors":"Alexandre Vesselle MD , Ian Christman MD , Christopher Cheng MD , Blaine Bafus MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Distal radius malunions are known in rare instances to present a risk of tendon rupture. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies also place patients at-risk of attritional tendon rupture as a sequelae of tendon degeneration from the underlying disease process. In this case report, we present a patient with psoriatic arthritis who sustained a distal radius fracture malunion after initially electing to pursue nonsurgical management, subsequently sustaining attritional dorsal carpal dislocation and ruptures of multiple flexor tendons 3 years after her initial injury resulting in considerable hand disability. She would then undergo wrist fusion and distal ulna resection with pending future staged flexor tendon reconstruction. Given the poor outcomes associated with multiple flexor tendon attritional ruptures, this case represents a cautionary example of the risks associated with nonsurgical management of distal radius fractures in patients with inflammatory arthropathies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 3","pages":"Article 100933"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of a novel silicone implant (BRM Digitalis) for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) osteoarthritis and to propose a novel functional-radiological classification system (PIP-Kellgren) adapted from the Kellgren-Lawrence scale.
Methods
This retrospective longitudinal study included 33 patients with symptomatic PIPJ osteoarthritis treated using the BRM Digitalis silicone implant, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Subjective outcomes were assessed using the QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) questionnaire, visual analog scale for pain, and a seven-item Likert satisfaction score. Objective clinical and radiographic data were collected by measuring range of motion (ROM), extension lag, grip and pinch strength, pulp-to-palm distance, and evaluating implant position and integrity on final radiographs.
Results
Statistically significant improvements were observed in total ROM, extension lag, grip strength, and QuickDASH and visual analog scale scores. No implant fractures or infections were recorded. The average Likert satisfaction score was 3.97 of 5 (range, 3−5). Using the proposed PIP-Kellgren functional-radiological classification, grade 4 patients showed considerably greater improvements in ROM and QuickDASH compared with grade 3, with no differences in satisfaction. The reintervention rate was higher in grade 4.
Conclusions
The BRM Digitalis silicone implant offers consistent improvements in pain, motion, and strength for patients with advanced PIPJ osteoarthritis. The proposed PIP-Kellgren functional-radiological classification system may help stratify surgical candidates and standardize severity assessment.
{"title":"Short-Term Outcomes of Digitalis Silicone Implant for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis and a Proposed Functional-Radiological Classification","authors":"Sergi Barrera-Ochoa MD, PhD , Melissa Bonilla-Chaperon MD , Leobardo Alexis Alvarez-Villalobos MD , Neri Alejandro Alvarez-Villalobos MD , Gerardo Mendez-Sanchez MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of a novel silicone implant (BRM Digitalis) for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) osteoarthritis and to propose a novel functional-radiological classification system (PIP-Kellgren) adapted from the Kellgren-Lawrence scale.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective longitudinal study included 33 patients with symptomatic PIPJ osteoarthritis treated using the BRM Digitalis silicone implant, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Subjective outcomes were assessed using the <em>Quick</em>DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) questionnaire, visual analog scale for pain, and a seven-item Likert satisfaction score. Objective clinical and radiographic data were collected by measuring range of motion (ROM), extension lag, grip and pinch strength, pulp-to-palm distance, and evaluating implant position and integrity on final radiographs.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Statistically significant improvements were observed in total ROM, extension lag, grip strength, and <em>Quick</em>DASH and visual analog scale scores. No implant fractures or infections were recorded. The average Likert satisfaction score was 3.97 of 5 (range, 3−5). Using the proposed PIP-Kellgren functional-radiological classification, grade 4 patients showed considerably greater improvements in ROM and <em>Quick</em>DASH compared with grade 3, with no differences in satisfaction. The reintervention rate was higher in grade 4.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The BRM Digitalis silicone implant offers consistent improvements in pain, motion, and strength for patients with advanced PIPJ osteoarthritis. The proposed PIP-Kellgren functional-radiological classification system may help stratify surgical candidates and standardize severity assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Type of study/Level of evidence</h3><div>Therapeutic IV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 3","pages":"Article 100911"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100948
Christopher M. Dussik MD, Jeffrey Coombs MD, Amy Phan MD, Yasmine Ghattas MD, Joseph Ferraro MD, Constantinos Ketonis MD, PhD
Purpose
Recreational cannabis use has been increasing alongside broader legalization efforts worldwide. Despite this trend, relatively little data exist regarding the impact of cannabis dependence on postoperative complications. This knowledge gap is even more pronounced in the context of hand surgery. This study used a large, multi-institutional database to evaluate perioperative complications following soft–tissue surgical procedures of the hand and wrist in patients with documented cannabis dependence versus nondependent patients.
Methods
The TriNetX database was queried to determine the incidence of 90-day perioperative complications following soft–tissue surgical procedures involving the hand and wrist. Complications assessed included postoperative admissions, emergency department visits, superficial soft-tissue infections or wound breakdown, systemic infections, and deep surgical site infections. Propensity score matching was performed to control for potential confounding variables and odds ratios were calculated.
Results
We identified 498,150 patients who underwent soft–tissue surgical procedures involving the hand and wrist. Among these, 5,607 patients were diagnosed with preoperative cannabis dependence, whereas 492,543 had no history of preoperative cannabis use. Matched analyses revealed increased odds for superficial wound complications/infections (OR 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI ]1.6–2.3), postoperative admissions (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7–3.6), and emergency department visits (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.6–2.0). Additionally, there were increased odds of sepsis (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.5–3.6) and subsequent return to the operating room for deep surgical site infections (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.6–4.6).
Conclusions
Patients with documented cannabis dependence demonstrated higher odds of developing wound complications following hand and wrist soft–tissue surgical procedures. This is accompanied by a higher risk of health care utilization, including readmissions and emergency department visits. Although these findings reflect an association rather than a causal relationship, cannabis dependence may serve as a useful variable in perioperative risk stratification and patient counseling.
Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic IIc.
随着全球范围内大麻合法化的努力,娱乐性大麻的使用一直在增加。尽管有这种趋势,但关于大麻依赖对术后并发症影响的数据相对较少。这种知识差距在手外科的背景下更加明显。本研究使用了一个大型的、多机构的数据库来评估记录在案的大麻依赖患者与非大麻依赖患者在手部和手腕软组织手术后的围手术期并发症。方法查询TriNetX数据库,确定手、腕软组织手术后90天围手术期并发症的发生率。评估的并发症包括术后入院、急诊就诊、浅表软组织感染或伤口破裂、全身感染和深部手术部位感染。进行倾向评分匹配以控制潜在的混杂变量,并计算比值比。结果498,150例患者接受了涉及手部和手腕的软组织手术。其中,5607名患者被诊断为术前大麻依赖,而492543名患者术前没有大麻使用史。匹配分析显示,浅表伤口并发症/感染(OR 1.9; 95%可信区间[CI] 1.6-2.3)、术后入院(OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7-3.6)和急诊科就诊(OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.6-2.0)的几率增加。此外,脓毒症的发生率增加(OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.5-3.6),随后因深部手术部位感染返回手术室的几率增加(OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.6-4.6)。结论大麻依赖患者在手腕部软组织手术后出现伤口并发症的几率更高。这伴随着更高的医疗保健利用风险,包括再入院和急诊就诊。虽然这些发现反映了一种关联而不是因果关系,大麻依赖可能作为围手术期风险分层和患者咨询的有用变量。研究类型/证据水平:预后性IIc。
{"title":"Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries?","authors":"Christopher M. Dussik MD, Jeffrey Coombs MD, Amy Phan MD, Yasmine Ghattas MD, Joseph Ferraro MD, Constantinos Ketonis MD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Recreational cannabis use has been increasing alongside broader legalization efforts worldwide. Despite this trend, relatively little data exist regarding the impact of cannabis dependence on postoperative complications. This knowledge gap is even more pronounced in the context of hand surgery. This study used a large, multi-institutional database to evaluate perioperative complications following soft–tissue surgical procedures of the hand and wrist in patients with documented cannabis dependence versus nondependent patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The TriNetX database was queried to determine the incidence of 90-day perioperative complications following soft–tissue surgical procedures involving the hand and wrist. Complications assessed included postoperative admissions, emergency department visits, superficial soft-tissue infections or wound breakdown, systemic infections, and deep surgical site infections. Propensity score matching was performed to control for potential confounding variables and odds ratios were calculated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified 498,150 patients who underwent soft–tissue surgical procedures involving the hand and wrist. Among these, 5,607 patients were diagnosed with preoperative cannabis dependence, whereas 492,543 had no history of preoperative cannabis use. Matched analyses revealed increased odds for superficial wound complications/infections (OR 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI ]1.6–2.3), postoperative admissions (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7–3.6), and emergency department visits (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.6–2.0). Additionally, there were increased odds of sepsis (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.5–3.6) and subsequent return to the operating room for deep surgical site infections (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.6–4.6).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Patients with documented cannabis dependence demonstrated higher odds of developing wound complications following hand and wrist soft–tissue surgical procedures. This is accompanied by a higher risk of health care utilization, including readmissions and emergency department visits. Although these findings reflect an association rather than a causal relationship, cannabis dependence may serve as a useful variable in perioperative risk stratification and patient counseling.</div><div><em>Type of study/level of evidence</em>: Prognostic IIc.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 3","pages":"Article 100948"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100934
James Anundson MS, BS , Sean Bae BS , Michael Kessler MD
Stenosing flexing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) is a chronic, noninfectious condition of the flexor tendon sheath, whereas infectious flexor tenosynovitis is an acute hand infection that requires urgent recognition and treatment. Infectious flexor tenosynovitis involves bacterial inoculation of the flexor tendon sheath and can rapidly progress to tendon necrosis, stiffness, and even amputation if diagnosis and surgical management are delayed. It is classically associated with Kanavel’s four cardinal signs and is considered a surgical emergency in the hand.
{"title":"Soil to Sheath: Nocardia Flexor Tenosynovitis in an Immunocompetent Pottery Artist","authors":"James Anundson MS, BS , Sean Bae BS , Michael Kessler MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100934","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stenosing flexing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) is a chronic, noninfectious condition of the flexor tendon sheath, whereas infectious flexor tenosynovitis is an acute hand infection that requires urgent recognition and treatment. Infectious flexor tenosynovitis involves bacterial inoculation of the flexor tendon sheath and can rapidly progress to tendon necrosis, stiffness, and even amputation if diagnosis and surgical management are delayed. It is classically associated with Kanavel’s four cardinal signs and is considered a surgical emergency in the hand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 3","pages":"Article 100934"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100941
Christian Shigley MD , Annie Squires BS , Chelsea Boe MD , Jerry I. Huang MD
Purpose
Adhesions and finger stiffness are common complications following zone 2 and zone 3 flexor tendon repairs. When active finger flexion recovery has plateaued, flexor tenolysis can be an effective surgical option. However, literature reporting the outcomes of flexor tenolysis is scarce.
Methods
Medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent flexor tenolysis after primary repair over a 10-year period. Clinical outcomes, including active range of motion, total active motion, pain scores, and composite flexion, were assessed after surgery.
Results
68 digits in 31 patients met study criteria. At the 12-week follow-up, total active motion improved considerably from 146.8° to 183.5°, and active range of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint increased from 46.1° to 60.0°. Composite flexion improved from 2.5 to 1.9 cm from the distal palmar crease. Half of the digits achieved excellent or good outcomes based on the Modified Strickland score. Reoperation was the most common complication. Flexor tendon rupture occurred in 3% of cases.
Conclusions
Flexor tenolysis can be effective for improving motion following tendon repair, particularly in primary procedures and isolated tendon injuries. Revision tenolysis, dual tendon repairs, and associated digital nerve injuries were associated with poorer outcomes.
Clinical relevance
Flexor tenolysis offers meaningful, though modest, improvements in motion for patients with stiffness after zone 2–3 flexor tendon repair, reinforcing its role as a valuable secondary procedure when recovery plateaus. This study further clarifies which patient and injury characteristics predict better or poorer outcomes, helping surgeons counsel patients more accurately and tailor expectations for recovery.
{"title":"Clinical Outcomes of Flexor Tenolysis Following Zone 2-3 Flexor Tendon Repair: A Retrospective Review","authors":"Christian Shigley MD , Annie Squires BS , Chelsea Boe MD , Jerry I. Huang MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Adhesions and finger stiffness are common complications following zone 2 and zone 3 flexor tendon repairs. When active finger flexion recovery has plateaued, flexor tenolysis can be an effective surgical option. However, literature reporting the outcomes of flexor tenolysis is scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Medical records were reviewed for patients who underwent flexor tenolysis after primary repair over a 10-year period. Clinical outcomes, including active range of motion, total active motion, pain scores, and composite flexion, were assessed after surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>68 digits in 31 patients met study criteria. At the 12-week follow-up, total active motion improved considerably from 146.8° to 183.5°, and active range of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint increased from 46.1° to 60.0°. Composite flexion improved from 2.5 to 1.9 cm from the distal palmar crease. Half of the digits achieved excellent or good outcomes based on the Modified Strickland score. Reoperation was the most common complication. Flexor tendon rupture occurred in 3% of cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Flexor tenolysis can be effective for improving motion following tendon repair, particularly in primary procedures and isolated tendon injuries. Revision tenolysis, dual tendon repairs, and associated digital nerve injuries were associated with poorer outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Clinical relevance</h3><div>Flexor tenolysis offers meaningful, though modest, improvements in motion for patients with stiffness after zone 2–3 flexor tendon repair, reinforcing its role as a valuable secondary procedure when recovery plateaus. This study further clarifies which patient and injury characteristics predict better or poorer outcomes, helping surgeons counsel patients more accurately and tailor expectations for recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 3","pages":"Article 100941"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146154172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100938
Katherine M. Gerull MD , David M. Brogan MD, MSc , Harvey Chim MD , Bryan J. Loeffler MD , Megan M. Jack MD , Robert J. Spinner MD , Macyn M. Stonner OTD
Where are we?
There have been numerous advances over the last decade in peripheral nerve surgery and rehabilitation following nerve transfers. In particular, advances in nerve allografts, nerve wraps, peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment, and bionic limb technology have expanded the therapeutic landscape for patients with nerve injuries, tumors, and limb loss. Rehabilitation strategies have improved significantly, largely through advances such as the Donor Activation Focused Rehabilitation Approach. Nerve allografts show promise for short digital nerve gaps, though outcomes for proximal injuries remain controversial. Nerve wraps and connectors are widely available, but their efficacy has been controversial, perhaps due to heterogeneity in materials and limited high-quality research studies. In peripheral nerve sheath tumors, molecular subtyping has improved classification, yet reliable preoperative distinction between benign and malignant tumors remains a challenge. Bionic limb reconstruction has been improved through advances in targeted reinnervation, osseointegration, and myoelectric control, although prosthetic abandonment, phantom limb pain, and high costs remain barriers.
Where do we need to go?
Future progress requires rigorous empirical evidence to define effective rehabilitation protocols, clarifying the role of allografts versus autografts and determining the clinical utility of nerve wraps and connectors. Improved diagnostic tools are necessary for accurate tumor characterization, and novel systemic therapies are needed for malignant tumors with poor survival outcomes. In bionic limb reconstruction, future advances should integrate intuitive prosthetic control, sensory feedback, and improve pain management while ensuring equitable access to these technologies.
How do we get there?
Achieving these goals will require multicenter, nonconflicted, randomized clinical trials; the development of standardized outcome measures; and investment in translational research across cellular biology, imaging, and device development. Collaborative interdisciplinary research is critical to developing evidence-based protocols and technologies. Together, these strategies can continue to accelerate our understanding of peripheral nerve injury, disease, and rehabilitation.
{"title":"Ongoing Clinical Challenges in Nerve Surgery (Nerve SPACE 2025)","authors":"Katherine M. Gerull MD , David M. Brogan MD, MSc , Harvey Chim MD , Bryan J. Loeffler MD , Megan M. Jack MD , Robert J. Spinner MD , Macyn M. Stonner OTD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Where are we?</h3><div>There have been numerous advances over the last decade in peripheral nerve surgery and rehabilitation following nerve transfers. In particular, advances in nerve allografts, nerve wraps, peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment, and bionic limb technology have expanded the therapeutic landscape for patients with nerve injuries, tumors, and limb loss. Rehabilitation strategies have improved significantly, largely through advances such as the Donor Activation Focused Rehabilitation Approach. Nerve allografts show promise for short digital nerve gaps, though outcomes for proximal injuries remain controversial. Nerve wraps and connectors are widely available, but their efficacy has been controversial, perhaps due to heterogeneity in materials and limited high-quality research studies. In peripheral nerve sheath tumors, molecular subtyping has improved classification, yet reliable preoperative distinction between benign and malignant tumors remains a challenge. Bionic limb reconstruction has been improved through advances in targeted reinnervation, osseointegration, and myoelectric control, although prosthetic abandonment, phantom limb pain, and high costs remain barriers.</div></div><div><h3>Where do we need to go?</h3><div>Future progress requires rigorous empirical evidence to define effective rehabilitation protocols, clarifying the role of allografts versus autografts and determining the clinical utility of nerve wraps and connectors. Improved diagnostic tools are necessary for accurate tumor characterization, and novel systemic therapies are needed for malignant tumors with poor survival outcomes. In bionic limb reconstruction, future advances should integrate intuitive prosthetic control, sensory feedback, and improve pain management while ensuring equitable access to these technologies.</div></div><div><h3>How do we get there?</h3><div>Achieving these goals will require multicenter, nonconflicted, randomized clinical trials; the development of standardized outcome measures; and investment in translational research across cellular biology, imaging, and device development. Collaborative interdisciplinary research is critical to developing evidence-based protocols and technologies. Together, these strategies can continue to accelerate our understanding of peripheral nerve injury, disease, and rehabilitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100938"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence of focal chondromalacia with chronic dynamic scapholunate instability (CDSI), and current treatment algorithms do not account for its presence. We aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of chondromalacia in CDSI.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study of all wrist arthroscopies performed from January 2008 to December 2020. We included wrists with an arthroscopically confirmed primary diagnosis of CDSI. Patients were grouped based on the presence (CDSI+C) or absence (CDSI−C) of focal carpal chondromalacia. All ligament tears were debrided, and focal chondral lesions were treated with chondral shaving to partial carpectomy. We followed the Debride-First-Then-Wait protocol, which incorporates a waiting period for patients to assess if arthroscopic intervention alone is sufficient to return to normal daily activities. The surgeon considers the patient’s perceived wellness when determining the need for a subsequent Dynadesis (tendon-to-tendon transfer through the distal scaphoid) or partial fusion.
Results
Of 255 wrist arthroscopies, 164 wrists (155 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Focal chondromalacia was arthroscopically identified in 48% of wrists, with a notably higher occurrence in older patients and those with lunotriquetral ligament or triangular fibrocartilage tears. The most frequent sites of chondromalacia were the radial styloid (27%) and the scaphoid body (15%). Dynadeis was performed in 29% of wrists in the CDSI+C cohort and 47% in the CDSI−C cohort. Four percent of CDSI+C wrists necessitated partial wrist fusion.
Conclusions
Focal chondromalacia is common in patients with CDSI. The presence of focal lesions alone did not notably decrease the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment as <50% of patients needed a secondary procedure (7.4-year follow-up). The distribution of focal chondromalacia suggests injuries to other wrist ligaments. We recommend using the Debride-First-Then-Wait protocol to aid in selecting a personalized and lower-risk treatment for CDSI.
{"title":"The Prevalence of Focal Carpal Chondromalacia Concurrent With Chronic Dynamic Scapholunate Instability","authors":"Kian Steppe BS , Houshang Seradge MD , Kamran Steppe BS , Cyrus Steppe MD , Carrie Seradge BS , Winfred Parker BS","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence of focal chondromalacia with chronic dynamic scapholunate instability (CDSI), and current treatment algorithms do not account for its presence. We aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of chondromalacia in CDSI.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study of all wrist arthroscopies performed from January 2008 to December 2020. We included wrists with an arthroscopically confirmed primary diagnosis of CDSI. Patients were grouped based on the presence (CDSI+C) or absence (CDSI−C) of focal carpal chondromalacia. All ligament <em>tears</em> were debrided, and focal chondral lesions were treated with chondral shaving to partial carpectomy. We followed the Debride-First-Then-Wait protocol, which incorporates a waiting period for patients to assess if arthroscopic intervention alone is sufficient to return to normal daily activities. The surgeon considers the patient’s perceived wellness when determining the need for a subsequent Dynadesis (tendon-to-tendon transfer through the distal scaphoid) or partial fusion.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 255 wrist arthroscopies, 164 wrists (155 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Focal chondromalacia was arthroscopically identified in 48% of wrists, with a notably higher occurrence in older patients and those with lunotriquetral ligament or triangular fibrocartilage tears. The most frequent sites of chondromalacia were the radial styloid (27%) and the scaphoid body (15%). Dynadeis was performed in 29% of wrists in the CDSI+C cohort and 47% in the CDSI−C cohort. Four percent of CDSI+C wrists necessitated partial wrist fusion.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Focal chondromalacia is common in patients with CDSI. The presence of focal lesions alone did not notably decrease the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment as <50% of patients needed a secondary procedure (7.4-year follow-up). The distribution of focal chondromalacia suggests injuries to other wrist ligaments. We recommend using the Debride-First-Then-Wait protocol to aid in selecting a personalized and lower-risk treatment for CDSI.</div></div><div><h3>Type of study/level of evidence</h3><div>Therapeutic IIb.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100912"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100928
Julie Mekhail MS, Rhiana Rivas BS, Carolyn A. Ardizzone MD, Jordan P. Pearce MD, Nikalus G. Skipp BS, Deana M. Mercer MD
Purpose
Phalangeal fractures of the hand are the second most common upper-extremity fracture in the United States. Numerous studies have reported on the biomechanical efficacy of intramedullary (IM) hand nail fixation of the phalanges and increased utilization of IM hand nails. During IM fixation, the nail often penetrates the articular cartilage during insertion. This study seeks to quantify the percentage of cartilage involvement created by anterograde and retrograde intramedullary fixation of proximal and middle phalangeal fractures with 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm IM threaded hand nails.
Methods
Thirty-two frozen fingers were studied from eight cadaveric hands. Four different techniques for nail placement were used: (1) retrograde across an unflexed distal interphalangeal joint, (2) retrograde across a flexed distal interphalangeal joint into the middle phalanx, (3) retrograde through a flexed proximal interphalangeal joint into the proximal phalanx, and 4) antegrade through the metacarpal phalangeal joint into the proximal phalanx. Clinical photographs and fluoroscopy images were taken for each specimen, and the articular cartilage damage was quantified using Image J software.
Results
The average articular involvement using intramedullary hand nails for phalangeal fixation was less than 10% of the articular surface regardless of nail placement technique and nail size (mean range 3.56% to 9.73%). The damaged area was always greater with the 3.5 mm than the 3.0 mm nails.
Conclusions
Our results are consistent with the literature. Our study is unique in that we compare the different methods of hand nail insertion and the different diameter hand nails and evaluate the degree of articular surface involvement in an approach that has not been tested on cadaveric models. Phalanx fracture fixation with intramedullary hand nails may be beneficial, as it has acceptable joint cartilage damage based on our study data.
Type of study/level of evidence
Bench research/laboratory study V.
目的手部指骨骨折是美国第二大最常见的上肢骨折。许多研究报道了髓内(IM)手钉固定指骨的生物力学效果和IM手钉的使用增加。在内固定过程中,钉常穿透关节软骨。本研究旨在量化用3.0 mm和3.5 mm IM螺纹手钉顺行和逆行髓内固定近端和中端指骨骨折所造成的软骨受累百分比。方法对8只尸体的32个冰冻手指进行研究。采用了四种不同的钉入技术:(1)逆行穿过不屈曲的远端指间关节,(2)逆行穿过屈曲的远端指间关节进入中指骨,(3)逆行通过屈曲的近端指间关节进入近端指骨,以及4)顺行通过掌指骨关节进入近端指骨。每个标本拍摄临床照片和透视图像,使用Image J软件对关节软骨损伤进行量化。结果采用髓内钉固定指骨,不论钉位方式和钉位大小,平均受累关节面小于关节面10%(平均范围3.56% ~ 9.73%)。3.5 mm钉的损伤面积大于3.0 mm钉。结论sour结果与文献一致。我们的研究是独一无二的,因为我们比较了不同的手指甲插入方法和不同直径的手指甲,并评估了关节面受损伤的程度,这种方法尚未在尸体模型上测试过。髓内手钉固定指骨骨折可能是有益的,因为根据我们的研究数据,它具有可接受的关节软骨损伤。研究类型/证据水平工作台研究/实验室研究
{"title":"Quantification of Articular Surface Involvement During Intramedullary Fixation of the Phalanges","authors":"Julie Mekhail MS, Rhiana Rivas BS, Carolyn A. Ardizzone MD, Jordan P. Pearce MD, Nikalus G. Skipp BS, Deana M. Mercer MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Phalangeal fractures of the hand are the second most common upper-extremity fracture in the United States. Numerous studies have reported on the biomechanical efficacy of intramedullary (IM) hand nail fixation of the phalanges and increased utilization of IM hand nails. During IM fixation, the nail often penetrates the articular cartilage during insertion. This study seeks to quantify the percentage of cartilage involvement created by anterograde and retrograde intramedullary fixation of proximal and middle phalangeal fractures with 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm IM threaded hand nails.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty-two frozen fingers were studied from eight cadaveric hands. Four different techniques for nail placement were used: (1) retrograde across an unflexed distal interphalangeal joint, (2) retrograde across a flexed distal interphalangeal joint into the middle phalanx, (3) retrograde through a flexed proximal interphalangeal joint into the proximal phalanx, and 4) antegrade through the metacarpal phalangeal joint into the proximal phalanx. Clinical photographs and fluoroscopy images were taken for each specimen, and the articular cartilage damage was quantified using Image J software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The average articular involvement using intramedullary hand nails for phalangeal fixation was less than 10% of the articular surface regardless of nail placement technique and nail size (mean range 3.56% to 9.73%). The damaged area was always greater with the 3.5 mm than the 3.0 mm nails.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our results are consistent with the literature. Our study is unique in that we compare the different methods of hand nail insertion and the different diameter hand nails and evaluate the degree of articular surface involvement in an approach that has not been tested on cadaveric models. Phalanx fracture fixation with intramedullary hand nails may be beneficial, as it has acceptable joint cartilage damage based on our study data.</div></div><div><h3>Type of study/level of evidence</h3><div>Bench research/laboratory study V.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100928"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100905
Jordan T. Holler MD, MPH , Timothy P. Liu MD , Timothy A. Schaub MD
Pediatric lunate fractures are exceedingly rare, with limited evidence to guide management. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy who sustained bilateral wrist injuries with a displaced right lunate fracture after an electric bicycle fall. The fracture was reduced and fixed percutaneously with a headless compression screw. At 8 months, radiographs confirmed union and the patient had full, pain free wrist motion without evidence of osteonecrosis or instability. We propose that percutaneous compression screw fixation is a reasonable option for achieving reliable union in older pediatric patients with a sufficiently ossified carpus.
{"title":"Pediatric Lunate Fracture Treated With Percutaneous Screw Fixation","authors":"Jordan T. Holler MD, MPH , Timothy P. Liu MD , Timothy A. Schaub MD","doi":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhsg.2025.100905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pediatric lunate fractures are exceedingly rare, with limited evidence to guide management. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy who sustained bilateral wrist injuries with a displaced right lunate fracture after an electric bicycle fall. The fracture was reduced and fixed percutaneously with a headless compression screw. At 8 months, radiographs confirmed union and the patient had full, pain free wrist motion without evidence of osteonecrosis or instability. We propose that percutaneous compression screw fixation is a reasonable option for achieving reliable union in older pediatric patients with a sufficiently ossified carpus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36920,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100905"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}