Background Displaced distal radius fractures are prone to redisplacement after manipulation. This can result in the need for delayed surgery. Several criteria have been studied to predict the likelihood of redisplacement. We hypothesized that reduction in the volar cortex would be an additional predictive factor. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess whether the quality of the volar cortex reduction predicts the subsequent need for further intervention (surgery or remanipulation). As a secondary outcome, we assessed whether the quality of the reduction predicts the rate of malunion. Methods A retrospective review was performed of displaced adult distal radius fractures over a 2-year period that had undergone closed reduction at presentation. We identified 105 patients and a review of their electronic notes and radiographs was then performed. The volar cortex reduction was defined as "anatomical," "opposed," or "displaced." We assessed the radial height, radial inclination, radial/ulnar translation, volar/dorsal angulation, teardrop angle, presence of dorsal comminution, quality of the cast (molding, cast index), and volar cortex reduction. These measurements were taken at five time points (prereduction, postreduction, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks). All patients that subsequently required surgical fixation or repeat reduction were identified as the primary outcome measure. The 6-week radiographs were assessed for radiographic malunion as our secondary outcome measure. A statistical analysis was then performed to assess the factors that influenced a loss of position and the need for delayed surgical intervention. Results Of the 105 patients, 22 patients required delayed surgery, 3 patients underwent a repeat manipulation, and 12 patients had a radiographic malunion at 6 weeks. During the study period, the proportion of patients requiring surgery or repeat manipulation in the displaced group was 10/21 (47.6%), in the opposed group it was 11/50 (23.4%), and in the anatomic group it was 4/36 (11.1%; p = 0.008). We then included the patients with a radiographic malunion and found the proportion of patients with an adverse outcome in the displaced group was 14/21 (66.7%), in the opposed group it was 17/47 (36.2%), and in the anatomic group it was 6/36 (16.7%; p = 0.001). At the 1-week time point, this association was equally significant, as the proportion in the displaced group was 17/33 (51.5%), in the opposed group it was 15/45 (33.3%) and in the anatomic group it was 1/22 (4.5%; p = 0.001). The patients' age, quality of cast, presence of dorsal comminution, and degree of initial displacement did not predict the subsequent need for surgery or remanipulation. Conclusion The most important factor in our study for significant redisplacement of an initially dorsally displaced distal radius fracture is the association of the volar cortex. This parameter maintains significance at th
Background There is a paucity of information on minimal surgical intervention for the treatment of chronic dynamic scaphoid instability (CDSI) that will achieve an acceptable mid-term result. Purpose We hypothesize that by following a debride-first-then-wait protocol, some patients with CDSI can be treated with arthroscopic debridement alone and avoid a reconstructive procedure. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective, longitudinal study from January 2008 to December 2018 of all patients diagnosed with CDSI and treated with arthroscopic debridement of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. In all cases, a debride-first-then-wait protocol was followed that included a predetermined wait period after arthroscopic debridement, giving the patient a chance to experience possible symptom improvement. This approach integrated the patient's perceived wellness into the decision-making process. All wrists that remained symptomatic or experienced recurrence of symptoms were treated with a reconstructive procedure. The wrists were divided into two groups: arthroscopic debridement only (ADO) and reconstructive procedure (RP). Results Seventy-nine wrists (72 patients) of 191 consecutive wrist arthroscopies met the inclusion criteria. The ADO group consisted of 43 wrists (54%). An average of 6.3 years later (range: 2-11 years), these patients remained satisfied with the results of the arthroscopic debridement and did not want further treatment. The RP group included 36 wrists (46%) with 91.7% of reconstructive surgeries occurring within 6 months of the arthroscopy. With a mid-term follow-up, 75% of Geissler grade II ligament tears, 48% of grade III tears, and 39% of grade IV tears were successfully treated with arthroscopic debridement alone and avoided a reconstructive surgery. Conclusion By adopting a debride-first-then-wait protocol, some patients with CDSI can be treated with a more limited intervention, arthroscopic debridement. In this series, 54% of wrists with CDSI avoided a reconstructive surgery for an average of 6.3 years. Type of Study / Level of Evidence Case Series, Level IV.
Background Patients often turn to online reviews as a source of information to inform their decisions regarding care. Existing literature has analyzed factors associated with positive online patient ratings among hand and wrist surgeons. However, there is limited in-depth analysis of factors associated with low patient satisfaction for hand and wrist surgeons. The focus of this study is to examine and characterize extremely negative reviews of hand and wrist surgeons on Yelp.com. Methods A search was performed using the keywords "hand surgery" on Yelp.com for eight major metropolitan areas including Washington DC, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. Only single-star reviews (out of a possible 5 stars) of hand and wrist surgeons were included. The complaints in the 1-star reviews were then categorized into clinical and nonclinical categories. Result A total of 233 single-star reviews were included for analysis, which resulted in 468 total complaints. Of these complaints, 81 (18.8%) were clinically related and 351 (81.3%) were nonclinical in nature. The most common clinical complaints were for complication (24 complaints, 6%), misdiagnosis (16 complaints, 4%), unclear treatment plan (16 complaints, 4%), and uncontrolled pain (15 complaints, 3%). The most common nonclinical complaints were for physician bedside manner (93 complaints, 22%), financially related (80 complaints, 19%), unprofessional nonclinical staff (61 complaints, 14%), and wait time (46 complaints, 11%). The difference in the number of complaints for surgical and nonsurgical patients was statistically significant ( p < 0.05) for complication and uncontrolled pain. Clinical Relevance Patient satisfaction is dependent on a multitude of clinical and nonclinical factors. An awareness of online physician ratings is essential for hand and wrist surgeons to maintain and improve patient care and patient satisfaction. We believe the results of our study could be used to further improve the quality of care provided by hand and wrist surgeons.
Background Isolated distal ulna fractures are rare injuries and are commonly associated with distal radius fractures. Though most of them can be managed conservatively, few of them require open reduction due to the interposition of various structures. Case Description In this case report, we report two cases of irreducible isolated distal ulna fractures in adolescents due to the interposition of the extensor retinaculum with its underlying tendons requiring open reduction to achieve bony union and distal radioulnar joint stability. These distal ulna fractures can be best reduced by open reduction with hypersupination and maintaining the distal ulna shaft gothic arch with pins. Literature Review There are very few case reports reported on isolated distal ulna fractures commonly seen in paediatric and adolescent patients leading to growth arrest. The interposition of various structures is a cause of irreducibility requiring open reduction. These fractures are equivalent to TFCC injuries in adults. Clinical Relevance Whenever there is a gross displacement or difficult reduction interposition is to be considered. Open reduction of the fracture and maintenance of DRUJ congruity is sufficient without being critical on articular reduction.
Introduction The use of wrist arthroscopy has become a prerequisite for diagnosis and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disorders. Since Palmer's landmark paper, many new arthroscopic descriptions of TFCC tears have been published but there is no currently available updated comprehensive arthroscopic classification of TFCC lesions. Purpose We recently described the arthroscopic anatomy of the TFCC as viewed from a 3-4 portal. Our purpose was to propose a new TFCC disorders classification based on this new arthroscopic TFCC description. Methods We included all currently described TFCC disorders to the best of our knowledge into our arthroscopic, functional, and vascular anatomical concept. We also included patient's specific ulnar variance and distal radial ulnar joint coronal inclination as baseline treatment-oriented parameters. The fresh or chronic, reparable or nonreparable nature of some types of TFCC tears were considered as separate parameters. Results The proposed classification includes disc "D" (degenerative or traumatic), reins "R" (traumatic), and wall "W" (traumatic) lesions. Combined lesions of those three parts of the TFCC may be easily identified. This new classification should facilitate future analysis of isolated or combined TFCC disorders whether they are degenerative and/or traumatic. Discussion The authors present a new three-dimensional-three-part arthroscopic updated description of TFCC disorders with relevance to etiology and treatment principles.
Background Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common fracture of the upper extremity. Given that steroids are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs and are usually prescribed for chronic conditions, steroid use represents a key factor to consider in how to optimize perioperative outcomes. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this study was to investigate if there are differences in perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing DRF open reduction and internal fixation based on preoperative steroid use. Patients and Methods Adult patients who underwent operative treatment for DRF from 2007 to 2018 were identified in a national database. Patients were divided into two cohorts as follows: (1) no steroid usage and (2) preoperative steroid usage. In this analysis, various postoperative complications, as well as extended length of stay and reoperation, were assessed. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistical regression were performed. Results Among a total of 16,505 patients undergoing operative treatment for DRF, 16,145 patients (97.8%) did not have steroid usage and 360 (2.2%) had steroid usage. Following adjustment, an increased risk of extended length of hospital stay greater than 3 days (odds ratio [OR] = 1.646; p = 0.012) was seen in the steroid usage group compared with those who did not use steroids within 30 days of surgery. Conclusion Preoperative steroid use is associated with increased length of stay over 3 days after DRF open reduction and internal fixation surgery but is not associated with any of the other complications that were assessed in this study. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective study.