Pub Date : 2019-10-16DOI: 10.1177/1558944719878835
S. Zhong, Gabriella E Reed, L. Kalliainen
Background: People with tetraplegia lack awareness of, and subsequently underutilize, reconstructive surgery to improve upper extremity function. This is a topic of international discussion. To bridge the information gap, proposed mandates encourage providers to discuss surgical options with all tetraplegic patients. Outside of the clinical setting, little is known about information available to patients and caregivers—particularly online. The purpose of this study is to evaluate online content for surgical options for improved upper extremity function for people with tetraplegia. Methods: A sample of online content was generated using common search engines and 2 categories of key words and phrases, general and specific. Articles on the first 2 search pages were evaluated for content and audience. Results: A total of 76 different search results appeared on the first 2 pages using 8 unique search phrases. Of articles generated from general phrases, only 5% mentioned tendon or nerve transfers in tetraplegia. When more specific key search phrases were used, the number of lay articles increased to 71%. Conclusions: Based on initial results, general online information on the management of tetraplegia largely excludes discussions of upper limb reconstruction and the well-known benefits. Unless patients, their caregivers, and nonsurgical health care providers have baseline knowledge of tendon and/or nerve transfers, they are unlikely to obtain de novo awareness of surgical options with self-initiated searches. Thus, the challenge and opportunity is to revise the online dialogue to include upper extremity surgery as a fundamental tenet of tetraplegia care.
{"title":"Upper Extremity Surgery in Tetraplegia and the Online Information Void","authors":"S. Zhong, Gabriella E Reed, L. Kalliainen","doi":"10.1177/1558944719878835","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719878835","url":null,"abstract":"Background: People with tetraplegia lack awareness of, and subsequently underutilize, reconstructive surgery to improve upper extremity function. This is a topic of international discussion. To bridge the information gap, proposed mandates encourage providers to discuss surgical options with all tetraplegic patients. Outside of the clinical setting, little is known about information available to patients and caregivers—particularly online. The purpose of this study is to evaluate online content for surgical options for improved upper extremity function for people with tetraplegia. Methods: A sample of online content was generated using common search engines and 2 categories of key words and phrases, general and specific. Articles on the first 2 search pages were evaluated for content and audience. Results: A total of 76 different search results appeared on the first 2 pages using 8 unique search phrases. Of articles generated from general phrases, only 5% mentioned tendon or nerve transfers in tetraplegia. When more specific key search phrases were used, the number of lay articles increased to 71%. Conclusions: Based on initial results, general online information on the management of tetraplegia largely excludes discussions of upper limb reconstruction and the well-known benefits. Unless patients, their caregivers, and nonsurgical health care providers have baseline knowledge of tendon and/or nerve transfers, they are unlikely to obtain de novo awareness of surgical options with self-initiated searches. Thus, the challenge and opportunity is to revise the online dialogue to include upper extremity surgery as a fundamental tenet of tetraplegia care.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"694 - 697"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719878835","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44590478","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 : 2019-10-09DOI: 10.1177/1558944719878846
R. Samade, James S Lin, J. Popp, J. Samora
Background: Seymour fractures in children are prone to complications without prompt and appropriate treatment. This study investigated outcomes of Seymour fractures with delayed presentations; specifically, if deep infection predisposed to operative treatment, if antibiotic administration improved fracture healing, and if oral clindamycin had fewer treatment failures than oral cephalexin. Methods: A single-institution retrospective cohort study was performed of patients with delayed Seymour fracture presentations (defined as greater than 24 hours post-injury) between 2009 and 2017. Data collected included demographics, time to presentation, infection on presentation, operative treatment, antibiotic use and duration, fracture union, and complications. Statistical testing used logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test, with results reported as P-values (P), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There were 73 patients with delayed Seymour fracture presentations, with mean age of 11.1 years (standard deviation: 2.9), with 56 (77%) males, and median time to presentation of 7 days (interquartile range: 3-17). Deep infection on presentation was a risk factor for operative intervention (OR = 34.4, P = .0001, CI, 5.5-217.2). Antibiotic administration protected against the development of a nonunion or delayed union (OR = 0.11, P = .008, CI, 0.021-0.57). Time to antibiotics did not protect against nonunion or delayed union (OR = 0.77, P = .306, CI, 0.37-1.3). Clindamycin had fewer treatment failures than cephalexin (P = .039). Conclusions: Deep infection is a risk factor for operative treatment of Seymour fractures with delayed presentations. Clindamycin is a better antibiotic choice for Seymour fractures that present in delayed fashion.
背景:儿童西摩骨折在没有及时和适当治疗的情况下容易出现并发症。本研究探讨了延迟表现的西摩骨折的预后;具体来说,如果深部感染倾向于手术治疗,如果抗生素治疗能改善骨折愈合,如果口服克林霉素比口服头孢氨苄治疗失败更少。方法:对2009年至2017年迟发性西摩骨折(定义为损伤后24小时以上)患者进行单机构回顾性队列研究。收集的数据包括人口统计学、就诊时间、就诊时感染、手术治疗、抗生素使用和持续时间、骨折愈合和并发症。统计检验采用逻辑回归和Fisher精确检验,结果以P值(P)、优势比(ORs)和95%置信区间(ci)报告。结果:73例迟发性Seymour骨折患者,平均年龄11.1岁(标准差:2.9),男性56例(77%),中位发病时间为7天(四分位数间距:3-17)。入院时深部感染是手术干预的危险因素(OR = 34.4, P = 0.0001, CI, 5.5-217.2)。抗生素治疗可防止骨不连或延迟愈合(or = 0.11, P = 0.008, CI, 0.021-0.57)。抗生素治疗时间对不愈合或延迟愈合没有保护作用(or = 0.77, P = 0.306, CI, 0.37-1.3)。克林霉素的治疗失败率低于头孢氨苄(P = 0.039)。结论:深部感染是延迟表现的西摩骨折手术治疗的危险因素。克林霉素是治疗迟发性西摩骨折的较好抗生素。
{"title":"Delayed Presentation of Seymour Fractures: A Single Institution Experience and Management Recommendations","authors":"R. Samade, James S Lin, J. Popp, J. Samora","doi":"10.1177/1558944719878846","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719878846","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Seymour fractures in children are prone to complications without prompt and appropriate treatment. This study investigated outcomes of Seymour fractures with delayed presentations; specifically, if deep infection predisposed to operative treatment, if antibiotic administration improved fracture healing, and if oral clindamycin had fewer treatment failures than oral cephalexin. Methods: A single-institution retrospective cohort study was performed of patients with delayed Seymour fracture presentations (defined as greater than 24 hours post-injury) between 2009 and 2017. Data collected included demographics, time to presentation, infection on presentation, operative treatment, antibiotic use and duration, fracture union, and complications. Statistical testing used logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test, with results reported as P-values (P), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: There were 73 patients with delayed Seymour fracture presentations, with mean age of 11.1 years (standard deviation: 2.9), with 56 (77%) males, and median time to presentation of 7 days (interquartile range: 3-17). Deep infection on presentation was a risk factor for operative intervention (OR = 34.4, P = .0001, CI, 5.5-217.2). Antibiotic administration protected against the development of a nonunion or delayed union (OR = 0.11, P = .008, CI, 0.021-0.57). Time to antibiotics did not protect against nonunion or delayed union (OR = 0.77, P = .306, CI, 0.37-1.3). Clindamycin had fewer treatment failures than cephalexin (P = .039). Conclusions: Deep infection is a risk factor for operative treatment of Seymour fractures with delayed presentations. Clindamycin is a better antibiotic choice for Seymour fractures that present in delayed fashion.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"686 - 693"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719878846","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47059591","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 : 2019-10-03DOI: 10.1177/1558944719878841
C. Cefalu, P. Blazar, B. Simmons, Brandon E. Earp
Background: Silastic metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty (SMPA) has proven to be a durable option for end-stage arthritis in the non-thumb digits, while fusion has been the mainstay procedure for the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MP). Few studies exist to comment on the viability of thumb MP arthroplasty. This study reports both survival and objective outcomes following SMPA of the thumb. Methods: In an institutional review board-approved retrospective study, we identified 18 patients who underwent thumb SMPA at a tertiary academic center by 3 board-certified hand surgeons. Primary outcome measures were implant survival and post-operative complications. Secondary outcomes measures were quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) scores, brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), and postoperative pain as rated by the numerical rating scale. Results: Mean quickDASH and bMHQ scores at final follow-up were 35.6 and 70.6, respectively. The most common short-term complication was clinical deformity, followed by instability. The sole long-term complication was an implant dislocation in a previously asymptomatic patient. All patients reported reduction in pain. Three patients were indicated for revision surgery, 2 for persistent instability, and 1 for implant dislocation. Primary survivorship was 83% at mean follow-up of 5.8 years. Conclusions: Thumb SMPA is a viable option for end-stage arthritis. Pain relief in our series was unanimous. Among those that reported persistent symptoms or required revision, a majority had one or more key preoperative risk factors for failure as currently reported in literature. Larger, prospective series are needed to prove superior longevity and functional outcomes of thumb SMPA versus fusion.
{"title":"Long-term Outcomes of Silastic Arthroplasty of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint","authors":"C. Cefalu, P. Blazar, B. Simmons, Brandon E. Earp","doi":"10.1177/1558944719878841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719878841","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Silastic metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty (SMPA) has proven to be a durable option for end-stage arthritis in the non-thumb digits, while fusion has been the mainstay procedure for the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MP). Few studies exist to comment on the viability of thumb MP arthroplasty. This study reports both survival and objective outcomes following SMPA of the thumb. Methods: In an institutional review board-approved retrospective study, we identified 18 patients who underwent thumb SMPA at a tertiary academic center by 3 board-certified hand surgeons. Primary outcome measures were implant survival and post-operative complications. Secondary outcomes measures were quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) scores, brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), and postoperative pain as rated by the numerical rating scale. Results: Mean quickDASH and bMHQ scores at final follow-up were 35.6 and 70.6, respectively. The most common short-term complication was clinical deformity, followed by instability. The sole long-term complication was an implant dislocation in a previously asymptomatic patient. All patients reported reduction in pain. Three patients were indicated for revision surgery, 2 for persistent instability, and 1 for implant dislocation. Primary survivorship was 83% at mean follow-up of 5.8 years. Conclusions: Thumb SMPA is a viable option for end-stage arthritis. Pain relief in our series was unanimous. Among those that reported persistent symptoms or required revision, a majority had one or more key preoperative risk factors for failure as currently reported in literature. Larger, prospective series are needed to prove superior longevity and functional outcomes of thumb SMPA versus fusion.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"632 - 637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719878841","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46893900","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 : 2019-09-30DOI: 10.1177/1558944719877890
A. Ilyas, Jonathan M. Mahoney, B. Bucklen
Background: There is evidence that interfragmentary fracture gap size may affect the compression achievable with a modern headless compression screw (HCS). This mechanical study compared the compression achieved by 3 commercial HCS systems through various fracture gaps: CAPTIVATE Headless (Globus Medical, Inc, Audubon, Pennsylvania), Synthes (DePuy Synthes, Westchester, Pennsylvania), and Acumed Acutrak 2 (Acumed LLC, Hillsboro, Oregon). Methods: Screws were inserted into a custom test fixture composed of polyurethane synthetic bone foam fragments, separated by a layer of easily compressible polyurethane foam simulating a fracture gap. Compression was measured after final insertion and countersinking. The effect of the interfragmentary fracture gap size on the compression generated was also investigated. Results: The CAPTIVATE Headless 3.0 mm screw (70.1 ± 5.7 N) and the Synthes 3.0 mm screw (64.9 ± 7.3 N) achieved similar compressive forces after final countersink. Similar comparisons were found for the CAPTIVATE Headless 2.5 mm and Synthes 2.4 mm screws, and the CAPTIVATE Headless 4.0 mm and Acutrak 2 Standard screws. The final compression of the CAPTIVATE Headless 2.5 mm and Synthes 2.4 mm screws was not significantly affected when the fracture gap was doubled from 2 to 4 mm, but was reduced significantly by 95.9% with the Acutrak 2 Micro screw. Conclusion: When comparing like-sized screws, the CAPTIVATE, Synthes, and Acutrak 2 HCS systems demonstrated similar potential compressive forces. However, compared with the CAPTIVATE Headless and Synthes HCS systems, which are inserted with a compression sleeve that is not gap distance–dependent, the Acutrak 2 HCS system demonstrated less compression when the simulated fracture gap size was increased to 4 mm.
{"title":"A Mechanical Comparison of the Compressive Force Generated by Various Headless Compression Screws and the Impact of Fracture Gap Size","authors":"A. Ilyas, Jonathan M. Mahoney, B. Bucklen","doi":"10.1177/1558944719877890","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719877890","url":null,"abstract":"Background: There is evidence that interfragmentary fracture gap size may affect the compression achievable with a modern headless compression screw (HCS). This mechanical study compared the compression achieved by 3 commercial HCS systems through various fracture gaps: CAPTIVATE Headless (Globus Medical, Inc, Audubon, Pennsylvania), Synthes (DePuy Synthes, Westchester, Pennsylvania), and Acumed Acutrak 2 (Acumed LLC, Hillsboro, Oregon). Methods: Screws were inserted into a custom test fixture composed of polyurethane synthetic bone foam fragments, separated by a layer of easily compressible polyurethane foam simulating a fracture gap. Compression was measured after final insertion and countersinking. The effect of the interfragmentary fracture gap size on the compression generated was also investigated. Results: The CAPTIVATE Headless 3.0 mm screw (70.1 ± 5.7 N) and the Synthes 3.0 mm screw (64.9 ± 7.3 N) achieved similar compressive forces after final countersink. Similar comparisons were found for the CAPTIVATE Headless 2.5 mm and Synthes 2.4 mm screws, and the CAPTIVATE Headless 4.0 mm and Acutrak 2 Standard screws. The final compression of the CAPTIVATE Headless 2.5 mm and Synthes 2.4 mm screws was not significantly affected when the fracture gap was doubled from 2 to 4 mm, but was reduced significantly by 95.9% with the Acutrak 2 Micro screw. Conclusion: When comparing like-sized screws, the CAPTIVATE, Synthes, and Acutrak 2 HCS systems demonstrated similar potential compressive forces. However, compared with the CAPTIVATE Headless and Synthes HCS systems, which are inserted with a compression sleeve that is not gap distance–dependent, the Acutrak 2 HCS system demonstrated less compression when the simulated fracture gap size was increased to 4 mm.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"604 - 611"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719877890","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41442850","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 : 2019-09-20DOI: 10.1177/1558944719874137
M. El-Haj, Wei Ding, Ketan Sharma, C. Novak, Susan E. Mackinnon, J. Megan M. Patterson
Background: Median nerve entrapment in the forearm (MNEF) without motor paralysis is a challenging diagnosis. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and outcomes following surgical decompression of MNEF. Methods: The study reviewed 147 patient medical charts following MNEF surgical decompression. With exclusion of patients with combined nerve entrapments (radial and ulnar), polyneuropathy, neurotmetic nerve injury, or median nerve motor palsy, the study sample included 27 patients. Data collected include: clinical presentation and pain, strength, provocative testing, functional outcomes, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Results: The study included 27 patients (mean follow-up = 7 months), and 13 patients had previous carpal tunnel release (CTR). Clinical presentation included pain (n = 27) (forearm, n = 22; median nerve innervated digits, n = 21; and palm, n = 21) and positive clinical tests (forearm scratch collapse test, n = 27; pain with compression over the flexor digitorum superficialis arch/pronator, n = 24; Tinel sign, n = 11). Positive electrodiagnostic studies were found for MNEF (n = 2) and carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 11). Primary CTR was performed in 10 patients and revision CTR in 7 patients. Postoperatively, there were significant (P < .05) improvements in strength, pain, quality of life, and DASH scores. Conclusions: The MNEF without motor paralysis is a clinical diagnosis supported by pain drawings, pain quality, and provocative tests. Patients with persistent forearm pain and median nerve symptoms (especially after CTR) should be evaluated for MNEF. Surgical decompression provides satisfactory outcomes.
{"title":"Median Nerve Compression in the Forearm: A Clinical Diagnosis","authors":"M. El-Haj, Wei Ding, Ketan Sharma, C. Novak, Susan E. Mackinnon, J. Megan M. Patterson","doi":"10.1177/1558944719874137","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719874137","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Median nerve entrapment in the forearm (MNEF) without motor paralysis is a challenging diagnosis. This retrospective study evaluated the clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and outcomes following surgical decompression of MNEF. Methods: The study reviewed 147 patient medical charts following MNEF surgical decompression. With exclusion of patients with combined nerve entrapments (radial and ulnar), polyneuropathy, neurotmetic nerve injury, or median nerve motor palsy, the study sample included 27 patients. Data collected include: clinical presentation and pain, strength, provocative testing, functional outcomes, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Results: The study included 27 patients (mean follow-up = 7 months), and 13 patients had previous carpal tunnel release (CTR). Clinical presentation included pain (n = 27) (forearm, n = 22; median nerve innervated digits, n = 21; and palm, n = 21) and positive clinical tests (forearm scratch collapse test, n = 27; pain with compression over the flexor digitorum superficialis arch/pronator, n = 24; Tinel sign, n = 11). Positive electrodiagnostic studies were found for MNEF (n = 2) and carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 11). Primary CTR was performed in 10 patients and revision CTR in 7 patients. Postoperatively, there were significant (P < .05) improvements in strength, pain, quality of life, and DASH scores. Conclusions: The MNEF without motor paralysis is a clinical diagnosis supported by pain drawings, pain quality, and provocative tests. Patients with persistent forearm pain and median nerve symptoms (especially after CTR) should be evaluated for MNEF. Surgical decompression provides satisfactory outcomes.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"586 - 591"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719874137","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49638474","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 : 2019-09-20DOI: 10.1177/1558944719873435
Logan McCool, Brionn Tonkin, Danqing Guo, Danzhu Guo, Alexander Senk
Background: De Quervain syndrome is the second most common compressive tendinopathy. Although the length of the first extensor compartment (FEC) has been studied previously, there is no documented reported comparison study of short-axis and long-axis sonographic measurements. The thread technique, or Guo Technique, has been applied to carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and superficial peroneal compressive neuropathy. To perform this procedure, it is critically important to accurately identify the boundaries for transection. Methods: Twenty-one fresh frozen cadaver upper extremities were examined under ultrasound to determine the length of the extensor retinaculum (ER) over the FEC. Using the sonographic landmarks, the ERs were measured in short axis and long axis over their proximal to distal margins and from the distal margins to the distal edges of the radial styloids. These sonographic measurements were then compared with gross anatomical measurements. Results: The short-axis sonographic measurement of the ER on average was 22.53 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.79-24.05 mm). The long-axis sonographic measurement of the ER on average was 15.65 mm (95% CI = 13.70-17.78 mm). The average length of the ER by gross anatomical dissection was 22.40 mm (95% CI = 21.15-23.51 mm). Conclusions: The short axis is not significantly different from the gross anatomical measurement; however, the long axis is significantly lower than the gross anatomical measurement. The results support the idea that the short axis is more accurate than the long axis.
{"title":"Ultrasound Measurements of the First Extensor Compartment: Determining the Transection Limits for Ultra-minimally Invasive Release of De Quervain Tenosynovitis","authors":"Logan McCool, Brionn Tonkin, Danqing Guo, Danzhu Guo, Alexander Senk","doi":"10.1177/1558944719873435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719873435","url":null,"abstract":"Background: De Quervain syndrome is the second most common compressive tendinopathy. Although the length of the first extensor compartment (FEC) has been studied previously, there is no documented reported comparison study of short-axis and long-axis sonographic measurements. The thread technique, or Guo Technique, has been applied to carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and superficial peroneal compressive neuropathy. To perform this procedure, it is critically important to accurately identify the boundaries for transection. Methods: Twenty-one fresh frozen cadaver upper extremities were examined under ultrasound to determine the length of the extensor retinaculum (ER) over the FEC. Using the sonographic landmarks, the ERs were measured in short axis and long axis over their proximal to distal margins and from the distal margins to the distal edges of the radial styloids. These sonographic measurements were then compared with gross anatomical measurements. Results: The short-axis sonographic measurement of the ER on average was 22.53 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.79-24.05 mm). The long-axis sonographic measurement of the ER on average was 15.65 mm (95% CI = 13.70-17.78 mm). The average length of the ER by gross anatomical dissection was 22.40 mm (95% CI = 21.15-23.51 mm). Conclusions: The short axis is not significantly different from the gross anatomical measurement; however, the long axis is significantly lower than the gross anatomical measurement. The results support the idea that the short axis is more accurate than the long axis.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"644 - 649"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719873435","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47581049","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 : 2019-09-17DOI: 10.1177/1558944719873395
Bastiaan T. van Hoorn, M. Menendez, M. Mackert, E. Donovan, M. van Heijl, D. Ring
Background: Empathy (conveyance of an understanding of a patient’s situation, perspective, and feelings) deepens the therapeutic alliance and leads to better health outcomes. We studied the frequency and nature of empathic opportunities and physician responses in patients visiting a hand surgeon. We also sought patient characteristics associated with the number of patient-initiated-clues and missed opportunities by surgeons. Methods: For this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 83 new, adult patients visiting 1 of 3 hand surgeons during a period of 4 months. All visits were audio-recorded, and empathic opportunities (patient-initiated emotional or social clues) and physician responses were categorized using the model of Levenson et al. Before the visit, patients completed the Newest Vital Sign health literacy test; 3 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-based questionnaires: Upper-Extremity function, Pain Interference, and Depression questionnaires; and a sociodemographic survey. Results: Empathic opportunities were present in 70% of hand surgery office visits. Surgeons responded empathically to about half of the opportunities. Patients with limited health literacy and greater symptoms of depression (small correlation; r = −0.29) were less likely to receive a positive response. Response to an empathic opportunity did not affect visit duration. Conclusions: Hand surgeons often miss empathic opportunities. Future research might address the influence of training physicians to address empathic opportunities on trust, adherence, satisfaction, and outcomes.
{"title":"Missed Empathic Opportunities During Hand Surgery Office Visits","authors":"Bastiaan T. van Hoorn, M. Menendez, M. Mackert, E. Donovan, M. van Heijl, D. Ring","doi":"10.1177/1558944719873395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719873395","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Empathy (conveyance of an understanding of a patient’s situation, perspective, and feelings) deepens the therapeutic alliance and leads to better health outcomes. We studied the frequency and nature of empathic opportunities and physician responses in patients visiting a hand surgeon. We also sought patient characteristics associated with the number of patient-initiated-clues and missed opportunities by surgeons. Methods: For this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 83 new, adult patients visiting 1 of 3 hand surgeons during a period of 4 months. All visits were audio-recorded, and empathic opportunities (patient-initiated emotional or social clues) and physician responses were categorized using the model of Levenson et al. Before the visit, patients completed the Newest Vital Sign health literacy test; 3 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-based questionnaires: Upper-Extremity function, Pain Interference, and Depression questionnaires; and a sociodemographic survey. Results: Empathic opportunities were present in 70% of hand surgery office visits. Surgeons responded empathically to about half of the opportunities. Patients with limited health literacy and greater symptoms of depression (small correlation; r = −0.29) were less likely to receive a positive response. Response to an empathic opportunity did not affect visit duration. Conclusions: Hand surgeons often miss empathic opportunities. Future research might address the influence of training physicians to address empathic opportunities on trust, adherence, satisfaction, and outcomes.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"698 - 705"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719873395","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47293811","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 : 2019-09-14DOI: 10.1177/1558944719873150
Neill Y. Li, J. Kleiner, A. Harris, A. Goodman, J. Katarincic
Background: Indications for replantation following traumatic digit amputations are more liberal in the pediatric population than in adults, but delineation of patient selection within pediatrics and their outcomes have yet to be elucidated. This study uses a national pediatric database to evaluate patient characteristics and injury patterns involved in replantation and their outcomes. Methods: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid’s Inpatient Database was queried for traumatic amputations of the thumb and finger from 2000 to 2012. Participants were separated into those who underwent replantation and those who underwent amputation. Patients undergoing replantation were further divided into those requiring revision amputation and/or microvascular revision. Patient age, sex, insurance, digit(s) affected, charges, length of stay, and complications were extracted for each patient. Results: Traumatic digit amputations occurred in 3090 patients, with 1950 (63.1%) undergoing revision amputation and 1140 (36.9%) undergoing replantation. Younger patients, those with thumb injuries, females, and those covered under private insurance were significantly more likely to undergo replantation. Cost, length of stay, and in-hospital complications were significantly greater in replantation patients than in those who had undergone amputation. Following replantation, 237 patients (20.8%) underwent revision amputation and 209 (18.3%) underwent vascular revision, after which 58 required revision amputation. Risk of revision following replantation involved older patients, males, and procedures done recently. Conclusions: Pediatric patients who underwent replantation were significantly younger, female, had thumb injuries, and were covered by private insurance. Our findings demonstrate that in addition to injury factors, demographics play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes.
{"title":"Pediatric Digit Replantation Following Traumatic Amputation: Nationwide Analysis of Patient Selection, Outcomes, and Cost","authors":"Neill Y. Li, J. Kleiner, A. Harris, A. Goodman, J. Katarincic","doi":"10.1177/1558944719873150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719873150","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Indications for replantation following traumatic digit amputations are more liberal in the pediatric population than in adults, but delineation of patient selection within pediatrics and their outcomes have yet to be elucidated. This study uses a national pediatric database to evaluate patient characteristics and injury patterns involved in replantation and their outcomes. Methods: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid’s Inpatient Database was queried for traumatic amputations of the thumb and finger from 2000 to 2012. Participants were separated into those who underwent replantation and those who underwent amputation. Patients undergoing replantation were further divided into those requiring revision amputation and/or microvascular revision. Patient age, sex, insurance, digit(s) affected, charges, length of stay, and complications were extracted for each patient. Results: Traumatic digit amputations occurred in 3090 patients, with 1950 (63.1%) undergoing revision amputation and 1140 (36.9%) undergoing replantation. Younger patients, those with thumb injuries, females, and those covered under private insurance were significantly more likely to undergo replantation. Cost, length of stay, and in-hospital complications were significantly greater in replantation patients than in those who had undergone amputation. Following replantation, 237 patients (20.8%) underwent revision amputation and 209 (18.3%) underwent vascular revision, after which 58 required revision amputation. Risk of revision following replantation involved older patients, males, and procedures done recently. Conclusions: Pediatric patients who underwent replantation were significantly younger, female, had thumb injuries, and were covered by private insurance. Our findings demonstrate that in addition to injury factors, demographics play a significant role in the decision for finger replantation and its outcomes.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"612 - 618"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719873150","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45321260","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 : 2019-09-13DOI: 10.1177/1558944719873399
Joost T. P. Kortlever, Thompson Zhuang, D. Ring, Lee M. Reichel, Gregg A. Vagner, R. Kamal
Background: Despite studies demonstrating the effects of out-of-pocket costs on decision-making, the effect of societal cost information on patient decision-making is unknown. Given the considerable societal impact of cost of care for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), providing societal cost data to patients with CTS could affect decision-making and provide a strategy for reducing national health care costs. Therefore, we assessed the following hypotheses: (1) there is no difference in treatment choice (surgery vs no surgery) in a hypothetical case of mild CTS between patients randomized to receive societal cost information compared with those who did not receive this information; (2) there are no factors (eg, sex, experience with a previous diagnosis of CTS, or receiving societal cost information) independently associated with the choice for surgery; and (3) there is no difference in attitudes toward health care costs between patients choosing surgery and those who did not. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial using a hypothetical scenario, we prospectively enrolled 184 new and return patients with a nontraumatic upper extremity diagnosis. We recorded patient demographics, treatment choice in the hypothetical case of mild CTS, and their attitudes toward health care costs. Results: Treatment choice was not affected by receiving societal cost information. None of the demographic or illness factors assessed were independently associated with the choice for surgery. Patients declining surgery felt more strongly that doctors should consider their out-of-pocket costs when making recommendations. Conclusions: Providing societal cost information does not seem to affect decision-making and may not reduce the overall health care costs. For patients with CTS, health policy could nudge toward better resource utilization and finding the best care pathways for nonoperative and invasive treatments.
{"title":"Does Societal Cost Information Affect Patient Decision-Making in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? A Randomized Controlled Trial","authors":"Joost T. P. Kortlever, Thompson Zhuang, D. Ring, Lee M. Reichel, Gregg A. Vagner, R. Kamal","doi":"10.1177/1558944719873399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719873399","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Despite studies demonstrating the effects of out-of-pocket costs on decision-making, the effect of societal cost information on patient decision-making is unknown. Given the considerable societal impact of cost of care for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), providing societal cost data to patients with CTS could affect decision-making and provide a strategy for reducing national health care costs. Therefore, we assessed the following hypotheses: (1) there is no difference in treatment choice (surgery vs no surgery) in a hypothetical case of mild CTS between patients randomized to receive societal cost information compared with those who did not receive this information; (2) there are no factors (eg, sex, experience with a previous diagnosis of CTS, or receiving societal cost information) independently associated with the choice for surgery; and (3) there is no difference in attitudes toward health care costs between patients choosing surgery and those who did not. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial using a hypothetical scenario, we prospectively enrolled 184 new and return patients with a nontraumatic upper extremity diagnosis. We recorded patient demographics, treatment choice in the hypothetical case of mild CTS, and their attitudes toward health care costs. Results: Treatment choice was not affected by receiving societal cost information. None of the demographic or illness factors assessed were independently associated with the choice for surgery. Patients declining surgery felt more strongly that doctors should consider their out-of-pocket costs when making recommendations. Conclusions: Providing societal cost information does not seem to affect decision-making and may not reduce the overall health care costs. For patients with CTS, health policy could nudge toward better resource utilization and finding the best care pathways for nonoperative and invasive treatments.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"439 - 446"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719873399","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47701583","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 : 2019-09-13DOI: 10.1177/1558944719873148
A. Azad, Jihoon T. Choi, R. Fisch, A. Gipsman, Luke T. Nicholson, A. Ghiassi
Background: Radiocarpal dislocations represent a high-energy wrist injury that can occur with or without concomitant fractures about the wrist. Poor outcomes are often due to radiocarpal instability and secondary ulnar translation. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to determine if there is any difference in the radiographic parameters in a wrist dislocation model given the different location of distal fixation. Methods: Ten paired fresh cadaver upper extremities were fluoroscopically evaluated with posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral views. We created a radiocarpal dislocation model and applied a dorsal bridge plate to either the second or third metacarpal. Repeat PA and lateral fluoroscopic views were obtained for evaluation of radial inclination, radial height, volar tilt, ulnar variance, radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, radial rotation index, and four indices for ulnar translation (Taleisnik, Gilula, McMurtry, and Chamay). Results: Bridge plate application to the second metacarpal resulted in a significantly greater incidence of ulnar translation compared to the third metacarpal. Application to either metacarpal resulted in extension of the carpus relative to the radius. Conclusions: A more anatomic radiocarpal relationship was restored more often when distal fixation of the dorsal wrist-spanning bridge plate was applied to the third metacarpal. Further investigation is warranted to determine clinical relevance of these findings in conjunction with clinical and radiographic outcomes.
{"title":"Wrist-Spanning Fixation of Radiocarpal Dislocation: A Cadaveric Assessment of Ulnar Translation","authors":"A. Azad, Jihoon T. Choi, R. Fisch, A. Gipsman, Luke T. Nicholson, A. Ghiassi","doi":"10.1177/1558944719873148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1558944719873148","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Radiocarpal dislocations represent a high-energy wrist injury that can occur with or without concomitant fractures about the wrist. Poor outcomes are often due to radiocarpal instability and secondary ulnar translation. The purpose of this cadaveric study is to determine if there is any difference in the radiographic parameters in a wrist dislocation model given the different location of distal fixation. Methods: Ten paired fresh cadaver upper extremities were fluoroscopically evaluated with posterior-anterior (PA) and lateral views. We created a radiocarpal dislocation model and applied a dorsal bridge plate to either the second or third metacarpal. Repeat PA and lateral fluoroscopic views were obtained for evaluation of radial inclination, radial height, volar tilt, ulnar variance, radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, radial rotation index, and four indices for ulnar translation (Taleisnik, Gilula, McMurtry, and Chamay). Results: Bridge plate application to the second metacarpal resulted in a significantly greater incidence of ulnar translation compared to the third metacarpal. Application to either metacarpal resulted in extension of the carpus relative to the radius. Conclusions: A more anatomic radiocarpal relationship was restored more often when distal fixation of the dorsal wrist-spanning bridge plate was applied to the third metacarpal. Further investigation is warranted to determine clinical relevance of these findings in conjunction with clinical and radiographic outcomes.","PeriodicalId":76630,"journal":{"name":"The Hand","volume":"16 1","pages":"482 - 490"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/1558944719873148","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45712875","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}