Search

Scaphoid and carpal bone fractures are challenging injuries to manage and have significant functional implications. Prompt diagnosis is important and relies on systematic evaluation via history, examination, and imaging. Cross-sectional imaging is often helpful for diagnosis and treatment planning. Treatment for nondisplaced fractures is often closed but these injuries typically require prolonged immobilization and may still result in nonunion or avascular necrosis. Displaced carpal bone fractures, and those associated with carpal instability, typically require open reduction internal fixation., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The distal radial physis is a common site for injury in gymnasts because of the significant amount of load applied during upper extremity weight-bearing. Wrist pain has been reported in up to 88% of gymnasts. The long-term consequences of overuse wrist injuries, such as distal radial physeal arrest, include degenerative conditions that often cause pain and functional limitations. In the more immediate stage of many overuse injuries, early diagnosis can promote quicker care and recovery and thus faster return to play. Less time lost to injury can be very important in maintaining an athlete's quality of life., Competing Interests: Disclosure Drs. Mauck, Kelly, Sheffer, and Calandruccio disclose publishing royalties from Elsevier; Dr. Mauck discloses consultant fees from Olympus Endoscopy. No other conflicts exist., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ulnar abutment (ulnocarpal impaction) syndrome may be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain in the athlete. This condition results from excessive load transfer across the triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnocarpal joints with characteristic degenerative changes. It frequently occurs in patients with either static or dynamic ulnar positive variance. Treatment is tailored to the athlete and their sporting demands. Surgical treatment focuses on addressing ulnar variance to unload the ulnocarpal joint, with multiple surgical options, including the metaphyseal closing wedge osteotomy achieving this goal. This review focuses on the presentation, biomechanics, and treatment options for ulnar abutment syndrome in the athlete., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Orthobiologics are not used as frequently in the hand and wrist as in other sites. The most frequently reported is the use of bone morphogenetic protein for the treatment of Kienböck disease. Animal studies have described improved tendon healing with the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), but no clinical studies have confirmed these results. PRP has been reported to produce improvements in the outcomes of distal radial fractures and osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal in small numbers of patients. The use of orthobiologics in the hand and wrist are promising, but clinical trials are necessary to establish efficacy and safety., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A thorough understanding of the swing phases and mechanisms of injury in golf allows accurate diagnosis, treatment, and future prevention of injuries. Recommended initial treatment starts with cessation of practice to rest the wrist, a splint or orthotic brace, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug medication with corticosteroid injection and swing modification. Pisiform excision is the best treatment of the most severe chronic cases of pisiform ligament complex syndrome. Delayed diagnosis of hook of hamate fracture may lead to complications, including flexor tendon rupture. Prompt surgical resection is recommended to hasten return to sport and to prevent further complications., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Isolated acute lunotriquetral (LT) injuries are an uncommon diagnosis in hand surgery. Diagnosis is aided by a high index of suspicion when pain is localized over the LT joint. Standard radiographs show typically normal findings, leading to advanced diagnostic investigations, including MRI and wrist arthroscopy. Standard treatment options for acute LT injuries include immobilization, arthroscopy, and direct open LT repair., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic lunotriquetral (LT) injuries are less common than scapholunate ligament injuries and difficult to diagnose. They may be associated with positive ulnar variance. Clinical diagnostic tests elicit pain at the LT interval. Although radiographs are typically normal, MRI and wrist arthroscopy can help confirm the diagnosis. When conservative treatments fail, surgical options include LT ligament reconstruction, LT arthrodesis, and ulnar-shortening osteotomy (in patients with positive ulnar variance)., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This article reviews the most common complications associated with the management of carpal fractures. Discussion focuses on the recognition of commonly "missed" fractures and fracture patterns and the negative sequelae that can result from these delayed diagnoses. The pitfalls of conservative treatment of specific carpal fractures are reviewed, and the most common complications resulting from the operative management of carpal injuries are described., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Treating a fracture of the distal radius may require the surgeon to make a difficult decision between surgical treatment and nonsurgical management. The use of surgical fixation has recently increased because of complications associated with conservative treatment. However, conservative action may be necessary depending on certain patient factors. The treating surgeon must be aware of the possible complications associated with distal radius fracture treatments to prevent their occurrence. Prevention can be achieved with a proper understanding of the mechanism of these complications. This article discusses the most recent evidence on how to manage and prevent complications following a fracture of the distal radius., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite advances in understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of wrist motion, intrinsic carpal ligament injuries are difficult to diagnose and treat. Even when an accurate diagnosis is made, there is no consensus on the most appropriate and reliable treatment. Injury predisposes to a progressive decline in wrist function and a predictable pattern of degenerative arthritis. To prevent inadequate outcomes, many treatment options exist, all having inherent benefits and complications. This article reviews the complications of intrinsic carpal ligament injuries and complications of their treatment. Methods to prevent and principles to manage the complications are discussed., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Forearm fractures may be complicated by the disruption of the distal radioulnar, proximal radioulnar, or radiocapitellar joints. The key principles in treating this unique subset of fractures include early recognition and management of the injury and restoration and maintenance of the anatomic alignment. This articles addresses radial diaphyseal fractures with distal radioulnar joint disruption, proximal ulnar fractures with radiocapitellar disruption, and disruption of the forearm longitudinal axis and how to properly recognize and manage these forearm fracture-dislocations., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare vascular condition resulting from injury to the ulnar artery at the level of Guyon canal. The ulnar artery at the wrist is the most common site of arterial aneurysms of the upper extremity and is particularly prone to injury. Signs and symptoms include a palpable mass, distal digital embolization to long, ring, or small fingers, pain, cyanosis, pallor, coolness, and recurrent episodes of vasospasm. Modalities for diagnosis, evaluation, and surgical planning include duplex study, contrast arteriography, and computerized tomographic angiography (CTA). Management includes medical, nonoperative, or operative treatments. Appropriate treatment options are reviewed., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a frequent cause for loss of practice time and competitive play for athletes. Ulnocarpal abutment, a common source of ulnar-sided pain, typically burdens athletes who participate in gymnastics, racket sports, and baseball. Although many athletes respond to nonoperative management, surgical intervention should be considered when symptoms persist. Surgical options include arthroscopic debridement, arthroscopic wafer, open wafer, or ulnar-shortening osteotomy. Treatment should be tailored to the athletes' level of function, expectations, and goals. The timing of interventions also influences the treatment algorithm. A successful outcome can be anticipated when appropriate treatment is rendered., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) in athletes can be caused by acute trauma, chronic repetitive loading, or a combination of both. Regardless of cause, the management of TFCC injuries in the high-performance athlete is often different from the basic tenets applied to the general population. The diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation regimen should be individualized and sport-specific in athletes, taking into consideration the priorities and needs of the athlete while striking a balance between healing, return to play, and long-term well-being., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Those who have dedicated significant time to the study and care of stick-and-ball athletes have an appreciation for the unique anatomy, unusual forces, and proclivity for injury. It is imperative that hand surgeons involved in the care of baseball, hockey, tennis, and golf athletes appreciate the anatomic and mechanical elements of extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) pathology. It is necessary to maintain a high level of suspicion for ECU problems, among other ulnar wrist pathologies, as well as acute diagnostic skill and a portfolio of therapeutic alternatives for their treatment., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Osseous injuries to the ulnar aspect of the carpus are increasing in frequency because of greater participation in sporting activities. Hamate body fractures are subdivided into coronal, sagittal oblique, proximal pole, and medial tuberosity fractures. Successful treatment of coronal fractures requires identification and treatment of associated disruption or instability of the ulnar 2 carpometacarpal joints. Displaced hamate hook fractures are optimally treated with early excision to avoid sequelae such as flexor tendon and nerve injury, and to allow early return to activity. Undisplaced pisiform fractures are managed nonoperatively, whereas displaced fractures and nonunions are treated by simple excision., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This article reviews acute dislocations of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and distal ulna fractures. Acute dislocations can occur in isolation or in association with a fracture to the distal radius, radial metadiaphysis (Galeazzi fracture), or radial head (Essex-Lopresti injury). Distal ulna fractures may occur in isolation or in combination with a distal radius fracture. Both injury patterns are associated with high energy. Outcomes are predicated on anatomic reduction and restoration of the stability of the DRUJ., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Traumatic injuries of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) may give rise to complex wrist pathologies. Substantial ongoing disability can arise should these injuries go unrecognized resulting in sub-optimal treatment and lack of appropriate rehabilitation. Injuries of the DRUJ may occur in isolation but more commonly are found with a fracture of the radius. These challenging DRUJ injuries may be simple or complex (irreducible or severe instability), acute or chronic. An adequate knowledge of the stabilizers of the DRUJ is essential in understanding treatment options. Traumatic instability of the DRUJ is reviewed and the anatomy and stabilizing factors are discussed. An algorithm to guide selection of treatment options in complex cases is presented.

Nonoperative treatment of distal radial fractures by reduction and immobilization remains the most common treatment, based on the incidence of appropriate fracture types, as seen in many epidemiological studies in the literature. In this article, the indications, technique, predictors of failure, outcomes, and complications are reviewed. A variety of treatment options have been proposed for distal radial fractures that are predicted, or subsequently identified, to be too unstable for nonoperative management. Percutaneous pinning is an effective option for select fractures. The authors also review the indications, described techniques, complications and outcomes associated with this treatment option.

Tendinopathy in the upper extremity continues to be a source of morbidity and disability in the working population despite a benign clinical course. Risk factors include high force, repetition, and awkward positions. An understanding of the pertinent anatomy and pathophysiology should help clinicians in the management of these conditions. Tension overload and shear stress are the two mechanisms most likely responsible for most upper extremity tendinopathies. Clinical presentation includes localized pain and tenderness. Most treatment options have yet to undergo evaluation for efficacy in well-designed clinical trials, yet there is a generally favorable response to nonoperative or conservative management. Cases resistant to conservative treatment may require surgical intervention.

The human hand is one of the most amazing instruments we possess. Ligament injuries to the hand and wrist are common occupational injuries. These injuries can be diagnosed using thorough history and physical examination skills in conjunction with diagnostic imaging. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these injuries are crucial, because many injuries heal with minimal decrease in function if they are treated early without allowing them to become chronic. When these injuries are discovered late, not only does treatment become more difficult but also traumatic arthritis frequently develops. A brief anatomic description follows each of the most common ligament sprains and strains of the hand and wrist and their evaluation and treatment.

Many types of wrist outcome instruments are used in the clinical setting to determine the effectiveness of treatment. The authors have previously identified that the individual's perspective and the use of compensatory mechanisms are important factors to consider in the measurement of outcome following a wrist disorder. No published wrist outcome instrument currently addresses these factors, however. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a wrist outcome instrument that assessed, from the wrist-injured individual's perspective, their actual ability to perform activities of daily living following a wrist disorder. This article reports on the rationale and procedures used to construct the new instrument and presents the results of preliminary psychometric testing of the wrist outcome instrument.

The development of outcome instruments has been reported to be a long process, often taking years to complete. In a previous article, we reported on the rationale behind the construction of a new wrist outcome instrument that assesses, from the wrist-injured individual's perspective, their ability to perform activities of daily living following a wrist disorder. Content validity and test-retest reliability of the wrist outcome instrument also was demonstrated. Here we report on the results of the assessment of other aspects of validity, specifically construct validity of the wrist outcome instrument and the ability of the instrument to detect change over time. We evaluated these psychometric properties against frequently used clinical tests that assess impairments and thus report on the relationship between the ability to perform activities of daily living and impairment measures.

The athlete represents a special population in which injuries can occur either from a single acute traumatic event or as part of a continuum of overuse that leads to osseous or soft tissue failure. The spectrum of overuse with superimposed acute trauma makes the evaluation of the upper extremity in the competitive athlete more challenging. The expectation of this population for quick, full, painless recovery, coupled with the desire to return to the sport that caused the injury, makes the treatment difficult as well. This article will discuss athletic injuries of the forearm and wrist with an emphasis on evaluation, treatment, and criteria for return to play.

This article provides an overview of common upper extremity injuries in youth sports, including injuries to the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Pain in the shoulder and elbow is common among youngsters who participate in throwing sports, raquet sports, and swimming, while wrist pain is common among young gymnasts. Acute trauma to the shoulder and elbow can occur in almost any sporting activity. This article provides descriptions of common injuries and guidelines for treatment.

Acute fracture-dislocations of the carpus are uncommon. If treated inadequately, however, these injuries can lead to wrist pain and dysfunction as a result of progressive traumatic arthritis. Accurate diagnosis and early intervention are essential for optimal recovery. This article presents the anatomy, epidemiology, and mechanisms of injury of the carpus and the diagnosis, treatment, and treatment results of dislocation of the carpus.

Principles, and not established rules, form the basis for treating children with painful, posttraumatic arthritis involving the hand and wrist. The authors' preference is to exhaust nonoperative measures unless the involved joints are unstable or grossly incongruent. The authors would also recommend a greater degree of cautious observation in young children because of reports of successful outcomes associated with remodeling. Once surgery is necessary, the authors prefer motion-preserving procedures, bearing in mind that arthrodesis is well tolerated in the thumb interphalangeal joint and the finger DIP joints. Some authors have presented novel treatments, including complex microvascular reconstructions, but these authors recommend these procedures only in special circumstances, and only by physicians who are experienced with the techniques.

Successful treatments of musculoskeletal injuries in the pediatric population demand a thorough understanding of the basic anatomy and its biomechanics, and the physiology of growth and development of the immature skeleton. In addition, good treatment outcomes rely on the treating physician being an effective teacher to the young athlete and the patient's parents, coaches, and trainers. At the same time, the physician must be a good student in learning the nature of the patient's sports and each patient's athletic ability and aspirations. Most pediatric hand and wrist injuries can be treated nonoperatively with proper immobilization techniques and activity modification, but cases requiring surgical intervention must be recognized promptly to avoid long-term complications.

The athlete with an LT injury typically presents with ulnar-sided wrist pain after a high-energy impaction of the wrist. Reagan's LT ballottement test and Kleinman's shear test help the examiner identify these injuries. A thorough radiographic examination includes standard PA and lateral radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging or arthrography can be performed, but the sensitivity of these imaging studies varies. The palmar portion of the LT interosseous ligament, dorsal radiocarpal ligament, and dorsal intercarpal ligament play the most significant roles in LT stability. Lunotriquetral injuries without instability respond well to immobilization. Arthroscopy is valuable in staging and determining treatment but requires a thorough radiocarpal and midcarpal examination. Acute LT injuries with instability are treated with arthroscopic-assisted reduction and pinning. If desired, this procedure can be incorporated with an open ligament repair through a volar approach. Chronic LT tears without instability can also be treated arthroscopically. Treatment of the chronic LT tear with instability depends on the degree of collapse. Treatment in the athlete includes ligament reconstruction with capsulodesis or, rarely, intercarpal LT arthrodesis.

Treating athletes with TFCC injuries can be a difficult but very rewarding undertaking. Each athlete has individual priorities and concerns, ranging from general health and fitness for the recreational athlete to earning or potentially earning a living as a professional athlete. It is crucial for the treating surgeon to understand these issues to offer the appropriate treatment options at the appropriate time. Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries are quite common in athletes because of the high loads placed on the ulnar side of the wrist, especially with ulnar-neutral and positive variance. The goal of treatment for the competitive athlete with a TFCC lesion is to hasten maximal recovery and return the athlete to participation at the pre-injury level of performance. Early wrist arthroscopy and treatment of TFCC pathology in this population is certainly a real and valuable treatment option. As has been stated, "the TFCC is the new frontier of wrist surgery" and arthroscopy has helped blaze the trail to this frontier. Competitive and recreational athletes alike benefit from arthroscopic treatment of their TFCC injuries.

Distal radioulnar joint injuries can occur in isolation or in association with distal radius fractures, Galeazzi fractures, Essex-Lopresti injuries, and both-bone forearm fractures. The authors have classified DRUJ/TFCC injuries into stable, partially unstable (subluxation), and unstable (dislocation) patterns based on the injured structures and clinical findings. Clinical findings and plain radiographs are usually sufficient to diagnose the lesion, but axial CT scans are pathognomonic. Diagnostic arthroscopy is the next test of choice to visualize stable and partially unstable lesions. Stable injuries of the DRUJ/TFCC unresponsive to conservative measures require arthroscopic debridement of the TFCC tear, along with ulnar shortening if there is ulnar-positive variance. Partially unstable injuries, on the other hand, are treated with direct arthroscopic or open repair of the TFCC tear, once again, along with ulnar shortening if ulnar-positive variance is present. Unstable injuries include simple and complex DRUJ dislocations. A simple DRUJ dislocation is easily reducible but may be stable or unstable. In complex dislocation, reduction is not possible because there is soft tissue interposition or a significant tear. After the associated injury is dealt with, treatment for complex injuries requires exploration of the DRUJ, extraction of the interposed tissue, repair of the soft tissues, and open reduction and internal fixation of the ulnar styloid fracture (if present and displaced). The early recognition and appropriate treatment of an acute DRUJ injury are critical to avoid progression to a chronic DRUJ disorder, the treatment of which is much more difficult and much less satisfying.

Wrist arthroscopy is increasingly becoming recognized as an important adjunct in the management of displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Anatomic restoration of the articular surface is possible under bright, magnified conditions. Osteochondral loose bodies and associated intracarpal soft tissue injuries that may not be apparent on plain radiographs are detected and simultaneously managed. A method of management for displaced distal radius fractures using wrist arthroscopy and a combination of percutaneous and limited open reduction techniques are described.

The acute management of fractures involving the distal radio-ulnar joint and distal ulna is controversial. The primary goal is recognition and differentiation between stable and unstable fracture patterns. Although an operative approach is adopted in the treatment of these injuries, the optimal management protocol awaits good prospective randomized studies.

Forearm pronosupination is a complex, integrated activity that demands specialized function of all structures between the elbow and wrist. This article describes the forearm axis as a comprehensive concept to unify these relationships. The anatomy and biomechanics of the forearm axis are reviewed. Pathologies that affect the entire axis are summarized.

Wrist injury or repeated wrist sprains probably result in injury to the scapholunate ligament more commonly than previously recognized, which may allow abnormal scaphoid skid under load. This results in a common clinical entity termed DWS. Scaphoid instability is a spectrum condition ranging from minor, asymptomatic findings (seen in 20% of normal adults) through symptomatic findings in patients with normal radiographs to abnormal instability on radiographs, to degenerative change, and, ultimately, to SLAC wrist (see Fig. 1). Appropriate diagnosis and management of each of these wrist disorders are highly dependent upon a keen understanding of normal periscaphoid anatomy as well as the anatomic derangements that occur within the wrist that predispose a given patient to subsequent degenerative changes. With that understanding, the appropriateness of conservative therapy, SL exploration and arthroplasty, ligament repair, triscaphe arthrodesis, or SLAC reconstruction can be readily determined in each case.

Cartilaginous lesions in the wrist may be fairly common. Diagnosis of these lesions remains difficult, and the determination of when to operate is not always clear. Careful attention to the history and physical examination can make this diagnosis easier, and appropriate surgical intervention can be useful in alleviating symptoms and returning the patients to normal activities. Although short-term results are promising, long-term studies are needed before the efficacy of arthroscopic management of chondral lesions of the wrist is known.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is a complex anatomic structure located at the ulnar aspect of the wrist and is important to the stability and biomechanical function of the ulnar carpus and distal radioulnar joint. This article will review the anatomy and biomechanical function of the TFCC and its relationship to the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic injuries to the TFCC.

Extra-articular distal radius fractures frequently are undertreated. Results correlate directly with restoration of anatomy. Immobilization in plaster is an inferior method of preserving radial length and palmar tilt. Failure to maintain reduction with plaster can be predicted by the initial injury, if reduction is lost, closed reduction of the redisplaced fracture should be accompanied by external fixation.

A thorough knowledge of anatomy, injury patterns, repair techniques, and evolving rehabilitation methods is necessary to best treat extensor tendon injuries. These injuries are conceptualized as occurring in one of eight zones, which are numbered distally to proximally in the hand and forearm. Even though surgical technique and rehabilitation are specific in each zone, injuries over and proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint tend to yield less satisfactory results. Dynamic postoperative extension splinting is one factor that is improving long-term results.