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The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded pilot study was to determine the rates of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and assess joint space width in the presence or absence of a single intra-articular injection of corticosteroid after an acute, intra-articular distal radius fracture (DRF). Forty patients received a single, intra-articular, radiocarpal joint injection of 4 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) (n = 19) or normal saline placebo (n = 21) within 2 weeks of a surgically or nonsurgically treated intra-articular DRF. The primary outcome measure was minimum radiocarpal joint space width (mJSW) on noncontrast computed tomography scans at 2 years postinjection. Secondary outcomes were obtained at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postinjection and included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Michigan Hand Questionnaire; Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation; wrist range of motion; and grip strength. At 2-year follow-up, there was no difference in mean mJSW between the DEX group (2.2 mm; standard deviation, 0.6; range, 1.4–3.2) and the placebo group (2.3 mm; standard deviation, 0.7; range, 0.9–3.9). Further, there were no differences in any secondary outcome measures at any postinjection follow-up interval. Radiocarpal joint injection of corticosteroid within 2 weeks of an intra-articular DRF does not appear to affect the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis within 2 years follow-up in a small pilot cohort. Therapeutic II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, active sham-controlled pivotal study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of high-frequency nerve block treatment for chronic post-amputation and phantom limb pain. Patients and Methods: QUEST enrolled 180 unilateral lower-limb amputees with severe post-amputation pain, 170 of whom were implanted with the Altius device, were randomized 1:1 to active-sham or treatment groups and reached the primary endpoint. Responders were those subjects who received ≥ 50% pain relief 30 min after treatment in ≥ 50% of their self-initiated treatment sessions within the 3-month randomized period. Differences between the active treatment and sham control groups as well as numerous secondary outcomes were determined. Results: At 30-min, (primary outcome), 24.7% of the treatment group were responders compared to 7.1% of the control group (p=0.002). At 120-minutes following treatment, responder rates were 46.8% in the Treatment group and 22.2% in the Control group (p=0.001). Improvement in Brief Pain Inventory interference score of 2.3 ± 0.29 was significantly greater in treatment group than the 1.3 ± 0.26-point change in the Control group (p = 0.01). Opioid usage, although not significantly different, trended towards a greater reduction in the treatment group than in the control group. The incidence of adverse events did not differ significantly between the treatment and control groups. Conclusion: The primary outcomes of the study were met, and the majority of Treatment patients experienced a substantial improvement in PAP (regardless of meeting the study definition of a responder). The significant in PAP was associated with significantly improved QOL metrics, and a trend towards reduced opioid utilization compared to Control. These data indicate that Altius treatment represents a significant therapeutic advancement for lower-limb amputees suffering from chronic PAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To review the existing literature to (1) determine the diagnostic efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) models for detecting scaphoid and distal radius fractures and (2) compare the efficacy to human clinical experts. PubMed, OVID/Medline, and Cochrane libraries were queried for studies investigating the development, validation, and analysis of AI for the detection of scaphoid or distal radius fractures. Data regarding study design, AI model development and architecture, prediction accuracy/area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC), and imaging modalities were recorded. A total of 21 studies were identified, of which 12 (57.1%) used AI to detect fractures of the distal radius, and nine (42.9%) used AI to detect fractures of the scaphoid. AI models demonstrated good diagnostic performance on average, with AUROC values ranging from 0.77 to 0.96 for scaphoid fractures and from 0.90 to 0.99 for distal radius fractures. Accuracy of AI models ranged between 72.0% to 90.3% and 89.0% to 98.0% for scaphoid and distal radius fractures, respectively. When compared to clinical experts, 13 of 14 (92.9%) studies reported that AI models demonstrated comparable or better performance. The type of fracture influenced model performance, with worse overall performance on occult scaphoid fractures; however, models trained specifically on occult fractures demonstrated substantially improved performance when compared to humans. AI models demonstrated excellent performance for detecting scaphoid and distal radius fractures, with the majority demonstrating comparable or better performance compared with human experts. Worse performance was demonstrated on occult fractures. However, when trained specifically on difficult fracture patterns, AI models demonstrated improved performance. AI models can help detect commonly missed occult fractures while enhancing workflow efficiency for distal radius and scaphoid fracture diagnoses. As performance varies based on fracture type, future studies focused on wrist fracture detection should clearly define whether the goal is to (1) identify difficult-to-detect fractures or (2) improve workflow efficiency by assisting in routine tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade there has been incredible interest and advancement in the surgical care of adult patients with upper motor neuron (UMN) injuries. Spasticity represents a prevalent and debilitating feature of UMN syndrome, which can result from cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular accident and traumatic or anoxic brain injury. While several diagnostic tools and management strategies have been described for upper limb spasticity, evidence-based practice guidelines do not currently exist due to low patient volume and a paucity of surgeons routinely performing surgeries in UMN syndrome patients. As such, expert consensus may help provide guidance for patients, therapists and clinicians alike. In this article an expert panel was assembled, and the Delphi method was utilized to present diagnostic considerations, define operative indications, discuss surgical treatment modalities and encourage a standard set of outcome measures for patients with upper extremity spasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with upper limb dysfunction from a brain injury often have different goals of treatment and expectations following a fracture of the upper extremity. This study retrospectively reviewed outcomes of nonoperative management of acute humerus fractures in patients with severe ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. Methods: Patients who had sustained an acute humerus fracture managed nonoperatively, greater than 1 year following an upper motor neuron (UMN) injury resulting in ipsilateral severe hemiparesis or hemiplegia at a single tertiary care center from 1988 to 2019, were reviewed. Fractures were classified using the AO-Müller/Orthopaedic Trauma Association and/or Neer classifications. Primary outcome measures included House classification level of function, pain, achievement of and time to radiographic union, and the need for subsequent surgical procedures. Results: Ten distinct nonoperatively managed humerus fractures—3 proximal (11A23), 5 mid-shaft (12A2b = 1, 12A2c = 2, 12A3a = 1, 12A2b = 1), and 2 distal (13A2 = 1, 13 C1 = 1)—were identified in 8 patients (6 women and 2 men) with ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. The median radiographic follow-up was 20 months (range: 78 days to 12 years). The median clinical follow-up was 33.5 months (range: 100 days to 12 years). All patients presented with severe pain that was absent at final follow-up. Radiographic union was achieved in all patients with a mean time to union of 90.9 ± 39.3 days (range: 35-185 days). No patients required operative management. Conclusions: Nonoperative management of humerus fractures in patients with an ipsilateral UMN injury might result in reliable pain relief and union without the need for further surgical intervention. Management of humerus fractures in this patient population should be individualized toward their goals of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge has enabled the widespread usage of telemedicine (TM) and presents a unique opportunity to determine the hand surgery patients' perception of care using validated patient satisfaction scores. Methods: Electronic surveys were distributed to patients aged 18 years and older who underwent a video TM encounter with a single surgeon at an academic medical center during the initial COVID-19 surge (March 23 to October 22, 2020). The study-specific questions were derived from the Press Ganey (PG) Medical Practice TM Survey and compared with institutional PG Outpatient Medical Practice Survey data. Three cohorts were defined: pre-COVID face-to-face, post-COVID TM, and post-COVID face-to-face. Results: Thirty of 65 TM patients (46.2%) responded. No differences in sex, age, or visit type were identified between cohorts. The TM cohort was more likely to live greater than 300 miles from the institution. Median response for all cohorts for the PG care provider and overall experience responses were "very good," and no differences were identified between cohorts. Patient satisfaction with their TM experience was high with median satisfaction scores for arranging and connecting to a TM visit, talking with the provider over a video connection, and having the provider understand the clinical problem were "very good." Patients in the TM cohort reported no difference in preference for face-to-face or TM visits. Conclusions: Patients are satisfied with TM as a substitute for face-to-face visits suggesting that TM can possibly be used to deliver comparable patient experience for hand surgery encounters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper motor neuron (UMN) syndrome consists of muscle spasticity, weakness, and dyssynergy due to a brain or spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study is to describe the perioperative adverse events for adult patients undergoing single-event, multilevel upper extremity surgery (SEMLS) due to UMN syndrome. Methods: A retrospective case series was performed for 12 consecutive adult patients who underwent SEMLS to correct upper extremity dysfunction or deformity secondary to UMN syndrome. The evaluation consisted of primary outcome measures to identify readmission rates and classify adverse events that occurred within 30 days after surgery. Results: All 12 patients were functionally dependent with 50% (n = 6) men and 50% (n = 6) women at a mean age of 43.6 years (range: 21-73) with a mean of 5.92 (range: 0-16) comorbid diagnoses at the time of surgery. There were no intraoperative complications, hospital readmissions, or deaths among the 12 patients. Five patients experienced 5 minor postoperative complications that consisted of cast- or orthosis-related skin breakdown remote from the incision (n = 3), incidental surgical site hematoma that required no surveillance or intervention (n = 1), and contact dermatitis attributed to the surgical dressing that resolved with topical corticosteroids (n = 1). Conclusions: With an appropriate multidisciplinary approach, there is minimal risk for developing perioperative and 30-day postoperative adverse events for adults undergoing SEMLS to correct upper extremity deformities secondary to UMN syndrome. Level of Evidence: Level IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The scaphoid-trapezoid-trapezium (STT) articulation stabilizes the scaphoid and links the proximal and distal carpal rows. The purpose of the study was to determine whether trapezium excision in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal (TM) arthritis affects carpal stability. Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed on all wrists that underwent trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty or ligament reconstruction, and tendon interposition for TM arthritis between 2004 and 2016. Radiographic outcome measures included the modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) and radioscaphoid (RS), radiolunate (RL), and scapholunate (SL) angles. Degenerative change at the TM and STT joints was classified according to the Eaton-Littler, and Knirk and Jupiter classification systems. Radiographic parameters were compared between preoperative and final follow-up time points. Results: A total of 122 wrists were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (range: 1.0-13.0 years). The mean RL (range: −2.2° ± 11.8° to −10.7° ± 16.5°) and RS angles (range: 52.6° ± 13.8° to 44.4° ± 17.8°) decreased significantly (<.001) without significant change in SL angle, indicating progressive lunate and scaphoid extension after trapeziectomy. The mean MCHR decreased significantly (range: 1.6 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.1) following trapeziectomy, indicating progressive carpal collapse. Progressive scaphoid-trapezoid arthrosis was observed following trapeziectomy. No other preoperative radiographic factors investigated were associated with significant differences in preoperative and postoperative values for radiographic outcome measures. Conclusions: Trapeziectomy can lead to loss of carpal height, coordinated extension of both the lunate and scaphoid, and progressive scaphotrapezoid arthrosis. As such, in wrists with dynamic or static carpal instability, trapeziectomy should be performed with caution due to the risk of carpal collapse with a nondissociative pattern of dorsal intercalated segment instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective review of hospital employees at a single employer institution who underwent ultrasound guided thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) or open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) between January 2018 and August 2020 was performed to ascertain differences in return-to-work status. Patient age, sex, occupation, handedness, severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, prior treatments and surgical outcomes were reviewed. A total of 18 patients underwent TCTR and 17 patients underwent OCTR. The TCTR group averaged 12 days to return to work without restrictions, as opposed to 33 days for the OCTR group. Resolution of symptoms was afforded in all patients without any complications regardless of surgical technique. While both TCTR and OCTR were effective, our data indicates that TCTR resulted in a shorter return to work. Level of evidence: III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) or suspensionplasty is an effective treatment in older patients with end-stage thumb basilar arthritis. However, the survivability of this procedure is unknown in younger patients who may impart more stress on their thumbs. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent trapeziectomy and LRTI or suspensionplasty at 55 years of age or younger from 1992 to 2008. Objective clinical outcome measures included preoperative to postoperative changes in thumb range of motion, grip and pinch strength, a study-specific thumb function score, and the Buck-Gramcko subjective outcome score. Progressive metacarpal subsidence was evaluated on radiographs. Survivorship free from revision surgery was calculated with a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: A total of 57 wrists underwent trapeziectomy and LRTI (n = 18) or suspensionplasty (n = 39). The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 49.6 years (range: 38-55 years). Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up were 10.2 and 6.4 years, respectively. Overall, there were significant improvements in pain and grip strength despite progressive and metacarpal subsidence. Survivorship was 100% and 86% free from revision surgery at 10 and 15 years, respectively (n = 2 failures). Conclusions: Trapeziectomy and LRTI or suspensionplasty in patients less than or equal to 55 years of age can result in considerable improvements in pain and grip strength with a 10-year survivorship free from revision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Treating dorsal wrist pain of unknown etiology provides a challenge to the most experienced hand surgeon. Therefore, we conducted a study aimed to determine outcomes of patients undergoing a posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) or anterior/posterior interosseous nerve (AIN/PIN) neurectomy for wrist pain without a known cause, in patients who responded to preoperative injection. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all active duty patients undergoing isolated PIN or AIN/PIN neurectomy for idiopathic dorsal wrist pain with a documented response to preoperative injection between December 2011 and April 2017. Demographic data, return to duty status, pain scores, and range of motion were among the data collected and reviewed. Results The initial search yielded 108 patients of whom 13 met inclusion criteria for our study. Overall, only 2 of 13 patients were able to return to full duty without restrictions, 5 went on to medical discharge, and 6 were placed on permanent duty restrictions. No patients within our study were deployed. Patients had improvement in their pain scores from 4.0 to 2.2. Range of motion was similar before and after surgery. Conclusions A PIN or AIN/PIN neurectomy resulted in improvement in pain scores in patients, but was not successful in returning the majority of patient to full active duty status without restrictions. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: “Floating forearm” injuries, perilunate injuries, with an elbow dislocation, are rare and challenging to treat. Methods: We present the case of an unusual variant of a floating forearm injury, trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation and elbow dislocation, with a concomitant open both-bone forearm fracture after a fall from a ladder. Treatment involved irrigation and debridement of the forearm wound, open reduction and internal fixation of the forearm and perilunate injury, and closed reduction of the elbow. Results: At final follow-up, he had returned to his previous occupation. Radiographs demonstrated fully healing fractures without evidence of osteonecrosis or degeneration. Conclusions: A review of the presentation, evaluation, and management of this rare injury pattern is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI) in patients with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) such as paraplegia or tetraplegia is a very rare and debilitating combined injury that can occur in high-energy traumas. Management of a BPI should be aimed at regaining strength for self-transfers and activities of daily living to restore independence. However, brachial plexus reconstruction (BPR) in this unique patient population requires considerable planning due to the combined elements of upper and lower motor neuron injuries. Methods: We present 2 cases of traumatic complete SCI with concomitant BPI with mean follow-up of 42 months after BPR. The first patient had a left C5-7 BPI with a T2 complete SCI. The second patient sustained a left C5-8 BPI with complete SCI at C8. Results: The first patient underwent BPR including free functioning muscle, intra- and extraplexal nerve transfers, and tendon transfers resulting in active elbow flexion and active elbow, finger, and thumb extension, but no recovery of shoulder function. While the second patient underwent extra-plexal nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion yet did not recover any function in the left upper extreimty. Conclusions: Because extensive upper and lower motor neuron injuries are present in these combined injuries, treatment strategies are limited. Expectations should be tempered in these patients as traditional methods to reconstruct the brachial plexus may result in less than ideal functional outcomes due to the associated upper motor neuron injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thumb-in-palm (TIP) deformity in adults with upper motor neuron syndrome results from an imbalance of extrinsic and intrinsic muscular forces. Traditionally, the thumb is adducted against the index ray, and flexed to varying degrees at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. However, not all TIP deformities result from the same underlying imbalances. The severity of the deformity ranges over a spectrum dependent upon the involved muscle groups and underlying spasticity, myostatic contracture, and/or joint contractures. Surgical procedures for correcting a TIP deformity can be classified broadly as procedures used for functional, present volitional motor control, versus nonfunctional, absent motor control. Techniques include tenotomies, tenodeses, tendon lengthenings, tendon transfers, tendon reroutings, neurectomies, and joint releases. A focused physical examination is key in developing a patient-specific treatment algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little information exists to guide decision-making with regard to distal radius fractures in the setting of ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. Methods: Patients who sustained a distal radius fracture in the setting of ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia secondary to brain injury were evaluated. Investigated variables included perioperative pain, preinjury House functional classification score, length of immobilization, radiographic outcome measurements, and time to union. Results: There were 15 patients with distal radius fractures with a mean age of 65.9 years. The mean clinical and radiographic follow-up was 2.8 and 2.9 years, respectively. Wrists were placed into the nonoperative group (NOG, n = 10) and operative group (OG, n = 5). Pain significantly decreased at final follow-up for both groups. Baseline House functional classification scores averaged 1.3 and 1.6 for the NOG and OG, respectively, and were maintained at final follow-up. Length of immobilization for the NOG was 46 days and OG was 37 days, P =.15. Radiographic outcomes at final follow-up in the NOG and OG, respectively, were a mean radial height of 9.3 versus. 11.6 mm, radial inclination of 18.3° versus 22.3°, 4.2° dorsal tilt versus 5.3° volar tilt, and tear drop angle of 45.6° versus 44.5°. There were no significant differences in these measurements. Time to radiographic union averaged 58 days for the NOG and 67 days for the OG, P =.42. There were no revision surgeries. Conclusions: Based on this small case series, patients with distal radius fracture and ipsilateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia may have similar clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes, regardless of nonoperative or operative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To determine if the absence (type I lunate) or presence (type II lunate) of a medial hamate facet on the lunate affects the radiographic characteristics of patients presenting with Kienböck disease. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all patients evaluated at our institution from 2002 to 2010 with a diagnosis of Kienböck disease confirmed on plain radiographs in concert with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or bone scan. Study groups consisted of patients with type I versus type II lunates, as determined by radiographs, MRI, and/or computed tomography. Measured variables included the modified Lichtman stage on presentation, radioscaphoid angle, presence or absence of a coronal plane fracture of the lunate, modified carpal height, ulnar variance, and ulnar translocation of the carpus at the time of presentation. Results A total of 106 wrists were examined, of which 75 were type I (71%) and 31 were type II (29%) lunates. At the time of presentation, there was significantly more advanced disease (stage IIIA or greater) in patients with type I (N = 64, 86%) compared with those with type II lunates (N = 19, 61%). Coronal fractures of the lunate were more prevalent in patients with type I (N = 58, 75%) compared with type II lunates (N = 18, 58%). In the absence of a coronal fracture, radioscaphoid angles were greater in patients with a type I (53°) versus a type II lunate (45°). Conclusions Lunate morphology may affect the severity of Kienböck disease at the time of initial presentation. Type II lunates appear to be protective against coronal fractures and scaphoid flexion deformities. This study provides further evidence that lunate morphology affects carpal pathology and may have implications for treatment options in Kienböck disease. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess the effect of scaphocapitate arthrodesis (SCA) on grip strength and wrist motion for patients with advanced stages of Kienböck disease. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients with advanced stages of Kienböck disease (stages III–IV) who underwent SCA at our institution between 1991 and 2010 with a minimum of 1 year clinical follow-up. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative pain, range of motion, grip strength, complications, additional surgery, radiographic changes, and the modified Mayo Wrist and Lichtman Outcome scores. Results Twenty-seven patients (17 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 41 years (range, 15–66 y) at the time of SCA were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 60 months (range, 12 mo–16 y). Union was achieved in all 27 patients. Significant loss of mean motion was noted from preoperative to postoperative in wrist flexion (14°), extension (11°), and ulnar deviation (9°). However, significant improvement in grip strength was noted (+7 kg). Modified Mayo Wrist scores were mostly fair to poor and Lichtman scores were satisfactory in 32% (n = 7) of patients, yet 74% of patients returned to regular employment. Progressive radiographic carpal collapse and ulnar translocation of the carpus occurred, particularly in patients who had lunate excisions. However, no patients had symptoms attributable to carpal collapse or ulnar translocation that necessitated additional surgery. Conclusions SCA resulted in improved grip strength with correction of carpal alignment in patients with advanced stages of Kienböck disease in medium-term follow-up. Although radiographic carpal collapse and ulnar translocation occurred, patients were not symptomatic. Patients should be counseled that decrease in wrist range of motion will likely occur. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spastic shoulder deformity in patients with upper motor neuron syndrome results from an imbalance of muscle forces about the shoulder girdle. In typical spastic deformities, the shoulder assumes an adducted and internally rotated posture. The severity of the deformity can range over a spectrum depending on the involved muscle groups, degree of spasticity, and presence of myostatic and/or joint contractures. Surgical options to correct the spastic shoulder deformity can be broadly classified as procedures for the functional versus nonfunctional shoulder or, in other words, preserved versus absent volitional motor control, respectively. Techniques include tenotomy, fractional lengthening, tenodesis, and periarticular soft tissue release. A focused physical examination is imperative in developing a patient-specific treatment algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several techniques of thumb basilar joint arthroplasty depend on an intact flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. There are situations, however, when the FCR tendon may be attenuated or iatrogenically injured, which make these techniques difficult or unfeasible. Familiarity with intraoperative salvage techniques in this setting is imperative. We present techniques for stabilizing the base of the thumb metacarpal when the FCR is deficient or injured. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]