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Purpose To address the null hypothesis that surgeons shown radiographs of little finger metacarpal neck fractures with measured fracture angulation would recommend surgery as often as surgeons shown unmarked radiographs. Methods Members of the Science of Variation Group, an international collaboration of fully trained orthopedic and trauma surgeons, were asked to review 20 little finger metacarpal neck fracture cases, which included a vignette and 3 high-quality radiographs. Members were then randomized to review radiographs with or without measured fracture angulation on the lateral view and select operative or nonoperative management. Results Surgeons shown radiographs with measured angulation were more likely to recommend surgery, and there was less variability among these surgeons, particularly for fractures with less angular deformity. Conclusions Measured fracture angulation has a small but significant influence on treatment recommendations for little finger metacarpal neck fractures. Copyright (C) 2014 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved

Purpose To provide a synthesis of the highest-quality literature available comparing early passive motion (EPM) with strict sling immobilization during the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Methods The Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. We reviewed 886 citations, and 5 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (Level II) met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Four RCTs contributed to the analysis of range of motion, and 5 contributed to the analysis of retear rates. A single Level IV study was available for qualitative review. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, computing mean differences for continuous variables and risk ratios for dichotomous variables. Results EPM resulted in improved shoulder forward flexion at 3 months (mean difference, 14.70°; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.52° to 23.87°; P = .002), 6 months (mean difference, 4.31°; 95% CI, 0.17° to 8.45°; P = .04), and 12 months (mean difference, 4.18°; 95% CI, 0.36° to 8.00°; P = .03). External rotation at the side was only superior with EPM at 3 months (mean difference, 10.43°; 95% CI, 4.51° to 16.34°; P = .0006). Rotator cuff retear rates (16.3% for immobilization v 21.1% for EPM; risk ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.20; P = .31) were not significantly different between EPM and immobilization at a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions A small number of RCTs with low to moderate risks of bias are currently available. Meta-analysis suggests that after primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of small to medium tears, EPM results in 15° of improved forward flexion at 3 months and approximately 5° at 6 and 12 months. External rotation is improved by 10° with EPM at 3 months only. The clinical importance of these differences has yet to be determined. Retear rates at a minimum of 1 year of follow-up are not clearly affected by type of rehabilitation. Level of Evidence Level II, meta-analysis of Level II studies and qualitative review of Level IV study.

Purpose To address the factors that surgeons use to decide between 2 options for treatment when the evidence is inconclusive. Methods We tested the null hypothesis that the factors surgeons use do not vary by training, demographics, and practice. A total of 337 surgeons rated the importance of 7 factors when deciding between treatment and following the natural history of the disease and 12 factors when deciding between 2 operative treatments using a 5-point Likert scale between "very important" and "very unimportant." Results According to the percentages of statements rated very important or somewhat important, the most popular factors influencing recommendations when evidence is inconclusive between treatment and following the natural course of the illness were "works in my hands," "familiarity with the treatment," and "what my mentor taught me." The most important factors when evidence shows no difference between 2 surgeries were "fewer complications," "quicker recovery," "burns fewer bridges," "works in my hands" and "familiarity with the procedure." Europeans rated "works in my hands" and "cheapest/most resourceful" of significantly greater importance and "what others are doing," "highest reimbursement," and "shorter procedure" of significantly lower importance than surgeons in the United States. Observers with fewer than 10 years in independent practice rated "what my mentor taught me," "what others are doing" and "highest reimbursement" of significantly lower importance compared to observers with 10 or more years in independent practice. Conclusions Surgeons deciding between 2 treatment options, when the evidence is inconclusive, fall back to factors that relate to their perspective and reflect their culture and circumstances, more so than factors related to the patient's perspective, although this may be different for younger surgeons. Clinical relevance Hand surgeons might benefit from consensus fallback preferences when evidence is inconclusive. It is possible that falling back to personal comfort makes us vulnerable to unhelpful commercial and societal influences.

Background Lesser tuberosity avulsion fractures in adolescents occur infrequently. Perhaps because of their rarity, many cases are missed on initial physical exam, imaging studies, and even diagnostic arthroscopy, leading to delay in diagnosis. Without operative intervention, these injuries may cause significant morbidity, whereas operative fixation has predictably good results. We review 6 cases and compare them to a review of the previous published cases. Methods All cases of isolated lesser tuberosity avulsions in skeletally immature patients treated by the senior author (MTB) at a pediatric referral center were included. The mean follow-up was over 4 years (range, 2 to 7 y). Operative treatment consisted of a diagnostic arthroscopy to evaluate for concomitant pathology, followed by an open reattachment of the tuberosity through an incision in line with the anterior axillary fold. A lasso technique using suture anchors and sutures to loop over and hold down the fragment is our preferred method as it decreases the risk of fracture seen with fixation using screws or sutures through drill holes in the tuberosity. Results Even with a frequent delay in diagnosis, all patients had a predictably good outcome with an average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 97 (range, 88 to 100) and a Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index of 94 (range, 84 to 100). The patient history, symptoms, and physical exam findings were consistent across the published cases. The prototypical patient is a male, age 13, who sustains an abduction and extension injury during sports. Anterior shoulder pain, positive belly press, and lift-off signs are frequent findings. Conclusions A high index of suspicion is needed to recognize this uncommon injury. History, physical exam for subscapularis function, and magnetic resonance imaging should be diagnostic. Operative treatment with a suture anchor lasso technique leads to predictably good results. Level of evidence Level IV therapeutic study.

Educational Objectives As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to: 1. Describe options for managing posterior glenoid bone loss in primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. 2. Describe the indications for and results of bone grafting for glenoid loss in revision anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. 3. Describe options for managing superior glenoid bone loss and discuss the role of bony lateralization in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. 4. Describe the design features of fracture stems and options for bone grafting augmentation in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Shoulder arthroplasty is one of the fastest-growing fields in orthopedic surgery. Deficiency of the glenoid or humeral bone stock is a major challenge that can result from degenerative arthritis, component loosening or extraction, fracture, or malignancy. Approximately 15% of primary reconstructions will require bone grafting, and the rate is higher for revisions. The authors present a systematic review of the current literature focused on the indications for and results of bone grafting techniques. This provides the practicing surgeon with a set of strategies to address bone loss in the primary and revision settings, whether using an anatomic or reverse design.

Rupture of the pectoralis major is an uncommon injury that can lead to pain, loss of strength, and cosmetic deformity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of pectoralis major repairs by a single surgeon. Twenty-four patients who underwent pectoralis major repair by the senior author (M.D.L.) between May 2005 and March 2011 were retrospectively identified. Patients were assessed at least 6 months postoperatively with the use of various questionnaires, including the Penn Shoulder Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). All patients were men with an injury to the sternal head of the pectoralis. Most (16/24; 67%) patients sustained the injury while bench or incline bench pressing. Nineteen (79%) patients were successfully contacted for follow-up. Of these, an average preinjury bench press of 318 lb (range, 145–525 lb) was restored to an average of 264 lb (range, 100–500 lb) at follow-up. Average preoperative Penn Shoulder Score was 60 points (range, 33–77 points), improving to 94 points (range, 64–100 points) at last follow-up ( P =.011). Average postoperative ASES and SANE scores were 96 points (range, 60–100 points) and 93 points (range, 50–100 points), respectively. All but 1 patient were rated excellent (14/19; 74%) or good (4/19; 21%) by the Bak criteria. Operative treatment of pectoralis major rupture yields high patient satisfaction and allows predictable return of comfort, range of motion, cosmesis, and overall limb strength, with a slightly less predictable return of maximum bench press strength.

Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fracture in elderly patients. Hemiarthroplasty has been the treatment of choice in patients with bone quality and fracture patterns not amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a newer option that appears to be less dependent on tuberosity healing than hemiarthroplasty. The authors hypothesized that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides improved functional outcomes compared with hemiarthroplasty for fractures in elderly patients. A retrospective review was performed of all patients treated with arthroplasty for acute proximal humerus fractures in an orthopedic practice using a Current Procedural Terminology code search, patient charts, and radiographs. Validated outcome scores were used to assess satisfaction, function, and general well-being. Twenty-three patients were treated for acute proximal humerus fractures (11 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties and 12 hemiarthroplasties). Three patients were lost to follow-up, and 6 patients were deceased. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 1.3–8 years). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty outperformed hemiarthroplasty with regard to forward flexion, American Shoulder and Elbow Society score, University of Pennsylvania shoulder score, and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a reliable option for acute, proximal humerus fractures that are not amenable to closed treatment or reconstruction in elderly patients. Improved functional outcomes when compared with hemiarthroplasty must be balanced against the increased cost and limited life expectancy of patients with this injury.

Background: Terrible triad injuries consist of a posterior dislocation of the elbow, a coronoid fracture, and a radial head fracture. The coronoid plays a pivotal role as an anterior buttress, yet the optimal management of the coronoid fracture remains unknown. We hypothesize that suture lasso fixation of the coronoid fracture leads to fewer complications and improved outcomes compared with screw or suture anchor fixation techniques. Methods: A retrospective chart review performed at three tertiary care centers identified forty consecutive patients treated for terrible triad injuries of the elbow with a minimum follow-up of eighteen months (mean, twenty-four months; range, eighteen to fifty-three months). All patients were managed with a standard approach consisting of: (1) repair or replacement of the radial head; (2) repair of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) of the elbow; and (3) repair of the coronoid fracture with one of two techniques: Group I (n = 28) consisted of the “lasso” technique and Group II (n = 12) consisted of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with screws or suture anchors. Results: For the study population, the mean postoperative arc of elbow motion was 115° (range, 75° to 140°), the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 16 (range, 0 to 43), and the average Broberg-Morrey score was 90 (range, 64 to 100). For repair of the coronoid fracture, the suture lasso technique was more stable than the other techniques intraoperatively, both before (p < 0.05) and after (p < 0.05) LUCL repair, and at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). ORIF was associated with a higher prevalence of implant failure (p < 0.05), and suture anchors were associated with a higher prevalence of malunion and nonunion (p < 0.05). Conclusions: For terrible triad injuries, greater stability with fewer complications was achieved with use of the suture lasso technique for coronoid fracture fixation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Musculotendinous variations around the medial epicondyle can contribute to subluxation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This article reviews the presenting symptoms, operative findings, and results of surgery for subluxation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. A retrospective evaluation was performed of 200 elbows managed operatively for medial elbow pathology over a 17-year period between 1990 and 2007. The patient charts were reviewed for chief complaint, radiographic studies, operative reports, and postoperative examination data. Seventeen patients (18 elbows) were treated for a subluxating ulnar nerve. Three patients were women and 14 were men, with a mean age of 27.6 years. Medial elbow pain was the chief complaint in all 17 patients. Seventeen elbows also demonstrated paresthesias in an ulnar nerve distribution. All patients were treated with anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve, and 11 patients (61%) were found to have a muscular anomaly. At a mean follow-up of 17 months, the mean visual analog scale for pain improved from 6.0 to 2.0. There was no functional impairment reported for any patient at final follow-up. Of the 200 elbows surgically treated for medial elbow pathology, 17 patients (8.5%) demonstrated a subluxating ulnar nerve. These patients tend to be young and present with a primary complaint of medial elbow pain. In addition, a subluxating ulnar nerve is often associated with muscular anomalies, which must be addressed concurrently.

Traumatic dislocation of the hip results in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) or avascular necrosis (AVN) in approximately 40% of patients. This high-energy event causes an ischemic insult to the femoral head that may lead to ONFH. Here, we investigate use of Free-Vascularized Fibular Grafting (FVFG) in patients with ONFH after traumatic hip dislocation. Thirty-five patients with FVFG for this indication were reviewed (average follow-up 3.3 years, range 1-21). We reviewed patient injury statistics, demographics, preoperative radiographs, pre- and postoperative Harris Hip scores, complications, and rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The majority (81%) of our patients were young males (22 years) with ONFH diagnosed an average of 2 years after injury. The average preoperative Harris Hip score was 64.9 which improved by over 10 points to 76.1 at 1-year follow-up. Seven of 35 patients required conversion to THA at an average of 45 (13-86) months postoperation. After a maximum follow up of 21 years, the remainder of the patients retained their native hips and Harris Hip scores tended to show improved hip function.

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is critical for pronosupination of the forearm and for upper extremity function in general. Because of its critical role in tool handling, some authors place the human DRUJ on par with the opposable thumb in the evolution of man. This seemingly simple cylindrical joint is stabilized by a complex network of soft tissue constraints, primarily components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Chief among these are the dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments. Any injury that disrupts these stabilizers, their balanced tension, or the bony congruity of the joint will have a major deleterious effect on hand function. Although they can occur in isolation, injuries causing acute DRUJ instability generally are associated with other trauma to the forearm-wrist complex. When managing these associated injuries, it is paramount to have a high index of suspicion for associated acute DRUJ instability. If the DRUJ is evaluated and stabilized in the acute setting, the more difficult clinical problem of chronic DRUJ instability can be avoided.

Olecranon bursitis is most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus (80-100% of cases). 20 Patients usually present with bursal pain, fluctuant swelling, overlying cellulitis, and occasionally fevers. However, when more unusual pathogens infect the olecranon bursa, the clinical course is often more subtle and insidious, delaying the diagnosis and leading to inappropriate treatment. We report on three cases of olecranon bursitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in healthy patients with no medical comorbidities or systemic immunosuppresion.