Factors associated with non-attendance at a hand surgery appointment
Conclusions
Non-attendees are more likely to be younger, unmarried, non-white, to have their appointments at the start of the week, and to live near the office. Knowledge of these factors might prove useful for implementation of tailored quality improvement initiatives to reduce non-attendance and maximize productivity in the hand surgery office setting.
Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic IV. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 22, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Prospective cohort study of symptom resolution outside of the ulnar nerve distribution following cubital tunnel release
Conclusion
This study documents resolution of symptoms in an extra-ulnar distribution after cubital tunnel release. Improvement in pain and function after cubital tunnel release may be associated with an improvement in symptoms both within and outside the ulnar nerve distribution. Future studies could be directed at correlating pre-operative disease severity with probability of extra-territorial symptom resolution using a larger sample population. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 21, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Prevalence of cold sensitivity in patients with hand pathology
Conclusions
Cold-induced symptoms are reported by more than 30 % of hand-related diagnoses, and exposure to cold air was the most commonly reported trigger. The significant predictors of cold-induced symptoms are traumatic injuries and longer time from injury. This study provides evidence of the common problem of cold sensitivity in patients with hand pathology.
Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 16, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Thumb volar plate reconstruction utilizing extensor pollicis brevis autograft: evaluation of a new technique
Conclusions
Preliminary data suggests this technique is anatomically sound, technically less demanding, and requires minimal surgical dissection compared to previously described procedures. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 15, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
The palmaris profundus, a rare sight during carpal tunnel release
Abstract
Palmaris profundus is a rare anatomical anomaly that may complicate carpal tunnel release. We discuss a recent case of carpal tunnel syndrome and its surgical release, whilst reviewing the published anatomical and surgical literature. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 15, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation of acute proximal pole scaphoid fractures
Conclusions
Initial displacement and mechanism of injury have the most significant effects on early rates of union. Delay in ORIF of up to 28 days did not affect the rate of initial union, but the authors recommend early fixation of these fractures to prevent further displacement. Patients with widely displaced fractures or those with high energy mechanisms should be counseled regarding prolonged healing time.
Level of Evidence: IV—therapeutic (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 15, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
A threshold disability score corresponds with an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression in patients with upper extremity disease
Conclusion
A DASH score of 55 or greater in patients with common upper extremity disorders has an acceptable area under the curve and positive predictive value for an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression.
Level of Evidence: Level 3, diagnostic study (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 10, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Ulnar nerve transection during Tommy John surgery: novel findings and approach to treatment
(Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 10, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Dimensional analysis of the distal phalanx with consideration of distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a headless compression screw
Conclusions
Females were routinely smaller than their male counterparts. No age-related differences were seen. A substantial number of fingers were found to be too small to allow for use of headless compression screws; 42 % of small finger distal phalanges are too small to accommodate 2.8-mm threads, and that number increases to 81 % with 3.2-mm threads and 97 % with 3.5-mm threads. Few distal phalanges, regardless of which finger, are large enough to accommodate 3.5-mm-diameter threads; 22% of female ring finger distal phalanges are smaller than 2.8 mm, and 66 % of ring fingers are smaller than 3....
Source: Hand - October 3, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Distal humeral hemiarthroplasty: indications, results, and complications. A systematic review
Conclusion
Here, we present the first review of the indications for DHH. DHH is a reasonable treatment option for older patients with unreconstructable intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus as well as younger patients with rheumatoid arthritis, orthopaedic tumor with significant bone loss, malunion, or osteomyelitis. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 2, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
The “Thumbs-up” sign and trapeziometacarpal joint injection: a useful clinical indicator
Conclusions
The “Thumbs-up” sign is a practical clinical tool that gives the practitioner important visual feedback at the time of injection. Patient relaxation and joint compliance are limiting factors. The “Thumbs-up” sign is an inexpensive indicator of successful intra-articular injection and may obviate the need and expense of advanced imaging modalities at the time of injection. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - October 2, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Arterialized venous flow-through flaps in the reconstruction of digital defects: case series and review of the literature
Conclusions
AVFT flaps appear congested post-operatively, resolving in days to weeks, and resulting in healthy coverage of digital soft tissue defects with good functionality. We suggest a selection process for the use of AVFT flaps in digital soft tissue reconstruction, based on dorsal vs. volar and proximal vs. distal defect location, and the flap’s inherent venous architecture. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - September 30, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Distal peripheral nerve blockade for patients undergoing hand surgery: a pilot study
Conclusions
Forearm blocks are viable alternatives to proximal blockade and are effective as a primary anesthetic technique in patients undergoing hand surgery. Compared to the more proximal approaches, these blocks have the benefits of not causing respiratory compromise, the ability to be performed bilaterally, and may be safer in anticoagulated patients. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - September 30, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Ulnar digits contribution to grip strength in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis is less than in normal controls
The objectives of this study were to determine the contribution of ulnar digits to overall grip strength in individuals with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
Thirty-seven subjects participated in the study. This group consisted of 19 patients with CMC OA (aged 60–88 years) and 18 healthy subjects (60–88 years). Three hand configurations were used by the subjects during grip testing: use of the entire hand (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) (IMRL); use of the index, middle, and ring fingers (IMR); and use of on...
Source: Hand - September 27, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
Prospective comparison of the six-item carpal tunnel symptoms scale and portable nerve conduction testing in measuring the outcomes of treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with steroid injection
Conclusions
The six-item CTS symptoms scale and portable NCS are both useful measures for evaluating the results of steroid injections. The CTS-6 is an effective tool because of its ease of use, low cost, correspondence with changes in NCS, and ability to monitor the outcome of steroid treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - September 26, 2014 Category: Surgery Source Type: research
