Incidental signal changes in the extensor carpi ulnaris on MRI
ConclusionsECU signal changes on MRI are common and often asymptomatic. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - December 1, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Olecranon tip osteoarticular autograft transfer for irreparable coronoid process fracture: a biomechanical study
ConclusionsIn this biomechanical study of irreparable coronoid fracture, autograft olecranon tip transfer restored posterior elbow stability to a level not significantly different from the intact elbow in five of eight elbow positions tested. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - December 1, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

The use of a single volar locking plate for AO C3-type distal radius fractures
ConclusionsThe majority (89.6  %) of AO C3-type fractures treated with a single volar locking plate come to union without loss of reduction.Level of evidence: Level IV. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - December 1, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Axonal fusion via conduit-based delivery of hydrophilic polymers
ConclusionThese data suggest that PEG delivery via a conduit may provide a simple, effective way to fuse severed axons and regain early nerve function. For proximal nerve injuries in large animals, recovery of axonal continuity could dramatically improve outcomes, even if fusion only occurs in a small percentage of axons. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - December 1, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Return to play following metacarpal fractures in football players
ConclusionFootball players who required surgical fixation of a metacarpal fracture demonstrated an efficient return to play, including in-season players with use of protective bracing.Study DesignCase series, Level of evidence, IV (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - December 1, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Patients ’ preferences regarding the delivery of health care in a hand surgical practice
Conclusions < /h3 > < p class= " a-plus-plus " > The results of our study indicate that patients prefer typed information as opposed to e-mail or websites regarding their health care. Our study also suggests that patients are willing to endure longer wait times if they can be given a sooner appointment, and most prefer a specialist for their problems. These results will provide some guidance to the physician regarding what patients find most appealing. < /p > < /span > (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - November 30, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

A novel computational method for evaluating osteochondral autografts in distal radius reconstruction
Conclusions We have developed a software algorithm for comparing two articular surfaces to test fit for a proposed joint reconstruction. The software is versatile and may be applied to any bony surface to identify new graft donor sites. The fit assessment renders a richer, three-dimensional understanding of the fit of the graft as compared to traditional two-dimensional assessments. Level of Evidence: Decision analysis, Level V (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - August 28, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Osteochondral defects of the upper extremity treated with particulated juvenile cartilage transfer
We present the novel use of particulated juvenile cartilage transfer in the upper extremity. Our patient is an active duty solider with an osteochondral defect (OCD) of the capitellum that he sustained after an improvised explosive devise injury to his left elbow. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - August 11, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

A structured review addressing the use of radiographic measures of alignment and the definition of acceptability in patients with distal radius fractures
Conclusions Substantial variability in how radiographic measurements are defined in large clinical studies as seen in this review suggest a need for consensus on the assessment and interpretations of radiographic measures used in patients following a distal radius fracture. Guidelines for radiographic measures should be established to ensure consistency between research and treatment centers. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - July 9, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Anatomic relationships in distal radius bridge plating: a cadaveric study
Conclusion Mounting the dorsal bridge plate to the index finger metacarpal places the superficial branches of the radial sensory nerve at risk during dissection, while mounting the plate to the middle finger metacarpal leads to a greater degree of tendon-plate contact. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - July 7, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Finger injuries in a developing sport: cachibol (Newcomb Ball)
Conclusions Finger injuries are more prevalent in cachibol than volleyball due to the unique characteristics of the game. Cachibol-related injuries are a growing cause for concern due to the growing number of cachibol players. This study may be useful in developing effective treatment protocols and injury prevention programs for cachibol players. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - July 7, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Postsurgical complications following distal radius volar plating in a diabetic population at short-term follow-up
Conclusions Diabetics experienced a greater incidence of minor postsurgical complications following volar locked plating of distal radius fractures when compared to a matched, control population. The difference in outcomes is largely accounted for by the increased incidence of peripheral neuritis among diabetics. Diabetic patients should be counseled pre-operatively regarding their elevated risk profile. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - June 26, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections to manage trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis—a systematic review
Conclusions This study demonstrates that there are potentially significant although short-term benefits to be gained from steroid injections into the TMJ. They can lead to pain relief and improved function, certainly in the first 1 to 3 months post-injection. Steroid injections are a low-risk procedure and are helpful in delaying or avoiding the need for surgery. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - June 17, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

The utility of ultrasound for diagnosing purulent infections of the upper extremity
Conclusions Ultrasound is not a sensitive method to detect the presence of abscess in the setting of upper extremity infection. However, in this population of patients with suspected abscess, the negative predictive value was high with and without the inclusion of ambiguous results, suggesting reasonable utility of ultrasound as a rule-out test. Level of Evidence Diagnostic study, Level II (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - June 10, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research

Axonal fusion via conduit-based delivery of hydrophilic polymers
Conclusion These data suggest that PEG delivery via a conduit may provide a simple, effective way to fuse severed axons and regain early nerve function. For proximal nerve injuries in large animals, recovery of axonal continuity could dramatically improve outcomes, even if fusion only occurs in a small percentage of axons. (Source: Hand)
Source: Hand - June 8, 2015 Category: Surgery Source Type: research