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Predictors of Mortality and Revision Following Digital Amputation for Infection and Necrosis
Digital amputation is a commonly performed procedure for infection and necrosis in patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and on dialysis. There is a lack of data regarding prognosis for revision amputation and mortality following digital amputation in these patients.Prevalence of Complications and Association With Patient-Reported Outcomes After Trapeziectomy With a Weilby Sling: A Cohort Study
The primary aim of this study was to report complications during the first year after trapeziectomy with Weilby sling using a standardized tool designed by the International Consortium for Health Outcome Measures. The secondary aim was to determine the association of complications and patient-reported outcomes 12 months after surgery.Incidence of Peripheral Nerve Decompression Surgery During Pregnancy and the First Year After Delivery in Finland From 1999 to 2017: A Retrospective Register-Based Cohort Study
We aimed to report the incidence of peripheral nerve decompression surgery during pregnancy and 12 months after delivery in Finland from 1999 to 2017.Effect of Time-To-Surgery on Distal Radius Fracture Outcomes: A Systematic Review
It remains unclear whether time-to-surgery for distal radius fractures affects clinical, functional, or radiographic outcomes or health care costs/use. This systematic review investigated the outcomes of early versus delayed surgery for closed, isolated distal radius fractures in adult patients.Hand Allodynia, Lack of Finger Flexion, and the Need for Carpal Tunnel Release
The clinical features of classic carpal tunnel syndrome are well known. However, some patients who may respond equally well to carpal tunnel release (CTR) display atypical signs and symptoms. The chief differential features are allodynia (painful dysesthesias), lack of finger flexion, and, on examination, pain on passive finger flexion. The goal of the study was to present the clinical features, increase awareness, facilitate accurate diagnosis, and report the outcomes after surgery.Use of Silicone Tubes as Antiadhesion Devices in a Modified Two-Stage Flexor Tendon Reconstruction in Zone II: A Retrospective Study
This study aimed to assess the outcome of a modified two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction using silicone tubes as antiadhesion devices while performing simultaneous tendon grafting.Identifying High Direct Variable Costs of Open Carpal Tunnel Release Patients Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing
To improve value in health care delivery, a deeper understanding of the cost drivers in hand surgery is necessary. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) more accurately reflects true resource use compared with traditional accounting methods. This study used TDABC to explore the facility cost of carpal tunnel release and identify preoperative characteristics of high-cost patients.Return to Work After Surgery For Trapeziometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis in Relation to Occupational Hand Force Requirements
This study evaluated the hypothesis that higher occupational hand force requirements are related to slower return to work (RTW) after surgery for trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.Correlation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 6 Score and Physical Exam Maneuvers With Electrodiagnostic Test Severity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Blinded Prospective Cohort Study
Although carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be diagnosed clinically with the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 6 (CTS-6) evaluation tool, the relationship between disease severity and CTS-6 score has not been elucidated. The purpose of our study was to determine the correlation of the CTS-6 score and other physical examination maneuvers with the carpal tunnel severity grade by electrodiagnostic testing (EDT). We hypothesized that the CTS-6 score, Durkan test, and Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Testing (SWMT) positively correlate with EDT severity.A Prospective Clinical Trial Comparing Denervation With Suspension Arthroplasty for Treatment of Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb
Trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty is the most popular treatment for thumb carpometacarpal arthritis. However, carpometacarpal denervation has recently shown promise as an alternative treatment option. This study was designed to compare functional outcomes, pain reduction, and quality of life between denervation and suspension arthroplasty in patients treated for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.Catastrophic Health Care Expenditure Following Brachial Plexus Injury
Brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) are devastating to patients not only functionally but also financially. Like patients experiencing other traumatic injuries and unexpected medical events, patients with BPIs are at risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) in which out-of-pocket health spending exceeds 40% of postsubsistence income (income remaining after food and housing expenses). The individual financial strain after BPIs has not been previously quantified. The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of patients with BPIs who experience risk of CHE after reconstructive surgery.Burden of Hand Osteoarthritis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): An Epidemiological Analysis From 1990 to 2019
Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of disability in older people. Although often underemphasized, it may affect quality of life and imposes a considerable burden on the health system. This study evaluated the epidemiology of hand OA in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Optimizing the Use of Operating Rooms by Transitioning Common Hand Surgeries Into the Office Setting
The purpose of this study was to examine the true monetary implications, at the health system level, of moving simple hand procedures, performed with wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet surgery, from the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to office setting.Race and Ethnicity Reporting in Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Upper-Extremity Journals
Hand surgery remains one of the least racially and ethnically diverse subspecialties in all of medicine, and minority patients demonstrate overall worse health care outcomes compared with White patients. Our purpose was to determine the frequency of race and ethnicity reporting in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in journals with an upper-extremity (UE) focus.The Effectiveness of Different Nerve Transfers in the Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Adults Following Brachial Plexus Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Restoration of elbow flexion is an important goal in the treatment of patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury. Numerous studies have described various nerve transfers for neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve (or its motor branches); however, there is uncertainty over the effectiveness of each method. The aim of this study was to summarize the published evidence in adults with traumatic brachial plexus injury.Effect of Race and Geography on Patient- and Parent-Reported Quality of Life for Children With Congenital Upper Limb Differences
Patient beliefs about health and disability are shaped by many social factors and are a key determinant in their ultimate outcome. We hypothesized that pediatric and parent-reported outcome measures regarding a child’s congenital upper limb difference will be affected by geographic location, parent education, sex, ethnicity, race, age, and presence of additional medical comorbidities.Evaluation of Preoperative Factors Affecting Midterm Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition: A Prognostic Study
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative patient-reported outcomes as predictors of functional improvement following ligament reconstruction tendon interposition. We hypothesized that high levels of preoperative pain interference (PI) and upper-extremity disability are associated with lower magnitudes of functional improvement ≥1 year after surgery on the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) (primary outcome) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity (UE) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) (UE CAT) v1.2 (secondary outcome).Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture-Tape Augmentation for Traumatic Elbow Instability
Ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation has been used in the operative treatment of joint instability and may have advantages with respect to early motion and stability. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the clinical results of traumatic elbow instability treated with lateral ulnar collateral ligament repair with suture-tape augmentation.Long-Term Results of Microsurgical Brachial Plexus Reconstruction in Late-Presenting Cases of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
The role of primary surgery in delayed presenting cases of brachial plexus birth injury is still debated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of brachial plexus reconstruction performed at the age of ≥12 months.Has the Use of Electrodiagnostic Studies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Changed After the 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline?
A 2016 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) clinical practice guideline (CPG) de-emphasized the need for electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We tested the hypothesis that use of EDS decreased after the AAOS CPG.A Systematic Review of Satisfaction Measures in Hand and Wrist Surgery
Patient-reported experience measures (quantifying satisfaction, trust, perceived clinician empathy, and communication effectiveness) may not be developed with the same rigor as patient-reported outcome measures (quantifying comfort and capability). We systematically reviewed the use of measures used to evaluate satisfaction with hand surgery by comparing recent (2017–2019) and remote (2000–2002) publications to assess the use of satisfaction measures and areas for potential improvement.Minimizing Costs for Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Treatment: A Cost-Minimization Analysis
Dorsal wrist ganglions are treated commonly with aspiration, or open or arthroscopic excision in operating room (OR) or procedure room (PR) settings. As it remains unclear which treatment strategy is most cost-effective in yielding cyst resolution, our purpose was to perform a formal cost-minimization analysis from the societal perspective in this context.Electrodiagnostic Predictors of Outcomes After In Situ Decompression of the Ulnar Nerve
Patients with severe ulnar neuropathy at the elbow frequently experience suboptimal surgical outcomes. Clinical symptoms alone may not accurately represent the severity of underlying nerve injury, calling for objective assessment tools, such as electrodiagnostic studies. The goal of our study was to determine whether specific electrodiagnostic parameters can be used to predict the outcomes after in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve.The Association Between Depression and Antidepressant Use and Outcomes After Operative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures at 1 Year
Depression has been linked to inferior clinical outcomes among upper extremity patients. It often is challenging to distinguish the symptoms of depression, symptoms of injury, and the interaction between these 2 entities after a patient has been injured. We aimed to study the differences in clinical outcomes after surgical fixation of distal radius fractures between patients with and without a documented history and treatment for depression.Moving Minor Hand Surgeries Out of the Operating Room and Into the Office-Based Procedure Room: A Population-Based Trend Analysis
Our primary purpose was to quantify the proportion of minor hand surgeries performed in the procedure room (PR) setting in a population-based cohort. Given the increase in the literature that has emerged since the mid-2000s highlighting the benefits of the PR setting, we hypothesized that a trend analysis would reveal increased utilization over time.Zurich Appearance Score for Hands: Development and Validation of an Instrument for Assessing Hand Appearance in Congenital Upper Limb Differences
The appearance of the hand is relevant to individual activity and participation. Improving appearance is often one of the essential goals of hand surgery. The aim of this study was to describe and validate an instrument for quantitatively assessing hand appearance in congenital upper limb differences (CULD).Reverse Neurocutaneous Flap Based on the Dorsal Branch of the Ulnar Artery for Palm Coverage in Children: Long-Term Results
Although the palm is spared mostly in severe burn injuries, it often is affected in children and requires radical excision of contracting scar tissue to allow normal hand development. Since alternatives are limited for palmar coverage, we primarily use a reverse-perfused, neurocutaneous dorsal ulnar artery flap. We report here our long-term follow-up results.The Role of Intravenous Heparin Following Digital Replantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study on 1,155 Digits
The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of postoperative therapeutic dose intravenous heparin (POTDIVH) was indicated in digital replantation and revascularization by assessing digit survival and complications associated with heparin.Quantifying Donor Deficits Following Nerve Transfer Surgery in Tetraplegia
Nerve transfer (NT) surgery can improve function in people with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the impact of donor nerve deficits remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify donor deficits experienced by individuals with cervical SCI following NT.A Comparison Between Robotic-Assisted Scaphoid Screw Fixation and a Freehand Technique for Acute Scaphoid Fracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
We compared robotic-assisted scaphoid screw fixation to conventional technique in terms of accuracy, surgical times, radiation exposure, and clinical outcomes, including range of motion, grip strength, functional score, and complications.The Impact of Cement Mantle Characteristics on Early Loosening in Primary Total Elbow Arthroplasty
To assess the association between cement mantle characteristics and early radiographic loosening in total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). We aimed to determine whether shorter mantle heights (<20 mm) were associated with loosening.Familial Clustering and Genetic Analysis of Severe Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis in a Large Statewide Cohort
Our goals were to identify individuals who required surgery for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA), determine if CMC joint OA clusters in families, define the magnitude of familial risk of CMC joint OA, identify risk factors associated with CMC joint OA, and identify rare genetic variants that segregate with familial CMC joint OA.Impact of an Electronic Health Record Pain Medication Prescribing Tool on Opioid Prescriptions for Postoperative Pain in Hand, Orthopedic, Plastic, and Spine Surgery Across a Health Care System
We hypothesized that a pain management prescribing tool embedded in the electronic health record system of a multihospital health care system would decrease prescription opioids for postoperative pain by hand, orthopedic, plastic, and spine surgeons.The Interobserver Reliability of Grading of Distal Radius Volar Plate Prominence
The 3-category rating of volar plate prominence in relation to the most volar edge of the distal radius (the watershed line) on lateral radiographs was reliable among a small group of surgeons and associated with the probability of flexor tendon irritation and potential rupture. Classifications are often less reliable when tested among a large group of practicing surgeons in different environments.Effect of a Text Message–Based Support Program on Outcomes of Patients After Flexor Tendon Injury Repair
Although the effectiveness of using text messages in home-based rehabilitation programs has been investigated, its ability to engage patients in home rehabilitation exercises and, as a result, improve hand outcomes, specifically in patients with flexor tendon injuries, has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of a text message–based intervention to usual care is effective in improving hand outcomes in patients with flexor tendon injuries after repair.Anatomic Variations of the Musculocutaneous Nerve and Clinical Implications for Restoration of Elbow Flexion
The restoration of elbow flexion is of primary importance in the management of patients with brachial plexus injuries. Superior functional outcomes via fascicle transfer from the ulnar and median nerves have resulted in this transfer being considered the mainstay of recovery of elbow flexion in patients with intact C8 and T1 function. An understanding of the anatomy of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) and its branching pattern is key while performing these transfers.A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Methylprednisolone for Postoperative Pain Management of Surgically Treated Distal Radius Fractures
Perioperative glucocorticoids have been effectively used as a pain management regimen for reducing pain after hand surgery. We hypothesize that a methylprednisolone taper (MPT) course following surgery will reduce pain and opioid consumption in the early postoperative period.Relationship Between Preoperative and Postoperative Motion After Four-Corner Wrist Fusion for Osteoarthritis: Clustering and Regression Analyses
Four-corner fusion (4CF) is a surgical option for refractory scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist arthritis. Preoperative range of motion (ROM) predicts outcomes in many orthopedic procedures. This study investigates ROM in a cohort of 4CF patients to examine the relationship between preoperative and postoperative motion and identifies different clinical patterns.Is Early Active Motion After 3-Ligament Tenodesis Noninferior to Late Active Motion? A Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study
If early active motion after 3-ligament tenodesis is safe, it may yield more patient comfort and an early return to activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether early active motion is noninferior to late active motion after 3-ligament tenodesis for scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries.Preoperative Patient-Reported Data Indicate the Risk of Prolonged Opioid Use After Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeries
Opioids play an important role in pain management after surgery but also increase the risk of prolonged opioid use in patients. The identification of patients who are more likely to use opioids after intended short-term treatment is critical for employing alternative management approaches or targeted interventions for the prevention of opioid-related problems. We used patient-reported data (PRD) and electronic health record information to identify factors predictive of prolonged opioid use after surgery.Is Midcarpal Arthroscopy for Suspected Scapholunate Pathology Associated With Greater Interobserver Agreement and More Frequent Offer of Surgery?
This study compared the interobserver agreement of arthroscopic classification of suspected scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) pathology with and without midcarpal arthroscopy to help inform diagnostic strategies. It also measured the association of midcarpal arthroscopy with recommendations for reconstructive surgery. The association of midcarpal arthroscopy with the type of surgery recommended was also studied.Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging With 3-Dimensional T2-SPACE Techniques for Preganglionic Injury of the Brachial Plexus
An accurate diagnosis of the site and severity of a brachial plexus injury is imperative for selecting the appropriate management. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not allow for the precise interpretation of preganglionic injuries (pre-GIs), especially intravertebral canal injuries. We developed 4 MRI sequences of conventional 1.5-tesla 3-dimensional T2-weighted turbo spin echo sampling perfection with the application of optimized contrasts using different flip angles evolution (T2-SPACE) images to clearly visualize each component of the brachial plexus.Out-of-Pocket and Total Costs for Common Hand Procedures From 2008 to 2016: A Nationwide Claims Database Analysis
Rising patient out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and financial distress have been associated with reduced access to and delays in care. We evaluated whether OOP and total costs for common hand procedures have increased from 2008 to 2016 and identified key drivers of these costs.Patient-Derived Framework for Quality in Hand Surgery: A Qualitative Analysis
Despite the growing attention to evaluating care from the patient perspective, the most common definitions and measurements of quality are currently defined by physicians and health systems. Studies have demonstrated how a lack of patient input can lead to discrepancies between patients’ and physicians’ assessments of quality and, subsequently, worse patient outcomes. Although quality measures are increasingly used in hand surgery, insufficient work has examined whether these quality measures align with what matters to patients.The Utility of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-6 for Predicting the Outcomes of Carpal Tunnel Release
Considering the cost of, discomfort with, and time required for nerve conduction testing, the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-6 (CTS-6) is often used to determine the likelihood of the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome. We sought to determine whether the CTS-6, designed as a diagnostic instrument, could serve a dual purpose and predict the outcome of carpal tunnel release (CTR) based on postoperative changes in the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) score.The Impact of Smoking on Delayed Osseous Union After Arthrodesis Procedures in the Hand and Wrist
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and delayed radiographic union after hand and wrist arthrodesis procedures. We hypothesized that smoking would be associated with a higher rate of delayed union.Perception of the Virtual Interview Format in Hand Surgery Fellowship Applicants
The Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic occurred during the interview period for numerous surgical fellowships, resulting in most programs transitioning to a virtual interview format during the 2020–2021 application cycle. This study investigated modifications adopted by fellowship programs and perceptions of the virtual interview format among hand surgery fellowship applicants.Prevalence, Burden, and Sources of Out-of-Network Billing in Elective Hand Surgery: A National Claims Database Analysis
Surprise out-of-network (OON) bills can represent a considerable cost burden on patients. However, OON billing remains underexplored in elective, outpatient surgery procedures, which have greater latitude for patient choice. We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) What is the prevalence and magnitude of OON charges in hand surgery? (2) What are the sources of OON charges? and (3) What factors are associated with OON charges?Lateral Femoral Trochlea Flap Reconstruction of the Proximal Capitate: An Assessment of Congruity and Description of Technique
We examined morphologic similarities of the medial lateral femoral trochlea (MFT) and lateral femoral trochlea (LFT) osteochondral flaps for reconstruction of the proximal capitate.Finger Joint Contractures 5 Years After Treatment for Dupuytren Disease: A Comparative Cohort Study of Collagenase Injection Versus Surgical Fasciectomy
To compare collagenase injection with surgical fasciectomy in Dupuytren disease (DD) for the prevalence of contracture in treated fingers 5 years after treatment.
