Anatomic Reconstruction of the Anterior Oblique and the Dorsoradial Ligaments for Painful Subluxating Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb.

Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) is a common pathology of the hand that is characterized by pain, loss of grip and pinch strength, and deformity. Although conservative management is often preferred in earlier stage of CMC OA, surgical techniques can be used when symptoms are not fully relieved, especially with subluxation. We report a case series of 26 patients (32 operations) with Eaton stage I and II CMC OA who underwent a novel surgical technique that anatomically restores the CMC joint with autologous double ligament reconstruction. All cases were retrospectively reviewed as a prospective study and performed at a single regional health system from 2012 to 2016. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs, grip and pinch strength measurements, and DASH scores were collected to evaluate the outcomes. The mean CMC subluxation ratio decreased from 0.59±0.14 to 0.35±0.21 (P<0.0001). The mean grip strength increased from 44.34±17.36 pounds to 52.97±18.92 pounds (P=0.017), and the mean pinch strength increased from 10.16±4.59 pounds to 12.75±4.52 pounds (P=0.00027). The mean DASH scores decreased from 42.32±14.99 to 19.94±14.47 (P<0.0001). The average follow-up period was 39.44±14.94 months. Three patients had postoperative thumb stiffness that resolved with physical therapy. One patient had postoperative pain, attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome. One surgery required revision. All other patients (84.38%) reported significant improvement in pain and the ability to return to previous levels of work. This surgical technique is therefore a feasible option for patients with Eaton stage I or II CMC OA, and should be recommended for wider surgical use.

Complications of hip fracture surgery on patients receiving clopidogrel therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Clopidogrel (Plavix(®)) may influence patient safety during fracture surgery. Our study examines the incidence of complications for patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty on clopidogrel therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients, who underwent hemiarthroplasty between 2005 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were placed in two comparative groups based on the use of clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, ASA score, pre and postoperative hemoglobin, time to surgery, length of stay, bleeding events, transfusions and complications. Comparative statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test, using P < 0.05 to identify statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 203 charts were reviewed, of which 162 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. One hundred and twelve females and 50 males with mean age of 84 years were identified. The clopidogrel group consisted of 15 (9.3 %) patients and the nonclopidogrel group 147 (90.7 %). The clopidogrel group had more comorbidities resulting in a significantly higher ASA score (3.9 vs. 2.9), and lower preoperative hemoglobin (11.3 vs. 12.0). There was no significant difference identified in time to surgery, intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin on days 1-3, or number of transfusions received between groups. Patients on clopidogrel were seen to have significantly longer hospital stays (10.6 vs. 7.4 days). However, a similar rate of wound and bleeding related complications (6.7 vs. 6.1 %) was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal treatment for hip fracture patients on antiplatelet therapy is unclear. However, in this study there appears to be no significant difference with regards to bleeding and bleeding related wound complications, suggesting it is safe to proceed with hemiarthroplasty for patients receiving clopidogrel.