Failure Rate and Early Complications of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Replacement-A Multicenter Retrospective Study of Two Modern Implant Designs.

Joint replacement arthroplasty for the treatment of thumb osteoarthritis is gaining popularity as recent studies have demonstrated better pinch and grip strength and faster rehabilitation. Our aim was to identify early complications in modern implant designs using a multicenter study. A total of 381 patients who underwent thumb carpometacarpal replacement surgery in six participating hospitals were enrolled. The complications included were fractures, dislocations, infections, tendon and nerve injuries, and complex regional pain syndrome. Major complications were defined as a failure to implant the prosthesis, revision surgery to remove the implant, and any other need for further surgical intervention. The secondary outcomes were any other complications treated non-surgically and the timing of the complications. Eleven procedures failed, and these patients were treated with trapeziectomies. Twelve other patients required repeat surgical interventions. Minor adverse events occurred in 25.4% of the cases, and transient irritation of the superficial radial nerve and De Quervain tendinopathy were the most prevalent complications. Although this cohort depicted the learning curves of multiple surgeons, our study demonstrated low short-term failure rates. An inability to achieve primary stability of the cup in the trapezium was the leading cause of failure. Dislocations and other major complications with modern implants were very few.

An In Vitro Hand Simulator for Simultaneous Control of Hand and Wrist Movements.

A human hand is a complex biomechanical system, in which bones, ligaments, and musculotendon units dynamically interact to produce seemingly simple motions. A new physiological hand simulator has been developed, in which electromechanical actuators apply load to the tendons of extrinsic hand and wrist muscles to recreate movements in cadaveric specimens in a biofidelic way. This novel simulator simultaneously and independently controls the movements of the wrist (flexion/extension and radio-ulnar deviation) and flexion/extension of the fingers and thumb. Control of these four degrees of freedom (DOF) is made possible by actuating eleven extrinsic muscles of the hand. The coupled dynamics of the wrist, fingers, and thumb, and the over-actuated nature of the human musculoskeletal system make feedback control of hand movements challenging. Two control algorithms were developed and tested. The optimal controller relies on an optimization algorithm to calculate the required tendon tensions using the collective error in all DOFs, and the action-based controller loads the tendons solely based on their actions on the controlled DOFs (e.g., activating all flexors if a flexing moment is required). Both controllers resulted in hand movements with small errors from the reference trajectories ( ); however, the optimal controller achieved this with 16% lower total force. Owing to its simpler structure, the action-based controller was extended to enable feedback control of grip force. This simulator has been shown to be a highly repeatable tool (  N and variations in force and kinematics, respectively) for in vitro analyses of human hand biomechanics.

Preoperative Evaluation of Intramedullary Tibial Nail Measurements-A Review of the Literature and a New Technique Using Contralateral Radiographs and Digital Planning.

INTRODUCTION: An accurate selection of tibial nail and screws measurements is paramount in purpose to achieve proper tibial fracture reduction and fixation, avoid irritation of the soft-tissue envelope, and enable extraction of the nail in the future, if needed. To this date, many methods were suggested to determine the length and diameter of an intramedullary tibial nail, preoperatively and intraoperatively. Each method has its disadvantages, and most are lacking in accuracy. Digital aids are currently available for preoperative planning for many types of surgeries. METHODS: Retrospectively, 27 patients operated for diaphysial tibial fracture intramedullary nailing were selected. The contralateral leg was imaged using AP and lateral radiograph views. Six orthopaedic trauma surgeons used the TraumaCad program (Voyant Health) to plan the appropriate nail and distal locking screws measurements, while blinded from the actual hardware used in the operation. Later, they also conducted quality review regarding the operation carried out and suggested correction in measurements of the hardware. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability was calculated. RESULTS: The inter-correlation coefficient for the planned nails was 0.97 and 0.84 (P < 0.001) in AP view for length and diameter, respectively, and similarly 0.98 and 0.86 (P < 0.001) in lateral view. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the locking screws length was 0.7 (P < 0.02) and 0.82 (P < 0.01) for the proximal and distal medio-lateral screws, respectively, and 0.9 (P < 0.001). The ICC between AP and lateral views was 0.98 for length and 0.96 for diameter (P < 0.001). The scores and corrections given by the examiners to the actual selected nail were ICC of 0.98 and 0.96 (P < 0.001) for length and diameter, respectively. The examiners suggested they would correct, post-factum, the length of the nail in average 28% and the diameter in average 30%. The average observer resulted in ICC of 0.94 and 0.91 (P < 0.001) in length and only 0.77 and 0.67 (P < 0.001) in diameter (AP and lateral views, respectively) when comparing the actual nail used and the post-factum plan. CONCLUSION: Preoperative planning of tibial fractures' nailing using imaging of the contralateral leg and a digital graphic planning program is an accurate and reliable method. It may serve to reduce errors, surgical time, and radiation dose in the operating room. This method could also be applied for surgical debriefing.

A Comparison of Locking Plates and Intramedullary Pinning for Fixation of Metacarpal Shaft Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Metacarpal shaft fractures that necessitate surgery are frequently fixated with either intramedullary pins or plates and screws. This study compared outcome measurements of these two techniques. METHODS: Patients operated on for closed shaft fractures of metacarpals 2-5 were examined at least 1 year after injury. All fractures were fixated by pinning between years 2013 and 2015 and by locking plates and screws between 2016 and 2017. Evaluation included range of motion measurements for all fingers compared with the contralateral hand; comparison of grip strength; finger alignment and rotation; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; and radiographic measurements of fracture reduction and healing. RESULTS: Thirty patients with 39 fractured metacarpals treated by pinning were compared with 29 patients with 35 fractured metacarpals treated by locking plate and screws. Both groups had similar characteristics and preoperative fracture patterns on radiograph. Patients in the plate group were found to have significantly improved outcomes in total range of motion of the operated digits (loss of 4° extension, 10° flexion, and 14° total vs 10° extension, 19° flexion, and 29° total), grip strength (93% vs 83% of contralateral hand), rotational deformity (5 digits, 1° vs 15 digits, 6°), and DASH score (10.5 vs 15.6). Radiographic bone healing time (59 vs 50 days) and operative time (58 vs 41 minutes) were both significantly longer in fractures fixated by plates. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation with locking plates allows earlier mobilization without need for splinting. Our study supports the use of this method over intramedullary pinning for metacarpal shaft fractures.

Prevalence and Patterns of Injury Sustained During Military Hand-to-Hand Combat Training (Krav-Maga).

BACKGROUND: Krav-Maga (KM) is a unique Israeli hand-to-hand combat system, designed to teach soldiers self-defense in true-to-life situations. With the increase in military Israel Defense Force (IDF) units participating in KM training in recent years, the number of injuries incurred in KM has also increased. The purpose of our report is to describe the prevalence and pattern of these injuries. METHODS: Instances of KM injury were taken from IDF patients' computerized clinical records over a 1-year period. Data pertaining to the type, location, and severity of the injury, as well as data relating to soldier's gender and age were collected from the charts. "Moderate" injury was defined as injury necessitating absence from military activity for more than 1 week; "major" injury was defined as injury necessitating surgical intervention. FINDINGS: During the year 2014, 916 soldiers complaining of 946 traumatic injuries sustained during KM training were evaluated in IDF clinics. The vast majority of injuries (95%) occurred in male soldiers, and most injured soldiers (92%) were between the ages of 18 and 22. The upper limbs were the most frequently injured body parts, with the fingers, hands, and wrists being the most involved regions (31%) followed by the shoulder (16%). Injury severity was mild in most cases. However, 64 soldiers (6.7%) were moderately injured and major injuries necessitating surgical treatment occurred in 33 cases (3.5%). DISCUSSION: KM involves both striking and grappling elements, and we assume that injuries result from both fighting forms. With striking styles, such as boxing and kickboxing, hand and wrist are the prevalent injury locations; with grappling styles such as wrestling, strain and sprain injuries of large joints are most prevalent. Head and neck injuries, a major concern in martial arts sports, were not identified as significant problems in KM. To minimize participant injury, preventative measures should focus on improving protective equipment, especially of the hand, as well as warm up and training technique modifications, and shoulder strengthening exercises.

[A NEW PLAYER IN THE FIELD OF SHOULDER SURGERY - THE REVERSE SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY].

INTRODUCTION: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in its modern design was first introduced over 25 years ago and approved by the American FDA over ten years ago. This type of prosthesis allows treatment of glenohumeral joint disease among patients with severe rotator cuff deficiency once thought to be inoperable. Modifications to the prosthesis design, along with improved surgical technique, led to better clinical outcomes and lower complication rates, which subsequently led to an increase in the usage of this implant device. The promising results led shoulder specialists to re-assess and expand the indications for surgery, which currently also include complex fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly population. In this review we will cover the history and evolution of the RSA prosthesis, indications and contraindications, along with up-to-date outcomes and complications.

Reliability of smartphone-based teleradiology for evaluating thoracolumbar spine fractures.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Timely interpretation of computed tomography (CT) scans is of paramount importance in diagnosing and managing spinal column fractures, which can be devastating. Out-of-hospital, on-call spine surgeons are often asked to evaluate CT scans of patients who have sustained trauma to the thoracolumbar spine to make diagnosis and to determine the appropriate course of urgent treatment. Capturing radiographic scans and video clips from computer screens and sending them as instant messages have become common means of communication between physicians, aiding in triaging and transfer decision-making in orthopedic and neurosurgical emergencies. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare the reliability of interpreting CT scans viewed by orthopedic surgeons in two ways for diagnosing, classifying, and treatment planning for thoracolumbar spine fractures: (1) captured as video clips from standard workstation-based picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and sent via a smartphone-based instant messaging application for viewing on a smartphone; and (2) viewed directly on a PACS. STUDY DESIGN: Reliability and agreement study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Thirty adults with thoracolumbar spine fractures who had been consecutively admitted to the Division of Orthopedic Surgery of a Level I trauma center during 2014. OUTCOME MEASURE: Intraobserver agreement. METHODS: CT scans were captured by use of an iPhone 6 smartphone from a computer screen displaying PACS. Then by use of the WhatsApp instant messaging application, video clips of the scans were sent to the personal smartphones of five spine surgeons. These evaluators were asked to diagnose, classify, and determine the course of treatment for each case. Evaluation of the cases was repeated 4 weeks later, this time using the standard method of workstation-based PACS. Intraobserver agreement was interpreted based on the value of Cohen's kappa statistic. The study did not receive any outside funding. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement for determining fracture level was near perfect (κ=0.94). Intraobserver agreement for AO classification, proposed treatment, neural canal penetration, and Denis classification were substantial (κ values, 0.75, 0.73, 0.71, and 0.69, respectively). Intraobserver agreement for loss of vertebral height and kyphosis were moderate (κ values, 0.55 and 0.45, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Video clips of CT scans can be readily captured by a smartphone from a workstation-based PACS and then transmitted by use of the WhatsApp instant messaging application. Diagnosing, classifying, and proposing treatment of fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine can be made with equal reliability by evaluating video clips of CT scans transmitted to a smartphone or by the standard method of viewing the CT scan on a workstation-based PACS. Evaluating video clips of CT scans transmitted to a smartphone is a readily accessible, simple, and inexpensive method. We believe that it can be reliably used for consultations between the emergency physicians or orthopedic or neurosurgical residents with offsite, on-call specialists. It might also enable rural orcommunity emergency department physicians to communicate more efficiently and effectively with surgeons in tertiary referral centers.

The effect of upper limb casting on gait pattern.

Casting of the arm may interfere with normal walking patterns because of additional load of the cast or prevention of arm swing. This study aimed to determine the effect of applying various casts on temporospatial walking parameters, including gait velocity and cadence, step length, and single limb support. A computerized gait system was used to assess these variables for 23 healthy individuals in four walking modes: normal walking, with a cast above the elbow and a sling, and with a cast below the elbow, with and without a sling. Thirteen participants had their dominant hand casted and 10 had their nondominant hand casted. On average, casted participants took significantly smaller steps with the leg on the casted side and spent less time supported on the casted side. The least changes were noted with the arm in a cast below the elbow and no sling, and the greatest changes were noted with the arm in a cast above the elbow and in a sling. This difference was heightened when the dominant hand was casted and lessened when the nondominant hand was casted. No differences were found in walking velocity or cadence between the walking modes. Casting of the upper limb has significant effects on gait, which should be taken into consideration, especially in individuals with previous gait abnormalities.

[THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON THE HANDS].

Cigarette smoking is known to cause a multitude of harmful effects throughout the body. There are only a few accounts in the literature of these effects as related to the hands. This is a review of the literature, demonstrating the collected knowledge of decreased hand vascularity due to tobacco use and assessing the evidence connecting smoking and supposed resultant maladies, including Raynaud's phenomenon, hand-arm vibration syndrome, Buerger's disease, Dupuytren's contracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, effects on skin and fingernails, decreased skin and bone healing, complications of digit replantation and complex regional pain syndrome. Also presented is the possible increased risk of congenital hand malformations as related to maternal smoking.

Treatment of complex intercondylar humeral fractures in adolescents by open reduction and internal fixation through the transolecranon approach.

This is a review of six cases of complex intercondylar fractures of the humerus in adolescents, treated operatively through a transolecranon approach. Outcome was assessed by means of the Mayo Elbow score, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, and the Oxford Elbow score. All patients reported 'good' to 'excellent' results. One patient required revision surgery because of fracture nonunion, and all patients underwent removal of hardware from the olecranon after osteotomy union. The transolecranon approach is effective in visualization of complex intercondylar fractures, and good outcomes are expected following stable surgical fixation in adolescents.

Cardiovascular reactivity in fibromyalgia: evidence for pathogenic heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate disease-specific cardiovascular reactivity patterns in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) using a recently described method called fractal and recurrence analysis score (FRAS). METHODS: The study group included 30 women with FM, average age 46.7 years (SD 7.03). An age matched group of 30 women with other rheumatic disorders or having a dysautonomic background [chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), non-CFS fatigue, neurally mediated syncope, and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)] served as controls. Subjects were evaluated with a head-up tilt test with beat-to-beat recording of the heart rate (HR) and pulse transit time. A 10-minute supine phase was followed by 600 cardiac cycles recorded on tilt. Data were processed by recurrence plot and fractal analysis. Variables acting as independent predictors of the cardiovascular reactivity were identified in FM patients versus controls. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups by univariate analysis comparing 92 variables of cardiovascular reactivity in FM patients compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Study of cardiovascular reactivity utilizing a head-up tilt test and processing the data using the FRAS method did not reveal a specific FM-associated abnormality. Our data confirm studies that utilized other methodologies and reached similar conclusions. Patients with FM represent a heterogenous group with respect to their pattern of cardiovascular reactivity.

Pulse transit time by R-wave-gated infrared photoplethysmography: review of the literature and personal experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulse transit time (PTT) is the time it takes a pulse wave to travel between two arterial sites. A rela tively short PTT is observed with high blood pressure (BP), aging, arteriosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Most methods used for measuring the PTT are cumbersome and expensive. In contrast, the interval between the peak of the R-wave on the electrocardiogram and the onset of the corresponding pulse in the finger pad measured by photoplethysmography can be easily measured. We review herein the literature and impart the experience at our institution on clinical applications of R-wave-gated photo-plethysmography (RWPP) as measurement of PTT. METHODS: The MEDLINE data base on clinical applications of RWPP was reviewed. In addition, studies performed in the author's institution are presented. RESULTS: When used as a surrogate for beat-to-beat BP monitoring, RWPP did not meet the level of accuracy required for medical practice (two studies). RWPP produced accurate and reproducible signals when utilized as a surrogate for intra-thoracic pressure changes in obstructive sleep apnea, as well as BP arousals which accompany central sleep apnea (five studies). In estimation of arterial stiffness, RWPP was unsatisfactory (one study). In assessment of cardiovascular reactivity, abnormal values of RWPP were noted in autonomic failure (one study), while disease-specific reactivity patterns were identified utilizing a method involving RWPP (two studies). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, sleep-apnea may be accurately monitored by RWPP. RWPP seems to reflect autonomic influences and may be particularly well-suited for the study of vascular reactivity. Thus, further descriptions of disease-specific cardiovascular reactivity patterns may be possible with techniques based on RWPP. Other clinical uses of RWPP are investigational.