Study Characteristics and Impact of the "Best Papers" Presented at ASSH Annual Meetings Over the Past Decade.

Purpose: Each year, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) selects several abstracts for podium presentations during a "Best Papers" session. We examined these papers to better understand their characteristics and impact on the field of hand surgery. Methods: "Best Papers" from the 2010 to 2020 ASSH Annual Meetings were reviewed. Online databases were searched to find matching publications. Descriptive data were collected from the publications. The Hirsch index value for each corresponding author and the number of citations for each publication were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Fifty-nine "Best Papers" were awarded during the study period. Forty-nine (83%) were clinical and 10 were basic science studies. A total of 39 observational studies, 11 human trials, 8 experimental studies, and 1 case series were present. Fifty-four (91.5%) were published at the time of our review. Twenty-six of those (48%) were multicenter studies, and the remaining 28 were from a single institution. The average time from presentation to publication was 16 months. The top three journals of publication were the Journal of Hand Surgery (33%), the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (9%), and the Journal of Hand Surgery, European (7%). The median level of evidence for all "Best Papers" was 3, with a trend toward a higher level of evidence during the study period. The average h-index value of all corresponding authors was 27.3. The average number of citations per publication was 37. Conclusions: The ASSH "Best Papers" were primarily clinical studies with an increasingly strong level of evidence and were likely led by an author with a history of research productivity. Selection as a "Best Paper" at ASSH Annual Meetings is a strong predictor of future publication and impact. Clinical relevance: This study evaluates the "value" of the best paper designation at the ASSH annual meeting.

The Role of Routine Pathologic Assessment After Pediatric Osteochondroma Excision.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondromas are benign osseous lesions often excised for pain, growth abnormalities, and aesthetic concerns. While characteristic clinical and radiographic features leave little diagnostic ambiguity in most cases of osteochondroma, pathologic analysis to confirm the diagnosis and screen for malignancy is routinely performed following surgical excision. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and economic value of routine pathologic analysis after osteochondroma excision in a pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical records from 2 pediatric orthopaedic hospitals (St. Louis Children's Hospital and Shriner's Hospital for Children, St. Louis) identified 426 osteochondroma lesions surgically resected from 201 patients. Patients with solitary and multiple lesions were included. Clinical, radiographic, and surgical data were recorded for each resection surgery. Pathologic reports were evaluated. Costs incurred for routine pathologic assessment was also noted. RESULTS: Totally, 132 patients were treated with surgical resection of a solitary osteochondroma lesion, while an additional 291 lesions were resected from 69 patients with multiple lesions. Average age at the time of surgical resection was 13.0 years (2.1 to 17.9). The most common anatomic locations of excised lesions included the distal femur (110, 25.8%), proximal tibia/fibula (95, 22.3%), and distal radius/ulna (58, 13.6%). All resected specimens were sent for pathologic analysis. The average size of the resected lesions was 19.9 mm3 (0.02 to 385.0 mm3). In all cases, the histologic diagnosis confirmed benign osteochondroma. The total charges of pathologic analysis including processing and interpretation fees was ∼$755.00 for each lesion assessed, for a total cohort charge of $321,630. CONCLUSION: We propose that in most cases of pediatric osteochondroma excision procedures, postoperative histologic analysis is not strictly indicated as it rarely, if ever, alters diagnosis or management. We suggest using a "gross only" analysis in these cases. However, we do believe that with preoperative diagnostic ambiguity, or if patients present with concerning features such as rapidly expansile lesions or cortical destruction, have axial skeleton or pelvic involvement, or enlarged cartilaginous caps, full histologic evaluation of the excised lesions will continue to be prudent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Radiographic Features of the Metacarpal in Blauth Type III Thumb Hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether radiographs can be used to aid in the determination of Blauth IIIA and IIIB thumbs. METHODS: Six pediatric hand surgeons were asked to evaluate the radiographs of 77 thumbs and classify the thumb as IIIA or IIIB and indicate which morphologic features influenced their decision. Quantitative measurements and ratios of radiographs were obtained and compared between IIIA and IIIB thumbs. RESULTS: The radiographic features selected for type IIIA thumbs include near-normal length and near-normal width and for type IIIB thumbs, abnormally short, tapered proximal end, and round proximal end. The six surveyed surgeons reached consensus in 82% (63/77) of thumbs, and this matched the enrolling surgeon's classification in 77% (59/77) cases. The ratio of the length of the thumb metacarpal compared with the length of the index metacarpal was different between IIIA and IIIB thumbs (66% ± 0.08% and 46% ± 0.18%, respectively). The ratio of the width of the thumb metacarpal shaft at its narrowest aspect to the width of the thumb metacarpal base was notably different between IIIA and IIIB (68% ± 0.13% and 95% ± 0.28%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Near-normal length and near-normal width of the metacarpal were used to predict IIIA and abnormally short, abnormally narrow, and a round or tapered base of the metacarpal were used to predict IIIB classification. The length of the thumb metacarpal relative to the index metacarpal is on average 66% of the length of the index metacarpal in IIIA thumbs compared with 46% in IIIB thumbs. The width of the shaft of the thumb metacarpal at its narrowest is 68% of the width of the thumb metacarpal base in IIIA thumbs, indicating a flared base. In IIIB thumbs, the shaft width was on average 95% of the base width, indicating a tapered base. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic level III.

A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study: One-Year Outcomes of Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition Versus Suture Tape Suspensionplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis.

PURPOSE: We performed a randomized controlled trial assessing patient-reported outcome measures following trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) or suture tape suspensionplasty (STS) for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis were prospectively randomized to LRTI or STS. Outcome measures were collected at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year and included visual analog scale pain, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity, return to work/activity, range of motion, grip/pinch strength, and complications. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (32 thumbs) were randomized from 51 patients offered participation over two years. One-year follow-up was 97%. Both groups had a decrease in visual analog scale pain scores at all postoperative time points. The trajectory of postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity scores was similar, and both groups achieved the meaningful clinically important difference for improvement in PROMIS Upper Extremity by three months. Grip strength was substantially increased in both groups at one year. Return to work/activity and surgical complications favored the LRTI group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did not suggest any clinically relevant differences in the postoperative patient-reported outcome measures or objective clinical measurements between LRTI and STS, although LRTI patients had a faster return to work/activity and lower complication rates. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective randomized clinical trial, level IIB clinical.

Flexor Pollicis Longus Reconstruction After Rupture Following Distal Radius Fixation With Volar Locking Plate: A Technique Guide.

Flexor pollicis longus rupture is an uncommon but potentially debilitating complication after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures, occurring secondary to tendon attrition against the implant. This nature of tendon injury typically precludes primary repair. This paper will illustrate 2 reconstruction techniques, an interpositional tendon graft and a tendon transfer, that have been utilized successfully by the authors.

Patient and Caregiver Impressions of the Impact of Madelung Deformity: A CoULD Registry Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study seeks to investigate demographics of patients with Madelung deformity in a large, geographically diverse sample and understand patient and caregiver perceptions of the impact of this condition. We hypothesized that patients with untreated Madelung deformity have greater pain and lower function compared to the normal population but are less affected than the chosen control group, namely, patients with proximal radioulnar synostosis (PRUS). METHODS: This retrospective study queried the Congenital Upper Limb Differences (CoULD) Registry, a multicenter registry of patients treated in tertiary care pediatric hospitals. We searched patients enrolled as of July 2022 and identified 3,980 total patients and 66 (1.7%) with a diagnosis of Madelung deformity. We reviewed demographics and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS; peer relations, depressive symptoms, pain interference, and upper extremity function domains) scores at time of enrollment. We used a matched cohort comparison with propensity scoring for 50 patients with Madelung deformity and 50 patients with PRUS (control cohort). RESULTS: Patients with Madelung deformity presented at an average age of 13.1 years (± 2.1 years). Ninety-eight percent were female, and 82% were White. Seventy-four percent had distal radius-only deformity. Upper extremity PROMIS scores in both the Madelung deformity and the PRUS groups were significantly "worse" than normal, confirming our hypothesis. The Madelung deformity and PRUS cohort scores were not consistently different from one another. PROMIS scores from all other domains, including pain interference, were similar to, or better than normal for both groups, disproving the second part of our hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Madelung deformity averaged 13 years of age and were nearly all female, and the majority had only distal involvement of the radius. Patients with Madelung deformity had lower function based on PROMIS scores, similar to the control cohort, whereas all other PROMIS measures were similar to or better when compared to normal values. Pain interference scores in both cohorts were lower than normal values. Patients with Madelung deformity have decreased function, similar to the comparative cohort of patients with PRUS, but do not present with increased pain. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Symptom prevalence III.

AOA Critical Issues: The Status of the Vice Chair Position in Orthopaedic Surgery Departments in 2023.

ABSTRACT: The vice chair position in orthopaedic surgery departments has become increasingly prevalent over the last 10 years. Prior to this development, there were few, if any, vice chairs to support the chairperson position. The vice chair role has increased in importance as a result of increasing practice size and the increasing complexity of the health-care environment. The goal of this review was to summarize the current status of the vice chair position within orthopaedic surgery departments and to share the variety of vice chair roles that exist today.

Syndactyly Reconstruction Technique Utilizing Skin Substitute.

Syndactyly reconstruction often times leaves areas of skin deficit that require coverage for healing. Numerous techniques have been reported to address the deficits, including graftless technique, which utilizes mobilization of adjacent skin for coverage, full-thickness skin grafting, and skin substitute grafts. The technique described here demonstrates the ease of the use of skin substitutes for coverage in syndactyly reconstruction and reports the expected outcomes.

Appropriateness and Reliability of an Online Artificial Intelligence Platform's Responses to Common Questions Regarding Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE: Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a novel artificial intelligence chatbot that is changing the way humans gather information online. The purpose of this study was to investigate ChatGPT's ability to appropriately and reliably answer common questions regarding distal radius fractures. METHODS: Thirty common questions regarding distal radius fractures were presented in an identical manner to the online ChatGPT-3.5 interface three separate times, yielding 90 unique responses because ChatGPT produces an original answer with each query. All responses were graded as "appropriate," "appropriate but incomplete," or "inappropriate" by a consensus discussion among three hand surgeon reviewers. The questions were additionally subcategorized into one of four domains based on Bloom's cognitive learning taxonomy, and descriptive statistics were reported. RESULTS: Seventy of the 90 total responses (78%) produced by ChatGPT were "appropriate," and 29 of the 30 questions (97%) had at least one response considered appropriate (of the three possible). However, only 17 of the 30 questions (57%) were answered appropriately on all three iterations. The test-retest reliability of ChatGPT was poor with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.12. Finally, ChatGPT performed best answering questions requiring lower-order thinking skills (Bloom's levels 1-3) and less well on level 4 questions. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that although ChatGPT has the capability to answer common questions regarding distal radius fractures, caution should be taken before implementing its use, given ChatGPT's inconsistency in providing a complete and accurate response to the same question every time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As the popularity and technology of ChatGPT continue to grow, it is important to understand the potential and limitations of this platform to determine how it may be best implemented to improve patient care.

Study Characteristics and Impact of Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America Annual Meeting's "Best Papers" From 2009 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Award-winning abstracts are selected every year at the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) annual meeting as "best paper" or poster. It is unknown how many achieve publication in peer-reviewed journals and the impact they have. We sought to determine the characteristics, including the level of evidence (LoE), publication rates, and the impact of award-winning abstracts on pediatric orthopaedic surgery practice from 2009 to 2019. METHODS: Award-winning abstracts or "best papers" from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed from the POSNA website from abstract publication to manuscript publication. A search across Pubmed was used to match abstracts to their publications by comparing author names, titles, study design and methodology, results, and conclusions. Area of focus, abstract authors, institutions, publication status, LoE, time to publication, authors of publication, journals of publication, and the journal's latest Hirsch Index and impact factor were recorded. RESULTS: There have been 54 "best papers" at the POSNA annual meeting from 2009 to 2019. Of those, 39 have been published across 17 different journals for a publication rate of 72%. The average time from abstract presentation to publication was 21.2 months with a range of 0 to 121 months. Of the published award-winning abstracts, 64% (25) were published within 2 years, 87% (34) within 3 years, and 95% (37) within 4 years. Out of the published abstracts, 26% (10) were in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics , 23% (9) were in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery , and 10% (4) were in the Journal of Child Orthopaedics . The median number of abstract authors was 4 and increased to a median of 6 authors once published. Most award-winning abstracts had a LoE of 3. The average journal impact factor for all publications was 4; the average Hirsch Index for the corresponding author was 29.9, and the average number of citations for a publication was 41 with a range of 0 to 270. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the "best papers" presented at POSNA annual meetings from 2009 to 2019 were published in peer-reviewed journals within 2 years of presentation, with approximately half being published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics or Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery . The publication rate of "best papers" at the POSNA annual meeting was found to be higher than rates reported for abstracts presented at the annual meetings of POSNA, American Society for Surgery of the Hand and European Pediatric Orthopaedic Society, but similar to the rates observed for American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Most of the selected "best papers" at the POSNA annual meeting are published and have a substantial impact on pediatric orthopaedic surgery practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Outcomes of Therapy and Ulnar Nerve Transposition for Elbow Stiffness After Pediatric Medial Epicondyle Fractures.

Purpose: Following medial epicondyle fractures, a subset of pediatric patients has persistent limitations in elbow motion. This study soughted to understand the patient characteristics of this group and to assess the effectiveness of intensive therapy and ulnar nerve transposition in improving elbow range of motion and patient-reported outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 31 pediatric patients with stiffness after elbow trauma was narrowed to 8 pediatric patients (7 female) ranging in age from 9 to 14 years, who were diagnosed with medial epicondyle fractures and underwent intensive therapy and ulnar nerve transposition with or without elbow joint release. We collected demographic and objective data as well as subjective data including Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores before and after ulnar nerve transposition. Results: Following initial intensive therapy, elbow range of motion improved by an average of 56°, and 7 of the 8 patients reached a functional motion arc of 100°. Subsequently, following ulnar nerve surgery with or without elbow release, motion improved by an average of 22°, and 5 of the 8 patients demonstrated improvement from this intervention. Surgery led to improvements in subjective outcomes with an improvement in PROMIS mobility scores by an average of 9 points, pain interference by 6 points, and upper extremity scores by 3 points. Based on a previously determined minimally important difference of three points, these indicate significant clinical improvements. Conclusions: A subset of pediatric patients with persistent stiffness following medial epicondyle fractures may benefit from additional interventions, including intensive therapy, transposition of the ulnar nerve, and open capsular release. However, not all patients were improved after ulnar nerve surgery, and the identification and treatment of ulnar nerve irritability may not fully resolve preoperative symptoms in all patients. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction/ Suspensionplasty Compared to Suture Tape Suspensionplasty for the Surgical Treatment of Advanced Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Purpose: Trapeziectomy with tendon reconstruction/suspensionplasty (TRS) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA). Trapeziectomy with suture tape suspensionplasty (STS) has been used recently at the study institution as an alternative surgical treatment option with perceived benefits of earlier return to function and reduced operative time. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes following TRS versus STS for treatment of thumb CMC OA. Methods: All patients who underwent primary, isolated TRS or STS for treatment of thumb CMC OA between 1/1/2014 and 9/1/2020 were analyzed. We assessed demographics and preoperative and postoperative patient-rated outcome scores including Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system scores as well as pain outcomes, satisfaction, and appearance at a mean of 2.6 years after surgery (minimum 6 months). Time to return to work and activities was compared between groups. Bivariate statistics compared outcomes between groups. Results: Ninety-four patients were included in the final study cohort, of which 53 underwent TRS and 41 underwent STS. There were no differences in preoperative, postoperative, or final patient-rated outcome scores between groups. Patients reported high global and appearance satisfaction scores at final follow-up in both groups. Mean tourniquet time was 15 minutes (26%) shorter and return to work was on average 3 weeks faster for the STS group. Conclusions: There were no differences in postoperative patient-rated outcome scores between the STS and TRS groups. The STS group had a shorter surgical time and faster return-to-work after surgery. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic III.

Donor Foot Morbidity Following Nonvascularized Toe Phalanx Transfer Utilizing a New Reconstruction Technique.

BACKGROUNDS: Nonvascularized toe phalanx transfer is an accepted surgical option for short and hypoplastic digits in congenital hand abnormalities. However, one of the criticisms of this technique is the donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate donor foot morbidity after nonvascularized toe phalanx transfer using a new donor site reconstruction technique. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 116 nonvascularized toe phalanx transfers in 69 children between 2001 and 2020 in whom the donor foot was reconstructed with a new technique using iliac osteochondral bone graft with periosteum. Feet treated with an isolated donor proximal phalanx of the fourth toe were selected and morbidity was assessed both subjectively and objectively at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. Motion, stability, and alignment of the metatarsophalangeal joint were clinically evaluated. The relative length of the fourth toe to the third toe was measured on a roentgenogram. The satisfaction of the parents for overall function and appearance was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Ninety-four operated feet in 65 patients, including 43 boys and 22 girls, were included. The right foot was evaluated in 52 patients and the left foot in 42 patients. The mean age at operation was 2 years and the mean follow-up period was 7.6 years. Motion at the metatarsophalangeal joint was good at 69% with an average extension of 45 degrees and flexion of 25 degrees. Stability and alignment were good at 95% and 84%, respectively. Only 4 toes had gross instability and 4 toes with poor alignment required revision surgery. Sixty-two toes (66%) maintained proportional length and 9 toes were graded as short. Parental satisfaction was high for appearance as well as function. CONCLUSIONS: This newly described technique of using iliac osteochondral bone graft with periosteum to reconstruct toe phalanx donors provided satisfactory results. The function and appearance of the donor foot after a nonvascularized toe phalanx transfer was well preserved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; therapeutic.

Distal Radius Salter-Harris II Fracture Loss of Reduction: The Importance of Coronal Plane Angulation in Older Children.

OBJECTIVES: To assess factors affecting the loss of reduction (LOR) in a large cohort of children with Salter-Harris Type II (SH II) distal radius physeal fractures treated with closed reduction. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Pediatric Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 141 pediatric patients (73% male, average age: 12.15 ± 2.55 years) that had undergone closed reduction and casting for distal radius physeal fractures from 2006 to 2019 were included in this study. INTERVENTION: Closed reduction and casting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Five different radiographic measurements were analyzed at 4 different time points. Follow-up radiographs were assessed in relation to initial reduction. LOR was defined as >5 degrees change of angulation on PA radiographs, >10 degrees change of angulation on lateral radiographs, and/or >25% translation on PA or lateral radiographs. RESULTS: LOR was seen in 28.4% of the patients, most often (68%) in the first 2 weeks after initial reduction. Seven (17.5%) of these patients (average age: 15.2 ± 2.0 years) were treated surgically with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). Patients undergoing CRPP for LOR were an average of 3.4 years older ( P < 0.001) than those who underwent nonoperative treatment of LOR. Patients with initial angulation more than 5 degrees on the PA view to be twice as likely to have LOR ( P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: LOR was seen in nearly 1/3 of these patients. Patients with initial higher degree of angulation on the coronal plane are at higher risk for LOR. Age, not the degree of angulation, is the main predictor for potential surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do Nails and Nubbins Matter? A Comparison of Symbrachydactyly and Transverse Deficiency Phenotypes.

PURPOSE: Transverse deficiency (TD) and symbrachydactyly may be difficult to distinguish due to shared phenotypes and a lack of pathognomonic features. The 2020 Oberg-Manske-Tonkin classification update modified these anomalies to include "with ectodermal elements" for symbrachydactyly and "without ectodermal elements" for TD as a defining differentiating characteristic. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize ectodermal elements and the level of deficiency and to examine whether ectodermal elements versus the level of deficiency was a greater determining factor for Congenital Upper Limb Differences (CoULD) surgeons making the diagnosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 254 extremities from the CoULD registry with a diagnosis of symbrachydactyly or TD by pediatric hand surgeons. Ectodermal elements and the level of deficiency were characterized. A review of the registry radiographs and photographs was used to classify the diagnosis and compare it with the diagnosis given by the pediatric hand surgeons. The presence/absence of nubbins versus the level of deficiency as the determining factor to differentiate the pediatric hand surgeons' diagnosis of symbrachydactyly (with nubbins) versus TD (without nubbins) was analyzed. RESULTS: Based on radiographs and photographs of the 254 extremities, 66% had nubbins on the distal end of the limb; of the limbs with nubbins, nails were present on 51%. The level of deficiency was amelia/humeral (n = 9), <1/3 transverse forearm (n = 23), 1/3 to 2/3 transverse forearm (n = 27), 2/3 to full forearm TD (n = 38), and metacarpal/phalangeal (n = 103). The presence of nubbins was associated with a four times higher likelihood of a pediatric hand surgeon's diagnosis of symbrachydactyly. However, a distal deficiency is associated with a 20-times higher likelihood of a diagnosis of symbrachydactyly than a proximal deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Although both the level of deficiency and ectodermal elements are important, the level of deficiency was a greater determining factor for a diagnosis of symbrachydactyly versus TD. Our results suggest that the level of deficiency and nubbins should both be described to help provide greater clarity in the diagnosis of symbrachydactyly versus TD. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Cartilage Appearance Following Marrow Stimulation of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum.

PURPOSE: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is often treated by marrow stimulation techniques with good long-term outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to characterize the healing of cartilage repair tissue. However, no formal system exists for assessment of cartilage healing after marrow stimulation in capitellar OCD. The aims of this study were to describe the postoperative MRI appearance of capitellar repair cartilage after debridement and marrow stimulation for capitellar OCD and assess differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with capitellar OCD who underwent arthroscopic debridement and marrow stimulation and had a postoperative MRI to assess healing. The classification system developed by Marlovits and colleagues (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) was used to quantitatively profile the cartilage repair tissue in comparison to adjacent "normal" cartilage. Study participants completed an online survey to correlate outcomes with cartilage appearance. RESULTS: Eleven patients who underwent MRI for routine evaluation (asymptomatic), and 18 who underwent MRI for symptoms were identified. Overall, 59% of defects were completely filled, and in 83%, the cartilage surface had ulcerations or fibrillations. The cartilage variables were similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Capitellar subchondral bone edema was observed on the MRI of every patient who underwent a reoperation and was present in only 62% of those who did not. Clinical scores did not correlate with MRI cartilage findings, but the small sample size limited conclusions regarding clinical outcomes related to postoperative cartilage features seen on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: This detailed assessment of cartilage appearance by MRI after marrow stimulation for capitellar OCD demonstrated that incomplete cartilage fill was common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Those requiring a second surgery were more likely to demonstrate subchondral bone edema. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Outcomes of Acute Repair Versus Nonrepair of Zone I Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Injuries.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether the clinical results of zone I flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon injuries managed with acute surgical repair are comparable to the clinical results of those managed without repair (eg, primary FDP excision or observation). METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years presenting to a level 1 trauma center between 2015 and 2020 with zone I FDP tendon injury were identified with retrospective chart review. We assessed the following data: age, sex, physical therapy visits, surgical intervention, surgical complications (including infection, repeat surgery after the primary intervention, and rupture of repair), and patient-reported outcomes measurement information system scores. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Group 1 (N = 15 patients, 23 fingers) patients were treated with acute surgical repair. Group 2 (N = 11 patients, 11 fingers) patients were managed without surgical repair, including FDP excision (N = 7) or observation alone (N = 4). In group 1, the average distance from the distal palmar crease to fingertip at the final follow-up was 1.6 cm (range, 0-4 cm). Fourteen of the 15 patients participated in >3 therapy visits. The following complications occurred: 4 fingers with rerupture (2 patients), 4 fingers with surgical wound dehiscence (2 patients), 3 infections (2 patients), and 4 repeat surgeries for these complications. In group 2, the average distance from the distal palmar crease to fingertip at the final follow-up was 1.1 cm (range, 0.5-3 cm). There were no infections, episodes of wound dehiscence, or repeat surgeries. At the final follow-up, both groups showed clinically meaningful improvement on Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity, pain interference, and physical function scores, with similar PROMIS domain scores between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated without FDP tendon repair had similar outcomes to, and fewer complications than, patients treated with acute tendon repair. Our data suggest that the notable commitment of health care costs, time, and adherence to protocols/restrictions after surgical repair may not confer functional benefit. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Foveal Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: Recognition of a Combined Tear Pattern.

PURPOSE: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are categorized most commonly by the Palmer and the Atzei and Luchetti classifications. Combined tears are reported less frequently, and the classification of these tears is unclear. In this study, we present a series of patients with combined central disc and foveal TFCC tears that do not fit into either of these classifications. METHODS: Seventeen patients from 2 institutions presented with a combined central and foveal TFCC tear, confirmed by wrist arthroscopy between September 2017 and December 2020. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging results, surgeon description of tears, and treatment rendered were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly female (76%). Mean age was 40 years with a bimodal age distribution (7/17 patients <35 and 10/17 >45 years). Eleven patients (65%) sustained the injury from a fall. All had some degree of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability on clinical examination and almost half (8/17) had a history of a distal radius or ulnar styloid fracture during the initial injury. The foveal tear was confirmed by direct visual assessment and a positive hook test result; a suction test result commonly was positive as well. All patients underwent debridement of the central tear, and 16 of 17 underwent foveal TFCC repair with 1 having an irreparable tear. CONCLUSIONS: We present a series of patients with combined central disc and foveal TFCC tears, a pattern that does not fit current classification schemes. All patients exhibited some degree of instability of the DRUJ and almost half had a history of distal radius or ulnar styloid fracture. Identification of a central tear of the TFCC, together with even subtle DRUJ instability, should lead to consideration of a coexistent foveal tear. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Metacarpal Fractures in the National Football League: Injury Characteristics, Management, and Return to Play.

PURPOSE: This study investigated metacarpal fracture occurrences, characteristics, treatments, and return-to-play times for National Football League (NFL) athletes. METHODS: NFL players who sustained metacarpal fractures during the 2012 to 2018 seasons were reviewed. All players on the 32 NFL team active rosters with metacarpal fractures recorded through the NFL Injury Database were included. Player age, time in the league, player position, injury setting, injury mechanism, fractured ray, management, and return-to-play were recorded. RESULTS: There were 208 injury occurrences resulting in 1 or more metacarpal fractures, identified in 205 players. Of these, 81 (39%) injuries were operated. Return-to-play data were available for 173 (83%) injured players. The median return-to-play time for all athletes was 15 days (interquartile range, 1-55 days). Of the injured players, 130 (71%) missed time but returned the same season. Within this 130-player subset, 69 (53%) were treated nonsurgically and 61 (47%) operatively with median return-to-play times of 16 days (interquartile range, 6-30 days) and 20 days (interquartile range, 16-42 days) respectively. Eighteen individuals in this 130-player subgroup sustained a thumb metacarpal fracture. The return-to-play time was slower for patients sustaining thumb metacarpal fractures compared to other metacarpal fractures, and was significantly longer (median, 55 days) following nonsurgical treatment of thumb fractures compared with operative intervention (median, 24 days). A regression analysis revealed no trend or difference in return to football with respect to player age, time in the league, injury setting (practice vs game), injury mechanism, articular involvement, multiple concomitant injuries, or player position. CONCLUSIONS: Most NFL players who sustain metacarpal fractures miss less than 3 weeks and return to play the same season. The only variables that lessen the return-to-play time are involvement of lesser digit metacarpals and operative intervention for treatment of thumb metacarpal fractures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.