Radiological positioning of a proximal interphalangeal joint resurfacing implant: Reliability and functional outcomes correlation.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to define radiological measurements for quantifying the position of a surface replacing implant (CapFlex-PIP) in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, to test the reliability of these measurements, and to explore whether implant position influences patient-reported and clinical outcomes one year after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed 7 radiographic measurements to quantify the position of the proximal and distal implant components. Two independent surgeons analyzed the 1-year postoperative radiographs of 63 fingers documented in our registry. Inter-rater reliability of these measurements was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlations between the radiographic measurements and PIP range of motion (ROM), the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and pain were determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Radiographic measurements of patients with the worst and best postoperative ROM were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U test. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability was only good for 1 measurement (ICC = 0.89), but poor to moderate for the other measurements (ICC ranging from 0.34 to 0.69). These measurements neither correlated with ROM, brief MHQ nor pain based on correlation coefficients ranging from 0.00 to 0.31. There were no relevant differences in the radiographic measurements between patients with the worst and best ROM. CONCLUSION: The position of the CapFlex-PIP implant could not be reliably quantified on plain radiographs. The lack of correlations between implant position and postoperative outcomes can be attributed either to the unreliable measurements or the actual lack of influence of the implant position on pain and function.

Thumb Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty With a Surface Replacing Implant: Two-Year Results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year clinical and patient-reported outcomes of thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint arthroplasty. METHODS: In this prospective pilot study, we included patients who received a surface replacing implant at the thumb IP joint. Patients rated their pain at rest on a numeric rating scale (0-10) and completed the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. The range of motion of the IP joint was also measured. If the patient acceptable symptom state was inadequate (i.e., pain at rest ≤ 1.5), the reasons for the remaining symptoms were descriptively presented. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients who underwent arthroplasty, 1 withdrew participation and 1 was considered for arthrodesis because of a dislocated implant. Therefore, the study included 11 patients with a median age of 67 years. The median pain at rest decreased from 6 preoperatively to 0 at 2 years, and the preoperative brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score increased from 38 to 58 at follow-up. The total range of motion of the IP joint was 45° at 2 years. Patient acceptable symptom state was not achieved in 4 patients including a heavy manual worker and a patient with severe systemic lupus erythematosus. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the inconsistency of the results, we conclude that thumb IP joint arthroplasty with a surface replacing implant is rarely indicated; it could be an alternative in patients who place great importance on precision tasks. For patients who either have high demands for a powerful pinch grip, the high physical demands of a manual job, or rheumatoid disease, IP joint arthrodesis should be preferred. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Determinants of long-term satisfaction after silicone MCP arthroplasty in patients with inflammatory diseases.

The aim was to identify determinants of satisfaction in patients with inflammatory diseases who underwent hand reconstruction using silicone metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthroplasty. We hypothesized that patients taking biologic drugs would be more satisfied with the outcome. Patients who underwent silicone arthroplasty and had a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. Patients rated their satisfaction with the treatment result and hand appearance on a 5-point Likert scale with a score of 5 indicating "very satisfied" and 1 indicating "very dissatisfied" and completed the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes questionnaire (MHQ). MCP range of motion (ROM), ulnar drift and grip strength were measured. Ordered logistic regression modelling and the Mann-Whitney U test were used. Forty-one patients with 118 operated fingers were available for follow-up at an average of 5.6 years after surgery. Patients were satisfied with the overall treatment result (score 4.4; SD 0.8), but only somewhat satisfied (score 3.3; SD 1.5) with their hand's appearance. Total MCP ROM was 61° (SD 21) with an ulnar deviation of 10° (SD 14). Appearance and ulnar deviation were significant determinants of satisfaction (R2=0.35). There was no difference in outcomes between patients using biologics and those who were not. Our hypothesis that patients taking biologics are more satisfied after surgery could not be proven. Hand appearance and ulnar drift are the most important determinants of satisfaction after reconstruction of MCP deformity.

Measurement properties of the German Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scale in patients treated for Dupuytren's disease.

We sought to investigate the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of the German version of the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scale in patients with Dupuytren's disease. Patients with Dupuytren's disease were evaluated before receiving an injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum or undergoing surgical treatment and again 1 year later. Patients completed the URAM, the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (brief MHQ), and the 5-level EuroQol version (EQ-5D-5L). Flexion contracture was measured. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), construct validity (Spearman's correlation coefficient, r), responsiveness (effect size), and the minimally important change (MIC) and minimally important difference (MID) were determined. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the structural validity of the questionnaire. We included 231 patients (273 cases) with a mean age of 67 (SD, 9) years. Cronbach's alpha was 0.91. Correlations between the URAM and the brief MHQ, EQ-5D-5L and flexion contracture were r=-0.76, r=-0.46 and r=0.53, respectively. The URAM effect size was 0.96 and the MIC and MID were 6 and 7 points, respectively. The factor analysis revealed unidimensionality but indicated that one item (pick up small objects) could be removed. The German URAM has high reliability, good construct validity and excellent responsiveness. However, the questionnaire could be shortened by one item to increase its structural validity. We recommend using the URAM as a specific tool for evaluating the treatment effect in patients with Dupuytren's disease in daily practice and for research purposes.

Lateral stability in healthy proximal interphalangeal joints versus surface replacement and silicone arthroplasty: Results of a three-dimensional motion analysis study.

The objective of this study was to quantify the lateral stability of healthy proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints using a three-dimensional motion capture system and compare it to affected joints after surface replacement or silicone arthroplasty. Three study groups comprised healthy participants, patients with PIP joint osteoarthritis treated with a surface replacing implant (CapFlex-PIP) and those with a silicone arthroplasty. All participants were matched on gender and finger, and the two patient groups were also matched on length of follow-up. An optical tracking system was used to measure lateral stability. Radial and ulnar stability of the PIP joint was measured as the maximal lateral deviation angle of the middle phalanx under loads of 40 g, 90 g and 170g at 0°, 20° and 45° PIP joint flexion. Measurement reliability was evaluated with a test-retest trial [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)]. A total of 30 joints were assessed with 5 index and 5 middle fingers per test group. Lateral deviation increased proportionally with applied weight. Silicone arthroplasty joints had a higher median lateral deviation angle of 5.1° (range 0.7-7.9) than healthy [3.0° (0.5-11.0)] and surface replacement joints [3.3° (0.3-7.4)] at 45° flexion and under 170g load. Test-retest reliability was high with an ICC of 0.93. Lateral PIP joint stability is highly variable in both healthy participants and patients after PIP joint arthroplasty. PIP joint surface replacement arthroplasty tends to achieve better anatomical stability compared to flexible silicone implants.

Complications after treating Dupuytren's disease. A systematic literature review.

The objective of this study was to review the incidence of complications associated with different treatment options for patients with Dupuytren's disease. In a systematic literature review, the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Scopus databases were searched for clinical studies reporting complications after collagenase treatment, percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF), fasciectomy and dermofasciectomy. The incidence of complications was extracted from each study and stratified by procedure. From a total of 2251 references, 113 studies were analyzed and included with complication incidences varying from 0% to 100%. The highest number of nerve and vessel lesions were reported after fasciectomy, whereas the highest rate of edema was after collagenase injection. Accidental skin tears were mostly associated with collagenase and PNF treatment. Pooled complication incidences were 17.4% (95% CI: 11.7-23.1) for fasciectomy, 78.0% (95% CI: 59.6-96.4) for collagenase treatment, 18.9% (95% CI: -5.5-43.3) for PNF and 11.6% (95% CI: 0.0-23.2) for dermofasciectomy. Due to inconsistencies in reporting complications as well as the lack of a standardized definition, the literature does not provide evidence in favor of a specific procedure for Dupuytren's disease. A standardized definition of complications is required to improve the comparability of published results.

Measurement properties of the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L to assess quality of life in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release.

The objective of this study was to investigate the measurement properties of the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). A total of 60 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome completed the EQ-5D-5L twice before surgical decompression and once more 6 weeks after surgery. In addition, they filled out the Short Form 12 and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire at the baseline and postoperative follow-up examinations. Test-retest reliability was excellent with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.81. Internal consistency was high with Cronbach's alpha of 0.83. Good validity of the EQ-5D-5L was indicated by correlations of r = 0.7 and r = 0.5 with the Short Form 12 and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, respectively. Moderate responsiveness was shown by an effect size of 0.5. The minimal important change was 0.09 points. Overall, the EQ-5D-5L demonstrates sound measurement properties and can be recommended as a suitable tool to assess quality of life in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

[Treatment Methods for Patients with Dupuytren's Disease in Switzerland]. / Behandlungsmethoden bei Patienten mit Morbus Dupuytren in der Schweiz.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate what treatment options are currently used in Switzerland for Dupuytren's disease. Furthermore, regional preferences and treatment differences based on surgeon experience were analysed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this survey, an electronic questionnaire was sent to all members of the Swiss Society for Hand Surgery. Participants were asked to indicate their current treatment methods for Dupuytren's disease. In addition, 8 standard patient cases were presented to identify the preferred treatment option. Furthermore, sociodemographic data of the participants were gathered. RESULTS: In total, 70 questionnaires were completed, corresponding to a response rate of 34%. Fasciectomy is performed by 94% of participants, while 59% inject collagenase in certain cases, 40% perform open fasciotomy, and 24% carry out percutaneous needle aponeurotomy if the indication is given. 20% of responders offer one of these techniques, 50% offer 2, 23% offer 3, and 7% offer all 4 treatment techniques. In the case of isolated metacarpophalangeal joint contracture, 51% of participants inject collagenase, whereas fasciectomy is preferred for the treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint contractures or in cases of recurrence. In German-speaking Switzerland, the treatment strategy has changed towards applying collagenase injections in the past 5 years. In this part of the country, 83% of surgeons now use more collagenase than 5 years ago, whereas only 33% of surgeons in French-speaking Switzerland have changed their treatment strategy in favour of collagenase injections (p=0.027). Surgeons with less than 10 years of experience apply more collagenase than their more experienced colleagues (79 vs. 54%, p=0.131). CONCLUSIONS: In Switzerland, fasciectomy is the preferred option for treating patients with Dupuytren's disease. In recent years, however, collagenase injection has become more and more popular. More research is needed to define guidelines for the treatment of patients with Dupuytren's disease considering the effectiveness of the different treatment options and regional preferences.

Comparison of clinical outcome with radiological findings after trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to investigate if pre- and postoperative radiographic thumb carpometacarpal position is correlated with clinical and subjective outcomes. Radiographs of 105 patients undergoing trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition were analysed before, as well as 1 year after, surgery for dorsal subluxation and proximal migration of the thumb metacarpal bone. Furthermore, key pinch strength was measured and patients completed the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. Baseline dorsal subluxation and scaphometacarpal distances significantly decreased from 8.2 mm and 11.0 mm to 5.2 mm and 5.1 mm at 1 year, respectively. There was no correlation between the amount of subluxation or proximal migration and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score or key pinch strength. These results suggest that postoperative position of the metacarpal base of the thumb does not affect clinical or subjective outcomes after trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon reposition of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Healthcare costs and loss of productivity in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

The objective of this study was to analyse healthcare and productivity costs in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. We included 161 patients who received surgery or steroid injection and calculated their healthcare costs in Euro (€) over 1 year. Patients filled out the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire to assess loss of productivity at baseline, and after 3, and 12 months. In the surgical group, loss of productivity among employed patients first increased and then decreased (50%, 64%, and 25% at 0, 3, and 12 months). Productivity was more stable over time in the injection group (52%, 38%, and 48%). In the surgical group, estimated total annual healthcare and productivity costs were €5770 and €5548, respectively. In the injection group, healthcare and productivity costs were €348 and €3503. These findings highlight the need for assessing productivity costs to get a comprehensive view of the costs associated with a treatment.Level of Evidence III.

Ten year follow-up of pyrocarbon implants for proximal interphalangeal joint replacement.

Results of anatomical resurfacing of the proximal interphalangeal joint using pyrocarbon implants showed reasonable clinical results with a high radiographic migration rate. The aim was to investigate the subjective, clinical, and radiographic results 10 years following surgery, and to compare them with our 2-year follow-up data. We re-evaluated 12 patients with 15 proximal interphalangeal implants on average 9.7 years after surgery. Pain significantly improved from 7.6 on a visual analogue scale pre-operatively to 1.4 at 2 years, and to 0.7 at the final follow-up. The mean total range of motion in all replaced joints was 36° pre-operatively and 39° at the 2-year follow-up, but had decreased significantly to 29° at 10 years. We saw one implant migration in addition to the eight migrated implants we already found 2 years after surgery. The moderate clinical results, combined with the high migration rate, mean that we no longer use this kind of implant.

Outcome measures and their measurement properties for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review.

The objective was to identify all outcome measures used in studies on trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA) and evaluate their measurement properties. In a two-step systematic literature review, we first identified studies including TMC OA patients and extracted all outcome measures. They were categorized according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core set for OA including five dimensions: pain, physical function, global assessment, imaging, and quality of life (QoL). Secondly, we retrieved articles on the measurement properties of the identified outcome measures for TMC OA patients. First, 316 articles including 101 different outcome measures were identified, addressing the OMERACT pain and function domains most frequently but under-representing QoL. Second, 12 articles investigating measurement properties of 12 outcome measures were identified. The methodological quality of these studies was poor to fair, implying that based on the literature no recommendations to use any of the outcome measures can yet be made.

Age- and gender-specific normative data of grip and pinch strength in a healthy adult Swiss population.

Assessment of hand strength is used in a wide range of clinical settings especially during treatment of diseases affecting the function of the hand. This investigation aimed to determine age- and gender-specific reference values for grip and pinch strength in a normal Swiss population with special regard to old and very old subjects as well as to different levels of occupational demand. Hand strength data were collected using a Jamar dynamometer and a pinch gauge with standard testing position, protocol and instructions. Analysis of the data from 1023 tested subjects between 18 and 96 years revealed a curvilinear relationship of grip and pinch strength to age, a correlation to height, weight and significant differences between occupational groups. Hand strength values differed significantly from those of other populations, confirming the thesis that applying normative data internationally is questionable. Age- and gender-specific reference values for grip and pinch strength are presented.

Problematic bone fixation with pyrocarbon implants in proximal interphalangeal joint replacement: short-term results.

Seventeen pyrocarbon PIP prostheses were implanted into 14 patients, followed prospectively and reviewed clinically. The patients were assessed after a mean follow-up of 20.5 months subjectively by a VAS pain scale and radiographically. Significant pain relief was noted in all patients from a mean of 7.6 pre-operatively to 1.3 at final follow-up. Migration of one, or both, components was observed radiographically in eight joints and radiolucent lines were evident in three more cases. The clinical results of the implants which had migrated were less favourable for range of motion and grip strength than the stable joints of this series, although, statistically, the results were not significant. The number of possibly unstable prostheses in this series raises the question as to whether pyrocarbon is suitable for uncemented pressfit fixation in combination with early functional rehabilitation.

[Comparison of rheumatic and post-traumatic elbow joints after total elbow arthroplasty. Comprehensive and specific evaluation of clinical picture, function, and quality of life]. / Vergleich des rheumatischen und posttraumatischen Ellenbogengelenks nach Totalprothese. Eine umfassende sowie spezifische Beurteilung von Klinik, Funktion und Lebensqualität.

BACKGROUND: Patients with elbow destruction due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or trauma (PT) were compared to population-based normative data and to each other after total elbow arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pain, function, and biopsychosocial health were multidimensionally assessed by the generic Short Form 36 (SF-36), the condition-specific Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), and the Patient Related Elbow Evaluation form (PREE) instrument and analyzed by uni- and multivariate methods. RESULTS: Compared to normative values, the examined 59 RA patients were significantly affected in the function scales of the SF-36 and in all DASH scales. The 20 PT patients were worse than the norm only in the DASH function. Function was lower in RA than in PT in the SF-36 scales and in the DASH (RA: 44.4, PT: 70.3, p<0.001). This difference was less distinct in the PREE. CONCLUSION: Total elbow arthroplasty led to a pain-free outcome and normal quality of life, but failed to restore complete function. Functional deficits were larger in the RA patients and could also be measured by the SF-36, possibly due to polyarticular affection.

[Early results of NeuFlex silastic implant in MCP arthroplasty]. / Frühresultate des arthroplastischen Grundgelenkersatzes mit der NeuFlex-Silikonprothese.

For the reconstruction of destroyed metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints in rheumatoid arthritis, the Swanson silicon spacer is still the golden standard. However, long-term follow-up reveals an increasing number of complications, particularly mechanical failure. In order to deal with these problems a number of new, biomechanically different silicone implants have been designed. Among these, the NeuFlex prosthesis has a preflexed hinge of 30 degrees in relation to the shaft axis, a more palmar lying center of rotation and a rectangular hinge with a collarlike platform against the bony surfaces. In a prospective study, the early results of the first thirteen patients operated with the NeuFlex arthroplasty are reported. All patients suffered from rheumatoid arthritis with destruction of the MP joints. The mean follow-up was 12.3 months. A total of 37 joints were replaced. All patients were female with an average age of 56 years. Postoperative reduction of pain, measured on a visual analog scale with the maximum of 10 (VAS), decreased from 6.6 to 0.7 (p < 0.001). Jamar grip strength improved from 4.2 kg preoperatively to 9.9 kg postoperatively (p < 0.005). Range of motion improved from 37 degrees to 57 degrees (p < 0.0001) as a result of a reduction in active extension deficit which reduced from 35 degrees to 15 degrees postoperatively. Ulnar drift was reduced from 20.2 degrees to 3.4 degrees at follow-up (p < 0.005). Radiological evaluation showed no implant failure, no subsidence, and no signs of inflammatory reaction. Overall the NeuFlex silicone implants show encouraging early results which must be confirmed in the long term.