Flexor Injury Rehabilitation Splint Trial (FIRST): protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing three splints for finger flexor tendon repairs.

BACKGROUND: Without surgical repair, flexor tendon injuries do not heal and patients' ability to bend fingers and grip objects is impaired. However, flexor tendon repair surgery also requires optimal rehabilitation. There are currently three custom-made splints used in the rehabilitation of zone I/II flexor tendon repairs, each with different assumed harm/benefit profiles: the dorsal forearm and hand-based splint (long), the Manchester short splint (short), and the relative motion flexion splint (mini). There is, however, no robust evidence as to which splint, if any, is most clinical or cost effective. The Flexor Injury Rehabilitation Splint Trial (FIRST) was designed to address this evidence gap. METHODS: FIRST is a parallel group, superiority, analyst-blind, multi-centre, individual participant-randomised controlled trial. Participants will be assigned 1:1:1 to receive either the long, short, or mini splint. We aim to recruit 429 participants undergoing rehabilitation following zone I/II flexor tendon repair surgery. Potential participants will initially be identified prior to surgery, in NHS hand clinics across the UK, and consented and randomised at their splint fitting appointment post-surgery. The primary outcome will be the mean post-randomisation score on the patient-reported wrist and hand evaluation measure (PRWHE), assessed at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks post randomisation. Secondary outcome measures include blinded grip strength and active range of movement (AROM) assessments, adverse events, adherence to the splinting protocol (measured via temperature sensors inserted into the splints), quality of life assessment, and further patient-reported outcomes. An economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of each splint, and a qualitative sub-study will evaluate participants' preferences for, and experiences of wearing, the splints. Furthermore, a mediation analysis will determine the relationship between patient preferences, splint adherence, and splint effectiveness. DISCUSSION: FIRST will compare the three splints with respect to clinical efficacy, complications, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. FIRST is a pragmatic trial which will recruit from 26 NHS sites to allow findings to be generalisable to current clinical practice in the UK. It will also provide significant insights into patient experiences of splint wear and how adherence to splinting may impact outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN: 10236011.

Comparison between intra-articular injections of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP and placebo for thumb base osteoarthritis: A frequentist network meta-analysis.

Background and aims: Current evidence for the use of intra-articular injections for thumb base osteoarthritis (TBOA) is equivocal. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma. Methods: A Frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted comparing outcomes at short (≤3 months) and medium-term (>3-12 months) time points. Results: Data from 7 RCTs and 1 non-RCT (446 patients) were collected, consisting of corticosteroids (n = 7), hyaluronic acid (n = 7), platelet-rich plasma (n = 2) and placebo (n = 2). At the short-term time point, no intra-articular injection demonstrated superiority over placebo at reducing pain. At the medium-term time point, superiority of platelet-rich plasma at reducing pain over placebo and corticosteroids was seen following sensitivity analysis (RCTs only) (SMD -1.48 95 % CI -2.71; -0.25). No injection proved superior at improving function at short or medium-term time points. Conclusions: Overall, despite the promising result for platelet-rich plasma, the evidence quality was limited to two studies only justifying the need for further and larger methodologically robust trials investigating corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma vs each other and placebo.

Assessing the risk of re-fracture related to the percentage of partial union in scaphoid waist fractures.

Aims: There is ambiguity surrounding the degree of scaphoid union required to safely allow mobilization following scaphoid waist fracture. Premature mobilization could lead to refracture, but late mobilization may cause stiffness and delay return to normal function. This study aims to explore the risk of refracture at different stages of scaphoid waist fracture union in three common fracture patterns, using a novel finite element method. Methods: The most common anatomical variant of the scaphoid was modelled from a CT scan of a healthy hand and wrist using 3D Slicer freeware. This model was uploaded into COMSOL Multiphysics software to enable the application of physiological enhancements. Three common waist fracture patterns were produced following the Russe classification. Each fracture had differing stages of healing, ranging from 10% to 90% partial union, with increments of 10% union assessed. A physiological force of 100 N acting on the distal pole was applied, with the risk of refracture assessed using the Von Mises stress. Results: Overall, 90% to 30% fracture unions demonstrated a small, gradual increase in the Von Mises stress of all fracture patterns (16.0 MPa to 240.5 MPa). All fracture patterns showed a greater increase in Von Mises stress from 30% to 10% partial union (680.8 MPa to 6,288.6 MPa). Conclusion: Previous studies have suggested 25%, 50%, and 75% partial union as sufficient for resuming hand and wrist mobilization. This study shows that 30% union is sufficient to return to normal hand and wrist function in all three fracture patterns. Both 50% and 75% union are unnecessary and increase the risk of post-fracture stiffness. This study has also demonstrated the feasibility of finite element analysis (FEA) in scaphoid waist fracture research. FEA is a sustainable method which does not require the use of finite scaphoid cadavers, hence increasing accessibility into future scaphoid waist fracture-related research.

Biocompatible α-Methylenation of Metabolic Butyraldehyde in Living Bacteria.

Small molecule organocatalysts are abundant in all living organisms. However, their use as organocatalysts in cells has been underexplored. Herein, we report that organocatalytic aldol chemistry can be interfaced with living Escherichia coli to enable the α-methylenation of cellular aldehydes using biogenic amines such as L-Pro or phosphate. The biocompatible reaction is mild and can be interfaced with butyraldehyde generated from D-glucose via engineered metabolism to enable the production of 2-methylenebutanal (2-MB) and 2-methylbutanal (2-MBA) by anaerobic fermentation, and 2-methylbutanol (2-MBO) by whole-cell catalysis. Overall, this study demonstrates the combination of non-enzymatic organocatalytic and metabolic reactions in vivo for the sustainable synthesis of valuable non-natural chemicals that cannot be accessed using enzymatic chemistry alone.

Implementing an internal audit to change practice: Current evidence and review of patient outcomes enabled transition to the relative motion extension approach in the postoperative management of zones IV-VI extensor tendon repairs.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports use of the relative motion extension (RME) approach following extensor tendon repairs in zones V-VI yielding good or excellent outcomes. PURPOSE: To demonstrate how a 3-year internal audit and regular review of emerging evidence guided our change in practice from our longstanding use of the Norwich Regimen to the RME approach using implementation research methods. We compared the outcomes of both approaches prior to the formal adoption of the RME approach. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical audit. METHODS: A prospective audit of all consecutive adult finger extensor tendon repairs in zones IV-VII rehabilitated in our tertiary public health hand centre was undertaken between November 2014 and December 2017. Each audit year, outcomes were reviewed regarding the Norwich regimen and the RME early active motion approaches. As new evidence emerged, adjustments were made to our audit protocol for the RME approach. Discharge measurements of the range of motion of the affected and contralateral fingers and complications were recorded. RESULTS: During the 3-year audit, data was available on 79 patients (56 RME group including 59 fingers with 71 tendon repairs; 23 Norwich group including 28 fingers with 34 tendon repairs) with simple (n = 68) and complex (n = 11) finger extensor tendon zones IV-VI repairs (no zone VII presented during this time). Over time, the practice pattern shifted from the Norwich Regimen approach to the RME approach (and with the use of the RME plus [n = 33] and RME only [n = 23] approaches utilized). All approaches yielded similar good to excellent outcomes per total active motion and Miller's classification, with no tendon ruptures or need for secondary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: An internal audit of practice provided the necessary information regarding implementation to support a shift in hand therapy practice and to gain therapist or surgeon confidence in adopting the RME approach as another option for the rehabilitation of zone IV-VI finger extensor tendon repairs.

Methods of assessing intra-articular distal radial fractures.

We systematically reviewed current measurement methods and the imaging modality of choice for intra-articular distal radial fractures. There is no current reference standard measurement method and a lack of evidence comparing them. Radiographs underestimate displacement, with most papers favouring CT.

Recurrence of Scaphoid Stress Fracture: A Case Report.

Background Scaphoid stress fractures are rare and typically present in young, elite male athletes. Due to the infrequency in which these injuries are encountered, the optimum management is not established. Case Description We present the case of a 20-year-old male gymnast with bilateral stress fractures of the scaphoid waist. Following conservative treatment, clinical and radiological signs of union were seen bilaterally. Eight months after return to normal activities, a unilateral recurrence of the stress fracture occurred. This was successfully treated with internal fixation and bone grafting. Literature Review Scaphoid stress fractures are most frequently seen in gymnasts but also occur in participants of other sports involving repetitive loading of an extended wrist. This action conveys force predominantly through the waist of the scaphoid. Most case studies have reported high union rates, whether treated operatively or conservatively, and the patients returned to high-level sport with no further problems. Stress fracture recurrence has been reported in other bones such as the metatarsal and tibia but never before in the scaphoid. Our case is unusual in that the patient suffered ongoing problems due to a recurrence of the scaphoid stress fracture after returning to normal activities. Clinical Relevance Clinicians should be aware that scaphoid stress fracture recurrence can occur, counsel patients accordingly, and remain vigilant after apparent union. We would recommend early fixation to allow a quicker return to function and prevention of recurrence.

Change in capitate shift after osteotomy for distal radial fracture malunion.

Loss of anterior tilt after a distal radial fracture can lead to carpal malalignment, which may cause functional impairment. The aim of this study was to establish whether distal radial osteotomy for malunion, which primarily restores the dorsal tilt, will also improve carpal malalignment as measured by capitate shift. Radiographs of 67 patients who underwent osteotomy after malunion of a distal radial fracture were reviewed. Measurements of capitate shift and dorsal tilt were recorded. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between dorsal tilt and capitate shift. Change in capitate shift was strongly associated with change in dorsal tilt following osteotomy. This relationship was maintained on long-term radiographs. Capitate shift is strongly related to dorsal tilt following a distal radial fracture. Correcting the dorsal tilt during an osteotomy, therefore, will improve capitate shift and carpal malalignment. Capitate shift is unrelated to age, sex and is easy to visually assess.Level of evidence: IV.

The Ability of Patients to Provide Standardized, Patient-Taken Photographs for the Remote Assessment of Dupuytren Disease.

BACKGROUND: Clinical goniometry for the assessment of contracture in Dupuytren disease is time-consuming and costly, and there is no universal method for evaluating the severity of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of patient-taken photography for the remote assessment of Dupuytren disease. METHODS: Patients at our unit were provided with instructions on how to take standardized photographs of their diseased hand(s), which were subsequently analyzed by computer software to obtain formal measurements of the severity of disease. Compliance with photography instructions and ability to provide a photo of sufficient quality for analysis were measured. RESULTS: In all, 222 patients supplied photos for analysis; 158 patients (71.2%) were able to take the photographs as instructed. The remaining 28.8% took 1 or more of the images incorrectly or of insufficient quality. There were no statistically significant differences between those able to take the photos as directly versus those who took the photos incorrectly when compared by sex, age, or severity of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-taken photography used to estimate disease severity in Dupuytren disease is an achievable, efficient, and reliable method of remotely assessing and monitoring patients and may be increasingly useful given the current health care climate and preference for remote consultations.

The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with concurrent hand and psychological disorders.

We investigated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for patients with psychological disorders thought to be influencing recovery from elective and traumatic hand conditions. Demographic data and psychological assessment scores (Primary Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9), General Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD7), Impact of Event Scale (IES)) were prospectively collected before and after CBT treatment. One hundred and fourteen patients underwent CBT with 81 completing treatment. Full data was available for 78 (68%) patients. Mean age was 43 (range 13-84) and 63% were women. Sixty-one per cent had sustained a traumatic hand injury. PHQ9, GAD7 and IES scores decreased significantly following treatment. Many patients with hand conditions have associated psychological problems that may influence outcome. CBT in a hand unit setting appears to be an effective treatment. Further research with a control group should investigate whether CBT improves psychological health or if this may occur as patients recover from their physical hand disorder regardless of CBT.Level of evidence: IV.

One-year outcome of surgery compared with immobilization in a cast for adults with an undisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fracture : a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: There has been an increasing use of early operative fixation for scaphoid fractures, despite uncertain evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate up-to-date evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the effectiveness of the operative and nonoperative treatment of undisplaced and minimally displaced (≤ 2 mm displacement) scaphoid fractures. METHODS: A systematic review of seven databases was performed from the dates of their inception until the end of March 2021 to identify eligible RCTs. Reference lists of the included studies were screened. No language restrictions were applied. The primary outcome was the patient-reported outcome measure of wrist function at 12 months after injury. A meta-analysis was performed for function, pain, range of motion, grip strength, and union. Complications were reported narratively. RESULTS: Seven RCTs were included. There was no significant difference in function between the groups at 12 months (Hedges' g 0.15 (95% confidence interval -0.02 to 0.32); p = 0.082). The complication rate was higher in the operative group and involved more serious complications. CONCLUSION: We found no difference in functional outcome at 12 months for fractures of the waist of the scaphoid with ≤ 2 mm displacement treated operatively or nonoperatively. The complication rate was higher with operative treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):953-962.

Factors Associated with Timely Surgery for Semi-elective Distal Radius Fracture Fixation.

Background In the United Kingdom, national guidance recommends intra-articular distal radius fractures should undergo surgery within 72 hours and extra-articular fractures within 7 days. Purpose We investigated if hospitals can provide timely surgery and meet national guidelines in patients who are sent home following distal radius fracture (DRF) to return for planned surgery. The influence of patient, hospital, and seasonal factors on wait to surgery are investigated. Patients and Methods We reviewed Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data between April 2009 and March 2013. Proportion of procedures being performed within 3 and 7 days was calculated. A linear regression model was created to investigate the relationship between wait for surgery and patient and hospital factors. Results A total of 9,318 patients were sent home to return for planned acute DRF surgery during the 4-year study period. Mean time to surgery was 3.04 days (range 1-days, standard deviation [SD] 3.14). A total of 6,538 patients underwent surgery within 3 days (70.2%) and 8,747 within 7 days (93.9%). Patients listed for surgery and sent home to return waited longer if listed toward the end of the week. Less surgery was performed at weekends, and patients were less likely to be listed for semielective trauma surgery. Conclusions Acute semielective DRF fixation is generally performed within targets for extra-articular fractures but there is scope for improvement for intra-articular fractures. Day of presentation and increasing number of comorbidities increase wait for surgery. Hospital trusts should focus on improving pathways for patients with multiple comorbidities and strategies to improve accessibility of these services at weekends.

Automated Urinal-Based Specific Gravity Measurement Device for Real-Time Hydration Monitoring in Male Athletes.

Acute and chronic hydration status is important for athlete safety and performance and is frequently measured by sports scientists and performance staff in team environments via urinalysis. However, the time required for urine collection, staff testing, and reporting often delays immediate reporting and personalized nutrition insight in situations of acute hydration management before training or competition. Furthermore, the burdensome urine collection and testing process often renders chronic hydration monitoring sporadic or non-existent in real-world settings. An automated urinalysis device (InFlow) was developed to measure specific gravity, an index of hydration status, in real-time during urination. The device was strongly correlated to optical refractometry with a mean absolute error of 0.0029 (±0.0021). Our results show this device provides a novel and useful approach for real-time hydration status via urinalysis for male athletes in team environments with high testing frequency demands.

A Review of Outcome Reporting Practices after Flexor Tendon Repair in Zones 1 and 2.

Background: Outcome reporting following flexor tendon repair has historically concentrated on range of movement. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). At present, there is no agreed set of outcomes to report following flexor tendon repair. The aim of this study is to review outcome reporting practices after flexor tendon repair in zones 1 and 2. Methods: A search of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 2019 was performed to identify the studies that reported outcomes following the repair of flexor tendons in zones 1 and 2. Study characteristics and data with regard to the reporting of eight outcome domains was extracted: functional outcome (quantitative), functional outcome (subjective), activities of daily living (ADL), satisfaction/quality of life, post-treatment recovery, resources, aesthetics and safety. Results: A total of 94 out of 4,118 articles identified were included in the review. All studies reported range of motion using 17 different methods of measurement. Eleven studies defined measurement methods incorrectly or unclearly. Only 16 studies reported PROMs, with only one reporting data on assessment of quality of life. Eighteen studies reported time away from employment. Minimal data on resource utilisation and aesthetics were included. Conclusion: This review highlights wide heterogeneity and paucity of data reporting clinical outcomes of flexor tendon surgery. The development of a core outcome set that would ensure essential outcomes are correctly defined, measured and reported is required. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Prognostic).

Kirschner Wire Fixation in Dorsally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures: A Biomechanical Evaluation.

Background There is currently no consensus for the optimum configuration and number of Kirschner wires (K-wires) to use for the stabilization of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. In this biomechanical study, we compared the load to failure and stiffness of four common K-wire configurations to identify the strongest construct for use in extra-articular dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. Case Description We created a standard distal radius fracture model in turkey tarsometatarsi which was stabilized using two or three K-wires (1.6 mm) in four different configurations. Following a power calculation, 10 fracture models of each configuration underwent testing in cantilever bending and axial compression. Literature Review Recent randomized trials have shown no evidence that volar locking plates are superior to K-wires for the treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. This has led to an increase in the popularity of much cheaper K-wires. Several different K-wire techniques have been described but there is no strong evidence to determine which is the optimal configuration and number of wires. Clinical Relevance The three-wire interfragmentary configuration was stiffer than the three-wire Kapandji in axial compression and cantilever bending. There was no difference in load to failure in cantilever bending or axial compression. The three-wire interfragmentary technique is the stiffest configuration of K-wires for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. The two-wire Kapandji technique was significantly weaker than the other configurations, especially in cantilever bending. Conclusion The authors recommend to always use three wires for percutaneous pinning and never to use two intrafocal wires alone.

Effective Treatment of Simultaneous Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures.

Background There is an increasing trend for most surgeons to choose open reduction and internal fixation of simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures; however, it is not clear if there is any evidence to support this. Case Description The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the evidence for management of simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures. Literature Review We performed searches of the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases (CRD42020167403). We included a total of 20 studies, involving 178 patients with 182 simultaneous fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid. The distal radius fractures were mostly intra-articular (112/182). The scaphoid fractures were mostly undisplaced (120/148) and at the scaphoid waist (152/178). All distal radius fractures went on to unite, and just 2 of 182 scaphoid fractures went on to nonunion. All included studies were retrospective case series, and therefore all were found to have a critical risk of bias due to confounding. The union rate for both the distal radius and scaphoid fractures is high with both operative and nonoperative treatments. Clinical Relevance Although there are no comparative studies to evaluate the most effective treatment, there is evidence to support operative management. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, systematic review study.

Ulnar variance in distal radial fractures: assessment and interpretation.

We explored patterns of shortening of the distal radius and investigated the effect of displacement on 'ulnar variance' in 250 patients with distal radial fractures. A small number of patients (5%) had a fracture that resulted in true shortening. Thirty-two per cent had fractures that appeared short, but lateral radiographs revealed that the articular surface was tilted, with either the anterior or dorsal rim of the articular surface being proximal to the distal ulna but the other rim was distal to it. We recommend initial assessment of variance on lateral radiographs. If the anterior and dorsal rims of the distal radial articular surface are proximal to the distal ulna, then true shortening is present and lengthening and stabilization, to hold the radius distracted, should be considered. If only one rim is proximal to the distal ulna, then correction of the tilt will lessen the apparent positive variance.Level of evidence: IV.

Improvement in the Appearance and Function of the Hand at 2 Weeks after Percutaneous Needle Fasciotomy for Dupuytren Disease.

Background: Percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) has been successfully used for the treatment of contracture bands in the hand in patients with Dupuytren disease. The aim of this study is to determine aesthetic and functional outcomes at 2 weeks following PNF in patients with Dupuytren contracture. Methods: Seventy-five patients undergoing PNF for Dupuytren disease during a 4-month period were included. Patients completed the Visual Analogue Appearance Score (VAAS), Derriford Appearance Score (DAS), and the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (QuickDASH) preoperatively and at 2 weeks after surgery. In addition, VAAS was done in the immediate postoperative period as well. Results: Seventy-four (99%) patients completed the immediate postoperative VAAS scores and 51 (68%) completed the VAAS, DAS, and QuickDASH at 2 weeks. Preoperative VAAS fell from 6.01 to 1.53 (p < 0.0001) immediately post operation. Two weeks later, VAAS increased to 2.91 but was still significantly lower than preoperatively (p < 0.0001). DAS was unchanged. QuickDASH decreased from 22.4 preoperatively to 12.1 2 weeks later (p = 0.001). Conclusion: PNF for Dupuytren contracture resulted in improvement in both aesthetic and functional outcomes at 2 weeks. Longer term follow-up is required to determine whether these improvements are sustained. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).