Relationship between electrodiagnostic findings and sleep disturbance in carpal tunnel syndrome: A controlled objective and subjective study.

OBJECTIVE: This controlled objective and subjective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between insomnia severity and electrodiagnostic findings in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Twenty-one patients with an established clinical and electrodiagnostic diagnosis of CTS before surgery were included. Sleep characteristics were monitored objectively over 4 to 9 nights by means of actigraphy. On the following morning, participants completed a sleep log that conveyed their subjective impressions of how they had slept. All patients also completed the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire. The correlation of these findings with patients' motor latency and sensory latency was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: We found no correlation between sensory or motor latencies and all sleep measures. CONCLUSION: Electrodiagnostic findings and sleep severity in patients with CTS appear to be independent measures, and they do not correlate with each other.

New technique for reduction of irreducible anterior glenohumeral shoulder dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to describe a new technique for reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocation in four non-sedated patients in whom traditional techniques were unsuccessful. METHODS: Four patients with clinically and radiographically proven acute anterior glenohumeral dislocations were admitted to the emergency department. An oral analgesic and local infiltration of lidocaine into the glenohumeral joint were administered prior to the reduction attempts. Four to six reduction attempts using a variety of traditional maneuvers were unsuccessful before applying our technique. The glenohumeral joint was then successfully reduced using our technique and confirmed on radiographs. A sling was placed for post-reduction pain relief. RESULTS: All four patients underwent successful closed reduction, proven clinically and by radiographs, after the first attempt using our technique. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Our maneuver provides safe and successful closed reduction for irreducible acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation.

The Utility of Diagnostic Tests for Digital Nerve Injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the sensitivity and specificity of 6 clinical tests for the diagnosis of digital nerve injury. The clinical tests are as follows: light touch, pinprick, static and dynamic 2-point discrimination (D2PD), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, and wrinkle test. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of all the patients who were admitted to our department with hand lacerations and/or suspicions of digital nerve injury that were examined before surgery with the 6-sensation test, comparing the results to the surgical findings. RESULTS: The study included 70 patients with 85 injured nerves overall. Of the 85 nerves, 51 were found with full cut, 9 with partial cut, and 25 with no cut. Only 2 variables were significantly associated with the study outcome: D2PD > 4 (P = 0.0141, odds ratio = 3.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-11.8, sensitivity = 80.7%, specificity = 48%) and wrinkle test (P = 0.0098, odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-11.6, sensitivity = 69.5%, specificity = 62.5%).Multivariable logistic regression included these variables and revealed the predictive probability for a nerve injury to be 92% if both risk factors exist and 43% if none of these risk factors exist. If one risk factor exists, the predictive probability for a cut is still very high (75%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of positive wrinkle test and D2PD > 4 gave a predictive probability for a nerve injury as 92% in the cases in our study and should be considered in the evaluation of patients with hand lacerations and suspicions of digital nerve injury.

Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy.

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy is a chronic clinical condition characterized by a delayed onset ulnar neuropathy after an injury to the elbow. Typically, tardy ulnar nerve palsy occurs as a consequence of nonunion of pediatric lateral condyle fractures at the elbow, which eventually lead to a cubitus valgus deformity. While the child grows, the deformity worsens and the ulnar nerve is gradually stretched until classic symptoms of ulnar nerve neuropathy appear. Other childhood elbow trauma has also been associated with tardy ulnar nerve palsy, including supracondylar fractures resulting in cubitus varus, fractures of the medial condyle and of the olecranon, as well as radial head or Monteggia fractures/dislocation, with or without deformity. The clinical assessment includes obtaining a complete history, physical examination, nerve conduction tests, and elbow imaging studies. Treatment consists of ulnar nerve decompression, with or without corrective osteotomy, with overall successful results usually achieved.

Hematoma block for distal radius fractures - prospective, randomized comparison of two different volumes of lidocaine.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare analgesic efficacy and safety of different volumes of lidocaine injected into a fracture hematoma (hematoma block [HB]) for reducing distal radius fractures. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A included patients in whom 10 mL of 2% lidocaine was injected into the fracture site and group B included patients in whom 20 mL of 1% lidocaine was injected. The fracture was manipulated after 15 minutes and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was recorded during manipulation. Patients were followed up for approximately 1 hour and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled in the study (12 women and eight men), with a mean age of 57 years (range, 32-87 years). Demographic findings were similar between the groups. The mean VAS score of group A was 5.50 ± 3.57 and that in group B was 3.09 ± 2.33, with no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: VAS scores between HB with 20 mL of 1% lidocaine and HB with 10 mL of 2% lidocaine are not significantly different. However, our study suggests that HB with 20 mL of 1% lidocaine has a better analgesic effect than HB with 10 mL of 2% lidocaine.

Outcomes of French's Corrective Osteotomy of the Humerus for Cubitus Varus Deformity in Children.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in the pediatric population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of French's corrective osteotomy for correction of post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical charts of all patients who had undergone French's corrective osteotomy in our institution from 1998 to 2012. We recorded range of motion, cosmetic deformity, carrying angle, lateral cortex prominence index, hyperextension, and lateral cortex step before and after the surgery. RESULTS: Seven patients were enrolled the study. Average follow-up time was 4.6 years (range 2-9 years). An average of 18.3º of limited flexion (range 5º-35º) compared to the healthy elbow was recorded in three patients. Lateral condylar prominence was recorded in one patient. The average preoperative carrying angle was -20.5º (range -15º-30º) and postoperative angle was 9.6º (range 7º-13º). In comparison, the average carrying angle in the healthy elbow was 8.5º (range 4º-13º). No lateral cortex prominence was recorded. An average of 27.5º (range 15º-35º) of hyperextension of the distal fragment was recorded immediately postoperatively in four patients; however, during postoperative follow-up, the hyperextension was corrected spontaneously in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: As described by French, osteotomy has the ability to correct the varus deformity only in the coronal plane. However, our research supports the assumption that hyperextension in the sagittal plane might be corrected spontaneously.

Open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet.

Objective The use of wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) is becoming an excellent alternative for elective hand surgeries and hand surgeries involving minor trauma. Although the use of WALANT for some soft tissue surgeries has become the state of the art, data regarding bony procedures, such as fracture management, under WALANT are limited. This study was performed to assess the WALANT technique for open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods Five patients with displaced distal radius fractures were enrolled in the study. WALANT was carried out about 30 minutes prior to the first incision. Surgery was performed in the normal fashion, and the fractures were fixed using anatomic locking plates. After surgery, the patients were admitted overnight for observation and pain assessment, and they were discharged within 24 hours postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Follow-up was performed in our outpatient clinic. No abnormalities were recorded. Results All patients underwent a successful painless surgery. No extra bleeding or other complications were recorded. Conclusion The WALANT technique offers a simple and safe alternative to traditional anesthetic techniques for open reduction and plating of distal radius fractures.

The effectiveness of splinting and surgery on sleep disturbance in carpal tunnel syndrome.

This controlled prospective study assessed the effectiveness of night splinting compared with non-splinting and surgery for severity of insomnia in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Sleep characteristics were observed for several days without a brace, with a brace and after surgery. The sleep measurements included the use of an actigraph worn on the wrist during night, a 'sleep log' that conveyed subjective impressions as to how the patient had slept and a short insomnia instrument, the Insomnia Severity Index. The Insomnia Severity Index scores showed that a night splint significantly improved insomnia symptoms compared with no splinting, and surgery significantly improved insomnia symptoms compared with splinting. The sleep log scores showed that the sleep quality and the number of awakenings when a splint was not worn were significantly different from the scores with the splint and the scores after surgery but showed no differences between splint and surgery. The actigraph did not show any significant differences between the treatment methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Treatment of physeal fractures of the distal radius by volar intrafocal Kapandji method: surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Distal radial physeal fractures with volar displacement are rare. Several methods of operative treatment include volar plate without inserting distal screws, percutaneous technique using two anterior skin incisions and reversed Kapandji technique with pins introduced through a posterior approach and locked at the anterior cortex of the fracture. METHODS: We report three cases along with a literature review of the surgical techniques described in the past and a novel surgical technique for this uncommon fracture termed "Volar Kapandji". RESULTS: All patients had anatomic reduction at the last follow-up radiography, and all patients had a full range of motion and VAS 0 at the last follow-up. No complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: This case study presents the minimally invasive option for treating rare cases of physeal distal radius fractures with volar displacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Can orthopedic surgeons help create a better head start for osteoporosis treatment after hip fracture?

BACKGROUND: Treatment for osteoporosis in the community in patients who were operated for hip fracture appears to be suboptimal at best. Evidence regarding treatment beyond the 1st year after surgery is scarce. We examined the association between discharge recommendations for treatment of osteoporosis in patients suffering from hip fractures and treatment beyond the 1st year. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study in patients age 50 to 90 years operated for osteoporotic hip fractures between the years 2008 and 2014. We investigated the correlation between discharge recommendations and rates of osteoporosis treatment postdischarge 1 to 7 years, and the influence of osteoporosis diagnosis upon treatment. Exclusion criteria besides age included high-energy trauma, pathologic or periprosthetic fractures, and patients deceased within 1-year postsurgery. RESULTS: A total of 602 patient files were examined. Univariate analysis showed that, of 283 patients who were prescribed dietary supplementation of vitamin D and calcium, a significantly higher percentage of patients received treatment if they had a recommendation (50.3% vs 36.1%, P = 0.0005), were diagnosed (43.8% vs 14.4%, P < 0.0001), or were of female gender (84.1% vs 57.3%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for receiving treatment compared with the control group (patients without a recommendation and a diagnosis) was higher among patients who had both a recommendation and a treatment (OR = 5.4, P < 0.0001) than the group with a diagnosis only (OR = 4.75, P < 0.0001) or a recommendation only (OR = 2.06, P = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: A formal recommendation for osteoporosis treatment in the discharge letters of patients who suffered hip fragility fractures increases treatment rate of osteoporosis in the community compared with patients without a recommendation. Patients who receive such a recommendation but also have a formal coded diagnosis of osteoporosis in their medical files have an even higher chance of receiving treatment in the community. Our observations may assist in amplifying the overall treatment rates, which are still undoubtedly low.

Complex Dorsal Metacarpophalangeal Dislocation: Long-Term Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To describe the long-term follow-up results of complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation (MPJD). We hypothesize that there would be no long-term functional deficit in most patients, even with the presence of one of the familiar complications. METHODS: We describe 5 patients with a median follow-up of 13 (range, 7-36) years and review the literature focusing on follow-up and complications. RESULTS: All patients reported full function of the hand. Compared with the contralateral finger, a mild loss of MPJ flexion was noted in 2 patients. Grip strength was reduced in 2 patients. The mean QuickDASH score was 4.5 (range, 0-20.5). Two patients with osteochondral metacarpal head fractures treated with screw fixation demonstrated secondary osteoarthritis changes on x-ray. The literature indicates that complications in patients with complex dorsal MPJD are related to failure of diagnosis, multiple attempts at closed reduction, concomitant osteochondral fracture, traumatic open reduction, or prolonged immobilization, and may result in joint stiffness, early degenerative arthritis, or osteonecrosis of the metacarpal head, pain, premature epiphysis closure, and metacarpal shortening. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that complex dorsal MPJD treated on the day of injury with dorsal or volar open reduction techniques can eventually result in a satisfactory outcome, even with one of the complications mentioned. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic V.

[TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE].

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world and its incidence is rising. In Western populations it is one of the most frequent causes of pain, loss of function and disability in adults. The estimated lifetime risk for knee osteoarthritis is approximately 40% in men and 47% in women. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is complex due to a lack of specific physical and/or laboratorial findings. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has recommended using the following criteria for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis: chronic knee pain (lasting for more than 6 weeks) and at least three of the following: • Age over 50 years old. • Morning knee stiffness lasting up to 30 minutes. • Crepitus with active motion • Tenderness on bony palpation • Thickening or growth of the bones • No local heat on palpation Treatment of osteoarthritis involves alleviating pain, attempting to rectify mechanical misalignment, and identifying and addressing manifestations of joint instability. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) has conducted a systematic review of the current scientific and clinical research and has issued clinical practice guidelines containing fifteen recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, and include only less invasive alternatives to total or partial knee arthroplasty. This review presents the background, diagnosis, treatment and a summary of the AAOS guidelines regarding "Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee".

[HAND INJURIES IN ROCK CLIMBERS].

INTRODUCTION: Rock climbing, whether practiced in nature on cliffs and boulders or indoors on walls made of resin and wood, has gained tremendous popularity in recent decades. More people are exposed to injuries associated with the unique biomechanical forces of rock climbing. A series of repetitive high torque movements of the upper limbs are needed to ascend a wall or rockface. These movements subject the hand and wrist to large forces, potentially resulting in ligament and tendon sprains or rupture and even bone fracture. This review describes the anatomy, biomechanics and the common hand injuries in rock climbers.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in treatment of fingertip amputation: a randomized prospective trial.

PURPOSE: Fingertip amputation is a common injury. Considerable controversy exists as to whether prophylactic antibiotics are necessary for this injury. Our goal was to compare the rate of infections among subgroups with and without prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The study hypothesis was that infection rates were similar in the 2 groups. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized control trial of adult patients presenting with fingertip amputation with bone exposed, requiring surgical treatment. Patients were randomized to 2 groups: group 1 received no antibiotics, and group 2 received 1 g intravenous antibiotics (cefazolin) for 3 days. The 2 groups were matched for age, time to surgery, injury mechanism, and type of surgery. All surgical treatments were performed in the operating room, and all patients were reevaluated in our outpatient clinic after 10 days and again after a month. The primary outcome measure was the rate of infection. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were initially enrolled in the study; 2 patients withdrew before study completion, 29 subjects were randomized to the no-antibiotic group, and 27 subjects were randomized to the antibiotic group. No statistically significant differences on any baseline values were found between the 2 treatment groups. There was no infection in either group at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that routine prophylactic antibiotics do not reduce the rate of infection after fingertip amputations with bone exposed treated surgically in the operating room.

Hypertension and antihypertensive drugs in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Despite high rates of hypertension in pregnancy, the effects of hypertension have not been separated appropriately from the effects of the medications that are used. We evaluated the safety of exposure to antihypertensive medications during pregnancy, while accounting for disease effects. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based retrospective cohort study was performed that compared all pregnancies of women with hypertension who were either exposed or unexposed to antihypertensive medications. A computerized database of the medications that were dispensed to pregnant women from 1998-2008 was linked with computerized databases that contained maternal and infant hospitalization records from the district hospital during the same period. RESULTS: During the study period, 100,029 deliveries occurred; of those, 1964 pregnant women experienced chronic hypertension, and 620 neonates (0.6%) were exposed to at least 1 antihypertensive medication (methyldopa or atenolol) during pregnancy. A higher rate of intrauterine growth restriction (7.2% vs 2.1%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.00-6.36; P < .001), small for gestational age (3% vs 1.7%, respectively; adjusted OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.27-3.92; P = .005), and preterm deliveries (<37 weeks, 22.9% vs 8.0%, respectively; adjusted OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.90-4.69; P < .001) were noted among the pregnancies of women who were exposed to antihypertensive medications during the third trimester. Importantly, a similar association was detected when we compared women with chronic hypertension who were not treated during pregnancy (n = 1074) to women who had no chronic hypertension and who were unexposed to antihypertensive medications (n = 97,820). CONCLUSION: Chronic hypertension with or without treatment during pregnancy is an independent and significant risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction, small for gestational age, and preterm delivery.