The Learning Curves of Adelaide- and Gan-Modified Lim-Tsai Flexor Tendon Repair Techniques.

PURPOSE: Surgical performance that improves with experience is often depicted as representing a "learning curve." Although numerous studies examine the tensile properties of various flexor tendon repairs, few compare the associated learning curves. This study aims to address this gap by comparing the learning curves of Adelaide- and Gan-modified Lim-Tsai repairs. Emphasizing the difference in learning curves is crucial because it highlights the tension between achieving biomechanically superior repairs, which may be challenging to many surgeons, and opting for possibly incrementally less strong but more feasible techniques. METHODS: We organized a workshop attended by 20 medical students whose experience in surgery was limited to a few suturing exercises. Each participant repaired five porcine tendons in situ either with Adelaide- or Gan-modified Lim-Tsai, followed by a peripheral suture. We tested all tendons with linear static testing to measure ultimate and yield loads. In addition, repair times were recorded for each repair. We used a linear mixed model to compare learning between the techniques. RESULTS: Ultimate loads increased with experience and were higher in Adelaide technique during the first two repairs, compared with Gan-modified Lim-Tsai (80 N vs 63 N and 79 N vs 66 N, respectively). Yield loads also increased with experience but did not differ between the repair techniques at any time point. Mean repair times decreased from 44 to 28 minutes and from 46 to 25 minutes with Adelaide- and Gan-modified Lim-Tsai repairs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Adelaide core suture had a higher initial ultimate load capacity despite fewer suture strands, possibly indicating better tension consistency. The ultimate load of the Gan-modified Lim-Tsai repair increased between the first and fifth repair, and repeats were needed to achieve comparable results with the Adelaide repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study suggest that both repair methods are suitable for novice surgeons, but Adelaide tends to result in higher strength from the first repair. Generalizability to other repairs should be made with caution.

Revision Surgery Following Primary Reconstruction for Hand Syndactyly.

PURPOSE: Web creep and scar contracture are established complications of syndactyly reconstruction; however, few reports characterize risk factors for revision surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the rate and risk factors of reoperation for congenital hand syndactyly. METHODS: Patients undergoing syndactyly reconstruction from 2007 to 2021 at a single children's hospital were reviewed. Cases with less than 1 year of follow-up were excluded. Demographic, surgical, and outcomes data were recorded by each web space to account for mixed treatments. RESULTS: In total, 514 web spaces in 231 children were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 6.0 years after primary reconstruction; 66 (12.8%) web spaces in 51 (22.1%) children underwent revision. The most common procedures were web space deepening due to web creep (57.9% of cases) and digital scar contracture release (45.6%); these were augmented in a minority (17.5%) of cases by other aesthetic/functional procedures. Revisions occurred at a median of 1.7 years after primary reconstruction. First web spaces (thumb-index finger) were most frequently reoperated (33.3%). On multivariable analysis, first web space involvement, complete syndactyly, and complications after the primary reconstruction significantly increased odds of revision. Age at primary reconstruction was not a significant predictor. Following revision, 10.5% of cases had recurrent web creep, and 14.0% had recurrent scar contracture. Eight (1.6%) web spaces in seven (3.0%) children required multiple revisions. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 13% of syndactyly reconstructions (22% of patients) require reoperation. Most revisions occur within 4 years of primary reconstruction. Complete syndactyly, complications after the primary reconstruction, and first web space involvement increase the risk of revision; age at primary reconstruction is not a risk factor. Revision outcomes mirror the index procedure, with 10% to 14% of revised web spaces experiencing recurrent web creep or contracture. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Prevalence and Practice Characteristics of Advanced Practice Providers in Upper-Extremity Surgery, 2013-2021.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the prevalence, characteristics, and reimbursement of advanced practice providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who provide care related to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremities in the United States from 2013 to 2021. METHODS: Our analysis was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the diagnostic, procedural, and therapeutic services provided by advanced practice providers from 2013 to 2021 using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use Files from the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services. The reported provider type and billing codes were used to identify health care professionals providing upper-extremity care such as ordering radiographs, applying casts and splints, and performing procedures on the hand, wrist, or other anatomic regions of the upper extremity. Trends over the study period and available data about services provided were analyzed. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2021, providers of upper-extremity care included 19,525 (64.7%) doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathic medicine upper-extremity surgeons, 7,612 (25.2%) physician assistants, and 3,042 (10.1%) nurse practitioners. The nonsurgeon providers were more likely to be women and provide care in micropolitan areas with less than 50,000 people compared with upper-extremity surgeons. Overall, the number of advanced practice providers who billed for upper-extremity care increased by 170.9% from 1,965 in 2013 to 5,324 in 2021. Based on these trends, the growth of APPs providing upper-extremity care is expected to continue. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing prevalence of advanced practice providers in upper-extremity care, and this trend is expected to continue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With a growing need for upper-extremity care and predicted shortages in the surgeon workforce, the scope of practice and integration of advanced practice providers merits further discussion and evaluation.

Walant in hand surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) has been widely implemented in hand surgery. We conducted a systematic review from 1979 to 2022, led by a team of anesthesiologist. Only randomized studies comparing WALANT to other types of regional anesthesia were included. The outcomes studied were pain, duration of the procedure, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and patient satisfaction. Twelve articles were included in the analysis. We found a reduction of 2.77 on the VAS (95% CI -3.79; -1.75, I² 93%) for intraoperative pain in the WALANT group. There was no significant difference (MD 0.79, 95% CI 95% -0.11; 1.69, I² 73%) for duration of surgery. Patient satisfaction was consistently high in the WALANT group. Intraoperative bleeding was minimal and not clinically relevant. Compared to other types of regional anesthesia in hand surgery, the WALANT technique decreases pain for the patients without increasing the length of surgery.

The Comparative Performance of Large Language Models on the Hand Surgery Self-Assessment Examination.

BACKGROUND: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) models have emerged as capable of producing human-like responses and have showcased their potential in general medical specialties. This study explores the performance of AI systems on the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Self-Assessment Exams (SAE). METHODS: ChatGPT 4.0 and Bing AI were evaluated on a set of multiple-choice questions drawn from the ASSH SAE online question bank spanning 5 years (2019-2023). Each system was evaluated with 999 questions. Images and video links were inserted into question prompts to allow for complete AI interpretation. The performance of both systems was standardized using the May 2023 version of ChatGPT 4.0 and Microsoft Bing AI, both of which had web browsing and image capabilities. RESULTS: ChatGPT 4.0 scored an average of 66.5% on the ASSH questions. Bing AI scored higher, with an average of 75.3%. Bing AI outperformed ChatGPT 4.0 by an average of 8.8%. As a benchmark, a minimum passing score of 50% was required for continuing medical education credit. Both ChatGPT 4.0 and Bing AI had poorer performance on video-type and image-type questions on analysis of variance testing. Responses from both models contained elements from sources such as PubMed, Journal of Hand Surgery, and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT 4.0 with browsing and Bing AI can both be anticipated to achieve passing scores on the ASSH SAE. Generative AI, with its ability to provide logical responses and literature citations, presents a convincing argument for use as an interactive learning aid and educational tool.

Expected outcome for reconstructive hand surgery after spinal cord injuries related to level of injury and sex.

This retrospective, multicentre study maps grip strength and grasp ability after tendon transfer surgery in patients with tetraplegia. Data were analysed in the whole group and in subgroups stratified into the International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia (ICSHT) and sex. In total, 200 arms (143 patients) had tendon transfer surgery to restore grip and pinch function, 74% were men, 42% were ICSHT group ≤3 and 58% ICSHT were group ≥4. The one-year outcome across all participants for grip strength was 5.2 kg, pinch strength 2.1 kg and a score of 108 for the Grasp and Release test. Men had significantly higher grip and pinch strength compared to women, while there was no significant difference with respect to grasp ability. ICSHT group ≥4 had significantly higher grip strength and grasp ability compared to ICSHT group ≤3, whereas no significant difference in pinch strength between ICSHT groups was seen.Level of evidence: III.

Combined Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis With Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty or Arthrodesis: Technical Considerations.

Combined distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) arthrodesis with proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) arthroplasty or arthrodesis presents unique challenges. Although less common than isolated surgery for the DIP and PIP joints, with an aging population, combined DIP and PIP procedures are an increasingly encountered occurrence. Anatomical and morphological studies have provided length and width measurement standards for the middle and distal phalanges, allowing for planning to assess the compatibility of strategies. Besides reviewing anatomical studies to provide length and width guidelines for hardware placement, we will also discuss optimal hardware combinations for combined surgical intervention in the DIP and PIP joints. Conflict may exist between hardware used for the DIP arthrodesis and implants used for the PIP arthroplasty. As an example, if K-wires are used for DIP arthrodesis, any intervention in the PIP joint will be compatible. However, if headless screws are used for DIP arthrodesis, these should ideally not reach proximal to the midpoint of the middle phalanx. Other techniques, such as single or multiple oblique screws, and tension bands are compatible with PIP arthroplasty. Hence, options for management of the PIP joint are dependent on the technique used for DIP arthrodesis.

Mixed Neuroendocrine-Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Hand With Metastatic Dissemination: A Case Report.

Cutaneous manifestations of mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms remain a diagnostic rarity. Predominantly identified within internal glandular organs, the digestive tract, and in the hepatobiliary system, this case report illustrates a unique occurrence of a mixed squamous cell and neuroendocrine tumor in the index finger of a justice-affected patient. We discuss the complexities of diagnosis and complications as well as emphasize the importance for hand surgeons to recognize presentations like this and the need for vigilant follow-up and improved care coordination.

The Learning Curve in Digital Replant Surgery: 46 Prospectively Collected Cases From a Single Surgeon Over a 10-Year Period.

PURPOSE:  Digital replantation is a technically difficult microsurgery requiring significant surgical skill. The aim of this study was to investigate postoperative outcomes associated with the surgical learning curve for microvascular digital replantation. METHODS:  A prospectively maintained surgical database of consecutive patients who underwent digital replantation from 2002 to 2012 was reviewed. All cases were performed by a single surgeon and began immediately after the surgeon's fellowship. A total of 46 patients were identified. Outcomes of digital replantation were tested for association with time since fellowship, total microvascular operative experience, and location and type of injury. RESULTS:  Overall, 38/46 (82.6%) of patients underwent a successful digital replantation. There was a significant difference between survival percentages over the years (p=0.04), with improvement seen over time. Total microvascular experience was significantly associated with successful outcomes (p<0.001). After 100 hours of microvascular experience, there was a significant increase in the survival odds ratio (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.5-47.9). Crush and thumb injuries were more likely to have detrimental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:  There was marked improvement in replant survival over time, with a significant increase in odds of survival after 100 hours of microvascular experience. One hundred operating hours under the microscope occurred around 2 years in practice for this high-volume surgeon. There is strong evidence that a steep learning curve occurs in microvascular digit replantation surgery.

Direct Variable Cost Comparison of Monitored Anesthesia Care Versus Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tournique Carpal Tunnel Release: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing Analysis.

PURPOSE: Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) provides a more accurate and granular estimation of direct variable costs compared with traditional accounting methods. This study used TDABC to quantitatively compare the same-day facility costs of open carpal tunnel release (CTR) performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) versus wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT). METHODS: We retrospectively identified 474 unilateral CTR (182 MAC and 292 WALANT) performed at an orthopedic specialty hospital between 2015 and 2021. Itemized facility costs were calculated using a TDABC algorithm. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and itemized costs were compared between those treated under MAC (MAC-CTR) and WALANT (WALANT-CTR). Multivariable regression was performed to determine the independent effect of MAC on true facility costs. RESULTS: Total facility costs were $170 higher in MAC-CTR compared with WALANT-CTR ($652 vs $482). Monitored anesthesia care-CTR cases had higher personnel costs ($537 vs $394), likely because of higher surgery personnel ($303 vs $185) and postanesthesia care unit personnel costs ($117 vs $95). Monitored anesthesia care-CTR cases also had higher supply costs ($119 vs $81). When controlling for demographics and comorbidities, MAC-CTR was independently associated with an increase in personnel costs by $150.65 (95% CI, $131.09-$170.21), supply costs by $24.99 (95% CI, $9.40-$40.58), and total facility costs by $175.66 (95% CI, $150.18-$201.09) per case. CONCLUSIONS: Using TDABC, MAC-CTR was found to be 35% more costly to the facility compared with WALANT-CTR. Notably, WALANT-CTR facility costs presented here do not include additional cost savings from anesthesiologist service fees or preoperative laboratory clearance required for MAC-CTR surgeries. To reduce costs related to CTR surgery, greater efforts should be made to reduce the number of intraoperative personnel and maximize the use of WALANT-CTR in an outpatient setting. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and Decision Analysis II.