Postoperative Instruction Retention, Written Versus Audiovisual Adjuncts: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Purpose: Adherence to postoperative protocols is an integral perioperative intervention that impacts surgical outcomes. The focus of this study was to identify the baseline postoperative instruction retention of our traditional written format and compare that with the retention when using an audiovisual adjunct. We hypothesize that the addition of audiovisual adjuncts would result in greater patient retention of their postoperative instructions. Methods: Sixty consecutive adult patients undergoing soft tissue procedures of the hand and wrist were enrolled prospectively at a single institution. Patients were randomized to receive postoperative instructions with either a written or an audiovisual adjunct format. Two days after surgery, a blinded investigator contacted the participants to administer a standardized phone questionnaire. Responses were recorded, and the data were analyzed by another blinded team member. Analysis was performed using χ 2 and Student t tests as appropriate. Results: Fifty patients were included in the final analysis. The written group scored an average retention of 80%, whereas the audiovisual group showed a retention score of 85%. Demographic analysis of men versus women, and patients <60 versus >60 years of age did not demonstrate significant score differences. The subgroup analysis of patients receiving local anesthesia alone demonstrated significantly higher rates of percent correct and perfect recall in the audiovisual compared with the written-only group (87.5 vs 80.5 and 44% vs 7%, respectively). Conclusions: For patients undergoing common soft tissue procedures of the hand, the addition of audiovisual supplementation to written instructions, especially in those undergoing wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet procedures, is associated with higher rates of retention of a patient's postoperative instructions. The specific improvement in the local anesthesia cohort is especially relevant today due to an increased prevalence of wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet style procedures, and the increasing reliance on patient engagement in postoperative care. Type of study/level of evidence: Randomized control trial; Diagnostic Level 2b.

Distal Radius Fractures in Diabetic Patients: An Analysis of Surgical Timing and Other Factors That Affect Complication Rate.

BACKGROUND: While not studied for distal radius fractures, the effect of surgical timing on complication rate has been extensively analyzed in the treatment of pilon fractures. The primary aim of this study was to identify any effect surgical timing has on postoperative complication rates after surgical fixation of distal radius fractures in diabetic patients. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical fixation of distal radius fractures at a single suburban academic hospital between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed. For each patient, demographics, comorbidities, injury details, fixation method, and postoperative complications were noted. The effect surgical delay, among other factors, had on complication rate in diabetic and nondiabetic patients was explored. RESULTS: Overall, 124 diabetic and 371 nondiabetic distal radius fractures were included. While diabetics had a statistically higher rate of total complications (21.0 vs. 13.5%, P = .045) but similar major complications requiring surgery (P = .12), there was no difference in surgical delay between groups among patients who had total (P = .31) or major (P = .69) complications. Surgical timing was not a risk factor for total (P = .50) or major complications (P = .32) in diabetic fracture bivariate or multivariate analysis. Only younger age and higher energy injuries were significant risk factors for total complications in bivariate (P = .02, P = .03) and multivariate (P = .04, P < .05) analysis. CONCLUSION: Complication rates after surgically stabilized distal radius fractures in diabetic patients are higher than in nondiabetic patients. However, this rate is not affected by surgical timing. Instead, surgeons should consider factors such as diabetic control in an effort to maximize outcomes and decrease complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III.

The Clinical Utility of Maceration Dressings in the Treatment of Inpatient Hand Infections: An Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes Compared to Standard Care.

Background: In cases of oral antibiotic-resistant infection of the hand, we propose utilizing a heated, moist maceration dressing to help shorten and simplify the in-hospital clinical course by increasing the efficacy of antibiotic deliverance to infection sites, increasing the success of nonoperative management, and decreasing eradication time of infection of the hand. Methods: Fifty-six patients older than 18 years of age who presented with hand infections requiring inpatient intravenous antibiotics at our suburban academic hospital over a 30-month period were included and randomly assigned to either the maceration dressing group or the standard treatment group. Maceration dressings included warm and moist gauze, kerlix, webril, Orthoglass, Aqua K Pad, and sling. Results: Fifty-two patients who were mostly male and younger than 60 years of age were included. Patients who used the maceration dressing had significantly shorter hospital lengths of stay (P = .02) and intravenous antibiotics duration before transition to oral antibiotics (P = .04), and decreased need for formal operating room irrigation and debridement to obtain source control (P = .02) compared to patients treated with the standard dressing. Post-hoc analysis yielded improved outcomes when using the maceration dressing regardless of whether initial bedside incision and drainage was needed to decompress a superficial abscess or not. Conclusion: The maceration dressing can be used along with proper intravenous antibiotic treatment to improve the treatment course of patients with hand infections regardless of whether the patient needs an initial bedside incision and drainage or not. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II.

The Influence of Physician-Rating Websites on Patient Physician Preference.

BACKGROUD: Physician-rating websites (PRWs) are designed to publicly report physician quality information while bringing forth a sense of transparency. This study looks to identify the influence PRWs have on a patient's choice of orthopedic hand surgeon while stratifying patient physician preference by various demographic characteristics. METHODS: This survey-based study was conducted in a suburban outpatient orthopedic hand practice. All patients between 18 to 89 years of age who presented for an appointment were asked to participate. Survey questions aimed to identify patient demographics and the sources patients used to choose their hand surgeon. RESULTS: Overall, 104 patients completed our survey. Our study population was predominantly between 51 and 70 years of age (50.0%), women (60.6%), and Caucasian (84.6%), received a general education degree or high school diploma (36.5%), was employed (49.0%), and owned private health insurance (59.6%). One hundred and two patients (98.1%) answered that their physician's reputation is important. Seventy-five patients (72.1%) reported that they heard about their surgeon by physician referral, while only two (1.9%) used online search engines. Sixty-six patients (63.5%) noted that physician referrals were most trustworthy. Only 10 patients (9.6%) consulted PRWs to choose their surgeon, most of whom were younger than 50 years (n = 6), Caucasian (n = 8), and employed (n = 7) and had schooling after high school (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increases in digital information exchange platforms, PRWs are not commonly used by suburban orthopedic hand patients to exchange information about or choose their hand surgeon. Patients still primarily rely on physician referrals and word of mouth from family and friends to choose their surgeon.

Thumb interphalangeal joint arthrodesis angles in patients with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint arthrodesis is typically performed between 0 and 30° of flexion, with a recent study in healthy subjects having recommended a range of 15-30° to be an ideal functional IP joint fusion angle for various activities of daily living. The current study aimed to evaluate the ideal thumb IP fusion angle in patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with thumb CMC OA were evaluated; five patients had bilateral pathology, for a total of thirty-two thumbs included. Hand dominance was noted and baseline unsplinted measurements were obtained for power tasks, precision tasks, pinch, and grip strength testing. Patients' thumbs were then splinted at 0, 15, 30, and 45° with repeat measurements taken and compared to baseline. Outcomes were measured by use of a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale, timing of tasks, and a dynamometer. Outcomes were analyzed by Wilcoxon sign ranked tests for each category of trials. RESULTS: For significant outcomes, the most favorable simulated thumb fusion angles were 15° in the dominant hand and 0°, 15° in the nondominant hand (precision tasks); the least favorable position was found to be 45° in the dominant hand (precision tasks, pinch strength). When combining all outcomes that both reached and approached significance, the most favorable position was found to be 15° and least favorable position, 45°. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with thumb CMC OA, an IP fusion angle of 15° is preferable, while a fusion angle of 45° is to be avoided. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Study, Level III.

Hand Corticosteroid Injections in Patients on "Blood Thinners".

Background: Our study aims to identify any influence that anticoagulation and antiplatelet ("blood thinner") medications have on hand and wrist corticosteroid injection complication rates. Methods: This retrospective chart review looked at patients between the ages of 18 and 89 years who received corticosteroid injections in the hand or wrist between 2013 and 2017, noting anticoagulation and antiplatelet use, demographics, injection placement, and surgical intervention. Results: Only 152 (20.9%) of the 726 diagnoses that were treated needed eventual surgical intervention. There were 12 overall reported complications after 1473 injections (0.8%). There were 6 complications after 433 injections (1.6%) placed in patients on blood thinners and 6 complications after 1040 injections (0.6%) placed in patients not on blood thinners. Conclusions: With the complication rate of corticosteroid injections being so low, even in patients taking "blood thinners," the fear of adverse reactions should not preclude a physician from using this treatment modality to prevent surgical intervention.

The Effect of an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon's Attire on Patient Confidence and Trust.

Background: Multiple studies have concluded that patients are more likely to understand and trust physicians who dress in more formal attire (shirt and tie) as opposed to casual attire (t-shirts and jeans). The white coat has repeatedly been reported as a major source of trust and confidence in a patient's eyes. Methods: This study explores the effect an orthopedic hand surgeon's attire has on a patient's perception of their surgeon's clinical values. All patients 18 years of age and older who visited our orthopedic hand surgeon's suburban outpatient practice were asked to participate in our survey-based study. Results: Ninety-seven surveys were completed and included. A majority of our responders are female (n = 59, 60.8%), Caucasian (n = 83, 85.6%) between the ages of 55 and 74 years (n = 40, 41.2%), currently employed (n = 59, 60.8%) with private health insurance (n = 69, 71.1%), and married (n = 64, 66.0%). Patients rated male and female hand surgeons wearing a white coat highest using the Likert scale and when asked about their perceived clinical qualities. Patients consistently poorly rated their surgeons wearing casual attire. Patients did note that the white coat, or any specific attire, was not necessary during the initial encounter to build a strong patient-surgeon relationship. Finally, goatees and beards do not positively or negatively impact a surgeon's patient-constructed image. Conclusions: Combining strong clinical skills with appropriate clinical attire highlighted by the physician wearing a white coat appears to be an effective way to enhance patient satisfaction while ultimately gaining the trust and respect needed to properly care for patients.

Wrong-Bone Excision in Hand Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of wrong-bone excision in hand surgery is not known. The wrist offers a unique challenge in that a single surgical incision yields access to multiple potential surgical sites, thus rendering site marking less effective. Mistaken identification of structures in the wrist is a real and potentially troublesome phenomenon. This study is designed to evaluate the occurrence of wrong-bone excision and to identify any risk factors and preventative measures that may help to prevent this complication in the future. METHODS: We designed an anonymous online survey to determine the occurrence, risk factors, medicolegal outcomes, and preventative measures of wrong-bone excision. We distributed the survey to 777 hand surgeons via email. RESULTS: Ninety-nine surgeons responded to our survey. Twenty-three respondents had participated in an excision of the incorrect bone in the wrist. The most common error was partial or complete excision of the scaphoid during a planned excision of the trapezium. Respondents indicated that inadequate visualization, inadequate localization, and teaching of a resident or fellow contributed to the error. There was only 1 case of legal action. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our survey indicate that there exists a non-zero incidence of wrong-bone excision in hand surgery. The most common mistake is incorrect excision of the scaphoid during a planned trapeziectomy. Most surgeons feel that their patients were pleased with their outcome despite this complication, and legal action is rare. Deliberate identification of known landmarks was identified as the most useful strategy in preventing wrong-bone excision.

Review of Lower Extremity Traction in Current Orthopaedic Trauma.

Although methods of traction for temporizing and definitive treatment of orthopaedic injuries are described in dated textbooks, current literature and recommendations on the use of skin and skeletal traction in orthopaedic trauma are lacking. Elaborate traction schemas have been described, but few of them have been retained in practice and even fewer have been supported by scientific data. Several options exist for traction modalities that involve the pelvis and lower extremities, including portable traction devices and traction pins.

Functional Fusion Angle for Thumb Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: A thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint arthrodesis is typically performed in 0° to 30° of flexion; most daily activities involve increased flexion at the IP joint to facilitate pinch and grip. This study evaluates the preferred thumb IP joint position with certain tasks of daily living to determine a more satisfactory angle. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers were splinted at various degrees (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, bilaterally) with thumb orthotics, leaving the tip free, to mimic various angles of IP fusion. Participants underwent power tasks (pouring from a gallon jug, opening/closing a tight jar, lifting a heavy glass, and opening a door), timed precision tasks (writing, buttoning/unbuttoning a shirt, translating coins, zipping/unzipping a jacket, and opening/closing Velcro), as well as pinch and grip strength testing. All tasks were performed both at baseline (without any splinting) and with the thumb splinted in each angle. Participants used a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to rate the ease of each task as well as their overall satisfaction at baseline and at each of the various angles for their dominant and nondominant hand. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted for outcomes, with P < .05 denoting statistical significance. RESULTS: Power tasks were best accomplished at 0° for the nondominant hand and 0° to 30° for the dominant hand. Precision tasks were preferred at 15° for both dominant and nondominant hand. Grip strength was best at 15° and 0° for the nondominant and dominant hand, respectively. Pinch was equivocal between 0° and 30° for the nondominant hand and from 15° to 30° for the dominant hand. VAS ratings were most similar to baseline at a fusion angle of 15° followed by 30° for the dominant thumb and 30° followed by 15° for the nondominant thumb. CONCLUSIONS: A thumb IP fusion angle of 15° to 30° is a functional and preferred angle of thumb IP joint positioning for various activities of daily living.

Patients' preferences regarding the delivery of health care in a hand surgical practice.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 includes patient satisfaction scores in the calculation of reimbursement for services provided. The Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Care Record Incentive Program mandate that physicians provide electronic communication with patients. Little data exists regarding patient preferences that might guide the physician adhering to these guidelines. We performed a survey study to examine patients' attitudes regarding the delivery of their health care. METHODS: We provided an anonymous survey to all outpatient hand surgery patients within a 1-month period at our level I academic center. The survey was structured to ascertain patients' attitudes toward outpatient wait times as well as delivery of patient-specific healthcare-related information. One-hundred and ninety-six surveys were available for review. RESULTS: Of the 196 patients surveyed, 106 (54 %) were between the ages of 45 and 64. Patients aged 25 to 44 were the least willing to wait for an initial outpatient appointment. The majority of patients in all age groups demonstrated unwillingness to wait more than 1 week for evaluation of a new problem. One hundred and forty patients (71 %) were willing to wait longer for an appointment with an upper extremity specialist rather than have an earlier appointment with a non-upper extremity specialist. Wait times of 30 min after arrival in the office were acceptable to 174 patients (89 %) while 40 patients (20 %) were willing to wait an hour or more. Patients preferred a typed handout detailing their specific problem as opposed to referral to a website or an e-mail containing information. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that patients prefer typed information as opposed to e-mail or websites regarding their health care. Our study also suggests that patients are willing to endure longer wait times if they can be given a sooner appointment, and most prefer a specialist for their problems. These results will provide some guidance to the physician regarding what patients find most appealing.

Outcome following distally locked volar plating for distal radius fractures with metadiaphyseal involvement.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of metadiaphyseal distal radius fractures may be difficult due to the associated articular or periarticular extension that limits standard fixation techniques. Longer distal radius volar locking plates allow stable fixation of the distal fragments while providing standard plate fixation in the proximal radius. We hypothesize that this plating technique allows adequate fixation to both the distal radius and metadiaphyseal fragments. The purpose of the study is to describe the outcomes, radiographic parameters, secondary surgeries, and complication rate with this device. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on adult patients with a distal radius fracture and metadiaphyseal involvement treated with a volar, distally locked plate. All patients were followed up for radiographic union, with a mean time of 219 days (range 38-575). Fracture patterns, outcomes of range of motion, grip strength, and complications, as well as injury, post open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and finally, healed radiographic parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty patients with 21 fractures were included. At union, mean radiographic parameters were the following: volar tilt of 8°, radial inclination of 27°, radial height of 14 mm, and ulnar variance of -1 mm. The mean final range of motion was 52° flexion, 50° extension, 68° pronation, and 66° supination. Complications included one infection and one plate removal. Four patients developed a nonunion requiring secondary procedures. There were no incidents of hardware failure or adhesions requiring tenolysis. CONCLUSION: Distally locked long volar plating for metadiaphyseal distal radius fractures is a safe and effective treatment option for these complex fracture patterns allowing anatomic restoration of the radial shaft and distal radius.

The effect of anesthesia type on nonsurgical operating room time.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of local-only anesthesia on nonsurgical time compared with monitored anesthesia care (MAC)/local and general anesthesia. Our hypothesis was that local-only anesthesia cases would have lower nonsurgical times compared with MAC/local and general anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the surgical records of 1,179 patients undergoing elective hand surgery. For each case, we recorded the type of anesthesia used (general, MAC/local, or local-only anesthesia) and in-room presurgical time, in-room postsurgical time, and, if relevant, room turnover time. We did not record room turnover times for the first case of the day or for cases after procedures that did not meet inclusion criteria. We also recorded the presence of any anesthesia providers (anesthesiologist vs anesthesia-assistant [certified registered nurse anesthetist]). RESULTS: A total of 566 cases performed on 501 patients met inclusion criteria. Room turnover times were not calculated for 304 cases. The choice of anesthesia had a significant effect on nonsurgical operating room time. Local anesthesia cases had significantly less nonsurgical time compared with general anesthesia and MAC/local. Cases performed under MAC/local anesthesia also had significantly reduced nonsurgical time compared with general anesthesia. The presence of a certified anesthesia assistant had no effect on any time metrics recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Choice of local anesthesia, when appropriate, may facilitate rapid operating room turnover and improve overall facility efficiency with lower costs. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb: a comprehensive review.

Injuries to the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) are common. Failure to address the ensuing laxity of the metacarpophalangeal joint can lead to compromised grip and pinch, pain, and ultimately osteoarthritis. Instability to valgus stress with the lack of a firm end point is a strong indicator of complete rupture of the UCL. Nonoperative treatment is reserved for incomplete ruptures of the thumb UCL. Operative intervention is typically performed for complete ruptures. Repair of acute ruptures and reconstruction for chronic injuries yield excellent results. Complications are rare and most patients show preservation of motion, key pinch, and grip strength.

Elbow injuries in the throwing athlete.

High valgus and extension loads imparted to the athlete's elbow during repetitive overhead throwing can lead to acute and chronic pathology. Over time, normal soft tissue and bony stabilizing structures of the elbow undergo progressive structural changes and can succumb to injury. Modern diagnostic modalities, including plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to arthroscopy, can aid in diagnosis. Although nonoperative management is often successful, surgical intervention may be necessary before allowing return to play.

Distal radial traction radiographs: interobserver and intraobserver reliability compared with computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Distal radial fracture characterization with standard radiographs has been consistently poor, leading to a widespread use of computed tomography (CT) with this injury. Traction radiographs have recently been shown to improve interobserver reliability for fracture characterization and treatment. Our goal was to compare five traction radiographs and CT images to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of individual fracture fragment identification, the correct identification of fracture fragments on CT imaging compared with traction images, and the consistency of treatment recommendations. METHODS: Eleven observers were asked to evaluate two blinded presentations of either traction images or CT images displaying seventeen different intra-articular distal radial fractures. Each observer was then asked to identify the presence or absence of six specific fracture fragments (radial column, dorsal wall, dorsal ulnar corner, volar ulnar corner, volar rim, and central impaction) and recommend treatment (nonoperative, open reduction and internal fixation, and external fixation or distraction plating). Analyses were conducted to evaluate the interobserver reliability of traction images and CT images for fracture fragment identification, the intraobserver variability of fracture fragment identification, the correct fracture fragment identification with traction radiographs compared with a gold standard CT scan, and the consistency in treatment selection. RESULTS: Interobserver reliability for traction images and CT images were both fair to poor. Intraobserver variability for fragment identification was similar for each fragment, without significance. Treatment recommendations based on traction radiographs agreed in 80.9% of the cases for open reduction and internal fixation and in 67.9% for external fixation compared with CT images. CONCLUSIONS: Traction radiographic images are a suitable alternative to CT imaging for identifying and assessing distal radial fractures.

Concomitant endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel release: safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: When performed alone, endoscopic carpal tunnel release and endoscopic cubital tunnel release are safe and effective surgical options for the treatment of carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, respectively. However, there is currently no literature that describes the performance of both procedures concomitantly. We describe the results of 17 cases in which dual endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel releases were performed for the treatment of concurrent carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients in a single surgeon practice that presented with concomitant ipsilateral carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes was performed. Within an 8-month period, 17 patients had undergone 19 concomitant ipsilateral endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel releases after failing conservative treatment. Pre- and postoperative measurements included subjective numbness/tingling; subjective pain; manual muscle testing of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), intrinsics, and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP); static two-point discrimination; quick-DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores; grip strength; chuck pinch strength; and key pinch strength. Complete data are available for 15 patients and 17 total procedures. RESULTS: Thirteen male and four female patients (average age of 50.5) underwent dual endoscopic cubital and carpal tunnel release. Two patients were lost to follow-up and eliminated from data analysis. Pre- and postoperative comparisons were completed for median DASH scores, grip strength, chuck pinch strength, and key pinch strength at their preoperative visit and at 12 weeks. DASH scores improved significantly from a median of 67.5 to 16 (p = 0.002), grip strengths improved from 42 to 55.0 lbs (p = 0.30), chuck pinch strengths improved significantly from 11 to 15.5 lbs (p = 0.02), and key pinch strengths increased significantly from 13 to 18 lbs (p = 0.003). Average static two-point discrimination decreased from 5.9 to 4.8 mm. In terms of pain, 82 % of patients had complete resolution of pain, and the remaining 18 % experienced pain only with strenuous activity. In terms of numbness/tingling, 100 % of patients had complete resolution of median nerve symptoms; 88 % of patients had substantial improvement of numbness and tingling symptoms, and 12 % had residual ulnar nerve symptoms. In terms of muscle strength, 92 % of patients had improvement to 5/5 APB strength, while 100 % of patients had improvement to 5/5 intrinsic and FDP strengths. Two minor complications occurred, including one superficial hematoma and one superficial cellulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data demonstrate that dual endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel release is a safe and effective treatment option for patients who present with concurrent cubital and carpal tunnel syndromes recalcitrant to non-surgical management. Postoperative results and complications are comparable to endoscopic carpal and cubital tunnel releases performed alone.

Carpal instability of the wrist.

The scaphoid is stabilized by the scapholunate ligament (directly) and lunotriquetral ligament (indirectly). Disruption of either of these ligaments leads to a pattern of instability that, left untreated, leads to altered mechanics of the wrist and ultimately debilitating arthritis and collapse. Although arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of these injuries, plain films and advanced imaging are useful adjuncts. In the acute setting, conservative treatment may be attempted, but recalcitrant cases require surgical stabilization. Salvage procedures are also available for those patients who fail initial stabilization or present with late degeneration.