Factors Associated with the Return to Work after Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Worker Population.

Background: There is controversy regarding the factors influencing the duration of sickness absence and return to work (RTW) after surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study aimed to determine factors related to RTW in these patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on all patients with CTS who underwent surgery in a main orthopaedic centre from December 2020 to April 2021. Patients were followed for 90 days after surgery for the RTW. The patients were classified into two groups based on the time of RTW, early (<21 days) and late (>21 days). These two groups were compared in terms of occupational, individual and disease-related factors and the type of surgery. Results: The mean time to RTW in patients was 23.2 ± 7.1 days, with a range of 7-60 days. There was a statistically significant relationship between early RTW and gender (female) (p = 0.005 OR = 6.5), non-manual work (p = 0.002 OR = 1.2), the total score of the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire before surgery and job satisfaction (p = 0.04). The mean time to RTW in patients who underwent open surgery was less than in endoscopic surgery (22.89 ± 6.29 vs. 24.58 ± 4.7), but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the findings of our study, the type of surgery does not affect the RTW of patients with CTS. Considering the effect of job type and job satisfaction on RTW, it is recommended to pay attention to the type of occupation in addition to the type of surgery so that this workforce can RTW with good performance. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validation, and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (Brief MHQ) is one of the most reliable and sensitive patient-reported outcome measures for hand and wrist disorders worldwide. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire based on standard guidelines. METHODS: One hundred two patients with various hand and wrist disorders filled the Persian version of Brief MHQ along with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Seventy-eight participants returned to complete the Persian Brief MHQ for the second time after 4 days. RESULTS: The analysis showed excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.89 to 0.91. The Persian Brief MHQ has an excellent test-retest reliability with a 0.94 intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The correlation coefficient of -0.74 between Brief MHQ and the QuickDASH showed a strong correlation and confirmed its validity. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the Brief MHQ is a reliable and valid tool to apply to Persian individuals with hand and wrist disorders.

Bone Healing Monitoring in Bone Lengthening Using Bioimpedance.

The most common technique of orthopedic surgical procedure for the correction of deformities is bone lengthening by "distraction osteogenesis," which requires periodic and ongoing bone assessment following surgery. Bone impedance is a noninvasive, quantitative method of assessing bone fracture healing. The purpose of this study was to monitor bone healing and determine when fixation devices should be removed. The left tibia of eight male New Zealand white rabbits (2.4 ± 0.4 kg) undergoing osteotomy was attached with a mini-external fixator. The bone length was increased by 1 cm one week after surgery by distracting it 1 mm per day. Before and after osteotomy, as well as every week after, bone impedance was measured in seven frequency ranges using an EVAL-AD5933EBZ board. Three orthopedic surgeons analyzed the radiographs using the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial (RUST) score. The Kappa Fleiss coefficient was used to determine surgeon agreement, and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to find out the relationship between impedance measurements and RUST scores. Finally, the device removal time was calculated by comparing the bone impedance to the preosteotomy impedance. The agreement of three orthopedic surgeons on radiographs had a Fleiss' Kappa coefficient of 49%, indicating a moderate level of agreement. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was 0.43, indicating that impedance and radiographic techniques have a direct relationship. Impedance is expected to be used to monitor fractured or lengthened bones in a noninvasive, low-cost, portable, and straightforward manner. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with other qualitative methods such as radiography, impedance can be useful in determining the precise time of device removal.

Comparing the Severity of Injury and Trauma Pattern between Scooter and Street Motorcycle Riders; a Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The popularity of motorcycle riding in Iran is increasing. However, there is a lack of information about the safety of different motorcycle types. This study aimed to compare the severity of injury and trauma pattern between scooter (vespa) and street (standard) motorcycle riders. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study, a comparison of demographics, injury severity, trauma pattern, and clinical characteristics between 324 riders (162 Vespa and 162 standard motorcycles) admitted to emergency departments was undertaken. The risk factors associated with severe injuries in the two groups were also determined. An emergency medicine specialist determined the severity of trauma based on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS). RESULTS: The Odds Ratio (OR) of severe injuries was significantly higher in the standard motorcycle riders' group (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.9-4.21; p: 0.013). The frequency of lower extremity fractures was significantly lower in the Vespa group (OR: 4.11; 95% CI: 2.01-6.25; p = 0.012). The frequency of admission to the intensive care unit was significantly higher in the standard motorbike riders' group (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.11-2.51; p = 0.033). The multivariate analysis indicated that motorcycle type, the speed at the time of the accident, use of helmet, and age of riders are the most important predictors of trauma severity in riders (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The pattern of injury varies between standard and Vespa motorcycles. The standard motorcycle riders were prone to a higher risk of adverse outcomes such as severe injuries. Due to the particular structure of scooters, the rate of lower limb injuries was significantly lower than standard motorcycles.

Evaluation of the clinical and radiological outcome of hemi-hamate arthroplasty in the reconstruction of proximal interphalangeal Joint fracture-dislocations.

Background: Hemi-hamate arthroplasty, a new attractive method for treatment of unstable Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joint fracture-dislocations, offers several advantages over the previous methods. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of this procedure. Methods: In this study, 14 patients and 15 fingers with PIP joint fracture-dislocations were evaluated, including 8 acute and 7 chronic injuries. The mean age and follow-up of the patients were 35.3 years and 29.7 months, respectively. The mean PIP joint involvement was 56.6%. Objective assessment of the outcome was performed by joint alignment, motion, stability, and grip and pinch strength. Subjective evaluation of the outcome was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (version 16). Independent sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical comparison of the mean values. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: At the final follow-up, 14 out of 15 PIP joints were clinically stable. Grip and pinch strength of the injured hand averaged 87.6% and 88% of contralateral hand, respectively. The mean PIP joint flexion, arch of motion, and flexion contracture were 82.6, 63.6, and 19 degrees, respectively. The mean DASH score was 20.33±21.87 in acute and 7.25±11.71 in the chronic group (p=0.181). The mean VAS was 2.87±2.29 in acute versus 0.42±0.78 in chronic patients (p=0.022). The degenerative joint disease was observed in 5 cases. Conclusion: Although hemi-hamate arthroplasty is a promising method for the reconstruction of severe PIP joint fracturedislocations, it is associated with minimal functional limitation and high rate of osteoarthritis.

Recurrence rate of radial deviation following the centralization surgery of radial club hand.

Background: Congenital radial club hand (RCH), as a rare congenital deformity of the upper extremity, is characterized by a wide spectrum of malformations including radial deviation. Centralization surgery is the standard treatment for severe cases that have been associated with a high rate of recurrence. This study reports the long-term results and recurrence rate of radial deviation following the centralization surgery of RCH. Methods: The medical records of 13 congenital RCH patients (16 hands), who underwent centralization surgery, were reviewed retrospectively. Hand-forearm angle (HFA), hand-forearm position (HFP), and ulnar bow (UB) were used to assess forearm angles. Results: The mean age of the patients was 19.4±8.9 months, and their mean follow-up was 62.1±39.9 months. The mean HFA correction was 29.4°±23.9°, the mean HFA recurrence was 13.3°±13.7°, the mean correction of HFP was 13.4±7.3 mm, and the mean recurrence of HFP was 1.4±2.8 mm. The mean UB showed 7.6°±12.5° correction immediately after surgery and a further 3.6°±7.3° at the last follow-up (overall 11.2°±17.6°). A number of 12 out of 13 parents were completely satisfied with the results. Conclusion: According to our results, an acceptable long-term result is expected after the centralization surgery of RCH. However, the risk of the recurrent radial deviation is high and needs to be optimized in future investigations.

Intravascular Glomus Tumor of the Wrist Causing Chronic Wrist Pain.

Glomus tumors are glomus body neoplasms that most commonly occur in the subungual areas of the hand, typically characterized by small nodules associated with localized tenderness, cold sensitivity, and excruciating paroxysmal pain. Extradigital glomus tumors can present a diagnostic challenge because they are rare and usually accompanied by nonspecific symptoms. Intravenous origin of the glomus tumor, especially in the wrist, is much rarer. The authors here report an intravenous glomus tumor of the wrist presented with atypical features such as insensitivity to cold and a history of long-term pain, which led to the misdiagnosis of the lesion as extensor tendonitis. Following the excision of the tumor mass, the patient's pain completely disappeared and no further pain was reported afterward. As a result, the authors suggest a more careful workup for the correct diagnosis of glomus tumors with such atypical manifestations. They also suggest considering intravenous glomus tumor in the differential diagnosis of a chronic wrist pain.

Treatment of dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint using the shotgun approach.

This study assessed the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations through a shotgun approach, while keeping hemi-hamate arthroplasty as a back-up plan. After using the shotgun approach, fixation was carried out when the anterior fragment was large enough to accept two 1.5 mm screws. Sixty-three fracture-dislocations were treated in 61 patients, of whom 30 underwent internal fixation. Twenty-one of these were assessed in the final study. At a mean follow-up of 29 months, the mean range of joint motion was 80° and 102° for the injured and contralateral hand, respectively. The mean pinch and grip strengths of injured hand were 82% and 83% of contralateral hand, respectively. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 5.5. The mean visual analogue pain score was 1.6. Surgery through the versatile shotgun approach allows excellent intra-operative assessment and acceptable outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Evaluation of functional outcome after nonsurgical management of terrible triad injuries of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: Terrible triad (TT) is one of the severe injuries of the elbow that generally requires surgery. Nonsurgical treatment has recently been applied in selected cases of TT injury. Evaluation of the results of this treatment was the main aim of this study. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 30.6 months were evaluated. The inclusion criteria included a congruent joint after closed reduction, no indication for surgery of the coronoid and radial head fractures, no block in supination and pronation up to 60°, no intra-articular fragments, and a free and stable joint with ulnohumeral extension up to a minimum of 45°. Mayo Elbow Performance Index and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score were used for assessment of the functional outcome. A standard physical examination to record elbow range of motion was also performed. RESULTS: For the affected and the contralateral elbows, respectively, the mean extension of the elbow was 11° ± 7° and 0.0° ± 2°; the mean flexion was 131° ± 9° and 140° ± 10°; the mean supination was 58° ± 17° and 85 ± 7°; and the mean pronation was 53° ± 23° and 85° ± 7°. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 4.76 ± 5.17. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 95 ± 8.16. CONCLUSION: Nonsurgical management of the TT injury can result in acceptable functional outcomes when a patient meets the criteria set for nonsurgical treatment.

The effect of cement augmentation and anteromedial plating on proximal humerus allograft reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Limb salvage following the resection of tumor from the proximal part of the humerus, poses many challenges, and there is no consensus regarding the best reconstructive technique after proximal humerus resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anteromedial placing of the plate in the absence of deltoid muscle and cement augmentation on the functional outcome, complication rate and survival of proximal humerus allograft reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A number of 36 osteoarticular allograft reconstructions of proximal humerus were included in final study. In 26 cases, medullary canal of the allograft was filled by cement and the complication rate and survival was compared to non-cemented allografts. In addition, anteromedial placement of plate was applied for all resection type IB (18 cases), in which the deltoid muscle was resected. The mean follow-up of patients was 46 months. RESULTS: In total, 12 complications including 3 fractures, 4 resorptions, 3 infections and 2 nonunions were reported. Complication rates were significantly lower in cemented allografts (p = 0.001). Five year survival rates of cemented and non-cemented allografts were found to be 82% and 70%, respectively. The mean MSTS score was 84.9%, ranging 76-90. CONCLUSION: According to our results, cement augmentation improves survival and reduces the complication rate of allografts. Moreover, our results showed that anteromedial placing of the plate in resection type IB could improve the functional outcome of allografts. However, the detailed effect of anteromedial plating should be further investigated in future studies.

Distal Radius Radiographic Indices and Perilunate Fracture Dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius radiographic indices may play a role as risk factors in pathogenesis of Kienbock's disease, scaphoid fracture and nonunion. Perilunate fracture dislocations are devastating wrist injuries, and their relationship and distal radius indices have not been addressed in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of distal radius radiographic indices including radial height, radial inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt as risk factors in the perilunate fracture dislocation injury of the wrist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied distal radius radiographic indices including radial height, radial inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt in 43 patients with perilunate fracture dislocations and compared them with 44 wrists in the control group. RESULTS: The mean values of the radial height, radial inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt were 12.74 (5 - 18), 24.20 (7 - 35), -0.73 (-5 - 4) and 12.28 (2 - 20) in the patient group. These values were 12.68 (9 - 22), 23.22 (17 - 30), -0.11 (-4 - 3) and 11.05 (-3 - 20), respectively in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show that distal radius anatomical indices including the radial height, radial inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt influence perilunate fracture dislocation as risk factors.

Chondromyxoid Fibroma of Pelvis, Surgical Management of 8 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare benign primary bone tumor of cartilaginous origin, which most commonly involves the metaphyseal bone of proximal tibia and distal femur. The purpose of the study is to report our experience with diagnosis and surgical management of Chondromyxoid fibroma in the pelvic region. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients with a final diagnosis of pelvic Chondromyxoid fibroma were treated from 2001 to 2010. We considered the presentations and outcome for surgical complications and local recurrence after extended curettage and allogenic corticocancellous bone grafting. RESULTS: Three patients were female and five were male. The median follow up period was 72 (30-126) months. The mean age of cases was 31.9 (20-41) years. Five patients had left side involvement and in the remaining three, the right side was involved. Four involved periacetabulum, two involved the ilium and the remaining two cases were ischiopubic. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was 94.1%. The major complications were recurrence in one case and herniation after pubic rami resection in another case. CONCLUSION: Chondromyxoid fibroma should be distinguished from chondrosarcoma. Management recommendation includes extensive curettage and corticocancellous bone grafting. We also advocate use of fibular strut allograft for reconstruction of pubic rami after its resection to prevent hernia in cases with pubic rami involvement.

A proximal femur aneurysmal bone cyst resulting in amputation: a rare case report.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is blood filled expansile cystic lesion that most commonly occurs in patients during the second decade of their lives. Traditionally it has been described as a benign lesion but can be locally aggressive and result in the destruction of the involved bone. Treatment methods include surgical excision and curettage with or without bone grafting. We report a proximal femur aneurysmal bone cyst, which resulted in the amputation of the lower extremity, even though all available classic methods of treatment were applied for it.

Lunate intraosseous ganglion cysts and chronic wrist pain- reporting six cases.

BACKGROUND: Intraosseous ganglion (IOG) cysts rarely have been reported in the carpal bones and lunate is the most common area of involvement. They can present as chronic wrist pain accompanied by a radiolucent lytic lesion in the lunate bone. We provided a retrospective review of six cases of intraosseous ganglion cysts within the lunate bones that all of the patients presented with chronic wrist pain. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, pathologic reports and imaging files of the six patients who were referred and treated due to chronic wrist pain with final diagnosis of the lunate intraosseous ganglion. All cases were treated by curettage and autologous cancellous bone grafting.  RESULTS: There were six patients with final diagnosis of the lunate IOG who received surgical treatment. Four out of six patients were female and the remaining was male. Mean age of the patients was 33 years (22 - 56). Right wrist was involved in four patients. Pain was the chief complain in all patients. Mean time of suffering from the wrist pain till referring to hand clinic for definite treatment was nine months (3 - 24). Mean duration of follow up was 30.6 months (6 - 48). The wrists became pain free after surgical treatment and no graft absorption or recurrences were seen in the control radiographs obtained throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of intraosseous ganglion was based on the imaging features and clinical presentation. Although most cases of the lunate bone IOGs are symptom free and found incidentally after wrist imaging performed for other reasons, these lytic lesions should be included in differential diagnosis list of chronic wrist pain especially in the presence of increased uptake in bone scan located on the lunate area.

Habitual dislocation of the hip: a rare case report.

Habitual dislocation of the hip (HDH) in children is a rare entity and can be a causative factor for popping or snapping hip which is a common problem in children with good prognosis. We report a case of HDH in a 9 year old girl who was suffering from frequent snapping hip at night, its course and treatment process.

Clinical and radiological results of fixation of acromioclavicular joint dislocation by hook plates retained for more than five months.

BACKGROUND: Hook plates are used to treat acromioclavicular joint dislocations. Our study took into consideration the patients' outcome following treatment with clavicular hook plates retained for more than five months. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the response to treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation by clavicular hook plate when retained for more than five months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 24 patients who had acromioclavicular joint dislocation with a clavicular hook plate between 2008 and 2012 at our hospital. We did not repair the coracoclavicular ligament. In all patients, the plate remained more than five months because they did not come back at the recommended time for removal of their plates. The follow-up period ranged from five to thirty three months with a mean of nineteen months. RESULTS: The main complication was osteolysis that was seen in two patients. The mean constant score was 94.5 ± 8.77 out of 100 with a range between 70 and 100. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the use of clavicular hook plates was a good treatment option for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. However, scores were lower in case of prolonged presence of plates.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the capitate: a rare case report.

Primary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in the hands is rare. It occurs more commonly in metacarpal bones and involvement of carpal bones is very uncommon. We report the third case of ABC in the capitate, its clinical presentation, imaging findings and treatment.

An unusual case of radial polydactyly, (tetraplication of the thumb, duplication of the radial carpal bones and bifurcation of the radius).

Radial polydactyly, the most common digital duplication in Asian and white populations, has a wide range of manifestations. Its classification is useful for planning and assessing surgical treatment. Our patient had four thumbs, duplicated radial carpal bones, and a bifurcated radius. This presentation is not covered by any of the current classifications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of such characteristics reported to date. Consequently, we propose some modifications in the nomenclature and classification of radial polydactyly.

Ulnar variance in scaphoid nonunion.

BACKGROUND: Negative ulnar variance can be a risk factor in Kienböck's disease, wrist instability, and scaphoid bone fracture. This study focused on the ulnar variance in wrists with scaphoid bone nonunion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed posteroanterior wrist radiographs of 65 patients who were diagnosed as established scaphoid nonunion and underwent open reduction and bone grafting between 2005 and 2010. We used reference radiographs from contralateral wrists of 65 consecutive skeletally- mature patients with distal radius fracture as the control group and then measured ulnar variance and compared it in both groups.  RESULTS: Ulnar variance was measured in standard posteroanterior wrist X-rays of 65 scaphoid nonunion and 65 normal controls. Twenty five patients (38.5%) in the scaphoid nonunion group had negative ulnar variance, and the mean value was -0.26 (± 1.24) mm (range: -3, +2). In the control group, 15 subjects (23.1 %) had an ulnar minus wrist, and the mean ulnar variance was + 0.54 (± 1.47) mm (range: -3, +4) .The difference in ulnar variance was significant between the two groups (P-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ulnar variance may influence developing of nonunion process in scaphoid bone fracture.

Osteoid osteoma of the trapezoid bone.

Osteoid osteoma is a benign, bone-forming tumor that rarely involves the carpal bones. We report a case of osteoid osteoma of the trapezoid carpal bone with extension to the adjacent second metacarpal bone. Chronic wrist pain and local tenderness were the major clinical signs and symptoms. In chronic wrist pain osteoid osteoma and the possibility of extension to the adjacent bones should be considered.