Top No-Nonsense Tips: The Dos and Don'ts of Managing Flexor Tendon Injuries.

Flexor tendon injury surgical repairs can be challenging for surgeons, where the timing of surgery and precision of repair matter the most. The latest evidence and basic science discoveries in flexor tendon management are provided. It is important to review how wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet surgery has been a paradigm shift in surgical management and pearls learned from incorporating this into practice.

Dupuytren Disease: Surgical Tips, Optimizing Outcomes, and Cost Considerations.

Dupuytren disease is associated with benign fibroproliferative changes to the palmar fascia of the hand sometimes resulting in progressive contractures of the fingers. The earliest descriptions of these contractures date back to the 18th century. Much has been learned about the condition since the clawing condition was first described; however, optimal treatment still poses significant challenges to modern-day surgeons. It is important to examine the treatment options for Dupuytren disease and highlight the current evidence, techniques, and cost considerations of open fasciectomy, needle aponeurotomy, and recently described minimally invasive treatment.

Rare Presentation of Pediatric Multiple Enchondromatosis Limited to Single Ray or Single Nerve Distribution in the Hand: A Multicenter Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Multiple enchondromas in the pediatric hand is a relatively rare occurrence and the literature regarding its incidence and treatment is sparse. Within this rare subset of patients, we identified a unique cohort in which lesions are confined to multiple bones in a single ray or adjacent rays within a single nerve distribution. We review the clinical and pathologic characteristics and describe the indications for and outcomes of treatment in this unique subset of patients as well as offer conjectures about its occurrence. METHODS: Institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective multicenter study between 2010 and 2018 identified subjects with isolated multiple enchondromas and minimum 2-year follow-up. Data analyzed included demographics, lesion quantification and localization, symptoms and/or fracture(s), treatment of lesion(s), complications, recurrence, and presence of malignant transformation. RESULTS: Ten patients were evaluated with average age at presentation of 9 years (range: 4 to 16) and mean clinical follow-up of 6 years (range: 2.8 to 8.6). Five subjects had multiple ray involvement in a single nerve distribution and 5 had single ray involvement with an average of 4 lesions noted per subject (range: 2 to 8). All children in the study had histopathologic-proven enchondromas and underwent operative curettage±bone grafting. Indications for surgical intervention included persistent pain, multiple prior pathologic fractures, impending fracture and deformity. During the study period three subjects experienced pathologic fracture treated successfully with immobilization. Recurrence was noted in 40% at an average of 105 weeks postoperatively (range: 24 to 260) and appears higher than that reported in the literature. No case of malignant transformation was observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A rare subset of pediatric patients with multiple enchondromas of the hand is described with lesions limited to a single ray or single nerve distribution. Further awareness of this unique subset of patients may increase our understanding of the disease and improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic (case series).

Nonoperative Management of Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis.

Thumb arthritis frequently is managed nonoperatively with activity modification, orthotic use, anti-inflammatory medications (oral and/or topical), and intra-articular injections. This article reviews the current literature and touches on novel modalities and future directions in the conservative treatment of thumb arthritis.

Dreaded Ulnar Wrist Pain: Long-Term Results of Pisiformectomy for Painful Pisotriquetral Arthrosis.

Pisiform pathology may be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. This study reviews the long-term outcomes of patients treated with pisiformectomy. A retrospective study approved by the institutional review board was performed over a 27-year period of patients undergoing pisiformectomy. Range of motion, grip strength, complications, and need for revision surgery were recorded. The series includes 61 wrists (60 patients) with an average age at surgery of 46 years. Two complications were noted (3%): a postoperative ulnar nerve palsy and symptomatic retained suture. At final follow-up, average flexion-extension arc was 81% (expressed as percent of contralateral), radioulnar deviation arc was 88%, and average grip strength was 89%. Pisiformectomy is a reliable, motion-preserving procedure with low complication rates for patients with chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain. In this series, 93% of patients did not require further procedures at an average of 8.2 years follow-up. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(3):196-200, 2019).

Buying Time: Long-Term Results of Wrist Denervation and Time to Repeat Surgery.

Background: This study reviews long-term outcomes of partial wrist denervation focusing on need for and time to revision procedure. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients undergoing partial wrist denervation between 1994 and 2014. At average latest follow-up of 6.75 years (range, 1-21 years), clinical and radiographic data and need for revision surgery were recorded. Results: There were 100 wrists in 89 patients (61 male, 28 female) with average age at surgery of 54 years (range, 26-80). Principal diagnoses were arthritis (58%), inflammatory (19%), and posttraumatic arthritis (7%). Average flexion-extension arc was 83% and grip strength 75% of unaffected extremity. Average Mayo Wrist Scores improved from 48 preoperatively to 77 postoperatively. Sixty-nine percent of patients did not undergo other procedures during the time interval studied. Thirty-one percent underwent revision at an average of 26 months following denervation (range, 2-165). Conclusions: Partial wrist denervation is a motion-preserving procedure for patients with refractory wrist pain with 69% in this series requiring no further procedures. The remaining 31% experienced average symptom relief for 2 years prior to ultimately undergoing revision operation.

Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tenodesis for Traumatic Digit Amputation at the Level of the Proximal Phalanx.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic amputation of the digit requiring revision amputation at the level of the proximal phalanx provides the opportunity to improve flexor function via tenodesis of the remaining flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon. Salvage of the remaining FDS and performing flexor tenodesis to the proximal phalanx allows increased flexion at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. METHODS: This series reviews FDS tenodesis, outlining its surgical technique with clinical and functional outcomes. Institutional review board-approved retrospective study was performed. Twelve digits in 8 patients were included. RESULTS: Average flexion-extension arc of affected MCP joint was 82°, and average grip strength was 70% of unaffected extremity. No patients required revision surgery or revision amputation. One patient had a minor wound infection treated successfully with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: FDS tenodesis is a reliable motion-preserving procedure for patients with amputations at the level of the proximal phalanx to maintain flexion at the MCP joint.

A Rare Diagnosis: Recognizing and Managing Fungal Tenosynovitis of the Hand and Upper Extremity.

PURPOSE: Fungal infections involving the tenosynovium of the upper extremity are uncommon and are often misdiagnosed. This study evaluates the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with fungal tenosynovitis of the upper extremity over a 20-year period. METHODS: A retrospective review of all culture-confirmed cases of fungal tenosynovitis of the upper extremity treated between 1990 and 2013 at a single institution was performed. Clinical data included patient and epidemiologic risk factors, causative fungal organism, surgical management, antimicrobial regimen, recurrence rates, and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 10 patients (9 female, 1 male) who met the inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 60 years (range, 47-76 y). Identified pathogens included Histoplasmacapsulatum (7), Coccidioides posadasii/immitis (2), and Cryptococcus neoformans (1). Eight patients were on immunosuppressant medications at the time of diagnosis. The most common clinical presentation was subacute localized pain, swelling, and erythema consistent with tenosynovitis. The diagnosis was delayed by a median of 6 months (range, 0-48 mo). The most helpful diagnostic imaging studies included magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. All patients were treated with extensive surgical synovectomy and debridement. Seven patients were treated by a single surgery, whereas 3 required multiple consecutive debridements (2, 7, and 10 surgeries). The mean course of initial antimicrobial therapy was 8.2 months (range, 3-12 mo). Clinical recurrence was noted in 3 patients (30%) during a median follow-up period of 46 months (range, 7-250 mo). Both patients with Coccidioides infection incurred recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, surgeons and clinicians should consider a diagnosis of fungal tenosynovitis among immunocompromised patients with signs of mild tenosynovitis and should consider operative debridement and biopsy. Although the majority of patients were successfully treated with surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy, a recurrence rate of 30% highlights the need for close post-treatment follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Stabilization of Volar Ulnar Rim Fractures of the Distal Radius: Current Techniques and Review of the Literature.

Background Distal radius fractures involving the lunate facet can be challenging to manage. Reports have shown the volar carpal subluxation/dislocation that can occur if the facet is not appropriately stabilized. Literature Review Recent emphasis in the literature has underscored the difficulty in managing this fracture fragment, suggesting standard volar plates may not be able to adequately stabilize the fragment. This article reviews the current literature with a special emphasis on fixation with a specifically designed fragment-specific hook plate to secure the lunate facet. Case Description An extended flexor carpi radialis volar approach was made which allows access to the distal volar ulnar fracture fragment. Once provisionally stabilized with Kirschner wire fixation, a volar hook plate was applied to capture this fragment. Additional fracture stabilization was used as deemed necessary to stabilize the remaining distal radius fracture. Clinical Relevance The volar marginal rim fragment remains a challenge in distal radius fracture management. Use of a hook plate to address the volar ulnar corner allows for stable fixation without loss of reduction at intermediate-term follow-up.

Volar Marginal Rim Fracture Fixation With Volar Fragment-Specific Hook Plate Fixation.

PURPOSE: To review the outcomes of patients treated with a volar hook plate specifically designed to capture volar marginal rim fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed over 18 months of patients treated with a volar hook plate in the management of AO type B or C distal radius fractures with a volar marginal rim fragment. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The series included 26 wrists in 25 patients, average age 55 years. Average follow-up was 9 months (range, 3-30 mo). Twenty patients had AO type C fractures and 6 had AO type B fractures. All 6 AO type B were B3 fractures. Of the AO type C, 1 had C1, 7 had C2, and 12 had C3. No patients had loss of fixation of the critical volar ulnar corner and there was no evidence of carpal subluxation. Five patients required hardware removal. Four patients experienced hardware irritation requiring removal of all hardware including the volar hook plate. One patient required partial hardware removal that did not include the volar hook plate. All patients with volar hardware irritation had hook plates that were of second-generation design that had a prominent bend, which has since been modified. There were no cases of tendon rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Volar marginal rim fragments of intra-articular distal radius fractures are not amenable to standard volar plate fixation. Fragment-specific fixation using a volar hook plate designed specifically for these fragments allowed for stable fixation when combined with other fragment-specific fixation techniques. There was no loss of fixation of the critical corner in this series. Although hardware irritation can occur, fully seated hooks and subsequent modification of the design of the hook bend has diminished this complication. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.