Outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum and description of the technique.

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that a technique for all-arthroscopic fixation of capitellum osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions using suture fixation and autogenous iliac crest bone grafting offers a successful alternative to open internal fixation techniques as shown by 2-year validated patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: Our technique uses arthroscopic all-inside suture fixation with iliac crest autogenous bone grafting. The procedure was performed on 4 elite-level, adolescent athletes presenting with 5 unstable capitellum OCD lesions resulting in elbow pain, limited range of motion, and decreased ability to play. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an unstable OCD lesion, which was correlated with arthroscopy. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated by the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; Oxford Elbow and Mayo Elbow scores; visual analog scale; postoperative range of motion; and return to play. RESULTS: Three female patients and one male patient aged 13 to 15 years underwent the procedure. The mean final follow-up period was 2.8 years. Union was achieved in all patients, as seen on magnetic resonance imaging at a mean of 3 months. At follow-up, the mean loss of extension was 2°. Mean flexion was 153°. There was no loss of supination or pronation. The mean score on the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire was 11. The mean Mayo Elbow score was 88. The mean Oxford Elbow score was 42. The mean visual analog scale score was 2. The mean time to return to play was 4 months. All patients continued to compete at an elite level. There were no infections or cases of fixation failure, and no patients required conversion to open surgery or needed revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic all-inside fixation of unstable OCD lesions is a successful technique, facilitating athletes to return to an elite level of play.

Treatment preferences for trigger digit by members of the American Association for Hand Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Trigger digit is a common pathology encountered by hand surgeons, but there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines. We investigated the treatment preferences of hand surgeons and explored whether geographic location, type of residency training, or clinical experience is associated with differences in practice. METHODS: An online survey was distributed via email by the American Association for Hand Surgery to 615 members. The survey consisted of 17 questions related to conservative and operative management of trigger digits. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine unique responses were received (22.6 %). Geographic distribution of respondents encompassed the entire USA and was not associated with variations in practice. Of the respondents, 56.8 % were trained in orthopedic surgery while 37.4 % had plastic surgery training. In regards to duration of practice, 8.6 % were in practice for up to 5 years, 29.5 % for 6-15 years, 33.8 % for 16-25 years, and 28.1 % for more than 25 years. Notably, the great majority of respondents preferred corticosteroid injections for initial treatment. Those who were willing to give three or more injections prior to surgery were more likely to be plastic surgeons in practice for 16 years or more. A large minority of surgeons utilized splinting in their conservative management. Orthopedic surgeons were more likely to perform tenolysis during pulley release and more likely to use monitored anesthesia care. CONCLUSIONS: Variation exists between the treatment algorithms of hand surgeons when managing a trigger digit. Some of these differences may be attributable to the type of training or the duration of clinical practice.

Four-corner arthrodesis with a radiolucent locking dorsal circular plate: technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) is an acceptable motion sparing procedure used to treat wrist arthritis. Recently, a locking dorsal circular plate composed of polyether-ether-ketone has been introduced (Xpode®; TriMed Inc.). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of this specific plate design with regard to FCA. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent FCA with an Xpode® between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 was conducted. Patients were contacted and asked to return to clinic for clinical and radiographic follow-up. Patient demographics, range of motion, grip strength, and complications were collected from medical records. Patients completed a patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE). A paired t test was used to compare means, and p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty-six procedures (24 patients) were identified. One patient required full wrist fusion following the initial procedure. Of the 25 remaining wrists, arthrodesis was successfully achieved in 20 (80 %). Eleven patients (13 wrists, 52 %) returned to clinic for an average follow-up of 28 months. Mean wrist extension improved from 30 to 47°, and flexion decreased from 33 to 23°. Average grip strength was 77 % of the uninjured side. The mean PRWE scores for pain and function were 19.7 and 17.1, respectively. Five patients underwent additional operations (two hardware removals, two contracture releases, and one distal radial ulnar joint arthroplasty). CONCLUSIONS: FCA with the Xpode® yielded reasonable results for pain and function and demonstrated a fusion rate of 80 %.

Little finger carpometacarpal arthroplasty technique and result in 3 cases.

PURPOSE: To present our surgical technique and results for the treatment of posttraumatic arthritis of the little finger carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 3 patients who underwent our surgical technique. All patients had previously sustained intra-articular fractures of the base of the little finger metacarpal and presented with painful posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth metacarpal-hamate joint. Patients were treated with little finger CMC arthroplasty and extensor carpi ulnaris suspensionplasty. RESULTS: We observed the 3 patients in the office over a mean of 21 months and by telephone for a mean for 51 months postoperatively. They had improvements in wrist motion and grip strength. Finger motion remained stable. Pain and tenderness at the little finger CMC joint were eliminated. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique provided satisfactory pain relief and motion preservation for posttraumatic arthritis of the little finger CMC joint. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Prevalence of modifiable surgical site infection risk factors in hip and knee joint arthroplasty patients at an urban academic hospital.

Surgical site infections after hip and knee arthroplasty can be devastating if they lead to periprosthetic joint infection. We examined the prevalence of the modifiable risk factors for surgical site infection described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Patient Safety Committee. Our study of 300 cases revealed that only 20% of all cases and 7% of revision cases for infection had no modifiable risk factors. The most common risk factors were obesity (46%), anemia (29%), malnutrition (26%), and diabetes (20%). Cases with obesity or diabetes were associated with all histories of remote orthopedic infection, 89% of urinary tract infections, and 72% of anemia cases. The high prevalence of several modifiable risk factors demonstrates that there are multiple opportunities for perioperative optimization of such comorbidities.

Intraosseous pseudotumor of the distal radius in a patient with hemophilia: case report.

Hemophilic pseudotumors are rare, particularly when they occur in the distal extremity of an adult patient. We present the case of a 68-year-old man with well-controlled factor VIII deficiency who presented with a lytic lesion of the distal radius that was identified as an intraosseous pseudotumor.