Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: Is Surgery Still an Option?

Background: The prevailing trend for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (LE) is nonsurgical. Although many providers consider LE surgery controversial, others consider surgical intervention in patients with recalcitrant symptoms. The purpose of this study is to analyze epidemiological changes in LE surgery over a 9-year period prior to the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the Texas health care database from 2010 to 2018 was performed. We analyzed all procedures performed for LE during the set time period using Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes. Statistical analyses included procedures performed, patient demographics, zone of residence, and insurance designation. Results: There were a total of 12802 records of LE with 1 or more associated surgical procedures. Lateral epicondylar debridement (with/without tendon repair) was the most common procedure recorded, followed by arthroscopic procedures and tendon lengthening. Overall incidence remained low and did not significantly change during the studied period; however, surgical case volumes were significantly higher in metropolitan areas and increased at a faster rate when compared with those of more rural regions. Commercial insurance was the most prevailing form of payment. The incidence was significantly higher in the age group between 45 and 64 years old and most commonly performed in Caucasian females. Conclusions: The benefit of surgery for the treatment of LE has yet to be completely elucidated; however, surgical intervention continues to be offered. Although the incidence of surgery for the treatment of LE remained low over the study period, the volume of cases in metropolitan areas increased at a fast rate between 2010 and 2018. The results of this study found that surgery is still a treatment option in some patients despite the controversy. Level of Evidence: Economic/Decision Analysis, Level IV.

Human Amniotic Allograft in Hand Surgery.

Amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells have been shown in vitro to contain a variety of regulatory mediators that result in the promotion of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and epithelialization and the inhibition of fibrosis, immune rejection, inflammation, and bacterial invasion. Amniotic membrane-based products are approved for use as human cells, tissues, and cellular- and tissue-based products through Sections 361 or 351 of the Food and Drug Administration. Previously reported clinical applications of human amniotic membranes include nerve repair, tendon injury, joint and cartilage damage, and wound management. Although there is some evidence regarding the use of amniotic allografts in animals, there is a paucity of literature regarding their use in treating pathology of the hand and wrist. Further investigation is necessary to determine their effectiveness and therapeutic value in the upper extremity.

Quantitative Analysis of Anesthesia Utilization in Ambulatory Hand Surgery.

Background: Though evidence demonstrating benefits of local anesthetic continues to compound, a consensus among surgeons regarding optimal anesthetic modality has not been reached. General and regional anesthetic may still be preferred for patient anxiety, concomitant procedures, increased complexity, or poor patient pain tolerance. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to analyze trends in anesthetic utilization using a large-scale state healthcare database for common outpatient hand procedures. We hypothesize that over the 10 years between 2010-2019, local anesthetic [including Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia with no Tourniquet (WALANT)] utilization use for common hand procedures has increased, while the use of general and regional anesthesia has decreased. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using the Texas Healthcare Information Collection Outpatient Database between 2010-2019. The de-identified data was queried for reported Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) anesthetic and associated procedure codes for the following ambulatory techniques: open carpal tunnel release, endoscopic carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, De Quervain's release, partial palmar fasciectomy, and hand mass excision. Anesthetic options included: regional anesthesia (RA), local or WALANT anesthesia (LA), and general anesthesia (GA). Results: There were 340,117 procedures performed during the study period. 98.14% of patient records reported LA application, while GA and RA only accounted for 0.41% and 1.45%, respectively. No significant growth was found for each form of anesthetic individually [LA: -0.12%, RA: 0.09%, and GA: 0.03%]. However, a significant difference in proportional growth is present when comparing all anesthetics (Figure 1, p<0.001). Commercial/ private insurance was the most common payer regardless of anesthesia type, though Medicaid payment source covered a larger proportion of procedures performed under GA [Medicaid: 2.48%, Medicare: 0.37%, worker's compensation: 0.12%, commercial/private insurance: 0.20%]. Conclusion: LA was the most utilized modality over the study period, though a significant proportion of usage has shifted back towards RA and GA over time. Commercial/private insurance was the most frequent reimbursement source for all procedures, though Medicaid covered disproportionately more procedures utilizing GA. RA use was noted to be disproportionately higher in mid-sized population centers (2-4 million in population). Level of Evidence: IV.

An Unusual Case of Periosteal Glomus Tumor at the Metacarpal Base Presenting as Type II CRPS: Case Report.

Background: An unusual case involving a middle-aged male with a 9-year history of presumptive chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and ulnar neuropathy was referred for failure in treatment. Methods: On presentation, the patient was requesting an amputation of his arm. However, work-up uncovered a periosteal extra-digital glomus tumor on the base of the small finger metacarpal. Results: Surgical excision of the lesion resulted in rapid resolution of his pain and normal hand function was ultimately restored. Conclusions: Glomus tumors account for up to 5% of all soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity, occurring most frequently within or adjacent to the nail bed. Time from onset of symptoms to correct diagnosis may not be established for many years, especially with atypical tumor locations. Although glomus tumors have been widely reported, atypical locations of these tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with unusual chronic pain or neuropathy. Furthermore, when evaluating a chronic pain patient, our findings support the opinion that assignment of the diagnosis of CRPS should only be a diagnosis of exclusion.

Volar Approach to the First Extensor Compartment for Surgical Treatment of DeQuervain Tenosynovitis.

Many surgical techniques have been published in regards to the operative management of DeQuervain tenosynovitis. As it has been classically described, stenosing tenosynovitis of the first extensor tendon compartment is a common tendinopathy along the radial side of the wrist causing pain and swelling in the affected area. When surgery is necessary, decompression of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons decreases first extensor compartment friction and has been shown to successfully alleviate symptoms. A number of varying techniques have been reported in the literature to achieve adequate decompression and minimize postoperative complications such as sensory nerve injury, incomplete decompression, and tendon subluxation. We describe a novel volar approach to the first extensor compartment, which allows direct visualization of the retinaculum and a midline retinacular release. In addition, the volar approach has an associated decreased risk of iatrogenic nerve injury by passing volar and deep to the more superficial sensory nerves that overly the retinaculum. On the basis of our experience, patients do not experience an increased risk of volar tendon subluxation with this approach.

Functional outcome of unstable distal radius fractures: ORIF with a volar fixed-angle tine plate versus external fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of 2 treatments for unstable distal radius fractures: open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) through a volar approach with a fixed-angle implant and a standard external fixation (EF) method. METHODS: This study included patients with comminuted unstable intra-articular and extra-articular distal radius fractures treated by a single surgeon. Data were gathered retrospectively on 11 patients treated with EF who had been followed up for an average of 47 months (range, 12-84 mo). Prospective data were gathered on 21 patients who were treated with ORIF through a volar approach with a fixed-angle implant. Follow-up evaluation for this group averaged 17 months (range, 12-24 mo). The 2 groups were compared for range of motion (ROM), strength, and functional outcome as measured by the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). Fracture reduction was evaluated from radiographs taken at the last follow-up visit and compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean passive wrist ROM at the final follow-up evaluation in EF patients was 59 degrees extension and 57 degrees flexion, compared with 63 degrees extension and 64 degrees flexion in patients treated with ORIF. Passive pronation/supination arc of motion was similar for the 2 groups, as were the DASH and PRWE scores. Grip strength as a percentage of the opposite wrist was significantly greater in the external fixation group, a possible consequence of longer follow-up evaluation. Final radiographic measurements for the EF group averaged 5 degrees volar tilt and 25 degrees radial inclination, with 2.2-mm ulnar-positive variance. The ORIF with volar plating group averaged 10 degrees volar tilt and 22 degrees radial inclination, with .5-mm ulnar-negative variance. Radial length and volar tilt were significantly greater for the ORIF group. The average final intra-articular step-off was significantly different, with 1.4-mm step-off in the EF group and .4 mm in the ORIF group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ORIF with a volar fixed-angle implant resulted in stable fixation of the distal articular fragments, allowing early postsurgical wrist motion. The PRWE and DASH scores for the groups were equivalent, whereas intra-articular step-off, volar tilt, and radial length were better in the ORIF group. There were few complications, implant removal was not necessary, and early postsurgical wrist ROM was initiated without loss of reduction.

Volar fixed-angle plating of the distal radius.

The treatment of unstable distal radius fractures continues to improve as better methods of skeletal fixation and soft-tissue management are developed. Apart from closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of simpler fracture patterns, the three main methods of management are external fixation, dorsal plating, and volar fixed-angle plating. Specific advantages of volar fixed-angle plating include stable fixed-angle support that permits early active wrist rehabilitation, direct fracture reduction, and fewer soft-tissue and tendon problems. Volar fixed-angle plating also avoids the complications often associated with external fixation and dorsal plating. Biomechanical data indicate that, when loaded to failure, volar fixed-angle plates have significant strength advantages over dorsal plating. Volar fixed-angle plating is advantageous in elderly osteopenic patients and for high-energy comminuted fractures and malunions requiring osteotomy.

Symptomatic progression of congenital ulnar nerve hypoplasia with brachial plexus anomaly.

Symptomatic progression of congenital ulnar nerve hypoplasia in association with an anomaly of the brachial plexus is uncommon. The authors present such a case involving an 11-year-old girl, who presented with a complaint of progressive numbness and hand weakness occurring in less than 6 months' time. Physical examination revealed limb hypoplasia, neurologic abnormalities, and a palpable hypoplastic ulnar nerve at the level of the cubital tunnel. An additional intraoperative finding was an anomalous brachial plexus. This combined case of congenital ulnar nerve hypoplasia, brachial plexus anomaly, and symptomatic progression, is discussed in the context of other literature.

The 45 degrees pronated oblique view for volar fixed-angle plating of distal radius fractures.

Distinctive to volar fixed-angle plating of the distal radius, the optimal position of the distal fixed-angle support is in the subchondral bone immediately proximal to the articular surface. Standard intraoperative radiographic imaging of the distal radius during placement of a volar fixed-angle plate does not provide adequate visualization of the subchondral bone-distal support interface. A 45 degrees pronated oblique view is described to address this specific issue of whether volar hardware placed at the immediate subchondral bone level has effectively avoided the radiocarpal joint. This is a quite important radiographic consideration when pursuing the strategy of volar fixed-angle plating of distal radius fractures.

Early active rehabilitation for operatively stabilized distal radius fractures.

From the young to the elderly, distal radius fractures are very common. Extensive literature has been written regarding surgical management of distal radius fractures, but the same degree of attention has not been given to the critical rehabilitation that follows. Successful functional outcomes for distal radius fractures are a result of appropriate surgical treatment as well as timely and specific rehabilitation. Surgical treatment strategies available for unstable distal radius fractures include percutaneous pinning, external fixation, dorsal plating, and volar fixed-angle plating. Arthroscopically assisted as well as other minimally invasive techniques are now gaining acceptance. The ideal surgical treatment would provide stable fixed-angle fragment-specific support with minimal soft tissue disturbance and allow safe, early active wrist rehabilitation. This article reviews the normal anatomy of the region, the pathoanatomy created by the different stabilization strategies, and specific therapy techniques, including static and static progressive splints, that correlate with each of the surgical procedures.

Arthrogryposis wrist deformities: results of infantile serial casting.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita involving the upper extremity can be associated with significant contractures of major joints. Treatment options to maximize upper extremity motion and function include passive joint stretching, serial casting, or surgical intervention. This study reviewed all patients at Carrie Tingley Hospital with arthrogrypotic wrist flexion contractures treated with passive stretching, serial casting, and custom wrist orthotics to determine the effect on wrist position and function. Seventeen infant patients with distal and classic arthrogryposis used this regimen. Average follow-up was 6 years. The greatest gain in wrist motion occurred after the first casting session for both groups. Patients with distal arthrogryposis had the largest improvement in passive wrist motion, were more functionally independent at final follow-up, and had no recurrence of deformity. Patients with classic arthrogryposis had rigid wrist flexion contractures and a 75% incidence of deformity recurrence after casting. At final follow-up, these patients remained functionally dependent, requiring >50% assistance with activities of daily living, and had less improvement in wrist motion. The authors recommend early casting of infant wrist deformities for both forms of arthrogryposis. If the wrist deformity recurs, repeat serial casting is unlikely to improve wrist extension. Other treatment options may be considered in the older child.

Internal decompression of dorsal wrist ganglions.

A technique is described for internal decompression of dorsal wrist ganglions without first rupturing the cyst, including documentation of the ganglion's relation to the scapholunate interosseous ligament. Critical evaluation of the stalk's true origin indicates that dorsal wrist ganglions originate primarily at the synovial-capsular interface between the dorsal scaphoid ridge and the overlying extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Although the ultimate etiology of dorsal wrist ganglions still remains unproven, arthroscopic techniques allow a thorough evaluation of the carpal intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments for any associated carpal instability. Despite differences between various arthroscopic methods, the clinical advantages over open techniques remain minimal scarring, avoidance of stiffness after surgery, and a comprehensive joint evaluation.