Kevin Lutsky

Quality of Information on the Internet About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Update

The use of the Internet for health-related information has increased significantly. In 2000, the current authors examined the source and content of orthopedic information on the Internet. At that time, Internet information regarding carpal tunnel syndrome was found to be of limited quality and poor informational value. The purposes of the current study were to reevaluate the type and quality of information on the Internet regarding carpal tunnel syndrome and to determine whether the quality of information available has improved compared with 1 decade ago. The phrase carpal tunnel syndrome was entered into the 5 most commonly used Internet search engines. The top 50 nonsponsored and the top 5 sponsored universal resource locators identified by each search engine were collected. Each unique Web site was evaluated for authorship and content, and an informational score ranging from 0 to 100 points was assigned. Approximately one-third of nonsponsored Web sites were commercial sites or selling commercial products. Seventy-six percent of sponsored sites were selling a product for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Thirty-eight percent of nonsponsored sites provided unconventional information, and 48% of sponsored sites provided misleading information. Just more than half of nonsponsored sites were authored by a physician or academic institution. The informational mean score was 53.8 points for nonsponsored sites and 14.5 points for sponsored sites. The informational quality on the Internet on carpal tunnel syndrome has improved over the past decade. Despite this progress, significant room exists for improvement in the quality and completeness of the information available.

Adherence to the AAOS upper-extremity clinical practice guidelines.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently developed several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) involving upper-extremity conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adherence to these CPGs by members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). An e-mail containing a brief study description and access to the survey was sent to ASSH current and candidate members. The survey contained questions involving the existing upper-extremity AAOS CPGs: diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment of distal radius fractures, and treatment of glenohumeral arthritis. Overall, 469 responses were obtained, for a response rate of 32%. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the responses. Members of ASSH do not universally adhere to the AAOS CPGs. For patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, 53% of respondents wait the recommended time to change nonoperative treatment after failure of a given modality, and 32% of respondents always order electrodiagnostic testing when considering surgery. Furthermore, 30% of respondents immobilize the wrist postoperatively. In regard to distal radius fractures, 11% of respondents always prescribe vitamin C after treatment, and 49% respondents never do so. However, ASSH members follow some of the recommendations. These include nighttime splinting (98%) and corticosteroid injections (85%) in the nonoperative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. For distal radius fractures, almost 85% of respondents consider the suggested postreduction criteria when determining operative versus cast treatment. Further study is warranted to understand the reasons for and possible solutions to the inconsistent adherence to the AAOS CPGs.

Dorsal fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures using 2.4-mm locking plates.

Displaced, unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures are usually treated with reduction and fixation to allow early motion and minimize the potential for development of posttraumatic arthritis. The dorsal surgical approach allows direct visualization of the articular surface to ensure an anatomic reduction. Low profile, locked plates have minimized the unacceptable complication rates previously associated with dorsal plates. This study reviews the historical perspective, indications, technique, complications, and rehabilitation for dorsal, locked plate fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures. The authors report a strategy for simplifying the fixation of these fractures.

Flexor Tendon Injury, Repair and Rehabilitation

Injuries to the flexor tendons remain among the most difficult problems in hand surgery. Historically, lacerations to the intrasynovial portion of the flexor tendons were thought to be unsuitable for primary repair. Despite continuing advances in our knowledge of flexor tendon biology, repair, and rehabilitation, good results following primary repair of flexor tendons remain challenging to achieve.

Distal Interphalangeal Joint Bony Dimensions Related to Headless Compression Screw Sizes

PURPOSE To determine the radiographic dimensions of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and to compare these measurements with commonly used headless compression screws. METHODS Using standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the hand, we measured the dimensions of the distal and middle phalanges in 60 index, middle, ring, and little fingers. We then compared these measurements with the diameters and lengths of 16 commercially available headless compression screws commonly used to perform DIP joint arthrodesis. Percent compatibility and risk factors for incompatibility were determined. RESULTS In general, commercially available screw diameters were too large given the anatomic dimensions of the DIP joint. The distal phalanx shaft as measured on the lateral view was the narrowest determinant of fit. When the dimensions of all fixation devices were combined, screws were oversized relative to the bony anatomy in 66% of index fingers, 53% of middle fingers, 49% of ring fingers, and 72% of little fingers. This mismatch was greater in women than in men. Only 1 of the compression screw types demonstrated a compatibility rate greater than 90% for the index and little fingers, respectively. A multivariate analysis of independent risk factors showed the likelihood of a compatible fit to vary directly with patient height and to be less likely in the little and index fingers. Interobserver reliability analysis revealed excellent x-ray measurement correlation between observers. CONCLUSIONS A size mismatch existed between the anatomic dimensions of the DIP joint and commercially available headless compression screws. Caution must be used when considering these screws for DIP joint arthrodesis, to avoid problems related to screw prominence in the narrow aspects of the distal and middle phalanges. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Headless compression screws are frequently oversized for use in DIP arthrodesis.

Risk Factors for Ulnar Nerve Instability Resulting in Transposition in Patients With Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

PURPOSE To assess the incidence of ulnar nerve instability in patients undergoing in situ decompression and to identify preoperative risk factors to predict the need for transposition. METHODS Using our surgical database, we retrospectively identified 363 patients who were candidates for in situ ulnar nerve decompression for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome over a 5-year period. During this time, the 3 participating surgeons considered ulnar nerve instability to be a contraindication for in situ ulnar nerve decompression. We collected demographic data including sex, age, weight, height, and body mass index. We recorded the number of patients who underwent ulnar nerve transposition owing to ulnar nerve instability and evaluated whether ulnar nerve instability was diagnosed before, during, or after surgery. RESULTS Of the 363 patients who were considered for in situ ulnar nerve decompression, 76 patients (21%) underwent ulnar nerve transposition secondary to ulnar nerve instability. Twenty-nine patients (8%) were identified with instability before surgery, and 44 patients (12%) were identified with instability during surgery following in situ decompression. Three patients (1%) were not diagnosed with instability until after surgery and subsequently underwent secondary transposition. Patients who underwent transposition owing to instability were more likely to be male and to be younger. CONCLUSIONS A notable percentage of patients with a stable nerve before surgery will have ulnar nerve instability following decompression. Identification of factors correlating to instability and the potential need for transposition can aid surgeons and patients in preoperative planning.

Incidence of an Anomalous Course of the Palmar Cutaneous Branch of the Median Nerve During Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE Volar plating of distal radius fractures using an approach through the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) sheath is commonplace. The palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCB) is considered to run in a position adjacent to, but outside, the ulnar FCR sheath. Anatomic studies have not identified anatomic abnormalities relevant to volar plating. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of anomalous PCB branches entering the FCR sheath during volar plating. METHODS This observational study involved 10 attending hand surgeons during a 7-month period (July 2015-January 2016). Surgeons assessed, documented, and reported any PCB anomalies that were encountered during volar plating through a trans-FCR approach. RESULTS There were 182 volar plates applied that made up the study group. There were 10 cases (5.5%) of anomalous PCBs entering the FCR sheath. In 4 cases, the PCB pierced the radial FCR sheath proximally, crossed beneath the tendon, and traveled distally on the ulnar side. In 4 other cases, the PCB entered the FCR sheath proximally on the ulnar or central aspect of the sheath and remained within the sheath, staying along the ulnar or dorsal side of the tendon. In 1 case, the PCB pierced the ulnar distal aspect of the sheath and split into 2 branches. In 1 case, the PCB ran within the sheath along the radial aspect of the FCR. CONCLUSIONS Anomalies in the course of the PCB are more common than often considered. These variants are at risk during volar surgical approaches to the wrist that proceed through the FCR sheath. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although dissecting along the radial side of the FCR sheath may protect the PCB in most cases, care must be taken to identify anomalous branches (if present) and protect them during surgery.

Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluating Scaphoid Nonunion

An 18-year-old, right-handed man presents with a 1.5year history of radial-sided left wrist pain and wrist stiffness after a football injury. Physical examination reveals tenderness in the snuffbox, discomfort with wrist motion, and limited wrist extension. Radiographs demonstrate a well-aligned scaphoid nonunion at the junction of the proximal and middle thirds of the scaphoid. THE QUESTION Is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helpful in preoperative planning for the initial surgical treatment of patients with scaphoid nonunion?

Considerations in the Radiologic Evaluation of the Pregnant Orthopaedic Patient.

Radiographic imaging of the pregnant patient represents a diagnostic and management dilemma for the orthopaedic surgeon. Imaging is often necessary in the setting of trauma; however, in utero radiation exposure can result in deleterious developmental effects in the embryo and fetus. The likelihood of a negative effect is proportional to the radiation dose and the gestational age of the embryo or fetus at the time of exposure. Ionizing radiation doses >100 mGy in the first trimester of pregnancy may lead to spontaneous abortion, malformation, and mental retardation. Whereas plain radiographs of the extremities and cervical spine expose the fetus to minimal doses of radiation of <10 mGy, other commonly performed orthopaedic diagnostic studies, such as CT of the pelvis, emit significantly higher exposure doses of approximately 35 mGy. Non-emitting modalities, such as ultrasonography and MRI, are alternatives for evaluation in the clinical setting.

Collateral Ligament Laxity of the Finger Metacarpophalangeal Joints: An In Vivo Study

PURPOSE To assess the normal degree of laxity of the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the finger metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and to compare side-to-side differences in CL laxity. METHODS One hundred subjects had measurements of the degree of laxity in the radial (RCL) and ulnar (UCL) collateral ligaments of the MCP joints of each digit on both hands with the joints at neutral and at 30° and 90° of flexion using a custom-made measuring device. Statistical analysis was performed to assess both the difference in laxity for each ligament at each position of flexion and between sides for analogous ligaments (eg, the right index RCL at neutral compared to the left index RCL at neutral). RESULTS There was a significant decrease in laxity for all ligaments between neutral (mean, 24° laxity) and 90° of flexion (mean, 15° laxity). There was a side-to-side difference between the RCL of all digits in extension (mean, 3°) and the index RCL in flexion (2°). These differences were statistically significant but clinically minimal. There were no side-to-side differences between any of the other ligaments at any position. CONCLUSIONS Finger MCP joint CL stability increases with increasing flexion of the joint. There is little to no difference between analogous ligaments on either hand of the subject when tested in the same position of MCP joint flexion. Knowledge of the average degree of MCP joint CL laxity can be helpful in assessing a potentially injured joint. A patients contralateral, uninjured side can be used to determine that individuals normal laxity and a substantial increase from this on an injured digit can indicate CL rupture. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic II.