1. The modifications of standard Z-plasty technique that are necessary for its successful use in hand surgery are discussed with particular reference to the limiting factors imposed by the anatomical characteristics of the hand. 2. The use of the Z-plasty in
A case of
Frozen shoulder is a chronic fibrosing condition of the capsule of the joint. The predominant cells involved are fibroblasts and myofibroblasts which lay down a dense matrix of type-I and type-III collagen within the capsule. This subsequently contracts leading to the typical features of pain and stiffness. Cytokines and growth factors regulate the growth and function of the fibroblasts of connective tissue and remodelling of the matrix is controlled by the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors. Our aim was to determine whether there was an abnormal expression or secretion of cytokines, growth factors and MMPs in tissue samples from 14 patients with frozen shoulder using the reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) technique and to compare the findings with those in tissue from four normal control shoulders and from five patients with
The antidiabetic agent metformin inhibits fibrosis in various organs. This study aims to elucidate the effects of hyperglycaemia and metformin on knee joint capsule fibrosis in mice. Eight-week-old wild-type (WT) and type 2 diabetic (db/db) mice were divided into four groups without or with metformin treatment (WT met(-/+), Db met(-/+)). Mice received daily intraperitoneal administration of metformin and were killed at 12 and 14 weeks of age. Fibrosis morphology and its related genes and proteins were evaluated. Fibroblasts were extracted from the capsules of 14-week-old mice, and the expression of fibrosis-related genes in response to glucose and metformin was evaluated in vitro.Aims
Methods
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the rate of conversion to surgical release after a steroid injection in patients with a trigger finger, and to analyze which patient- and trigger finger-related factors affect the outcome of an injection. The medical records of 500 patients (754 fingers) treated for one or more trigger fingers with a steroid injection or with surgical release, between 1 January 2016 and 1 April 2020 with a follow-up of 12 months, were analyzed. Conversion to surgical release was recorded as an unsuccessful treatment after an injection. The effect of patient- and trigger finger-related characteristics on the outcome of an injection was assessed using stepwise manual backward multivariate logistic regression analysis.Aims
Methods
The February 2024 Foot & Ankle Roundup360 looks at: Survival of revision ankle arthroplasty; Tibiotalocalcaneal nail for the management of open ankle fractures in the elderly patient; Accuracy of a patient-specific total ankle arthroplasty instrumentation; Fusion after failed primary ankle arthroplasty: can it work?; Treatment options for osteochondral lesions of the talus; Managing hair tourniquet syndrome of toe: a rare emergency; Ultrasound-guided collagenase therapy for recurrent plantar fibromatosis: a promising line of therapy?.
Is it feasible to conduct a definitive multicentre trial in community settings of corticosteroid injections (CSI) and hydrodilation (HD) compared to CSI for patients with frozen shoulder? An adequately powered definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) delivered in primary care will inform clinicians and the public whether hydrodilation is a clinically and cost-effective intervention. In this study, prior to a full RCT, we propose a feasibility trial to evaluate recruitment and retention by patient and clinician willingness of randomization; rates of withdrawal, crossover and attrition; and feasibility of outcome data collection from routine primary and secondary care data. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises that prompt early management of frozen shoulder is initiated in primary care settings with analgesia, physiotherapy, and joint injections; most people can be managed without an operation. Currently, there is variation in the type of joint injection: 1) CSI, thought to reduce the inflammation of the capsule reducing pain; and 2) HD, where a small volume of fluid is injected into the shoulder joint along with the steroid, aiming to stretch the capsule of the shoulder to improve pain, but also allowing greater movement. The creation of musculoskeletal hubs nationwide provides infrastructure for the early and effective management of frozen shoulder. This potentially reduces costs to individuals and the wider NHS perhaps negating the need for a secondary care referral.Aims
Methods
The results of surgery for Dupuytren’s disease can be compromised by the potential for disease recurrence and loss of function. Selecting which patients will benefit from repeat surgery, when to operate, and what procedure to undertake requires judgement and an understanding of patient expectations and functional needs. We undertook this study to investigate patient outcomes and satisfaction following repeat limited fasciectomy for recurrent Dupuytren’s disease. We prospectively identified all patients presenting with recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease who were selected for surgical treatment with repeat limited fasciectomy surgery between January 2013 and February 2015. Patients were assessed preoperatively, and again at a minimum of five years postoperatively. We identified 43 patients who were carefully selected for repeat fasciectomy involving 54 fingers. Patients with severe or aggressive disease with extensive skin involvement were not included; in our practice, these patients are instead counselled and preferentially treated with dermofasciectomy. The primary outcome measured was change in the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score. Secondary outcomes were change in finger range of motion, flexion contracture, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) values, and overall satisfaction.Aims
Methods
Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, rehabilitation facilitated by advice leaflet and advice video were compared to a course of face-to-face therapy. Adults with an isolated, nonoperatively treated distal radius fracture were included at six weeks post-cast removal. Participants were randomized to delivery of rehabilitation interventions in one of three ways: an advice leaflet; an advice video; or face-to-face therapy session(s). The primary outcome measure was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at six weeks post intervention and secondary outcome measures included DASH at one year, DASH work subscale, grip strength, and range of motion at six weeks and one year.Aims
Methods
The aim of this study was to assess the quality and scope of the current cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) literature in the field of hand and upper limb orthopaedic surgery. We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and the CEA Registry to identify CEAs that were conducted on or after 1 January 1997, that studied a procedure pertaining to the field of hand and upper extremity surgery, that were clinical studies, and that reported outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life-years. We identified a total of 33 studies that met our inclusion criteria. The quality of these studies was assessed using the Quality of Health Economic Analysis (QHES) scale.Aims
Materials and Methods
Injectable collagenase is an alternative to surgical
treatment for Dupuytren’s disease. Previous studies have reported
on the effectiveness of collagenase in finger contractures. This
prospective study reports on the short-term safety and efficacy
of collagenase treatment in five thumb and first web space Dupuytren’s
contractures. The thumb and first web space contractures were treated
with injectable collagenase in four consecutive patients (five hands) with
experience of previous surgical digital fasciectomy. The thumb contracture
was measured by angle and span in two planes of thumb extension
and abduction before injection and after manipulation. Collagenase
treatment resulted in release of the contracture with a mean increase
in thumb to index angle from 23° (10° to 35°) to 56° (45° to 60°)
in extension and from 30° (10° to 50°) to 58° (50° to 65°) in abduction
and a mean increase in span from 1.9 cm (1 to 3.5) to 3.9 cm (3
to 5) in extension and from 2.4 cm (1.5 to 3.5) to 3.9 cm (3 to
4.5) in abduction. All patients reported an increased range of movement
and function and described collagenase therapy as preferable to
surgery. In the short-term collagenase is an effective, well-tolerated
and safe alternative to surgery for Dupuytren’s disease of the thumb.
The February 2014 Wrist &
Hand Roundup360 looks at: simple debridement and ulnar-sided wrist pain; needle fasciotomy or collagenase injection; joint replacement in osteoarthritic knuckles; the Mannerfelt arthrodesis; scaphoid union rates with conservative treatment; the benefits of atorvastatin for muscle re-innervation after sciatic nerve transection; and complications of trapeziectomy.
Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) is a recognised form of
treatment for patients with a frozen shoulder. However, not all
patients benefit. Some have persistent or recurrent symptoms. There
are no clear recommendations in the literature on the optimal management
of recurrent frozen shoulder after a MUA. We aimed to address this
issue in this study. We analysed a prospectively collected, single-surgeon, consecutive
series of patients who underwent MUA for frozen shoulder between
January 1999 and December 2015. The Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS)
and range of movement were the outcome measures. Aims
Patients and Methods
