The December 2023 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: Volar locking plate for distal radius fractures with patient-reported outcomes in older adults; Total joint replacement or trapeziectomy?; Replantation better than revision amputation in traumatic amputation?; What factors are associated with revision cubital tunnel release within three years?; Use of nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome; Surgical site infection following surgery for hand trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Association between radiological and clinical outcomes following distal radial fractures; Reducing the carbon footprint in carpal tunnel surgery inside the operating room with a lean and green model: a comparative study

A successful replantation is reported of a hand completely severed by a circular saw through all five metacarpals. The sequence of primary reconstruction of all important structures beginning three hours after the injury and the functional results eighteen months later are presented

The June 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: One-year outcomes of the anatomical front and back reconstruction for scapholunate dissociation; Limited intercarpal fusion versus proximal row carpectomy in the treatment of SLAC or SNAC wrist: results after 3.5 years; Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex; The rate of nonunion in the MRI-detected occult scaphoid fracture: a multicentre cohort study; Does correction of carpal malalignment influence the union rate of scaphoid nonunion surgery?; Provision of a home-based video-assisted therapy programme in thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty; Is replantation associated with better hand function after traumatic hand amputation than after revision amputation?; Diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence for detection of scaphoid and distal radius fractures: a systematic review

The June 2024 Oncology Roundup. 360. looks at: Chondrosarcoma of the femur: is local recurrence influenced by the presence of an extraosseous component?; Diagnostic challenges in low-grade central osteosarcoma; Single osteotomy technique for frozen autograft (pedicled freezing) in patients with malignant bone tumours; Unplanned resection for small superficial soft-tissue sarcomas: disastrous or simply bad?; Inactivation and replantation of the knee joint: an infeasible surgical method; Active surveillance of diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumours: a retrospective, multicentre cohort study

Aims. Calprotectin (CLP) is produced in neutrophils and monocytes and released into body fluids as a result of inflammation or infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of blood and synovial CLP in the diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods. Blood and synovial fluid samples were collected prospectively from 195 patients undergoing primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into five groups: 1) primary total hip and knee arthroplasty performed due to idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA; n = 60); 2) revision hip and knee arthroplasty performed due to aseptic failure of the implant (AR-TJR; n = 40); 3) patients with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic PJI awaiting surgery (n = 45); 4) patients who have finished the first stage of the PJI treatment with the use of cemented spacer and were qualified for replantation procedure (SR-TJR; n = 25), and 5) patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (RA; n = 25). CLP concentrations were measured quantitatively in the blood and synovial fluid using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Additionally, blood and synovial CRP, blood interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ESR were measured, and a leucocyte esterase (LE) strip test was performed. Results. Patients with PJI had higher CLP concentrations than those undergoing aseptic revision in blood (median PJI 2.14 mg/l (interquartile range (IQR) 1.37 to 3.56) vs AR-TJR 0.66 mg/l (IQR 0.3 to 0.83); p < 0.001) and synovial fluid samples (median PJI 20.46 mg/l (IQR 14.3 to 22.36) vs AR-TJR 0.7 mg/l (IQR 0.41 to 0.95); p < 0.001). With a cut-off value of 1.0 mg/l, blood CLP showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 93.3%, 87.5%, 89.4%, and 92.1%, respectively. For synovial fluid with a cut-off value of 1.5 mg/l, these were 95.6%, 95%, 95.5%, and 95%, respectively. Conclusion. This small study suggests that synovial and blood CLP are useful markers in chronic PJI diagnosis with similar or higher sensitivity and specificity than routinely used markers such as CRP, ESR, IL-6, and LE. CLP was not useful to differentiate patients with PJI from those with rheumatoid arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):46–55

We have studied the restoration of sensation in 24 patients after operations involving the digital nerves of the thumb. These comprised 10 neurorrhaphies, two nerve graftings, five replantations, one toe-to-thumb transfer and six neurovascular island flaps. The average follow-up period was 46 months. Greater sensitivity was found in the moving two-point discrimination (2PD) test than in the static 2PD test. The results of the Semmes-Weinstein test showed good correlation with the static 2PD test. Porter's letter test showed correlations with both 2PD tests, and the pulp-writing test showed good correlation with the moving 2PD test. The neurorrhaphy cases had the best results using the static 2PD and Semmes-Weinstein test, and had good restoration of sensation; the replantation cases were next best. After neurovascular island flaps, patients exhibited hypersensitivity, double sensation and distorted images on the pulp-writing test. Using this same test the nerve grafting cases had distorted touch perception and perceived a straight line as a curve. The pulp-writing test, using moving touch, is one method of examining mechanoreceptors and shows to what extent the patient perceives what touches the finger pulp; it gives a better indication of higher functions than the 2PD test

We studied the effects of irradiation on the reintegration of autologous osteoarticular grafts over a period of 24 weeks in a canine model. In 16 foxhounds the medial femoral condyle was resected, irradiated and immediately replanted. In the control group resection and replantation were performed without irradiation. Reintegration was assessed by macroscopic analysis, histology, radiography and gait analysis. Reintegration was equal at 12 weeks, but significantly inferior in the irradiated group after 24 weeks with delayed bone remodelling. The articular cartilage showed modest degeneration. Conventional radiography and histology showed corresponding changes. Limb function was adequate but the gait was inferior in the treated group

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed modular prostheses in patients who underwent joint-sparing limb salvage surgery (JSLSS) for malignant femoral diaphyseal bone tumours.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of fluorocarbon on the preservation of an amputated limb. The hind limbs of dogs were completely amputated through the mid-thigh; some were perfused with fluorocarbon, others with lactated Ringer's solution and some were not perfused at all. After six hours of ischaemia, all the limbs were replanted. Perfusion with fluorocarbon had an inhibitory effect on the anaerobic metabolism of an amputated limb, thus increasing the survival rate. Leakage of creatine phosphokinase from the replanted limb also was inhibited by perfusion with fluorocarbon. These effects were more striking when the amputated limb was perfused continuously rather than intermittently and when it was preserved in iced water rather than at room temperature; these measures helped to prevent replantation toxaemia and to preserve muscle function

Aims

To analyze the short-term outcome of two types of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) in terms of wrist function, migration, and periprosthetic bone behaviour.

Upper limb amputations, ranging from transhumeral to partial hand, can be devastating for patients, their families, and society. Modern paradigm shifts have focused on reconstructive options after upper extremity limb loss, rather than considering the amputation an ablative procedure. Surgical advancements such as targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface, in combination with technological development of modern prosthetics, have expanded options for patients after amputation. In the near future, advances such as osseointegration, implantable myoelectric sensors, and implantable nerve cuffs may become more widely used and may expand the options for prosthetic integration, myoelectric signal detection, and restoration of sensation. This review summarizes the current advancements in surgical techniques and prosthetics for upper limb amputees.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):430–439.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all segments of daily life, with the healthcare sector being at the forefront of this upheaval. Unprecedented efforts have been taken worldwide to curb this ongoing global catastrophe that has already resulted in many fatalities. One of the areas that has received little attention amid this turmoil is the disruption to trainee education, particularly in specialties that involve acquisition of procedural skills. Hand surgery in Singapore is a standalone combined programme that relies heavily on dedicated cross-hospital rotations, an extensive didactic curriculum and supervised hands-on training of increasing complexity. All aspects of this training programme have been affected because of the cancellation of elective surgical procedures, suspension of cross-hospital rotations, redeployment of residents, and an unsustainable duty roster. There is a real concern that trainees will not be able to meet their training requirements and suffer serious issues like burnout and depression. The long-term impact of suspending training indefinitely is a severe disruption of essential medical services. This article examines the impact of a global pandemic on trainee education in a demanding surgical speciality. We have outlined strategies to maintain trainee competencies based on the following considerations: 1) the safety and wellbeing of trainees is paramount; 2) resource utilization must be thoroughly rationalized; 3) technology and innovative learning methods must supplant traditional teaching methods; and 4) the changes implemented must be sustainable. We hope that these lessons will be valuable to other training programs struggling to deliver quality education to their trainees, even as we work together to battle this global catastrophe.

Aims

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.

Aims

Fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare and account for about 1% of total PJIs. Our aim was to present clinical and microbiological results in treating these patients with a two-stage approach and antifungal spacers.

The August 2012 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: the Herbert ulnar head prosthesis; the five-year outcome for wrist arthroscopic surgery; four-corner arthrodesis with headless screws; balloon kyphoplasty for Kienböck's disease; Mason Type 2 radial head fractures; local infiltration and intravenous regional anaesthesia for endoscopic carpal tunnel release; perilunate injuries; and replanting the amputated fingertip.

We present the results of 13 patients who suffered severe injuries to the lower leg. Five sustained a traumatic amputation and eight a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIC open fracture. All were treated with debridement, acute shortening and stabilisation of the fracture and vascular reconstruction. Further treatment involved restoration of tibial length by callus distraction through the distal or proximal metaphysis, which was commenced soon after the soft tissues had healed (n = 8) or delayed until union of the fracture (n = 5).

All patients were male with a mean age of 28.4 years (17 to 44), and had sustained injury to the leg only. Chen grade II functional status was achieved in all patients. Although the number of patients treated with each strategy was limited, there was no obvious disadvantage in the early lengthening programme, which was completed more quickly.

The February 2015 Wrist & Hand Roundup360 looks at: Toes, feet, hands and transfers… FCR Tendonitis after Trapeziectomy and suspension, Motion sparing surgery for SLAC/SNAC wrists under the spotlight, Instability following distal radius fractures, Bilateral wrist arthrodesis a good idea?, Sodium Hyaluronate improves hand recovery following flexor tendon repair, Ultrasound treatments for de Quervain’s, Strategies for treating metacarpal neck fractures.

Migration of the acetabular component may give rise to oval-shaped bone defects in the acetabulum. The oblong implant is designed to fill these defects and achieve a stable cementless anchorage with no significant bone loss. We prospectively reviewed 133 oblong long oblique revision components at a mean follow-up of 9.74 years (0.6 to 14). All had been used in revisions for defects of type IIB to IIIB according to Paprosky. Aseptic loosening was the reason for revision in 11 cases (8.3%) and deep infection in seven (5.3%). The probability of implant survival over a 12-year follow-up estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method gave a survival rate of 0.85% respectively 0.90% when deep infection was excluded as the endpoint.

Our study supports the use of these components in defects from IIB to IIIA. The main precondition for success is direct contact of more than half of the surface of the implant with the host acetabular bone.

We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles that have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply.

The April 2012 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at katakori in Japan, frozen shoulder, if shoulder impingement actually exists, shoulder arthroscopy and suprascapular nerve blocks, why shoulder replacements fail, the infected elbow replacement, the four-part fracture, the acromion index, and arm transplantation

We present the outcome of the treatment of chronic post-traumatic contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint by gradual distraction correction using an external fixator. A total of 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34 years (17 to 54) had distraction for a mean of 16 days (10 to 22). The fixator was removed after a mean of 29 days (16 to 40). Assessment at a mean of 34 months (18 to 54) after completion of treatment showed that the mean active range of movement had significantly increased by 63° (30° to 90°; p < 0.001). The mean active extension gained was 47° (30° to 75°).

Patients aged less than 40 years fared slightly better with a mean gain in active range of movement of 65° (30° to 90°) compared with those aged more than 40 years, who had a mean gain in active range of movement of 55° (30° to 70°) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.148).

The use of joint distraction to correct chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a minimally-invasive and effective method of treatment.

This study investigated the quality and quantity of healing of a bone defect following intramedullary reaming undertaken by two fundamentally different systems; conventional, using non-irrigated, multiple passes; or suction/irrigation, using one pass. The result of a measured re-implantation of the product of reaming was examined in one additional group. We used 24 Swiss mountain sheep with a mean tibial medullary canal diameter between 8 mm and 9 mm. An 8 mm ‘napkin ring’ defect was created at the mid-diaphysis. The wound was either surgically closed or occluded. The medullary cavity was then reamed to 11 mm. The Reamer/Irrigator/Aspirator (RIA) System was used for the reaming procedure in groups A (RIA and autofilling) and B (RIA, collected reamings filled up), whereas reaming in group C (Synream and autofilling) was performed with the Synream System. The defect was allowed to auto-fill with reamings in groups A and C, but in group B, the defect was surgically filled with collected reamings. The tibia was then stabilised with a solid locking Unreamed Humerus Nail (UHN), 9.5 mm in diameter. The animals were killed after six weeks. After the implants were removed, measurements were taken to assess the stiffness, strength and callus formation at the site of the defect.

There was no significant difference between healing after conventional reaming or suction/irrigation reaming. A significant improvement in the quality of the callus was demonstrated by surgically placing captured reamings into the defect using a graft harvesting system attached to the aspirator device. This was confirmed by biomechanical testing of stiffness and strength. This study suggests it could be beneficial to fill cortical defects with reaming particles in clinical practice, if feasible.