Postoperative QuickDASH Scores Research Articles

Hand-arm vibration and outcomes of surgery for Dupuytren's contracture.

Dupuytren's contracture was recently designated a prescribed occupational disease when it occurs in patients with previous hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure. The aims of this study were to describe the impact of self-reported HAV exposure on upper limb function and satisfaction following surgery for Dupuytren's contracture. Paired pre- and postoperative Quick version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and patient satisfaction questionnaires were prospectively collected from all patients undergoing surgery for Dupuytren's contracture over a 6-year period. Patients self-reported HAV exposure duration. Results were available for 425 hands (65%) at mean 13 months postoperatively. There were 111 patients (26%) that reported HAV exposure. The prevalence of HAV exposure was significantly greater in male compared with female patients (32% versus 4%; P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference in preoperative (difference 7.47; 95% confidence interval 4.78-10.17; P < 0.001) and postoperative QuickDASH score (difference 6.78; 95% confidence interval 2.69-10.88; P < 0.001) was observed between the two groups, but difference in QuickDASH improvement was not significantly different (difference 1.76; 95% confidence interval -1.58 to 5.10; P > 0.05). No significant difference in satisfaction rate or return to work was observed between the two groups. Previous HAV exposure influenced the pre and postoperative function in patients undergoing surgery for Dupuytren's contracture, but had no effect on satisfaction or return to work. Further prospective research will be required to determine whether the introduction of a compensatory framework will have a more profound effect on the functional outcomes of surgery.

Volar rerouting of the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery vascularized bone graft for middle and distal scaphoid nonunions

BackgroundThe bone graft vascularized by the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2 ICSRA) placed on the scaphoid by a dorsal approach is a technique used to treat scaphoid nonunions with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole and without significant bone loss or carpus collapse. We present the results of patients treated with a volar rerouting of the 1,2 ICSRA graft under the tendons of the first extensor compartment to treat more distal scaphoid nonunions than the proximal pole. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients operated with this technique with the hypothesis that it would allow to treat more distal nonunions than those of the proximal pole. Patients and methodsThis retrospective study involved patients treated by a volar rerouting of the 1,2 ICSRA graft for nonunions of the middle and distal thirds of the scaphoid. Assessments included clinical outcomes and radiological bone consolidation. QuickDASH and Mayo Wrist scores were computed. Range of motion and grip strength were evaluated for both the operated and the contralateral sides. ResultsNineteen patients were followed-up for 33 months (range: 6-75). Mean postoperative QuickDASH score was 10 (range: 0-45), and mean Mayo wrist score was 85 (range: 50-100). Flexion and extension, ulnar and radial deviations were statistically different between the affected and healthy sides (p<0,05). Consolidation was achieved in 17 patients (89%). DiscussionThis technical modification allowed good functional outcomes and scaphoid consolidation. It expands the classic indications of the vascularized 1,2 ICSRA bone graft to more distal nonunions than the proximal pole. Level of evidenceIV.

Suture Suspension Arthroplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis Reconstruction: 12- to 14-Year Follow-up.

Many surgical procedures have been described for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, with significant variation. To date, none has proven to be superior. The purpose of this study was to report long-term follow-up results of suture suspension arthroplasty (SSA). The SSA technique uses a single incision, trapeziectomy, and an intra-articular suture suspension sling anchored into the insertions of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and abductor pollicis longus (APL), which serves to stabilize the base of the thumb metacarpal, correct subluxation deformity, and maintain arthroplasty space. Ninety of 153 SSA reconstructions (59% recall) were evaluated at long-term follow-up (mean, 12.6 years). Data were analyzed for functional outcomes, including preoperative and postoperative grip and pinch strength, radiographs, complications, and postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores. The mean age at date of surgery was 61.7 ± 7.6 years (82% women). Significant improvement was noted in grip strength (preoperative mean, 25.0 kg; postoperative mean, 28.0 kg; P < .0001), key pinch (preoperative, 4.2 kg; postoperative, 5.1 kg; P < .0001), and tip pinch (preoperative, 2.9 kg; postoperative, 3.6 kg; P < .0001). Radiographic subsidence averaged 35% (0-90). Postoperative QuickDASH scores (mean, 6.6; range, 0-50) revealed good to excellent pain relief and function. One revision was performed, and postoperative FCR rupture occurred in 3 reconstructions. The SSA technique for thumb CMC arthritis reconstruction yields good to excellent long-term clinical outcomes. Potential advantages of the SSA include short operative time, a single incision, minimal cost, and no need for tendon harvesting, pin fixation, or implantable hardware.

Socioeconomic factors predicting outcome in surgically treated carpal tunnel syndrome: a national registry-based study

The study aimed to investigate socioeconomic factors in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to evaluate their impact on outcome following open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). Data from the National Quality Register for Hand Surgery were combined with socioeconomic data (marital status, education level, earnings, migrant status, occupation, sick leave, unemployment, and social assistance) from Statistics Sweden to evaluate OCTRs performed from 2010 to 2016 (total 10,746 OCTRs). Patients completed QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaires preoperatively (n = 3597) and at three (n = 2824) and 12 months (n = 2037) postoperatively. The effect of socioeconomic factors on QuickDASH scores was analyzed with linear regression analysis. Socioeconomically deprived patients scored higher on the QuickDASH on all occasions than patients with higher socioeconomic status. Being widowed, having a low education level, low earnings, immigrant status, frequent sick leave and dependence on social assistance all increased the postoperative QuickDASH score at 12 months. The change in total score for QuickDASH between preoperative and 12 months postoperatively did not vary between the groups. We conclude that such factors as being widowed, having a lower education level, low earnings, immigrant status, frequent sick leave and social assistance dependence are associated with more symptoms both before and after OCTR for CTS, but these factors do not affect the relative improvement in QuickDASH.

Rib-sparing scalenectomy for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: Early results

ObjectiveNeurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is no longer either “controversial” or “disputed”; however, its optimal surgical management remains unclear. Many thoracic outlet decompression procedures are performed by first rib resection, usually via a transaxillary route. MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained NTOS database was performed. Patients with NTOS associated with a cervical rib and those with recurrent NTOS were excluded from the present analysis. All study patients had satisfied a 5-point clinical diagnostic protocol and had experienced a positive response to a local anesthetic scalene block. Surgical decompression included anterior, minimus, and middle scalenectomy and brachial plexus neurolysis via a supraclavicular incision and pectoralis minor tenotomy through a small vertical infraclavicular incision. No first ribs were excised. All the patients had completed QuickDASH (11-item version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire) preoperatively and at 3 or 6 months postoperatively. ResultsFrom 2011 to 2019, 504 thoracic outlet decompression procedures had been performed in 442 patients. The average operative time was 1.15 hours, and the average hospital length of stay was 1.05 days. Major complications, including intraoperative arterial injury, postoperative wound hematoma requiring reoperation, and chylothorax, occurred in 7 patients (1.4%). All but 2 patients (99.6%) had symptomatic improvement. Using a more rigorous definition of operative success of ≥50% improvement in the 3- or 6-month QuickDASH score, 458 rib-sparing NTOS operations (90.9%) were successful. In contrast to the mean preoperative QuickDASH score of 62.6, the average postoperative QuickDASH score was 25.2 (P = .001). ConclusionsThese results suggest that (1) adherence to a rigorous preoperative diagnostic regimen, including performance of a scalene block, ensures, at the least, that surgery for NTOS can be successfully restricted to patients actually with the condition; (2) fibrotic, contracted scalene muscles are the cause of NTOS; (3) the first rib does not require removal for successful surgical treatment of NTOS; and (4) 90% of the patients so treated can expect significant early symptomatic and functional improvement.

A study on the outcome of displaced midshaft non-comminuted clavicle fractures treated with anatomical locking plate versus titanium elastic nail

Purpose: Fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle is well known to decrease nonunion, malunion and shoulder disability as compared to nonoperative treatment. This study was done to compare the clinical and functional outcome of group 1 clavicle fractures treated with anatomic locking plates (ALP) versus Titanium elastic nail (TEN). Methods: We studied patients presenting with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated with ALP or TEN. The study period was from Jan 2013 to Dec 2016. Patients were reviewed and at each visit clinical and radiological progress of union was noted, complications if any were noted, functional assessment was done using the quick Dash score and Constant Murley score. Results: A total of 116 patients met our inclusion criteria. 62 patients were treated with TEN and 54 with ALP. Bony union was achieved at an average of 11.8 weeks in the TENS group and 12.8 weeks in the ALP group post operatively and this was found to be significant. The mean postoperative Constant Murley score in the ALP and the TEN groups were 92.8 (range 80–97), and 93.7 (82–97) respectively. The mean postoperative quick dash score in the ALP and TEN groups were 2.48(range from 0 to 6.8) and 2.1 (range 0–9.1) respectively. Conclusion: Both Anatomical locking plate and TEN are good options for the treatment of non-comminuted mid clavicular fractures as they have a similar functional outcome. TEN nail insertion has the advantage of being minimally invasive, having a faster union time and may be recommended in midshaft clavicle fractures without comminution.

A comprehensive analysis of medium-term outcomes of open first dorsal compartment release for de Quervain’s syndrome

The primary aim of this study is to describe medium-term functional outcomes following first dorsal compartment decompression using a longitudinal incision in patients with de Quervain’s syndrome. The secondary aims are to describe the improvement in health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction, and to determine the cost-effectiveness of this procedure. Pre- and postoperative QuickDASH, EQ-5D-5 L, and satisfaction scores were collected prospectively over five years. Paired data were available for 36 patients (90% at mean 32 months follow-up). The median QuickDASH score improved significantly from 50 to 9.1 (p < 0.01). Median EQ-5D-5L index scores improved from 0.65 preoperatively to 0.73 (p = 0.03). The satisfaction rate was 97% and there were no cases of superficial radial nerve injury or neuroma. The cost per quality-adjusted life year gained was £356 (€398; $449). First dorsal compartment release using a longitudinal incision results in a significant improvement in function, with high levels of patient satisfaction, and low complication rates. In addition, health economic analysis revealed that this is a cost-effective procedure for the treatment of de Quervain’s syndrome. Level of evidenceIII (cohort study).

Occurrence of cold sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome and its effects on surgical outcome following open carpal tunnel release

Cold sensitivity is common following nerve injuries in the upper extremity, but is less well studied in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We investigated cold sensitivity in CTS and its effects on surgical outcome. A search of the Swedish National Registry for Hand Surgery (HAKIR) for open carpal tunnel releases (OCTR) from 2010–2016 identified 10,746 cases. Symptom severity questionnaires (HQ-8; HAKIR questionnaire 8, eight Likert-scale items scored 0–100, one item on cold sensitivity) and QuickDASH scores before and after surgery were collected. Patient mean age was 56 ± SD 16 years, and 7,150/10,746 (67%) were women. Patients with severe cold sensitivity (defined as cold intolerance symptom severity score > 70; n = 951), scored significantly higher on QuickDASH at all time points compared to those with mild cold sensitivity (cold intolerance symptom severity scores ≤ 30, n = 1,532); preoperatively 64 [50–75] vs. 40 [25–55], at three months 32 [14–52] vs. 18 [9–32] and at 12 months 25 [7–50] vs. 9 [2–23]; all p < 0.0001. Severe cold sensitivity predicted higher postoperative QuickDASH scores at three [12.9 points (95% CI 10.2–15.6; p < 0.0001)] and at 12 months [14.8 points (11.3–18.4; p < 0.0001)] compared to mild cold sensitivity, and adjustment for a concomitant condition in the hand/arm, including ulnar nerve compression, did not influence the results. Cold sensitivity improves after OCTR. A higher preoperative degree of cold sensitivity is associated with more preoperative and postoperative disability and symptoms than a lower degree of cold sensitivity, but with the same improvement in QuickDASH score.

The treatment of onychogryphosis of hand nails by total matricectomy and dorsal V-Y advancement flap.

Objectives This study aims to report the outcomes of dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique used for the reconstruction of surgical defects following total matricectomy performed for the onychogryphosis of hand nails.Patients and methods A total of 18 consecutive patients (10 males, 8 females; mean age 38.4 years; range, 24 to 41 years) with 20 onychogryphotic hand nails who underwent total matricectomy and dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique were analyzed retrospectively between June 2015 and March 2018. The Mann- Whitney U test was used to compare the pre- and postoperative Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire scores while postoperative satisfaction rate was also evaluated.Results The mean follow-up period of the patients was 15.3 months. The etiology was finger trauma in eight and surgical complication of recurrent paronychia drainage in four cases, while the remaining six were idiopathic. The mean time to return to work was 5.2 weeks, and the mean pre- and postoperative Quick DASH scores were 0.97 and 3.45, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. The postoperative satisfaction was rated as excellent in 16, good in one, and moderate in one case.ConclusionThe dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique can be performed reliably due to its good soft tissue coverage, satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes, and allowing a short time to return to work.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment in Diabetes: Patient-reported Outcome after Surgery in National Quality Registries.

Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (UNE) is overrepresented in patients with diabetes, but the outcome of surgery is unknown. We aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcome in patients with and without diabetes, and to assess potential sex differences and compare surgical treatment methods. Data on patients operated for UNE (2010-2016, n = 1354) from the Swedish National Registry for Hand Surgery were linked to the Swedish National Diabetes Register. Symptoms were assessed preoperatively (n = 389), and 3 (n = 283), and at 12 months postoperatively (n = 267) by QuickDASH and HQ-8 (specific hand surgery questionnaire-8 questions). Only simple decompressions were included when comparing groups. Men with diabetes reported higher postoperative QuickDASH scores than men without diabetes. Women scored their disability higher than men on all time-points in QuickDASH, but showed larger improvement between preoperative and 12 months postoperative values. Patients operated with transposition scored 10.8 points higher on QuickDASH than patients who had simple decompression at 12 months (95% confidence interval 1.98-19.6). Women with diabetes benefit from simple decompression for UNE to the same extent as women without diabetes. Men with diabetes risk not to benefit from simple decompression as much as women do. Ulnar nerve transposition had a higher risk of residual symptoms compared to simple decompression.

Functional outcomes after surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis: Retrospective single-center 24-case series

Isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis has functional consequences on the wrist. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients managed surgically during the last 12 years at the Toulouse University Hospital, regardless of the surgical technique used, for isolated STT osteoarthritis. We performed a single-center retrospective observational study using the CCAM database. The inclusion criteria were patients treated surgically for isolated STT osteoarthritis who did not respond to conservative treatment, with at least 6 months of clinical and radiological follow-up. Twenty-four patients were treated between 2006 and 2018. Partial arthroplasty of the distal pole of the scaphoid with or without interposition and total trapeziectomy had been performed on these patients. The mean follow-up was 79±46.8 months. The wrist range of motion (ROM) and the Kapandji score were not significantly reduced postoperatively. The mean postoperative QuickDASH score was 29.15±8.46. The mean pain assessed using a visual analog scale was 6.6±1.17 preoperatively versus 1.25±1.51 postoperatively (P=0.003). Statistical subgroup analysis found no predictive factor for a better postoperative QuickDASH score, and no surgical technique was superior at halting the progression of intracarpal misalignment and postoperative ROM. Surgical treatment of isolated STT osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment leads to significant functional improvement, particularly in terms of pain, without altering the wrist's overall mobility.

Évaluation fonctionnelle de la prise en charge chirurgicale de l’arthrose scapho-trapézo-trapézoïdienne isolée : série rétrospective monocentrique de 24 patients

Isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis results in a functional impact of the wrist. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the functional results of patients managed surgically at our University Hospital, regardless of the surgical technique used, during the last twelve years, for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis. We performed a monocentric retrospective observational study, using the CCAM database. The inclusion criteria were: surgically treated patient for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis resistant to medical treatment, with clinical and radiological follow-up of more than 6 months. Twenty-four patients were cared for between 2006 and 2018. Partial arthroplasty of the distal pole of the scaphoid with or without interposition techniques and total trapeziectomy techniques were found. The mean follow-up was 79 ± 46.8 months. The joint mobilities of the wrist and the Kapandji score were not significantly reduced postoperatively. The mean postoperative Quick DASH score was 29.15 ± 8.46. The mean VAS was 6.6 ± 1.17 preoperatively versus 1.25 ± 1.51 postoperative (P = 0.003). A statistical subgroup analysis did not reveal any predictive factors for a better postoperative Quick DASH score, nor the superiority of a surgical technique on the evolution of intra-carpal misalignment and postoperative mobilities. Our results are similar to those found in the literature. There was a statistically significant improvement in pain after surgical management, with an improvement of 5.35 points of average on the EVA scale (P = 0.003). This represents a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life. Moreover, concerning the global mobilities of the wrist, we did not demonstrate a significant decrease postoperatively. Indeed, we observed a non-significant mean decrease in flexion (−1.09°) and extension (−4.38°) postoperatively. In addition, the Kapandji score for the mobility of the thumb column is unchanged (loss of 0.17 point not significant). Finally, the surgical management does not result in statistically significant radiological carpal bones offsets with an average postoperative capito-lunar angle of 14.34° ± 6.1 (P = 0.131) which remains below 15°. However, a mean postoperative Quick DASH score of 29.15 out of 100 still means that patients remain functionally impaired in daily life despite surgical management. The surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis resistant to medical treatment provides a significant functional improvement, particularly in terms of pain without altering the overall mobility of the wrist.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of 40 cases of SLAC and SNAC wrist treated by four-corner arthrodesis with locking plate

The treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist varies. No clear consensus exists on surgical indications. Scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis with locking plate is one of preferred treatments for these lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking plates for treating SNAC and SLAC wrist after a mean follow-up of 5 years and to compare these outcomes with the results reported in the literature. A retrospective study was conducted in two hospitals, involving 40 patients who underwent scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis with locking plate between January 2006 and September 2016. All patients were reviewed as outpatients with clinical and radiographic measurements. At the last follow-up, the mean pain level on visual analog scale (VAS) was 2.5/10 [0–7] (SD: 1.7). Patients had a mean flexion of 46% and a mean extension of 46% compared to the contralateral side. An 18% gain was observed in grip strength. The mean postoperative QuickDASH score was 30 [0–57] (SD: 15.3). Seventy percent of patients were satisfied with the operation. Complete (all four joint interfaces) joint space fusion was achieved in 55% of patients. Only one patient (2.5%) had no joint fusion. The joint between the lunate and the capitate was fused in 38 patients (95%). Nine patients suffered complications; eight of them required surgical revision (20%). Four-corner arthrodesis with locking plate is a valuable surgical technique for treating SLAC and SNAC wrist because it preserve satisfactory range of motion and grip strength (64% compared to the non-operated side), maintains the height of the carpus and prevents the premature appearance of radiocarpal osteoarthritis, as long as the technical challenges of this procedure are mastered.

Decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome provides significant functional improvement and patient satisfaction.

This prospective single-centre study describes the functional outcomes, satisfaction and health-related quality of life after open revision carpal tunnel decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. The QuickDASH, patient satisfaction and EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaires were collected preoperatively and postoperatively over a 5-year period (2013-2018). The median time to revision was 13.3 years (range 3.9-35.4 years; interquartile range 7.2-15.9 years). Outcomes were available for 14 hands in 13 patients at a mean of 20 months after revision surgery. The mean preoperative and postoperative QuickDASH scores were 55 and 29, respectively, and the mean improvement in QuickDASH was 26. The mean improvement in EuroQol-5 dimensions score was 0.1, and 13 of the 14 patients were satisfied. The net promoter score was 85. This study confirms that patients undergoing revision open carpal tunnel decompression for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome experience a significant improvement in function and health-related quality of life. Level of evidence: IV.

Carpal tunnel decompression in patients with normal nerve conduction studies.

Some patients present with typical clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome despite normal nerve conduction studies. This study compared the preoperative and 1-year postoperative QuickDASH scores in patients with normal and abnormal nerve conduction studies, who underwent carpal tunnel decompression. Of the 637 patients included in the study, 19 had clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome but normal nerve conduction studies, and underwent decompression after failure of conservative management. Preoperative QuickDASH scores were comparable in both groups (58 vs 54.8). However, there were significant differences between the normal and abnormal nerve conduction study groups in the QuickDASH at 1 year (34.9 vs 21.5) and change in QuickDASH postoperatively (23.1 vs 33.4). Patients with normal nerve conduction studies had comparable preoperative disability scores compared with those with abnormal studies. Although they had a significant improvement in QuickDASH at 1 year, this was significantly less than those with abnormal nerve conduction studies. Level of evidence: III.

The relationship of mental health status to functional outcome and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.

We studied whether mental health status is significantly correlated to patient reported functional outcomes and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release. Over a 7-year period, 809 patients completed Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaires which allowed calculation of the SF-12 mental component summary 1 year postoperatively, 780 (96%) completed a satisfaction questionnaire and 777 (96%) completed a QuickDisabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Median QuickDASH score was 55 preoperatively (interquartile range [IQR] 28) and 14 postoperatively (IQR 32). A total of 674 patients were satisfied. Patients with mental disability had worse QuickDASH scores (median 34, IQR 41) and a higher incidence of dissatisfaction (52/245, 21%) than those without mental disability (n = 9, IQR 20, 10%, both p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated scores in the SF-12 mental component summary were significantly related to postoperative QuickDASH score (p < 0.001) and satisfaction (p = 0.02). We concluded that patients with mental disability report poorer outcomes and lower satisfaction rates; however, the majority still exhibit significant improvements and are satisfied. Level of evidence: II.

Surgical Decompression for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Adolescent Patients

Objectives: Thoracic outlet syndrome represents a complex combination of symptoms in the upper extremity that occurs due to compression of the neurovascular structures of the thoracic outlet or subcoracoid space. It can be seen in overhead athletes and is commonly misdiagnosed as other shoulder pathology. This study seeks to highlight patient characteristics, intraoperative findings, and both short term and long term outcomes of thoracic outlet decompression in the adolescent population as well as a comparison of outcomes by mechanism of injury including athletes. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients between the ages of 13 and 21 with a clinical diagnosis of TOS that were treated surgically by a single surgeon between 2000 and 2015. Data points including preoperative patient characteristics and intraoperative findings were collected. In addition, patient reported outcome scores including quickDASH, CBSQ, VAS, and SANE were obtained for a cohort of patients with long-term follow up ranging from 2 to 15 years. Results: The study population consisted of 54 adolescents (61 extremities) aged 13-21 at the time of presentation. There was a 3:1 female to male ratio. Patients saw an average of 2.08 other healthcare providers before referral to our institution. The most common surgical procedures included neurolysis of the brachial plexus (60; 98.4%), anterior scalenectomy (59; 96.7%), middle scalenectomy (54; 88.5%), excision of the first rib (28; 45.9%), excision of cervical rib (5; 8.2%), and subclavian artery manipulation (50, 81.9%). A second incision in the subcoracoid space was utilized in 28 (45.9%) extremities for exploration of the infraclavicular brachial plexus with release of the coracocostal ligament in 26 of these 28 patients (92.9%). Long-term follow-up data, including patient reported outcomes, was collected for 24/54 patients (44%). In this patient subset, the average follow-up was 69.5 months and ranged from 24 months to 180 months. The average preoperative VAS was recorded at 8.2 with an average postoperative VAS of 2.0, showing an improvement of 6.2 points. The average preoperative SANE score was 28.9 and the average postoperative SANE score was 85.4 with an improvement in 56.5. The average postoperative quickDASH score was 11.4. The average postoperative CBSQ score was 27.4 . The average postoperative NTOS Index score was 17.2. Subgroup analysis was performed analyzing patients having a first rib excision versus patients where their first rib was left intact. There was no difference regarding clinical outcome measures in these groups including CBSQ, VAS, SANE score, quick DASH and NTOS index. An additional subgroup analysis was performed comparing mechanism of injury including overuse from sports, trauma, and idiopathic causes. There was also no difference regarding clinical outcome measures in these groups including CBSQ, VAS, SANE score, quick DASH and NTOS index. Conclusion: We found no difference in clinical outcome scores in patients treated with rib resection versus patients with the first rib left intact. We also found no difference in outcomes with respect to mechanism of injury including overhead sports athletes. Overall, patients did well long-term after decompression of the thoracic outlet. Thoracic outlet syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of athletes with upper extremity pain especially if they have neurologic findings.

Outcome of arthroscopy-assisted treatment for distal clavicle fractures.

The purpose of the present study was described as the arthroscopically assisted procedure that uses a synthetic conoid ligament reconstruction using Zip Tight (Zimmer biomet, Warsaw, USA) and fracture-site fixation with K-wire. Our hypothesis was that this technique provided a satisfactory functional outcome with minimum complication. 45 patients underwent operation to treat fractures of the distal clavicle between January 2014 and May 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) there is an episode of trauma and it is the first fracture (2) distal clavicle fracture of Neer type IIb with dislocation in image findings. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Neer type I, IIa and III of distal clavicle fracture (2) existing injury of rotator cuff, biceps tendon and labral during the arthroscopic procedure. Based on these criteria, 23 patients were included in this study. Clinical outcome assessments were performed using 1-year postoperative Quick DASH score, Constant-Murley score, ASES score. Radiological outcome consisted of antero-posterior and axillary radiographs. Mean clinical outcomes were as follows: Quick DASH score was 3.8 ± 2.8, ASES score was 92.3 ± 3.2 and Constant-Murley score was 94.1 ± 3.0. It was a highly satisfactory result in all of the score at 1-year follow-up. All patients had achieved radiographic union at a minimum 1-year follow-up. There were no cases of nonunion or osteolysis. This study demonstrated that the arthroscopy-assisted treatment using Zip Tight and K-wire provided a satisfactory functional outcome with minimum complication with Neer type IIb fractures of the distal clavicle. IV, Case series, Treatment study.

Solitary ulnar shortening osteotomy for malunion of distal radius fractures: experience of a centre in the UK and review of the literature.

Isolated ulnar shortening osteotomies can be used to treat ulnocarpal abutment secondary to radial shortening following distal radius fractures. Given the increase of fragility distal radius fractures awareness of treating the sequelae of distal radius fractures is important. We present the largest reported case series in the UK of ulnar shortening osteotomies for this indication. Twenty patients with previous distal radial fractures were included, who presented with wrist pain and radiologically evident positive ulnar variance secondary to malunion of the distal radius with no significant intercalated instability. Patients were treated with a short oblique ulnar shortening osteotomy, using a Stanley jig and small AO compression plate system. Pre- and postoperative radiographical measurements of inclination, dorsal/volar angulation and ulnar variance were made. Patients were scored pre- and postoperatively using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores by two orthopaedic surgeons. Mean follow-up was 24 months after surgery. Radiographical analysis revealed a change in the ulnar variance with an average reduction of 5.74 mm. Mean preoperative scores were 61.1 (range 25-95.5) for QuickDASH and 70.4 (range 33-92) for Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. At the latest follow-up, mean postoperative QuickDASH scores were 10.6 (range 0-43.2) and 17.2 (range 0-44) for Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. Differences in scores after surgery for both QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The ulnar shortening osteotomy is a relatively simple procedure compared with corrective radial osteotomy, with a lower complication profile. In our series, patients showed significant improvement in pain and function by correcting the ulnar variance thus preventing ulna-carpal impaction.

Fixation chirurgicale des ligaments collatéraux métacarpo-phalangiens des doigts longs

Collateral ligament injury of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the fingers is underreported in the literature and widely underestimated by medical community. Here, we present results from a large series of patients and review factors influencing success of surgery. We performed a retrospective study of 46 patients who underwent surgical fixation of the MCP collateral ligament using bone anchor in an acute or chronic setting. The diagnosis was predominantly clinical based on laxity testing of the joint. We collected demographic data as well as peroperative findings and postoperative results. The MCP joint and proximal interphalangeal joint amplitude of motion were measured using a goniometer. The grip strength was evaluated using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer (4MD Medical Solutions, Lakewood, NJ, USA) and was compared to the opposite hand. The stability of the collateral ligament was assessed by a stress of the MCP joint in a fully flexed position. A postoperative Quick-DASH score was available for 17 patients. This scoring system ranges from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). We decided to perform postoperative radiography only if clinical instability remained, and radiography was not necessary in our cohort. Post-surgery, with a median follow-up of 17 months, all patients presented with a stable joint and a complete resolution of pain. The mean flexion of the MCP joint was 77.91°, and extension was a mean of 0.84°. We measured the injured grip strength at a mean of 88.52% of the opposite hand, and the mean Quick-DASH score used to evaluate disability was 9.56 on a scale of 100 (with 100 complete disability). Importantly, time from injury to surgery did not influence postoperative results. The diagnosis of MCP collateral ligament rupture is predominantly clinical based on presentation with pain and swelling of the MCP joint with a clear lateral laxity of the MCP joint in flexion. Although in our series, operative delay did not influence postoperative results and a direct repair was always achievable, some authors have described a destruction of the remnant ligament in chronic lesions of MCP joint requiring reconstructive technique. Surgical treatment of MCP collateral ligament rupture with bone anchors is a safe technique that gives reproducible positive results that are not influenced by demographic data, or time to treatment. This pathology is not rare, and a better diagnosis would increase the incidence in future reports.