Arm Shoulder Research Articles

Phenytoin is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in adult epileptic patients.

Osteoporotic fractures lead to significant decreases in the quality of life with increases in morbidity, mortality, and disability. Treatment with a variety of anti-epileptic drugs, such as phenytoin, has been understood to cause a decrease in bone mineral density. Cohort A was identified as patients that were 18-55years old that had epilepsy and recurrent seizures that were also prescribed phenytoin. Cohort B was identified as patients that were 18-55years old that had epilepsy and recurrent seizures but were not prescribed phenytoin or other anti-epileptic medications. Cohorts were matched for relevant confounding pathologies and demographic factors. Outcomes were evaluated from 1day to 5years after the indexed event. A total of 35,936 patients with epilepsy that were prescribed phenytoin were matched with 109,335 patients with epilepsy that were not prescribed phenytoin. Patients on phenytoin therapy were at significantly higher risk for osteoporosis without pathological fracture, fracture of metatarsal bone, fracture of shoulder and upper arm, fracture of distal radius, fracture of thoracic vertebra, fracture of cervical vertebra, fracture of lumbar vertebra, fracture of femoral head or neck, pertrochanteric fracture, femoral shaft fracture, and distal tibia fracture (all outcomes p < 0.001). Epileptic patients on phenytoin therapy that were 18-55years old exhibited higher associated risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic-fragility fractures of various regions. Patients that undergo phenytoin therapy for epilepsy treatment should be educated on the increased risk of bone fractures and have appropriate lifestyle and diet modifications.

Conservative Axillary Surgery May Prevent Arm Lymphedema without Increasing Axillary Recurrence in the Surgical Management of Breast Cancer.

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been associated with postoperative morbidities, including arm lymphedema, shoulder dysfunction, and paresthesia. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy emerged as a method to assess axillary nodal status and possibly obviate the need for ALND in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) breast cancer. The majority of breast cancer patients are eligible for SLN biopsy only, so ALND can be avoided. However, there are subsets of patients in whom ALND cannot be eliminated. ALND is still needed in patients with three or more positive SLNs or those with gross extranodal or matted nodal disease. Moreover, ALND has conventionally been performed to establish local control in clinically node-positive (cN+) patients with a heavy axillary tumor burden. The sole method to avoid ALND is through neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Recently, various forms of conservative axillary surgery have been developed in order to minimize arm lymphedema without increasing axillary recurrence. In the era of effective multimodality therapy, conventional ALND may not be necessary in either cN0 or cN+ patients. Further studies with a longer follow-up period are needed to determine the safety of conservative axillary surgery.

THE OFFICIAL TRANSLATION OF THE DASH SCORING SYSTEM TO ISIZULU FOR USE IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score questionnaire is a common self-administered tool to assess symptom severity and function in patients with injuries or pathology of the upper limb. However, having such a pertinent tool only in English is limiting in multi-cultural and multilingual populations where English is not always the first language, such as our South African context. IsiZulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa (approximately 25% of the population). There are certain instances in research, particularly in international studies, where non-English speaking individuals need to be excluded based on translator reliability. This puts our institutions at a disadvantage by not being able to contribute to research.As per the international Institute of Work and Health (IWH), we followed the 5 stage guidelines to achieve the most appropriate linguistic and cultural adapted translation for our setting. (1) Two independent translations from English to isiZulu. (2) A synthesis of the 2 initial translations. (3) Two independent back-translations from the synthesized isiZulu version into English. (4) Expert panel (consisting of university lecturers and official translators) to review all versions and re-create an optimized synthesized version. (5) Pre-testing of the final optimized synthesized version in a pilot study. This rigorous process allowed for a concise and more culturally relevant translation for use in our population. The fourth stage in the process was integral in synthesizing the tool while considering the colloquial and semantic differences and resolving them with appropriate equivalents.The IWH guidelines aids in the cross-cultural adaptation of the DASH score while remaining valid and comparable to the original English version. This is beneficial in multi-national research projects and allows for the standardization of health outcome measures.

Double trouble-unveiling the hidden pain: bilateral paediatric parsonage-turner syndrome: an unprecedented encounter

Parsonage-turner syndrome (PTS), also known as idiopathic brachial neuritis, is a rare disorder characterized by sudden-onset severe shoulder pain followed by weakness and atrophy of the shoulder and arm muscles. This case report presents the clinical scenario of an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with PTS, highlighting the unique challenges and considerations in the paediatric population. In our case, a 11-year-old girl presented with sudden-onset severe bilateral shoulder pain, followed by weakness and atrophy of the shoulder and upper arm muscles. The clinical examination revealed muscle wasting and limited range of motion. The diagnosis of PTS was confirmed through MRI and electromyography (EMG) showing denervation in the affected shoulder muscles. Patient was managed with symptomatic supportive treatment in the form of analgesics and physical therapy. Patient is on the road to recovery and on regular follow up. We concluded that prompt recognition and appropriate management of PTS are crucial to optimize outcomes and prevent long-term disability, particularly in the paediatric population.

Clinical analysis of posterior axillary approach internal fixation for IdebergⅠa andⅡglenoid fractures

To investigate the efficacy of posterior axillary approach internal fixation for Ideberg Ⅰa andⅡ glenoid fractures. From December 2018 to September 2021, 9 patients with lower part of glenoid fractures were treated by posterior axillary approach, including 3 males and 6 females, aged from 50 to 78 years old. All the fractures were closed fractures. According to Ideberg type of scapular glenoid fracture was type Ⅰa in 6 cases and type Ⅱ in 3 cases. AP and lateral X-ray films of scapula were taken at 6, 12 weeks and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Constant-Murley and disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH), and other complications were recorded at the latest follow-up. Nine patients were followed up, ranged from 6 to 15 months. And bone healing was achieved in all 9 patients at the final follow-up, the healing time 3 to 6 months, Constant-Murley score at the final follow-up ranged from 55 to 96, and DASH score ranged from 3.33 to 33.33. Both of them were better than preoperative. The posterior axillary approach internal fixation for Ideberg Ⅰa and Ideberg Ⅱ Glenoid fractures scapular fracture is satisfactory and worthy of clinical application.

Ultrasound guided interscalene brachial plexus block.

Peripheral nerve blocks have long been established as a crucial part of the enhanced recovery pathways after surgery. Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is mainly indicated for anaesthesia and analgesia during shoulder and proximal arm surgery. Ultrasound technology has remarkably improved the efficacy and success rates of the ISB while limiting its potential complications.

The causal effect of schizophrenia on fractures and bone mineral density: a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization study of European ancestry

BackgroundSchizophrenia was clinically documented to co-occur with fractures and aberrant bone mineral density (BMD), but the potential causal relationship remained unclear. This study aimed to test the causal effects between schizophrenia and fractures as well as aberrant BMD by conducting Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.MethodsTwo-sample MR was utilized, based on instrumental variables from large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of schizophrenia as exposure, to identify the causal association of schizophrenia with mixed fractures, fractures at different body sites (including skull and facial bones, shoulder and upper arm, wrist and hand, and femur) and BMDs of forearm (FA), femoral neck (FN), lumbar spine (LS) and estimated BMD (eBMD). Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis was performed to minimize the confounding effect of body mass index (BMI).ResultsResult from inverse variance weighting (IVW) method provided evidence schizophrenia increased the risk of fractures of skull and facial bones [odds ratio (OR) = 1.0006, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0003 to 1.0010] and femur [OR =1.0007, 95% CI: 1.0003 to 1.0011], whereas, decreased the level of eBMD [β (95%CI): -0.013 (-0.021, -0.004)]. These causal effects still existed after adjusting for BMI. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results. However, no causal effect of schizophrenia on fracture or BMD in other parts was detected.ConclusionThe current finding confirmed that schizophrenia was causally associated with the fractures of skull, face and femur as well as eBMD, which might remind psychiatrists to pay close attention to the fracture risk in schizophrenic patients when formulating their treatment strategies.

Outcomes of radiocarpal pinning to facilitate nerve repair in wrist level ulnar nerve injuries with defect.

The ideal scenario for ulnar nerve repair is primary end-to-end neurorrhaphy in a tension-free environment. However, this could be complicated by soft tissue loss, scarring and neuroma formation in a delayed injury, creating a nerve defect. With a wrist level nerve defect, a flexion position can help shorten the nerve gap. However, maintaining the position can be challenging intraoperatively and postoperatively. We proposed our method previously of using a 1.6mm K wire for radio-lunate-capitate pinning of the wrist in flexion to minimize the nerve gap, thereby facilitating neuroma excision and end-to-end neurorrhaphy in delayed ulnar nerve injury. In this study, we elaborate our method and present our case series. From October 2018 to July 2020, 5 patients (mean age: 48.2 years; mean delay from injury to surgery: 84.6 days; mean follow-up: 17.5 months) were retrospectively reviewed. The mean flexion fixation angle was 52 degrees and the K wire was removed at an average of 5.1 weeks postoperatively. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. All patients achieved M4 and S3 or S3+ neurologically (according to the criteria of the Nerve Injuries Committee of the British Medical Research Council). The mean Disabilities Arm Hand and Shoulder score was 14.1. The mean grasp and pinch strengths were, respectively, 76.8% and 63.6% of the contralateral hand. All wrist range-of-motion returned to normal within 12 weeks. No complications were noted intraoperatively or postoperatively. Our study showed that radiocarpal pinning of the wrist in flexion was safe and convenient to minimize the nerve gap and to facilitate end-to-end neurorrhaphy in limited-sized wrist-level ulnar nerve defects.

The effect of orally administered metoprolol on the frequency and severity of rocuronium injection pain

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of orally administered metoprolol on the frequency and severity of pain caused by rocuronium injection in patients who started to use and were currently using oral metoprolol for any reason such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Methods: Patients were evaluated in four groups. Group M: patients currently using metoprolol and who did not receive lidocaine before the application of rocuronium. Group ML: patients currently using metoprolol and who received lidocaine before rocuronium application. Group L: patients currently not using metoprolol and received lidocaine before rocuronium application. Group C: patients currently not using metoprolol and who did not receive lidocaine before rocuronium application. Following the induction of general anesthesia with thiopental sodium, a researcher blind to the groups observed the pain during rocuronium injection based on the following scale: (1) no reaction, (2) movement only in the ankle, (3) movement or withdrawal only in the arm (shoulder and ankle), and (4) diffuse reaction (movement or withdrawal in more than one extremity, coughing and holding breath). Results: Two hundred patients with 50 in each of four groups were included. The incidence of pain was statistically significantly lower in Group ML compared to Groups M and C (p = 0.001). The correlations between pain caused by rocuronium injection and duration of metoprolol usage and the time since the last dose were not statistically significant (for all, p &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Oral metoprolol combined with lidocaine reduced pain and withdrawal reflex caused by rocuronium injection. No significant difference was observed between the last dose and the duration of metoprolol usage.

A Case Series on Tens Nailing in Fracture Clavicle

Introduction: One of the most frequently fractured bones, the clavicle accounts for 2.6–4% of all fractures. 73% of these are displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, and 69 to 82% of these occur in the middle portion of the clavicle. For displaced clavicle fractures, including one with NV compromise and skin tenting, surgery has been recommended. Peroni published the first description of intramedullary treatment for clavicular fractures in 1950. The adoption of a TENS nail has benefits such as less soft tissue damage, a shorter surgical procedure, better cosmetic outcomes, load sharing fixation with relative stability, and abundant callus production.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A prospective study of 20 patients who had TENS nailing treatment after presenting to our institute between January 2022 and June 2023 with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures was conducted. Constant Murley and DASH scores were completed for each patient at 6 and 12 weeks.&#x0D; Results: All the patients achieved clinical and radiological union at a mean of 7.6 ± 2.89 weeks and 18.8 ± 5.87 weeks respectively.85% of the patient had excellent Constant Murley score on follow up. Based on the assessment parameters (Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand) Score, the mean DASH score was 24.90 ± 3.21and16.45 ± 3.33at the end of 6 and 12 weeks respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Midshaft clavicle fractures can be safely fixed intramedullarily utilising TENS, and in our experience, this procedure yields both good functional and aesthetic benefits.&#x0D; Keywords: Clavicle, Intramedullary, Tens, Fracture

Optimal initial position and technique for the front foot contact phase of cricket fast bowling: Commonalities between individual-specific simulations of elite bowlers

Group-based and individual-based studies in cricket fast bowling have identified common technique characteristics associated with ball release speed. The applicability of these findings to individual bowlers is often questioned, however, due to research approach limitations. This study aims to identify whether the optimal initial body position at front foot contact and subsequent technique to maximise ball release speed exhibit common characteristics for elite male cricket fast bowlers using individual-specific computer optimisations. A planar 16-segment whole-body torque-driven simulation model of the front foot contact phase of fast bowling was customised, evaluated, and the initial body position and subsequent movement pattern optimised, for ten elite male fast bowlers. The optimised techniques significantly increased ball release speed by 4.8 ± 1.3 ms−1 (13.5 ± 4.1%) and ranged between 37.8 and 42.9 ms−1, and in lower peak ground reaction forces and loading rates. Common characteristics were observed within the optimal initial body position with more extended front knees, as well as more flexion of the front and bowling arm shoulders than in current performances. Delays to the onset of trunk flexion, front arm and bowling arm shoulder extension, and wrist flexion were also common in the subsequent movement during the front foot contact phase. Lower front hip extensor and front shoulder flexor torques, as well as greater bowling shoulder extensor torques were also evident. This is useful knowledge for coach development, talent identification, and coaching practice.

The effectiveness of mobilization with movement on patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A single-blinded, randomized controlled study

Study designSingle-blinded, randomized controlled study. IntroductionCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) causes pain and loss of function in the affected hand. The mobilization with movement (MWM) technique is a manual therapy method applied to correct joint movement limitation and to relieve pain and functional disorders. Purpose of the studyThis study aimed to examine the effectiveness of MWM technique on pain, grip strength, range of motion, edema, hand reaction, nerve conduction, and functional status in patients with CTS. MethodsA total of 45 patients enrolled in the study. The MWM group (n = 18) completed a 4-week combined conservative physiotherapy and MWM program, whereas the control group (n = 18) received only the 4 weeks of conservative physiotherapy. Pain severity according to the numerical rating scale was used as primary outcome. ResultsWe found an improvement within the subjects in resting pain (MWMG:5.1 ± 3.6 vs 1.1 ± 2.4, Effect Size (ES)=1.3; CG:4.5 ± 3.3 vs 1.0 ± 2.2, ES=1.1), in activity pain (MWMG:6.5 ± 3.7 vs 1.1 ± 2.4, ES=1.5; CG:4.8 ± 3.4 vs 2.2 ± 2.3, ES=1) and in night pain (MWMG:5.9 ± 3.2 vs 1.8 ± 2.5, ES=1.2; CG:5.3 ± 4.2 vs ± 2.3 ± 3.5, ES=0.9). For between the groups, a statistical difference was found for the activity pain, Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire score (MWMG:52.2 ± 23.8 vs 27 ± 24.7, ES=1.3; CG:47.0 ± 24.8 vs 41.5 ± 22.1, ES=0.2), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ-1), (MWMG:44.4 ± 23.7 vs 74.7 ± 24.5, ES=1.3; CG:44.8 ± 17.4 vs 57.4 ± 21.7, ES=0.9) and MHQ-5 (MWMG:68.8 ± 13.1 vs 82.5 ± 11.5, ES=0.9; CG:63.4 ± 26.7 vs 59.3 ± 25.8, ES=0.1) parameters in favour of MWM group. DiscussionThis study showed that MWM compared to conservative physiotherapy might be more effective in reducing perceived symptoms in mild and moderate CTS patients. ConclusionsMWM produced a small benefit to recovery of activity pain and upper extremity functionality level outcomes of patients with mild to moderate CTS when added to a traditional CTS physical therapy program.

Comparison of the efficacy of ultrasound guided pectoralis-II block and intercostal approach to paravertebral block (proximal intercostal block) among patients undergoing conservative breast surgery: A randomised control study.

Regional anesthesia techniques have attributed a multimodal dimension to pain management after breast surgery. The intercostal approach to paravertebral block has been gaining interest, becoming an alternative to conventional paravertebral block, devoid of complexities in its approach, being recognized as the proximal intercostal block. Parallel to the widespread acceptance of fascial plane blocks in breast surgery, pectoralis II block has emerged as being non-inferior to paravertebral block. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two independent fascial plane blocks, proximal intercostal block and pectoralis II block, in breast conservation surgery. This prospective, randomized control, pilot study included 40 patients, randomly allocated among two groups: proximal intercostal block and pectoralis II block. The pectoralis II block group had significantly lower pain scores at rest in the immediate postoperative period but became comparable with the proximal intercostal block group in the late postoperative period. Pain scores on movement though were lower at 0 h postoperatively and became comparable with the proximal intercostal block group subsequently. Although the pectoralis II group had earlier recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit, the overall time to discharge from the hospital was comparable and not influential. Both groups had high patient satisfaction scores and similar perioperative opioid consumption. Sedation, time to first rescue analgesia, and postoperative nausea vomiting scores were comparable. Fascial plane blocks in the form of pectoralis II and proximal intercostal block facilitate pain alleviation, early return to shoulder arm exercise, and enhanced recovery, which should render them to be incorporated into multimodal interdisciplinary pain management in breast conservation surgery.

Physiotherapy treatments for the patient with Bankart lesion repair: a case report study

Background: Bankart lesion is torn in the anterior membrane covering the shoulder joint (labrum) due to continuous dislocation of the shoulder joint forward. Bankart lesions can occur due to sports activities that use the front of the shoulder, such as javelin throwing. It is not uncommon for injuries to javelin-throwing athletes to require physiotherapy treatment so they can return to playing javelin-throwing.&#x0D; Aim: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the training program such as ultrasound therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), active assisted range of motion (ROM) exercises, active assisted ROM exercises against gravity, strengthening exercises, wall climbing, and open cage exercises. to tourists who are javelin throwing athletes who experience Bankart lesions.&#x0D; Case Report: In this case, a 42-year-old man from France came to the physiotherapy clinic complaining of pain, stiffness, and limited movement of the right shoulder joint. The patient underwent surgery for Bankart shoulder repair on his right shoulder on October 16th, 2022, due to repeated dislocations three times during javelin throws. The patient has limited movement and pain in the right shoulder. In addition, the right hand also does not swing when walking. On static inspection, the chest, shoulder, and right arm are smaller (atrophied) and positioned lower than the left. There is an incision in the anterior deltoid area (post-Bankart repair shoulder). Intervention modalities included ultrasound therapy applications and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Exercise therapy includes active assisted ROM exercises, active assisted ROM exercises against gravity, strengthening exercises, wall climbing, and open cage exercises.&#x0D; Result: After interventions, the patient’s recovery condition improved. An exercise program designed and implemented on patients for two weeks has slowly raised the patient's self-confidence and increased the patient's ability to perform physical activities.&#x0D; Conclusion: The physiotherapy intervention program for a Bankart lesion patient showed an improvement in the patient’s condition, with an increase in ROM, an increase in muscle strength, and a decrease in perceived pain.

Causal effects of tea intake on multiple types of fractures: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Fracture is a global public health disease. Bone health and fracture risk have become the focus of public and scientific attention. Observational studies have reported that tea consumption is associated with fracture risk, but the results are inconsistent. The present study used 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The inverse variance weighted method, employing genetic data from UK Biobank (447,485 cases) of tea intake and UK Biobank (Genome-wide association study Round 2) project (361,194 cases) of fractures, was performed to estimate the causal relationship between tea intake and multiple types of fractures. The inverse variance weighted indicated no causal effects of tea consumption on fractures of the skull and face, shoulder and upper arm, hand and wrist, femur, calf, and ankle (odds ratio = 1.000, 1.000, 1.002, 0.997, 0.998; P = .881, 0.857, 0.339, 0.054, 0.569, respectively). Consistent results were also found in MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode. Our research provided evidence that tea consumption is unlikely to affect the incidence of fractures.

Arm injury in youth baseball players: a 10-year cohort study.

Arm injuries are commonly encountered in baseball as young athletes play into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of arm injury and risk for surgery in adolescent baseball players followed over a 10-year period from scholastic, age-group, and travel baseball leagues through their highest level of competition. A prospective study was conducted enrolling middle and high school baseball players in 2010-2012, then followed for 10 years or until retirement from competitive baseball. Players were included if fully participating in team activities at the time of preseason study enrollment. Players with prior arm (shoulder or elbow) surgery or those diagnosed with time loss arm injury within the past year were excluded. Only shoulder and elbow overuse problems resulting in time-loss from sport and medical attention from a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon were documented as injuries in this study. Musculoskeletal overuse injuries were classified based on the orchard injury classification system. Incidence proportion and risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for initial injury and injuries requiring surgery were calculated. A total of 261 pitchers (age: 14.2±2.6 years; follow-up: 4.2±2.7 years) were enrolled. Twenty percent of the cohort was followed for ≥7 years. The overall injury incidence was 25.6/100 athletes (95% CI21-31) with a cumulative surgical incidence of 5.4/100 athletes (95% CI3.2-8.8). The risk of experiencing shoulder injury (n=25) and elbow injury (n=38) were similar (n=38) (RR0.7, 95% CI0.4-1.1). The athletes also presented with a similar frequency of requiring surgery regardless of the injured body part. However, the risk of surgery in those playing beyond the high school level was 4.3 times greater (95% CI 1.2-15.0) than those only playing high school. This is the first study to follow a large cohort of youth baseball players as they progress, showing a relatively high arm injury incidence. Shoulder and elbow injury incidence was similar but surgical risk increased playing beyond high school, specifically for the elbow. The high injury frequency and burden of care required by young baseball players as reported in this study is concerning, and strategies to reduce injury should be investigated.

Recovery of the shoulder kinematics after reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundThere is very limited information about the changes in shoulder kinematics in patients with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in the scapulohumeral rhythm and shoulder kinematics over time after the reverse shoulder procedure. MethodsNineteen patients with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (age: 65.8 ± 10.3 years) were included to the study. During arm elevation in the sagittal and scapular planes, operated shoulder kinematics (humerothoracic elevation, glenohumeral elevation, scapulohumeral rhythm, and scapular rotations) were assessed using an electromagnetic tracking system at the postoperative 3rd, 6th, and 18th months. Asymptomatic shoulder kinematics were also assessed at the postoperative 18th month. Shoulder function was assessed using The Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score at the postoperative 3rd, 6th, and 18th months. FindingsMaximum humerothoracic elevation increased from 98° to 109° over the postoperative period (p = 0.01). The scapulohumeral rhythm was similar on the operated and asymptomatic shoulders at the final follow-up (p = 0.11). Both the operated and asymptomatic shoulder demonstrated similar scapular kinematics at the postoperative 18th month (p > 0.05). The Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score decreased over time in the postoperative period (p < 0.05). InterpretationShoulder kinematics may be improved after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the postoperative period. Focusing on scapular stabilization and deltoid muscle control in the postoperative rehabilitation program may enhance the shoulder kinematics and upper extremity function.

Exploring the role of biopsy-proven diabetic axonal neuropathy in outcomes of carpal tunnel release in diabetic and non-diabetic populations

BackgroundCarpal tunnel release outcomes in diabetic and non-diabetic patients are conflicting, possibly due to lack of differentiating patients with axonal neuropathy and those without axonal neuropathy. Materials and methodsSixty-five diabetic and 106 non-diabetic patients who failed conservative treatment and then underwent carpal tunnel release from 2015 to 2022 were selected from a hand surgeon’s patient database. Diagnosis was established with parameters established with the CTS-6 Evaluation Tool, and electrodiagnosis when indicated. Patient outcomes were evaluated using preoperative and postoperative Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Scale, and Wong-Baker Pain Scale. Postoperative evaluations were taken 6 months to a year post-surgery. Skin biopsies for nerve fiber density and morphology were taken from 50 diabetic patients. Another 50 were taken from non-diabetic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and served as controls. Biopsy-proven axonal neuropathy was used as a confounding variable in the assessment of diabetic patients’ recovery ResultsWhen comparing diabetics with biopsy-proven axonal neuropathy to diabetics without axonal neuropathy, the recovery outcomes are increasingly better for diabetics without neuropathy. Diabetics with biopsy-proven neuropathy have an improvement in recovery outcomes as well; however, not to the level of non-diabetics. ConclusionPatients with increased scale scores or clinical suspicion for axonal neuropathy can be offered the option of undergoing a biopsy, and counseled about the risks for increased time to meet outcomes comparable to non-diabetics and diabetics without axonal neuropathy.

Muscle assessment in brachial plexus injury: A reliability study

PurposeMotor outcome following a brachial plexus injury is frequently measured to evaluate the success of surgical interventions. We aimed to identify whether the manual muscle testing using the Medical Research Council (MRC) method in adults with C5/6/7 motor weakness was reliable and whether its results correlated with functional recovery. MethodsTwo experienced clinicians examined 30 adults with C5/6/7 weakness following proximal nerve injury. The examination included using the modified MRC to assess motor outcome in the upper limb. Kappa statistics were calculated to evaluate inter-tester reliability. Correlation coefficients was calculated to explore the correlation between the MRC and the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and each EQ5D domain. ResultsWe found that grades 3–5 of the modified and unmodified MRC motor rating scales have poor inter-rater reliability when assessing C5/6/7 innervated muscles in adults with a proximal nerve injury. The Deltoid Posterior and the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus were the only muscles (using the modified MRC) to achieve a Kappa over 0.6 indicating substantial reliability. Higher combined MRC scores correlated significantly with a lower DASH and vice versa. Similarly, higher combined scores of MRC correlated significantly with a higher rating of overall health on the EQ5D VAS. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the MRC motor rating scale has poor inter-rater reliability when assessing C5/C6/C7 innervated muscles in adults following proximal nerve injury. Other methods of assessing motor outcome following proximal nerve injury need to be considered.

Return to Sport After Operative Fixation of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Professional Jockeys.

Clavicle fractures are the most commonly observed fracture sustained in professional horse racing. This study is the first to report on time lost from injury and functional recovery after surgical fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures in professional jockeys. Retrospective cohort study. Professional Horse Racing Ireland; Patients (or Participants): Professional Jockeys in Ireland with midshaft clavicular fractures managed with Open Reduction Internal Fixation. Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors or Independent Variables): Operative fixation with Open Reduction Internal Fixation. Assessment of postoperative Quick Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score and Patient Reported Outcome Measures assessing for associated complications and time to return to competition among professional athletes. Between 07/06/2013 and 29/09/2022, 22 patients met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Ninety-five percent of patients returned to competition at their preinjury level, one patient failed to return to competition for reasons unrelated to his injury. The mean time for return to competition was 68.14 days postinjury. Few complications were reported, whereas functional recovery was excellent across the cohort, with an average QuickDASH score of 0.85 (0.0-2.3). Plate fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures is effective and safe in the setting of professional horse racing. Ninety-five percent of patients can be expected to return within 14 weeks of injury. Patients returning at less than 7 weeks after injury had no adverse outcomes, suggesting a potential role for more aggressive rehabilitation postoperatively and ultimately, a quicker return to competition.