Tip Pinch Strength Research Articles

Outcome of Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition for Patients Aged Less Than 56 Years: A Retrospective Study With a Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term consequences of trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in patients aged less than 56 years. A retrospective study was performed to investigate the outcome of trapeziectomy and LRTI with a follow-up period of greater than 5 years in patients aged less than 56 years at the time of surgery. Patients completed the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and a 10-point visual analog score for pain (VAS). Objective assessments included thumb opposition, palmar and radial abduction angles, and grip, lateral key, and thumb tip pinch strengths. Radiographic assessments of the thumb carpometacarpal joint were performed in three planes, and the trapezial space and trapezial space to metacarpal height ratios were calculated. Between January 2005 and December 2017, 105 patients were treated. Forty-eight patients with 58 thumbs returned for review. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 52.5 years, and 96% of the patients were women. The mean follow-up period from surgery was 11 years. The mean VAS score was 1. A significant association was found between younger age at the time of surgery and increased proximal migration of the metacarpal, between high VAS pain scores and high PRWE and DASH scores, weak grip, lateral key pinch and thumb tip pinch strength, and Kapandji score, and between the follow-up period and increasing VAS pain, PRWE, and DASH scores. Trapeziectomy and LRTI are effective procedures for patients aged less than 56 years. The benefits of surgery should be balanced against the deterioration in the outcome measures of DASH and PRWE and increasing VAS scores with increasing intervals from surgery. Therapeutic IV.

Interposition of Free Vascularized Fascia Into the Trapezial Resection Cavity for the Surgical Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis has been treated with interposition of autologous fascia into the trapezial resection cavity to prevent scaphometacarpal impingement with suboptimal results. Autologous fascia may undergo necrosis and gradual shrinkage due to avascularity. We propose vascularization of the interposed fascia using microvascular techniques as a new alternative to achieve a durable graft with sufficient soft tissue volume. In this retrospective study, 11 surgeries for 8 patients (6 women, 2 men) (5 primary and 6 revision cases) were performed using vascularized fascial grafts from the anterolateral thigh for interposition in the trapezial resection cavity with microvascular anastomosis for revascularization. Subjective assessment included the short version of the Quick Disabilities of the Hand, Shoulder and Arm and patient related hand wrist evaluation scores. Objective assessment included strength and range of motion measurements. Radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at each follow-up visit. An MRI was done at a mean of 19 months postoperatively. The size of the harvested fascial grafts was 2 × 2-3 cm with a thickness of 1.5-2 cm. There were no postoperative complications apart from one seroma in the graft harvest site. The mean clinical and radiologic follow-up was 2 years and 8 months. The procedure provided pain relief PRWHE pain 32 (SD 13)-9 (SD 12), p < 0.0001, increased tip pinch strength 4 kg (SD3)-6 kg (SD2), p < 0.05, and improved overall function PRWHE 60 (SD28)-16 (SD21), p < 0.0001 and QuickDash 50 (SD21)-13 (SD17), p < 0.0001. Radiographs demonstrated maintenance of the scaphometacarpal space, while MRI scans showed the presence of mildly edematous interposed tissue within the resection cavity. Although technically demanding, vascularized fascia presents an attractive alternative for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. It may be particularly advantageous in complex cases requiring revision surgery and in young patients with high functional demands.

The Linburg-Comstock Anomaly: A Study on Prevalence and Effect on Various Strength Metrics.

The Linburg-Comstock (LC) anomaly is a common tendinous connection between the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), most frequently to the FDP of the index finger. The purpose of this study was to obtain epidemiologic data on the LC anomaly in a healthy, ethnically diverse population and to study the effect of the LC anomaly on grip strength, tip pinch strength, key pinch strength, and chuck pinch strength. We examined 500 healthy subjects (292 females and 208 males) bilaterally for the presence of the LC anomaly. Each subject had their grip strength, tip pinch strength, key pinch strength, and chuck pinch strength measured bilaterally using a dynamometer for grip strength and a pinch meter for all pinch strength measurements. The LC anomaly was present in 213 of the 500 subjects (43%). One hundred one subjects (47%) had a unilateral presentation, and 112 (53%) subjects had a bilateral presentation. The LC anomaly was associated with a weaker tip pinch strength. When examining the LC anomaly among different ethnic groups, the highest prevalence was found in the Hispanic (57%) population followed by Caucasian (50%), Asian (41%), and African American (31%) populations. The LC anomaly has different prevalence according to ethnicity, with a higher prevalence in the Hispanic and Caucasian populations and a lower overall prevalence in the African American populations. The LC anomaly can also result in weaker tip pinch strength.

Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes After Tendon Autograft Reconstruction of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament

This study aimed to report clinical and patient-reported outcomes collected in a registry after thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction with a free tendon autograft. Furthermore, the patient-reported outcomes of patients with persistent instability after reconstruction and patients with concomitant metacarpophalangeal joint arthritis diagnosed during surgery were analyzed. Patients undergoing reconstruction with a tendon autograft between December 2011 and February 2021 were included. Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) scores at baseline were compared with those at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Stability was tested at 3 months after surgery. Tip and key pinch strength and metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion were measured at baseline and 12 months after surgery. We included 31 patients with thumb UCL insufficiency or failed UCL surgery who underwent reconstruction. The MHQ total score improved significantly from 62 at baseline to 75 at 3 months and continued to increase to 84 at 12 months after surgery. The MHQ function and pain scores improved significantly from intake to 3 and 12 months after surgery. Twenty-six of 31 patients (84%) regained postoperative metacarpophalangeal stability. Key pinch strength improved significantly 12 months after surgery from 5.2 kg at baseline to 6.4 kg at 12 months. The MHQ total, pain, and function scores of patients with persistent instability remained similar from baseline to 12 months after surgery. In four patients with metacarpophalangeal arthritis, the MHQ total and pain score improved significantly from baseline to 3 and 12 months after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain and function, improved after thumb UCL reconstruction with a tendon autograft. Although the sample size of patients with thumb metacarpophalangeal arthritis diagnosed during surgery was small, they reached adequate patient-reported outcomes at 12 months after surgery. Therapeutic IV.

Hand Grip and Pinch Strength in a Healthy Children Norms for 6 to 18 Years in Al-Kharj City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Measuring and comparing grip and pinch strengths with their normative data is a valid method to detect intensity of the numerous damages of hand. The aim of the study was to establish the normative data of grip strength and three types of pinch strengths (Key, Tip and Palmar) in healthy Saudi’s children. Method: In this cross-sectional study, of grip strength and three types of pinch strengths (Tip, Key and Palmar) were recorded for 82 healthy children (41 boys and 41 girls) heathy children aged 7-18 years. The Camry Electronic Hand Dynamometer and Hydraulic Pinch Gauge were used to measure grip strength and pinch strength, respectively. Result: Normative data of grip and pinch strengths were provided. Grip and pinch strengths of both genders were close to each other’s and increasing consistently with increasing age. The maximum grip strength and pinch strength was obtained in the group of 14-18 years among both genders. In addition: Study results showed that there was a significant association between weight and all the hand grip strength and pinch strength (p &lt; 0.05) in boys whereas BMI considered as an effective parameter on grip strength and tip pinch strength in girls. Conclusions: Findings from the present study provide reference values for hand grip strength and pinch strength for healthy children from 6- which will be useful to guide rehabilitation outcomes in routine clinical practice.18 years of age which will be useful to guide rehabilitation outcomes in routine clinical practice.

Efficacy of Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection for Nonsurgical Management of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

As osteoarthritis (OA) of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint leads to a high degree of disease burden with compromises in rudimentary and fine movements of the hand, intra-articular injections may be a desirable treatment option. However, because there are no evidence-based guidelines, the choice of intra-articular injection type is left to the discretion of the individual surgeon in collaboration with the patient. The purpose of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis using level I studies to compare outcomes following corticosteroid and alternative methods of intra-articular injections for the management of TMC OA. Our hypothesis was that intra-articular corticosteroid injections were no more effective than other methods of intra-articular injections for the management of TMC OA. A systematic literature search was performed. Eligible for inclusion were randomized control trials reporting on intra-articular corticosteroid injection for the management of TMC OA. Clinical outcomes were recorded. The 10 included studies comprised 673 patients. The mean age was 57.8 ± 8.3 years, with a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 2.7 months. There was no significant difference in visual analog scale scores, grip strength and tip pinch strength between corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid at short- and medium-term follow-up. Further, there was no difference in visual analog scale pain scores at rest at medium-term follow-up between corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma. Despite short-term improvement with intra-articular corticosteroid injections, there was no significant difference in pain and functional outcomes following intra-articular corticosteroid injections compared to hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma administration. Given the affordability, ease of administration, and efficacy associated with corticosteroids, they are a favorable option when considering the choice of intra-articular injection for the management of TMC OA. Therapeutic II.

Clinical outcomes after primary repair for thumb ulnar collateral ligament ruptures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is no consensus on the best surgical technique for treating thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) ruptures. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates which primary repair technique and postoperative immobilization protocol result in the best clinical outcomes. A literature search was conducted in Embase, Medline ALL Ovid, Web of Science Core Selection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Pain, stability, tip pinch strength, key pinch strength, grip strength, return to work and metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion were collected as postoperative outcomes. In total, 29 studies were included. All surgical techniques resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes, with no significant differences between bone anchor reinsertion, suture fixation, K-wire fixation and a combination of techniques. K-wire immobilization resulted in worse postoperative pain, but similar stability compared to immobilization without a K-wire. Clinical outcomes after thumb UCL repair are excellent, with no differences in clinical outcomes noted among surgical techniques.

Effects of weights applied to the apex of a bag-valve-mask and pinch strength on tidal volume: a prospective simulation study

A bag-valve-mask (BVM) is a first aid tool that can easily and quickly provide positive-pressure ventilation in patients with breathing difficulties. The most important aspect of BVM bagging is how closely the mask adheres to the patient’s face when the E–C technique is used. In particular, the greater the adhesion force at the apex of the mask, the greater the tidal volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various weights applied to the mask’s apex and the pinch strength needed to perform the E–C technique, on tidal volume. In this prospective simulation study, quasi-experimental and equivalent time-series designs were used. A total of 72 undergraduate paramedic student from three universities were recruited using convenience sampling. The tidal volumes according to the weights (0 g, 100 g, 200 g, 300 g) applied to the apical area of the mask, handgrip strength, and pinch strength (tip pinch strength, key pinch strength, and tripod pinch strength) were measured. A linear mixed model analysis was performed. Linear mixed model analyses showed that tidal volume was significantly higher at 200 g (B = 43.38, p = 0.022) and 300 g (B = 38.74, p = 0.017) than at 0 g. Tripod pinch strength (B = 12.88, p = 0.007) had a significant effect on mask adhesion for effective BVM ventilation. Adding weight to the apical area of the mask can help maintain the E–C technique and enable effective ventilation. Future studies are required to develop specific strategies to improve the ventilation skills, which can be an important first-aid activity.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of home-based portable laser irradiation on patients with wrist pain: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of small, portable low-level laser therapy (light sources in square configuration: 830 nm GaAs diode 3.2 mW at the center, 4 × 650 nm InGaAIP diodes over the corners) treatment in reducing and enhancing hand function in patients with wrist pain. This study was a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, and home-based self-therapy trial. A total of thirty subjects with wrist pain were enrolled. All participants received low-level laser therapy on painful area at the wrist. The experimental group (n = 15) received laser stimulation, while the control group (n = 15) received sham stimulation using identical equipment that generated only a red light without the laser output. Both groups self-treated for 30 min a day, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, total of 15 sessions. The primary outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wrist pain from 0 (painless) to 10 (extreme pain). The secondary outcomes were measured with patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), grip strength, lateral, palmar, and tip pinch strength. Measures were taken before and after treatment. A total of thirty participants provided outcome data. After the intervention, both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS score, from 4.93 to 3.67 in experimental group, from 5.53 to 4.00 in control group (the experiment group: p = 0.020, the control group: p = 0.003). The experimental group showed a significant improvement in function scale score (p = 0.012), the control group did not. Lateral and pinch strength was significantly improved in the experimental group (p = 0.017) and in the control group (p = 0.034) respectively. There were no side effects in the patients. Medical laser irradiation is a portable and easy-to-use laser irradiator without side effects. Clinical Trial Registration number: KCT0006604.

Differences between trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The optimal management of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis remains controversial. This meta-analysis assessed the subjective and objective outcomes of trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis (TMA) versus trapeziec-tomy with ligament reconstruction (LRTI). The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of science data-bases were searched from inception to June 30, 2022. Keywords included "trapeziometacarpal osteoarthrosis", "trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis" and "trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction". Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) including patients treated for TMC osteoarthritis were included. The subjective outcomes visual analogue scale (VAS) , Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, Kapanji scores, objective outcomes total interphalangeal (IP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint motion, palmar abduction, grip strength, tip, key pinch strength and complications were extracted. The methodological quality of each was assessed in- dependently. Meta-analysis was performed for comparative trials. From the 5 included studies (2 RCTs, 3 CCTs), 208 cases were divided into TMA group (n = 107) and LRTI group (n =101) groups. Compared with the TMA group, PRWHE, tip pinch strength and palmar abduction was better in the LRTI group. There was no statistical difference in DASH score, VAS, kapandji score, grip strength, key pinch strength, total IP joint motion, total MCP joint motion and complications. The LRTI group had more obvious advantages in term of PRWHE, tip pinch strength and palmar abduction. Moreover, there was no statistical difference in DASH score, VAS, kapandji score, grip strength, key pinch strength, total IP joint and total MCP joint motion and complications. Therefore, we concluded LRTI was more recommendable for more management of TMC osteoarthritis. Certainly, high-quality studies are required in long-term follow-up.

Results of Pyrocarbon Disc Interposition Compared to Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition.

To compare pyrocarbon disc interposition arthroplasty (PDI) with trapeziectomy plus ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI), the authors assessed whether PDI resulted in a higher pinch strength, and compared grip strength, range of motion (ROM), patient-reported outcomes, satisfaction, and complications between the approaches. Because of scarcity of preoperative hand measurements, the authors performed a descriptional cross-sectional cohort study of patients operated on between 2006 and 2014, with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. Patients were treated with PDI or LRTI. The authors determined key pinch strength as the primary outcome, followed by tip and tripod pinch, grip strength, palmar abduction and opposition, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and Patient-Reported Hand and Wrist Evaluation (PRWHE) scores, satisfaction level, and complications. Propensity score matching was used to match the study groups on demographic variables. A ratio of 2:1 was used, resulting in inclusion of 62 (of 154) PDI and 31 (of 31) LRTI thumbs. Patients in the PDI group showed stronger key and tip pinch strength than did patients in the LRTI group ( P = 0.027 and P = 0.036, respectively). Tripod pinch, grip strength, and ROM were equal between the groups. MHQ and PRWHE were comparable, with higher satisfaction levels in the PDI group. Eight patients with PDI were converted to LRTI because of pain. This study confirmed the hypothesis that key and tip pinch strength is stronger after PDI compared with LRTI for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Both techniques have comparable outcomes considering patient-reported outcome (MHQ and PRWHE), ROM, and complications. Therapeutic, III.

Comparative analysis of cancellous graft and cortico-cancellous graft in osteosynthesis of scaphoid pseudoarthrosis with plate.

Scaphoid is the most fractured carpal bone, with a 5-10% nonunion rate. Treatment challenges include choosing the implant and graft that best corrects humpback deformity and carpal malalignment with higher chances of bony healing. Compare cortico-cancellous and cancellous grafts between two groups of patients treating scaphoid nonunion with locking plates using autologous bone graft and evaluate bone healing rates and radiographic, tomographic, and functional parameters before and after surgery. Non-randomized prospective study including 20 cases of scaphoid nonunion. Groups were divided into Group A (ten patients treated with cortico-cancellous iliac graft) and Group B (ten patients treated with cancellous iliac graft). Patients underwent pre- and postoperative radiographs, computed tomography, and functional evaluation. In postoperative analysis, Group A showed a statistically significant difference in intrascaphoid angle (p = 0.002) and scapholunate angle (p = 0.011) correction when comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. Group B showed a statistically significant difference in intrascaphoid angle (p = 0.002) and scapholunate angle correction (p = 0.0018), grip strength (p = 0.002), and tip pinch strength (p = 0.001) when comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. By comparing both groups, Group B showed a statistically significant difference in intrascaphoid angle correction (p = 0.002), grip strength (p = 0.002), tip pinch strength (p = 0.002), and radial deviation (p = 0.0003). There was no statistical difference when comparing bony healing between groups. Scaphoid nonunion treatment with a locking plate was effective, showing a high bony healing rate and improved carpal alignment in imaging tests for both graft types. However, results for intrascaphoid angle correction, grip strength, tip pinch strength, and radial deviation were better in Group B. IV, case series.

Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength for 6 to 18 year-olds in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundNormative values for hand grip and pinch strength among children in Saudi Arabia has not been well established. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to establish normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in children aged 6 to 18 years in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from different 5 regions in Saudi Arabia. Participants between the age of 6 years and 18 years old were recruited through different primary and secondary schools in Saudi Arabia. Data for age, gender, Body Mass Index, and preferred hand were collected. Hand grip strength was measured using digital hand dynamometer and the tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch strength were measured using the hydraulic pinch gauge.ResultsA total of 616 participants included in this study (318 boys and 298 girls). Participants were stratified into 5 chronological age groups of 6–7 years, 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15, 16–17, and 18 years. The results showed an overall trend of increasing hand grip strength and pinch strength with age regardless of hand preference. Boys had significantly higher grip strength than girls in all age groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study established normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in the healthy Saudi pediatric and adolescent population, using boys and girls aged 6 to 18. The outcomes of this study also demonstrated that gender, age, and hand preference can all have an impact on how strong a handgrip develops.

LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION AND TENDON INTERPOSITION ARTHROPLASTY WITH SUTURE ANCHOR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT ARTHRITIS OF THE THUMB

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the clinical, functional, and radiological results of patients after early rehabilitation (&lt;2 weeks) following surgical treatment for thumb carpometacarpal joint arthrosis using the ligament reconstruction and flexor carpi radialis tendon interposition with trapezoid suture anchor fixation technique. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 13 thumbs of 12 patients (2 males, 10 females; mean age 63.7 years) who were operated on with the ligament reconstruction and flexor carpi radialis tendon interposition with trapezoid suture anchor fixation technique, because of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthrosis between April 2016 and November 2022. At the final follow-up examination, a record was made of the demographic data, scapho-metacarpal space on the radiological evaluation, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scale score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and key pinch, tip pinch, and grip strength measurements. Results: The mean follow-up period was 36.3 months (range, 12-80 months). In the mean radiological follow-up period of 11.8 months (range, 5-22 months), the mean VAS score decreased from 7.1 (range, 5-10) to 1.7 (range, 1-3), and the mean DASH score from 75.8 (range, 54-90) to 18.2 (range, 7 -32). No significant decrease was determined in the scapho-metacarpal space during the follow-up period. At the final follow-up examination, grip strength was measured as mean 28.7kg (range, 24-39kg), key pinch strength as 2.82kg (range, 2-3.7kg) and tip pinch strength as 2.5kg (range, 1.8-3.4kg). Conclusion: Ligament reconstruction and flexor carpi radialis tendon interposition with trapezoid suture anchor fixation can be an effective alternative surgical treatment method for thumb carpometacarpal joint arthrosis in respect of both clinical and functional results.

Joshi's external stabilization system and K-wire fixation in the management of hand fractures – A prospective comparative study

Background: Hand fractures can be treated conservatively or surgically, depending on the severity, location, and type of fracture, as in conservative management chance of nonunion, malunion, and stiffness is more if it is displaced or angulated fracture. Various modes of treatment have been used which include K-wire fixation, mini plates, and external fixator application. A modified form of mini-external fixator devised in India is Joshi's External Stabilization System (JESS). Aim: This prospective study was conducted to compare the functional and radiological outcomes following metacarpal/phalangeal fracture fixed with either K-wire or JESS. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with hand fractures (58 fractures – 18 metacarpal and 40 phalanges) were prospectively studied. Twenty patients underwent K-wire fixation and 20 were fixed with JESS, functional and radiological outcomes were assessed, grip strength using dynamometer, visual analog scale (VAS) score, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, range of motion (ROM) using the American Society for Surgery of the hand scale, tip pinch strength. Student's t-test, Wilcoxon test, Fisher's exact test, and Chi-squared test were used. Results: At 6 months' follow-up, patients fixed with either of the fixation modality showed statistically significant improvement in different outcome variables such as ROM (P < 0.001), quick DASH score (P < 0.001), VAS score (P < 0.001), tip pinch strength (P < 0.001), and hand grip (P < 0.001). All the fractures united at an average 6 weeks. Functional outcomes were excellent in closed fracture fixed with either JESS or K-wire and good to moderate in open injuries. However, overall comparison between K-wire and JESS, no significant difference in these outcome measures was found. Conclusions: K-wires as well as JESS both provide adequate stability and satisfactory results in fractures of the metacarpal and phalanges. This study could not find the superiority of JESS over traditional K-wire fixation.

Challenges in evaluating forearm muscle activity based on the compound muscle action potential of the flexors of the whole forearm

ObjectiveMuscle strength, which correlates with the compound muscle action potential (CMAP), can also be estimated by measuring the CMAP. Therefore, we evaluated the CMAP of the flexor muscles of the whole forearm to identify their muscle strength. MethodsFourteen healthy volunteers were enrolled. The elbow was determined to be the stimulation point, and the recording site for the flexor muscles of the whole forearm was set at approximately 8 cm distal to the elbow. We prospectively evaluated the baseline-to-peak amplitude of the CMAP of the whole forearm flexor muscles (WFFM), including that obtained from the median nerve stimulation (WFFMm), ulnar nerve stimulation (WFFMu), and their sum (WFFMsum). Additionally, we analyzed the relationships between WFFMm and WFFMu amplitudes with other quantitative parameters, including grip strength and routine CMAP amplitudes. ResultsThe CMAP’s test–retest analysis revealed high reliability. Grip power was significantly correlated with WFFMm and WFFMsum and mildly correlated with WFFMu. Tip-pinch strength with WFFMm and flexor pollicis longus (FPL) measurements correlated significantly. Lateral-pinch strength was significantly correlated with the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) measurements but not with WFFM. The abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) were not correlated with grip power or pinch strength. ConclusionsBy electrophysiology examination, this study demonstrated that WFFMm is involved in grip power and other pinch strengths. This method may serve as a novel tool for measurement of distal muscle strengths. SignificanceThis is the first study to attempt to evaluate the muscle strength of forearm flexor muscles by measuring the CMAP.

Natural History of Metacarpal Subsidence following Trapeziectomy and Its Relationship to Clinical Outcomes.

An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) was conducted. Patient demographics, visual analogue scale pain scores, grip strength, pinch strengths, and radial and palmar abduction were collected. The trapezial space ratio (TSR) was measured by the scaphometacarpal distance divided by the length of the capitate. Subsidence [(postoperative TSR - preoperative TSR)/preoperative TSR] was measured and classified as severe (≥70%) or mild to moderate (<70%). Median rate of subsidence increase was calculated. Conolly-Rath scores were used to evaluate the proportion of good outcomes in each group. A total of 141 trapeziectomies with LRTI were included. Subsidence increased 6.7% (5.4% to 23.0%) per week before 16 weeks and 0.3% (0.1% to 0.8%) per week thereafter. Visual analogue scale pain scores were not significantly different between patients with severe or mild to moderate subsidence ( P = 0.25) 16 weeks after thumb mobilization. The proportion of good outcomes was comparable between the two groups ( P = 0.12). There was no correlation between subsidence and pain (ρ = -0.20; P = 0.24), grip (ρ = -0.02; P = 0.93), key (ρ = -0.13; P = 0.62), tripod (ρ = 0.16; P = 0.71), or index tip pinch strengths (ρ = -0.28; P = 0.43) or radial (ρ = -0.03; P = 0.92) or palmar (ρ = -0.15; P = 0.61) abduction. Subsidence occurs in all patients after trapeziectomy and LRTI, stabilizing 16 weeks after mobilization. Degree of subsidence does not correlate with postoperative outcomes. Risk, II.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Ligament-Sparing Dorsal Capsulodesis for Partial Scapholunate Ligament Tear.

Introduction Various wrist arthroscopy techniques can be used in the management of scapholunate ligament (SLL) partial tears but their success has not been proven. Arthroscopic techniques including thermal shrinkage are becoming more popular in the management of partial SLL injuries. We hypothesized that arthroscopic ligament-sparing capsular tightening yields reliable and satisfactory results for the management of partial SLL tears. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on adult (age ≥18 years) patients with chronic partial SLL tears. All patients failed a trial of conservative management consisting of scapholunate strengthening exercises. Patients underwent an arthroscopic dorsal capsular tightening of the radiocarpal joint capsule radial to the origin of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament and proximal to the dorsal intercarpal ligament by either thermal shrinkage or dorsal capsule abrasion. Demographic data, radiological outcomes, patient-rated outcome measures and objective measures of wrist range of motion (ROM), and grip and pinch strength were recorded. Postoperative outcome scores were collected at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Data are reported as median and interquartile range, and comparisons were drawn between baseline and last follow-up. Clinical outcome data were analyzed using a linear mixed model method, while radiographic outcomes were assessed with nonparametric analysis with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results Twenty-three wrists (22 patients) underwent SLL treatment by thermal capsular shrinkage (19 wrists) or dorsal capsular abrasion (4 wrists). Median age at surgery was 41 years (range: 32-48) and median follow-up time was 12 months (range: 3-24). Pain significantly decreased from 62 (45-76) to 18 (7-41) and satisfaction significantly increased from 2 (0-24) to 86 (52-92). Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand significantly improved from 68 (38-78) to 34 (13-49) and from 48 (27-55) to 36 (4-58), respectively. Median grip and tip pinch strength significantly increased at final review. Range of movement and lateral pinch strength were satisfactory and maintained. Four patients required further surgery for ongoing pain or reinjury. All were successfully managed with partial wrist fusion or wrist denervation. Conclusion Arthroscopic ligament-sparing dorsal capsular tightening is a safe and effective treatment for partial SLL tears. Dorsal capsular tightening demonstrates good pain relief and patient satisfaction while improving patient-reported outcomes, grip strength, and maintaining ROM. Longer term studies are required to determine the longevity of these results.

Finger dexterity in well-functioning cohort of office workers in Macau.

The study aimed to describe the finger dexterity in office workers of an Asian population. One hundred twenty-seven right-handed office workers, aged 21-50 with a similar split of male and female, were recruited with finger dexterity measured by the O'Connor Finger Dexterity Test. The grip strength, tip and lateral pinch strength of both hands were also measured. This study provided the percentile score of the O'Connor Finger Dexterity Test of both males and females in the Asian population. Raw scores of below 218 and 213 seconds in male and female participants respectively reach the 90th percentile, and above 237 and 235 seconds in male and female below the 10th percentile. Results showed no significant difference in local mean scores across different age groups, between male and female and with varying hours of working in typing, filing, and writing. A significant difference was only found in finger dexterity and years of working as office workers. No significant correlation was found between the finger dexterity with grip strength, tip and lateral pinch of the dominant right hand. The results were similar to the original normative score with similar work skills and demands. The mean scores could be used as a valid reference for local occupational therapists to evaluate the finger dexterity of office workers. However, caution has to be taken that conclusions drawn can be biased because of the relatively small sample size, and the results cannot be generalized to represent a wider Asian population.

Electroacupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study aimed to examine the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome by reviewing published randomized controlled trials. Among the 186 studies retrieved from 7 online databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, CNKI, NDSL, RISS, OASIS, KMbase) on October 29, 2021, 4 studies were selected according to the inclusion, exclusion criteria, and were evaluated using risk of bias. Control groups for electroacupuncture were wearing a splint at night, traditional acupuncture, and medication. &amp;#x0004d;ethods such as total effective, functional status scale, symptom severity scale, electromyography, tip pinch strength, visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and ultrasound were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. Electroacupuncture was reported to have significant treatment results compared with the control group in methods such as total effectiveness, electromyography, and tip pinch strength. However, the quality of the studies (using risk of bias) does not allow reliable conclusions to be made. Many high quality (low risk of bias) randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.