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Background: Antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps (AHIFs) are a heterogeneous group of pedicled flaps used for reconstruction of traumatic digital detipping injuries. While numerous single-center studies have documented their use, there are no large or multicentre studies validating their efficacy, applicability, and functional outcomes. We performed a systematic review of the contemporary literature to establish the safety and functional outcomes of this technique., Methods: Electronic searches were performed using PubMED, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception date to October 2020, with further studies identified from study reference lists and independent searches. Relevant studies reported on complications and functional outcomes of the AHIFs, as used for digital detipping injuries. Data were then extracted and analyzed., Results: Twenty-seven studies published between 1974 and 2019 yielded 744 patients. Four studies provided incomplete epidemiologic data, resulting in a total of 559 patients with 584 digital injuries. Index and middle fingers were most frequently involved. Mean final 2-point discrimination (2-PD) was 4.9 mm static and 5.1 mm dynamic, with dynamic 2-PD reported in 2 studies. Mean total active motion of the digit was 200.3°. Mean time to return to work was 6.7 weeks in 10 studies. Flap survivorship was found to be 99.6% in 23 studies. Cold intolerance was the most common complication at 18%, followed by pain and hypersensitivity., Conclusions: Antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flaps provide a safe and effective method of treating distal finger amputations, yielding satisfactory functional outcomes across all ages. Further studies comparing outcomes between the AHIFs and other reconstructive modalities would be useful., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The one-bone forearm (OBF) is a salvage technique that may be used to correct global forearm instability secondary to osseous defects. This study aims to provide an overview of the contemporary literature regarding the OBF. A literature review was conducted electronically across MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases in May 2020. Studies were eligible for inclusion if published in the English language; detailed the use of the OBF procedure to correct forearm instability; and were original data studies reporting qualitative or quantitative outcomes. Thirty-four studies, describing a cohort of 210 patients undergoing 211 OBFs, were documented in the literature. The primary etiology necessitating the OBF was trauma, followed by genetic/congenital disorders and infections. Technically, the OBF was most frequently achieved via an end-to-end osteosynthesis with plate fixation. In total, 85.0% (154/182) of OBF were fused in neutral rotation or varying degrees of pronation. Union was achieved in more than 80.0% (174/211) of OBFs. The OBF is a feasible salvage technique that has been used for a wide spectrum of pathology, providing satisfactory outcomes in most cases., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Compared to the traditional open carpal tunnel release (OCTR), the additional safety and efficacy benefits of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of ECTR versus conventional OCTR as well as determine if a difference exists between the 2 most common endoscopic techniques: the single-portal and the dual-portal endoscopic technique., Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, PubMed, and the CENTRAL. Additional articles were identified by handsearching reference lists. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared outcomes of ECTR with OCTR technique. Outcomes assessed included length of surgery, patient reported symptom and functional measures, time to return to work, and complications. A sub-group analysis was performed to indirectly compare single- versus dual-portal endoscopic approaches. Statistical analysis was performed via a random-effects model using Review Manager 5 Software., Results: A meta-analysis of 23 studies revealed a significantly higher incidence of transient postoperative nerve injury with ECTR, regardless of the number of portals, as compared with OCTR, although overall complication and re-operation rates were equivalent. Scar tenderness was significantly diminished with dual-portal endoscopic release when compared to single-portal and open methods. The rates of pillar pain, symptom relief, and patient reported satisfaction did not differ significantly between treatment groups., Conclusions: Although endoscopic surgery may be appealing in terms of reduced postoperative morbidity and a faster return to work for patients, surgeons should be mindful of the associated learning curve and higher incidence of transient nerve injury. Further study is required to identify if an advantage exists between different endoscopic techniques.

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a dramatic impact on individual and societal behaviors, as well as on health care systems. It confers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship among disease, policies, and patterns of activity, as well as their impacts on surgical unit functionality. This study aims to compare the distribution and patterns of injury at a tertiary hand surgery trauma center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients presenting to the Royal North Shore Hospital hand surgery service in the 5-week period from March 16 to April 21 in 2019 and 2020 was undertaken, forming 2 cohorts for comparison. Demographic, injury, and operative data were collected and compared descriptively using comparative statistics., Results: There were 114 primary operative presentations during the 5-week period in 2020, representing a 27.4% decrease from the 157 presentations during the equivalent period in 2019. There was an increase in the proportion of emergency presentations from 73.9% in 2019 to 85.1% in 2020 ( P = .03), with a corresponding decrease in elective presentations during 2020. The incidence of sporting injuries and motor vehicle accidents decreased in 2020, whereas falls and accidents involving knives and tools remained relatively constant. Operating times decreased in 2020, whereas the length of hospital stay remained constant., Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent restrictions of activity have had substantial impacts on the patterns of hand trauma and its management. These insights have implications for staff and resource management during times of social disruption in the future.

Background: Reverse homodigital island flaps (RHIFs) are increasingly used to reconstruct traumatic fingertip injuries, but there is limited evidence on the efficacy of this technique. We performed a systematic review of the literature to establish the safety and functional outcomes of RHIF for traumatic fingertip injuries., Methods: Electronic searches were performed using 3 databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL) from their date of inception to April 2020. Relevant studies were required to report on complications and functional outcomes for patients undergoing RHIF for primary fingertip reconstruction. Data were extracted from included studies and analyzed., Results: Sixteen studies were included, which produced a total cohort of 459 patients with 495 fingertip injuries. The index and middle fingers were involved most frequently (34.6% and 34.1%, respectively), followed by the ring finger (22%), the little finger (6.7%), and the thumb (2.6%). The mean postoperative static and moving 2-point discrimination was 7.2 and 6.7 mm, respectively. The mean time to return to work was 8.4 weeks. The mean survivorship was 98.4%, with the pooled complication rate being 28%. The pooled complication rate of complete flap necrosis was 3.6%, of partial flap necrosis was 10.3%, of venous congestion was 14.6%, of pain or hypersensitivity was 11.5%, of wound infection was 7.2%, of flexion contractures was 6.3%, and of cold intolerance was 17.7%., Conclusions: Reverse homodigital island flaps can be performed safely with excellent outcomes. To minimize complications, care is taken during dissection and insetting, with extensive rehabilitation adhered to postoperatively. Prospective studies assessing outcomes of RHIF compared with other reconstruction techniques would be beneficial.

Intra-articular fracture dislocations of the base of the middle phalanx are complex and debilitating injuries that present a management conundrum when nonreconstructable. Hemi-hamate arthroplasty (HHA) is a treatment modality of particular use in the setting of highly comminuted fractures. This systematic review aims to summarize the reported outcomes of HHA in this context. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed, yielding 22 studies with 235 patients for inclusion. The weighted mean postoperative range of movement at the proximal interphalangeal joint was 74.3° (range, 62.0°-96.0°) and at the distal interphalangeal joint was 57.0° (range, 14.0°-80.4°). The weighted mean postoperative pain Visual Analog Scale was 1.0 (range, 0.0-2.0). The weighted mean postoperative grip strength was 87.1% (range, 74.5%-95.0%) of the strength on the contralateral side. Posttraumatic arthritis was reported in 18% of cases, graft collapse in 4.2%, and donor site morbidity in 3.0%, with a mean follow-up period of 28.4 months (range, 1-87 months). Hemi-hamate arthroplasty is a reliable and effective technique for the reconstruction of intra-articular base of middle phalangeal fracture dislocations, affording symptomatic relief and functional restoration. Further research is required to assess the true incidence of long-term complications.

Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis is a salvage option in the management of end-stage PIPJ arthropathy. Numerous techniques have been described, including screws, Kirschner wires, tension band wiring, intramedullary devices, and plate fixation. There remains no consensus as to the optimum method, and no recent summary of the literature exists. A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed databases. English-language articles reporting PIPJ arthrodesis outcomes were included and presented in a systematic review. Pearson χ 2 and 2-sample proportion tests were used to compare fusion time, nonunion rate, and complication rate between arthrodesis techniques. The mean fusion time ranged from 5.1 to 12.9 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences in fusion time between arthrodesis techniques. Nonunion rates ranged from 0.0% to 33.3%. Screw arthrodesis demonstrated a lower nonunion rate than wire fusion (3.0% and 8.5% respectively; P = .01). Complication rates ranged from 0.0% to 22.1%. Aside from nonunions, there were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between arthrodesis techniques. The available PIPJ arthrodesis techniques have similar fusion time, nonunion rate, and complication rate outcomes. The existing data have significant limitations, and further research would be beneficial to elucidate any differences between techniques.

Vascularized joint transfer (VJT) from the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the toe is an attractive reconstructive option in cases of nonsalvageable finger PIPJ but is limited by equivocal functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to provide an update on vascularized toe-to-finger PIPJ transfers, examining functional outcomes, complications, and the latest refinements in operative technique. A systematic review of the available literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies examining vascularized toe-to-finger PIPJ transfer for post-traumatic indications were included for analysis. Outcomes assessed included postoperative active range of motion, extension lag, and complications. Thirteen studies examining 210 VJTs were analyzed. Five VJTs experienced microsurgical failure giving an overall survival rate of 97.6%. Average postoperative PIPJ active range of motion (ROM) was 40.3° ± 12.9°, with an average extensor lag of 29° ± 10.5° and mean flexion of 68.9° ± 10.9°. For studies reporting complication outcomes, 59/162 complications were seen. No significant differences were seen between studies published prior to 2013 and after 2013 when comparing digital ROM ( P = .123), flexion ( P = .602), and extensor lag ( P = .280). Studies using a reconstructive algorithm based on prior assessment of the donor toe central slip and recipient finger anatomy had significantly improved ROM outcomes ( P = .013). Although VJT provides a reliable option for autologous reconstruction in posttraumatic joints, it is limited by impaired postoperative ROM. Careful assessment of the donor toe and recipient finger anatomy followed by systematic and meticulous reconstruction may lead to improved functional outcomes.

Proximal phalangeal fractures have traditionally been fixed via either Kirschner wires or dorsal plating. Concerns regarding lack of compression and potential for infection with wire fixation, and adhesion formation and stiffness with plating, have lead to alternative fixation methods, such as intramedullary screw fixation. However, the literature regarding this modality is limited. Methods: A systematic review was performed to review the literature regarding intramedullary screw fixation for proximal phalangeal fractures. English language studies that reported original data and commented on at least one postoperative measure of function were eligible for inclusion. 4 studies were eligible for inclusion, with a further 3 studies assessing proximal and middle phalanges analysed separately. Total active motion was greater than 240° in all proximal phalangeal studies; mean post-operative DASH was 3.62. 6% of patients sustained a major complication. Intramedullary screw fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures is safe, providing stable fixation to allow early motion.

Metal-on-metal disease (MOMD) is a rare condition following arthroplasty and has predominantly been reported following hip and knee replacement. Isolated case reports exist with respect to MOMD following total wrist arthroplasty-however, the literature remains limited. Here, we present the history and radiographic and histopathologic features of such a case, and summarize the literature and provide management recommendations.