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Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy worldwide, but there are few reports investigating its prevalence using subjects diagnosed by both clinical symptoms and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in a population-based cohort. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of CTS diagnosed by sensory disturbance findings and NCSs using a randomly sampled resident population. Methods: Subjects aged between 50 and 89 years were randomly sampled from the basic resident registry of a rural Japanese town. Subjects indicating a history of CTS surgery in a written questionnaire were classified as having past CTS. Subjects with both sensory disturbance of the median nerve area and delays in NCSs were diagnosed as having present CTS. Subjects with past or present CTS were judged as affected with CTS. We calculated the prevalence of CTS and investigated for possible risk factors. Results: Seventeen subjects (14 female and 3 male) were affected with CTS among 379 enrolled subjects. Adjusting these results to Japanese population values, the weighted prevalence of CTS was 4.7% (female: 7.2%, male: 1.8%) in the Japanese population aged 50 to 89 years. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between CTS and female, higher BMI, rheumatoid arthritis, and trigger digit. In females affected with CTS, third metacarpal length was significantly shorter than in those without CTS. Conclusions: This epidemiological study clarified the prevalence of CTS among Japanese seniors as 4.7%. Female, higher BMI, rheumatoid arthritis, trigger digit, and shorter third metacarpal length in females were risk factors for CTS.

Introduction Cognitive function is an important factor that affects functional recovery after hip fracture (HipFx) surgery. The literature on the pathophysiology of dementia in HipFx patients is scarce. We performed a differential diagnosis of dementia in HipFx patients using clinical and brain MRI findings. Methods This is a prospective study in which brain MRI was evaluated for patients with HipFx for research purposes. One-hundred-and-five HipFx patients (85 females and 20 males) who underwent surgery and were subsequently able to undergo brain MRI at our hospital were evaluated. The mean age was 84 years. The presence of dementia was determined based on clinical findings and whether the patient meets its diagnostic criteria according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition (ICD-10). The differential diagnosis of dementia was made based on brain MRI findings and the dementia diagnostic flow chart published in the Clinical Practice Guideline for Dementia 2017 (Japanese Society of Neurology). The Voxel-based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer’s Disease (VSRAD) advance 2 diagnostic software was used to evaluate atrophy of the para-hippocampal gyrus. Results Fifty-six (53%) patients were clinically diagnosed with dementia according to the ICD-10 criteria. The MRI findings were diverse: Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-type, asymptomatic multiple ischemic cerebral lesions, past symptomatic cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage, Binswanger’s disease (BW)-type, chronic subdural hematoma, disproportionately enlarged subarachnoidal hydrocephalus (DESH), and their combinations thereof. A combination of MRI and clinical findings of dementia patients demonstrated the following distribution of dementia subtypes: AD (n = 20), vascular dementia (n = 33), AD and BW vascular dementia (n = 3). Conclusion This study revealed that the brain MRI findings of HipFx patients were diverse. Although vascular dementia is found to be common in this particular population, this could be an incidental finding. Further study is warranted to clarify the specificity of our findings by increasing the number of patients, setting the control, and investigating whether dementia subtypes affect postoperative gait acquisition and fall risk.

Background The natural history and pathogenesis of the skeletal abnormalities found in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are poorly understood, and the therapeutic options for these manifestations remain limited. This report first describes the clinical outcomes of denosumab treatment for a patient with NF1 suffering from osteoporosis. Methods We enrolled a patient with NF1 under denosumab treatment for osteoporosis, prior fractures, and no improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) over 3 years of alendronate therapy. BMD was monitored by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Tested laboratory data included bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, urinary type I collagen amino-terminal telopeptide, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, 1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and parathyroid hormone. BMD and laboratory data were evaluated before, between 2 and 4 months, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of treatment. Case presentation During 2 years of denosumab therapy for osteoporosis in a 58-year-old female NF1 patient with prior fractures, BMD increased by 6.5% in the lumbar spine and 10.6% in the total hips, and bone turnover markers were notably improved. No fractures occurred during the latter half of treatment. Conclusion Denosumab represents an effective treatment option for osteoporosis in NF1 patients.

Background The functional range of motion (fROM) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints during the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) has not yet been established. This study aimed to determine the fROM of all five digits and verify the accuracy and reproducibility of dynamic angle measurement using a single-axis electric goniometer (EG) during ADL movements of the hand. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. In EG suitability testing, we first confirmed the angles of a three-dimensional calibration device 10 times, and then compared EG readings with those determined by tomosynthesis images. Next, we determined the fROM of the MCP joints by evaluating all five digits of the dominant hands of 10 healthy adults performing 16 ADL. Intra-rater reproducibility of MCP joint data during task performance was assessed in two healthy adults. Results Static measurements of the triangular object showed variance to be within one degree in 39 of 40 trials. Differences between angles measured by the EG and those depicted by radiograph were a range of plus or minus five degrees in 88 of 96 digits. The fROM values for the thumb and index, middle, ring, and little fingers were −7.5 to 35.3, 10.6 to 67.8, 4.0 to 79.9, 3.0 to 83.9, and 2.9–91.4 degrees of flexion, respectively. Flexion angle in the fROM of the index finger was significantly smaller than those of the ring and little fingers. The flexion and extension angles of the thumb were significantly smaller than those of the four ulnar fingers. The intra-rater correlation coefficients of two participants were high at 0.94 and 0.93, respectively. Conclusions The method adopted in this study exhibited excellent accuracy and reproducibility and was therefore considered suitable for the real-time establishment of fROM flexion-extension angles of the MCP joints for all five digits. Our data are useful as a target arc of motion in the treatment of MCP joint disease or injury.

Mikio Kamimura,1 Akira Taguchi,2 Yukio Nakamura,3,4 Hidefumi Koiwai,5 Shota Ikegami,3 Shigeharu Uchiyama,3 Hiroyuki Kato3 1Center for Osteoporosis and Spinal Disorders, Kamimura Orthopedic Clinic, Matsumoto, Japan; 2Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan; 3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan; 4Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Showa-Inan General Hospital, Komagane, Japan; 5Koiwai Orthopedic Clinic, Komoro, Japan Background: While it is well known that teriparatide (TPTD) increases bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporotic patients, it is unknown whether TPTD pretreatment affects BMD after denosumab (DMAb) therapy.Methods: Fifty-seven patients in TPTD-pretreated group and 35 patients in DMAb-alone group had been further analyzed, all of whom were treated by DMAb for 1.5 years. Vitamin D (400 IU) and Ca (600 mg) supplementation was used in all patients. The BMD of lumbar 1–4 vertebrae (L-BMD), bilateral total hips (H-BMD), and bilateral femoral neck (FN-BMD) was quantified at first visit, and at 4, 8, 12, and 18 months after daily TPTD treatment following four times DMAb treatment.Results: There were significant differences in L-BMD (p=0.004) and H-BMD (p=0.026) at baseline between TPTD-pretreated and DMAb-alone groups, although there was no significant difference in FN-BMD between the two groups. The increase of L-BMD by DMAb therapy was less in TPTD-pretreated group than in DMAb-alone group. There was no significant difference in H-BMD, although percent changes of H-BMD tended to be higher in the TPTD-pretreated group than those in the DMAb-alone group. Percent change in FN-BMD at 4 months (p=0.067) and 12 months (p=0.057) tended to be higher in TPTD-pretreated group than in DMAb-alone group. Percent change in FN-BMD at 18 months was significantly higher in TPTD-pretreated group (p=0.004) than in DMAb-alone group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the pretreatment of TPTD might have enhanced the increase of BMD in cortical bones treated by DMAb. Thus, it is favorable that TPTD can be used for osteoporotic patients who have high fracture risks with cortical bones. Keywords: bone mineral density, cancelleous bones, cortical bone, daily teriparatide, denosumab, osteoporosis

Background During the surgery for a distal radius fracture, we encountered a large anomalous muscle lying across the distal radius. The muscle was identified as a flexor carpi radialis brevis muscle (FCRB), based on its location, function, and innervation. This experience led us to clarify its prevalence in living subjects and alert surgeons of its presence. Methods We reviewed wrist MRI scans of 515 hands of 379 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The prevalence of the FCRB was calculated. The cross sectional area (CSA) of the FCRB was compared with that of the hypothenar muscles. Signal intensity and fat infiltration of the FCRB were assessed using semiquantitative methods. The anterior compartment ratio (CSA of the anterior compartment of the forearm was divided by CSA of the forearm. CSA of the FCRB was excluded for measurement) was compared between patients with and without FCRB. Results We found seven hands of six patients (1.6%) with a FCRB. All of these tendons were inserted into the second metacarpal base. CSA of FCRB was smaller than that of the hypothenar muscles. Semiquantitative assessment revealed normal signal intensities of the FCRB compared with those of other muscles. The anterior compartment ratio was smaller in patients with FCRB than without FCRB. None of the FCRB in our series demonstrated any sign of tendinitis on MRI. Furthermore, the postoperative clinical course for those patients was uneventful. Conclusions Prevalence of FCRB in patients with CTS was 1.6%. FCRB should function as a wrist flexor. Its strength varied according to the individuals but was not greater than that of the hypothenar muscles. It is still unclear if the FCRB could cause the development of CTS. However, it was found that the FCRB could be a mass which occupies and narrows the anterior compartment.

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, is expressed in developing and adult skeletal muscle and negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth. Recently, myostatin has been found to be expressed in tendons and increases tendon fibroblast proliferation and the expression of tenocyte markers. C2C12 is a mouse myoblast cell line, which has the ability to transdifferentiate into osteoblast and adipocyte lineages. We hypothesized that myostatin is capable of inducing tenogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells. We found that the expression of scleraxis, a tendon progenitor cell marker, is much higher in C2C12 than in the multipotent mouse mesenchymal fibroblast cell line C3H10T1/2. In comparison with other growth factors, myostatin significantly up‐regulated the expression of the tenogenic marker in C2C12 cells under serum‐free culture conditions. Immunohistochemistry showed that myostatin inhibited myotube formation and promoted the formation of spindle‐shaped cells expressing tenomodulin. We examined signaling pathways essential for tenogenic differentiation to clarify the mechanism of myostatin‐induced differentiation of C2C12 into tenocytes. The expression of tenomodulin was significantly suppressed by treatment with the ALK inhibitor SB341542, in contrast to p38MAPK (SB203580) and MEK1 (PD98059) inhibitors. RNAi silencing of Smad3 significantly suppressed myostatin‐induced tenomodulin expression. These results indicate that myostatin has a potential role in the induction of tenogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells, which have tendon progenitor cell characteristics, through activation of Smad3‐mediated signaling.

This study aimed to clarify the effects of short-term bisphosphonate (BP) administration in Japanese osteoporotic patients retrospectively. Daily minodronate (MIN) at 1 mg/day (MIN group) or weekly risedronate (RIS) at 17.5 mg/week (RIS group) was primarily prescribed for each patient. We analyzed the laboratory data of 35 cases (18 of MIN and 17 of RIS) before the start of treatment and at 4 months afterward. The changes in 25(OH)D3, whole parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum pentosidine, and the bone turnover markers urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX), serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP)-5b, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and undercarboxylated osteocalcin were evaluated. Overall, serum 25(OH)D3 was significantly decreased from 21.8 to 18.4 ng/mL at 4 months, with a percent change of -14.7%. Whole PTH increased significantly from 23.4 to 30.0 pg/mL, with a percent change of 32.1%. Serum pentosidine rose from 0.0306 to 0.0337 μg/mL, with a percent change of 15.2%. In group comparisons, 25(OH)D3 and pentosidine showed comparable changes in both groups after 4 months of treatment, whereas whole PTH became significantly more increased in the MIN group. All bone turnover markers were significantly decreased at 4 months in both groups. Compared with the RIS group, the MIN group exhibited significantly larger value changes for urinary NTX, serum TRACP-5b, and BAP at the study end point. This study demonstrated that serum 25(OH)D3 became significantly decreased after only 4 months of BP treatment in Japanese osteoporotic patients and confirmed that MIN more strongly inhibited bone turnover as compared with RIS.

Osteoporosis is characterized by the systemic impairment of bone mass, strength, and microarchitecture, leading to an increased risk of fragility fracture. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the first-line drugs for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is considered to be essential for osteoporotic treatment. However, long-term effects of BPs on the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) are unknown. Accordingly, in this retrospective study, we collected clinical data of 41 post-menopausal Japanese women with osteoporosis treated with BP for over 3 years, without vitamin D supplementation. We measured lumbar and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) and serum levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a bone formation marker, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP)-5b as a bone resorption marker, before and after the 3-year treatment. Serum 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3, and whole parathyroid hormone (PTH) were also measured. Notably, no fracture occurred during the treatment. Compared with baseline values, 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly increased from 21.6 to 26.4 ng/mL (P = 0.006), despite no vitamin D supplementation. 1,25(OH)2D3 and whole PTH levels tended to be decreased from 62.6 to 57.8 pg/mL and 27.3 to 25.1 pg/mL, respectively. Both bone formation and resorption markers were significantly suppressed (P < 0.01). Both lumbar BMD (7.3% increase) and femoral neck BMD (4.1% increase) were significantly improved (P < 0.0001) after 3 years of the treatment. Thus, even without vitamin D supplementation, serum 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly increased after 3-year BP therapy. These results suggest that vitamin D supplementation might not be required in the long-term BP therapy for osteoporosis.

We present an original technique for determining the tension of the extensor pollicis longus tendon after reconstruction. We treated 20 patients using this technique for an extensor pollicis longus tendon graft or extensor indicis tendon transfer and reviewed the results. The tension of the reconstructed extensor pollicis longus was adjusted so that the centre of the distal edge of the thumbnail was elevated 2 cm above the operation table. The mean retropositional distance of the treated thumbs was 1.2 cm less than the contralateral thumbs. The mean total active motion of the thumb was 90%. This technique resulted in satisfactory thumb function. Level of evidence: IV

As a bisphosphonate, minodronate (MIN) is one of the strongest inhibitors of bone resorption. However, there have been no reports directly comparing the antiresorptive effects of monthly MIN with those of monthly risedronate (RIS). We enrolled 30 cases of osteoporosis (OP; 16 in the MIN group [mean age: 68.2 years] and 14 in the RIS group [mean age: 68.1 years]) to investigate the early effects of treatment by monthly MIN or RIS over a 4-month period using bone turnover marker values. Only female patients were enrolled to avoid gender bias. Urinary cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) before treatment and at 1, 2, and 4 months of therapy, as well as serum bone alkaline phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase before treatment and at 4 months afterwards, were evaluated. All bone turnover marker values were significantly decreased at 4 months in both groups. The changes in urinary NTX at the study end point for RIS and MIN were −30.1% and −63.1%, respectively. From 2 months of treatment, the antiresorptive effects on urinary NTX by MIN were significantly higher than those by RIS, indicating that MIN more immediately and strongly inhibited bone absorption. Thus, monthly MIN seems to suppress bone resorption faster and more strongly than RIS in OP treatment.

Background:Bone peg grafting (BPG) has been advocated for early-stage humeral capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (COCD). However, the clinical and radiological results of BPG, along with its indications, have not been described in detail.Hypothesis:COCD classified as International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) I or II in adolescent baseball players can be treated successfully by BPG.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4Methods:Eleven male baseball players (age range at surgery, 13-16 years) who underwent BPG for COCD were enrolled in this study. No improvement had been seen in any patient after 6 months of preoperative nonthrowing observation. During surgery, 2 to 5 bone pegs were inserted into the COCD lesion after confirmation of lesion stability to the bony floor. All patients were directly evaluated at 12 and 24 months after surgery by physical findings, radiological prognosis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results:Of the 11 patients, 10 could return to comparable baseball ability levels within 12 months. The Timmerman-Andrews score improved significantly from a mean ± SD of 171.8 ± 12.1 preoperatively to 192.3 ± 6.5 at the final observation. Radiological healing of the lesions was determined as complete in 8 patients and partial in 3. Patients possessing a centrally positioned lesion or a lesion Conclusion:BPG enabled 91% of COCD patients with ICRS OCD I or II to return to preoperative baseball abilities within 12 months. Integration of the grafted site may continue until at least 24 months postoperatively. An ICRS OCD I or II lesion with central positioning and/or occupying

Background Although extensor tendon rupture associated with distal radioulnar joint disorder is often encountered, its treatment has not yet been established. We report the postoperative results for reconstruction of finger extensor tendon rupture due to distal radioulnar lesion and analyse the factors affecting postoperative extension lag. Methods We examined 74 index, middle, ring, or little fingers with extensor tendon rupture of 34 hands. Primary diseases were rheumatoid arthritis in 24 hands and osteoarthritis in 10. Reconstruction methods included tendon graft in 45 fingers, extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer in 15, and end-to-side adjacent tendon suture in 14. At final postoperative follow-up ranging from 12 to 40 (mean: 18) months, we measured metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint range of motion and extension lag and statistically evaluated the relationship between postoperative extension lag and several clinical factors. Results We encountered no cases of re-rupture or worsening of finger flexion range after reconstruction. Mean postoperative active flexion of the MCP joint was 78.1 (range: 45–95) degrees. Mean postoperative extension lag was 10.3 (range: 0–50) degrees. We observed that postoperative extension lag was significantly larger in fingers associated with extensor tendon rupture in two or three additional fingers in the affected hand or in fingers of patients aged 80 years or over. The interval from rupture to reconstruction, reconstruction method, or arthritis type did not remarkably affect outcome. Conclusions This study uncovered that surgical intervention for extensor tendon rupture should be performed before three fingers become affected.

Background Various pathological elbow lesions are often complicated with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), although the precise pathology, incidence, and clinical and neurological features of these lesions have not been identified. We therefore investigated elbow pathology and neurological severity in Japanese patients with UNE. Methods The medical records of 457 Japanese UNE patients who were surgically treated among 6 hospitals were retrospectively examined. Eligible patients had UNE diagnosed by physical findings and nerve conduction studies according to the criteria of the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine. The elbows were analyzed with regard to age, gender, occupation, pathology at the elbow, and severity of nerve palsy. Results A total of 398 patients with 413 UNE elbows of a mean age of 63 years (range: 15–87) met the inclusion criteria. UNE elbows were predominantly in male patients (69.0%). Overall, 310 elbows (75.1%) had 1 or more elbow lesions: 238 elbows (76.8%) had a single lesion and 72 elbows (23.3%) had 2 or more lesions. The most common lesion was primary elbow osteoarthritis (EOA) occurring in 54.5% of elbows, followed next by medial elbow ganglion in 8.5% and cubitus valgus in 6.5%. Most elbows with medial elbow ganglion or cubitus valgus were associated with EOA. Entrapment sites were at the cubital tunnel in 84.5%–91.3% of UNE elbows, regardless of an association with elbow lesion. The incidence of McGowan grade III lesion was 50.8% in elbows with primary EOA, which was higher than the 35.0% in elbows with no lesion. Conclusions This study revealed that UNE had various isolated or combined elbow lesions. In Japanese UNE, primary or secondary EOA was found in 62.2% of cases and severe motor weakness was noted in 47.2%. The incidences of EOA and severe ulnar nerve palsy in the Japanese UNE are higher than those in Caucasians. Level of evidence Level IV; Prognostic—Investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of a disease; Case series.

Alfacalcidol (ALF) and eldecalcitol (ELD) are vitamin D analogues that can be combined with anti-resorption drugs, such as bisphosphonate (BP) for the treatment of osteoporosis (OP). There has been no report comparing the effects of those vitamin D analogs in combination with BPs. Twenty female patients with OP were enrolled, and all of them were treated with ALF and BPs. After switching from ALF to ELD, we examined the effectiveness of ALF and ELD. The averaged age was 69.4 years and the period of BP usage was between 1 to 13.4 years (mean period was 3.7 years). Serum corrected calcium, serum inorganic phosphorus, serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP)-5b were measured prior to ELD and at 6 months afterwards. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L-BMD), femoral neck, and total hip BMD were assessed one year before, prior to, and one year after ELD therapy commencement. Six months after switching from ALF to ELD, BAP and TRACP-5b values significantly decreased. After one year of ALF therapy, L-BMD, total hip BMD and femoral neck H-BMD values slightly increased. In contrast, a year following the change from ALF to ELD, L-BMD significantly increased and femoral neck BMD slightly increased, but total hip BMD did not. These results suggest that the treatment with ELD after ALF significantly suppressed bone turnover and increased L-BMD. Thus, the combined therapy with ELD is more effective for OP treatment than that with ALF.

Patient: Male, 83 Final Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis Symptoms: Knee joint pain Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Resting Specialty: Orthopedics and Traumatology Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and functional disability worldwide. However, the etiology of this condition is still largely unknown. Case Report: We report the clinical course of an elderly man with knee OA. Conclusions: Plain radiographs and MRI examinations performed during follow-up suggested that the pathophysiology of the patient’s knee OA and joint pain may have been primarily due to bone alterations.

Bilateral thumb amputation at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is a debilitative condition for which various reconstructive techniques have been reported [1,2]. In cases of unilateral thumb amputation at theMCP joint, toe-to-thumb transfer has become the gold standard for thumb reconstruction to achieve optimal functionality [3]. There have been two reports of bilateral toe-to-thumb transfers to date that objectively evaluated dysfunction and acquired function, but subjective assessment was not performed [4,5]. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score is a patient-based questionnaire for total bilateral upper limb function [6]. Although it is an effective disability evaluation tool for upper limb reconstructive surgery after trauma [7], there have been few reports describing activities of daily life based on DASH score assessment after thumb reconstruction. This case report documents the outcome of a patient with bilateral thumb amputations treated with second toe-to-thumb transfers and the changes in functional results and DASH scores before and after each transfer.

Osteoporosis is characterized by the systemic impairment of bone mass, strength, and microarchitecture, leading to an increased risk of fragility fracture. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the first-line drugs for osteoporosis. Vitamin D is considered to be essential for osteoporotic treatment. However, long-term effects of BPs on the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited bone disorder that causes fractures due to impaired production of collagen type I. In recent years, denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), has become widely used as an anti-osteoclastic agent for osteoporosis. This study investigated osteoporotic cases of OI to examine effects of denosumab on bone fragility. This was a retrospective, consecutive case series that included 3 female patients aged 42, 40, and 14 years, respectively. One patient carries a point mutation (c.G769A) in the COL1A1 gene, encoding collagen type I alpha 1 chain, which causes an amino-acid substitution (p.G257R). By contrast, no mutation was found in the analyzed regions of the OI responsive genes in another two patients (mother and daughter). These three patients underwent subcutaneous injection of denosumab every 6 months. All patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement of the lumbar 1-4 spine (L-BMD) and bilateral hips (H-BMD) before and during treatment. BMD and laboratory data were evaluated before, between 2 and 4 months, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of therapy. No fractures or severe side effects, such as hypocalcemia, were observed during denosumab treatment. Both L-BMD and H-BMD were increased by denosumab. At 24 months, the mean percentage changes in L-BMD and H-BMD were 14.7% and 15.1%, respectively. In conclusion, no bone fragility fractures occurred during 2 years of denosumab administration in OI patients. Denosumab therefore is a good therapeutic option in the OI patients.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) increase bone mineral density (BMD) through the inhibition of osteoclast activity. Among BPs, ibandronate (IBN) is a strong inhibitor of bone resorption. However, the effects of a vitamin D analogue, alfacalcidol (ALF), on IBN treatment for osteoporosis is unknown. Fifty-three treatment-naive post-menopausal women with primary osteoporosis were recruited and divided into IBN-treatment group (IBN group) and IBN with ALF group (IBN/ALF group). IBN (1.0 mg) was intravenously injected once a month, with or without oral ALF (1.0 μg/day). Ultimately, 19 subjects in IBN group and 26 in IBN/ALF group were analyzed. Bone turnover markers were examined at 4, 6, 12, and 18 months, and BMD was measured at 6, 12, and 18 months. Compared with pre-treatment, bone turnover markers significantly decreased in both groups after 4 months. The levels of serum N-terminal propeptide of type-1 procollagen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b, and urinary N-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen were significantly lower in IBN/ALF group than those in IBN group at 12 months. Lumbar 1-4 (L)-BMD significantly increased from 6 months in IBN/ALF group and at 18 months in IBN group. L-BMD was significantly higher in IBN/ALF group (6.6% increase) than in IBN group (3.4%) at 18 months. Total hip (H)-BMD significantly increased from 6 months in IBN/ALF group and tended to improve in IBN group. H-BMD was significantly higher in IBN/ALF group (4.8%) than in IBN group (3.2%) at 18 months. In conclusion, treatment with ALF in combination with IBN improves BMD in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis.

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH), with a heterozygous mutation (c.806A > G, p.Asp269Gly) located in the Type 3 repeats domain of the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein gene, who complained of the unusual symptom of painful locking of the wrist. Her condition was caused by a non-traumatic enlargement of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and brevis (ECRB) tendons along with bulbous swelling of the synoviums around them. Surgical treatment resolved these unusual tendon-related symptoms. Repetitive mechanical loading of the wrist in daily activities, including distal intersection tenosynovitis between the extensor pollicis longus tendon and ECRL and ECRB tendons, may have contributed to changes in the structural integrity of the tendons. We should pay more attention to tendon-related symptoms in patients with PSACH.

Background The clinical characteristics of wild-type transthyretin amyloid deposition among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have not been well investigated. Methods One-hundred and seven patients with idiopathic CTS who underwent carpal tunnel release were enrolled. They underwent physical examination of the hand, nerve-conduction study, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the wrist, and completed a patient-oriented questionnaire. The tests, except for MRI, were repeated 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Synovial tissue was obtained during surgery and analyzed by Congo red and immunohistochemical staining. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the significance of different clinical and subjective findings between patients with and without amyloid deposition. Postoperative improvements were also compared. Results Wild-type transthyretin amyloid deposition was observed for 38 patients. Greater symptom severity and 2-point discrimination scores, and larger cross-sectional areas of the carpal tunnel, were significantly correlated with a larger amount of preoperative amyloid deposition. However, the presence and amount of preoperative amyloid deposition did not affect postoperative improvements in physical findings and nerve-conduction studies. Conclusions Although transthyretin amyloid deposition can worsen CTS symptoms, postoperative improvements were similar for patients with and without this deposition.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether bone alterations detected by hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were associated with subsequent primary hip OA. Methods: We enrolled 7 patients with hip joint pain from their first visit, at which hip joints were classified as grade 0 or I on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on all cases, and pain was assessed with the Denis pain scale. Average age, height, weight, body mass index, bone mineral density (L1-4), central edge angle, Sharp’s angle, and acetabular hip index were calculated. Results: Within two months of the onset of pain, 4 of the 7 cases showed broad bone signal changes, while 3 cases showed local signal changes in the proximal femur on hip MRI. Three to 6 months after the onset of pain, in all patients whose pain was much improved, plain radiographs showed progression to further-stage OA. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that bone abnormalities in the proximal femur might be involved in the pathogenesis of primary hip OA.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether joint pain is derived from cartilage or bone alterations. Methods: We reviewed 23 hip joints of 21 patients with primary hip osteoarthritis (OA), which were classified into Kellgren–Laurence (KL) grading I to IV. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained from all of the 23 joints. Two of the 21 patients had bilateral hip OA. Pain was assessed based on the pain scale of Denis. A Welch t test was performed for age, height, weight, body mass index, bone mineral density, and a Mann–Whitney U test was performed for KL grading. Results: Four of 8 hip joints with pain and OA showed broad signal changes detected by MRI. Fourteen hip joints without pain, but with OA did not show broad signal changes by MRI. Collectively, MRI analyses showed that broad signal changes in OA cases without joint pain or with a slight degree of joint pain were not observed, while broad signal changes were observed in OA cases with deteriorated joint pain. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that hip joint pain might be associated with bone signal alterations in the hips of OA patients.

We present the case of a patient with flexor digitorum profundus tendon laceration at the A2 pulley level caused by an injury to the base of the right ring finger by a knife. The patient was treated by flexor tendon reconstruction from the palm to the fingertip by using the left second toe flexor tendon as a graft, which improved the active range of motion. Further improvement was achieved by subsequent tenolysis, which eventually restored nearly normal function. Our experience with this case indicates that the intrasynovial tendon is a reasonable graft source for the synovial space in fingers and may enable restoration of excellent postoperative function.

It is unclear whether osteoporosis itself is a main risk factor for delayed wound healing after tooth extraction in humans. In this study, we evaluated the association between experience of delayed wound healing after last tooth extraction and self-reported kyphosis, with the possibility of having vertebral fractures, in Japanese patients. Among the 1,504 patients who responded to the structured questionnaire survey, 518 patients (134 men and 384 women) aged 55–97 years finally participated in this study. Patients who self-reported mild-moderate kyphosis were more likely to have problematic delayed wound healing after last tooth extraction than those who reported severe kyphosis (odds ratio [OR] 4.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86–13.38 and OR 2.30; 95% CI, 0.52–10.22, respectively) (p for trend = 0.005). Japanese patients with vertebral fractures may have a higher risk of having problematic delayed wound healing after tooth extraction.

We investigated a recovery pattern in subjective and objective measures among 52 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome after anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (primary outcome), numbness score, grip and pinch strength, Semmes-Weinstein (SW) score, static 2-point discrimination (2PD) score, and motor conduction velocity (MCV) stage were examined preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, 12, and ≥24 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate how each variable improved after surgery. A linear mixed-effects model was used for continuous variables (DASH score, numbness, grip and pinch strength), and a proportional odds model was used for categorical variables (SW and 2PD tests and MCV stages). DASH score significantly improved by 6 months. Significant recovery in numbness and SW test scores occurred at 1 month. Grip and pinch strength, 2PD test scores, and MCV stage improved by 3 months. DASH scores and numbness recovered regardless of age, sex, or disease severity. It was still unclear if both subjective and objective measures improved beyond 1-year postoperatively. These data are helpful for predicting postoperative recovery patterns and tend to be most important for patients prior to surgery.

Osteoporosis (OP) is the most common multifactorial metabolic bone disorder worldwide. It remains unclear whether bisphosphonate (BP) pre-treatment affects the anabolic bone metabolism in OP patients treated with teriparatide (TPTD), a recombinant form of parathyroid hormone 1-34. This study is the first to evaluate the clinical outcomes of daily TPTD administration in Japanese OP patients and aimed to clarify how BP pre-treatment influences the efficacy of TPTD. We enrolled 112 patients diagnosed as primary OP who received TPTD. Subjects were classified as OP treatment-naive patients (TPTD alone group) or patients previously treated with BP (BP pre-treated group). We measured serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a bone formation marker, urinary cross-linked N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) as a bone resorption marker, and bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae (L-BMD) and bilateral total hips (H-BMD). In both groups, BAP and NTX increased until 6 months and then decreased thereafter. The percent changes of both markers in BP pre-treated group were more increased than those in TPTD alone group. L-BMD increased significantly in both groups. The percent increase of L-BMD in the TPTD alone group was significantly higher than that in the BP pre-treated group. H-BMD rose significantly in the TPTD alone group, but not in BP pre-treated group. BP pre-treatment appears to diminish the degree of the TPTD-mediated increase in BMD. Thus, it is preferable to administer TPTD ahead of BP treatment in patients with severe OP.

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is often the first fragility fracture that occurs in postmenopausal women and exhibits the high risk of future fragility fractures at the other skeletal sites. So far, the other factors rather than bone mineral density have not been well investigated. Our aim was to determine the characteristics of the patients with previous fragility DRFs. We enrolled 48 postmenopausal women with a history of fragility DRF (fracture group) and age-matched 96 healthy postmenopausal women volunteers (control group). Hip BMD of all the participants was obtained using DXA. Geometrical parameters and biomechanical indices of the femoral neck were obtained using quantitative CT. Using CT images, the cross-sectional area of the skeletal muscle and fat inside the fascia was calculated at the proximal thigh. Twelve biochemical markers and hormones associated with bone metabolism were also measured. Each parameter was compared between the patients and controls by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by ANCOVA adjusting for femoral neck areal BMD. BMD of the femoral neck was significantly lower in the fracture group than the control, while skeletal muscle area was not. Femoral neck cortical thickness was significantly smaller and buckling ratio was significantly greater in the fracture group; however, after adjusting for BMD, the differences were no longer significant. Further, 25(OH)D, Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and serum and urinary pentosidine levels were significantly higher in the fracture group than in the control group; those differences remained significant after adjusting for BMD. The patients with previous DRFs exhibited lower BMD, which was not accompanied by lower skeletal muscle area or muscle strength. Further, bone metabolism alterations such as low 25(OH)D, high DPD, and high serum and urinary pentosidine levels were also observed in such patients, independent of the areal BMD determined by DXA. Level of Evidence: Prognotic Study.

The etiology of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is largely unknown. We analyzed 24 ankle OA of 21 patients diagnosed by plain radiographs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ankle joint pain disappeared in 22 out of 24 joints by conservative treatment. MRI bone signal changes in and around the ankle joints were observed in 22 of 24 joints. Bone signal changes along the joint line were seen in 10 of 11 joints as a Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade of II to IV. Such signal changes were witnessed in only 4 of 13 joints with KL grade 0 or I. In the talocrural joint, bone alterations occurred in both tibia and talus bones through the joint line in cases of KL grade III or IV, while focal bone alterations were present in the talus only in KL grade I or II cases. Sixteen of 24 joints exhibited intraosseous bone signal changes, which tended to correspond to joint pain of any ankle OA stage. Our results suggest that bone alterations around the ankle joint might be one of the etiologies of OA and associated with ankle joint pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common type of entrapment neuropathy. However, the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome remains unclear in most cases. Senile systemic amyloidosis, induced by wild-type transthyretin deposition, is a prevalent aging-related disorder and often accompanied by carpal tunnel syndrome. In this study, we measured the frequency of unrecognized wild-type transthyretin deposition in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. One hundred twenty-three patients with carnal tunnel syndrome, including 100 idiopathic patients, treated by carpal tunnel release surgery were analyzed. Tenosynovial tissues obtained at surgery were analyzed by Congo red and immunohistochemical staining. If staining for transthyretin was positive, the entire transthyretin gene was analyzed by direct DNA sequencing. We also analyzed tenosynovial tissues from 32 autopsy cases as controls. Thirty-four patients (34.0%) with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome showed amyloid deposition in the tenosynovial tissue, and all amyloid showed specific immunolabeling with antitransthyretin antibody. Direct DNA sequencing of the entire transthyretin gene did not reveal any mutations, indicating that all amyloid deposits were derived form wild-type transthyretin. Statistical analysis using logistic regression showed that the prevalence of transthyretin deposition in the idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome group was significantly higher than that in controls (odds ratio, 15.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-75.7), and age and male sex were independent risk factors for transthyretin amyloid deposition. Our results demonstrate that wild-type transthyretin deposition is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in elderly men. It is likely that many patients develop carpal tunnel syndrome as an initial symptom of senile systemic amyloidosis., Article, HUMAN PATHOLOGY. 42(11):1785-1791 (2011)

Since proximal pole fractures of the scaphoid are frequently overlooked, the poor vascularity in the proximal pole fragment often leads to nonunion. Vascularized bone grafts have been recently tested in cases with scaphoid proximal pole nonunion, but the indication for this treatment has not been well established. Alternatively, we have been treating such patients with a non-vascularized iliac bone graft and Herbert-type screw fixation with considerable success. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate these cases retrospectively and clarify the surgical efficacy of our procedure.Between 1996 and 2009, 11 consecutive patients with proximal pole scaphoid nonunion were treated with a non-vascularized corticocancellous iliac bone graft and Herbert-type screw fixation. They were all male aged from 12 to 26 years. In two patients, avascular changes were recognized in the proximal pole in preoperative radiographs or MRI. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 76 months.Bone union was radiographically confirmed in all patients, who returned to their former activities without any complications. The period from operation to union ranged from 12 to 24 weeks. The mean Mayo modified wrist score was 76.4 points preoperatively and 91.4 points postoperatively, and was improved in all cases.A non-vascularized iliac bone graft with Herbert-type screw fixation obtained satisfactory clinical and radiographic results in cases with scaphoid proximal pole nonunion, regardless of the vascularity in the proximal fragment.

To identify a safe entry point for needle insertion in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), cross-sectional images of the wrist MRI of 45 normal volunteers and 180 consecutive patients with idiopathic CTS were reviewed. Insertion of the needle from the five different entry points into the carpal tunnel was simulated by drawing a 1-pixel line, and the incidence of contact with the median nerve was compared. In the CTS patients, the lowest incidence was 3% when inserted at one-third of the length between the FCR and FCU tendons on the ulnar side at the level of the distal part of the distal radioulnar joint and 4% at the mid point between the palmaris longus tendona and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. It was greater in the advanced stage of CTS than the less severe CTS. We recommend those two entry points.

Background: The present study measured longitudinal changes in bone turnover markers in elderly patients with vertebral fracture and investigated the relationship among bone turnover markers, duration of bed rest and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: Criteria for patient selection were 50 years in age and older, and presence of VF. Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) was measured as a marker of bone formation. Urinary crosslinked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX) was measured as a marker of bone resorption. In principle, samples were collected just after injury, within 24 h, and 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 weeks after. We also measured duration of bed rest and BMD. Results: The study population consisted of 42 cases. The average BMD of the lumbar vertebrae was 0.670 ± 0.174 g/cm2. Bed rest period was 17.9 ± 8.8 days. BAP showed significantly higher values at 2 and 3 weeks compared with the baseline value. Thereafter, BAP progressively decreased until 8 weeks. Urinary NTX was increased soon after the onset of pain with the same patterns in BAP. Urinary NTX values reached a peak at 3 weeks, and then they kept significantly higher values until 8 weeks. The peak value of serum BAP was affected by the duration of bed rest, although that of the urinary NTX was not. The peak values of serum BAP and urinary NTX showed negative correlations with the initial BMD values. Conclusions: Bone turnover markers remained higher at 8 weeks, even patients symptom was healed after VF. Bone turnover markers were affected on physical activity and BMD.

Background: Although there remain concerns of median nerve damage during endoscopic carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel pressure variations during Chow's two-portal techinique have not been well investigated. Methods: We performed a modified two-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release on 30 patients by inserting a catheter pressure transducer into the carpal tunnel for continuous pressure measurement during the procedure. Grip and pinch strengths, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and nerve conduction studies were examined preoperatively and at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months. Numbness and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were also evaluated pre and postoperatively. Findings: Subjective symptoms and nerve conduction study findings improved uneventfully. The pressure was always observed to be maximum pressure immediately before the cannula was withdrawn from the exit portal, and carpal tunnel pressure >300 mm Hg was recorded in most of the patients. Interpretation: A transient increase in the carpal tunnel pressure occurred in all the patients; however, it did not correlate with their clinical outcome or with increased risk of pen-operative complications. Since time-pressure threshold of the median nerve during endoscopic carpal tunnel release is still unknown, our results did not guarantee its safety., Article, CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS. 25(9):893-898 (2010)

BackgroundThe Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation is a regionspecific, self-administered questionnaire consisting of a pain scale (PRWE-P) and a functional scale (PRWE-F), with the latter consisting of specific function (PRWE-SF) and usual function (PRWE-UF). The PRWE was cross-culturally adapted from the original English version by the Impairment Evaluation Committee, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH). The purpose of this study was to test the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Japanese version of PRWE (PRWE-J).MethodsA consecutive series of 117 patients with wrist disorders completed the PRWE-J, the JSSH version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH-JSSH) questionnaire and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Of the 117 patients, 71 were reassessed for test-retest reliability 1 or 2 weeks later. Reliability was investigated by reproducibility and internal consistency. To analyze the validity, a factor analysis (principal axis factoring) of PRWE-J and correlation coefficients between PRWE-J and DASH-JSSH were obtained. Responsiveness was examined by calculating the standardized response mean (SRM) (mean change/SD) and effect size (mean change/SD of baseline value) after open surgery in 50 patients.ResultsCronbach’s α coefficients for PRWE-P, PRWE-F, and PRWE were 0.90, 0.95, and 0.95, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the same were 0.86, 0.93, and 0.92, respectively. Unidimensionality of PRWE-P was confirmed. Bidimensionality of PRWE-F was confirmed and separated clearly into PRWE-SF and PRWE-UF. The correlation coefficients between PRWE-P and PRWE-F or DASH-JSSH were 0.63 or 0.63, respectively. The correlation coefficient between PRWE-F and DASH-JSSH was 0.80. The correlation coefficients between DASH-JSSH and PRWE-SF or PRWE-UF were 0.76 or 0.73, respectively. Moderate correlation was observed in “physical functioning” for SF-36 and PRWE-SF (r = −0.46), PRWE-F (r = −0.46), or PRWE (r = −0.46). The SRMs/effect sizes of PRWE-P, PRWE-F, or PRWE were respectively excellent: 1.7/2.2, 1.2/1.3, 1.6/1.9.ConclusionsThe PRWE-J has evaluation capacities equivalent to those of the original PRWE.

Background Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a focal injury of the articular cartilage involving separation of a segment of cartilage from the subchondral bone that is infrequently encountered in the dominant-side elbow of adolescent throwing athletes1,2. The literature suggests that patients may achieve better short and mid-term results when treated with certain types of surgical procedures3,4. Selection of the appropriate surgical method should be based on the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) OCD classification system5. For lesions involving ≤50% of the surface area of the capitellum, debridement with microfracture and/or loose body removal have shown excellent results. For lesions involving >50% of the surface area of the capitellum and classified as ICRS OCD III or IV, autologous osteochondral grafting may be the most suitable treatment6-8. Bone peg grafting (BPG) has been shown to be an effective treatment option for early-stage capitellar OCD that can preserve the local hyaline cartilage9,10. Description Using direct vision and with arthroscopy, the continuity of the capitellar surface and the stability of the capitellar lesion were evaluated according to the ICRS OCD classification5. BPG was indicated for adolescents with ICRS OCD I or II. The elbow was opened between the extensor carpi ulnaris and the anconeus muscle (Kocher interval). Another skin incision of 3 cm in length was made at the posterior aspect of the metaphysis of the ipsilateral olecranon. Three, 4, or 5 bone pegs of approximately 20 mm in length were harvested from the posterior ulnar cortex. A Kirschner wire of 3 mm in diameter was used for drilling holes in the lesion, and then the bone pegs were inserted with tweezers to a depth of 10 mm. Next, a flat-surfaced rod was placed on the head of each bone peg to press it to a depth slightly lower than the articular cartilage surface. Postoperatively, the elbow was immobilized for 3 weeks. Throwing was allowed at 6 months, and a return to competitive baseball at preinjury levels was permitted at 8 months after BPG. Alternatives Arthroscopic debridement of the lesion.Arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation or microfracture.Fragment fixation using metal implants or biodegradable materials.Use of autologous osteochondral graft from the distal aspect of the femur or from a rib. Rationale Our follow-up study after BPG revealed that 10 of 11 patients with ICRS OCD I or II capitellar OCD could return to their preinjury baseball ability and that 8 of the 11 lesions completely healed as seen radiographically11. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings showed that BPG could secure the lesion to the osseous floor as a physiological scaffold. Fragment fixation with metal implants or biodegradable materials carries a risk of damaging cartilage surfaces, and autologous osteochondral grafting is too invasive for this early-stage lesion. BPG is indicated for ICRS OCD I or II lesions, especially with central positioning and/or occupying

Background: Eel calcitonin (elcatonin) injection is widely used for elderly patients suffering from somatic pain in Japan. However, there have been few reports on the analgesic effects of elcatonin injection. The purpose of this study was to examine the analgesic effects of elcatonin injection in postmenopausal women with lower back pain. Methods: This study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Thirty-six women aged ≥50 years with acute lower back pain participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two treatment groups according to whether they received a placebo or a weekly trigger point injection of elcatonin (20 units). They were observed for 5 weeks and the extent of pain at motion and at rest according to the visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated. The mean VAS scores for the elcatonin group were then compared with those of the placebo group. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the mean VAS scores for pain at rest between the two groups during the 5-week treatment course. However, the mean VAS scores for motion pain in the elcatonin group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group at the third, fifth and sixth weeks. Conclusions: Elcatonin injection (20 units) significantly relieved motion pain in the lower back in postmenopausal women after three weeks of treatment. This analgesic effect continued for the subsequent 3 weeks.

We evaluated the correlation between Japanese versions of patient-oriented questionnaires and electrophysiological examinations in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).A series of 45 patients who were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and subsequently underwent carpal tunnel release surgery were analyzed. There were 8 men and 37 women with an average age of 64.8 years. They completed the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand version of the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Instrument (CTSI-JSSH), which consisted of a Symptom Severity Score (CTSI-JSSH-SS), Functional Score (CTSI-JSSH-FS), and Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand version-Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH-JSSH) both preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were also performed and included motor distal latency (MDL) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) measurements. The responsiveness of each instrument was evaluated by calculating the standardized response mean (SRM) and effect size (ES). Correlation coefficients between preoperative and postoperative questionnaire scores and NCS parameters were calculated.Responsiveness (SRM/ES) was as follows: CTSI-JSSH-SS (-1.06/-1.14), CTSI-JSSH-FS (-0.75/-0.74), Quick-DASH-JSSH (-0.65/-0.62), MDL (-1.45/-1.11), and the neurophysiological stage of the disease (-0.90/-1.42). No significant correlation was observed between the preoperative and postoperative patient-oriented questionnaires and nerve conduction studies (P0.05).Although NCSs and the Japanese version of patient-oriented questionnaires are highly responsive to treatment, they are not parallel. Multifaceted assessment of CTS treatment is possible by performing both outcome measurements.

Article, ARTHROSCOPY-THE JOURNAL OF ARTHROSCOPIC AND RELATED SURGERY. 23(8): 816-821 (2007)

The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com., Article, JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SCIENCE. 12(3): 249-253 (2007)