Treatment of reducible unstable fractures of the distal radius: randomized clinical study comparing the locked volar plate and external fixator methods: study protocol

Background: Various treatments are available for reducible unstable fractures of the distal radius, such as closed reduction combined with fixation by external fixator (EF), and rigid internal fixation using a locked volar plate (VP). Although there are studies comparing these methods, there is no conclusive evidence indicating which treatment is best. the hypothesis of this study is that surgical treatment with a VP is more effective than EF from the standpoint of functional outcome (patient-reported).Methods/Design: the study is randomized clinical trial with parallel groups and a blinded evaluator and involves the surgical interventions EF and VP. Patients will be randomly assigned (assignment ratio 1: 1) using sealed opaque envelopes. This trial will include consecutive adult patients with an acute (up to 15 days) displaced, unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius of type A2, A3, C1, C2 or C3 by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen-Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification and type II or type III by the IDEAL(32) classification, without previous surgical treatments of the wrist. the surgical intervention assigned will be performed by three surgical specialists familiar with the techniques described. Evaluations will be performed at 2, and 8 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months, with the primary outcomes being measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and measurement of pain (Visual Analog Pain Scale and digital algometer). Secondary outcomes will include radiographic parameters, objective functional evaluation (goniometry and dynamometry), and the rate of complications and method failure according to the intention-to-treat principle. Final postoperative evaluations (6 and 12 months) will be performed by independent blinded evaluators. for the Student's t-test, a difference of 10 points in the DASH score, with a 95% confidence interval, a statistical power of 80%, and 20% sampling error results in 36 patients per group.Discussion: Results from this study protocol will improve the current evidence regarding to the surgical treatment these fractures.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP EPM, Dept Orthoped & Traumatol, Hand Arm & Shoulder Surg Unit, São Paulo, BrazilHand Arm & Shoulder Surg Unit, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP EPM, Dept Orthoped & Traumatol, Hand Arm & Shoulder Surg Unit, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: FAPESP - 2012/00806-2- annex 3Web of Scienc

High-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy in a patellar tendon animal model: a vascularization-focused study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy on tendon angiogenesis in the patellar tendons of rabbits. We sought to investigate whether different voltage and number pulses modify the angiogenesis pattern. INTRODUCTION: High-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an option in the treatment of orthopedic diseases such as chronic tendonitis. Despite its potential clinical applicability, there have been few studies on this technique that examine both its clinical effectiveness and its effect on angiogenesis. METHODS: High-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy was applied at the tibial insertion of the left patellar ligament in 30 rabbits that were separated into six groups that differed in terms of the voltage and number of pulses that were applied by high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The tibial insertion in the right legs of the animals was used as the control. After six weeks, we performed histological analysis on the region and quantified the number of blood vessels. RESULTS: No significant differences in the number of blood vessels between the left and right patellar tendons were found within groups. Additionally, no significant differences in the number of blood vessels in the left patellar tendons were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The application of high-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy did not cause a change in vascularization in the patellar tendon in rabbits

Effect of shock waves upon the growth plate in rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of shock waves upon the growth plate in rabbits by varying the energy and number of applied waves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six groups of five rabbits aged 5 weeks (Total: 30) were studied. OSSATRON (HMT) was used to generate shock waves. Animals were submitted to applications upon the proximal growth plate of the left tibia; the intensity (14, 21,28kV) and number of waves varied (1,000 and 4,000). The right tibia was used as control. Animals were sacrificed after six weeks when measurements of tibia length were taken and the growth plate was microscopically studied. Statistical tests were used to compare measurements of the growth plate area and tibia length with those obtained in the control group, as well as between study groups. RESULTS: In the present study, no statistically significant change was found in the measurements of the growth plate area and tibia length following application of shock waves in either group. A difference in the tibia growth tended to occur between the groups submitted to 1,000 impulses and the groups submitted to 4,000 impulses. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Hematomas were seen in the local of application in groups submitted to higher-energy waves and spontaneously subsided, special care being not required. CONCLUSIONS: The application of shock waves upon the proximal tibia in immature rabbits as described did not have any effect upon the growth plate, as shown by the evaluation methods used in the present study.OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de ondas de choque na placa de crescimento de coelhos, variando a energia e o número de ondas aplicadas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 30 coelhos com idade de cinco semanas divididos em seis grupos. O aparelho gerador de ondas de choque foi o OSSATRON (HMT). Os animais foram submetidos a aplicações na placa de crescimento proximal da tíbia esquerda, variando a intensidade (14, 21,28kV) e o número de ondas (1000 e 4000). A tíbia direita foi usada como controle. Os animais foram sacrificados após seis semanas e sua avaliação foi feita por meio da mensuração do comprimento das tíbias e pela análise microscópica da placa de crescimento. Os resultados de mensuração da área da placa e do comprimento das tíbias foram comparados com o grupo controle e entre os grupos, utilizando-se estudos estatísticos. RESULTADOS: Neste estudo não ocorreram alterações estatisticamente significantes nas medidas da área da placa ou do comprimento da tíbia após a aplicação de ondas de choque em nenhum dos grupos. Foi observada tendência de ocorrer uma diferença de crescimento das tíbias entre os grupos submetidos a 1.000 impulsos e os grupos submetidos a 4.000 impulsos, mas esta diferença não foi considerada significante. Foi observada também a formação de hematoma no local da aplicação nos grupos que receberam ondas com maior energia, evoluindo com regressão espontânea sem necessidade de cuidados especiais. CONCLUSÕES: A aplicação de ondas de choque na região proximal da tíbia de coelhos imaturos, nas formas descritas, não teve nenhum efeito na placa de crescimento, de acordo com os métodos de avaliação usados neste estudo.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de PatologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de PatologiaSciEL

Fibroblasts growth factor and nerve fragments effect on tibial nerve regeneration in rats: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively compare rats' tibial nerve regeneration stimulation by Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and nerve fragments using silicone tubes. METHODS: 18 Wistar rats were employed in this experiment. The experimental surgery consisted of resection of an 8-mm tibial nerve segment, followed by an interposition of silicone tubes. On the right side, the tube was filled with a Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) solution, and on the left side, it was filled with 1 mm nerve segments. After three months, the animals were submitted to an additional surgery for exposing tibial nerves to the neuronal marker Fluoro-Gold®. After 48 hours, they were perfused with a paraformaldehyde solution and the medullar segment between L3 and S1 was removed and cut into 40 mum-thick segments. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of neuronal counts showed a higher amount of neurons on the side where FGF was used compared to the side where nervous fragments were placed, suggesting a superior performance of the fibroblast growth factor over nerve fragments for stimulating nervous regeneration in silicone tubes.OBJETIVO: Comparar quantitativamente, a estimulação da regeneração do nervo tibial de ratos pelo Fator de Crescimento de Fibroblastos e por fragmentos de nervo dentro tubos de silicone. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 18 ratos da raça Wistar. A cirurgia consistiu inicialmente na ressecção de um segmento de 8 mm do nervo tibial, seguida da interposição com tubos de silicone. No lado direito, o tubo foi preenchido com solução de Fator de Crescimento de Fibroblastos (FGF) e, no lado esquerdo, com segmentos do nervo cortados em fragmentos de 1 mm. Após três meses, os animais foram submetidos a nova cirurgia para exposição dos nervos tibiais ao marcador neuronal Fluro-Gold®. Quarenta e oito horas após a exposição ao corante, os ratos foram perfundidos com solução de paraformaldeído e o segmento medular entre L3 e S1 foi removido e cortado em fatias de 40 micrômetros de espessura. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: os resultados da contagem neuronal mostraram maior quantidade de neurônios no lado onde foi colocado FGF em relação ao lado onde foram colocados fragmentos nervosos, demonstrando que o fator de crescimento de fibroblastos é superior a fragmentos de nervos na estimulação da regeneração nervosa quando colocados no tubo de silicone.UNIFESPUNIFESP Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Arthroplasty for trapezium excision and tendon interposition in rhizarthrosis cases: prospective study

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the results from a series of patients who underwent surgical treatment for rhizarthrosis using the technique of trapezium resection associated with interposition of yarn from the long abductor tendon of the thumb. METHODS: From May to August 2005, ten patients underwent surgical treatment for rhizarthrosis. Patients with primary osteoarthrosis of the trapezium-metacarpal joint, in stages II, III and IV of the Eaton classification, with persistent pain that was refractory to clinical treatment, were included. For the functional assessment, the visual analogue scale, DASH questionnaire and Buck-Gramcko score were used. For the overall assessment on the patients, strength measurements were made for palm grip, pulp to pulp pinch, lateral pinch, three-point pinch, opposition and radial and palmar abductions. The migration index for the first metacarpal was also determined on radiographs at rest and under stress. RESULTS: The pain relief was considered to be good (p = 0.005), with functional improvements in modules 2 (p = 0.02) and 3 (p = 0.022) of DASH. The Buck-Gramcko score showed one excellent and three very good results. There was an improvement in almost all of the overall assessment and was only non-significant regarding lateral pinch and abduction. For all patients, there was migration of the first metacarpal. CONCLUSION: Trapeziectomy associated with interposition of yarn from the long abductor tendon of the thumb was shown to be a relatively simple and effective technique for pain relief and functional improvement.OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente os resultados de uma série de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da rizartrose, com a técnica de ressecção do trapézio associada à interposição de um novelo do tendão abdutor longo do polegar. MÉTODOS: De maio a agosto de 2005, 10 pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da rizartrose. Foram incluídos pacientes com osteoartrose primária da articulação trapézio-metacárpica, estágios II, III, IV da classificação de Eaton, com dor persistente refratária ao tratamento clínico. Para avaliação funcional foi utilizada a escala visual analógica, questionário DASH e o escore de Buck-Gramcko. Na avaliação global do paciente foram mensuradas as forças de preensão palmar, pinça polpa a polpa, pinça lateral, pinça de três pontos, oponência e abduções radial e palmar. Realizou-se, ainda, o índice de migração do primeiro metacarpal na radiografia de repouso e sob estresse. RESULTADOS: Foram considerados bons, no alívio da dor (p = 0,005), com melhora da função na avaliação pelo DASH módulos 2 (p = 0,02) e 3 (p = 0,022) O escore de Buck-Gramcko apresentou um resultado excelente e três ótimos. Houve melhora em quase toda avaliação global, sendo não significante apenas na pinça lateral e abdução. Em todos pacientes houve migração do primeiro metacarpal. CONCLUSÃO: A trapeziectomia associada à interposição de um novelo do tendão abdutor longo do polegar mostrou-se uma técnica de execução relativamente simples e eficaz no alívio da dor e na melhora funcional.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) Programa de OrtopediaUNIFESP da Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Programa de OrtopediaUNIFESP, da Escola Paulista de Medicina Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated by endoscopic technique

Objective:To evaluate the postoperative results of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome by the endoscopic release technique with single portal.Methods:78 patients (80 wrists) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months by the Boston questionnaire, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, monofilament test sensitivity, grip strength, lateral pinch, pulp to pulp pinch and tripod pinch.Results:Statistical analysis was significant (p <0.05) in the progressive decline of pain and improved function (Boston) during follow-up. The sensitivity significantly improved comparing the data pre and postoperatively. The grip strength, lateral pinch, pulp to pulp pinch and tripod pinch decreased in the first month after surgery, returning to preoperative values around the third month postoperatively.Conclusion:The technique proved to be safe and effective in improving pain, function, and return sensitivity and strength. Level of Evidence II, Prospective studyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Circular saw misuse is related to upper limb injuries: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: Machinery injuries account for a substantial share of traumatic upper limb injuries (TULIs) affecting young active individuals. This study is based on the hypothesis that there is an important relationship between the improper use of power saws and TULIs. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and epidemiology of TULIs caused by power saws and determine the risks related to power saw use. METHODS: A cross-sectional evaluation of medical records from a two-year period was performed. Patients sustaining TULIs related to power saws were analyzed. Data on the epidemiology, site of injury, mechanism of trauma, technical specifications of the tool, cutting material, personal protective equipment, time lost and return to work were obtained. RESULTS: A database search retrieved 193 TULI records, of which 104 were related to power saws. The majority of patients were male (102/104; 98.1%), right-handed (97/104; 93.3%), and manual workers (46/104; 44.2%), with an average age of 46.8 years. The thumb was the most frequently injured site (32/93; 34.4%). Most of the injuries were caused by manual saws (85/104; 81.7%), and masonry saws accounted for 68.2% (58/85) of the cases. Masonry saws improperly used for woodwork resulted in 86.2% (50/58) of the injuries. TULI caused by masonry saws was 5 times higher in manual workers than in other patients. In addition, masonry saws had a risk of kickback 15 times higher than that of other saws, and the risk of injury increased by 5.25 times when the saws were used improperly for wood cutting. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of TULIs related to power saws was demonstrated and was mainly associated with manual saws operated by manual workers that inappropriately used masonry saws for woodworking

Failure Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgical Treatment: When and How to Perform a Revision Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery

Despite being a procedure widely used all over the world with high rates of symptom remission, surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome may present unsatisfactory outcomes. Such outcomes may be manifested clinically by non-remission of symptoms, remission of symptoms with recurrence a time after surgery or appearance of different symptoms after surgery. Different factors are related to this unsuccessful surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Prevention can be achieved through a thorough preoperative clinical evaluation of the patient. As such, the surgeon will be able to make differential or concomitant diagnoses, as well as determine factors related to patient dissatisfaction. Perioperative factors include the correct identification of anatomical structures for complete median nerve decompression. Numerous procedures have been described for managing postoperative factors. Among them, the most common is adhesion around the median nerve, which has been treated with relative success using different vascularized flaps or autologous or homologous tissue coverage. The approach to cases with unsuccessful surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is discussed in more detail in the text

Comparison between DASH and SF-36 of the injured elbow rehabilitated in occupational therapy

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate upper limb function and quality of life of patients who have suffered from traumatic elbow lesion, submitted to surgical treatment and rehabilitation. METHODS: Through a transversal study, 22 patients diagnosed with traumatic elbow lesion, treated surgically by the UNIFESP Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Group and rehabilitated at Lar Escola São Francisco, Occupational Therapy division, Hand and Upper Limb Therapy service, were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and SF-36 Short-Form questionnaires. Results: The average DASH score was 31.36. The average result of the SF-36 domains was 60.32, for functional capacity; 27.05 for the physical aspect; 59.19, for pain; 66.99 for general health; 59.95 for vitality; 73.75 for the social aspect; 38.18 for the emotional aspect and 62.43 for mental health. The results of the DASH were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Patients with elbow traumatic lesion are capable of carrying out daily activities, but show some level of reduced function of the damaged limb and impaired quality of life. Level of Evidence V, Therapeutic Studies investigating the results of treatment.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função do membro superior e a qualidade de vida de pacientes que sofreram lesão traumática do cotovelo, submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico e de reabilitação. MÉTODOS: Por meio de um estudo transversal, 22 pacientes tratados cirurgicamente pelo Grupo de Cirurgia do Ombro e Cotovelo da UNIFESP e reabilitados no Lar Escola São Francisco, setor de Terapia Ocupacional, serviço de Terapia da Mão e Membro Superior, foram avaliados com os questionários Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) e SF-36 Short-Form. RESULTADOS: O escore médio do DASH foi 31,36. O resultado médio dos domínios do SF-36 foi 60,32 para capacidade funcional, 27,05 para aspecto físico, 59,19 para dor, 66,99 para estado de saúde geral, 59,95 para vitalidade, 73,75 para aspecto social, 38,18 para aspecto emocional e 62,43 para saúde mental. A correlação entre o DASH e o SF-36 obteve índice estatisticamente significante nos domínios aspecto físico (p<0,008), vitalidade (p<0,034) e aspecto social (p<0,029). Os resultados do DASH não obtiveram índices estatisticamente significantes. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com lesão traumática do cotovelo são capazes de desempenhar as atividades de rotina, mas apresentam algum grau de redução na função do membro acometido e comprometimento na qualidade de vida. Nível de Evidência V, Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaLar Escola São Francisco Centro de ReabilitaçãoUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL