A Prospective, Randomized Trial of Splinting After Minicarpal Tunnel Release.

Purpose: To determine if any significant differences exist in patient-reported or clinical outcomes among 3 different postoperative orthotic regimens: no orthosis, removable orthosis, and plaster nonremovable orthosis-following miniopen carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery for symptomatic isolated carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: A total of 249 patients received a miniopen CTR and were subsequently randomized into 1 of 3 orthotic regimens: 80, no orthosis; 83, removable orthosis; and 86, nonremovable orthosis-to be removed at the first postoperative visit 10 to 14 days later. Patient-reported outcomes included the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) surveys, Levine-Katz Symptom Severity and Functional Status Scales, and Pain at Rest and in Action using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale.

Arthroscopic Partial Trapeziectomy With Soft Tissue Interposition for Symptomatic Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis: 6-Month and 5-Year Minimum Follow-Up.

Purpose: To determine if arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy (APT) and soft tissue interposition arthroplasty is an effective treatment for symptomatic trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 30 consecutive patients with symptomatic isolated trapeziometacarpal arthritis, Eaton-Littler stages II and III. Treatment consisted of an APT with soft tissue interposition utilizing an acellular dermal matrix as the interposition material.

Treatment of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture in Joints Previously Effectively Treated With Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum.

Purpose: Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is approved for the treatment of adults with Dupuytren contracture with a palpable cord. This open-label, phase 4 study evaluated the safety and efficacy of CCH for the retreatment of recurrent contractures in joints that were previously effectively treated with CCH.

Methods: Patients participating in a long-term follow-up study who had contracture recurrence (increased ≥ 20° with a palpable cord) after successful treatment in the previous study were eligible.

Small molecules targeting sodium and calcium channels for neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is a chronic disease, which impacts millions of individuals worldwide. The condition is currently treated with several drugs that provide pain relief that is inconsistent and complicated by CNS or cardiovascular (CV) side effects. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are of particular interest as targets for neuropathic pain because they control electrical signals in both the central and peripheral nervous system.

Initial stability of press-fit acetabular components: an in vitro biomechanical study.

Component shape, surface finish, and presence of holes for adjuvant screw fixation should all affect initial stability and hence long-term fixation of total hip acetabular components. We conducted a study to determine stability against edge loading and torsion in commercial implants that differed in these design variables. Components were seated into synthetic cancellous bone blocks, and loads and insertion energies necessary to seat the components were measured.

Progress toward the total synthesis of (+)-aldosterone: synthesis of the A-D rings.

[reaction: see text] Synthesis of the A-D rings of the cortical hormone (+)-aldosterone is described. The key step incorporates a chiral tether in a type 2 intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction that establishes the absolute configuration of four contiguous asymmetric centers. This approach provides an efficient route for either enantiomer of the steroid skeleton.

The Type 2 Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction: Synthesis and Chemistry of Bridgehead Alkenes.

Anti-Bredt alkenes, bicyclic molecules that contain a bridgehead double bond, were for many years regarded as chemical curiosities. The type 2 intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction provides a one-step entry into this fascinating class of molecules. The reaction has made available numerous anti-Bredt alkenes for structural and chemical studies.