Coaching of patients with an isolated minimally displaced fracture of the radial head immediately increases range of motion.

Study Design: Prospective cohort.

Introduction: Elbow stiffness is the most common adverse event after isolated radial head fractures.

Purpose Of The Study: To assess the effect of coaching on elbow motion during the same office visit in patients with such fractures.

Do patients prefer optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures: A pilot study.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the results of offering patients optional follow-up for simple upper extremity fractures. Specifically this study tested if there is a difference in (1) upper extremity disability, (2) return to work, and (3) satisfaction with delivered care at 2-6 months after enrollment between patients who choose and do not choose a return visit for an adequately aligned metacarpal, distal radius, or radial head fracture. Additionally we assessed if there was a difference in overall evaluation of the visit at enrollment between those patients and what factors were associated with returning after initially choosing not to schedule a follow-up visit.

Catastrophic Thinking Is Associated With Finger Stiffness After Distal Radius Fracture Surgery.

Objectives: To identify demographic, injury-related, or psychologic factors associated with finger stiffness at suture removal and 6 weeks after distal radius fracture surgery. We hypothesize that there are no factors associated with distance to palmar crease at suture removal.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Time Seeing a Hand Surgeon Is Not Associated With Patient Satisfaction.

Background: Previous studies, predominantly in the primary care setting, identified time spent with the physician as an important predictor of satisfaction. It is unknown if the same holds true in hand surgery.

Questions/purposes: Is patient satisfaction measured immediately after an office visit associated with the duration of time spent with the hand surgeon? What other factors are associated with satisfaction directly after the visits and 2 weeks after the appointment?

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 81 patients visiting our hand and upper extremity surgery outpatient clinic.