Biomechanical Comparison of Volar Plate Repair Versus Volar Plate Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation at the Finger Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform a biomechanical comparison of volar plate repair alone versus volar plate repair with suture tape augmentation in a hyperextension laxity injury model at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.

Methods: Ten matched cadaveric fingers were obtained from five cadavers (average age, 59 ± 7 years). The specimens underwent 5 and 10 N·cm of extension load at the PIP joint to measure the laxity of the intact joint.

Biomechanical Comparison of FiberLock Suspensionplasty and Flexor Carpi Radialis Ligament Reconstruction for Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic and load to failure characteristics of post-trapeziectomy suspensionplasty with the FiberLock Suspension System (FLSS; Arthrex Inc., Naples, Florida) to flexor carpi radialis ligament reconstruction (FCRLR). We hypothesized that the FLSS will have increased stiffness, yield, and ultimate load compared with FCRLR.

Internal brace augmentation improves the biomechanical properties of trapeziometacarpal joint dorsoradial ligament repair.

This study investigated whether dorsoradial ligament repair with internal brace augmentation provided more immediate stability in the trapeziometacarpal joint than dorsoradial ligament repair alone. Seven matched pairs of cadaveric hands were used. One specimen from each pair was assigned to the repair-only group and the other to the repair + internal brace augmentation group.

Return to Play After Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries Managed Surgically in Athletes-A Systematic Review.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the available data on how surgical management of injuries to the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) complex affects athletes and their return-to-play (RTP) and postinjury performance metrics in addition to evaluating rehabilitation guidelines.

Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Embase databases for articles on outcomes of surgical treatment of thumb UCL injuries in athletes. Articles with expert recommendations on postoperative management and RTP guidelines were also included separately.

Accelerated Return to Play in Professional Basketball Players With Surgically-Treated Metacarpal Shaft Fractures.

Background: Traditional rehabilitation protocols for surgically treated metacarpal shaft fracture allow for return to play at 6-8 weeks post-operative. This may be devastating for the elite athlete. We outline a protocol that may allow for professional basketball players to successfully return to sport within four weeks following surgery.

Cryoneurolysis for Digital Neuralgia in Professional Baseball Players: A Case Series.

Background: Thumb injuries are common in baseball players and can sometimes be challenging to effectively manage. A subset of patients experience failed nonoperative management yet do not have a clear indication for surgery. Cryoneurolysis or cryoanalgesia is a form of neuromodulation for pain that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration; it has been used safely and effectively on a variety of peripheral nerves.

Volar Plate Capsulodesis With Internal Brace Augmentation for the Claw Hand.

Claw hand deformity is characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Surgical treatment of claw hand deformities often involves soft tissue procedures such as tendon transfers or volar plate capsulodesis. However, tissue attenuation over time can lead to recurrence of the deformity.

Thumb Carpometacarpal Instability.

The basal joint complex of the thumb provides the framework necessary for function of the human hand. Although its unique saddle articulation allows for a wide range of motion necessary for routine function of the hand, it is rendered inherently unstable because of poor bony congruency and reliance on its capsuloligamentous support. Painful instability of this joint can stem from several causes including traumatic dislocation, various hypermobility conditions, and chronic overuse and microtrauma.

Kinematic analysis of two scapholunate ligament reconstruction techniques.

Purpose: This study compares the kinematic changes after the procedures for scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) reconstruction-the modified Brunelli technique (MBT) and Mark Henry's technique (MHT).

Methods: Ten cadaveric wrists were used. The scapholunate (SL) interval and angle and radiolunate (RL) angle were recorded using the MicroScribe system.

Comparison of Three Different Internal Brace Augmentation Techniques for Scapholunate Dissociation: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study.

Internal bracing (IB) is an augmentation method using high-strength nonabsorbable tape. However, there is no detailed information about the direction, location, or number of IBs required for scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury repair. Thus, this study compared the biomechanical characteristics of short-transverse IB, long-oblique IB, and the combination of short-transverse and long-oblique (Combo) IB for SLIL injury in a biomechanical cadaveric model.

Return to Play in Athletes After Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation.

Background: Thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are common in competitive athletes. These tears often occur as a result of a radially directed force on an extended thumb. To date, no literature exists on the use of suture tape augmentation for repair of the thumb UCL in a competitive athlete cohort.

Internal Bracing Augmentation for Scapholunate Interosseous Ligament Repair: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study.

Purpose: Internal bracing (IB) is an augmentation method using high-strength nonabsorbable tape. This study compared scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) repair alone, SLIL repair with IB augmentation (RIBA), and native intact SLIL (NIS) in a biomechanical cadaveric model.

Methods: We used 21 specimens of fresh-frozen wrists in this study (7 matched pairs, SLIL repair-only and SLIL RIBA groups; and 7 independent fresh-frozen wrists, NIS group).

Kinematics of Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation.

Purpose: Acute thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are common injuries of the thumb in athletes. Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation is a novel procedure that may allow earlier return to play. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the thumb after UCL repair with and without suture tape augmentation.

Biomechanical Analysis of Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Kinematics.

Thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are common, but the kinematics of these injuries have not been comprehensively described, especially regarding kinematic changes with progressive UCL injury. Eleven cadaveric thumbs underwent kinematic testing under 4 conditions: intact, partial tear (50%) of the proper UCL, full tear of the proper UCL, and complete tear of both the proper and accessory UCL. Kinematic testing parameters included varus/valgus stress, pronation/supination, and volar/dorsal translation at -10 degree, 0 degree, 15 degree, and 30 degree of metacarpophalangeal flexion.

Suture Tape Augmentation of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair: A Biomechanical Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the biomechanical strength of repair of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) alone and repair augmented with suture tape.

Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens (6 matched pairs) had the UCL divided at its attachment on the base of the proximal phalanx and repaired with or without suture tape augmentation. A material testing machine was used to provide valgus stress at a rate of 0.

Use of suture anchors and new suture materials in the upper extremity.

Suture anchors are an important tool in the orthopedist's armamentarium. Their use is prevalent in surgery of the entire upper limb. Suture anchors have mostly obviated the need for multiple drill holes when striving for secure fixation of soft tissue to bone.

Tendon ruptures: mallet, flexor digitorum profundus.

Mallet injuries are the most common closed tendon injury in the athlete. Flexor digitorum profundus ruptures are rare in baseball, but are common injuries in contact sports. The diagnosis for each condition is based on clinical examination, although radiographs should be evaluated for a possible bony component.

Electromyographic analysis of forearm muscles in professional and amateur golfers.

Background: No fine-wire electromyography studies have been performed to compare the activity of forearm muscles in professional golfers versus amateur golfers.

Hypothesis: The fine-wire electromyographic activity of forearm muscles differs between professional and amateur golfers during the different phases of the golf swing.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.