[Digital OR]

BACKGROUND

Numerous processes are involved in the orthopedic and trauma surgery operating room (OR). Technical progress, particularly in the area of digitalization, is increasingly changing routine surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE

This article highlights the possibilities and also limitations regarding this matter.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on the current literature this article provides insights into innovations in the areas of digitalization of surgical devices, hybrid OR, machine-2-machine networking, management systems for perioperative efficiency improvement, 3D printing technology and robotics.

RESULTS

The technical possibilities for the use of digital applications in the surgical environment are rapidly increasing. Close cooperation with industrial partners is important in this context. Technologies from the automotive, gaming and mobile phone industries are being adopted.

CONCLUSION

Digital technology in the OR can improve treatment quality, patient and staff safety and cost efficiency; however, the networking of devices, implementation of innovations in existing structures and the sometimes high acquisition costs are still limiting factors.

Cardiac arrest in takotsubo syndrome: results from the InterTAK Registry

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical features, and prognostic implications of cardiac arrest (CA) in takotsubo syndrome (TTS).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed the records of patients with CA and known heart rhythm from the International Takotsubo Registry. The main outcomes were 60-day and 5-year mortality. In addition, predictors of mortality and predictors of CA during the acute TTS phase were assessed. Of 2098 patients, 103 patients with CA and known heart rhythm during CA were included. Compared with patients without CA, CA patients were more likely to be younger, male, and have apical TTS, atrial fibrillation (AF), neurologic comorbidities, physical triggers, and longer corrected QT-interval and lower left ventricular ejection fraction on admission. In all, 57.1% of patients with CA at admission had ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia, while 73.7% of patients with CA in the acute phase had asystole/pulseless electrical activity. Patients with CA showed higher 60-day (40.3% vs. 4.0%, P < 0.001) and 5-year mortality (68.9% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001) than patients without CA. T-wave inversion and intracranial haemorrhage were independently associated with higher 60-day mortality after CA, whereas female gender was associated with lower 60-day mortality. In the acute phase, CA occurred less frequently in females and more frequently in patients with AF, ST-segment elevation, and higher C-reactive protein on admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac arrest is relatively frequent in TTS and is associated with higher short- and long-term mortality. Clinical and electrocardiographic parameters independently predicted mortality after CA.

Cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin in the UK in an EMPA-REG OUTCOME subgroup with type 2 diabetes and heart failure

Aims

Heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), common co‐morbidities, translate into worse patient prognoses and higher direct costs than for either condition alone. Empagliflozin has been shown to markedly reduce cardiovascular (CV) deaths and HF hospitalizations (HHF) in HF patients with T2D. This study evaluated the lifetime cost‐effectiveness of supplementing standard of care (SoC) with empagliflozin, relative to SoC alone, in HF patients with T2D from the UK payer perspective.

Methods and results

An existing discrete‐event simulation model was adapted for the economic evaluation. Risk equations developed from time‐dependent parametric survival analyses using patient‐level HF subpopulation data from the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial were employed to predict CV and renal events. Non‐CV death, utility weights, and costs were drawn from UK sources. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs were discounted at 3.5% per annum. Relative to SoC, empagliflozin with SoC yielded fewer first HHF, recurrent HHF, CV death, and non‐fatal myocardial infarction but more non‐fatal stroke events. Empagliflozin with SoC vs. SoC alone was associated with increased average life expectancy (10.80 vs. 9.59 LYs) and quality of life (6.27 vs. 5.62 QALYs), though at higher lifetime cost (£18 197 vs. £16 829) per person, resulting in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of £2093 per QALY. The probability of empagliflozin being cost‐effective in the HF subpopulation at a £20 000 per QALY willingness‐to‐pay threshold was 91%.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that adding empagliflozin to SoC in HF patients with T2D constitutes a cost‐effective use of UK healthcare resources and may provide long‐term health benefits to patients.

Why Follow-up Examinations After Left Atrial Appendage Closure Are Important: Detection of Complications During Follow-up and How to Deal with Them

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Device-related thrombus (DRT) formation and incomplete left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) are the two major complications that can occur after LAAC and can potentially limit the success of such a procedure. This review discusses the incidence, clinical and/or prognostic significance, detection methods, treatment options, and potential strategies to prevent these complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

It has recently been proven that the presence of a DRT represents an independent predictor for ischemic stroke after LAAC. Continued need for anticoagulation due to incomplete LAAC is clinically relevant to the patient. The appearances of a DRT or an incompletely closed LAA after a LAAC procedure are not rare complications. Due to the clinical and/or prognostic significance of these complications, it is important to detect them in a timely manner during follow-up by using the appropriate diagnostic imaging techniques. Since a DRT is associated with an increased risk of stroke, the therapy should be aggressive. In the case of incomplete LAA closure, an additional closure device may be used to complete occlusion and avoid lifelong anticoagulation therapy.

Underweight is associated with inferior short and long-term outcomes after MitraClip implantation: Results from the German TRAnscatheter mitral valve interventions (TRAMI) registry

BACKGROUND

Underweight and obesity represent classical risk factors for adverse outcome in patients treated for cardiovascular disease.

AIMS

The current analysis examines the impact of underweight, overweight and obesity on intra-hospital, short and long-term outcomes in patients treated by MitraClip therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From August 2010 until July 2013, 799 patients (age 75.3 ± 8.6 years, male gender 60.7%, median logistic EuroSCORE 20% [12; 31], functional mitral regurgitation (MR): 69.3%) were prospectively enrolled into the multicenter German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions registry. Patients were stratified according to body mass index (BMI) into 4 groups: BMI <20 kg/m² (underweight), BMI 20.0 to <25.0 kg/m² (normal weight, reference group), BMI 25.0 to <30.0 kg/m² (overweight) and BMI ≥30 kg/m² (obese). Significant increased rates of procedural failure, transfusion/bleeding, sepsis or multiorgan failure and low cardiac output failure were found for underweight patients only. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated inferior survival for underweight patients, but comparable outcomes for all other patients (global log rank test, P < .01). Multivariable Cox-regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL, diabetes, left ventricular ejection fraction <30% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) confirmed underweight (as compared to normal weight) as an independent risk factor of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.46, P = .044) and overweight as protective against death (HR: 0.71; 95%-CI: 0.55-0.93; P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to other weight groups, underweight patients undergoing MitraClip implantation are exposed to increased rates of procedural failure, bleeding and low cardiac output as well as increased short- and long-term mortality rates and should therefore be carefully discussed in the heart-team.

Diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative CT-imaging in complex articular fractures - a cadaveric study

Anatomic reconstruction of articular fractures is one of the critical factors in later achieving good functional outcome. Intraoperative 3D imaging has been shown to offer better evaluation and therefore can significantly improve the results. The purpose of this study was to assess the difference between intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy (3D) and intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) imaging regarding fracture reduction, implant placement and articular impressions in a distal humeral fracture model. AO type 13-B2 fracture pattern were created in upper extremity cadaver specimens. Articular step-offs, intra-articular screw placement and intraarticular impressions of different degrees of severity were created. All specimens had imaging performed. For each articular pattern 3D fluoroscopy in standard (3Ds) and high quality (3Dh) were performed (Arcadis Orbic, Siemens, Germany) as well as an intraoperative CT scan (iCT, Airo, Brainlab, Germany). Three observers evaluated all imaging studies regarding subjective and objective parameters. iCT is more precise than 3D fluoroscopic imaging for detection of articular impressions. Articular step-offs and intraarticular screw placement are similar for iCT and 3D. Subjective imaging quality is the highest for iCT and lowest for 3Ds. Intraoperative CT may be particularly useful in assessing articular impressions and providing a good subjective image quality for the surgeon.

Intraventricular Thrombus Formation and Embolism in Takotsubo Syndrome

Objective:

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by acute left ventricular dysfunction, which can contribute to intraventricular thrombus and embolism. Still, prevalence and clinical impact of thrombus formation and embolic events on outcome of TTS patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate clinical features and outcomes of patients with and without intraventricular thrombus or embolism. Additionally, factors associated with thrombus formation or embolism, as well as predictors for mortality, were identified.

Approach and Results:

TTS patients enrolled in the International Takotsubo Registry at 28 centers in Australia, Europe, and the United States were dichotomized according to the occurrence/absence of intraventricular thrombus or embolism. Patients with intraventricular thrombus or embolism were defined as the ThrombEmb group. Of 1676 TTS patients, 56 (3.3%) patients developed intraventricular thrombus and/or embolism following TTS diagnosis (median time interval, 2.0 days [range, 0–38 days]). Patients in the ThrombEmb group had a different clinical profile including lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher prevalence of the apical type, elevated levels of troponin and inflammatory markers, and higher prevalence of vascular disease. In a Firth bias-reduced penalized-likelihood logistic regression model apical type, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30%, previous vascular disease, and a white blood cell count on admission >10×10 3 cells/μL emerged as independent predictors for thrombus formation or embolism.

Conclusions:

Intraventricular thrombus or embolism occur in 3.3% of patients in the acute phase of TTS. A simple risk score including clinical parameters associated with intraventricular thrombus formation or embolism identifies patients at increased risk.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01947621.

Clinical Predictors and Prognostic Impact of Recovery of Wall Motion Abnormalities in Takotsubo Syndrome: Results From the International Takotsubo Registry

Background

Left ventricular (LV) recovery in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) occurs over a wide‐ranging interval, varying from hours to weeks. We sought to investigate the clinical predictors and prognostic impact of recovery time for TTS patients.

Methods and Results

TTS patients from the International Takotsubo Registry were included in this study. Cut‐off for early LV recovery was determined to be 10 days after the acute event. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with the absence of early recovery. In‐hospital outcomes and 1‐year mortality were compared for patients with versus without early recovery. We analyzed 406 patients with comprehensive and serial imaging data regarding time to recovery. Of these, 191 (47.0%) had early LV recovery and 215 (53.0%) demonstrated late LV improvement. Patients without early recovery were more often male (12.6% versus 5.2%; P=0.011) and presented more frequently with typical TTS (76.3% versus 67.0%, P=0.040). Cardiac and inflammatory markers were higher in patients without early recovery than in those with early recovery. Patients without early recovery showed unfavorable 1‐year outcome compared with patients with early recovery (P=0.003). On multiple logistic regression, male sex, LV ejection fraction <45%, and acute neurologic disorders were associated with the absence of early recovery.

Conclusions

TTS patients without early LV recovery have different clinical characteristics and less favorable 1‐year outcome compared with patients with early recovery. The factors associated with the absence of early recovery included male sex, reduced LV ejection fraction, and acute neurologic events.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01947621.

P4730Underweight is associated with unfavourable short- and long-term outcomes after MitraClip therapy: a body mass index derived subgroup analysis of the German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions (

Background

Underweight and obesity represent classical risk factors for patients undergoing cardiac surgery or interventional treatment. The multicentre German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions (TRAMI) registry comprises a large and prospectively enrolled real-world cohort of patients treated by MitraClip implantation.

Aims

The current analysis examines the impact of underweight, overweight and obesity on intra-hospital, short and long-term outcomes in patients treated by MitraClip therapy.

Methods and results

From 08/2010 until 07/2013, 799 patients (age 75.3±8.6 years, male gender 60.7%, median logistic EuroSCORE 20% [12; 31], functional mitral regurgitation (MR): 69.3%) were prospectively enrolled into the multicentre, industry-independent German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions registry. Patients were stratified according to body mass index (BMI) into four groups: BMI<20 kg/m2 (underweight, n=49), BMI 20.0 to <25.0 kg/m2 (normal weight, n=293), BMI 25.0 to <30.0 kg/m2 (overweight, n=296) and BMI≥30 kg/m2 (obese, n=132). Procedure and radiation time were comparable among all groups. Significant increased rates of procedural failure (12.2% vs. 2.1 [normal weight], p<0.001), transfusion/bleeding (20.8% vs. normal weight: 5.6%, obesity: 7.0%, p<0.01), sepsis or multiorgan failure and low cardiac output failure were found for underweight patients only. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated inferior survival for underweight patients, but comparable outcomes for all other patients (global log rank test, p<0.01). Multivariable Cox-regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, creatinine≥1.5mg/dl, diabetes, left ventricular ejection fraction<30% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) confirmed underweight (as compared to normal weight) as an independent risk factor of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58, 95%-confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.46, p=0.044) and overweight as protective against death (HR: 0.71; 95%-CI: 0.55–0.93; p=0.011).

Conclusion

Underweight patients are exposed to increased rates of procedural failure, bleeding and low cardiac output as well as increased short- and long-term mortality rates when undergoing MitraClip implantation and should therefore be carefully discussed within the heart team.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The TRAMI registry has been supported by proprietary means of IHF. Additional funding is provided by “Deutsche Herzstiftung” and a grant from Abbott.

Long-Term Prognosis of Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Prognosis of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) remains controversial due to scarcity of available data. Additionally, the effect of the triggering factors remains elusive.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared prognosis between TTS and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and investigated short- and long-term outcomes in TTS based on different triggers.

METHODS

Patients with TTS were enrolled from the International Takotsubo Registry. Long-term mortality of patients with TTS was compared to an age- and sex-matched cohort of patients with ACS. In addition, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between different groups according to triggering conditions.

RESULTS

Overall, TTS patients had a comparable long-term mortality risk with ACS patients. Of 1,613 TTS patients, an emotional trigger was detected in 485 patients (30%). Of 630 patients (39%) related to physical triggers, 98 patients (6%) had acute neurologic disorders, while in the other 532 patients (33%), physical activities, medical conditions, or procedures were the triggering conditions. The remaining 498 patients (31%) had no identifiable trigger. TTS patients related to physical stress showed higher mortality rates than ACS patients during long-term follow-up, whereas patients related to emotional stress had better outcomes compared with ACS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, TTS patients had long-term outcomes comparable to age- and sex-matched ACS patients. Also, we demonstrated that TTS can either be benign or a life-threating condition depending on the inciting stress factor. We propose a new classification based on triggers, which can serve as a clinical tool to predict short- and long-term outcomes of TTS. (International Takotsubo Registry [InterTAK Registry]; NCT01947621).

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Patients With Malignancy and Takotsubo Syndrome: Observations From the International Takotsubo Registry

Background Clinical characteristics and outcomes of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) patients with malignancy have not been fully elucidated. This study sought to explore differences in clinical characteristics and to investigate short- and long-term outcomes in TTS patients with or without malignancy. Methods and Results TTS patients were enrolled from the International Takotsubo Registry. The TTS cohort was divided into patients with and without malignancy to investigate differences in clinical characteristics and to assess short- and long-term mortality. A subanalysis was performed comparing long-term mortality between a subset of TTS patients with or without malignancy and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with or without malignancy. Malignancy was observed in 16.6% of 1604 TTS patients. Patients with malignancy were older and more likely to have physical triggers, but less likely to have emotional triggers compared with those without malignancy. Long-term mortality was higher in patients with malignancy (P<0.001), while short-term outcome was comparable (P=0.17). In a subanalysis, long-term mortality was comparable between TTS patients with malignancies and ACS patients with malignancies (P=0.13). Malignancy emerged as an independent predictor of long-term mortality. Conclusions A substantial number of TTS patients show an association with malignancy. History of malignancy might increase the risk for TTS, and therefore, appropriate screening for malignancy should be considered in these patients. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrial.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01947621.

Pronator quadratus repair with a part of the brachioradialis muscle insertion in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures: a prospective randomised trial

INTRODUCTION

Stable pronator quadratus repair following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures with complete plate coverage is difficult.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study compares a modified pronator quadratus repair technique involving the brachioradialis muscle insertion (test group) with a conventional radial incision through the muscle without pronator quadratus repair (standard group). This prospective randomised study included 16 patients in the test group and 12 in the standard group; all were available for clinical, radiographic and ultrasound examination at a mean follow-up of 15 months.

RESULTS

Pronator quadratus repair was feasible in all test group patients, and complete coverage of the distal plate was achieved in 11. No differences in functional outcome were observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Pronator quadratus repair with a part of the brachioradialis muscle insertion is a reliable technique for coverage of a volar plate by slight distal transposition. In the repair of distal radius fractures, this may better protect the finger flexor tendons against irritation and/or rupture. That likelihood should now be studied.

Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a prospective randomized double-blind sham-controlled multi-center study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the basivertebral nerve (BVN) for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in a Food and Drug Administration approved Investigational Device Exemption trial. The BVN has been shown to innervate endplate nociceptors which are thought to be a source of CLBP.

METHODS

A total of 225 patients diagnosed with CLBP were randomized to either a sham (78 patients) or treatment (147 patients) intervention. The mean age within the study was 47 years (range 25-69) and the mean baseline ODI was 42. All patients had Type I or Type II Modic changes of the treated vertebral bodies. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the comparative change in ODI from baseline to 3 months.

RESULTS

At 3 months, the average ODI in the treatment arm decreased 20.5 points, as compared to a 15.2 point decrease in the sham arm (p = 0.019, per-protocol population). A responder analysis based on ODI decrease ≥ 10 points showed that 75.6% of patients in the treatment arm as compared to 55.3% in the sham control arm exhibited a clinically meaningful improvement at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with RF ablation of the BVN for CLBP exhibited significantly greater improvement in ODI at 3 months and a higher responder rate than sham treated controls. BVN ablation represents a potential minimally invasive treatment for the relief of chronic low back pain. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

2D projection-based software application for mobile C-arms optimises wire placement in the proximal femur - An experimental study

PURPOSE

A new software application can be used without fixed reference markers or a registration process in wire placement. The aim was to compare placement of Kirschner wires (K-wires) into the proximal femur with the software application versus the conventional method without guiding. As study hypothesis, we assumed less placement attempts, shorter procedure time and shorter fluoroscopy time using the software. The same precision inside a proximal femur bone model using the software application was premised.

METHODS

The software detects a K-wire within the 2D fluoroscopic image. By evaluating its direction and tip location, it superimposes a trajectory on the image, visualizing the intended direction of the K-wire. The K-wire was positioned in 20 artificial bones with the use of software by one surgeon; 20 bones served as conventional controls. A brass thumb tack was placed into the femoral head and its tip targeted with the wire. Number of placement attempts, duration of the procedure, duration of fluoroscopy time and distance to the target in a postoperative 3D scan were recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with the conventional method, use of the application showed fewer attempts for optimal wire placement (p=0.026), shorter duration of surgery (p=0.004), shorter fluoroscopy time (p=0.024) and higher precision (p=0.018). Final wire position was achieved in the first attempt in 17 out of 20 cases with the software and in 9 out of 20 cases with the conventional method.

CONCLUSIONS

The study hypothesis was confirmed. The new application optimised the process of K-wire placement in the proximal femur in an artificial bone model while also improving precision. Benefits lie especially in the reduction of placement attempts and reduction of fluoroscopy time under the aspect of radiation protection. The software runs on a conventional image intensifier and can therefore be easily integrated into the daily surgical routine.

Safety and efficacy of MitraClip™ therapy in patients with severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction: results from the German transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TRAMI) registry

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip™ device in patients with severely reduced systolic left ventricular (LV) function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 777 MitraClip™ implantations included in the German mitral valve registry, we identified 256 patients suffering from severely reduced LV function [ejection fraction (EF) <30%] in whom successful percutaneous mitral valve repair was performed. Procedural safety, efficacy, and 1-year outcome was compared with 241 patients with preserved LV function (EF >50%) and 280 patients presenting with an EF 30-50% prior to MitraClip™ therapy. High procedural success rates, low periprocedural complication rates, and low residual mitral regurgitation grades at discharge were achieved throughout all groups. In-hospital mortality was low and comparable in all groups. After 1 year, mortality rates were 24.2% (EF <30%), 17.3% (EF 30-50%), and 18.9% (EF >50%). Major adverse cardiac or cardiovascular event rates were 29.7% (EF <30%), 24.4% (EF 30-50%), and 23.5% (EF >50%). Procedural failure was the main predictor for mortality in EF <30% patients (hazard ratio 10.38; 95% CI 3.71-29.02). Improved clinical symptoms were observed in the majority of patients in all groups. Thus, 69.5% of EF <30% patients improved by one or more New York Heart Association functional class. Compared with patients with preserved LV function, this is a significantly larger proportion (EF >50%: 56.8%; P < 0.05). Moreover, quality of life, being very poor at baseline, improved distinctively in severe heart failure patients.

CONCLUSION

In patients with severely reduced systolic LV function undergoing MitraClip™ therapy, procedural safety, efficacy, and clinical improvement after 1 year are comparable to patients with preserved LV function.

[Morel-Lavallée lesion : Severely injured 13 year old after being run over]

Accidents in which a person is run over are often associated with multiple serious injuries. Immediate bleeding control is crucial. Pressure and shear stress at the borders of subcutaneous tissue to the muscle fascia can cause hypoperfusion and the emergence of blood-filled cavities that are associated with a high risk of infection and necrosis, a so-called Morel-Lavallée lesion. Insufficient therapy can lead to local complications and furthermore to live-threatening sepsis.

[Operative treatment of Dupuytren's contracture : Arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal finger joint]

BACKGROUND

In the operative treatment of Dupuytren's disease, in certain cases proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture remains after fasciectomy due to shrinkage, shortening, and/or adhesion of the periarticular structures.

OBJECTIVES

How can a residual flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint after partial fasciectomy in Dupuytren's disease be treated surgically and what follow-up results can be expected?

METHODS

Description of anatomy, indication, surgical technique of arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, postoperative treatment, and critical analysis of the results reported in the literature.

RESULTS

Arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint is performed in up to six consecutive steps. An improvement of only about 50% compared to preoperative flexion contracture can be expected.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite alleged unsatisfactory results arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint can be recommended in surgery of Dupuytren's disease. In certain cases, patient cooperation during lengthy postoperative treatment is necessary.

Treatment of digital pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis: single open debridement, irrigation, and primary wound closure followed by antibiotic therapy

INTRODUCTION

Digital pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis requires fast, aggressive treatment. Although this infection occurs frequently, treatment consensus is lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2011 and 2015, 22 patients with acute pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis were treated with a single open debridement followed by irrigation; the incision was closed and a 10-day antibiotic course was administered. The average incision-to-suture time was 25 min, and the average hospital stay was 4 days. Recovery was uncomplicated for 20 patients, while two were reoperated, one due to germ resistance and the other due to necrotizing fasciitis. At an average of 30 month postoperatively, 21 of the 22 patients were available for follow-up. The affected finger was inspected, and sensibility, range of motion, and grip force were compared with the opposite side, and the DASH score was determined. Each patient documented pain in the affected finger at rest and during activity, and rated overall satisfaction with the treatment on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

Almost all patients were free of pain at follow-up and very satisfied. Compared to the contralateral side, each of the affected fingers had the same range of motion and sensibility. Grip force was similar on both sides. The average DASH score was 35 points.

CONCLUSION

A single open debridement with irrigation and primary wound closure followed by 10 days of antibiotic treatment resolved uncomplicated pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis. After 2 and a half years, the treatment yielded high patient satisfaction with neither functional nor subjective impairment of the affected finger.

[Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of fingers with tension band wire]

OBJECTIVE

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of fingers in a functional and pain-free position.

INDICATIONS

Primary and secondary osteoarthritis, traumatic joint destruction, posttraumatic malposition, instability, joint destruction due to infection, irreparable extensor and/or flexor tendon lesion, recurrent flexion deformity in Dupuytren's disease, arthritis (e. g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), failed resection arthroplasty, failed prosthesis, congenital disorder (e. g., camptodactyly).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Persistent joint infection.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Resection of the proximal phalanx head and the middle phalanx base, arthrodesis with figure-of-eight tension band wire in a functional position.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Plaster of Paris cast with arthrodesis position of the affected finger and intrinsic plus position of at least one adjacent finger for 2 weeks, custom-made finger splint for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 15 of 16 patients with an arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal finger joint of the dominant hand by tension band wire were followed up after an average of 31 months. None was affected by the arthrodesis in everyday live. All patients were very satisfied with the result. Nine of 15 patients were free of pain both at rest and with activity. The average DASH score was 48 points. Grip strength averaged 29 kg, 7 % stronger than the contralateral hand.