Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Review of Neurology Literature Assessing Variability and Current Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Publications regarding the epidemiology and management of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) were evaluated to investigate treatment guidelines for children with BPBI.

METHODS

A search of neurology literature from 1990 to 2019 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Medline. Data including incidence, risk factors, spontaneous recovery rates, imaging studies, treatment recommendations, and indications and timing for surgery were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 46 total studies were reviewed. Reported incidence rates for BPBI ranged from 0.3 to 3 per 1000 births. Spontaneous recovery rates had an average reported range from 66% to 75%. Physical and occupational therapy were recommended in 37% of articles. Computed tomographic myelogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brachial plexus were the most commonly recommended imaging studies for BPBI. Timelines for surgical interventions ranged from age three to nine months. Early referral was recommended in 28% of the articles included in the review.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the inconsistencies in spontaneous recovery rates, imaging recommendations, and timing of referral, establishing consistent clinical guidelines for patients with BPBI is crucial for management. Early referral to specialists for evaluation and treatment may improve outcomes in children with BPBI.

Cortical windows for implant and cement removal during revision total elbow arthroplasty

Background

Revision total elbow arthroplasty (rTEA) remains a technically challenging procedure with potential for substantial morbidity. Cases involving excessively long cement mantles, removal of well-fixed implants or infected revisions requiring complete cement removal introduce additional technical challenges. Our purpose was to describe the outcomes, results, and complications associated with the use of cortical windows in rTEA. In addition, we provide a technical description of the procedure.

Methods

rTEA cases utilizing a cortical window performed by two surgeons between 2019 and 2023 were reviewed. Baseline demographics and case characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared, including range of motion, radiographic outcomes, surgical complications and patient-reported outcome measures.

Results

Seven rTEA cases involving either a humeral or ulnar cortical window were included with an average follow-up of 15 months. Indications for cortical windows included infection, periprosthetic humerus fracture and presumed aseptic loosening. Improvements were noted postoperatively for pain scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation elbow scores. Final flexion-extension and pronation-supination were 100° and 156°. One patient (14%) had a postoperative complication (failure of fixation of a periprosthetic humerus fracture). There were no cases of intraoperative iatrogenic fracture or nerve injury.

Conclusion

For rTEA cases during which a cortical window was performed, complications occurred infrequently in the short term. In these challenging procedures, cortical windows appear to provide a relatively safe and efficient means of removing excessively long cement mantles or well-fixed components.

Ulnohumeral Cross-Pinning in the Management of Traumatic Elbow Instability

PURPOSE

Traumatic elbow instability (subluxation and dislocation) represents a challenging clinical entity that can be complicated by persistent intraoperative instability after attempted stabilization or recurrent postoperative instability. Both static and dynamic supplemental stabilization procedures have been described for cases where fracture fixation and ligament repair fail to restore stability. There is a paucity of prior studies involving ulnohumeral cross-pinning (UCP), which is a type of static supplemental stabilization. Our purpose was to assess complications and outcomes after UCP.

METHODS

We reviewed all surgical cases involving primary and revision UCP for traumatic elbow instability at a single center from 2017-2023. Baseline demographics were recorded. Outcomes including radiographs, range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures, and surgical complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients undergoing UCP were included with a mean follow-up of 27 months. Five cross-pinnings (36%) were performed during revision procedures. Mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores were 2.4, 34, and 69, respectively. The mean flexion-extension and pronation-supination arcs were 114° and 140°, with 85% achieving at least a 100° arc for flexion and forearm rotation. Five patients (36%) had complications, all of which required reoperation. Two complications involved postoperative instability: one radial head subluxation and one radial head dislocation. Both occurred in revision UCP cases indicated for recurrent postoperative instability.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulnohumeral cross-pinning for persistent and recurrent elbow instability results in maintained ulnohumeral joint alignment, functional arcs of elbow range of motion, and acceptable patient-reported outcome measures, particularly in the setting of a primary procedure indicated for persistent intraoperative instability. Ulnohumeral cross-pinning is a reasonable supplemental stabilization procedure for complex elbow instability.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Reliability and Validity of the Ten Test for the Assessment of Digit Sensation

PURPOSE

The ten test (TT) is a sensory assessment used to quantify the sensation of each digit. Because it does not require additional equipment, it may have utility in telemedicine. Our purpose was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the TT.

METHODS

Adult patients with nontrauma upper-extremity complaints were evaluated within an academic outpatient clinic. Two examiner groups (hand surgeons [group 1] and residents/physician assistants [group 2]) administered the TT and static two-point discrimination (2PD). Hand surgeons were blinded to the results obtained by the initial examiners. The TT is administered by having the patient define an area of normal sensation with their uninvolved index finger and then rate digital sensation against the involved hand on a 1-10 scale, with 10 defined as perfectly normal sensation. A cut-point analysis was employed, and both sensory assessments were categorized as either normal (2PD ≤5 mm, TT ≥9) or abnormal sensation for the entire median-nerve distribution and individual digit level. Agreement statistics including sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) were calculated for the TT, using static 2PD as the reference standard. Interrater reliability was compared between the groups of examiners.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients (1,005 digits) were examined. The Sn/Sp for the TT was 53%/84% and 54%/85% at the digit-level and median-nerve distribution level, respectively. Interrater reliability for the TT between the groups of examiners was substantial at the digit level (κ = 0.68, SE = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The Sn/Sp for the TT was 53%/84% when using static 2PD as the reference standard. Interrater reliability for TT was substantial (κ = 0.68). The TT can serve as an alternative to other sensory assessments that require instrumentation. As telemedicine programs continue to evolve within upper-extremity surgery, the TT may be a useful tool with virtual applications.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic I.

Exploring Outcomes of Tibial Rigid Intramedullary Nailing in Adolescent Patients

OBJECTIVES

To explore outcomes after tibial rigid intramedullary nailing (RIMN) in skeletally immature patients, with a focus on postoperative complications and iatrogenic changes in tibial slope due to anterior physeal arrest.

METHODS

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

A large, tertiary care health system in the rural Mid-Atlantic United States, including two Level 1 trauma centers and one Level 2 trauma center.

PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA

Included were skeletally immature patients within 2 years of skeletal maturity undergoing tibial RIMN for Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen 42 A to C fractures between March 2009 and January 2024 with postoperative follow-up more than 1-year.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS

The primary outcome was change in tibial slope after RIMN. Secondary outcomes included postoperative weight-bearing status and complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven skeletally immature patients were included (mean age 15.2 ± 1.3 years, 76% male). For 22 patients with minimum 6-month postoperative radiographs (mean 18.4 ± 12.7 months), there was no significant change from preoperative to postoperative tibial slope (80.0 ± 1.9 vs. 80.1 ± 1.6 degrees, P = 0.86). Time to achievement of full weight-bearing across the series averaged 45.4 ± 35.6 days. Five patients (14%) underwent hardware removal, and 89% of patients reported that they had returned to "normal" activity at the latest follow-up (mean 56.2 ± 42.5 months).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that RIMN for tibial shaft fractures in skeletally immature pediatric patients within 2 years of maturity was not associated with iatrogenic physeal injury and resultant changes in tibial slope. Additional favorable clinical outcomes, the potential for early weight-bearing, and few associated postoperative complications indicate that RIMN is a safe option for skeletally immature patients with tibial shaft fractures. Caution should be exercised when extrapolating these results to younger pediatric patients with >2 years of skeletal growth remaining.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty

Despite improvements in our understanding of elbow biomechanics and implant design, early revision are higher following total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) compared with hip and knee arthroplasty. Revision TEA remains a standard but technically challenging procedure with the potential for substantial morbidity. This review discusses the diagnosis and management of the failed primary TEA. Current concepts related to surgical treatment with revision TEA indicated for prosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, and aseptic osteolysis will be reviewed. In addition, strategies and adjunctive procedures for dealing with bone loss in the revision setting will be discussed.

Perceptions of Patient and Surgeon Marijuana Use: A Survey Study of Upper-Extremity Patients

Purpose

The Drug Enforcement Agency has categorized marijuana as a schedule 1 substance. In states where marijuana is legal, health care systems and licensing boards restrict usage by health care professionals outside of work, unlike alcohol. Considering the paucity of evidence with respect to clinical efficacy and the legal ambiguity associated with marijuana, the purpose of this investigation was to quantify patient perceptions of marijuana use. We sought to evaluate patient perceptions of potential marijuana use by physicians, compared with other substances such as alcohol and nicotine.

Methods

Four hundred thirteen anonymous, 19-question surveys were administered to upper-extremity patients at a single institution. Surveys included demographics, the Brief Marijuana Effect Expectancies Questionnaire, and questions analyzing willingness to discuss/use marijuana as part of treatment. Patients were asked to answer the following using a five-point Likert scale: "I am comfortable with my doctor using the following substances outside of work." A binary logistic regression model was constructed to assess the significance of patient demographics associated with perceptions of physician marijuana usage.

Results

A total of 388 (94%) surveys were included. Forty percent of respondents had used marijuana. Forty percent were open to using marijuana as part of a treatment plan. Sixty-four percent agreed that they were comfortable with their doctor using alcohol outside of work compared with 47% for recreational marijuana. Demographic factors and personal history of marijuana use were not associated with perceptions of potential physician use.

Conclusions

Patient perceptions of marijuana use are variable. More patients were comfortable with their physician using marijuana outside of work than not. Patients were as comfortable with their physicians using medical marijuana as they were with nicotine.

Clinical relevance

As federal and state laws surrounding marijuana use change, understanding patient perceptions of potential physician use may play a role in determining health system and licensing board policies.

A Comparison of Tenosynovial and Transverse Carpal Ligament Biopsy for Amyloid Detection in Open Carpal Tunnel Release

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition in tenosynovium (TS) versus transverse carpal ligament (TCL) biopsies obtained during open carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that the incidence of amyloid would be similar between TCL and TS when obtaining both specimens from the same patient.

METHODS

All primary, elective open carpal tunnel release cases that underwent biopsy for amyloid between January 2022 and September 2023 were reviewed. Tenosynovial and TCL specimens were independently evaluated by a pathologist to assess for amyloid. Demographic data were collected, and incidence of amyloid deposition was compared between the two samples. Agreement statistics, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for TCL, using TS as the reference standard.

RESULTS

A total of 196 cases met either Tier 1 (n=180) or Tier 2 (n=16) biopsy criteria. Forty-eight cases were excluded for missed biopsies or laboratory processing errors, leaving 148 cases available for analysis. Amyloid deposition was present in 31 out of 148 (21%) TS specimens and 33 out of 148 (22%) TCL specimens. Overall, the results of the TS biopsy agreed with TCL biopsy in 138 out of 148 cases (93%). In the 10 cases for which the results of the TCL and TS biopsy differed, six cases had (+) TCL and (-) TS, and four cases had amyloid deposition in TS without evidence of deposition in the TCL. Sensitivity and specificity values for the TCL specimen were 87% and 95%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 82% and 97%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For cases of open carpal tunnel release undergoing biopsy, amyloid deposition was noted in 21% of TS specimens and 22% of TCL specimens. Results of TS and TCL biopsies obtained from the same patient agreed in 93% of cases. Single-source biopsy for amyloid represents a reasonable diagnostic approach. Future cost analyses should be performed to determine whether the addition of two biopsy sources to improve diagnostic accuracy is justified.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

A Comparison of Amyloid Deposition in Endoscopic and Open Carpal Tunnel Release

PURPOSE

Previous investigations assessing the incidence of amyloidosis detected with biopsy during carpal tunnel release (CTR) have focused on open CTR (OCTR). Prior authors have suggested that biopsy may be more technically challenging during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Our purpose was to compare differences in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during ECTR versus OCTR.

METHODS

We reviewed all primary ECTR and OCTR during which a biopsy for amyloid was obtained between February 2022 and June 2023. All procedures were performed by five upper-extremity surgeons from a single institution. Congo red staining was used to determine the presence of amyloid deposition in either the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) or tenosynovium. All positive cases underwent subtype analysis and protein identification through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline demographics were recorded for each case, and the incidence of positive biopsy was compared between ECTR and OCTR cases.

RESULTS

A total of 282 cases were included for analysis (143 ECTR and 139 OCTR). The mean age was 67 years, and 45% of cases were women. Baseline demographics were similar except for a significantly higher incidence of diabetes in OCTR cases (13% vs 33%). Overall, 13% of CTR cases had a positive biopsy. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of amyloid deposition detected during biopsy in ECTR cases (3.5%) compared with OCTR cases (23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Biopsy performed during ECTR may result in a lower incidence of amyloid detection. Future basic science investigation may be necessary to determine histologic differences between tenosynovium proximal and distal to the leading edge of the TCL. When surgeons plan a biopsy during surgical release of the carpal tunnel, an open approach may be advantageous.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Early Rates of Revision Surgery in Endoscopic and Open Carpal Tunnel Release

PURPOSE

To compare rates of revision surgery between primary endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR). In addition, we aimed to assess the influence of fellowship training on revision rates. We hypothesized that ECTR would not be associated with higher rates of revision surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, single-center replication study of a recently published comparative assessment of ECTR and OCTR. All patients between 18 and 75 years old undergoing primary ECTR or OCTR over a 6-year period were included if they were seen within 1 year after surgery. To control for confounding, adjusted binary logistic regression models were inverse-weighted by propensity scores. Early (12 months) and overall revision rates were compared between ECTR and OCTR, as were revision rates relative to surgeon training.

RESULTS

A total of 4,160 patients and 63 surgeons were included. Eighty-one percent underwent OCTR. Nine patients (0.21%) underwent revision within 12 months of index CTR at a mean of 231 days postoperatively. The early revision rate for OCTR and ECTR were 0.24% and 0.13%, respectively. After adjusting for patent characteristics and confounding, ECTR cases were 0.28 times (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.90) less likely to undergo revision. Early OCTR revision rates for hand surgeons were similar to nonhand surgeons (0.23% vs 0.24%); however, statistically significant higher revision rates were noted for nonhand surgeons (1.04%) compared to hand surgeons (0.42%) for revisions beyond 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a single health care system, the early revision rate after primary CTR was 0.21%. When adjusting for patient characteristics and controlling for confounding, ECTR was 0.28 times less likely to undergo revision compared to OCTR. Hand fellowship training was associated with lower OCTR revision rates beyond 1 year. These data highlight the need for future investigations to clearly define indications for, and outcomes following, revision CTR.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.