Therapeutic IV.

BackgroundThe objective was to evaluate recovery characteristics of patients undergoing endoscopic cubital tunnel release (ECuTR) by determining the following: (1) return to work (RTW) times following ECuTR compared with RTW times of patients that underwent anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve (ATUN), (2) satisfaction rates and factors affecting satisfaction, (3) resolution rates of common preoperative complaints and findings, and (4) effect of preoperative ulnar nerve subluxation on postoperative outcomes.MethodsA total of 172 cases in 148 patients undergoing ECuTR were prospectively enrolled including 56 women and 92 men. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to determine RTW time for ECuTR patients and for a cohort of 15 patients that underwent ATUN. Patients were evaluated for subjective and objective complaints preoperatively and postoperatively. Cases were grouped by Dellon’s classification preoperatively and modified by Bishop’s postoperatively.ResultsHalf of ECuTR patients returned to normal work within 8 days postoperatively versus 71 days following ATUN. Variables significantly negatively affecting RTW were male sex, manual labor, and worker’s compensation status. Dellon’s was the best predictor of postoperative satisfaction. Complete resolution of symptoms occurred in 86 % of patients for weakness, 81 % for pain, 79 % for numbness and tingling (N/T), 78 % for atrophy, 76 % for abnormal two-point discrimination, and 65 % for Wartenberg’s. Preoperative ulnar nerve subluxation had no effect on outcome.ConclusionsImproved RTW time following ECuTR versus ATUN indicates potential and substantial cost-saving implications with respect to reduced worker productivity loss. Patients with more severe preoperative Dellon’s classification can expect less optimal results regarding postoperative satisfaction and resolution rates of N/T and pain.

Background Symptomatic advanced scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrists are typically treated with extensive open procedures, including but not limited to scaphoidectomy plus four-corner fusion (4CF) and proximal row carpectomy (PRC). Although a minimally invasive arthroscopic option would be desirable, no convincing reports exist in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to describe a new surgical technique and outcomes on 14 patients who underwent arthroscopic resection arthroplasty of the radial column (ARARC) for arthroscopic stage II through stage IIIB SLAC wrists and to describe an arthroscopic staging classification of the radiocarpal joint for patients with SLAC wrist. Patients and Methods Data were collected prospectively on 17 patients presenting with radiographic stage I through III SLAC wrist who underwent ARARC in lieu of scaphoidectomy and 4CF or PRC. Fourteen patients (12 men and 2 women) subject to 1-year follow-up were included. The average age was 57 years (range 41 to 78). The mean follow-up was 24 months (range 12 to 61). Arthroscopic resection arthroplasty of the radial column is described for varying stages of arthritic changes of the radioscaphoid joint. Midcarpal resection was not performed. Results The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 66 preoperatively and 28 at final follow-up. The mean satisfaction (0 ¼ not satisfied, 5 ¼ completely satisfied) at final follow-up was 4.5 (range 3 to 5).

Background and Purpose

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