The Journal of hand surgery
-
To test the null hypothesis that there is no relationship between coping mechanisms and depression measured before surgery, and pain intensity and disability after surgery, as assessed at the time of suture removal. ⋯ Prognostic I.
-
To investigate the results of distal nerve transfer, with and without nerve root grafting, in C5-C6 palsy of the brachial plexus. ⋯ We repaired C5-C6 brachial plexus palsies using a combination of strategies depending on the site of root injury (ie, intradural vs extradural). Patients with injuries that were able to be reconstructed with both root grafting and nerve transfers had the best function. These results suggest that the combined use of nerve transfers and root grafting may enhance outcomes in the reconstruction of C5-C6 injuries of the brachial plexus.
-
We modified the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire to be weighted according to a patient's priorities (patient-specific [PS-DASH]) and compared it with the DASH in terms of its mean and variance and its relationship with coping styles (pain avoidance, pain catastrophizing, anxiety sensitivity, and hypochondriasis), depression, and overall stress. ⋯ A version of the DASH weighted according to patient priorities narrowed the variability in DASH scores but did not appear to have sufficient advantage over DASH to warrant this much more cumbersome questionnaire.
-
To determine whether members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) consider it safe to perform concurrent carpal tunnel release (CTR) and Dupuytren fasciectomy, and to report our own experience with simultaneous CTR and fasciectomy. ⋯ Controversy exists among ASSH members in regard to treating carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren's disease simultaneously. Based on our findings, we recommend performing both of these procedures at the same surgical session, thereby dispelling the myth that simultaneous surgery has an increased complication rate.