UNASSIGNED: Spontaneous rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a rare condition often found in patients actively having regular extensive use of hands and fingers especially the thumb. In this article, we report 7 cases of spontaneous rupture of EPL tendon and investigate the associated factors and treatment outcome.
UNASSIGNED: Retrospectively, the databases for the 7 cases were retrieved and studied. These cases represent all cases of spontaneous rupture of EPL in our institution. Demographic data, clinical presentation, any history of trauma or steroid injection, laboratory and clinical findings suggestive for rheumatoid arthritis, co-morbidities and imaging findings were obtained. In addition, the operative technique and findings were retrieved. Moreover, histopathological studies and follow-up assessment were included.
UNASSIGNED: Six males and one female were included. The mean age was 45.2 years. No prior history of trauma, rheumatological disease or steroid use was detected in any patient. All patients experienced prodromal pain in the radial side. Clinical examination was the most effective diagnostic measure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to confirm the diagnosis and to look for other abnormalities that may predispose to rupture. Five patients underwent extensor indicis proprius to EPL tendon transfer employing Pulvertaft weave technique and one patient underwent primary repair as there was a little gap in the tendon ends. In this study, one patient refused any treatment. All patients achieved a favorable outcome at the last follow-up.
UNASSIGNED: Diagnosis of spontaneous ruptures of EPL tendon can be confirmed through clinical examination and MRI for patients with restricted thumb movement even with the absence of any identifiable predisposing risk factor. During surgery, detailed attention must be drawn towards the tendon ends which can have unusual gaps and bone abnormalities.

We dissected 30 cadaveric thumb interphalangeal joints to delineate the sensory nerve anatomy of its capsule. Four articular branches supplying the interphalangeal joint capsule of the thumb were found in all specimens. Ulnar and radial proper digital nerves provide one palmar capsular nerve branch on their respective sides. Of the two dorsal branches of the radial nerve at the dorsum of the thumb, we observed that each nerve provided one branch to the interphalangeal dorsal capsule. Our findings demonstrate a consistent pattern of innervation and may provide the anatomical basis to the treating surgeon for an effective and safe denervation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.

To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of intraarticular injection (IAI) of triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of hand interphalangeal (IP) joints.
Sixty patients who underwent IAI at the most symptomatic IP joint were randomly assigned to receive TH/lidocaine (LD; n = 30) with TH 20 mg/ml and LD 2%, or just LD (n = 30). The injected joint was immobilized with a splint for 48 h in both groups. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by a blinded observer. The following variables were assessed: pain at rest [visual analog scale (VAS)r], pain at movement (VASm), swelling (physician VASs), goniometry, grip and pinch strength, hand function, treatment improvement, daily requirement of paracetamol, and local adverse effects. The proposed treatment (IAI with TH/LD) was successful if statistical improvement (p < 0.05) was achieved in at least 2 of 3 VAS. Repeated-measures ANOVA test was used to analyze intervention response.
Fifty-eight patients (96.67%) were women, and the mean age was 60.7 years (± 8.2). The TH/LD group showed greater improvement than the LD group for VASm (p = 0.014) and physician VASs (p = 0.022) from the first week until the end of the study. In other variables, there was no statistical difference between groups. No significant adverse effects were observed.
The IAI with TH/LD has been shown to be more effective than the IAI with LD for pain on movement and joint swelling in patients with OA of the IP joints. Regarding pain at rest, there was no difference between groups.
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02102620).