Hallux interphalangeal joint (IPJ) flexion contracture is an uncommon deformity with various underlying causes, including trauma, neurological disorders, and connective tissue pathologies. We present a unique case of a 10-year-old female patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and a history of fibula transposition surgery, resulting in a hallux IPJ flexion contracture. We believe that the loss of the proximal fibular attachment of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) following fibula harvesting resulted in EHL weakness and unopposed flexor hallucis longus (FHL) pull that eventually led to the contracture. The patient underwent various diagnostic assessments, ruling out other potential causes of the deformity. This case emphasizes the importance of considering previous surgical interventions when encountering flexion contractures of the toes.

UNASSIGNED: The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize and clarify literature on the effectiveness of active and passive range of motion therapy techniques to address range of motion in people with heterotopic ossification (HO), and to provide guidance to therapists in clinical decision-making based on current evidence.
UNASSIGNED: To find articles that included therapeutic interventions to maintain or improve range of motion in people with heterotopic ossification, the authors searched the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, and OTSeeker. To ensure that the search was comprehensive, the authors also searched Burns and Trauma, Burns Journal, Burns Open, and the Journal of Hand Therapy. Searches were limited to peer-reviewed articles published in the English language. No publication date limits were set. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database PEDro scale was utilized to measure the validity of the methodological quality of each article.
UNASSIGNED: Five studies met the inclusion criteria.. Two studies emphasized that passive range of motion was effective in less than 50% of their subjects, while the other three studies utilized active range of motion only, reporting 50% of patients did not require surgery.
UNASSIGNED: There is insufficient evidence to determine effective therapeutic management of HO and the literature that does exist is contradictory and inconclusive. Future research is necessary to determine if any effectiveness of manual therapeutic approaches exists for patients with HO.

Joint contracture is one of the common diseases clinically, and joint capsule fibrosis is considered to be one of the most important pathological changes of joint contracture. However, the underlying mechanism of joint capsule fibrosis is still controversial. The present study aims to establish an animal model of knee extending joint contracture in rats, and to investigate the role of hypoxia-mediated pyroptosis in the progression of joint contracture using this animal model. 36 male SD rats were selected, 6 of which were not immobilized and were used as control group, while 30 rats were divided into I-1 group (immobilized for 1 week following 7 weeks of free movement), I-2 group (immobilized for 2 weeks following 6 weeks of free movement), I-4 group (immobilized for 4 weeks following 4 weeks of free movement), I-6 group (immobilized for 6 weeks following 2 weeks of free movement) and I-8 group (immobilized for 8 weeks) according to different immobilizing time. The progression of joint contracture was assessed by the measurement of knee joint range of motion, collagen deposition in joint capsule was examined with Masson staining, protein expression levels of HIF-1α, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, TGF-β1, α-SMA and p-Smad3 in joint capsule were assessed using western blotting, and the morphological changes of fibroblasts were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The degree of total and arthrogenic contracture progressed from the first week and lasted until the first eight weeks after immobilization. The degree of total and arthrogenic contracture progressed rapidly in the first four weeks after immobilization and then progressed slowly. Masson staining indicated that collagen deposition in joint capsule gradually increased in the first 8 weeks following immobilization. Western blotting analysis showed that the protein levels of HIF-1α continued to increase during the first 8 weeks of immobilization, and the protein levels of pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N continued to increase in the first 4 weeks after immobilization and then decreased. The protein levels of fibrosis-related proteins TGF-β1, p-Smad3 and α-SMA continued to increase in the first 8 weeks after immobilization. Transmission electron microscopy showed that 4 weeks of immobilization induced cell membrane rupture and cell contents overflow, which further indicated the activation of pyroptosis. Knee extending joint contracture animal model can be established by external immobilization orthosis in rats, and the activation of hypoxia-mediated pyroptosis may play a stimulating role in the process of joint capsule fibrosis and joint contracture.

A 52-year-old woman, with a multifaceted medical background encompassing spinal cord injury, pneumonia, and recurrent hospitalizations, presents with enduring left hip and leg discomfort ultimately diagnosed as avascular necrosis (AVN). She previously underwent intraosseous direct anterior arthroplasty (DAA) of the left hip during the removal of orthopedic artifacts. Despite enduring hypertension, severe trochanter dislocation, and prosthesis fracture, she recovered and required additional surgery to address the dislocation and fracture. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and treating AVN, emphasizing the importance of meticulous postoperative care and a multidisciplinary approach. Challenges highlighted by AVN include delayed diagnosis, intricate surgical procedures, and the potential need for further interventions due to hardware complications and infection as seen in this patient.

Dupuytren\'s disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder that manifests as an abnormal growth of myofibroblasts, causing nodule formation and contractures and affecting digit function. If left untreated, these contractures can lead to a loss of mobility and potentially impact hand function. This systematic review critically compares and evaluates the existing literature on the complications and patient satisfaction following injectable collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) versus limited fasciectomy (LF) for DD. We performed a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), The Cochrane Library, and Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) databases from 2006 to August 2023. This research targeted all clinical studies involving adults who underwent injectable collagenase and/or limited fasciectomy in the management of DD. Out of the 437 identified studies, only 53 were considered eligible for our analysis, and merely 14 met our inclusion criteria. These selected studies encompassed a total of 967 patients with 1,344 treated joints, with an average follow-up duration of 19.22 (ranging from one to 84.06) months. Within this cohort, 498 joints from 385 patients underwent LF, while 846 joints from 491 patients received CCH injections. Notably, among the 491 patients treated with CCH, 1,060 complications were reported, averaging 2.15 complications per patient, with the most common being contusion/bruising/hematoma/ecchymosis (22.54%), and edema/swelling (18.96%). In contrast, among the 385 patients treated with LF, only 97 complications were reported, translating to 0.25 complications per patient, with the most frequent being paraesthesia or numbness (23.7%), scar sequelae like skin laceration, tear, fissure, or hypertrophic scar (23.7%), and neuropraxia or nerve injury (22.6%). Our meta-analysis indicates that paraesthesia or numbness is more frequently observed in LF than CCH injections, although without statistical significance, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-1.18, p-value 0.1). However, scar sequelae (hypertrophic scar, skin laceration, tear, or fissure) show a contrasting pattern, being more commonly associated with CCH injections than LF, with an RR of 1.98 (95% CI 0.26-14.85, p-value 0.51), which, upon eliminating the source of heterogeneity, becomes statistically significant, with an RR of 4.98 (95% CI 1.40-17.72, p-value 0.01). Our data revealed a higher frequency of complications with CCH compared to LF, although more severe adverse effects were observed in the LF group, such as neuropraxia or nerve injury. Scar sequelae were more common with CCH injections. Despite both treatments showing increased patient satisfaction at the final follow-up, CCH injection resulted in earlier improvements in satisfaction.

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture is a common, difficult clinical problem that can arise from minor trauma. Management is difficult because outcomes are unpredictable and often poor, due to residual flexion deformities postoperatively. The dorsal approach for flexion contracture of the PIP joint is not discussed in present literature. In this technique guide, we wish to describe and explain the rationale for a dorsal approach. In our experience, a dorsal approach allows for ease of access to all pathologic structures, with simple positioning of the digit to allow access to volar structures, as well as when addressing more than one digits with a PIP contracture. Finally, similar to the midaxial approach, the dorsal approach also eliminates any volar soft tissue concerns and need for supplemental coverage.

Background and objective The incidence of flexor tendon injury is estimated to be 7-14 per 100,000 population. In India, such injuries are common and about 5% of these injuries require repair of the flexor tendon. In the present study, we share our experience of hand flexor tendon repair at a tertiary care center in western India. Material and methods Over a period of three years, 45 patients were admitted for tendon repair. After performing a proper evaluation, patients were taken for tendon repair. Primary outcome and secondary outcome parameters were assessed at the end of three months. Physiotherapy was continued for a longer duration in patients with movement restrictions. Data were compiled at each stage. Results The mean age of the patients was 28.84 years (range: 13-68 years) with a majority of the cases belonging to the age group 15-60 years. The majority of hand injuries were accidental (caused by work-related accidents, machine injuries, or animal bites) amounting to 80% (n=36), followed by assault cases (11%, n=5) and self-inflicted injuries, i.e., attempted suicides (around 9%, n=4). Among all injuries, the majority were in zone V (60%, n=27) followed by 24.4% (n=11) of cases in zone II. A few cases were in zone I, III, and IV (2.2%, 11.2%, and 2.2% respectively). The Buck-Gramcko scoring for primary injury was excellent with a recovery rate of 57.78%. Conclusion Flexor tendon injuries should be repaired with the aim of recovering strength as well as mobility. For optimal outcomes, total active motion protocol should be commenced immediately after the surgical repair. However, long-term physiotherapy may be required for attaining desired benefits.

BACKGROUND: Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) simulating eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is an underdiagnosed and challenging complication due to the lack of knowledge about its pathogenesis, refractoriness to traditional immunosuppressive agents and their negative impact on the physical function and quality of life. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical-biological characteristics and response to treatment of a case series and to provide a comprehensive literature review on cGVHD related EF involvement.
METHODS: Prospective observational study to describe the clinical and diagnostic evaluation characteristics of patients with EF-like follow-up as part of our multidisciplinary cGVHD consultations. In addition, the literature on joint and/or fascial musculoskeletal manifestations due to cGVHD was comprehensively reviewed.
RESULTS: 118 patients were evaluated in multidisciplinary cGVHD consultations, 39 of whom (33%) developed fasciitis. Notably, 11 patients had isolated joint contractures without sclerotic skin. After a median of three lines of treatment, the vast majority of patients achieved some degree of response. 94 potentially eligible articles were identified by the search strategy, with 17 of them, the majority isolated case reports, making the final selection. The validated staging scales used for the assessment were the Joint and Fascial Score and the Photographic Range of Motion.
CONCLUSIONS: Fascial/articular involvement needs to be recognized and evaluated early. To our knowledge, our cohort is the second largest series to have been reported. Literature addressing fascial/joints complications related to cGVHD is scarce. The search for new biomarkers, the use of advanced imaging techniques and multidisciplinary approach may help improve the prognosis of patients with cGVHD.

UNASSIGNED: Haemophilic arthropathy is often associated with a loss of range of motion. Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment option for patients with end-stage haemophilic arthropathy of the knee. However, even after arthroplasty, the range of motion sometimes remains insufficient.
UNASSIGNED: To evaluate static progressive stretch as a treatment method for haemophilic patients with decreased range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.
UNASSIGNED: Static progressive stretch was used to improve range of motion in patients with a postoperative extension lag of more than 10° and flexion of less than 80°. A total of 7 knees were treated for a mean of 21.7 weeks.
UNASSIGNED: Statistically significant increases in range of motion and in Knee Society Score were observed when comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment values.
UNASSIGNED: Static progressive stretch using an orthotic device could be a successful adjuvant method for treating joint stiffness in patients with haemophilia after total knee arthroplasty.

UNASSIGNED: Bruck syndrome (BS) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited osteogenesis imperfecta disease characterized by increased bone fragility and joint contracture. The pathogenic gene of type I BS is FKBPl0, whereas that of type II BS is PLOD2. No significant difference has been found in the clinical phenotype between the two types of BS. In this study, we performed genetic analysis of a BS pedigree caused by PLOD2 variant and studied the corresponding cellular function.
UNASSIGNED: Serum biochemistry, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D], osteocalcin, and 24-h urinary calcium levels of a family member with BS was assessed. The genes of the proband were analyzed by second-generation sequencing and exon capture techniques. Sanger sequencing was also performed for the suspected responsible variant of the family member. Wild- and variant-type lentivirus plasmids were constructed by gene cloning and transfected into HEK293T cells. Cell function was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence detection.
UNASSIGNED: In this pedigree, the proband was found to have a homozygous variant c.1856G > A (p.Arg619His) in exon 17 of PLOD2 (NM_182943.3). His consanguineous parents and sisters were p.Arg619His heterozygous carriers. The mRNA expression of PLOD2 in the constructed p.Arg619His variant cells was significantly upregulated, while the expression of PLOD2 and collagen I protein in the cell lysate was significantly downregulated. Immunofluorescence revealed that the wild-type PLOD2 was mainly located in the cytoplasm, and the expression of the PLOD2 protein after c.1856G > A variant was significantly downregulated, with almost no expression, aligning with the western blot results. The serum sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, PTH, 25-(OH) D, osteocalcin, and 24 h urinary calcium levels of the proband, his parents, and sisters were normal.
UNASSIGNED: Through gene and cell function analyses, PLOD2 Arg619His missense variant was preliminarily confirmed to cause BS by reducing protein expression.