Context.— Aspirin has been widely used to prevent myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke but some studies have suggested it increases risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Objective.— To estimate the risk of hemorrhagic stroke associated with aspirin treatment. Data Sources.— Studies were retrieved using MEDLINE (search terms, aspirin, cerebrovascular disorders, and stroke), bibliographies of the articles retrieved, and the authors’ reference files. Study Selection.— All trials published in English-language journals before July 1997 in which participants were randomized to aspirin or a control treatment for at least 1 month and in which the incidence of stroke subtype was reported. Data Extraction.— Information on country of origin, sample size, duration, study design, aspirin dosage, participant characteristics, and outcomes was abstracted independently by 2 authors who used a standardized protocol. Data Synthesis.— Data from 16 trials with 55 462 participants and 108 hemorrhagic stroke cases were analyzed. The mean dosage of aspirin was 273 mg/d and mean duration of treatment was 37 months. Aspirin use was associated with an absolute risk reduction in myocardial infarction of 137 events per 10 000 persons (95% confidence interval [CI], 107-167;P,.001) and in ischemic stroke, a reduction of 39 events per 10 000 persons (95% CI, 17-61; P,.001). However, aspirin treatment was also associated with an absolute risk increase in hemorrhagic stroke of 12 events per 10 000 persons (95% CI, 5-20; P,.001). This risk did not differ by participant or study design characteristics. Conclusions.— These results indicate that aspirin therapy increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. However, the overall benefit of aspirin use on myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke may outweigh its adverse effects on risk of hemorrhagic stroke in most populations.

A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study aimed to review the literature describing and quantifying time lags in the health research translation process. Papers were included in the review if they quantified time lags in the development of health interventions. The study identified 23 papers. Few were comparable as different studies use different measures, of different things, at different time points. We concluded that the current state of knowledge of time lags is of limited use to those responsible for R&D and knowledge transfer who face difficulties in knowing what they should or can do to reduce time lags. This effectively ‘blindfolds’ investment decisions and risks wasting effort. The study concludes that understanding lags first requires agreeing models, definitions and measures, which can be applied in practice. A second task would be to develop a process by which to gather these data.

The Answer Is 17 Years, What Is the Question

The aim of this article is to provide an updated systematic review on the 8 most commonly used surgical procedures to treat trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. A thorough literature search was performed using predetermined criteria. A total of 35 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Nine of these 35 articles were not included in previous systematic reviews. Systematic evaluation demonstrated the following: (1) there is no evidence that trapeziectomy or trapeziectomy with tendon interposition is superior to any of the other techniques. However, when interposition is performed, autologous tissue interposition seems to be preferable. (2) Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) is not superior to any of the other techniques. However, follow-up in the studies with a higher level of evidence was relatively short (12 mo); therefore, long-term benefits could not be assessed. In addition, trapeziectomy with LRTI seems associated with a higher complication rate. (3) Because the studies on thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthrodesis were of less methodological quality and had inconsistent outcomes, we are not able to conclude whether CMC arthrodesis is superior to any other technique. Therefore, high-level randomized trials comparing CMC arthrodesis with other procedures are needed. Nevertheless, findings in the newly included studies did show that nonunion rates in the literature are on average 8% to 21% and, complications and repeat surgeries are more frequent following CMC arthrodesis. (4) A study on joint replacement showed that total joint prosthesis might have better short-term results compared to trapeziectomy with LRTI. However, high-level randomized trials comparing total joint prosthesis with other procedures are needed. In addition, there is no evidence that the Artelon spacer is superior to trapeziectomy with LRTI. We conclude that, at this time, no surgical procedure is proven to be superior to another. However, based on good results of CMC arthrodesis and total joint prostheses, we postulate that there could be differences between the various surgical procedures. Therefore randomized clinical trials of CMC arthrodesis and total joint prostheses compared to trapeziectomy with long follow-up (>1 y) are warranted.

Surgical management of primary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

Background
Surgery is used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management, such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005.

/pdf/surgery-for-thumb-trapeziometacarpal-joint-osteoarthritis-522p8ye3cm.pdf

Surgery for thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint) osteoarthritis

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are common reasons for patients to seek care and undergo ambulatory surgery. The objective of our study was to assess the overall and age-adjusted utilization rates of rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy performed for indications other than rotator cuff repair, carpal tunnel release, and wrist arthroscopy performed for indications other than carpal tunnel release in the United States. We also compared demographics, indications, and operating room time for these procedures.

/pdf/epidemiology-of-musculoskeletal-upper-extremity-ambulatory-2htxqo60ym.pdf

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal upper extremity ambulatory surgery in the United States

Hand tumours of soft-tissue and bony origin are frequently encountered, and clinicians must be able to distinguish typical benign entities from life-threatening or limb-threatening malignant diseases. In this Review, we present a diagnostic approach to hand tumours and describe selected cancers and their treatments. Soft-tissue tumours include ganglion cysts, giant-cell cancers and fibromas of the tendon sheath, epidermal inclusion cysts, lipomas, vascular lesions, peripheral-nerve tumours, skin cancers, and soft-tissue sarcomas. Bony tumours encompass enchondromas, aneurysmal bone cysts, osteoid osteomas, giant-cell lesions of bone, bone sarcomas, and metastases. We look at rates of recurrence and 5-year survival, and recommendations for adjunct chemotherapy and radiotherapy for malignant lesions.

https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanonc/PIIS1470-2045(07)70035-9.pdf

Tumours of the hand

Although there are many surgical options to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, a precise etiology for this common disorder remains obscure. To better understand the physiology of the thumb CMC joint and treat pathology, it is helpful to examine the biomechanics, hormonal influences, and available surgical treatment options, along with the evolutionary roots of the thumb; its form and function, its functional demands; and the role of supporting ligaments based on their location, stability, and ultrastructure. It is important to appreciate the micromotion of a saddle joint and the role that sex, age, and reproductive hormones play in influencing laxity and joint disease. Minimally invasive surgery is now challenging prevailing treatment principles of ligament reconstruction and plays a role in thumb CMC joint procedures.

The thumb carpometacarpal joint: anatomy, hormones, and biomechanics.

Purpose To retrospectively review the results at a minimum of 2 years of suture-button plasty with partial or full trapeziectomy and suture-button suspensionplasty. Methods We evaluated 21 patients who received suture-button suspensionplasty at least 2 years after surgery. We measured postoperative pinch strength, grip strength, range of motion, and metacarpal height. All patients also completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Results At an average follow-up of 2.8 ± 0.7 years, the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 10 ± 9. Pinch and grip strengths were 86% and 89% of the contralateral limb, respectively. Average first trapezial height was 74% of the contralateral trapezial height. There were no major complications. Conclusions The favorable results of the suture-button suspensionplasty procedure confirm its usefulness in treating thumb carpometacarpal arthritis with minimal risk of complications, ineffective fixation, or loss of function. Subjective and objective outcomes measures are similar to previously described techniques. The benefit of this technique results from the implanted nature of the suspensionplasty elements that require no time to heal, so rehabilitation is begun as early as 10 days postoperatively. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.

Suture-Button Suspensionplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Early Treatment of Degenerative Arthritis of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint

Objectives:The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to pool and analyze outcomes and complication rates in elderly patients with intraarticular distal humerus fractures being treated with either total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with loc

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Total Elbow Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Geriatric Distal Humerus Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Jeffrey Yao

Papers

Tumours of the hand

The thumb carpometacarpal joint: anatomy, hormones, and biomechanics.

Suture-Button Suspensionplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Early Treatment of Degenerative Arthritis of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Total Elbow Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Geriatric Distal Humerus Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.