Aug 10–16, 2026 · 24 new studies, 10 reviews · Hand & Upper Extremity archive · All weeks
The new Hand & Upper Extremity research The Reduction sent the week of Aug 10–16, 2026, with the week’s most recent reviews, each with a one-line summary.
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Anatomic Classifications and Functional Outcomes in Preaxial Polydactyly of the Hand.
In 58 patients with preaxial polydactyly, surgery gave good functional outcomes overall, and the JK classification added useful anatomic detail beyond Wassel-Flatt, though K-wire fixation was linked to reduced motion.
"The Taco Technique": A Basal Joint Reconstruction Case Series Using a Meniscal Allograft.
In 30 patients, meniscal allograft basal joint reconstruction ('taco technique') reduced pain by ~75% and restored function within about 4 months, with no complications.
Capitate Fracture-Dislocation: An Unusual Pattern of Carpal Injury.
A rare delayed-diagnosis isolated volar capitate dislocation with median nerve symptoms was successfully treated with open reduction, carpal tunnel release, and temporary K-wire fixation, resolving neuropathy.
In a retrospective cohort, 10 minutes of intraoperative electrical stimulation during end-to-end nerve transfers was associated with significantly higher odds of achieving good (M4-M5) motor recovery.
In a prospective cohort, patients with concomitant carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome had significantly greater intrinsic motor weakness than isolated cases despite similar sensory symptoms, suggesting dual compression signals more severe motor involvement.
CT-based 3D modeling of 29 elbows found the ulnohumeral center of rotation closely matches the geometric center of the capitellum, guiding optimal graft placement for isometric lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.
Analysis of FDA MAUDE reports (2015-2025) found component loosening/migration (37%), dislocation (18%), and infection (13%) as the leading reported failure modes for total wrist arthroplasty, underscoring ongoing durability concerns.
Asymmetry of the Intrinsic Scapholunate Articular Facets: A Cadaveric Morphometric Analysis.
Cadaveric analysis found consistent size and shape mismatch between scaphoid and lunate intrinsic facets (lunate 42% larger), offering anatomical insight relevant to carpal reconstruction planning.
A prospective pilot study of two new clinical tests for the presence of the palmaris longus tendon.
Two new clinical tests (Szczecin 1 and 2) outperformed the Schaeffer's and AIIMS tests for detecting palmaris longus tendon presence, offering more sensitive bedside screening before tendon harvest.
Is PIP Denervation for Osteoarthritis a Durable Solution? Results from a Multicenter Outcome Study.
Multicenter study shows PIP joint denervation for osteoarthritis avoided conversion to arthroplasty/arthrodesis in 81% of joints at ~3.5 years, with meaningful pain relief and high patient satisfaction.
In 38 patients with EPL rupture, both PL tendon graft and EIP transfer improved DASH scores, though EIP transfer had a higher rate of index finger extensor lag.
Disadvantaged patients (uninsured/Medicaid, higher social vulnerability) were less likely to attend formal hand therapy after operative distal radius fracture, but skipping therapy did not worsen short-term PROMIS scores, wrist motion, or complications, supporting home stretching instructions as an acceptable alternative for most patients.
A novel arthroscopic capsuloplasty reinforcing the dorsal CMC-1 ligament complex achieved excellent pain relief, grip/pinch strength, and motion in 7 patients over 24 months, offering a less invasive alternative to open CMC joint stabilization.
External validation confirms the Mangled Digit Severity Score reliably predicts digit salvage vs. amputation, with institution-specific cutoff optimization further improving accuracy to 82.5%.
Durability of wrist denervation for osteoarthritis: a multicentre outcome study.
In a multicentre study, wrist denervation for osteoarthritis prevented further surgery in 86% of wrists at median 4-year follow-up, with durable pain relief and high patient satisfaction.
Among 190 thumb duplication cases, the vascular pattern of the island flap in modified Bilhaut-Cloquet procedures predicted surgical success, with fine communicating branch anatomy giving 100% success.
Predictors of Postsurgical Outcomes in Trigger Finger Release: A Retrospective Analysis.
In 609 trigger finger releases, index finger involvement, younger age, prior TFR, and non-White race predicted repeat surgery or ED visits, helping guide risk-based perioperative counseling.
This retrospective case series found suture-button stabilization for thumb CMC instability/dislocation reliably restored stability, relieved pain, and enabled early return to function with low complication rates.
This case-control study found children with boxer's fractures had lower 2D:4D finger ratios, higher aggression scores, and more ADHD symptoms, suggesting the injury may signal underlying behavioral/neurodevelopmental risk warranting psychosocial screening.
Fixation method does not influence functional outcomes after thumb metacarpophalangeal arthrodesis.
In 106 thumb MCP arthrodesis patients, functional and patient-reported outcomes were similar across fixation methods, but Kirschner wire with tension band had the highest rate of hardware removal.
In 81 brachial plexus injury patients followed 24 months, preoperative depression did not affect overall motor recovery but was linked to worse outcomes specifically after partial ulnar nerve transfers.
After carpal tunnel release, PASS and BCTQ MCID show only moderate agreement, suggesting both measures should be used together to capture true patient-perceived surgical success.
3D motion analysis after surgical treatment of elbow flexor spasticity: a proof-of-concept study.
In this proof-of-concept study of 12 patients, 3D motion analysis with EMG provided objective, complementary data to clinical spasticity scales after hyperselective neurectomy for elbow flexor spasticity, though further research is needed.
Delayed Presentation Increases Complications After Catfish Spine Injuries.
In 155 catfish spine injury patients, presenting more than 24 hours after injury more than doubled complication risk, supporting early evaluation and empiric antibiotics covering aquatic/skin flora.
Partial Hand Amputations and Prosthetics: Maximizing Intuitive Control.
Reviews how modern myoelectric prosthetics, including the Starfish procedure with nerve/soft tissue optimization, can restore meaningful independent digit function after partial hand amputation.
Mental Health: The Invisible Challenge and the Opportunity.
This review highlights the significant mental health burden of upper extremity limb loss and argues for integrating mental health professionals into multidisciplinary bionic reconstruction care.
Tendon versus nerve transfers - balancing hand function in upper extremity high nerve injuries.
Expert review compares tendon transfers, nerve transfers, and hybrid combinations for restoring function after high upper extremity nerve injuries, weighing timing and patient selection.
This review outlines an algorithmic approach to diagnosing and managing the causes and complications of failed thumb CMC arthritis surgery.
Comprehensive Examination of Upper-Extremity Spasticity.
Proposes a standardized, stepwise evaluation framework for upper-extremity spasticity to improve diagnostic consistency and guide surgical decision-making.
Wrist and Forearm Fractures from Ballistic Injuries.
This review discusses evaluation and management principles for ballistic wrist and forearm fractures, emphasizing neurovascular assessment, compartment syndrome risk, contamination-guided debridement/antibiotics, and individualized fracture fixation strategies.
The Acute Burned Upper Extremity: Evolution of Practices and Management.
This review outlines evolving hand surgeon strategies for acute burn management, emphasizing simple reconstruction, early mobilization, and multidisciplinary care to optimize functional recovery.
Reintroducing Gotthelf Carl, the Other Huber.
This historical review highlights Gotthelf Carl Huber's overlooked foundational contributions to peripheral nerve regeneration research and nerve repair techniques.
Meta-analysis of 115 patients shows intra-articular PRP for thumb CMC osteoarthritis improves pain and pinch strength with high satisfaction and no major complications, though evidence heterogeneity warrants more RCTs before routine use.
This review discusses how virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies can enhance upper extremity surgical training and shorten the learning curve.
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