This week in Hand & Upper Extremity

Sep 7–13, 2026 · 25 new studies, 10 reviews · Hand & Upper Extremity archive · All weeks

The new Hand & Upper Extremity research The Reduction sent the week of Sep 7–13, 2026, with the week’s most recent reviews, each with a one-line summary.

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New research

  1. New perspective on acute boutonniere deformity: An anatomical study with illustrative case report.

    Journal of Hand and Microsurgery · Sep 2026 · PubMed

    Cadaveric study shows acute irreducible boutonniere deformity can arise from combined lateral band and collateral ligament injury even without central slip rupture, suggesting a previously underrecognized mechanism.

  2. Reconstructing the interosseous ligament: A technique using a single bundle synthetic tape.

    Journal of Hand and Microsurgery · Sep 2026 · PubMed

    This cadaveric study describes a synthetic double FiberTape technique for interosseous ligament reconstruction after Essex-Lopresti injury, showing preliminary biomechanical feasibility and safety relative to the posterior interosseous nerve.

  3. Two Types of Silicone Implants Used in Arthroplasty of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint.

    HAND · Sep 11 2026 · PubMed

    In DIP joint silicone arthroplasty, SBi implants gave better pain relief and satisfaction than SWANSON implants but required more bone resection and showed higher rates of instability and revision.

  4. Influence of digital artery patency on sensory recovery after unilateral digital neurovascular injury.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Sep 10 2026 · PubMed

    In 89 digital neurovascular injuries, digital artery patency did not significantly affect sensory recovery after nerve repair, likely due to compensatory perilesional arterial collaterals.

  5. Closed reduction technique for complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal dislocation in children.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Sep 09 2026 · PubMed

    A closed reduction technique using hyperextension, rotation, and ulnar deviation was evaluated for treating complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal (Kaplan) dislocations in 16 pediatric patients.

  6. Determining the Elbow Flexion Angle That Minimizes Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Deformity During Reconstruction.

    HAND · Sep 08 2026 · PubMed

    Cadaveric study found LUCL graft length variability is minimized when fixated between 50° and 60° of elbow flexion, suggesting this range may reduce graft stretching and long-term reconstruction failure.

  7. Mapping Nerve Transfer Adoption in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Reconstruction, 2005-2024.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Sep 07 2026 · PubMed

    Analysis of a national pediatric database shows nerve transfers are increasingly replacing autografting for brachial plexus birth injury, especially in older infants and among orthopaedic surgeons, with regional variation.

  8. Combined Ramp Lesion and Lateral Meniscus Root Tear Increase Rotational and Translational Instability in an Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Knee: A Cadaveric Study.

    Arthroscopy · Sep 06 2026 · PubMed

    Cadaveric testing showed that combining a ramp lesion with a lateral meniscus root tear in an ACL-deficient knee significantly worsens rotational and anterior translational instability compared to either lesion alone.

  9. Targeted tenosynovial biopsy during carpal tunnel release for detection of transthyretin amyloid deposits.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Sep 03 2026 · PubMed

    Targeted tenosynovial biopsy during carpal tunnel release doubled detection of transthyretin amyloid deposits versus non-targeted biopsy, though diabetes was linked to lower positivity.

  10. Does Age Predict Outcomes of Triceps to Axillary Nerve Transfer?

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Sep 01 2026 · PubMed

    In 53 patients undergoing radial-to-axillary nerve transfer, meaningful M4-M5 recovery occurred across all age groups, with only a nonsignificant trend toward worse outcomes in older patients.

  11. Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon Use of Removable Splints for Common Pediatric Distal Radius and Fibula Fractures: A 10-year Update.

    Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · Aug 31 2026 · PubMed

    A 2025 POSNA survey shows a dramatic rise in removable splint use for pediatric distal radius and fibula fractures since 2015, with family preference and compliance concerns as main barriers.

  12. Distal Radius Morphology and Bone Mineral Density Show Significant Sex- and Age-Based Differences With Implications for Allograft Glenoid Reconstruction.

    Arthroscopy · Aug 30 2026 · PubMed

    CT analysis shows distal radius curvature, size, and bone density are greater in men and younger patients, suggesting young male donor grafts are optimal for glenoid allograft reconstruction.

  13. Innovative intramedullary nail system with internally locking: A safe alternative fixation technique for humerus shaft fracture that reduces the risk of the iatrogenic radial nerve injury and surgical time.

    Injury · Aug 27 2026 · PubMed

    A novel humeral nail with internal distal locking (no fluoroscopy needed) achieved excellent union and functional outcomes with no radial nerve palsy, while cutting operative time in humeral shaft fractures.

  14. Pyrocarbon Hemiarthroplasty Via Lateral Approach for the Treatment of PIP Osteoarthritis.

    Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery · Aug 24 2026 · PubMed

    A lateral-approach pyrocarbon PIP hemiarthroplasty technique in 8 fingers produced good pain relief, improved range of motion, and better DASH scores for PIP osteoarthritis.

  15. Four-finger reconstruction with ten toes preservation: 5-year follow-up.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Aug 23 2026 · PubMed

    A case report describes successful staged four-finger reconstruction using composite flaps and iliac bone grafts in a young man, preserving all ten toes with good function and appearance at 5-year follow-up.

  16. Disruption in Wrist Literature: Identifying Paradigm-Shifting Publications.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 12 2026 · PubMed

    Bibliometric analysis of over 4,000 wrist papers finds disruption scores poorly correlate with citation counts, with the most paradigm-shifting wrist research emerging in the 1950s–60s.

  17. Dorsal subchondral arc line: A novel radiographic marker to avoid dorsal screw prominence during distal radius fixation with volar locking plates.

    Injury · Aug 11 2026 · PubMed

    In cadaveric distal radius fixation, using the Dorsal Subchondral Arc Line to size volar locking screws prevented dorsal cortex penetration while matching the stiffness and strength of bicortical screws.

  18. The Impact of Opioid-Related Disorder on Healthcare Resource Utilization Following Distal Radius Fracture Repair Surgery.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 11 2026 · PubMed

    Patients with opioid-related disorder had significantly higher ED visits, hospitalizations, PT evaluations, and opioid prescriptions after distal radius fracture repair than matched non-ORD patients.

  19. Ultrasound-Guided Revision Carpal Tunnel Release for Incomplete Open Carpal Tunnel Release: Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Guide Sonographic Access.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    A case report shows MRI can pinpoint safe landmarks for ultrasound-guided revision carpal tunnel release when scar tissue obscures sonographic anatomy after incomplete open release.

  20. Cerebral Palsy and Postoperative Outcomes After Distal Radius Fracture Repair: A Retrospective Analysis.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    Matched-cohort analysis found cerebral palsy patients undergoing distal radius ORIF had markedly higher 90-day complication rates, but no difference in 5-year reoperation risk.

  21. Availability of Online Spanish Language Resources in Academic Hand Surgery.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    A cross-sectional survey found academic hand surgery websites largely lack accessible Spanish-language patient education, interpreter information, and Spanish-speaking providers, highlighting a care equity gap.

  22. A Case of Capitate Osteonecrosis in a Patient With Thalassemia.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    Case report of capitate osteonecrosis in a thalassemia patient treated with vascularized and cancellous bone grafting shows preserved capitate morphology on MRI at 15 months despite limited clinical improvement, highlighting a rare cause of wrist pain to consider.

  23. Reverse Dorsoradial Digital Artery Flap for Reconstruction of Thumb Soft Tissue Defects: A Prospective Clinical Series.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    In this prospective series of 17 patients, the reverse dorsoradial digital artery flap reliably covered thumb soft tissue defects with 100% flap survival and good motion, sensation, and scar outcomes, though larger flaps had worse sensory recovery.

  24. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Education in Hand Surgery Fellowships.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    Survey data show growing but unstandardized musculoskeletal ultrasound training across hand fellowships, underscoring the need for a formal MSK US curriculum.

  25. Ultrasound-Guided Supracondylar Radial Nerve Block Versus Hematoma Block for Closed Reductions of Distal Radius Fracture in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (Global Online) · Aug 07 2026 · PubMed

    RCT found ultrasound-guided supracondylar radial nerve block gave better pain control than hematoma block during distal radius fracture reduction, with no difference in reduction quality.

Recent reviews

  1. Nerve Gap Reconstruction.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Aug 2026 · PubMed

    For small nerve gaps outcomes are similar across autograft, conduit, and processed allograft, but overall nerve repair results remain disappointing and better biologic strategies are needed.

  2. Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface and the Future of Intuitive Control.

    Hand Clinics · Aug 2026 · PubMed

    This review discusses regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) surgery as a promising technique for stable, intuitive prosthetic control, supported by preclinical and early human data.

  3. Restoring balance in the distal radioulnar joint: advancements in minimally invasive surgical approaches.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Jun 2026 · PubMed

    This review addresses distal radioulnar joint instability, discussing diagnostic challenges and advances in minimally invasive arthroscopic and open techniques for restoring DRUJ balance and function.

  4. How the Wrist Moves: Wrist Biomechanics and Carpal Theories.

    Hand Clinics · May 2026 · PubMed

    This review examines competing carpal motion theories, noting no single model fully explains wrist biomechanics, which informs surgical decision-making for wrist pathology.

  5. Current Ethics of Hand Transplants in Non-Immunocompromised Children.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Apr 03 2026 · PubMed

    Applying pediatric ethics frameworks, the authors argue immunocompetent pediatric hand transplantation remains ethically impermissible outside rigorous clinical trials given uncertain risk-benefit tradeoffs.

  6. Episode-Based Bundled Payments in Hand Surgery: An Affordable Solution to Overwhelming Health Care Costs.

    HAND · Mar 2026 · PubMed

    Review of episode-based bundled payments in hand surgery finds potential to cut costs via care coordination and reduced low-value testing, supporting a trial phase for this payment model.

  7. Management Strategies for Patients With Multiple Extremity Necrosis Following Life-Sustaining Vasosupportive Intensive Care.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Mar 2026 · PubMed

    This paper discusses reconstructive and prosthetic strategies—including vascularized flaps and 3D-printed tenodesis prostheses—for maximizing function in patients with four-extremity necrosis after vasopressor-related ICU care.

  8. AI-Enabled Remote Patient Monitoring Systems in Hand Surgery.

    Hand Clinics · Feb 2026 · PubMed

    This review describes how AI-enabled wearable sensors and remote monitoring, accelerated by COVID-19, are enabling real-time tracking and personalized rehabilitation after hand surgery.

  9. Congenital upper limb difference patient registries: characteristics, comparisons and recommendations.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Jan 2026 · PubMed

    This review compares major congenital upper limb difference registries (US, Nordic, Australian, UK) and offers recommendations to improve data standardization and interoperability.

  10. Maximizing Exposure of the Distal Humerus.

    Hand Clinics · Nov 2025 · PubMed

    This review outlines standard and less common surgical approaches to maximize exposure for open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures.

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