Purpose To determine the rate of donor-site morbidity after osteochondral autologous transplantation (OATS) for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify studies up to November 6, 2016. Criteria for inclusion were OATS for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans, reported outcomes related to donor sites, ≥10 patients, ≥1 year follow-up, and written in English. Donor-site morbidity was defined as persistent symptoms (≥1 year) or cases that required subsequent intervention. Patient and harvest characteristics were described, as well as the rate of donor-site morbidity. A random effects model was used to calculate and compare weighted group proportions. Results Eleven studies including 190 patients were included. In eight studies, grafts were harvested from the femoral condyle, in three studies, from either the 5th or 6th costal-osteochondral junction. The average number of grafts was 2 (1–5); graft diameter ranged from 2.6 to 11 mm. In the knee-to-elbow group, donor-site morbidity was reported in 10 of 128 patients (7.8%), knee pain during activity (7.0%) and locking sensations (0.8%). In the rib-to-elbow group, one of 62 cases (1.6%) was complicated, a pneumothorax. The proportion in the knee-to-elbow group was 0.04 (95% CI 0.0–0.15), and the proportion in the rib-to-elbow group was 0.01 (95% CI 0.00–0.06). There were no significant differences between both harvest techniques (n.s.). Conclusions Donor-site morbidity after OATS for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans was reported in a considerable group of patients. Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review of level IV studies.

Background: Upper extremity injuries account for a large proportion of attendances to the Emergency Department. The aim of this study was to assess population-based trends in the incidence of upper extremity injuries in the Dutch population between 1986 and 2008, and to give a detailed overview of the associated health care costs.Methods: Age-standardized incidence rates of upper extremity injuries were calculated for each year between 1986 and 2008. The average number of people in each of the 5-year age classes for each year of the study was calculated and used as the standard (reference) population. Injury cases were extracted from the National Injury Surveillance System (non-hospitalized patients) and the National Medical Registration (hospitalized patients). An incidence-based cost model was applied in order to estimate associated direct health care costs in 2007.Results: The overall age-adjusted incidence of upper extremity injuries increased from 970 to 1,098 per 100,000 persons (13%). The highest incidence was seen in young persons and elderly women. Total annual costs for all injuries were 290 million euro, of which 190 million euro were paid for injuries sustained by women. Wrist fractures were the most expensive injuries (83 million euro) due to high incidence, whereas upper arm fractures were the most expensive injuries per case (4,440 euro). Major cost peaks were observed for fractures in elderly women due to high incidence and costs per patient.Conclusions: The overall incidence of upper extremity injury in the Netherlands increased by 13% in the period 1986–2008. Females with upper extremity fractures and especially elderly women with wrist fractures accounted for a substantial share of total costs.

Radial head fractures are common injuries. In American publications, one-third of the patients with these fractures have been shown to have associated injuries. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe the epidemiology of radial head fractures and associated fractures of the ipsilateral upper extremity in a European population. This study describes the epidemiology of radial head and associated fractures of the upper extremity in a Dutch population by a retrospective radiographic review of all patients with a radial head fracture between 1 January 2006 and 1 July 2007. A total of 147 radial head fractures were diagnosed in 145 patients. The incidence in the general population was 2.5 per 10.000 per year. The average age was 45.9 (SD 17.3) years and male–female ratio was 2:3. The mean age of males was significantly lower (37.1, SD 14.2 years) than of women (53.9, SD 16.4 years). Associated fracture of the upper extremity was found in 10.2%. Coronoid fractures were most common (4.1%). Associated upper limb fractures in patients with a radial head fracture are common in the European population. It is of clinical importance to suspect associated lesions and to perform a thorough physical examination and additional radiological examination on demand.

Manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) for frozen shoulder (FS) leads to a considerable increase in range of motion and Oxford shoulder score, a significant reduction in pain and around 85% satisfaction. A clearly defined indication for MUA in FS patients cannot be extracted from this review or the available literature. The associating criteria before proceeding to MUA vary widely. All but one study in this review lacked a control group without intervention. Therefore, firm conclusions about the role of MUA in the treatment of FS cannot be drawn from the current literature. An overall complication rate of 0.4% was found and a re-intervention rate of 14%, although most of the included papers were not designed to monitor complications. The following criteria before proceeding to MUA are proposed: a patient unable to cope with a stiff and painful shoulder; clinical signs of a stage 2 idiopathic FS; lessening pain in relation to stage 1; external rotation < 50% compared to contralateral shoulder joint; a minimal duration of symptoms of three months; and failure to respond to an intra-articular corticosteroid infiltration. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:98-109. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180044

Background: Elbow dislocations can be classified as simple or complex. Simple dislocations are characterized by the absence of fractures, while complex dislocations are associated with fractures. After reduction of a simple dislocation, treatment options include immobilization in a static plaster for different periods of time or so-called functional treatment. Functional treatment is characterized by early active motion within the limits of pain with or without the use of a sling or hinged brace. Theoretically, functional treatment should prevent stiffness without introducing increased joint instability. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare early functional treatment versus plaster immobilization following simple dislocations of the elbow. Methods/Design: The design of the study will be a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 100 patients who have sustained a simple elbow dislocation. After reduction of the dislocation, patients are randomized between a pressure bandage for 5-7 days and early functional treatment or a plaster in 90 degrees flexion, neutral position for pro-supination for a period of three weeks. In the functional group, treatment is started with early active motion within the limits of pain. Function, pain, and radiographic recovery will be evaluated at regular intervals over the subsequent 12 months. The primary outcome measure is the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. The secondary outcome measures are the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, Oxford elbow score, pain level at both sides, range of motion of the elbow joint at both sides, rate of secondary interventions and complication rates in both groups (secondary dislocation, instability, relaxation), health-related quality of life (Short-Form 36 and EuroQol-5D), radiographic appearance of the elbow joint (degenerative changes and heterotopic ossifications), costs, and cost-effectiveness. Discussion: The successful completion of this trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of a functional treatment for the management of simple elbow dislocations. Trial Registration: The trial is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR2025).