One-per-mil tumescent technique for bone and joint surgery in hand

Background

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of one-per-mil tumescent technique in hand surgery, which involves bone and joint.

Methods

This is a case series study on 14 patients with 15 operative fields. One-per-mil solution is formulated by mixing 0.05 mL of 1:1,000 epinephrine and 100 mg lidocaine in 50-mL saline solution. The solution was injected subcutaneously into the operative area until the skin turned pale. The surgery started 7–10 min after the last injection. We classified the operative field clarity into four categories: totally bloodless, minimum bleeding, acceptable bleeding, and bloody operative field. We also recorded the amount of tumescent solution, top-ups needed, length of surgery, type of anesthesia, and intraoperative pain reported by the patients under local anesthesia.

Results

Five patients were operated on under local anesthesia while the other ten were under general anesthesia. Eight cases yielded totally bloodless operative fields, while seven were classified as acceptable bleeding. There were no top-ups and conversion of anesthesia needed during surgery.

Conclusions

We consider one-per-mil tumescent technique as a promising successor of pneumatic tourniquet in bone and joint surgery, especially for lengthy procedures on hand and upper extremity.     

A Latex Finger Strip and Nylon Zip-Tie Combo as a Tunable Digital Tourniquet

BACKGROUND: Surgery on digit and nail requires a clear bloodless field that is often achieved by a tourniquet. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to present a simple, effective, and safe tourniquet for digital surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A latex glove and a nylon zip-tie were used. A long strip is cut from the little finger tube of a latex glove. This is used for wrapping around the digit for exsanguination. The pressure is then maintained with a household nylon zip-tie. The finger strip is then cut to expose the operative field ready for surgery. The tourniquet pressure can be adjusted by tightening or loosening of the nylon zip-tie. RESULTS: Exsanguination and a bloodless field can be effectively achieved. The long tail of the nylon zip-tie reminds the operator to remove it at end of the surgery. CONCLUSION: A latex strip and nylon zip-tie combo serves as a simple, effective, and safe tourniquet for digital surgery.     

Use of the HemaClear™ elastic tourniquet reduces blood loss in operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures

BackgroundTo determine if the use of a narrower elastic tourniquet compared to a standard pneumatic tourniquet reduces operative blood loss in the operative fixation of humeral shaft fractures.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed at a level I trauma center and included 134 patients, aged 18 to 90 years, with a humeral shaft fracture treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) from January 2007 through June 2018. The primary variable of interest was the application of a HemaClear? elastic tourniquet versus a standard pneumatic tourniquet during the fixation of a humeral shaft fracture. The primary outcome was estimated blood loss (EBL) during the humerus ORIF surgery as recorded in the operative record. The secondary outcomes were total tourniquet time and operative time. The primary purpose of the study was to compare the above outcomes between the two tourniquet types.ResultsEstimated blood loss was 42% lower (95% CI: 11% to 73%, p < 0.01) in the elastic tourniquet group when compared to the standard pneumatic tourniquet group. The use of the elastic tourniquet was also associated with a 67% increase (95% CI: 35% to 100%, p < 0.01) in tourniquet time compared to the standard pneumatic tourniquet. No difference in the total operative time between the two groups (difference, -3%; 95% CI: -21 to 14, p = 0.72) was observed.ConclusionElastic tourniquet use was associated with 42% less blood loss in the fixation of humeral shaft fractures compared to use of a traditional pneumatic tourniquet, although this may be of unclear clinical importance given the relatively low estimated blood loss in this cohort. The potential benefit of reduced blood loss associated with the narrower elastic tourniquet is likely caused by the increased tourniquet time, without a change in overall operative time.     

Efficacy of arterial occlusion pressure estimation-based tourniquet pressure settings in upper limb surgery

BackgroundThe use of a minimal individualized effective pneumatic tourniquet pressure is recommended to avoid pressure related complications in extremity surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of arterial occlusion pressure estimation-based tourniquet pressure settings in upper limb surgery.MethodsHundred and fifteen patients undergoing upper limb surgeries were enrolled in the present study. Arterial occlusion pressure estimation formula was used and a safety margin of 20 mmHg was added to arterial occlusion pressure in the tourniquet pressure setting. Primary and secondary endpoints were the amount of tourniquet pressure and its effectiveness respectively. Other outcome measures included the tourniquet pressure setting time and tourniquet related complications. Surgical team unaware of the tourniquet pressure assessed the bloodless surgical field.ResultsThe mean initial and maximal tourniquet pressures were 171.5 ± 13.7 and 175.5 ± 13.2 mmHg, respectively. The effectiveness of the tourniquet was rated as “excellent” and “good” in the initial and middle stages, and at the end of the surgery of the procedure in 97.3%, 99.1%, and 100% of cases respectively. The mean tourniquet pressure setting time was 29.0 ± 3.7 s. No tourniquet related complications were observed.ConclusionsArterial occlusion pressure estimation-based tourniquet pressure setting is a practical and effective method, which allows using lower tourniquet pressures than previously used in the literature for upper extremity surgery.     

Effect of Different Tourniquet Pressure on Postoperative Pain and Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective,Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundTourniquet pressure inflation is commonly selected between 100 and 150 mm Hg above the systolic blood pressure (SBP). Given the lack of evidence to support a given inflation pressure, our study aimed to ascertain the lowest tourniquet pressure that facilitated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and resulted in the least postoperative pain and complications.MethodsIn a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients scheduled for unilateral primary TKA, 150 were assigned to use tourniquet pressures of SBP + 75 mm Hg (group I), SBP + 100 mm Hg (group II), and SBP + 150 mm Hg (group III). The quality of the bloodless field, total blood loss, and limb swelling were determined perioperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale for pain at thigh and surgical site, serum creatinine phosphokinase levels, wound complications, range of motion, and Knee Society Score.ResultsVisual analog scale for pain at thigh and surgical site were lowest in group I (P < .01) and highest in group III (P < .01). However, the quality of bloodless field at the tibial cutting surface was significantly better in group III compared to group I/II but not at the femoral cutting surface. The total blood loss and limb swelling showed no difference among 3 groups. Postoperative serum creatinine phosphokinase levels at 24 and 48 hours and wound complications in group III were significantly higher than group I (P < .01) and group II (P < .01). Nevertheless, postoperative knee range of motion and Knee Society Score were not significantly different among 3 groups.ConclusionPost TKA, the lowest tourniquet pressure was associated with significantly less postoperative tourniquet and surgical site pain, muscle damage, and wound complications.     

Retrospective review of complications following long tourniquet time in foot and ankle surgery

BackgroundTourniquet use is ubiquitous in orthopaedic surgery to create a bloodless field and to facilitate safe surgery, however, we know of the potential complications that can occur as a result of prolonged tourniquet time. Experimental and clinical research has helped define the safe time limits but there is not much literature specific to foot and ankle surgery.MethodsA retrospective review of the postoperative course of patients with prolonged tourniquet time (longer than 180 min) for foot and ankle procedures was done. Data related to the patient factors and the surgical procedure was collected. The length of stay, re-admissions and complications were the important indicators of the individual patient’s recovery.ResultsTwenty patients were identified with longer than 180-min tourniquet times for complex foot and ankle procedures. The average uninterrupted tourniquet time was 191 min. Eight of the twenty procedures were revision surgeries. The average length of stay was 3 days and there were no re-admissions within 30 days. Eight patients (40%) had at least one recorded complication. The complications seen in this group were transient sensory loss, wound issues, superficial infection, ongoing pain and non-union.ConclusionsThis case series has not revealed any major systemic complications resulting from the prolonged tourniquet such as pulmonary embolism or renal dysfunction. Unlike past literature on knee procedures with extended tourniquet times, no major nerve palsies were seen in our patient group. Our understanding of the local and systemic effects of tourniquet is not complete and this study demonstrates that the complications do not necessarily increase in a linear fashion in relation to the tourniquet time.     

Outcomes of post burn flexion contracture release under tourniquet versus tumescent technique in children

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of release of flexion contractures after burn of the hand in children using tourniquet or tumescent technique in terms of operative time, postoperative pain score, and percentage of graft take.

Comparison of two relative motion extension approaches (RME with versus without an additional overnight orthosis) following zones V-VI extensor tendon repairs: A randomized equivalence trial

Study designMulti--center randomized controlled trial with two intervention parallel groups. An equivalence trial.IntroductionRelative motion extension (RME) orthoses are widely used in the postoperative management of finger extensor tendon repairs in zones V-VI. Variability in orthotic additions to the RME only (without a wrist orthosis) approach has not been verified in clinical studies.Purpose of the studyTo examine if two RME only approaches (with or without an additional overnight wrist-hand-finger orthosis) yields clinically similar outcomes.MethodsThirty-two adult (>18 years) participants (25 males, 7 females) were randomized to one of two intervention groups receiving either 1) a relative motion extension orthosis for day wear and an overnight wrist-hand-finger orthosis ('RME Day' group), or 2) a relative motion extension orthosis to be worn continuously ('RME 24-Hr' group); both groups for a period of four postoperative weeks.ResultsUsing a series of linear mixed models we found no differences between the intervention groups for the primary (ROM including TAM, TAM as a percentage of the contralateral side [%TAM], and Millers Criteria) and secondary outcome measures of grip strength, QuickDASH and PRWHE scores. The models did identify several covariates that are correlated with outcome measures. The covariate ‘Age’ influenced TAM (P = .006) and %TAM (P = .007), with increasing age correlating with less TAM and recovery of TAM compared to the contralateral digit. 'Sex' and 'Contralateral TAM' are also significant covariates for some outcomes.DiscussionWith similar outcomes between both intervention groups, the decision to include an additional night orthosis should be individually tailored for patients rather than protocol-based. As the covariates of ‘Age’ and ‘Sex’ influenced outcomes, these should be considered in clinical practice.ConclusionsA relative motion extension only approach with or without an additional overnight wrist-hand-finger orthosis yielded clinically similar results whilst allowing early functional hand use, without tendon rupture.     

Tranexamic acid administration for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A prospective,double-blind,randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of tranexamic acid versus placebo after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsThis prospective, double-blind, and randomized study involved 66 patients who consecutively underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from 2020 to 2021 at our hospital. Thirty-three shoulders each were randomly assigned to the tranexamic acid and control groups. In the former group, 1000 mg of tranexamic acid (20 mL) was administered intravenously 10 min before surgery and the same volume of normal saline (20 mL) was administered intravenously in the control group. We evaluated visual clarity; visual analog scale pain scores at rest, during activity, and at night; the circumference and diameter of the shoulder joint in the groups before and after the surgery at 1, 2, and 3 days, and 1 week; estimated perioperative blood loss; and operative time. Visual clarity was rated using a numeric rating scale from grade 1 (poor) to grade 3 (clear) every 15 min throughout the surgery. We compared and analyzed the results between the groups. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05.ResultsVisual clarity was found to be significantly better in the tranexamic acid group, with a greater percentage of grade 3 visual clarity (75.6 ± 11.2% vs 68.1 ± 13.4%, p = 0.045). The visual analog scale scores at rest and at night in the control group were significantly lower than those in the tranexamic acid group for 1 week postoperatively (13.8 ± 14.8 vs 5 ± 9.3, p = 0.008, 36.1 ± 23.3 vs 19.3 ± 24, p = 0.012). The circumference and diameter of the shoulder joint, estimated perioperative blood loss, and operative time were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionIntravenous administration of tranexamic acid is an alternative way to improve visual clarity in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; however, there are no other significant differences compared to the administration of placebo.     

Clinical experiences with a new tourniquet device

Cessation of blood flow to the extremity improves the comfort of the surgeon. So pneumatic tourniquets are commonly used to obtain a bloodless field during upper- and lower-extremity surgery despite the several problems that tourniquet pressure may lead to. In this paper, we present our clinical experiences with a new tourniquet device called S-MART (OHK Medical Devices, Haifa, Israel) and compared the device with the traditional pneumatic tourniquet in terms of efficacy and complications. A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Preoperative systolic blood pressure measurements were obtained, and patients with a systolic blood pressure >190 mm Hg were excluded. S-MART was used in stead of pneumatic tourniquet in half of the patients in group 1. Pneumatic tourniquet was applied to the patients in group 2. The patient groups were compared. No major complications were observed in either group. But it was observed that S-MART was unsuccessful to maintain a bloodless field during the whole operative procedure in some of the cases. In conclusion, application of S-MART is practical, provides bloodless field for a certain time, and does not increase the complication rate related with the pressure applied to underlying tissues, but it is not a suitable tourniquet device for long surgical procedures.     

Comparison of the clinical and radiological outcomes between an isolated tibial component revision and total revision knee arthroplasty in aseptic loosening of an isolated tibial component

BackgroundAn isolated tibial component revision could be a treatment option for isolated tibial side loosening; however, few studies have proved its efficacy. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between isolated (tibial component) and total (femoral and tibial component) revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsBetween January 2008 and February 2017, 31 patients underwent revision TKA for isolated tibial side loosening; 14 underwent an isolated tibial component revision (isolated group) and 17 underwent total (both femoral and tibial components) revision surgery (total group). The postoperative range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index, Knee Society knee score (KSKS), Knee Society function score (KSFS), and mechanical axis (MA) were compared between the two groups. The intraoperative tourniquet time and amount of blood drainage were also compared.ResultsThe mean follow-up durations in the isolated and total groups were 40.7 and 56.1 months, respectively. Both groups had similar postoperative ROM, WOMAC index, KSKS, KSFS, and MA; however, significantly shorter tourniquet time (105.2 vs. 154.6 min, P < 0.001) and less blood drainage (417.2 vs. 968.1 ml, P < 0.001) were noted in the isolated group than in the total group.ConclusionIsolated tibial component revision TKA for tibial component loosening showed comparable clinical and radiological outcomes to those of total revision TKA. The advantages of the isolated tibial component revision surgery were short operation time and small blood loss.Study designLevel III, Retrospective comparative study.     

Propofol and tourniquet induced ischaemia reperfusion injury in lower extremity operations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Extremity surgery with tourniquet to provide a bloodless field may be a good human model for ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different modes of propofol use on tourniquet induced IR injury in lower extremity operations. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive ASA Grade I and II patients were randomized into three groups of 11 patients each. In the spinal group (Group S), after intrathecal anaesthesia, sedation was given with a propofol infusion at 2 mg kg-1 h-1 after a 0.2 mg kg-1 bolus dose and fentanyl 100 microg. In the general (Group G) and TIVA (Group T) groups, general anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg kg-1 with fentanyl 100 microg and maintained with inhalation of halothane or infusion of propofol respectively. Venous blood samples were obtained at different time points for measurements of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. RESULTS: Plasma MDA levels were increased significantly in the Group G at 1 min before tourniquet release and 5 and 20 min after tourniquet release compared with before induction of general anaesthesia (baseline). Before intrathecal anaesthesia and before induction of general anaesthesia significantly decreased levels of MDA were observed both before and after tourniquet release compared to baseline. Plasma SOD and CAT concentrations were decreased significantly only at tourniquet release in the Group G compared with baseline. In the Groups S and T these enzymes were not changed significantly. Plasma GPx levels were not altered in any groups. CONCLUSION: Propofol administration may inhibit lipid peroxidation and restore antioxidant enzyme levels in extremity surgery requiring tourniquet application.     

Effect of different cuff widths on the motor nerve conduction of the median nerve: an experimental study

Background  

A bloodless operative field is considered mandatory for most surgical procedures on the upper and lower extremity. This is accomplished by using either an Esmarch bandage or a pneumatic tourniquet, but a number of complications are associated with both. Nerve palsy is one of the most frequently encountered complications of this procedure. Wider cuffs have been found to cause reduced risk of tourniquet induced injury to the underlying soft tissues than the narrower ones due to the fact that lower occlusion pressures are caused by the former. To address and investigate this question, conduction in the median nerve has been measured proximal to tourniquet as well as distal to the tourniquet. Parameters of nerve conduction measured are nerve conduction velocity, latency and amplitude.     

Outcomes after Tumescence Technique versus Electrocautery Mastectomy

Background

Tumescence is the injection of local anesthetic and crystalloid into the subcutaneous tissue to establish a bloodless plane for surgical dissection. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes after mastectomy with tumescent technique compared to electrocautery dissection.

Methods

We conducted a single-institution retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent mastectomy between 2007 and 2011. The tumescent technique was performed by injecting 1% lidocaine with epinephrine mixed in a 10% ratio with lactated Ringer solution into the mastectomy flaps followed by sharp dissection. Significance testing was done to evaluate for outcome differences between the two surgical groups.

Results

Among the 134 patients, 64 underwent electrocautery and 70 underwent tumescent-assisted dissection. The overall complication rate was 21.6% (tumescent, 20.0%; electrocautery, 23.4%, P?=?0.63). Flap necrosis requiring operative debridement was the most common complication in the tumescent group (n?=?6). On multivariate analysis, tumescent technique was not associated with an increased?complication rate. Immediate reconstruction was the only factor that increased the risk of complication (odds ratio 12.95, P?Conclusions The tumescence surgery technique should be utilized with caution in patients undergoing immediate reconstruction, as a trend for higher complication rates was observed in these cases, and flap viability is particularly important in this setting. Future prospective studies are needed to further evaluate blood loss, operative time, postoperative pain, and duration of drainage catheters after tumescent mastectomy technique.     

Effect of low-dose N-acetyl-cysteine infusion on tourniquet-induced ischaemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopic knee surgery

BACKGROUND: Temporary occlusion of blood flow is used during arthroscopic knee surgery in order to provide a bloodless surgical field. The resulting ischaemia-reperfusion causes lipid peroxidation, which contributes to tissue injury. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of low-dose n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) infusion on oxidative stress by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) levels during arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients, ASA I - II, undergoing arthroscopic knee debridement under a tourniquet were divided into NAC and control groups. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl and vecuronium bromide and maintained with desflurane in an equal parts O(2)-N(2)O mixture. In the NAC group, an infusion of NAC, 5 mg kg(-1).h(-1), was started after intubation, and continued until extubation. An equal volume of saline was infused to the control group. Duration of ischaemia, anaesthesia time, total dose of NAC infused were also recorded. Venous blood and synovial membrane tissue samples were obtained 10 min after the onset of NAC infusion but before tourniquet inflation (t1), after 30 min of ischaemia (t2), and after 5 min of reperfusion following tourniquet release (t3). RESULTS: Plasma MDA levels were significantly lower in the NAC group on reperfusion. There were no differences between the groups in tissue MDA levels at ischaemia and reperfusion times. CONCLUSION: Low-dose n-acetyl cysteine infusion attenuates lipid peroxidation and ischaemia-reperfusion injury in arthroscopic knee surgery requiring tourniquet application.     

Are There More Radiolucent Lines in Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty With or Without a Tourniquet During Cementation at 5 to 8 Years After Surgery?

BackgroundThis study investigated the presence and progression of radiolucent lines (RLLs) after cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with or without tourniquet use.MethodsThere were 369 consecutive primary cemented TKAs with 5 to 8 years of follow-up. A tourniquet was used during component cementation in patients who underwent surgery from January 3, 2006, to March 31, 2010. No tourniquet was used from August 14, 2009, to October 14, 2014. There were 192 patients in the tourniquet group (TQ) and 177 patients in the no tourniquet group (NQ). Patient demographics, reoperations, and complications were recorded. RLLs were identified on anteroposterior, lateral, and skyline x-rays at 1, 2, and 5 to 8 years postoperatively using the modern knee society radiographic evaluation system. Demographics, reoperations, complications, and RLLs were compared. Age, sex, and body mass index were similar between groups. Mean tourniquet time in TQ was 11 minutes (range, 8 to 25).ResultsThe presence of RLLs differed between groups, with 65% of TQ knees having RLLs under any part of the prostheses versus 46% of NQ knees (P < .001). The progression of RLL >2 mm occurred in 26.0% of knees in TQ and 16.7% of knees in NQ (P = .028). There were 13 TKAs that underwent subsequent revision surgery. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference in revision rate between groups (7 revisions in TQ, 6 in NQ, P = .66).ConclusionLess RLLs were identified in NQ versus TQ. There were no statistically or clinically significant differences in revision rates between the NQ and TQ groups at 5 to 8 years.     

Preoperative Flexion Contracture Does Not Compromise the Outcomes and Survivorship of Medial Fixed Bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundDespite the expanding indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), the classic indication that limits flexion contracture to <5° in fixed bearing UKA excludes most patients with arthritic knees and has not been challenged in modern literature. This study compared the clinical outcomes between patients with severe flexion contracture and controls undergoing UKA.MethodsEighty seven medial fixed bearing UKAs performed in patients with severe (≥15°) flexion contracture were matched 1:1 with 87 controls without flexion or recurvatum deformity (−5°<extension<5°) using propensity scores to control for age, sex, BMI, Charlson comorbidity index, ASA class, and baseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Perioperative outcomes were recorded. Range of motion, Knee Society Score, Oxford Knee Score, SF-36, and patient satisfaction were assessed at 6 months and 2 years. Survivorship was recorded at mean 11.5 ± 3.2 years.ResultsPreoperative knee extension in the control and contracture groups was 0.9° ± 1.9° and 18.0° ± 3.5° (P < .001), respectively, whereas flexion was 122.8° ± 27.9° and 120.6° ± 13.6° (P = .502). The contracture group had poorer Knee Society functional (P = .023) and SF-36 physical score (P = .010) at 6 months. However, there was no difference in PROMs at 2 years. A similar proportion achieved the minimal clinically important difference for each PROM and was satisfied with surgery. Range of motion remained poorer in the contracture group and a higher percentage had residual contractures (P < .001). Ten-year survivorship was 94% and 97% in the control and contracture groups, respectively (P = .145).ConclusionAlthough patients with severe flexion contractures had a poorer range of motion and postoperatively, these patients attained comparable PROMs, satisfaction rates, and mid-term survivorship after UKA.Level of EvidenceIII, therapeutic study.     

Trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty; a comparative analysis of endoscopic and microscopic approaches

BackgroundThe advent of Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) has allowed otologists an improved view of the surgical field compared with conventional Microscopic Ear Surgery (MES). EES presents different challenges for surgeons and a learning curve is necessary.AimsThe purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of EES and MES for trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty, an entry level EES.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed patients who underwent push through trans-canal tragal cartilage myringoplasty in our institution over 5 years (2016–2020). Exclusion criteria were: patients with prior ear surgery, non-tragal cartilage tympanic membrane graft, additional procedure at time of surgery and patients with insufficient follow up. EES and MES groups were compared using outcomes such as graft success rate, changes in pure tone audiometry (PTA), operative time and complications.ResultsSeventy-four patients met inclusion criteria (MES = 38, EES = 36). Mean age of included patients was 29.3 years with no significant demographic differences between groups. Graft success rate at 12 months was higher among the EES group versus MES (94.4% v 86.8%, p = 0.43). Mean operative time was reduced in the EES group (47.3 min v 53.8 min, p = 0.04). Hearing outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. No major operative complications occurred in either group.ConclusionsOutcomes were marginally better in the cohort who underwent EES. This supports that EES offers an otologic choice to complement established practice for trans-canal myringoplasty and may be used to facilitate introduction to EES for trainees and otologists wishing to learn this technique.     

The Wide-Awake Approach to Dupuytren’s Disease: Fasciectomy under Local Anesthetic with Epinephrine

The Wide-Awake Approach to Dupuytren's contracture involves fasciectomy under local anesthetic with epinephrine and no tourniquet. The goal of this study is to show that the Wide-Awake Approach produces equivalent outcomes to fasciectomy under general anesthetic with a tourniquet, with fewer risks to the patient. A multicenter retrospective review was conducted on 111 patients with fasciectomies under local or general anesthetic between 2001 and 2007. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, cost, as well as range of motion was collected and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SAS. Of 148 fingers, 102 were treated under local and 46 under general anesthetic. The average postoperative Total Active Motion (TAM) for general anesthetic patients was 199.0 ± 29.6 (D5), 223.9 ± 29.3 (D4), 234.6 ± 14.6 (D3), and 246.7 ± 14.4 (D2). The average postoperative TAM for local anesthetic patients was 168.3 ± 62.2 (D5), 195.9 ± 67.5 (D4), 173.0 ± 72.6 (D3), and 177.5 ± 31.8 (D2). There were no significant differences between any of these individual groups (p = 0.09, 0.26, 0.12, and 0.20, respectively); however, when pooled, the overall TAM was significantly greater in the general anesthesia group (222.0 ± 29.7 vs. 186.0 ± 63.0, p = 0.002.). Complication rates and types were similar with both techniques. The Wide-Awake Approach to Dupuytren’s contracture avoids general anesthetic risks and has cost benefits to healthcare providers. Although it yields similar range of motion outcomes to fasciectomy performed under general anesthesia, total active motion may be better with fasciectomy done under general anesthesia.