This issue of Techniques in Hand and Upper Extremity
Surgery exemplifies the wide spectrum of issues
faced by hand and upper extremity surgeons. The first four
articles demonstrate the wide array of options in treating
distal radius fractures. It is remarkable that an injury that
used to be considered relatively uncomplicated and effectively
treated with cast immobilization has now become
studied in-depth and treated in many different methods.
New designs of implants, external fixation, and Kirschner
wire fixation have offered surgeons numerous options for
treating acute fractures or complex deformities following
fracture. We have also seen greater interest by industry to
provide implants for distal radius fractures, which
enhances choices of treatment but, unfortunately, leads
to some being more interventional than might be required.
The adverse sequelae of wrist and forearm trauma are
well illustrated in the articles by Murray, describing the
problems of longitudinal instability of the forearm, and
Baxamusa, regarding carpal instability. These articles will
be helpful in guiding surgeons in the assessment and management
of these difficult problems.
The remaining articles cover a breadth of problems involving
both soft tissue reconstructions to ulnar nerve
compression at the elbow to tender and muscle transfer
for obstetrical palsy.
The editors are extremely excited about this issue and
are confident these articles will positively influence the
care of your patients