Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study that aimed to understand the position of hand surgery research within the larger field of orthopedic surgery research. The researchers examined 1,568 articles published in 2012 from general orthopedic and hand surgery journals. They evaluated the impact of each paper by counting how many times it was cited within the first three years after publication.

The study found that most of the hand surgery articles were case reports or case series, while only a small percentage were comparative studies (studies that compare different treatments or approaches). This was a significantly smaller proportion than in other orthopedic subspecialties.

The researchers also found that systematic reviews and meta-analyses (studies that consolidate and analyze multiple research studies) were cited more frequently than other types of studies. In contrast, educational reviews were cited less frequently.

Several factors were associated with a higher number of citations: being published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, having authors from North America, Europe, or Australia, focusing on certain subspecialties (like hip & knee, sports, or shoulder), using a comparative or randomized clinical trial design, and having a larger sample size.

The researchers concluded that hand surgery articles published in general orthopedic journals are often of lower quality in terms of study design. They suggest that using larger sample sizes and more rigorous study designs could improve the quality of hand surgery research and increase the impact of hand surgery journals.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the study on the position of hand surgery research within orthopedic surgery research?
  2. What factors were found to be associated with a higher number of citations for an article in the study?
  3. How could the quality of hand surgery research and the impact of hand surgery journals be improved according to the researchers?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the hand elevated, performing prescribed exercises, and attending follow-up appointments. Proper care and rehabilitation are essential for a successful recovery after hand surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from hand surgery include those with:

  1. Traumatic injuries: Patients who have suffered fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries to the hand may require surgery to repair and restore function.

  2. Degenerative conditions: Patients with conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, or tendonitis may benefit from hand surgery to alleviate pain and improve function.

  3. Congenital abnormalities: Patients born with hand deformities or anomalies may require surgery to correct the issue and improve hand function.

  4. Nerve injuries: Patients who have sustained nerve damage in the hand, such as in cases of peripheral nerve injuries or brachial plexus injuries, may require surgery to repair the nerve and restore function.

  5. Tumors: Patients with benign or malignant tumors in the hand may require surgery to remove the tumor and preserve hand function.

  6. Reconstructive surgery: Patients who have lost part of their hand due to injury or disease may require reconstructive surgery to restore function and appearance.

Overall, hand surgery is recommended for patients who have conditions or injuries that are affecting the function and/or appearance of their hands and impacting their quality of life. A consultation with a hand surgeon can help determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient experiences pain, limited range of motion, or other symptoms in the hand or wrist.
  2. Patient consults with a hand surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Hand surgeon evaluates the condition and recommends surgery as a treatment option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes hand surgery procedure.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the hand elevated, wearing a splint, and attending physical therapy.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the hand surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and regains function in the hand through rehabilitation and therapy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of hand surgery procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  5. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery outcomes?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Fujihara Y, Fujihara N, Yamamoto M, Hirata H. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2019 Mar;24(1):36-44. doi: 10.1142/S2424835519500073. PMID: 30760151