FREDERIC ELIOT LISS, MD

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This study looked at how mutations in the ARID1A gene, which occur in about 20% of bladder tumors, affect cell behavior and responses to DNA damage. Researchers found that cells lacking ARID1A grew slower and had issues with DNA repair and cell division, indicating that this mutation disrupts important cellular processes. The findings suggest promising new approaches for treating bladder cancers associated with ARID1A mutations by focusing on fixing these damaged pathways. Who this helps: This helps patients with ARID1A-deficient bladder cancer.

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This study looked at how well hand surgeons can judge the severity of partial tears of the biceps tendon using MRI scans. Out of 49 MRI scans reviewed, the surgeons agreed on the tear level about 51% of the time, which shows only "fair" agreement among them. However, when the scans had a specific view (the FABS view), their agreement improved to about 62%, indicating a "moderate" level of agreement. Who this helps: This information benefits hand surgeons and their patients by highlighting the need for better imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

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Researchers studied a specific interaction between proteins called YAP and B-MYB, which is important in certain cancers. They found that a therapy using a fragment of B-MYB, called MY-COMP, significantly reduced liver tumor growth in a cancer model and disrupted the growth of certain melanoma cells. This is important because it shows a new way to potentially treat cancers driven by YAP, offering hope for better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with YAP-driven cancers.

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This study looked at two different surgical techniques used after removing a bone in the thumb for arthritis: the TightRope method and ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition. The findings showed that patients who had the TightRope procedure experienced less joint movement and better overall function in the thumb compared to those who underwent the other method at various times during the first year after surgery. Specifically, the TightRope group had a better score on a disability questionnaire—64.7 compared to 74.6 just two weeks after surgery and 7.57 compared to 21.5 one year later. Who this helps: This benefits patients with thumb arthritis who are considering surgery for relief.

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This study looked at how patients with hand and arm pain feel about using medical cannabis (MC) for pain relief. Out of over 600 surveyed patients, 10% were already using MC, and 81% of those not currently using it said they would consider it for chronic pain. However, the main issue preventing patients from using MC is the high cost, and nearly all patients supported legalizing and getting insurance coverage for it. Who this helps: This research helps patients experiencing pain by highlighting their interest in medical cannabis as a treatment option.

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This study looked at how a protein called YAP affects the way genes are expressed in cells, particularly those involved in cell growth and movement. Researchers found that a specific active form of YAP, called YAP5SA, changes the organization of DNA in cells, making some areas more accessible for gene activation while shutting down others. Specifically, YAP5SA opens up regions that help turn on cell cycle genes, leading to increased cell migration, which can contribute to cancer progression. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by providing a better understanding of the mechanisms behind cancer cell behavior.

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This paper corrects a previous study that surveyed over 600 hand surgery patients about their views on medical cannabis. The original research found that many patients reported a positive experience with medical cannabis for managing pain, specifically noting a significant improvement in their comfort levels after surgery. Understanding these perspectives is important because it can influence how doctors may recommend treatments for pain relief in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking effective pain management options after hand surgery.

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This study looked at the connection between scapholunate ligament injuries and distal radius fractures in 117 patients who had surgery to fix their wrist fractures. It found that 26.5% of these patients showed signs of scapholunate widening, which led to less wrist extension—52.4 degrees compared to 60.8 degrees at three months—and 64.5 degrees compared to 71.8 degrees at one year. However, the overall functional outcomes for both groups were similar a year after surgery, meaning that having untreated scapholunate widening didn't seem to significantly affect patients' recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from wrist fractures, particularly those with or without ligament injuries.

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Researchers surveyed over 2,500 orthopedic patients to understand their views on medical cannabis (MC). The study found that most respondents (90%) think MC should be legal across the U.S., and many would consider using it for chronic pain. However, older patients were less likely to see it as safe compared to prescription opioids, and barriers like stigma and cost still affect its use. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering medical cannabis for pain management.

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This study examined the impact of untreated ulnar styloid fractures (USFs) on patients who underwent surgery for distal radius fractures (DRFs). Researchers found that about 52% of patients with DRFs also had USFs, and by one year after surgery, 76% of these fractures had not healed. However, having an USF did not significantly affect patients' pain or function scores compared to those without these fractures, indicating that USFs don't need surgical treatment. Who this helps: Patients with distal radius fractures and their doctors can benefit from this study.

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This study looked at a gene called IRF8 and its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a serious type of cancer. Researchers found that higher levels of IRF8 in AML cells are linked to worse outcomes for patients. Specifically, when the IRF8 gene is altered or deleted, it slows the growth of AML cells and disrupts important signaling processes that promote cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits AML patients by identifying a potential target for new treatments.

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Researchers studied the size of the thumb joint (the carpometacarpal joint) to understand how much fluid it can hold, especially in patients with arthritis. They found that, on average, this joint can accommodate about 0.9 cubic centimeters of fluid, with some joints holding up to 3.0 cc. It's important because knowing how much fluid these joints can hold can help doctors provide better treatment for patients with thumb arthritis. Who this helps: This helps patients with thumb arthritis and their doctors.

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This study examined how different factors—like age, weight, and gender—affect how soon patients can return to driving after surgery for a broken wrist. Researchers looked at 131 patients and found that younger patients (ages 19 to 59) returned to driving in about 13 days, while those over 75 took about 30 days. Women took longer, averaging 17.3 days, compared to men, who averaged 8.8 days. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients and doctors planning recovery after wrist surgery.

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This study looked at how different types and numbers of meetings before hand surgery affect patient satisfaction. Out of 200 patients, 93% reported being satisfied with their pre-surgery experience, but satisfaction dropped sharply when patients had more than four phone calls or five total encounters related to their surgery. This is important because it shows that having too many communications can make patients feel frustrated, emphasizing the need for clear and efficient interactions between patients and doctors. Who this helps: This helps patients preparing for surgery by highlighting the importance of minimizing unnecessary preoperative communications.

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This study looked at how Medicare payments for advanced imaging tests of the upper arm and shoulder have changed from 2000 to 2015. The researchers found that the reimbursement for MRI dropped significantly, from about $516 to $237, a 60% decrease, while payments for CT also fell by 39%. In contrast, ultrasound reimbursements increased slightly. This matters because it shows that MRIs, despite being the most expensive option, are becoming more affordable compared to other imaging methods, which could impact decisions made by doctors regarding patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better choices for imaging tests for their patients.

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This study looked at how cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) affects sleep and whether surgery to relieve nerve pressure could improve sleep quality. Researchers found that before surgery, patients had an average insomnia score of 10.7, which dropped to 4.1 after three months, indicating significant improvement. The type of surgery and the severity of symptoms before the operation did not change the sleep outcomes, meaning that surgery effectively helped all patients improve their sleep. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome.

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This study looked at how different types of dressings—plaster splints versus soft dressings—affect recovery after surgery for broken wrist bones. Researchers followed 139 patients and found that those who used soft dressings had better movement and less pain after three months compared to those who had plaster splints; specifically, they had roughly 10 degrees more movement in bending and straightening their wrists. This is important because using soft dressings could lead to quicker and easier recovery for patients without compromising healing. Who this helps: Patients recovering from wrist surgery.

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This study looked at whether digital hand X-rays could reliably assess bone mineral density (BMD) in older women, similar to the established DEXA scans, known for their accuracy in diagnosing osteoporosis. Researchers found that digital hand X-rays correctly identified BMD in only 49% of cases compared to DEXA scans, and there was only fair agreement among doctors evaluating the X-rays. This matters because relying on digital X-rays for diagnosing bone density issues may lead to missed osteoporosis cases, which could affect patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in making accurate diagnoses for their patients with potential bone density issues.

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This study looked at how carpal tunnel release surgery affects sleep quality in patients. Researchers found that after the surgery, patients reported significant improvements in their sleep quality just two weeks post-operation, with 7 different areas of sleep scoring better. However, the overall improvement in sleep didn't increase between the two-week and three-month follow-ups. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome who experience sleep problems.

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This study looked at how often gloves get punctured during hand surgery by examining 600 procedures over six weeks with ten experienced hand surgeons. They found 11 glove perforations, which means the rate was about 1.5%. Most of these issues happened on the surgeon's dominant index finger, and importantly, many perforations went unnoticed during surgery. Who this helps: This information benefits surgeons and operating room staff by highlighting the importance of monitoring glove integrity to maintain safety during procedures.

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This study looked at two methods for performing carpal tunnel release surgery: one where patients are awake with local anesthesia (WALANT) and another where they are sedated (MAC). The results showed that after surgery, 91% of the WALANT group and 96% of the MAC group were satisfied, and both groups felt similarly about their pain and disability scores over time. This matters because it shows that patients can choose either method without worrying about differences in satisfaction or outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need carpal tunnel surgery by giving them options for their anesthesia based on their preferences.

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This study looked at three different local anesthetics used during trigger finger release surgery: Lidocaine, Marcaine, and Exparel. It found that patients who received Exparel experienced the least pain and needed fewer opioid painkillers, with only 27% using them compared to 58% for Marcaine and 59% for Lidocaine. This is important because it means Exparel may offer better pain management and fewer side effects for patients after surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing trigger finger release surgery.

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This study looked at different ways to manage pain for patients undergoing hand surgery. It examined options like general anesthesia, local blocks, and a new technique called wide-awake hand surgery, considering factors like the type of surgery and the patient’s health. The findings are important because they help doctors choose the best pain management strategy to improve recovery for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hand surgery.