Biomedical subjects

R W Weiser

Publications and source records attributed to R W Weiser.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement using radiofrequency probes.

The initial results of using radiofrequency probes for debridement of a torn triangular fibrocartilage complex were studied in 20 patients with a mean age of 44 (range 27-56) years presenting with ulnar-sided wrist pain. On arthroscopic examination, 18 central and two radial triangular fibrocartilage complex tears were identified and debrided to a stable rim using radiofrequency probes. The mean follow-up was 22 (range 9-35) months. Seventeen patients experienced substantial pain relief. In three, the pain was unchanged. The mean flexion extension arc was 132 degrees , pronosupination arc 155 degrees and mean grip strength was 83% of that of the unaffected side. Using the modified Mayo wrist score, there were ten excellent, seven good and three fair results. No perioperative complications occurred. Radiofrequency probes were found to be safe and effective for use in triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement. These results compare favourably with other standard methods of treatment of this problem.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Combined arthroscopic TFCC debridement and wafer resection of the distal ulna in wrists with triangular fibrocartilage complex tears and positive ulnar variance.

Because a certain percentage of patients with positive ulnar variance experience incomplete pain relief after triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement alone, we prospectively evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of combining arthroscopic TFCC debridement with arthroscopic wafer resection in such wrists as part of the same surgical procedure. We enrolled 12 patients between July 1998 and July 2000 and performed both subjective and objective assessment at follow-up with a minimum of 6 months and an average of 14 months. Seven posttraumatic and 5 degenerative tears were identified. Preoperative ulnar variance with a pronated grip x-ray averaged 2 mm and ranged between 1 and 4 mm. At final review 8 patients experienced complete pain relief and 4 experienced only minimal symptoms. The ulnocarpal stress test failed to elicit pain in any wrist. Nine patients were very satisfied, and 3 were satisfied. Grip strength improved 8 kg (36%). This procedure should be considered in the treatment of ulnar wrist pain when TFCC tears and positive ulnar variance coexist.

Arthroscopy↗

PubMed2001

Carpal tunnel release for advanced disease in patients 70 years and older: does outcome from the patient's perspective justify surgery?

Because more advanced stages of nerve compression are likely to result in intraneural changes including intrinsic fibrosis and axon loss, we hypothesised that carpal tunnel release for advanced carpal tunnel syndrome might not result in satisfactory resolution of symptoms. We were particularly interested in evaluating a population of elderly patients 70 years and older for whom relief of symptoms is the overwhelming objective of surgery. Our retrospective assessment of symptom resolution and patient satisfaction in 13 patients with advanced carpal tunnel syndrome utilized a validated self-administered questionnaire and revealed minimal symptoms in 11 patients. Although carpal tunnel release is unlikely to result in the total elimination of symptoms when performed in elderly patients with advanced disease, outcome from the patient's perspective appears to be satisfactory and the surgery quite justified.

Aged↗