This work aimed to identify the lead causes of upper limb injury presenting to a busy hand and major trauma unit during the UK COVID-19 domestic lockdown period, in comparison to a cohort from the same period one year previously. Hand and upper limb injuries presenting to the host organization during a pre-lockdown period (23rd March 2019–11th May 2019) and the formal UK lockdown period (23rd March 2020–11th May 2020) were compared, using data collated from the host institution’s hand surgery database. The UK lockdown period was associated with a 52% fall in the number of patients presenting to the service with hand and upper limb injuries (589 pre-lockdown vs. 284 during lockdown). There was a significant increase in the proportion of injuries due to machinery use during lockdown (38, 6.5% pre-lockdown vs. 33, 11.6% during lockdown, P = 0.009), other etiologies were consistent. The proportion requiring surgical management were similar (n = 272, 46.2% pre-lockdown vs. n = 138, 48.6% during lockdown, P = 0.50). The proportion requiring overnight admission fell (n = 94, 16.0% pre-lockdown vs. 29, 10.2% during lockdown, P = 0.022). COVID-19 related lockdown in the UK resulted in a reduction in the presenting numbers of hand related injuries; however almost half of these patients still required surgery. These data may be of use to other hand surgery centers for resource planning during future lockdown periods, and for injury prevention strategies in the post-COVID-19 world.

The spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer is a key procedure for restoring shoulder function in upper brachial plexus injuries and is typically undertaken via an anterior approach. The anterior approach may miss injury to the suprascapular nerve about the suprascapular notch, which may explain why functional outcomes are often limited. In 2014 we adopted a posterior approach to enable better visualization of the suprascapular nerve at the notch. Over the next 6 years we have used this approach for 20 explorations after high-energy trauma. In 7/20 we identified abnormalities at the level of the suprascapular ligament, which we would not have identified with an anterior approach: there were two ruptures, two neuromas-in-continuity and three cases of scar encasement, necessitating neurolysis. Nerve transfer could be undertaken distal to the suprascapular notch, bypassing the site of injury. These pathological findings support the wider adoption of the posterior approach in cases of high-energy trauma. Level of evidence: IV

Aim To discuss our strategies employed in our peripheral nerve injury unit for spinal accessory nerve (SAN) injury and a potential algorithm for future use. Method A retrospective analysis was undertaken on 9 patients with SAN injury undergoing surgical intervention. Neurophysiological results were obtained. MRC grades were compared at presentation and post-operatively. DASH (Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand) scores were also collected post-operatively. Results 7 patients presented to us following an iatrogenic injury to the SAN. 6 patients underwent neurolysis only, 3 underwent nerve transfer, 2 underwent nerve grafting (1 autologous, 1 processed nerve allograft). The mean time frame from presentation to operation was 13 months. MRC grading of shoulder function increased from a mean MRC 2 to 4 at a mean of 8 months post-operatively. DASH scores of the 7 participating patients were 30.8 at a mean of 47 months post-operatively. 2 patients had experienced a sensory deficit. Conclusions Nerve grafting allows bridging of a gap when the injury is well defined with a suitable window for re-innervation. Allograft has a role in small gaps where there may be concerns with autograft. Nerve transfer may allow earlier re-innervation and be a more reliable option where the proximal extent of nerve injury is poorly defined. We found nerve wraps to be a useful addition when an injured nerve may be adherent to a heavily scarred bed. We will present some worked examples along with a potential algorithm for a surgical strategy.

No abstract

No abstract