HANDPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1177/15589447251336401
Chiamaka Obilo, Robin N Kamal, Lauren M Shapiro
{"title":"National Agenda for Disparities Research in Hand Surgery: Validation of Social Determinant of Health Domains and Measurement Constructs.","authors":"Chiamaka Obilo, Robin N Kamal, Lauren M Shapiro","doi":"10.1177/15589447251336401","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447251336401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass various factors of one's environment and have been shown to strongly influence patient health. The effect of SDOH has been evaluated in various medical specialties; however, a paucity of literature exists investigating the effects of SDOH on outcomes in hand surgery. As such, we completed a RAND/University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Delphi Appropriateness process for the purpose of guiding the inclusion of SDOH domains and measurement constructs in hand surgery clinical research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A consortium of 9 academic upper-limb surgeons completed a RAND/UCLA Delphi Appropriateness process to evaluate the importance, feasibility, usability, and scientific acceptability of collecting SDOH domains and measurement constructs in hand surgery clinical research. The domains and measurement constructs were collated from frameworks and tools from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Cochrane. Panelists rated each domain/measurement construct on an ordinal scale between 1 (definitely not important/feasible/usable/supported) and 9 (definitely important/feasible/usable/supported) in 2 rounds with an intervening face-to-face discussion. Agreement and validity were determined according to previously validated and pre-defined criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The consortium achieved agreement on the inclusion of 5 SDOH domains (Education Access and Quality, Health care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, Social and Community Context, and Economic Stability) and 21 measurement constructs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>As there is growing evidence that SDOH can differentially impact patient health, these validated domains and constructs can help prioritize and guide hand surgery research to evaluate and better inform interventions related to SDOH and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"705-714"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12045940/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143984056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-05-22DOI: 10.1177/15589447251339506
Mitchell G Fagan, Bradley H C Greene, Joshua A Gillis
{"title":"Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Using the Anterior Interosseous Nerve for Symptomatic Wrist Level Neuromas.","authors":"Mitchell G Fagan, Bradley H C Greene, Joshua A Gillis","doi":"10.1177/15589447251339506","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447251339506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Iatrogenic and traumatic sensory nerve injury at the level of the wrist can lead to debilitating neuroma. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is an effective treatment for the management of symptomatic neuromas. We investigate the use of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) as a recipient nerve for the treatment of iatrogenic neuromas. This case series describes 4 patients treated for neuromas of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABC), palmar cutaneous branch of median nerve (PCB), and radial sensory nerve (RSN).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Four cases involved a symptomatic neuroma of the LABC, PCB, or RSN. These were treated with TMR, using the AIN motor branch to pronator quadratus. The neuromas were identified in all 4 cases and transected distally. The AIN was identified through a proximal extension of the exploratory incision and an end-to-end coaptation was performed to the proximal aspect of the donor nerve and the distal AIN.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All 4 patients underwent routine follow-up for a duration of 2 to 10 months, with a long-term follow-up from 25 to 49 months. At routine follow-up, all patients reported resolution of pain and symptoms and had a negative Tinel's sign over their previous neuroma site. At the long-term follow-up, 2 patients reported recurrence of hyperesthesia, both to a lesser severity than before treatment. All 4 patients reported returning to work or routine and stated the TMR procedure improved their pain and symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The motor branch of the distal AIN to pronator quadratus is a viable option as a TMR recipient for the management of symptomatic neuromas of the wrist level. Long-term follow-up shows reduction of reported pain and improvement of function.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"828-832"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12098322/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1177/15589447261437818
Ayla A Hohenstein, Roman Matros, Cam Tu Nguyen, Mark Fricke, Steffen U Eisenhardt, Nico Leibig
{"title":"WALANT in Hand Trauma Surgery: Safety and Efficacy.","authors":"Ayla A Hohenstein, Roman Matros, Cam Tu Nguyen, Mark Fricke, Steffen U Eisenhardt, Nico Leibig","doi":"10.1177/15589447261437818","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261437818","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study evaluates the time efficiency and safety of Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) compared to general/plexus anesthesia in emergency hand surgery. <b>Methods:</b> This single-center, retrospective study analyzed 812 emergency category 2b hand surgeries performed between 2018 and 2024. Patients were divided into 2 groups: local anesthesia (LA), including WALANT, and general/plexus anesthesia. In collaboration with the Institute for Medical Statistics and Biometry, \"time to intervention\" and postoperative surgical complications were prospectively defined as co-primary endpoints. In addition, a descriptive analysis of the study population was conducted, and a matched-pair analysis was performed to account for injury complexity. Statistical analysis included <i>t</i>-tests, Cohen's d, and Gart and Nam's method for risk difference. <b>Results:</b> The mean \"time to intervention\" was significantly shorter in the LA group (2.2 hours) compared to that in the general/plexus anesthesia group (4.1 hours). Postoperative surgical complication rates were comparable between the LA (8.5%) and general/plexus anesthesia (8.2%) groups, with no significant difference observed. WALANT showed a lower complication rate (5.7%) than LA without epinephrine (9.8%). A matched-pair analysis confirmed these findings. Among the general/plexus anesthesia cases, 16.2% exceeded the recommended 6-hour treatment window, compared to 6.6% in the LA group. <b>Conclusions:</b> Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet facilitates faster treatment of emergency hand surgery cases while maintaining equivalent quality of care compared to general/plexus anesthesia. This study highlights the time efficiency and safety of WALANT in emergency settings, supporting its broader application.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261437818"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132997/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1177/15589447261443662
Nicole Badalyan, Brian Bueno, Alta Fried, Jared Escobar, Brian M Katt, Ajul Shah, Emily Van Kouwenberg
{"title":"Relative Motion Extension Splint for Treatment of Flexor Tendon Adhesions: Proof of Concept.","authors":"Nicole Badalyan, Brian Bueno, Alta Fried, Jared Escobar, Brian M Katt, Ajul Shah, Emily Van Kouwenberg","doi":"10.1177/15589447261443662","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261443662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Incorporating relative motion extension splints (RMES) during active range of motion (AROM) exercises positions flexor tendons in relative extension, increasing tendon excursion during flexion. Enhanced excursion and differential glide between the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons may facilitate adhesion lysis. <b>Methods:</b> A frozen cadaveric upper extremity was dissected to expose the middle-finger FDS and FDP tendons with associated pulleys. Relative tendon positions were marked with sutures at levels IIA, IIB, and IIC. Differential glide was measured under 6 conditions: isolated FDS motion with and without RMES, isolated FDP motion with and without RMES, and nonisolated FDP motion with and without RMES. After each condition, distances between markers were recorded to quantify tendon glide. A paired <i>t</i>-test statistical analysis was conducted. <b>Results:</b> RMES during isolated FDS motion increased glide at IIA and IIB (0-1 mm to 3 mm), while IIC was unchanged (3 mm). RMES during isolated FDP motion increased glide only at IIC (4 mm to 6 mm), with no change at IIA (3 mm) or IIB (4 mm). Relative motion extension splints during nonisolated FDP motion increased glide across all zones: IIA (4-7 mm), IIB (8-10 mm), and IIC (11-13 mm). The use of RMES resulted in a statistically significant increase in differential glide compared to the unsplinted condition (mean difference = 1.55; paired <i>t</i>-test, <i>P</i> = .005). <b>Conclusions:</b> This study demonstrates that RMES increase tendon excursion and FDS-FDP differential glide during AROM. Importantly, the effects were not uniform across zone II, suggesting regional variability in susceptibility to adhesion formation and therapy resistance. These findings support the use of RMES to enhance tendon motion and potentially improve outcomes following flexor tendon repair.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261443662"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-30DOI: 10.1177/15589447261443663
Zachary D Randall, Jake H Goldfarb, David M Brogan, Christopher J Dy
{"title":"Financial Burden, Worry, and Return-to-Work Outcomes After Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Injuries: A Preliminary Exploration.","authors":"Zachary D Randall, Jake H Goldfarb, David M Brogan, Christopher J Dy","doi":"10.1177/15589447261443663","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261443663","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Despite the well-known functional impacts of peripheral nerve injury (PNI), little is understood about its financial burden (monetary strain), financial worry (stress), and return-to-employment outcomes. Financial toxicity has been studied in many different patient populations, but little is known in PNI patients. We aimed to use validated questionnaires to assess these aspects following PNI. <b>Methods:</b> In this retrospective study, we surveyed patients (≥18 years) who underwent operative treatment for PNI between May 2021 and November 2023 at a single institution. Data on employment status, financial difficulties, and disability applications were collected. Two validated scales, the Financial Burden Composite Score and Financial Worry Scale, were used to collect data on financial burden and worry. Participants were included if they were 6 to 36 months postsurgery. Univariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with financial burden and worry. <b>Results:</b> Among 35 respondents in a 6- to 36-month postoperative timeframe, 51.4% had a financial burden score ≥4, and 45.7% had a financial worry score ≥4. Participants aged 40 to 60 years experienced the highest burden (mean = 4.5), compared with those aged 60 to 80 years (mean = 1.4, <i>P</i> < .01). High financial worry was significantly linked to employment status, job modifications, and inability to return to work (<i>P</i> < .05). Overall, 61% of participants returned to work after an average absence of 7.3 months; 57.1% required job modifications, and 30% changed professions. <b>Conclusions:</b> Financial burden and worry are common among individuals recovering from PNI, particularly in those unable to return to work. This exploratory study begins to describe the interplay between financial burden and worry, return-to-work outcomes, and rehabilitation barriers. Beyond improving limb function, care teams may collaborate with social workers, community health workers, and vocational rehabilitation experts to support patient well-being and facilitate a successful return to employment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261443663"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13132994/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-28DOI: 10.1177/15589447261441825
Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves Rezende
{"title":"Nerve Transfer for Intrinsic Hand Dysfunction in Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere Syndrome: Expanding the Role of SETS in Motor Neuronopathies.","authors":"Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves Rezende","doi":"10.1177/15589447261441825","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261441825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVLS) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder associated with progressive cranial and spinal motor neuron involvement. While typically managed conservatively, select patients may present with focal peripheral deficits amenable to surgical intervention. We report the first known case of intrinsic hand dysfunction in BVVLS treated using a supercharged end-to-side (SETS) anterior interosseous-to-ulnar motor nerve transfer. Electroneuromyography revealed isolated postganglionic ulnar motor dysfunction with preservation of the median nerve, supporting surgical candidacy. The procedure resulted in restored hand function within 6 months and sustained improvement at 5-year follow-up. This case highlights the potential for SETS nerve transfer to expand beyond compressive neuropathies and serve as a targeted strategy in progressive motor neuron disorders with preserved donor pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261441825"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124897/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-23DOI: 10.1177/15589447261441330
Nav La, Schawanya K Rattanapitoon, Patpicha Arunsan, Nathkapach K Rattanapitoon
{"title":"Cannabis-Related Disorders After CTR: A Diagnostic Signal Hidden in Plain Sight.","authors":"Nav La, Schawanya K Rattanapitoon, Patpicha Arunsan, Nathkapach K Rattanapitoon","doi":"10.1177/15589447261441330","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15589447261441330","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261441330"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13109244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-21DOI: 10.1177/15589447261437819
Zoe Postal, Adam Schluttenhofer, Audrey Bankes, Marco Rizzo
{"title":"Silicone Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.","authors":"Zoe Postal, Adam Schluttenhofer, Audrey Bankes, Marco Rizzo","doi":"10.1177/15589447261437819","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261437819","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Little is known about how silicone metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthroplasty outcomes compare between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using our single institutional data from 2000 to 2022, we propensity matched 46 primary silicone MCP arthroplasties in 33 OA patients 1:2 to 92 arthroplasties in 54 RA patients based on age, sex, body mass index, operative digit, and if the surgery was on the dominant hand. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates and cluster-robust Cox proportional hazard models to compare survival free from revision, all-cause reoperation, and development of coronal plane deviation >10°.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was comparable 10-year survival free of revision (94% OA, 91% RA) and all-cause reoperation (91% OA, 87% RA), with no difference in risk for each outcome between groups. Revision in OA patients occurred early (mean 0.6 years) for recurrent deformity (n = 2) and periprosthetic joint infection (n = 1). Revision in the RA cohort occurred later (mean 6.3 years postoperatively) for recurrent deformity (n = 3) and dislocation (n = 1). Osteoarthritis patients had less coronal plane deviation at the final radiographic follow-up (6.5° vs 16.2°, <i>P</i> < .001), higher 10-year survival free from coronal deviation > 10° (79% vs 17%), and lower risk of progressive coronal deformity (hazard ratio 0.15, <i>P</i> < .001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Silicone MCP arthroplasty remains a durable option with low reoperation rates for RA and OA. Osteoarthritis patients experience less coronal deviation and late reoperation for deformity than RA patients, likely due to their more robust soft-tissue stabilizers and noninflammatory disease process.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261437819"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13099732/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-21DOI: 10.1177/15589447261437823
Maria A Munsch, Duc M Nguyen, Samuel Crowley, Camilo G Borrero, John R Fowler, Robert J Goitz
{"title":"Percutaneous Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunion Without Bone Grafting.","authors":"Maria A Munsch, Duc M Nguyen, Samuel Crowley, Camilo G Borrero, John R Fowler, Robert J Goitz","doi":"10.1177/15589447261437823","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261437823","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study evaluated the results of minimally invasive headless compression screw (HCS) fixation for treatment of scaphoid delayed union or nonunion. A minimally invasive approach has several potential benefits, including preservation of an already tenuous scaphoid blood supply. It was hypothesized that minimally invasive HCS fixation results in healing of scaphoid fracture with delayed union via increased fracture compression and biomechanical stability, while preserving soft tissue envelope and blood supply.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective review considered patients diagnosed with a scaphoid nonunion or delayed union who underwent minimally invasive HCS fixation at a single tertiary care medical center. The primary outcome was postoperative union as assessed on plain radiographs by an independent fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist. Secondary outcomes included measurement of preoperative radiolunate and scapholunate angles, return to work/sport status, and presence of documented complicationsResults:This study included 21 patients. The mean time from injury to surgery for all patients was 106 days (range 40-399 days). Fifteen patients achieved scaphoid healing, 2 patients had <50% fracture healing, and 4 patients had persistent nonunion on final available radiographs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Minimally invasive HCS skeletal fixation of scaphoid delayed unions and nonunions demonstrated a 71.4% postoperative radiographic union rate. While preoperative radiolunate and scapholunate angles and age at time of surgery did not predict postoperative union rates, increased time of >4 months from injury to surgery was associated with persistent nonunion. Within this suggested timeframe, percutaneous HCS fixation provides reasonable healing rates for delayed scaphoid unions, regardless of fracture location within the scaphoid.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261437823"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13099735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728868","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HANDPub Date : 2026-04-20DOI: 10.1177/15589447261433075
Jordan T Carter, Justin Rock, Jason Coffman, Kunj Desai, David Person, Ramesh Srinivasan
{"title":"Comparing Complication Rates in Procedures Performed in the Operating Room Versus In-Office: A Cohort Study.","authors":"Jordan T Carter, Justin Rock, Jason Coffman, Kunj Desai, David Person, Ramesh Srinivasan","doi":"10.1177/15589447261433075","DOIUrl":"10.1177/15589447261433075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In-office Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Torniquet (WALANT) is an increasingly popular setting for minor hand procedures. The purpose of this study is to compare complication profiles of common procedures performed in the operating room (OR) versus in the office.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent trigger finger release, hand/wrist mass excision, open carpal tunnel release, first dorsal compartment release, extensor tendon repair, or needle aponeurotomy between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, at a single private practice location. Patients were stratified by the location of their procedure: in-office versus in the OR. Data collected included standard demographic information, procedure information, and complication profile. Continuous variables were analyzed with means/standard deviations and compared using a Student <i>t</i> test. Categorical variables were compared using a χ<sup>2</sup> test. <i>P</i> values less than .05 were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 2182 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 1228 in the in-office WALANT group and 954 in the OR group. Patients in the in-office WALANT group were generally older with more medical comorbidities than patients in the OR group. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the groups. However, smokers or patients with autoimmune diseases had a higher complication rate when their procedure was performed in the office as opposed to the OR.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides valuable information for counseling patients as to the setting of their procedure. While in-office WALANT provides a safe and convenient setting for minor procedures in most patients, others may be at increased risk of complication.</p>","PeriodicalId":12902,"journal":{"name":"HAND","volume":" ","pages":"15589447261433075"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13096010/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}