Abstract: Objective: To analyse the post-surgical functional outcome following spaghetti-wrist injury.
Background: Spaghetti wrist’ may be described as laceration injury on the volar aspect of distal part of forearm, in which three or more structures (Tendon, nerve or vessel) were completely transected. Glass cut and knife injuries are the most common mechanism of injuries. Early operative repair followed by proper rehabilitation are needed for successful outcome of spaghetti wrist injury.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried in Orthopaedic surgery department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and a private hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January’17 to December’22. 26 patients were enrolled for the study. Post operatively patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months and 18 months. Final outcome was measured by tendon function, intrinsic, opposition, sensation, deformities, and grip strength. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-26) was used to analyse all the data statistically. p<0.05 were considered as the level of significance.
Results: Mean age was 29.30±9.1 years. Among the 26 patients, 12(46.2%) were glass factory worker. 18 (69.2%) patients had glass cut injury. Out of 26 patients 19 (73.1%) patients had associated nerve injury. 10 (38.5%) had both median and ulnar nerve injury and 9 (34.6%) had only ulnar nerve injury. 5 (19.2%) patients had associated ulnar artery injury. At final follow-up satisfactory (Excellent + Good) outcome was found in 22(84.6%) patients and unsatisfactory (Fair +Poor) outcome was found in 4 (15.4%) patients.
Conclusion: Early surgical repair and proper post-operative rehabilitation are the keys for successful outcome of spaghetti wrist injury.
