ifssh
February 2019www.ifssh.info

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1 | NUMBER 33 | FEBRUARY 2019

ezine

CONNECTING OUR GLOBAL HAND SURGERY FAMILYRESEARCH ROUND-UP
HAND THERAPYFELLOWSHIPS

NB! IFSSH & IFSHT

Triennial & FESSH Congress 201917th to 21st June in Berlin, Germany

AFTER HAND SURGERYSPONSORSHIPSUPCOMING EVENTS
1

www.ifssh.info

February 2019www.ifssh.info

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 1 | NUMBER 33 | FEBRUARY 2019

IFSSH & IFSHT

Triennial & FESSH Congress 201917th to 21st June in Berlin, Germany

Time is running! In 5 months we will meet up in Berlin.

ensuring a highly educational but also innovative andstate-of-the-art mixture of content.

A fantastic number of abstracts is challenging thecontents

programme committee at the moment: around 1.800

To further enhance the networking possibilities andsurgery and therapy abstracts were submitted andreinforce the exchange, not only between young

have to be allocated. The top ten countries with thetalents and long-term experienced experts, but also

highest abstract submission numbers are USA, Japan,

between different cultures, the “Berlin Night” will

After Hand Surgery

Eccentric Exercise training in management ofChina, Great Britain, Germany, Korea, Italy, Brazil, Spaintake place on Tuesday evening in the Kühlhaus. The- Michael Tonkin

chronic de Quervain’s tendinopathy

and Switzerland.

industrial building is an old warehouse with several
floors. With lights, live-music and DJ sounds it will be

According to the congress mission “Building bridges

6Have a look at the events during the upcoming

7„Challenges!?” will be presented by Professor Dr. Steven

One important note: do not miss the early bird

Hovius. For more than 20 years, he has been head ofregistration that will end on 28 February 2019.
The publication of the scientific programme is planned

Centre Rotterdam and was founder of the Skills lab atfor end of February 2019, so stay tuned and follow ourthe Erasmus University Medical Center. In addition

news via website, newsletter or twitter.

to his academic accomplishments, he is passionate

SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORT

10 PIONEER PROFILES

the department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
and Hand Surgery at the Erasmus University Medical

LETTER TO THE EDITOR- Daniel J. Nagle

Congress.
One highlight to announce is the Swanson Lecture

EDITORIAL- Justin Yeunga unique networking and party evening.

– Together Hand in Hand” we’re looking forward to agreat international experience.

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RESEARCH ROUND-UP- Malawi : Hand Therapy Course

22 MEMBER SOCIETY NEWS(AMCM)• Dutch Society for Surgery of the Hand /Classification of congenital upper

Nederlandse Vereniging voor Handchirurgie

limb anomalies: towards improved(NVvH)  

sponsors of the 14th IFSSH & 11th IFSHT Triennial- Kerby C. Oberg

Congress for their extraordinary support!

Selective Neurectomy for the Spastic Upper
Extremity- Caroline Leclercq
Insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of

all other interested medical doctors are more thanJörg van Schoonhoven & Max Haerle & Andreas

split hand/foot malformation (cleft hand)welcome, too. You can expect a full day of practical

Eisenschenk & Natascha Weihs & Beate Jung

- Stephane Guero

knowledge transfer consisting of several sessions. The- Nepal 21st -25th May 2018

• Mexican Society for Surgery of the Hand

lecture!

for the next generation of hand surgeons, but of course

IFSSH- IFSHT Teaching Grant• Valentin Grigore Aburel

communication, diagnosis, and discovery

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Berlin!

20 SPONSORSHIPS• American Society for Surgery of the Hand

We would like to thank the partners, exhibitors andthe Educational Monday will take place. It is designed- Eefje Veenker• Paolo Bedeschi

about sharing his knowledge, so stay curious about his

One day before the official Congress programme starts,

16 HAND THERAPY- Muriel Holder• New Zealand Society for Surgery of the Hand
(NZSSH)• Romanian Society for Surgery of the Hand
(RSSH)

29 ART
Oil Painting: “No!”

30 UPCOMING EVENTS

programme will be compiled by the scientific congress

List of global learning events and conferences

chairs in cooperation with our sponsoring partners,for Hand Surgeons and Therapists

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EDITORIAL

www.ifssh.info

magic and athletic pursuits, neither continuing any association with
their earlier all-consuming love of hand surgery.
Many of these men have been honoured as IFSSH Pioneers of Hand

After Hand Surgery

EDITORIAL

February 2019

ifssh
ezine

CONNECTING OUR GLOBAL HAND SURGERY FAMILY

Surgery (Pioneers must have reached the age of 70 or be deceased

IFSSH DISCLAIMER:

to qualify for nomination). All have contributed in an exceptional

The IFSSH ezine is themanner to international hand surgery. Kazuteru Doi, to be honoured

official mouthpiece of theas an IFSSH Pioneer in Berlin this year, told his audience whenInternational Federation ofpresenting the Tajima Lecture at the 2014 APFSSH Congress inSocieties for Surgery of theKuala Lumpur, that the age of 60 was now akin to a previous age

Hand. The IFSSH does notof 40. Undoubtedly, this concept is valid, if not a little optimistic.

endorse the commercial

In Sydney, Bill Lennon, who first encouraged my passion for handadvertising in thissurgery, agreed. He practised as a medico-legal adviser well into his

publication, nor the content

80s. He was resentful of enforced retirement from clinical practice ator views of the contributors

65, a rule in place in Australia at his time.

to the publication.

It is of interest to observe the different approaches undertaken by hand surgeons in the later years ofSubscription to the IFSSH

their hand surgery practice. Options include continuing in active practice as a clinician, operating or

These men have followed different pathways “after hand surgery”.

ezine is free of charge andnot, restricting activities to teaching and/or research, practising in a medico-legal capacity alone or in

Another option is to spend time dissecting the forepaw of the koala.

the ezine is distributed on a

combination with teaching and research pursuits, and ceasing all hand surgery activities.

This Australian mammal sleeps for 22 hours each day, surely anquarterly basis.

enviable characteristic. As such, it needs a small brain only, theOf course, some national medical bodies (and governments) make this decision for the practitioner,smallest in relation to body-weight of all animals, perhaps not so

Should you be interested toparticularly for active clinical practice in University and Public hospitals, demanding retirement fromenviable, but an anatomical advantage in avoiding the affliction

advertise in this publication,these at a specific age. Private practice is often exempt from these laws. Behaviour in other countriesof cerebral palsy. The forepaw has two “thumbs” for climbing. The

please contact the Editor:

is controlled by age discrimination laws which prevent enforced retirement on an age basis. Bothburning question of the reader must be “Does the second thumb haveezine@ifssh.info

have some advantages, with the former allowing for a greater number of readily available positions

the anatomical characteristics of a thumb or of an index finger?”for younger graduates and some control over the threat of decreasing ability with age, and the latter

The answer is for another time. As I say, “Each to his or her own”.

IFSSH EZINEEDITORIAL TEAM:

Michael Tonkin

EDITOR:

protecting against loss of capable and learned physicians. Teaching and research, of course, may
continue beyond the time of cessation of active clinical practice, and it is in this circumstance that theargument for experience and accumulated knowledge is strong.

Professor Ulrich Mennen

It is not the purpose of this editorial to lend support to any of the above options. Nor are these words

Prof. Michael Tonkin

intended to criticise decisions made by any. Each to their own decision, within certain limits.

Immediate Past President: IFSSH
Deputy Editor: IFSSH Ezine

Past President: IFSSH
DEPUTY EDITOR:Of those who have taught me, and of those colleagues from whom I have learnt so much, many have

Professor Michael Tonkin

followed different paths after hand surgery or have remained in the field forever. The late Harold

Immed Past President: IFSSH

Kleinert ceased active practice at age 87. He told me at age 89 that his “new job” was the worst one
he ever had. Dieter Buck-Gramcko and Adrian Flatt influenced many, imparting their extraordinary

GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

knowledge through teaching, almost to the end of their lives, as has Eduardo A. Zancolli. Susumu Tamai

Tamrin Hansen

still works, teaches and attends scientific meetings with the same intelligent, inquiring, humble mind of

tamrin.hansen@gmail.com

old. As only the best can. Graham Lister, on the other hand, the finest of didactic teachers and clinicians,
left hand surgery behind at age 63 or thereabouts. He returned to write of Harold Kleinert at the time of
the latter’s passing but has refused to contribute to any other aspect of hand surgery, including to a third
edition of his admirable textbook, bestowing the honour on another. Similarly, Ueli Buchler and Guy

TO SUBSCRIBE GO TO:
www.ifssh.info
administration@ifssh.info

Foucher departed hand surgery at a “young” age for other fields, the former for sailing and the latter for

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

www.ifssh.info

Letter to the Editor
RE: Hand Fellowships

The fellow will also staff the Pediatric Complex Upper
Extremity Clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital andCanada is now offering a new hand surgery fellowship

the Complex Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus

program out of Calgary, Alberta.  This hand, wrist, andClinic at the South Health Campus.  There is an intensive

peripheral nerve fellowship is administered through theone week Microsurgical Skills course which prepares

Office of Surgical Fellowships of the University of Calgary.

the fellow for replantation experience at the Foothills

SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORT

February 2019

Secretary General
ReportMedical Trauma Centre. Calgary also has one of the
The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s leading

highest volumes of Wide Awake Local Anesthetic No

universities with respect to academia and research.  It

Tourniquet (WALANT) in Canada.

is located in #1 most liveable city in North America
and #4 in the world according to 2018 Global Liveability

Surgical experience covers all major procedures

Ranking, Economics Intelligence Unit.  It is the sunniest

including but not limited to wrist arthroscopies, finger

city in Canada located right next to the beautiful Rockyand wrist arthroplasties, free tissue transfer, replantation,

Mountains, home to some of the best skiing in the world.

tendon and nerve transfers.  Fellows operate roughly
three days per week.

Highlights of the program include a multidisciplinary

14th IFSSH & 11th IFSHT TRIENNIAL CONGRESS,
Berlin - 17-21 June 2019faculty comprised of Adult and Pediatric Plastic

We would like to open our doors to the International

Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, andFederation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand and its

The main scientific event of the IFSSH calendar, the

Scientific Program:

Physiatrists.  The Peter Lougheed Hospital Hand andcommunity to consider experiences in Canada.  We are

Triennial Congress, is just four months away. We are•

Wrist Clinic treats a high volume of both acute trauma

welcoming both local and international fellows for 2019

pleased to report the local organizing committee inand elective pathologies and has a waitlist of 1500+

and onwards.

Berlin is working feverishly to organize an outstanding

patients.  The clinic allows the fellow to become familiar

Professor Steven Hovius from Rotterdam will
deliver the Swanson Lecture, entitled “Challenges!?”•meeting. Recent developments include:

A total of over 1800 hand surgery and handtherapy abstracts were submitted to the programwith the use of ultrasound as a tool to support theirSincerely, Justin Yeung MD FRCSC

management. One half day a week is a fellow led hand

Director, Hand/Wrist/Nerve Surgery Fellowship

Registration:and selection was accomplished by 200 renowned

clinic.

University of Calgary•“EarlyBird” registration is available until 28th

surgeons and therapists from a broad geographic

February 2019.

distribution. Our sincere thanks go to all those

http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/registration/

involved.

committee. The daunting task of abstract review

Justin.Yeung2@albertahealthservices.ca•

A new reduced registration status, “Doctor-in-•

The first day of the Congress, Monday, June 17thSome colleagues may not be aware of the passing of Prof. Georgio Brunelli (Italy)

Training” has been introduced. Full details are on

will be “Educational Monday” and will offer focused(21 October 1925 - 29 September 2018)

the registration webpage.

presentations on a variety of topics such as nerve

Congress assistance grants are available for thosesurgery, the treatment of scaphoid and distal

His considerable contribution to Hand Surgery will be detailed in an obituary infrom low income or developing nations, courtesy

radius fractures, prosthetics, orthotic fabrication

the next Ezine.

of the IFSSH Educational Sponsorship program.

and wrist arthroscopy.  Please watch the IFSSH

Applications close on 28th February, 2019 andCongress website for more information regarding

will then be reviewed by the Congress organizers.

“Educational Monday.”•From 1995 to 1998 Brunelli was Presendent of the IFSSH.

Please promote this opportunity for financial•

Live internet streaming of the events taking place

He was honoured as a “Pioneer of Hand Surgery” by the IFSSH in Vancouver, B.C.,

support to colleagues who may wish to attend but

in the main hall will be available on the Congress

Canada on 25 May 1998.

require financial assistance to do so. http://ifssh-

Website.

ifsht2019.com/ifssh-congress-assistance-grants/

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SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORT

www.ifssh.info

SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORT

February 2019Social Program

concerted effort to make the Congress affordable.

EDUCATIONAL SPONSORSHIP

National and Regional hand surgery meetings•

The Welcome Cocktail will be held immediately

In just four months the IFSSH/IFSHT “families” will

The IFSSH Executive Committee and Committee for

Please see announcements in the Ezine and IFSSH

after the Opening Ceremony on Monday in themeet in Berlin and I hope you will not miss thisEducational Sponsorship have recently provided two

website.

CityCube

opportunity to renew old friendships, make new

grants:“Berlin Night” will be held on Tuesday, June 18

friends and exchange knowledge, all while enjoying

in the “Kühlhaus”, a cold storage facility dating

one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

•

Please remember to follow us on Twitter for regular•back to 1901 which has been restored to preserve

updates: @IFSSHandInternational Symposium on Surgery of the Spastic

its neo-gothic architecture typical of northern

Best wishes to all from the Executive Committee

Upper Limb. This symposium will be held inGermany. Please stay tuned as more information

We hope to see you in Berlin!

Venice, Italy on 5th-6th April, 2019. The organisers

will be posted on the Congress website for details•

Sponsorship has been awarded to the 2ndDanhave created a reduced registration fee category

regarding what will definitely be a very “cool”

2019 IFSSH DELEGATES’ COUNCIL MEETING

which is being underwritten by IFSSH funds, forevening

The 2019 IFSSH Delegates’ Council Meeting will be held

those participants from developing regions of the

The Congress Dinner & Party will take place

during the Berlin congress. Full details will be sent toworld. Full details are available via the congressThursday evening, June 19, in the beautiful Ritz

the society delegates in the near future.

website: http://www.symposium-spastic-hand.

Carlton Ballroom.

A number of important items will be discussed andcom/en/decided at this meeting, including the election of the•Ongoing IFSHT activities have again been

Travel2019-2022 IFSSH Executive Committee, the allocation

sponsored. These include the IFSSH/IFSHT

Berlin is an extraordinary city with a rich historyof the 2025 IFSSH Triennial Congress, and a review of

Triennial Travel Grant, the Evelyn Mackin Triennial

and a dizzying array of culinary, architectural andthe by-laws.

Award and the IFSHT/IFSSH International

cultural activities, as well as an unapparelled night

We hope to see the participation of a representative ofTeaching Grant - https://www.ifsht.org/page/life/club scene. To help you plan your “extra-curricular”

every IFSSH member society at this Council Meeting.

awards-grants. We congratulate the IFSHT on theiractivities while in Berlin the organizing committee

ongoing support of education amongst therapists

suggests you explore the following websites:

2025 IFSSH TRIENNIAL CONGRESS HOST SOCIETY

worldwide. Two reports from recent recipients will

Daniel J. Nagle MD•

Plan your travel http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/travel/

The 2025 IFSSH Triennial Congress is allocated to The

be published in the IFSSH ezine, demonstrating theSecretary General: IFSSH

and accommodation http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/

Americas under the geographic rotation system. The

reach of their expertise and assistance to under-

accommodation/

IFSSH Executive Committee has called for bids to hostserved communities.

Destination Europe and Germany http://ifssh-

this meeting. Full guidelines are available on the IFSSH

ifsht2019.com/destinations/

website: http://ifssh.info/guidelines.php.

•
•

•

•

Practical information concerning your visit in

Full details on the Educational Sponsorship application
process are available via http://ifssh.info/educational_

Germany http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/practical-

Submissions should be forwarded to the Secretary

information/

General (administration@ifssh.info) by 17th March

Berlin by Night – young surgeons’2019. The same documentation must be sent to each

FUTURE MEETINGS

recommendations http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/

member country delegate and IFSHT representative for

Triennial IFSSH Congresses

berlin-by-night/

evaluation. This distribution is the responsibility of the•

Recommendations for accompanying persons

nominating society. The contact details of all societies

Germany - 17-21 June, 201

http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/tours-sightseeing/

are on the IFSSH website: http://ifssh.info/member_

www.ifssh-ifsht2019.com

nation.php
The Executive Committee has been in constant contact

sponsorship.php•

XIVth IFSSH – XIth IFSHT Congress – Berlin,

XVth IFSSH – XIIth IFSHT Congress – London,
United Kingdom – 27th June - 1st July, 2022with the organizing committee and there is no doubt

Each bidding society is expected to provide a brief

the IFSSH & IFSHT Congress will be extraordinarypresentation during the 2019 IFSSH Delegates’ Councilin every way.  The organizing committee has sparedand the 2025 host will be chosen by a majority vote ofno effort to assure the highest level of scientific

the delegates.

www.ifssh2022.london

information will be presented. They have also made a8

9PIONEER PROFILES

www.ifssh.info

Paolo Bedeschi MD
Italy

PIONEER PROFILES

February 2019

Valentin Grigore Aburel MD PhD
Romania (17/4/1925 – 30/9/2005)

Paolo

Bedeschiwasborn on 18 May 1930, in

elected Honorary President of the Italian Society for

Valentin Grigore Aburel was born in Galati, Romania on 17 April 1925. He completedSurgery of the Hand.

his Medical Degree (MD) at the Institute of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” inRavenna, the ‘Capital of

Bucharest in 1950. During his studies and after graduating he was assistant in the

Mosaics’, and a city that

From 1973 until 1979 Prof. Bedeschi was the ItalianAnatomy Department (1949-1955).

has been kept in perfectdelegate to IFSSH. At the meeting of the IFSSH delegates

He then completed his general surgical specialisation at the same University (1951-

condition after 1500 years

in Edinburgh in 1977 he proposed that the IFSSH should

1961). In 1961 he became lecturer in the Plastic Surgery Department until 1973. Duringof existence. It boasts

hold an international congress every 3 years. This wasthis time he did a PhD in Plastic Surgery with dissertation: “Value of the Filatov Flap

eight monuments which

adopted, and the first International IFSSH Congress wasin Reconstructive Surgery” (1968)

were declared by UNESCO

held in Rotterdam in 1980.

as “heritage of humanity“.

Prof. Aburel was promoted to Chief of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive
He organized and directed various congresses, symposia

Surgery in 1973 until 1994, at the Emergency County Hospital in Brasov, the second such

Paolo studied Medicine and Surgery at the University ofand numerous instructional courses from 1977 until

department in Romania. He was one of the pioneers in promoting primary neurorrhaphy using loops or microscope.

Bologna, Italy, and graduated in 1955. He completed his

1996.

He further promoted the value of early primary repairs for hand trauma which results in better functional recovery.

specialization in Orthopaedics and Traumatology inProf. Bedeschi has published 110 papers in scientific1959.

journals, 8 book chapters, 2 books and 6 monographs

He was a regular presenter of scientific papers, in all 185, published 47 papers in medical journals, and published aand introduced several new or modified procedures inbook on “Medical Photography” (Editura Medicla) in 1978.

He started teaching Orthopaedics in 1967 and Plastic

Hand Surgery viz.

Surgery in 1969 at the University of Modena. He became•

Anterior approach for Proximal Row Carpectomy.

His many contributions included adapting Hand Surgery techniques for the Romanian conditions at the time, plastic

Professor in charge of the Orthopaedic Clinic at the•“Honeycomb technique” for Dupuytren’s Contracture

surgical techniques for facial injuries, and developing a new technique to treat burns with selective coagulation(Small multiple digital-palmar open areas).

using AgNO35%.

University of Modena from 1976 to 1980, and Professor
and Chairman of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and•Surgery of the Hand from 1980 to 1997.
Prof. Bedeschi became member of SICOT in 1960 and of•

Two stage early surgical treatment of Radial Club
Hand (Radial-palmar release, external skeletal

Aburel was a Founding Member of the Romanian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, as

distraction, atraumatic centralization)

well as Founding Member of the Romanian Society for Surgery of the Hand (RSSH) and was later elected Honorary

Early surgical treatment of Camptodactyly (Double

President of the RSSH.

French Society for Surgery of the Hand in 1967.

transversal open digit incision and tenotomy of

He had  a special interest in Hand Surgery. This interest

FDS).

Artistic photography was his passionate hobby. He was Member of the AFIAP (Artiste of Federation Internationale

Modified Darach procedure with tenodesis of thed’Art Photographic)

was reinforced after a fellowship with Sir Archibald
McIndoe in East Grinstead near London as well as with•

distal ulnar stump.
Valentin G. Aburel was honoured a “Pioneer of Hand Surgery” in 2001, at the Eighth Congress of the International

Sir Herbert Seddon in London in 1958 and with Prof.
Erik Moberg in Goteborg in 1960. Back in Modena, he

He is married to Magda, and they have two daughters,

was put in charge of Hand Surgery services.

Sabrina and Francesca.

The Italian Society for Surgery of the Hand (SICM) was

At the eighth International Congress of the IFSSH infounded in 1962 in Florence. Prof. Bedeschi was the2001 in Istanbul, Turkey, Paolo Bedeschi was honoured

Secretary from 1962–1965 and the President of   SICM

as “Pioneer of Hand Surgery”.

Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand in Istanbul, Turkey.

from 1977-1979.   In 2003 Prof. Paolo Bedeschi was

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RESEARCH ROUND-UP

www.ifssh.info

Research Roundup
CLASSIFICATION OF CONGENITAL UPPER
LIMB ANOMALIES: TOWARDS IMPROVED
COMMUNICATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND DISCOVERY
Journal of Hand Surgery (European) September 2018https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193418801280

RESEARCH ROUND-UP

February 2019

SELECTIVE NEURECTOMY FOR THE SPASTIC UPPER
EXTREMITY
Hand Clinics 34 (2018) 537-545
1. What were your main reasons for writing thismuscles, which need to be weakened, and lengthened

article?

when contracted, and augmenting the weak antagonist

I have had an interest in spasticity of the upper limb

muscles.

for many years. I have never been fully satisfied with

Our prospective study with a 2 .2 years follow-up has

surgical treatments which did not include reducing theshown that hyperselective neurectomy seems to be

spasticity itself (lengthening, arthrodesis...), leading toan effective and durable way to diminish the spastic

partial improvement, and secondary recurrences.

component of the deformity.

For this reason I was very interested about Brunelli’s
1. What were your main reasons for writing this

3. What should all hand surgeons (and or handexperience of partial neurectomy, which he published

4. Will you be conducting further research/

article?

therapists) reading your article understand about

in 1982 and 1983. Unfortunately his results were notpublishing further work on this topic? If so, what

Good communication between clinicians facilitates

the findings of your research?

reproducible, and recurrence seemed to be frequent at

will it entail?

better patient care.  Good communication between

I am hoping that others will see the value of accurate

short and middle term.

Yes we will! This is an on-going prospective study, andclinicians and basic science researchers facilitatesassessment and classification for communicating

My idea was to use a slightly different technique,we will evaluate the results at a longer follow –up.

better targeted discovery, which ultimately translates

in today’s global community.  Not only can thisconsisting in performing the partial neurectomy at theThrough 96 cadaver dissections, we have also

into better patient care.  Having the opportunity tofacilitate discovery, it can also help us establish global

level where the nerve endings enter the muscle, which

established a cartography of the motor innervation ofwork as both a clinician and researcher has offered me

standards of care.

we have termed “hyperselective neurectomy”. The goal

the major spastic muscles in the upper limb, and weis to include every single ramus of each motor branch

are exploring the feasibility of the technique in smaller

insight into the benefit of a functional classification
scheme. Thus, my reason for sharing this article it is

4. Will you be conducting further research/of the nerve in the process, thus distributing themuscles and shoulder muscles.

to share my experience and those of my colleagues inpublishing further work on this topic? If so, what

denervation evenly through the muscle, thus selecting

We are also in the process of evaluating the results ofusing the OMT-IFSSH classification scheme that was

will it entail?

the amount of denervation for each individual case.

combined techniques of hyperselective neurectomy

derived from collective input and encourage others to

I am challenged by our descriptions of Arthrogryposis

So we started this prospective study in order toand lengthening for the same muscle.

use this in their routine practice as well.

and feel we could facilitate discovery and patient

evaluate the middle term results of this procedure.

care if we could generate a common classification for

Caroline Leclercq MD

2. What are the most interesting/important resultsthese disorders that would unify terminology and link

2. What are the most interesting/important results

Consultant Hand Surgeon

and conclusions of your article?

etiology, with pathology and treatment approaches.  

and conclusions of your article?

Institut de la Main

With a bend towards clinical genetic andCurrently we are working with Dr Judith Hall and a

Results have shown a significant decrease of spasticity

22 rue Georges Bizet

developmental biology I have been impressed withteam of inter disciplinary clinicians, therapists, andin the target muscles, with a reinforcement of

75116 – Paristhe rapidity of biomedical discovery when there

researchers to develop this scheme.

antagonist muscles, and an increase in the range ofFrancemotion of the involved joints. More surprising, there

caroline.leclercq@free.fr

is teamwork between clinician and basic science
researchers – the current rate of genetic discovery

Dr Kerby C. Oberg

was virtually no decrease in the strength of the target

with this collaborative effort is incredible.   In 1966,

koberg@llu.edu

muscles.

Dr McKusick organized the known inherited diseases

Department of Pathology and– a total of 1500.  As of November 2018 there were

Human Anatomy

3. What should all hand surgeons (and or hand

24,731 entries into the online mendelian inheritance

Loma Linda University School

therapists) reading your article understand about

in man (OMIM) with 5,358 phenotypic descriptionsof Medicine

the findings of your research?

with a known molecular/genetic basis.  That is truly

Loma Linda

The surgical treatment of spasticity in the upperremarkable.

California 92354, USA

limb involves restoring the balance between spastic

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RESEARCH ROUND-UP

www.ifssh.info

INSIGHTS INTO THE PATHOGENESISAND TREATMENT OF SPLIT HAND/FOOT
MALFORMATION (CLEFT HAND)
Journal of Hand Surgery (European) 31 Oct 2018
1. What were your main

3. What should all hand surgeons (and or handreasons for writing thistherapists) reading your article understand about

article?

the findings of your research?

In July2018, we had a wonderful

Understand the great variability of inheritance and of

meeting in Edinburgh on

the phenotypic expression, even in the same family

Developmental Biology. For thepresenting the same mutation. Systematically lookfirst time, researchers decided

for extra tendons in the cleft. They are responsible forto invite some Congenital

rotation of the adjacent digits and, in some cases, limit

Hand Anomalies Specialists.

extension of the PIP joint, causing camptodactylies.

I took this opportunity togive a presentation on « Insights on Split Hand /Foot

4. Will you be conducting further research/

Malformations » and presented the classification into

publishing further work on this topic? If so, what

seven subgroups of what we previously collectively

will it entail?

called “cleft hand” without further precision. Muriel

Yes, we will. We are trying to complete the genetic data

Holder gave a more genetic approach of this topic.

from our patients. We are able to screen more and moreAt the end of the meeting, Leon Wee Lam wanted toloci. We ask patients to come back for review. I review

publish the presentations of this meeting in a special

my patients from France and Muriel has data fromissue of the Journal of Hand Surery (European).

Great Britain since she has been working in London for

So we met with Muriel to write the paper on Split

many years. We take blood samples and analyse them

Hand/Foot Malformation. With her, I had the insurance

in the light of the latest mutations identified. We alsoof being up to date on the genetic advances.

want to assess their functional outcome after handreconstructions. Early results tend to demonstrate

2. What are the most interesting/important resultsthat most have excellent function except for the monoand conclusions of your article?

or bidactylous hands.

•

The first task was to inform surgeons on theadvances on the classification based on the mostrecent genetic knowledge, the different phenotypes
and associated clinical features or syndromes.

•

The surprising results of the dissection of a
Human cadaver with a bidactylous cleft hand wasthat, despite the three rays missing, all extrinsic
tendons were present, forming some loops in thecentre of the cleft or migrating to the lateral aspectof the adjacent digits.

•

14

We summarize the different developmental steps

Dr. Stephane Guero

Dr. Muriel Holderof this complex malformation.

(Paris, France)(London, UK)sguero2@gmail.com

muriel.holder@gmail.com

February 2019

VOL 13 NO 1 | JAN 2019

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SOCIETY OF
HAND THERAPY, INDIA (SHT-INDIA)
The Society of Hand Therapy-India (SHT-India),with more than 150 members, was officially established in 2009 after first meeting in 2007. SHT-India
is committed to advancing hand therapy practicethrough annual training workshops, conferences,

L to R: Hemant Nandgaonkar (Past-President, SHT-India), Amol Sangekar (President, SHT-India), Dr. Gupta (Hand Surgeon Society, India), Dr. Tan (Hand Surgeon
Society, Singapore), Dr. Pankaj Ahire (Hand Surgeon and Organising Secretary),
Shrikant Chinchalkar (Advisor, SHT-India), Shovan Saha (Vice-president SHTIndia), & Punita Solanki (Acting Secretary, SHT-India)
and education programs aimed to enhance thestandard hand therapy practice. In 2013 the IFSSH/IFSHT Triennial Congress was held in Delhi, and in2017 SHT-India helped organize the Joint National
Conference for hand therapists/surgeons, which
formed part of the 10th anniversary of the surgeon’s society.

trauma, extensor tendons and many more. The
scientific programme has been finalized and an
update of the preliminary schedule will be available shortly on the official website: http://ifssh-ifsht2019.com/. Early registration is open until 28
February 2019.

JAMAR DYNAMOMETER DONATIONIn October 2018, hand therapists Cathy Merry andKylie Flynn visited Hue Central Hospital in Hue,
Vietnam witha team of enthusiastic Australian
Hand
Surgeons.
The week included surgicaldemonstrations, case L to R: Cathy Merry with Dr. Nguyen Thi Mung (Director,
management, Dept. of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation), Ms. Hoa
and a two- Tranth (Senior Hand Physiotherapist), & Dr. Minh Do Vandayther- (Head of Orthopaedics who acted as interpreter)
apy workshop for thirty local physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists. At the endof the workshop, Cathy and Kylie presenteda Jamar dynamometer on behalf of IFSHT.

“BUILDING BRIDGES – TOGETHERHAND IN HAND”

The German Society for Therapy of the Hand
(Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Handtherapie,
DAHTH e.V.), together with IFSSH, IFSHT, FESSH& DGH, warmly invites you to the 11th IFSHT Triennial Congress in Berlin‘s City Cube from 17th to
21st June, 2019. There will be approximately 4,000
therapists and surgeons from around the world to
exchange professional knowledge. Interesting insights of new developments and divergent techniques
willbesharedthrough many exciting educationalpresentations andworkshops led byacknowledged ex- Organising Committee of Berlin International
perts. Diverse top- Hand Congress (IFSSH & IFSHT), June 2019
ics include anatomy, sports injuries, technologies, brachial plexus,
flexor tendon, neuropathies, burns, complex hand

COMPANION CLINICPROGRAMIFSHT is pleased to announce the ASHT Companion Clinic Program which pairs a US clinic orhand therapist with an individual in a developing
country. This program promotes best practice inthe field of hand therapy around the world. For
further information: https://www.asht.org/practice/international/companion-clinic-program.

IFSSH EZINEThe IFSSH EZINE is a quarterly electronic publication with many worthwhile clinical articles, including a regular contribution from a hand therapist (http://www.ifssh.info/ifssh_ezine.php). In
the latest edition Flurina Zeier writes about a 2016
professional exchange between Switzerland andArgentina. Contributions to the Ezine are welcome(submit to Informationofficer@ifsht.org).

For hand therapy educational events, go to “National/International Education Events” under “Education” at www.ifsht.org.

1 1 t h Tr i e n n i a l I F S H T Co n g re s s|Berlin, Germany|

J u n e 1 7-2 1 , 2 0 1 9|i f s s h - i f s h t 2 0 1 9 . co m

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HAND THERAPY

www.ifssh.info

Eccentric Exercise

HAND THERAPY

February 2019

The new treatment program
A. The Eccentric Exercises:
1. Eccentric exercise for the EPB :2. Eccentric exercise of APL:TRAINING IN MANAGEMENT OF CHRONICDE QUERVAIN’S TENDINOPATHY
E.B. Veenker (PT)1, A. Janssens (OT)2, F.J.B. Lötters (PT, Ph.D.)3, T.A.R.
Schreuders (PT, Ph.D.)1,3
Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 6

Figure 7

1 Zeeuws Hand en Pols Centrum, Goes, The Netherlands

Figure 1: Starting position: Thumb is relaxed on top of

Figure 6: Start position: thumb is relaxed on top of

2 Focus on Potential LtD, Hamilton, New Zealandflexed fingers.

flexed fingers.

Figure 2: The thumb is passively placed in abduction.

Figure 7: The thumb is passively placed in abduction.

3 Hand en Pols Centrum Dordrecht, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Introduction
De Quervain’s discription is a tendinopathy of the tendons of the abductor
pollicis longus (APL) and/or the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). This ischaracterized by pain on the radial side of the wrist, limited functionof the thumb, and sometimes swelling in the first compartment.1,2
Conservative treatments for chronic de Quervain’s tendinopathy consistsof splint therapy, corticosteroid injection in the first compartment, andFigure 3

Figure 4

Figure 8

Figure 9

Eefje Veenker is physicalhealth education. However, for some of the more chronic cases, these

therapist/ hand therapist

conservative therapies are not always effective in minimizing pain and

Figure 3:  The thumb is now actively held with CMC

Figure 8: The thumb is now actively held in this

who works at the Zeeuws

improve function. Some also relied too heavily on wearing hard splints

joint in extension while MCP/IP joints are in slight

position.

Hand and Pols Centrum in thewhich prevent tendon gliding and joint movements, thus reducing

flexion  

Netherlands. She also teaches

intrinsic vascularization and reducing tensile strength. From previous

at the postgraduate training

studies, cases with chronic Achilles and elbow tendinopathies, eccentric

Figure 4: Use the uninvolved hand to hold the affectedaffected thumb just proximal to the MCP joint. Provide

for hand therapy (POHT) in

exercise training appeared to be effective in relieving the symptoms of

thumb just distal to MCP joint.

resistance to thumb abduction, hold for 5 seconds

Erasmus MC Rotterdam. She

pain.

Apply resistance against the affected thumb when it

while allowing thumb to adduct.

started to investigate the results

are to reduce new vascular ingrowth (or neovascularization ie adhesions),

attempts to extend.  Flexion of thumb at MCP join isof eccentric training in chronic

improvement of tendon health and tendon changes (strength or length).  

then encouraged after holding the resisted extension

  The proposed mechanisms of the effect of eccentric exercise

3,4,5,6

for 5 secondsde Quervain patients three years
ago with a pilot study. At the

The exact mechanism behind eccentric exercise remains still unclear

Euro-hand congress in Budapest

and needs more scientific evidence. 7,8 Three years ago our clinic has

2017, her abstract was awarded

adopted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of eccentric exercise training

as “The best abstract”. For

in cases with chronic De Quervain tendinopathy. In addition, a splinting

further information and updates

programwas implemented and proper positioning of the wrist and handon this subject, email Eefje atwere instructed through health education. This eccentric exercises

ebveenker@hotmail.com.

training program included twenty-one patients over a 12 week period.
Results showed some improvement and details will be published soon.

16

Figure 9: With the non-affected hand placed on the

Figure 10
Figure. 10: End position. Repeat from the beginning.
Figure 5
Figure 5: End position. Repeat from the beginning.

17

HAND THERAPY

www.ifssh.info

HAND THERAPY

February 2019

B. The Splinting regime and correct position during

She was asked to record the pain level after theand pain initially upon movements. This should bedaily activities

implementation of the exercises. She was asked tocarefully monitored and examined to decide whether

return once a week for follow up evaluation and was

the intensity and frequency of the training should bemanaging Achilles tendinopathy: new treatment

In addition to the eccentric training program, patients

given further training on health education. After theincreased or decreased to reduce the pain. Pain is an

options. Br J Sports Med 2007; 41: 211–216

were instructed on how to wear their splints. It is

first week, the pain level was found to have increased

indication of inflammation and/or tissue damage. It is

4. HABETS B, VAN CINGEL RE. Eccentric exercise

recommended that the splint should be worn during

slightly after the exercise, but within her tolerance. Pain

also recommended that the correct splinting regime

training in chronic mid-portion Achilles

the day (max. wear 50% per day) and at night a

subsided one hour after the exercises. She agreed toshould be implemented to create a balance between

tendinopathy: A systematic review on different

thermoplastic resting splint can be worn if the patient

continue the program and at week two, the pain started

protection of the tendon, while at the same time

protocols. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015; 25(1): 3-15.

prefers. Health education should be given to avoid any

to decrease and progress was satisfactory for the next

encourage proper movements for gliding and promoting

provocative movements of the wrist and thumb causing

two weeks. The intensity and frequency of the training

tensile strength. Health education is deemed important

KA. A randomized controlled trial of eccentric vs.

further injuries of the injured tendons. Instructions to

was gradually increased based on the tolerance of theto facilitate proper positioning and protection of tendons

concentric graded exercise in chronic tennis elbow

maintain the correct posture during daily activities

patient and the physical examination.

during daily activities.

(lateral elbow tendinopathy). Clin Rehabil. 2014 Sep;

considerations. J Hand Ther. 2012; 25: 191-200.
3.

5.

should be taught and demonstrated. Patient instruction
should regularly be reinforced of these skills.

ALFREDSON H, COOK J. A treatment algorithm for

PETERSON M, BUTLER S, ERIKSSON M, SVARDSUDD

28(9): 862-72.
Results

Further studies should be done to substantiate theAfter twelve weeks of the training program, the average

clinical effectiveness, as well as the anatomical

Chronic tendinopathy: effectiveness of eccentric

A Case Report

VAS score decreased from 81 to 18. The PRWHE score

improvement of this exercise program in conjunction

exercise. Br J Sports Med. 2007; 21(4):188-98.

A 31-year-old woman complained of pain on thedecreased from 84 to 25, while the DQST score improved

with the splinting regime and the health education.

right side of her dominant wrist and thumb since herfrom 6 to 2. The patient reported that she could take carepregnancy. Her baby was already 9 months old but herof her son without excessive pain and was very satisfied

References

reliability of a measure to support clinical diagnosis

complaints persisted. She tried to take care of her son

with the 12 weeks intervention program. After twelve

1.

DE QUERVAIN F. On the nature and treatment ofand management. Musculoskeletal Care. 200

without pain. She was referred for therapy. Her pain

weeks, she continued to perform the eccentric exercises

stenosing tendosynovitis on the styloid process

8; 6:168-80.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was 84/100. On examination,

at a lower frequency.

of the radius. (Translated article: Muenchener

Discussion

Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), showing the severity of

It is encouraging to report that the patient’s overall

the condition and how it impaired the function of her

results on symptoms (DQST & VAS) decreased while thewrist and hand. Hard, thickened tissue was palpatedfunction of the wrist and hand score improved (PRWHE).

at the radial styloid.  Previously she had received 2

However, it was noted that the pain threshold increased

corticosteroid injections in the first compartment andduring the first week of training. If pain increases after

had worn a thermoplastic hand splint most of the day

the first two weeks of exercise, it is likely that thisfor 2 months, but the pain persisted.

training program has a negative effect and must be

7.

WOODLEY BL, NEWSHAM-WEST RJ, BAXTER GD.

BATTESON R, HAMMOND A, BURKE F, SINHA S.
(2008) The de Quervain’s screening tool: validity andshe scored 6 out of 7 on the De Quervain Screening Tool
(DQST) and a score of 84 on the Patient Rated Wrist/

6.

2.

8.

,

O.NEILL S, WATSON PJ, BARRY S. Why are eccentric

Medizinische Wochenschrift 1912, 59, 5-6). J Hand

exercises effective for Achilles tendinopathy? Int

Surg [Br]. 2005; 30: 392-4.

Sports Psych Ther. 2015; Aug: 10(4): 552-562.

FEDORCZYK JM. Tendinopathies of the elbow,
wrist, and hand: histopathology and clinicalstopped. It is essential that patients are aware that pain
She was invited to join the eccentric exercise program.

during exercises is normal and should not be avoided,

In addition, she was given a soft Neoprene splint to be

but intensity must not be higher than a VAS score of 8.

worn during the day for 50% of the time while at night,

A maximum of one hour increased pain after exercise

she was prescribed with a splint to rest the wrist (20is regarded as acceptable. As the pain decreases overdegree of extension) and thumb with CMC joint intime during the program, the intensity and speed of theextension, while MCP and IP joints were slightly flexed.

exercises should be increased.

In addition, she was given health education to avoid
provocative movements of the hand and wrist during

It could be postulated that the chronic inflammatory

daily activities. She was taught the eccentric exercises

condition of the tendons may have created scarfor both EPB and APL and it had to be executed two

formation in the retinaculum, and with the disorganizedtimes a day with 3 sessions of 15 repetitions at home.

and damaged fibers, the patient experiences discomfort

18

19

SPONSORSHIPS

www.ifssh.info

IFSSH- IFSHT
Teaching Grant
NEPAL 21st -25th May, 2018using current evidence, wound healing principles,On the 19th of May, 2018, a team of 3 Physiotherapists

practice knowledge, physiotherapy skills, andfrom Australia travelled to Kathmandu in Nepal for a

cognisance of the human and consumable resources

week of formal teaching, practical workshops and in-available in their countries.      SPONSORSHIPS

February 2019

Practical workshops enabled the students to develop

other’s company, share ideas and experiences andhandling skills with materials ranging from Plaster of

explore the concept that the Physiotherapy knowledge

Paris, to fibreglass and thermoplastics, ensuring thatand skills that they already have can be applied tothe materials which are often donated to them can bepatients with hand and burn injuries.

used effectively and confidently. Skills in splint andcompression garment pattern drafting and making
were achieved also. Funding by the IFSHT for workshop
materials and goniometers is gratefully acknowledged.

hospital mentoring, as part of a volunteer program for

Physios from Nepal,

Learning to make theirInterplast Australia, with additional funding from the

Bhutan and Bangladesh

own collars and pressure

IFSSH-IFSHT teaching grant. Three eminent Australian

garments

Professors of Hand and Burn surgery were also there
to teach surgeons gathered from across Asia, skills in

The need for burn contracture prevention, scarreconstructive surgery.    The team, led by Jenny Ball,management and optimisation of hand function isalong with Prof Gillian Webb and Maddie Bayly-Stark

paramount in countries where access to expedient andwere on their 2nd annual visit to this country where

effective treatment is made difficult by geography and

Hand and Burn Therapy is becoming an emerging andlimited professional and material resources. Our biggest

necessary specialty for Physiotherapists who make up

gift to them is not just the materials we donate but thethe majority of the acute and rehabilitation workforce.

facilitation of a physiological and clinical reasoning
approach to treating patients. They have these skills

The team had the privilege and opportunity to provide

already, and now the confidence to use them.

a 3-day course of curriculum for the Kathmandu
University School of Physiotherapy on the management

Jenny Ball, MAPA, AHT (Australia), CHT (USA)of Hand trauma and Burns therapy. It was attended
by 30 Physiotherapy students, 2 Physios from Bhutan,

MALAWI Hand Therapy Course

one Physio from Bangladesh, 2 Physios from the Nepal
Society for Hand Rehabilitation and Research andComprehension and application of the knowledge and

The Introduction to Hand Therapy Course evolved

lecturers from the University. Following the course(Physiotherapist Uygen Namgyel, presented withskills imparted in the course were assessed in a formal

following two UK surgeons visiting Malawi in 2016

further training and mentoring in Hands and Burns took

IFSHT donated Dynamometer to take back totest (which everyone passed!) and also in a session

as part of BSSH overseas work. Then in 2017 a Hand

place at the Kirtipur Burns and Cleft Palate Hospital for

Bhutan)where groups worked together on all the elements ofTrauma course was organized by BSSH/ AO AF which

provided case studies, presenting their entire treatment

included a UK Hand Therapist on the teaching faculty

Tensile limits and scar potential of tissues at varying(assessment, planning, clinical reasoning, practical(Meryl Glover).

The learning outcomes achieved over the course of thestages post trauma and post op were considered andtechniques and splints or garments) back to the whole

week included the development of clinical reasoning

practical skills obtained in control of oedema, stiffness,class for discussion.

skills in the management of acute and late trauma fromtendon protection and mobilisation, early mobilisation,

hand injuries and whole of body burns using a wound

respiratory care and contracture prevention and scar

This course provided an opportunity for Nepalese

Therapy in order to ensure surgical input was to behealing approach. Assessment, treatment, outcome

management in burns.

Physiotherapists, students and Physiotherapists fromsuccessful.

2 days.

measurement and discharge planning were explored20

At the 2017 course it was identified that there was aneed for therapists to have specific training in Hand

neighbouring countries to come together, enjoy each21

SPONSORSHIPS

www.ifssh.info

SPONSORSHIPS

February 2019

Health Service in Malawi

resulting in a country with little revenue and the “public

Presentation with Practical Hands on –Additional Information:

Despite there being little revenue in the country, there ispurse” is poor. The official language of the country is

1.

Fractures/ Joint dislocations/Tendon & nerve

All delegates were supplied with a comprehensive

free health care in the government hospitals. However,English, but the traditional language of Chichewe isinjuries

course manual. The contents of this manual wasthere is a paucity of funded posts in healthcare.

spoken by about 60% of the people.

Burns/ Hand Contractures including syndactyly

supplied by NES Hand Training www.neshands.co.uk.

2.

There is about 1 Doctor per 65,000 people. Last year 4(SM is a Partner of NES)

physiotherapists were trained but only 2 of them are in

Therapy Report following Introduction to Hand Therapy

Course Evaluation:

Delegates were provided with a goniometer, scissors,

paid jobs.

CourseAll delegates completed an evaluation form using atape measure, pen, note pad & sundries so they might

Venue:       Beit Cure International Hospital, Malawi,16th

rating of 1-5. One being not useful five being very useful.

practice the practical aspects during the course and

The average scores for individual sessions ranged fromthen have the equipment to use in their workplaces to

There are a number of Health Centres, which are run      October 2018.

with Medical Assistants (MAs) and Nurses. There are

Faculty:      Sarah Mee (SM)- Consultant Hand Therapist/

4.3 to 4.7

continue using the skills and techniques learnt on the

28 district Hospitals with MAs, Clinical officers (COs),

                     Occupational Therapist

The overall course average was 4.6

course.

Orthopaedic COs, BSC clinical officers and Medical                     Meryl Glover(MG)- Specialist Hand Therapist/       21 out of 29 delegates completed “any comments orofficers. In addition, there are 4 central hospitals                     Occupational Therapist

suggestions for future courses”

The manual & equipment was funded following awith Clinical Officers, Intern Medical Doctors, Trainee                     Debs Stanton (DS)- Specialist Hand   All comments were of a positive nature, with 14

successful application to the IFSHT (International

surgeons and Specialist Surgeons. Of the Surgeons, 26                     Therapist/ Physiotherapist

delegates requesting more courses with more time such

Society of Hand Therapy) teaching grant, donations

are General & other specialities, 11 are Orthopaedic (1 ofDelegates:  29 delegates attended, compromising ofas a two-day course in the future.

from UK Hand Therapy Suppliers.

Delegates requested more practical sessions & time to

IFSHT also donated a Jamar Dynomometer to Queens

practice their learning.

hospital Blantyre, as part of their development of handwhich is a Hand Surgeon) and 3 Plastic surgeons – forthe whole country.

      20 physiotherapists, 2 Occupational                     Therapists, 4 Rehabilitation Technicians, 2                     Physiotherapy assistants and 1 nurse. The

MalawiMalawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, isdelegates attended from Beit Cure, Queen                      Elizabeth Hospital & Rehabilitation Centre.

defined by its topography of highlands split by the Greattherapy in developing countries.
Therapists Teaching in Addition to Introduction to Hand
Therapy Course:

Summary:

MG 7 DS both presented on day two of the Hand Trauma

The Introduction to Hand Therapy Course was

Rift Valley and the enormous Lake Malawi. Malawi is

Course Content:

workshop for COSECSA on 17th October 2018.

completed by 29 delegates. All delegates provided aknown as the “Warm heart of Africa” in relation to its

The course content was formatted following liaison

Thermoplastic Splinting Workshop-  It was identified

feedback form with 21 providing additional comments.

friendly welcoming peoples. In late September before

with the local Physiotherapy therapy leads based at Beitfrom the course feedback that further training would be

The feedback strongly indicated that the course had

the rains come the temperatures are 34-38 degrees

Cure and Queens hospital in Blantyre, who identified

beneficial in this area.

been a valuable experience for all delegates. The popular

centigrade, the jacaranda trees are in full bloom andthe priority clinical areas where learning would be

MG provided the additional workshop. MG ran arequest was for more training of this kind in the future,with the sweet chestnut and acacia trees, savannah

beneficial.

thermoplastic splinting workshop on 18th October for

ideally a two-day course, to allow theoretical learning,

the therapists at Beit Cure.

clinical reasoning & practical modality practice.

plains and traditional style African villages provides
some beautiful scenery. Lake Malawi, Africa’s third

Teaching techniques were varied from formal

Performance Health UK had donated thermoplastic

The overriding message from the feedback comments

deepest lake itself makes up almost a third of thepresentations, to workshops including practicalmaterial to Beit Cure, so this training was beneficial

was more courses and more time next time.

country and on a clear night with a bright moon, you cansessions and discussion:

so that the therapists might be able to use the donatedFrom the feedback and the positive participationmaterial effectively.

from the delegates on the day, it can be concluded

see why it is called the “lake of stars”. The lake is full of“chambo” (TIlapia fish) but also has crocodiles and is a

Lectures –source of schistosomiasis.

1.

Assessment of the Hand

Clinical Input:

success and a worthwhile project for BSSH to have2.

Splinting Theory

MG & SM did a joint clinic with two physiotherapists

supported.

The population of Malawi is approximately 18 million

this inaugural hand therapy course was a resounding

from Beit Cure. They provided their clinical expertise forand the country is the 9th poorest country in the world.

Workshops/Practical Sessions –patients presented by the physiotherapists.

There are a significant nos. of NGOs involved and there

1.

Exercises/ Strengthening/ Activity

MG attended a Club foot clinic with the Beit therapists,

is overseas investment from countries such as China.

2.

Odema and Scar Management.

here she was able to assist with lower limb plastering

Life expectancy is approximately 51 years and Infant

3.

Management of Stiffness.

and observe the therapists plastering skills.

Mortality 48/1000 live births. 85 % of the population

4. Splinting Practicalare unemployed and essentially subsistence farmers,

22

23

MEMBER SOCIETY NEWSwww.ifssh.info

Member Society NewsAMERICAN SOCIETY FORSURGERY OF THE HAND
Become a Member of the American Society for

MEMBER SOCIETY NEWS

February 2019

MEXICAN SOCIETYFOR SURGERY OF
THE HAND (AMCM)(Secretary). In 2018, the AMCM also hosted the IberoLatin American Congress of Hand Surgery (ILA) in
the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico, coordinated

The “Asociación Mexicana

by Dr. Juan Ramón Bonfil (Vice president), with 180

If you have questions or need assistance completingde Cirugía de Mano” (AMCM)

participants - 150 lectures were given, 3 workshops

your application or obtaining supporting materials,

was founded in 1981. Its firstand 2 symposia were held by 38 national and 55

please contact Mary McCarthy at mmccarthy@assh.

president was Dr. Luis Gómez

international presenters from 8 countries.

org

Correa and the Association

In 2019, the AMCM will hold its biannual congress,

is made up of Orthopedic andfrom July 4 to 6, in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Surgery of the Hand. Apply by 15 March 2019
Join us in Las Vegas!

Plastic Surgeons. Since then it has conducted

ASSH is pleased to invite qualified surgeons, trained

Members and nonmembers alike are invited tomonthly academic sessions.

in the hand and upper extremity, from around theattend the 74th Annual Meeting of ASSH in Las

globe to join our organization. Members receive

Vegas, Nevada, 5-7 September 2019. The meeting

During the last 20 years, the AMCM has carried

important benefits to support their hand surgery

features high quality scientific programming,out 143 outreach surgery campaigns in 19 states ofcareer.

networking opportunities and a special

the country. These free surgical campaigns benefit

international welcome event.

low-income people with complex hand pathologies.

International Member benefits include:

The most recent one was undertaken in Huajuapan•

a subscription to The Journal of Hand Surgery;All attendees are invited to an evening of fun andde León, Oaxaca, on 24 November 2018, organized•access to Hand-e (our online learning site withfriendship in Las Vegas. We will gather at Brooklyn

by Dr. Víctor Azpeitia (Coordinator of outreachtechnique videos, lectures and more);

Bowl for a casual night of food, drinks and bowlingsurgeries), Dr. César Santiago (President) and Dr.

discounts on books, courses, and our Annualwith your colleagues. (American bowling is a

Joaquín Díaz (International Representative), with

Meeting;

great way to get to know people! Never tried it?

the participation of the Association “Mobile Surgery•

Networking and collaboration opportunities;

No problem. It’s just for fun and the scores don’t

International”. This campaign benefited 27 patients,•

subscriptions to helpful ASSH newsletters; andmatter!) Registration opens in early April. Tickets

including children, adolescents and seniors, who

more!

are free to international attendees, but space iswere treated by 20 surgeons from our association.

•(Former President) and Dr. Denisse Hernández

limited so please register early.
International Member applications are due by
15 March 2019. International Membership DuesThis year, ASSH is welcoming members of theare $350 per year. Apply Now at http://www.assh.

Austrian Society for Surgery of the Hand, German

org/About-ASSH/Join-ASSH/Become-a-Member/Society for Surgery of the Hand, and Swiss SocietyInternational-Member.

for Surgery of the Hand as the 2019 International
Guest Societies. Members of these hand societies

If you have completed your post-graduate training

have been given a complimentary one-year

within the last 5 years, you may qualify to join

subscription to Hand-e, ASSH’s online learning

ASSH as a Young International Member. Young

portal. If you are a member of the Austrian, German

International Members receive the same benefits asor Swiss hand societies, get started by visiting

International Members at a discounted rate. Dues

http://www.assh.org/Hand-e and clicking the “Logare $200 annually, and applications are acceptedIn” button in the upper right corner.

any time throughout the year. To learn more andhttps://www.amcirugiadelamano.com/

Outreach Surgery Campaign, Oaxaca, 2018.

apply, visit http://www.assh.org/About-ASSH/JoinASSH/Become-a-Member/Young-International-

In 2017, the AMCM held its 10th International Congress

Member.

in Mexico City, coordinated by Dr. Ricardo Pacheco

24

25

JOURNALHIGHLIGHTSMEMBER SOCIETY
NEWS

DUTCH SOCIETY OF SURGERY
OF THE HAND / NEDERLANDSE
VERENIGING VOORHANDCHIRURGIE (NVVH)

www.ifssh.info

presented their experiences in the treatment ofcontinuous medical education are embedded in

Our society has very close ties to the Australian

Dupuytren Disease. On March 23rd 2019 a conjoint

these guidelines. The white book on hand surgery

Hand Surgery Society with many members being

meeting with the Belgian Hand Group will be(FESSH) is used as a guideline. The definitive

corresponding members of this Society. Our next

held: Controversies in Hand Surgery (Congressformat will hopefully be presented in 2019.

scientific meeting will combine with the with thewebsitewww.upperlimb.be). Belgian and Dutch hand

Brigitte EPA van der Heijden

APFSSH/APFSHT meeting (Asia-Pacific Region

surgeons will present their preferred treatment of

President, Dutch Society of the Hand (NVvH)

societies) which is to be held in Melbourne,

common hand problems after which discussion

The Dutch Society for Surgery of the Hand has

MEMBER SOCIETY NEWS

February 2019

Australia, March 11th-14th 2020. This is sure to beabout the different treatments will be led by Prof J.

Announcements:

a very high quality meeting representing a diverse

Stanley (UK - IFSSH Pioneer in Hand Surgery) and

Joint Meeting: Dutch and Belgian Hand societies:

range of surgeons:  https://apfssh2020.org

Prof M. Calcagni (Switzerland - Secretary General ofControversies in Hand Surgery

We hope that many of you may consider attending

the FESSH).

23rd March 2019, Antwerpen, Belgian

this meeting or future meetings of our society in

Website: www.upperlimb.be

New Zealand.

grown to a multi-disciplinary society of 250
members including hand therapists, general

Besides the annual meetings the NVvH is involved

surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons,in prevention campaigns at a national level forrehabilitation physicians and anatomists. It has

minor and major hand injuries, development ofcelebrated its 45th anniversary in Utrecht innational guidelines in hand surgery, and providing

November 2017.

support to members during exam preparation

NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY FORSURGERY OF THE HAND (NZSSH)

NZSSH Executive:•

President: Bruce Peat•

President Elect: Tim Tasman-Jones•

Secretary: Wolfgang Heiss-Dunlop

for the European Board of Hand Surgery (EHBS).

The NZSSH was formed in in 1976 and has since•

Secretary Elect: Sandeep Patel

The NVvH organizes two meetings per year withDifferent members of the NVvH are involved insteadily grown to approximately 50 members with•

Immediate Past President: Richard Morbey

colleagues in the field. In June 2018 the theme ofcommittees of the FESSH. In 2021 the FESSH will beclose affiliation to the New Zealand Association of•

Immediate Past Secretary: Fiona Timms

the conference was nerve compression and nerveorganized in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Hand Therapy. New Zealand has a small population

surgery of the upper extremity, with international(4.9 million) and as such we are a close-knit groupspeakers of Prof. R.J. Spinner and Prof J.M. Brown

The society is working hard to create a certificationof surgeons comprised of Orthopaedic and Plastic(both neurosurgeons from the USA) and T. Vaksvik,

for the professionals who practice hand surgery.

surgeons.

ROMANIAN SOCIETY FORSURGERY OF THE HAND (RSSH)

a hand therapist from Norway. In November 2018,

Hand surgery is practiced in the Netherlands by

a conjoint meeting with the Dutch Society of Hand

several physicians: General surgeons, Orthopedic

Our most recent society conference was held in

The Romanian Society for Surgery of the Hand

Therapists was organized: “Day of the PROMs andsurgeons and Plastic surgeons. To improve theQueenstown in July 2018 with distinguished guest(RSSH) is not a big one, but its 65 active members

Dupuytren disease”. Dr M. Arner presented thecare for the patients with a hand surgery problem,

speakers Mr Mark Ross (Australia) and Mr Sumedh

are working together to develop Hand Surgery in

Swedish experiences from collecting PROM data inguidelines for physician are being created.

Talwalkar (United Kingdom) contributing to a

Romania and increase the interest in Hand Surgery

highly educational and stimulating meeting.

for our younger colleagues. Unfortunately, theThese guidelines are focused on the physician.

Our society holds biennial conferences with open

Hand Surgery in Romania is done only by plastic

In the afternoon session, Prof. G McGroutherAmong other factors, background training, handattendance encouraged to anyone interested insurgeons, and so until not so long ago Hand Surgery(Singapore) and D. Larsson (hand therapist, Norway)

surgery fellowship, examination (EHBS), andhand conditions and their treatment.

was addressing mostly soft tissues injuries and not

the national quality registry (HAKIR).

so much bone and joint injuries.. That’s why the26

At our 40th anniversary meeting in 2016 we weresenior hand surgeons are trying to motivate theable to honour one of our founding members,

younger colleagues to attend international courses

Professor Alastair Rothwell, who was in attendance.

and congresses and to obtain fellowships in well-

He has been an extremely influential member

known international hand surgery centers. Prof.

of this society and a great contributor to the

Georgescu, Chairman of the Scientific Committee

Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery communities in New

of the Tendon Transfers Workshop in Thessaloniki,

Zealand and abroad. An honorary lecture is held in

Greece, presented at this meeting which included a

his name and delivered at our biennial meetings.

large Romanian contingent.

27

JOURNALHIGHLIGHTSMEMBER SOCIETY
NEWS

www.ifssh.info

recognition of the good level of Hand Surgery andMicrosurgery in our country.

ART

February 2019

Art Exibit#6

In 2017 RSSH cooperated with the American
Association of Hand Surgeons (AAHS). Under the
cumulative efforts of our Hand Society and the
Romanian Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery(RSRM), 2018 also turned out to be a very successful
year..
Part of the Faculty attending the EFSM Congress

Prof. Alexandru Georgescu and Associate Prof. Zorin
Crainiceanu, are organizing the 11th Congress of
the Balkan Association of Plastic, Reconstructive
and Aesthetic Surgeons. In parallel with thisCongress the 12th National Congress of the RSSH
and the 13th National Congress of the RSRM will
be held at the same time. Before and during thisjoint scientific event we will organize also handsurgery and microsurgery workshops. The 2nd Cluj
Napoca International Course on Perforator Flaps inpigs, as well as the 14thCongress of the European
Federation of Societies for Microsurgery in Belgrade

Professors Levin and Stevanovic receiving awards ofare being organised.

excelence during the EFSM Congress

Tendon Transfers Seminar, Thessaloniki 2018

The large audience of the EFSM Congress

A large Romanian delegation attended the last

RSSH Past President: Prof. Alexandru Georgess

FESSH meeting, and we are sure that our Society

RSSH President: Assoc. Prof. Zorin Crainiceanu

will also have many participants in the upcoming
IFSSH and WSRM Congresses this year. We think
the fact that some Romanian Hand Surgeonsand Microsurgeons are invited to be part of theArtist: Linda Tyrrell | Title: “No!” | July 2016

Scientific Committees at these congresses is

Oil painting on canvas 1000 X 500 mm

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UPCOMING EVENTS

www.ifssh.info

February 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 7~9, 2019
Seoul St. Mary's Hospital,
Seoul, South Korea

Abstract Submission Deadline: July 31, 2019
Abstract Acceptance Announcement: August 31, 2019
Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 30, 2019
Website: http://www.APWA2019.com

Secretariat of APWA 2019
124, Bukbyeonjung-ro, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea 10098
Phone : +82-31-987-5963 Fax : +82-31-987-5967
E-mail : gaonpco@gaonpco.com

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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Institut de la Main

6th Congenital Hand
Anomalies and ski Symposium
17-23 March 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 2019

2 Symposiumndon Surgeryof the Spastic Upper Limb
> Spastic-Hand 2

April, 5th & 6th 2019
Venice,ITALY

Preliminary Program

Châtel, Portes du Soleil, French Alps
Inscription: Dr Stéphane GUERO, sguero2@gmail.com✐ Institut de la Main, Clinique Bizet, 21 rue Georges Bizet, 75116 Paris☎ 00 33 1 47 55 40 40, 00 33 1 40 69 36 41

http://sguero.free.fr/congenital_hand_anomalies_and_ski/
32

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Chairman:
Paolo Pancierawww.symposium-spastic-hand.com

Ospedale Villa Salus
Venezia/Mestre

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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February 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS

35

UPCOMING EVENTS

www.ifssh.info

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 2019

November 7~9, 2019
Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, South Korea

Abstract Submission Deadline: July 31, 2019
Abstract Acceptance Announcement: August 31, 2019
Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 30, 2019
Website: http://www.APWA2019.com
Secretariat of APWA 2019
124, Bukbyeonjung-ro, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea 10098
Phone : +82-31-987-5963 Fax : +82-31-987-5967
E-mail : gaonpco@gaonpco.com

36

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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February 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS

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www.ifssh.info

February 2019

UPCOMING EVENTS

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