Distal
Normal digital flexion relies on flexor tendon pulleys to transmit linear muscular force to angular digital motion. Despite the critical role these pulleys play, there is a growing trend among surgeons to partially sacrifice or “vent” them during flexor tendon repair to improve surgical exposure. Although this new practice is reported to improve outcomes after flexor tendon repair, there is concern for the long-term effects of bowstringing, reduced finger range of motion (ROM) and altered tendon biomechanics. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the application of a thermoplastic ring, acting as an “external” pulley, on flexor tendon biomechanics and finger ROM. We hypothesized that the application of an external thermoplastic ring would produce a centripetal force over the tendon to reduce bowstringing, improve finger ROM, and restore tendon loads following pulley venting. Twelve digits comprised of the index, long, and ring fingers from four cadaveric specimens were tested using a novel in-vitro active finger motion simulator. Servo-motors were used to generate motion. Loads induced by flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), and joint range of motion were measured with each sequential sectioning of the A2, A3, and A4 flexor pulley, in comparison to a native healthy finger condition. At each finger condition, A2 and A4 external thermoplastic pulley rings were applied over the proximal phalanx and middle phalanx, respectively, to recreate A2 and A4 function. Results were recorded and analyzed using a one way repeated-measures ANOVA. Following venting of the A2, A3 and A4 pulley, proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) ROM significantly decreased by 17.02 ± 8.42 degrees and distal
Aim. Distal
The surgical correction of hammer digits offers a variety of surgical treatments ranging from arthroplasty to arthrodesis, with many options for fixation. In the present study, we compared 2 buried implants for arthrodesis of lesser digit deformities: a Smart Toe® implant and a buried Kirschner wire. Both implants were placed in a prepared
Introduction. The operative management for Distal Tibialis Anterior Tendinopathy (DTAT) without rupture has not previously been described. We present 15 cases. Method. of 39 patients diagnosed clinically and radiographically with DTAT, we reviewed the 13 patients who underwent surgery for failure of non-operative management. Assessment included pre and post-operative AOFAS midfoot scoring, clinical examination and post-operative VAS pain scoring. Results. Twelve women (13 feet) and one man (two feet) underwent surgery. Mean age at surgery was 59 years (42 to 76 years). The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was one year (5 to 25 months). The mean pre-operative AOFAS score was 50 (23 to 75). Pre-operative MRI showed tendinosis in six tendons and tendinosis with longitudinal split tears in nine tendons. Five of the 14 cases showed some associated degenerative changes of the midfoot. Six tendons were simply debrided and the insertion reinforced with a suture anchor. Nine tendons were augmented with an Extensor Hallucis Longus (EHL) transfer into the medial cuneiform. The mean improvement in AOFAS score was 35 (4 to 57), with mean post-operative pain VAS of 1 (0 to 6.7) at a mean follow-up of 24 months (three to 65). Two patients underwent concomitant procedures on the same foot. Four of the nine treated with EHL transfer have some symptomatic hallux
Dupuytren's disease is often disabling and traditionally has been managed with various surgical methods, with recurrence rates up to 50 %. Recently clostridial collagenase injection has been licensed for use in the NHS. We prospectively analysed the results of clostridial collagenase injection in 62 patients with varying degrees of Metacarpo phalangeal (MCP) and Proximal