Our aim was to correlate the health status with objective and radiological outcomes in patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of both bones of the forearm. We assessed 23 patients (24 fractures) subjectively, objectively and radiologically at a mean of 34 months (11 to 72). Subjective assessment used the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and musculoskeletal functional attachment (MFA) questionnaires. The range of movement of the forearm and wrist, grip and pinch strength were measured objectively and standardised radiographs were evaluated. In general, patients reported good overall function based on the DASH (mean 12; range 0 to 42) and MFA (mean 19; range 0 to 51) scores. However, pronation and grip and pinch strength were significantly decreased (p < 0.005). These deficiencies correlated with poorer subjective outcomes. Operative stabilisation of fractures of the radius and ulna led to a reliably acceptable functional outcome. However, despite these generally satisfactory results, the outcome scores worsened with reduction in the range of movement of the forearm and wrist

A total of 179 adult patients with displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius was randomised to receive indirect percutaneous reduction and external fixation (n = 88) or open reduction and internal fixation (n = 91). Patients were followed up for two years. During the first year the upper limb musculoskeletal function assessment score, the SF-36 bodily pain sub-scale score, the overall Jebsen score, pinch strength and grip strength improved significantly in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the radiological restoration of anatomical features or the range of movement between the groups. During the period of two years, patients who underwent indirect reduction and percutaneous fixation had a more rapid return of function and a better functional outcome than those who underwent open reduction and internal fixation, provided that the intra-articular step and gap deformity were minimised

We randomly allocated 60 consecutive patients with fractures of the waist of the scaphoid to percutaneous fixation with a cannulated Acutrak screw or immobilisation in a cast. The range of movement, the grip and pinch strength, the modified Green/O’Brien functional score, return to work and sports, and radiological evidence of union were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Patients were followed sequentially for one year. Those undergoing percutaneous screw fixation showed a quicker time to union (9.2 weeks vs 13.9 weeks, p < 0.001) than those treated with a cast. There was a trend towards a higher rate of nonunion in the non-operative group, although this was not statistically significant. Patients treated by operation had a more rapid return of function and to sport and full work compared with those managed conservatively. There was a very low complication rate. We recommend that all active patients should be offered percutaneous stabilisation for fractures of the waist of the scaphoid

We reviewed 23 patients who had had 25 Darrach procedures for traumatic or post-traumatic disorders of the wrist at a mean follow-up of 75.5 months (36 to 121). The mean age at the time of operation was 61.1 years (34 to 82). All patients were reviewed in person. Assessment included a history, a questionnaire on patient satisfaction and a detailed physical examination. Standardised radiographs of both wrists were taken with the patient’s hands in a resting position and during maximal grip. Convergence of the distal ulnar stump towards the distal radius during maximal grip (dynamic radio-ulnar convergence) was seen in 14 wrists including five with actual contact (dynamic radio-ulnar impingement), but this produced symptoms in only two cases. The presence of dynamic radio-ulnar convergence did not correlate with grip strength, pinch strength, range of movement or wrist score, but was associated with increased length of excision of the distal ulna. Nineteen of the 23 patients were satisfied with the procedure. Dynamic radio-ulnar convergence is common after the Darrach procedure, but is rarely symptomatic; resection of the distal ulna remains a reliable procedure in the older patient with pain and loss of movement. Excision of the lower end of the ulna should be restricted to the least required to restore full rotation

Introduction. The role of in-situ decompression in patients with severe ulnar nerve compression is still controversial. The authors present a prospective study on the results of in-situ decompression in this selected group of patients treated through a mini open incision (4cms) and complete decompression by appropriate patient positioning. Material/Methods. Thirty patients (20 Male/10 Female) with severe degree of nerve compression, confirmed clinically by Dellon's classification and by abnormal Nerve Conduction Study, underwent simple in-situ decompression under general anaesthesia as a day-case procedure. Through a 4cms incision and by moving the elbow the nerve is fully visualised and decompressed. Outcome was measured prospectively at three months and one year using Modified Bishop's score, grip strengths and two point discrimination (2PD). Results/Statistics. The average age of patients were 58.3 (26–87) and dominant hand was involved in 13 patients. Patients showed improvement greater at 1year than at 3 months. There was statistically significant improvement in power (p-0.01) and pinch grip strength (p-0.001) at one year after surgery. According to Modified Bishop's scoring, 24 patients (80%) had good to excellent results at one year follow-up. Of the eight patients with fair results at three months four improved and two detiorated, leading to a total of four poor results (13.3%) at one year follow-up. The 2PD identified the patients with poor or good results according to the Modified Bishop score at three months follow-up. Conclusions. Our results show that the minimally invasive in-situ decompression is technically simple, safe and gives good results in patients with severe nerve compression. The Modified Bishop score and 2PD were more reliable in assessing these patients at follow-up