The April 2023 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: MRI-based classification for acute scaphoid injuries: the OxSMART; Deep learning for detection of scaphoid fractures?; Ulnar shortening osteotomy in adolescents; Cost-utility analysis of thumb carpometacarpal resection arthroplasty; Arthritis of the wrist following scaphoid fracture nonunion; Extensor hood injuries in elite boxers; Risk factors for reoperation after flexor tendon repair; Nonoperative versus operative treatment for displaced finger metacarpal shaft fractures.

Fasciae represent a very interesting source of thin, well vascularized soft tissue, which allows gliding of the underlying tendons, especially for coverage of particular anatomical zones, such as the dorsal aspect of the hand and fingers. Some fasciae (such as the fascia temporalis free fiap) have already been used in this way as free fiaps for the coverage of the extremities. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood supply of the posterior brachial fascia (PBF), in order to precise the anatomical bases of a new free fascial fiap. Our study was based on dissections of 18 cadaveric specimens from 10 formalin preserved corpses. Six upper limbs were used to fictively harvest this fiap. The PBF was thin; its surface was broad, easily separable of the overlying subcutaneous and underlying muscular planes in its upper two thirds. It was richly blood supplied by two main pedicles:. the posterior brachial neurocutaneous branch and. the fascial branch of the upper ulnar collateral artery. The well vascularized area was 115mm long and 54mm broad in average. These two pedicles were quite constant (respectively 17 cases and 14 cases out of the 18 specimens) and of sufficient caliber to allow microsurgical anastomoses in good conditions. A rich venous network, satellite of the arteries, was always present. An arterial by-pass between both arterial pedicles could spare venous sutures when both arterial pedicles are present and communicating within the fascial depth (13 cases out of 18). Harvesting the fiap was easy through a posteromedial approach in a patient in supine position. The donor site could always be closed and its scare was well acceptable. The first clinical case is presented in a patient suffering from recurrent tendinous adhesions at the dorsum of the hand after a close trauma with extensive hematoma, after failure of 2 previous tenolyses. After a third tenolysis, the free PBF fiap was performed. The fascia was covered with a free skin graft at day 6. The coverage was nice and the outcome of the tenolysis at 6 month was -15/80 (active motion) and +20/100 (passive motion)

Complications of distal radius fractures range from 20 to 30% and are consequence of injury or of treatment. Management of these complications must be individualised and the multitude of proposal treatments prove that this problem is controversial. Complications may involve soft tissue (tendon, nerve, arterial or fascial complication, reflex symphatetic distrophy) or bone and joint (malunion, nonunion, osteoarthritis). Tendon complications following distal radius fractures, range from minor adhesions to complete rupture. Peritendinous adhesions will become apparent after cast removal. Diagnosis is based on the limitation of the range of movement for individual fingers.This complication can be avoided with a proper cast technique allowing full range of motion to the digits. Treatment consists of rehabilitation techniques and only rarely, in severe cases, operative tenolysis may be a treatment of choice. Tendons may be entrapped either in the fracture site or in the distal radioulnar joint. Most common tendon entrapment are for extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor digiti minimi. If early recognition is made, open reduction with freeing the tendon must be the choice. Late diagnosis will require more complex tenolysis procedures. Tendon rupture may occur at the time of injury due to sharp fracture fragments. Diagnosis is based on identification of functional loss and, whenever possible, primary tendon suture is recommended. If the diagnosis is late the treatment is free tendon graft or tendon transfer. The late rupture of extensor pollicis longus is the most common possibility. Since it is not related with comminution or displacement of fracture it is possible that an ischemic mechanism is involved. Solutions are free tendon graft or the transfer of extensor indicis proprius. Direct tendon repair is not recommended after few weeks. Nerve complications. Careful neurological investigations demonstrated that nerve injuries associated with distal radius fractures are more common than it is believed. Median nerve is most frequently involved. Primary mechanisms of injury are: direct lesions due to fracture fragments, lesions related to forced manipulation and nonanatomical position of immobilization. Late injuries, occurring a long time after the fracture are more frequent and are related to carpal tunnel syndrome or paraneural adhesions. Carpal tunnel pressure could be measured and ethiologic factors must be identificated in order to establish the proper treatment, usually based on relise of carpal tunnel. Ulnar and radial neuropathy are less common and treatment may vary from cast removal to relise of Guyon’s canal. Vascular complications are uncommon, arise usually in relation with high energy trauma and the treatment is complex, involving different speciality surgeons. Some authors presented rare cases of entrapment of vasculare structures or radial artery pseudoaneurism after the use a volar plate. Compartment syndrome after distal radius fracture is rare and is likely to occur in young adults suffering a high energy trauma. Clinical diagnosis is based on the classical 5 “P’s” (pain, pallor, paresthesias, paralysis, and pulselessness) but treatment must start before all symptoms are present. Anytime when compartment syndrome is suspected, intracompartimental pressure must be measured. The treatment must start immediately and consist in removal of constrictive devices (bandage, cast) and fasciotomy. Indications for fasciotomy are intracompartmental pressure of 15–25mmHg in presence of clinical signs or over 25mmHg in absence of clinical signs. If there is doubt, it is better to perform an unnecessary fasciotomy than to wait until lesions becomes irreversible. Reflex sympathetic distrophy is described with many terms such as algodistrophy, cauzalgia, Sûdeck’s atrophy, shoulder-hand syndrome. Recently, the term complex regional pain syndrome was proposed to replace all the exiting synonyms. Despite many theories, the pathogeny of this disease is uncertain. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on presence of pain, trophic changes (atrophy, stiffness, edema) and functional impairment but plain x-ray demonstrating osteopenia and bone scintigraphy showing abnormal bone turnover may be helpful. Since the patogeny is unclear, the treatment is targeting the symptoms rather then the disease. Treatment must be individualized and may consist of: physical therapy of the hand, pain control with general or local drugs, corticosteroids, and symphatectomy. Prevention of reflex symphatetic dystrophy in the first days of a distal radial fracture is very important and include: prevention of the edema (elevation of the hand, early mobilization of fingers), decrease of pain, cast removal to relive pression, non-traumatic surgery. Malunion is the most common complication of distal radius fracture and it usually occurs after close treatment. The malalignament may be extraarticular or it may involve the joint (radiocarpal or distal radioulnar joint). Axial shortening and dorsal or radial malalignament are the most common. Clinical signs are wrist pain, loss of grip strength, limitation of wrist mobility. Osteoarthritis is likely to develop in both types of malunions. For extraarticular nonunions osteotomy is usually the treatment of choice. Many types of osteotomies have been proposed but the most commonly used are opening wedge osteotomy and Watson osteotomy. Intraarticular malunion is more difficult to treat and many surgical solutions have been proposed: intraarticular osteotomy, bone resections (styloid, anterior or posterior rim, radiolunate or radioscapholunate limited arthrodesis, proximal row carpectomy, wrist denervation, wrist arthroplasty, total wrist arthrodesis). Salvage procedures on the distal radioulnar joint may be resection of distal cubitus (Darrach) or Sauve-Kapandji technique. Nonunion is an extremely rare complication and is likely to occur in patients with multiple comorbid conditions such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or alcoholism. In most cases the initial treatment was close reduction and cast immobilization or external fixation. Diagnosis is based on the absence of radiographic signs of union at 6 months. Treatment must be individualized but basic options are reconstructive procedures or wrist arthrodesis. Reconstructive procedures consist of debridement of nonunion site, realignment with distractor, plate and screw fixation and iliac crest bone grafting. Since the bone is of poor-quality, new implants providing fixation in orthogonal planes may be useful. Usually, malalignement is present, so some authors recommend to take in to consideration the possibility to associate reconstructive procedures with additional techniques such as: dividing brachioradialis tendon, incision of the dorsal or volar joint capsule or Darrach operation in presence of severe shortening of the radius. Wrist arthrodesis should be chosen when the distal fragment has less then 5 millimeters of subchondral bone supporting the articular surface

Introduction and aims. We present a series of patients who have had secondary reconstruction of war injuries to the upper and lower limbs, sustained during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Material and Methods. All patients were seen at the combined Peripheral Nerve Injuries Clinic at the Defence Medical Centre for Rehabilitation, Headley Court. All surgery was performed at Odstock Hospital. Procedures include scar excision and neurolysis (all patients), release of scar contractures, tenolysis, tendon transfers, revision nerve grafts, excision of neuroma, and soft tissue reconstruction using pedicled or free flaps. Results. 24 patients have been treated at the time of submission. We have used 13 free flaps (1 free groin flap, 9 anterolateral thigh, 3 parascapular, with 4 as through-flow flaps) and 1 pedicled groin flap, with no flap losses. There were 6 amputation stump revisions (1 above elbow, 5 below knee). The majority (n=23) have had nerve recovery distal to the level of injury following revision surgery. Conclusions. Nerve repairs recover following neurolysis (and revision nerve graft if necessary) with provision of good soft tissue cover. Release of scar contractures with flap cover allows healing of chronic wounds and permits mobilisation of joints. Thin fascio-cutaneous flaps provide good contour and can be elevated more easily than skin grafted muscle flaps for secondary surgery. Free or regional flaps are preferable to local flaps in high energy-transfer military wounds. Immediate complex reconstruction is not always appropriate in multiply-injured patients

Introduction. We present a series of patients who have had secondary reconstruction of war injuries to the upper and lower limbs, sustained during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Material and Methods. All patients were seen at the combined Peripheral Nerve Injuries Clinic at the Defence Medical Centre for Rehabilitation, Headley Court. All surgery was performed at Odstock Hospital. Procedures include scar excision and neurolysis (all patients), release of scar contractures, tenolysis, tendon transfers, revision nerve grafts, excision of neuroma, and soft tissue reconstruction using pedicled or free flaps. Results. 24 patients have been treated at the time of submission. We have using 13 free flaps (1 free groin flap, 9 anterolateral thigh, 3 parascapular, with 4 as through-flow flaps) and 1 pedicled groin flap, with no flap losses. There were 6 amputation stump revisions (1 above elbow, 5 below knee). The majority (n=23) have had nerve recovery distal to the level of injury following revision surgery. Conclusions. Nerve repairs recover following neurolysis (and revision nerve graft if necessary) with provision of good soft tissue cover. Release of scar contractures with flap cover allows healing of chronic wounds and permits mobilisation of joints. Thin fasciocutaneous flaps provide good contour and can be elevated more easily than skin grafted muscle flaps for secondary surgery. Free or regional flaps are preferable to local flaps in high energy-transfer military wounds. Immediate complex reconstruction is not always appropriate in multiply-injured patients

Purpose of the study: Lengthening can be proposed for children with congenital or acquired short fingers in order to overcome the length defect and improve function, the aesthetic aspect, or enable installation of a hand prosthesis. Three techniques have been proposed. The purpose of this study was to compare the three techniques in terms of lengthening, achieved, cure index, and complication rate. Material and method: The was a series of 13 lengthening procedures for metacarpals in children with congenital or post-trauma sequelae. Results: The callotasis method was used for seven children. Slow distraction using a mini-external fixator was applied for progressive lengthening without bone graft. Mean lengthening was 13 mm (range 8–21) for mean a mean cure index of 81 d/cm (range 41.7 to 140.9). There was one major complication: fracture with angulation. The two-phase progressive distraction method with graft was used in four children. The distraction using a mini-external fixator was rapid, followed by second phase bone graft. Mean lengthening was 22 mm (range 13–32) with a cur index of 40.8 d/cm (range 32.8 to 46). There was one fracture of a grafted zone. Single-phase extemporaneous lengthening with immediate graft was used for two children. The intraoperative distraction of the osteotomy was followed immediately by insertion of the graft. Mean lengthening was 9 mm for a cure index of 50 d/cm. One patient required tenolysis of the extensor at six months because of adherences at the graft site. Discussion: Our results suggest that the two- phase distraction-graft method enables greater lengthening than the callatasis technique for shorter treatment periods but a the cost of a second operation and donor site morbidity. The extemporaneous lengthening method is less ambitious, achieving lengthening to the order of 10 mm, but with a less aggressive procedure

Background: PIP joint surface replacement has been shown to be effective in the treatment of arthritis. We performed a retrospective review to evaluate the clinical results and functional outcome of pyrocarbon proximal interphalangeal joint replacement, motion preserving and function in selected patients. Method: The patients who underwent pyrocarbon PIP joint arthroplasty by the two senior authors were reviewed. Clinical assessment included range of motion, degree of pain and deformity pre and post operatively. Independent functional scores were collected. Radiographs were reviewed for evidence of loosening, fracture and dislocation. Patient overall satisfaction was assessed. Results: 25 patients had 27 pyrocarbon PIP joint replacements between 2004 and 2008. Of these patients, there were 21 female (84%) and 4 male (16%) with average age of 62.5 (43–78). Indications for surgery were pain and loss of function. The preoperative diagnosis was post traumatic osteoarthritis in 9 (33.3%) and primary osteoarthritis in 18 (66.7%). The average arc of motion preoperatively was 42.3 (5–60), and the average postoperative one was 74.3 (45–100). Pain was relieved in majority of patients. 23 patients (92%) were satisfied completely with the procedure. Pain was relieved in the majority of cases and we had 2 dislocations requiring revision to silicone joint replacement and 2 adhesions/stiffness requiring tenolysis. There were no infections. Conclusion: Our experience of pyrocarbon PIP joint replacement over the 4 years showed this implant is useful for relief of pain and function. A technically demanding procedure, it improves arc of motion, corrects deformity and achieves satisfactory function. We had 7 % revision rate and longer term follow-up is required

The aim of this study is to present guidelines for treatment of acquired adult flat foot (AAFF) and review the results of a series of patients consecutively treated. 180 patients (215 feet), mean age 54? 12 years affected by AAFF were evaluated clinically, radiographically and by MRI to chose the adequate surgical strategy. Tibialis posterior dysfunctions grade 1 were treated by tenolysis and tendon repair (48 cases), grade 2 by removal of degenerated tissue and tendon augmentation (41 cases), grade 3 by flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer (23 cases); in these cases subtalar pronation without arthritis was corrected by addictional procedures consisting of either calcaneal osteotomy (66 cases), subtalar athroereisis (25 cases) or Evans procedure (21 cases) in case of severe midfoot abduction. Subtalar arthrodesis (82 cases) or triple arthrodesis (21 cases) were performed in case of subtalar arthritis isolated or associated with midtarsal arthritis respectively. Postoperatively plastercast without weight-bearing for 4 weeks followed by walking boot for 4 weeks was advised. All patients were followed up to 5 years. Before surgery the mean AOFAS score was 48+\−11, while it was 89+\−10 at follow-up (p< 0.005). Mean heel valgus deviation at rest was 15°+\−5° preoperatively and 8°+\−4° at follow-up (p< 0.005). Mean angulation of Meary’s line at talonavicular joint level was 165°+\−12° preoperatively and 175°+\6 at follow-up. Surgical strategy in AAFF should include adequate treatment of tibialis posterior disfunction and osteotomies for correction of the skeletal deformities if joints are arthritis free; arthrodesis should be considered in case of severe joint degeneration

The Rotator Cuff Registry is a unique initiative of the New Zealand Shoulder & Elbow Society. The aim of the study was to enrol nationwide all patients undergoing rotator cuff repair over a 22 month period to provide best practice guidelines for management of rotator cuff tears. To qualify for the Registry patients have to undergo surgical repair of either a partial or full thickness rotator cuff tear. Prior to surgery patients fill out a registration document as well as a pain score and Flex-SF function score. The Surgeon completes an operating day questionnaire detailing operative findings and repair methods. Follow-up is by pain and Flex-SF function scores returned at six, twelve and twenty-four months from surgery. By the 31st December 2010 3000 patients had been recruited. Analysis of the first 2684 patients for the purpose of this abstract showed 70% Male and 30% female. The dominant arm was involved in 65%. 19% of patients were in high demand occupations, 27% in medium demand and 33% low demand occupations. 16% of patients were treated with all arthroscopic repair, 40% were mini-open and 44% open. Comparing pre-op and one year post-op activity scores by surgical approach the Flex-SF improved by 12.97 points in the arthroscopic group, 13.3 in the mini-open and 12.72 in the open (NSS). Pre-op, 6 mth and 12mth pain scores were arthroscopic 4.60, 1.81 and 1.57, mini-open 4.34, 2.15 and 1.52 and open 4.82, 2.27 and 1.86. Preoperatively, the open approach had statistically more pain than the mini-open. At 6 months the arthroscopic group had statistically less pain than the open and at twelve months the mini-open had statistically less pain than the open group. For all tear sizes significant improvements in Fex-SF were seen both from preoperative levels to 6 month follow-up and from 6–12 month follow-up. A labral tear was present in 12% and repaired in 25% of these. No difference was seen in outcome between these groups Biceps tenolysis was undertaken in 27% and tenodesis in 23%. A single row repair was selected in 44% and a double row in 56%. Double row repair resulted in better Flex-SF scores in the large tears. Six, twelve and some twenty-four month data will be presented. Outcome was unaffected by the surgical approach with arthroscopic, mini-open and open results essentially identical

The June 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: One-year outcomes of the anatomical front and back reconstruction for scapholunate dissociation; Limited intercarpal fusion versus proximal row carpectomy in the treatment of SLAC or SNAC wrist: results after 3.5 years; Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex; The rate of nonunion in the MRI-detected occult scaphoid fracture: a multicentre cohort study; Does correction of carpal malalignment influence the union rate of scaphoid nonunion surgery?; Provision of a home-based video-assisted therapy programme in thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty; Is replantation associated with better hand function after traumatic hand amputation than after revision amputation?; Diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence for detection of scaphoid and distal radius fractures: a systematic review.

Traditionally open extensor tendon injuries in zones III to V (PIP to MP joints) have been treated with repair and immobilization in extension for 4 to 6 weeks. Early controlled motion protocols have been successfully used in zones VI and VII of the extensors. An early controlled mobilization protocol combined with strong repair for zones III to V extensor tendon lacerations was studied prospectively. From 1999 to 2003, 27 extensor tendon lacerations in 26 patients, mean age 34 years (range 14–70), were treated using dynamic extension splinting. Inclusion criteria were zone III to V, complete lacerations involving the extensor mechanism and possibly the dorsal capsule (without associated fractures or skin deficits) in patients without healing impairment. All injuries were treated in the emergency department with a core Kessler-Tajima suture and continuous epitendon suture. After an initial immobilization in a static splint ranging from 5 days (for zone V) to 3 weeks (for zone III), controlled mobilization was initiated with a dynamic splint that included only the injured finger. The patient was weaned off the dynamic splint 5 weeks after the initial trauma. The patients were treated in an outpatient basis and did not attend any formal physiotherapy program. The mean follow up was 16 months (range 10–24 months). No ruptures or boutoniere deformities were observed and no tenolysis was necessary. The mean TAM was 242deg for the fingers and 119deg for the thumbs. The mean grip and pinch strength averaged 85% and 88% that of the contralateral unaffected extremity. 77% of the patients achieved a good or excellent result in Miller’s classification. The mean loss of flexion was found to be greater than the mean extension deficit. The protocol described above was found to be safe, simple, functional, cost effective and reproducible for zone III to V simple extensor tendon injuries. Success is based on strong initial repair, close physician observation and a cooperative patient. The addition of physiotherapy for patients with flexion deficits in the period immediately after dynamic splinting may ameliorate results

The most common management of open injuries of the extensor tendons in Zones III to V (PIP to MP joint) is tendon suturation and digit immobilisation in extension for 4 to 6 weeks. Dynamic splinting and early mobilisation has been already successfully tested in the treatment of extensor tendons injuries in Zones VI to VII. In the current study we performed a protocol, including strong suture technique of the lacerated extensor tendon in Zone III to IV in addition with early mobilisation. From 1999 until 2002, 23 lacerated extensor tendons (Zones III – V) in 22 patients were managed at the Orthopaedic Department of the Univercity of Ioannina. The mean age of the patients was 36 years old (14 – 70 years). The principle treatment has taken place at the emergency room and included suture of the lacerated central slip, using the Kessler-Tajima technique, plus continuous suture of the epitenon. Injuries of other structures (lateral bands, sagittal band, joint captule) were also managed by suturing. After a period of 5 days (Zone V) to 3 weeks (Zone III) of immobilisation in a static splint, injured digit mobilisation started using a dynamic extensor splint until the 5th week after injury. The mean follow up was 7 months (3–24 months). There have been no ruptures of the extensor mechanism nore permanent digit deformities. Minimal (until 30o) loss of MP flexion or DIP extension has been regarded in 5 patients. The grip strength has been affected in 4 patients, and the grip strength between the 1st and 2nd digit (“the key pinch strength”) has been affected in 12 patients, compared with the contralateral hand. No further operation for tenolysis has been necessary. Satisfactory results have been obtained, by early mobilisation using dynamic splinting, in the treatment of open injuries of extensor tendons in Zones III – IV under the following conditions: using strong suture technique, a co-operative patient and weekly examination of the patient. Using a dynamic splint only for the injured digit is better accepted by the patient

Purpose: The cruciate four-strand flexor tendon repair technique has been advocated for its ease of use and biomechanical strength. However, the in vivo efficacy of the cruciate 4-strand repair has not been reported; no has this method of repair been assessed for its ability to allow for an early active motion rehabilitation protocol. The purpose of this study was to report early clinical results using the cruciate 4-strand repair for proximal zone I and zone II flexor tendon lacerations. Method: Thirty-five digits in thirty-one patients had proximal zone I (3 digits) or zone II (32 digits) flexor tendon lacerations which were repaired using the cruciate 4-strand technique and an epitendinous state. Average patient age was 30.8 years (range 9.7–63.7). An early active motion rehabilitation protocol was initiated an average of 1.5 days following tendon repair. The supervised therapy program was continued for 12 weeks post-operatively. Assessment of total active motion (TAM), as well as PIP and DIP TAM, grip strength, and joint contractures were recorded at 3 months and at 6 months or greater post-operatively. Functional assessments (using the Strickland and American Society of Surgery for the Hand criteria) were performed for each patient at 3 and 6 month intervals. Results: All patients were followed for a minimum three-month period. At 3 months postoperatively, there were 16 excellent, 7 good, 6 fair, and 6 poor results by the Strickland criteria, and 12 excellent, 15 good, 7 fair, and 1 poor by the ASSH criteria. Total active motion averaged 225° (±44°), PIP and DIP motion averaged 136° (±40°). Grip strength was available for 17 patients and averaged 60% of the contralateral, uninvolved hand. By 6 months or greater postoperatively there were 18 digits available for follow-up. There were 15 excellent results and 3 good results by the Strickland criteria, and 11 excellent and 7 good results by the ASSH criteria. Six patients had PIP contractures averaging 11° (range 3–15°), and two patients had DIP contractures averaging 13° (range 5–20°). Total active motion averaged 257° (±22°), and PIP and DIP motion averaged 166° (±22°). Grip strength was available on 14 patients and averaged 91% of the contralateral hand. To date, of the patients followed up to 6 months or longer, there have been no ruptures, no re-operations for tenolysis, and no loss of motion. Conclusion: Early clinical results using the cruciate 4-strand suture technique for flexor tendon repair have demonstrated outcomes equivalent or superior to other methods. The relative simplicity of the technique, with biomechanical strength properties facilitating a modified early active motion rehabilitation protocol, may make this method of repair attractive. Further clinical studies will need to be performed to determine the long-term efficacy of this method of tendon repair

Aims

To analyze the short-term outcome of two types of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) in terms of wrist function, migration, and periprosthetic bone behaviour.

Aims

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) treatment changed since the introduction of denosumab from purely surgical towards a multidisciplinary approach, with recent concerns of higher recurrence rates after denosumab. We evaluated oncological, surgical, and functional outcomes for distal radius GCTB, with a critically appraised systematic literature review.