PURPOSE: We describe the results of 64 patients who underwent treatment for acute distal biceps tendon rupture using a single incision and suture anchors. The purpose of the study is to evaluate if this method is reliable and if it can reduse the risk of ectopic bone formation or synostosis.

Methods: 64 patients underwent surgical repair for acute rupture of the distal biceps tendon, using suture anchors and a single incision. All performed by 1 surgeon. We had 63 male and 1 female with a mean age of 48 years (range 30–59). Our operative technique consisted of an “S”-shaped anterior incision centered over the antecubital fossa. After identification and protection of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, we exposed and mobilized the ruptured biceps tendon. The distal portion of the tendon was debrided and the radial tuberosity gently decorticated. A 4 stranded suture was then inserted into the tuberosity. The tendon was advanced to bone and the sutures were tied using the modification of Kessler’s technique, holding the elbow in 90° of flexion. The post-op protocol was a posterior splint for 10 days (in 90° of flexion and 20° of supination), a dynamic hinged-extension block brace in 45° for 3 weeks and progressive advancement to full extension in 3 more weeks. Strengthening exercises were permitted after 3 months.

Results: All acute tears (< 3 weeks) were repaired anatomically. The follow-up period was 39 months (range 18m – 11years). Objective data consisted of ROM (range of motion) of the elbow, flexion and supination strength were measured by a BTE Work Stimulator. The ROM was normal in 54 patients, 10 patients lacked 10° of extension. 51 patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity and within 6 months returned to work. All patients reported pain relief and good recovery of strength and were completely satisfied of the outcome. There were no implant failures, nerve palsies or heterotopic bone formation.

Conclusions: Use of a single incision repair with bone suture anchors provides secure fixation of distal biceps tendon to the radius with minimal volar dissection wich is associated with a minimum risk of synostosis and posterior interosseous nerve injuries. This method is reliable for acute ruptures. Return to normal strength and range of motion can be expected if tendon repair is performed before 3 weeks. The advantages of this method are less dissection for re-attachment of the tendon, less nerve injuries and no ectopic bone formation or synostosis.

PURPOSE: We describe a new technique for the treatment of painful instability of the distal ulna after Darrach procedure using an allograft as a mechanical interposition. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the results of this technique.

Methods: In this study we report on 17 patients who underwent revision of their Darrach procedure using an allograft (human Achilles tendon allograft). The average age of the patients was 47 years (range 39–68) and the average time after the original procedure was 15 months. The indication for the revision surgery in all patients was incapacitating pain over the distal stump of the ulna which increased during pronation or supination and with active grip. Pain was assessed using a VAS (Visual Analog Scale). Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. All patients had instability of the distal ulna, and crepitus or palpable “clicking” during forearm rotation. Radiographs of all patients demonstrated erosion of the medial cortex of the radius, indicating impingment.

Technique: 2 or 3 suture anchors were placed into the medial cortex of the radius, proximal to the sigmoid notch where the impingment occurred. An adequate amount of the allograft was then sutured into an anchovy. The size of the allograft was determined by pronating and supinating the involved forearm with pressure applied to the ulnar aspect of the ulna to assess crepitus. Sutures were placed through the allograft, creating a pillow-shaped spacer. Two or three drill holes were then placed into the distal ulna for fixation of the allograft to the ulna. With final allograft placement there should be significant padding between the radius and the ulna to prevent any palpable crepitus during forearm rotation under compression.

Results: After an average follow-up time of 34 months all patients were re-evaluated by subjective assessment, range of motion, grip strength, pain relief and radiographs. We report 16 patients with good and excellent results and 1 patient with persistent complaints (our first patient). There were no radiographic changes noted.

Conclusions: The use of an allograft as a mechanical interposition between the radius and the ulna has not been described previously. With this technique there is no need for a metallic prosthesis and as much bulk graft as necessary is obtainable. We believe that this technique is an excellent alternative to metal arthroplasty for reconstruction of difficult cases of failed distal ulna resection.

PURPOSE: Trapezial excision with ligament reconstruction combined with tendon interposition has proven to be a highly effective technique for the treatment of OA of the CMC joint. We believe the same procedure is possible with use of modern orthobiologics.

Methods: 35 patients underwent surgical treatment for CMC arthritis with a new technique using Graft Jacket (Wright Med.) instead of FCR. Graft Jacket is an acellular human collagen (dermis) allograft. It is rapidly revascularized, repopulated with host cells and has high tensile strength.

Technique: The Graft Jacket was rehydrated and cut to create a 15cm strip. It was then placed around or sutured to the FCR (the anchor) and passed into the intramedullary cavity of the metacarpal as in the standard LRTI procedure. The remaining Graft Jacket is sutured together as an anchovy to fill the former trapezium gap, so that both suspension and interposition occurred. The mean age of the patients was 56 years and the median follow-up period was 1 year. All patients had marked pain and radiographic evidence of severe arthritis before surgery. Pain, grip and pinch (tip and key) strength, stability and range of motion were measured pre- and post-operatively. Pain was assessed on a VAS (Visual Analog Scale). The ability to perform ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) requiring use of the thumb and to return to work were analyzed as well. Following surgery all thumbs were immobilized in a static splint for 10 days and then were placed into a removable orthoplast splint for 4–6 weeks. Radiographic examination was performed in all patients at the 10th post-op day, and also at 2 and 6 months after surgery.

Results: Significants improvements were seen with grip strength (average 25lb) and tip (average 3.5lb) and key (average 4.5lb) pinch strength as well as palmar and radial abduction (average 25o). Pain was significantly reduced with an average of 6.0 on the VAS. There were no foreign body reactions or other infections in our series.

Conclusions: This study showed that excellent results can be achieved in strength, pain reduction, range of motion and ADLs with this new technique in which Graft Jacket was utilized instead of FCR in ligament reconstruction and interposition arthroplasty of the CMC joint. Our results indicate less morbidity than with use of FCR (swelling, ecchymosis or weakness) with excellent final outcomes.

The results of surgical treatment of post-traumatic elbow contractures in adolescence have been conflicting in the literature. Some authors suggest that contracture release in this age group is less predictable and results less favorable than in adults. A retrospective review of the senior author’s patients produced 16 patients under the age of 21 that had post-traumatic elbow contracture releases. Three patients with arthroscopic releases and one patient lost to follow up were excluded from this study.

Twelve adolescent patients (mean age 16.7 years, range 13–21) had open release of post-traumatic elbow contractures. All releases were initiated through a lateral approach with anterior capsular release and were supplemented by posterior release (in 4 patients) through the same incision. Medial-sided pathology was addressed through a separate medial incision in 3 patients. In three patients the radial head was excised. Muscle lengthening was used in only one patient.

The mean follow-up was 18.9 months (range 10–42 months). Preoperative flexion was increased from 113 to 129deg (p< 0.01), extension from −51 to −15deg (p< 0.001) for a mean total gain of 54deg in the flexion-extension arc (p< 0.001). Pronation was improved from 58 to 77deg and supination from 56 to 62deg, but these improvements did not reach statistical significance. At the final follow-up the patients maintained 93% of the motion that was achieved intraoperatively. All patients achieved a functional ROM of at least 100deg in the flexion-extension arc. No patient lost motion. One patient had a superficial infection that was treated conservatively

Our experience with post-traumatic contracture release in adolescent patients has been rewarding; all patients reached a functional range of motion. The advantage of the lateral approach used in these patients is that it allows simple and safe access to the anterior capsule, which is often adequate to regain full extension. Through the same approach the posterior structures can also be addressed without violating the lateral collateral ligament. The medial approach is more demanding and was reserved only for patients with medial sided pathology. Fractional musculotendinous lengthening was rarely necessary in post-traumatic contractures. Open release in adolescent patients with congruent stiff elbows has yielded satisfactory results in our hands.

Despite the widespread use of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) allografts there are few clinical studies comparing DBM to iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG). A comparison of DBM to ICBG is presented in patients who underwent four corner fusions of the wrist by one surgeon using identical operating technique.

The senior author’s first fourteen consecutive patients in which DBM was used for four corner fusion were compared with fourteen patients selected from a total of 48 patients in which ICBG was used. The ICBG group was matched for age, indication and healing impairing co-morbidities (mainly smoking). Patient radiographs from the 8th, 12th and 24th postoperative week follow up were digitized and blinded. Three orthopaedic surgeons, not involved in the patients care, rated the degree of bony union in a scale of 0 (no evidence of healing) to 3 (solid bony healing). The operating technique and fixation was identical in all patients. K-wires were removed at a mean of 8.2 weeks for DBM and 7.7 weeks for the ICBG group.

All patients had a minimum follow-up of one year. All fusions healed both radiographically and clinically without complications. Review of the radiographs revealed significantly less visible healing at 8 weeks in the DBM group (mean score 1.50 versus 1.74 of the ICBG group, p< .05). Lower scores were also obtained for the DBM group at 12 and 24 weeks but they did not reach statistical significance.

In this study both DBM and ICBG were equally effective in achieving solid bone union for intercarpal fusions. However, the statistical power of this series is not adequate to conclude that healing rates are equal between the two graft materials. The radiographic appearance of bridging bone lagged behind in the DBM group. The biological significance of this finding is not clear; it could indicate delayed mineralization at the fusion site. Such a delay may be significant in graft choice for patients with healing impairment.

Arthroscopic debridement and pinning is not considered to be effective in dynamic scapholunate (SL) instability treated more than three months post injury; open procedures (capsulodesis, tenondesis, SL ligament reconstruction, intercarpal fusions) are preferred for these patients. The best procedure for this problem is yet to be determined. A restrospective review of the senior author’s records produced thirteen patients with late presenting dynamic SL instability who were unwilling to undergo an open procedure and were treated initially with aggressive arthroscopic debridement and pinning. The mid-term results of this approach are presented.

Eleven of the initial thirteen patients were available for follow-up. Their mean age was 36 years (range 23–50) and the mean time elapsed from injury was 7 months (range 4.5–10). The diagnosis of dynamic SL instability was based on a positive Watson’s test, SL gapping on grip view radiographs and arthroscopic findings of a Geissler type III (in 5 patients) or type IV (in 6 patients) SL tear. The SL angle was under 550 in all patients. The procedure included aggressive arthroscopic debridement of the torn portion of the SL ligament to bleeding bone in an effort to induce scar formation in the SL interval. The SL interval was subsequently reduced and pinned (with 2 pins through the SL and one pin in the scaphocapitate joint) under fluoroscopy. The pins were removed at a mean of 9.6 weeks (range 8–14).

The mean follow-up was 36 months (range 12–76). Three patients were re-operated at 9, 10 and 11 months after the initial procedure. Re-operations included a dorsal capsulodesis, a four-corner fusion and a wrist arthrodesis. The eight remaining patients achieved two excellent, four good, one fair and one poor result with the Mayo wrist score. Patients diagnosed with Geissler III tears were found to be younger and achieved better final wrist score (mean 86 points versus 76 points in patients with Geissler IV tears). Two pin track infections were treated conservatively.

Late (more than three months post injury) arthroscopic debridement and pinning was found to be only moderately successful for dynamic SL instability (6 out of 11 patients achieved a good or excellent result without re-operation). This approach, however, does not preclude subsequent open surgery. It is best suited for patients with Geissler type III tears (not a gross drive through sign) who are unwilling to undergo an extensive open procedure provided they understand the risks and benefits of this approach.

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.

Distal biceps tendon rupture can lead, if left untreated, to substantial and appreciated decline of elbow flexion and forearm supination strength. In chronic cases (seen more than 6 weeks after injury) retraction of the muscle can render reattachment of the tendon to the bicipital tuberosity impossible. In this setting non-anatomic attachment of the biceps to the underlying brachialis is usually elected but this is not suitable for patients with high functional demands.

Eight male patients (mean age 40 years, range 30–52 years) with chronic distal biceps ruptures (mean time from injury 28 weeks, range 12–38 weeks) underwent distal biceps reconstruction. Five patients presented with pain and weakness during elbow loading (four with lateral antebrachial cutaneus (LAC) nerve distribution dysesthesias) and three with weakness alone. Indications for distal biceps reconstruction were a) inability to approximate the tendon stump to the bicipital tuberosity with the elbow in less than 700 of flexion after relaxing incisions to the epimysium were made and b) high functional demands in pronosupination in the patients occupation or recreational activities.

In the first patient in this series autologous fascia latta was used for reconstruction and in the seven subsequent patients an Achilles tendon allograft. Through an one-incision anterior approach the graft was secured to the biceps remnant and was attached to the bicipital tuberosity using suture anchors.

The mean follow up was 32 months (range 14–48 months). All patients were pain free and had returned to their previous occupation. Mean elbow flexion was 145 deg with an extension deficit of 10 deg observed in only one patient. The mean pronosupination was 170 deg. All patients had 5/5 strength of elbow flexion and supination on manual testing. Subjective weakness in supination was reported by one patient. The mean supination strength (tested using a BTE Work Simulator) was 87% of the contrallateral healthy extremity. Seven achieved an excellent and one a good rating in the Mayo elbow performance score. No complications were encountered.

Distal biceps reconstruction with Achilles tendon allograft using a one incision technique and suture anchors for reattachment provides an excellent alternative to non- anatomic repair in patients with a chronic retracted distal biceps rupture. Patients involved in activities that require strength in supination are most likely to benefit from this reconstruction.

Aim: Adequate length is an important prerequisite for a functional digit. Over the last 20 years small external fixators have been developed allowing the principles of distraction osteogenesis to be applied to the small bones of the hand. We present our experience in digital lengthening with the contemporary designs of external fixators. Methods: From 1998 to 2001, 20 patients (26 rays) were treated with metacarpal or phalangeal lengthening through distraction osteogenesis using a monolateral frame with two half-pins on each site of the osteotomy. The mean age of the patients was 21 years (6–48) and indications included traumatic amputation in 13 and congenital amputation (transverse deficiency, brachydactyly, constriction band syndrome) in 7. The mean distraction period was 3 weeks and the mean consolidation period 7 weeks. No protective splinting or additional bone grafting was necessary. Results: The distraction callus consolidated in all patients. The mean total length gained was 17,5 mm (68% of the original length). The mean treatment time was 2,8 days for every mm of length gained. One patient suffered angulation at the distraction site and the fixator had to be revised. No infection, fracture or half pin loosening were observed. Conclusions: Callotasis is a reliable technique for digital ray lengthening. Meticulous surgical technique and close observation of the patient during the distraction phase are necessary in order to avoid complications. Over 2 cm of lengthening can be achieved without bone grafting

Aim: To investigate the natural history and the impact of reconstruction in shoulder deformities due to obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. Methods: Pre and postoperative CT scans of bilateral upper extremities of 28 patients with obstetrical palsy were studied. The age during the preoperative CT scan ranged from 1.5 months to 10 years (average: 4 ± 3 years). 17 patients had Erbñs palsy and 11 global plexus involvement. Eighteen had primary shoulder reanimation mainly via intraplexus neurotization. Palliative surgery in 25 patients included trapezius transfer for shoulder abduction, adductors release and rerouting of the latissimus dorsi and terres major for external rotation, scapula stabilization and rotational osteotomy of the humerus. The CT measurements included: humeral head retroversion, spinoscapular angle, glenoid fossa inclination, congruence of the humeral head to the glenoid and distance of the lower angle of the scapula from the midline. Results: Preoperatively the humeral head was subluxated or dislocated posteriorly and had decreased retroversion. The hypoplastic scapula had winging and increased distance from the midline, while the glenoid fossa was more retroverted. Postoperatively all the above measurements were improved. Conclusions: Novel measurements on CT scans of bilateral shoulders provide valuable information. Surgical intervention signiþcantly improves the functional anatomy and the dynamics of the shoulder joint.

Aim: To study the functional outcome ofmusculocutaneous nerve neurotization in brachial plexus palsy patients. Methods: From 1998 to 2001, 51 adult patients (mean age 24,6 years) with posttraumatic brachial plexus palsy were operated. Exploration of the brachial plexus was performed in 39 patients with a mean denervation time of 6 months (1 to 14 months). Seven patients had an extended infraclavicular lesion, while from the 32 supraclavicular lesions, 21 had the element of avulsion (4 global, 10 four-root and 7 three-roots avulsions). Neurotization of the musculocutaneous was performed in 25 via nerve grafts from intraplexus donors (C5, C6, C7)and from extraplexus donors in 14. In 7 patients, the phrenic was used alone or with intraplexus donor (5), in 3 cases the accessory nerve, in one patient the accessory and cervical plexus motor branches and þnally in 3 patients 3 intercostal nerves were used. Results: All intraplexus neurotizations of the musculocutaneous nerve, but two, regained useful biceps function (M3+ to M4+). From the extraplexus neurotizations the phrenic n. as a conjunctant donor gave functional result, when used alone gave M3 and M3−; the accessory n. gave M3+ in combination with cervical motors and M3− when used alone. The intercostal neurotizations gave M2+ and M3−. Conclusions: In brachial plexus paralysis, when avulsion is present the reconstruction often is based in extraplexus donors. The return of biceps function is greater and faster when intraplexus donors are used. Extraplexus neurotizations yield satisfactory results used in combinations Vertebral osteoporosis and fracture

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.

Complex hand injuries are those which involve more than one functionally significant anatomic structure of the hand (i.e vessels, nerves, tendons, bones). The epidemiologic and management characteristics of these injuries, encountered in a specialized center covering an urban and agricultural population, were recorded and studied.

Between 1997 and 2002 the Orthopaedic Department of the University of Ioannina surgically treated 211 complex hand injuries in 190 patients with a mean age of 35 year (range 2.5–73). The majority of patients were male (89%). The incidence of these injuries was low at the extremes of the age distribution (children and adults over 60 years old). The greatest incidence was in the 15–30 year old age group. The mechanism of the injury was found to be clean cut trauma in 31% and avulsion or crushing in 69%; with the later being frequent agricultural injuries. Fifty-nine per cent of the injuries were viable, while 41% where non-viable (complete amputation in 63% and incomplete in 37%). Of the non viable injuries 66% eventually underwent stump configuration. Primary repair of only one anatomical structure was performed in 58%, most commonly osteosynthesis and tendon suturing. In 42% primary repair of more than one structure was performed, most commonly osteosynthesis and tendonorrhaphy in avulsion injuries and neuroraphy combined with tendonorrhaphy in clean cut injuries.

Complex hand injuries are frequently seen in young male adults and the most common mechanism of injury is avulsion-crushing. Most of them are work-related accidents, so prevention should focus on adherence to safety guidelines. Management of such injuries requires special surgical techniques and expertise, necessary for staged reconstruction.

Purpose: Vascular injuries occur in approximately 3% of all patients with major civilian trauma and peripheral vascular injuries account for 80% of all cases of vascular trauma. Upper extremity arterial injuries represents about 30% of all cases arterial trauma. The present study was designed to document and analyze the respective role of arterial damage and associated injuries on functional outcomes after upper extremity arterial trauma.

Material and Methods: Excluding the arterial injuries resulting in immediate amputation there were 57 patients who sustained arterial trauma of the upper extremity. Their mean age was 33 years (range 4–68 years), and 40 were males and 19 were females. The most frequently injured vessel was the ulnar artery (42%) followed by the brachial artery (29.8%), radial artery (26.3%) and axillary artery (1.7%). Concomitant fractures or nerve injuries were present in 54% and 45% respectively.

Results: An average of 5.6 hours elapsed between the time of injury and the time of vessel reconstruction. The most common method of surgical management was end to end anastomosis. Twenty one autogenous vein grafts were employed. Primary nerve repair was carried out in 29 patients and in another 18 secondary repair was performed. None of patients had any residual compromise from the arterial injury.

Discussion: Vascular injuries are potentially limb threatening. Improvements in the technical ability to revascularize injured extremities and advances in microsurgery, resulting in the low present day limb loss rate associated with attempted vascular repairs. Associated injuries, rather than vascular injuries, cause long-term disability in the trauma of the upper extremity. Persistent nerve deficits, joint contractures and pain are principal reasons for functional impairment

Purpose: The first 50 free flap operations performed at our clinic by the same surgical team were reviewed and assessed as to the cause and location of the defects, donor sites, complications and results. An attempt was then made to determine what could be learned from this experience.

Material and Methods: There were 46 males and 4 females who underwent free flap operations (mean age, 28.5 years; range 6 to 56 years). The lower extremity was the most frequent site of defect (72.5%). The next most frequent sites were the arm and the hand (27.5%). Trauma was by far the most common cause. Latissimus dorsi and forearm flap were the most useful flaps. Fractures in the wound were present in 26 patients.

Results: The fate of the flaps has been analysed. In two latissimus dorsi flap emergency re-exploration was performed and were successfully managed. Two flaps, underwent necrosis, due to thrombosis at the site of arterial anastomosis. Two flaps were lost due to inappropriate blood flow of the recipient vessels. Other complications included pressure ulcer, infection, and hematoma. The overall survival rate of the 50 cases was 92%.

Discussion: Limb reconstructive surgery has significantly improved and expanded with the use of microsurgical techniques. Evaluation of the recipient vessels is always the first priority. The choice of the flap, specially regarding the length and size of the pedicle is also very crucial in order to achieve good results. In addition important factors seemed to be: improvement in techique of micro-vascular anastomosis, diseased vessels, vascular spasm, hypotension, postoperative edema, and hematoma. We believe that an “orthoplastic” approach in covering soft tissue defects is beneficial.

Natural history studies of scaphoid non-unions focus on symptomatic non-unions. As a consequence, neither the real incidence nor the long-term sequels of asymptomatic scaphoid pseudarthrosis have been sufficiently studied.

Three adult patients (38, 40 and 79 years of age) with long-standing asymptomatic scaphoid non-union are presented. The lesions were identified in radiographs taken in the accident and emergency department after new injuries. All patients could recall the initial fracture, which occurred 17.5, 20 and 40 years respectively before the index examination.

Although all the patients were heavy manual workers and in two the non-union occurred in their dominant upper extremity, none could recall pain during activities. Radiographic evidence of carpal malalignment and/or arthritis was noted in all patients. At the 3-month follow-up after the new injury all patients remained asymptomatic with only mild limitations in the range of motion.

With evolving trends of ORIF in unstable scaphoid fractures, there is need for larger-scale natural history studies that include asymptomatic scaphoid non-unions. Such lesions are currently poorly understood and their treatment (if one is needed) remains unclear.

Although primary flexor tendon repair in children yields satisfactory results, some children end up with poor function because of delay in diagnosis, technical difficulties and the inability to follow a structured rehabilitation program. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome after two stage reconstruction with the modified Paneva technique (which includes creating a loop between the proximal stumps of Flexor Digitorum Profundus and Superficialis in the first stage and reflecting the latter as a “pedicled” graft through the pseudosheath created around the silicone rod, in the second stage) in children.

Nine patients (nine digits) with a mean age of 8.2 year (range 3–15) were treated for zone II lesions. Their pre- operative status in the Boyes and Hunter scale was grade 2 in three, grade 3 in three, grade 4 in one and grade 5 in two patients.

After a mean of 42 months of follow-up (minimum 12 months), according to the Buck-Gramco scale there were four excellent, four good and one poor result and according to the revised Strickland scale three excellent, five good and one poor. Children over the age of 10 had slightly improved Total Active Motion (mean +35°) compared to younger patients. No significant length discrepancies were noted. Two postoperative infections were treated and one graft-related re-operation was necessary.

Staged flexor tendon reconstruction in children is technically feasible and efficient. Delaying such a reconstruction in younger children does not seem justified.

The symptomatic non-union of the scaphoid, if left untreated, will eventually lead to established arthritis and by that time important alterations in carpal geometry will have occurred. The aim of this paper is to study the carpal geometry in patients with symptomatic scaphoid non-union without arthritis or with early arthritic changes.

The pre-operative x-rays of 58 patients were retrospectively reviewed and x-rays of 35 of those fulfilling strict criteria for true projections were included (32 posteroanterior and 31 lateral views). Patients’ mean age was 31.3 years and mean time from fracture 50.4 months. The x-rays were digitized and measured using CAD methodology. The measured variables concerned the carpal height, possible displacement of the carpal bones and carpal instability. The non-unions were classified according to the Herbert and Fisher classification and were further categorized in two subgroups concerning the absence (14) or presence (21) of early arthritic changes in the radio-carpal or in one of the mid-carpal articulations (patients with established or generalized arthritis were excluded).

In total (and varying according to the method of measurement) up to 28% of the patients were presented with an affected carpal height, up to 17% with ulnar translocation of the wrist and up to 48% with a DISI pattern of instability. 62.5% of the patients (including patients without radiologicaly obvious arthritis) had increased radial height and radial inclination. After statistical analysis (ANOVA and regression analysis) no significant differences have been found between the morphological groups or between the two subgroups concerning early arthritis. A tendency of the lunate to translocate both in the coronal and the sagital plain simultaneously was found and the measurement methods were correlated.

In conclusion the carpal geometry in scaphoid non-union although altered does not seem to change significantly with the appearance of early arthritis and from this point of view treating non-union with early arthritis with bone grafting and osteosynthesis or even with additional radial osteotomy seems justified.

Aim: Adequate length is an important prerequisite for a functional digit. Over the last 20 years small external fixators have been developed allowing the principles of distraction osteogenesis to be applied to the small bones of the hand. We present our experience in digital lengthening with the contemporary designs of external fixators.

Methods: From 1998 to 2001, 14 patients (15 rays) were treated with metacarpal or phalangeal lengthening through distraction osteogenesis using a monolateral frame with two half-pins on each site of the osteotomy. The mean age of the patients was 21 years (7–48) and the indications were traumatic amputation in 8 and congenital amputation (transverse deficiency, brachydactyly, constriction band syndrome) in 6. The mean distraction period was 3 weeks and the mean consolidation period 7 weeks. No protective splinting or additional bone grafting was necessary.

Results: The distraction callus consolidated in all patients. The mean total length gained was 17, 5 mm (68% of the original length). The mean treatment time was 2, 8 days for every mm of length gained. One patient suffered angulation at the distraction site due to hardware failure and the fixator had to be revised and in another bony prominence was noted necessitating trimming. No infection, fracture or half pin loosening were observed.

Conclusions: Callotasis using contemporary monolateral external fixators is a reliable technique for digital ray lengthening. Meticulous preoperative planning and surgical technique and close observation of the patient during the distraction phase are necessary in order to avoid complications. Over 2 cm of lengthening can be achieved without bone grafting.

In late cases of brachial plexus palsy or when nerve reconstruction was not that beneficial, pedicled or free neurotized muscles i.e. latissimus dorsi are used to restore or enhance important functions i.e. elbow flexion or extention.

During the last three years, 43 patients with brachial plexus injuries were operated in our Clinic to reconstract the paralysed extremity. In nine of them, the ipsilateral latissimus dorsi was transferred as pedicled neurotized muscle to restore elbow flexion (seven patients) and elbow extension (two patients). Two patients had free latissimus dorsi transfer, which was neurotized directly via three intercostals. The neurovascular pedicle was dissected proximally up to the subclavian vessels and posterior cord, and the muscle was raised from its origin to its insertion and tailored to simulate the shape of biceps or triceps. Then it was passed via a subcutaneous tunnel on the anterior or posterior arm. The reattachment was done with Mitek anchors on the clavicle and the radial tuberosity (elbow flexion) or on the posterior edge of the acromion and the olecranon (elbow extension). The arm was immobilized in a prefabricated splint, which was removed after six to eight weeks.

After the first three months all patients had a powerful elbow flexion or extension. One of the free muscle transfers started to have elbow flexion after eight months and he is still progressing. In one patient skin necrosis and infection occurred near the elbow. The patient after IV antibiotics needed another operation to restore the distal insertion, using fascia lata.

Ipsilateral latissimus dorsi, if strong enough (at least M4), is an excellent transfer for elbow flexion or extension restoration or enhancement, in late cases of brachial plexus paralysis. Contralateral latissimus is an option when the ipsilateral is weak but it takes more time to function since there is a waiting period for reinnervation.