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.

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.

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.

The axillary nerve injuries most commonly are observed after trauma such as contusion-stretch, gunshot wound, laceration and iatrogenic injuries. Two of the most commons causes seem to be the glenohumeral dislocation and the proximal humerus fractures. The axillary nerve may sustain a simple contusion, or its terminal elements may be avulsed from the deltoid muscle. Compressive neuropathy in the quadrilateral space also has been reported (quadrilateral space syndrome, Calhill and Palmer, 1983). The axillary nerve injuries incidence represents less than 1% of all nerve injuries.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze outcome in patients, who presented with injuries to the axillary nerve

Material and methods: We report a series of 15 cases of axillary nerve lesions, which were operated between 1995 and 2002. These injuries resulted from shoulder injury either with or without fracture and or dislocation.

Patients were operated between 3 to 6 months after trauma and an anterior deltopectoral approach was usually followed during surgery. The follow up period ranged from 1 to 8 years.

Results: The results were considered as satisfactory in 11 out of 15 axillary nerve lesions. According to clinical examination, of the function of the shoulder and the muscle strength the results were classified as excellent in 5 cases, good in 6 cases and poor in 4 cases.

Conclusions: If indicated, nerve repair can lead to useful function in carefully selected patients

Aims: To determine the effect of fracture and immobilization on bone mineral density and mechanical parameters in postemenopausal women with a distal radius fracture. Methods: Seventeen postmenopausal women with a distal radius fracture with an indication for conservative treatment were included in the study. pQCT measurements of the fractured forearm were performed 2–3 days after the fracture, at 10 days after the fracture and at cast removal (35–45 days). All measurements were performed at a 10mm, 20mm and 40mm distance from a reference line set at the most proximal part of the distal radioulnar joint. Cortical, trabecular and total density and SSIx, SSIy and SSIpolar parameters were assessed. Results: At the fractured forearm, a high statistically signiþcant decrease of cortical density was observed only between second measurement and cast removal at 10 and 20mm (p< 0.01) Total density was not signiþcantly altered and trabecular density at 10mm was signiþcantly increased at cast removal compared to values at the time of the fracture (p< 0.01). Subcortical bone density at 10mm was also signiþcantly decreased at cast removal (p< 0.01). At cast removal, SSIx and SSI-polar parameters of the fractured forearm were also statistically signiþcantly decreased at distances of 10 and 20mm (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Distal radius fractures in postmenopausal women treated conservatively lead to a decrease of cortical density and an increase of trabecular density near the fracture site. They also aggravate bending and torsional mechanical properties. The shift from cortical bone to trabecular bone seems to be time-dependent and is signiþcant at cast removal.

Purpose: We will present our experience regarding sub-capital femoral fractures that were treated by cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty with Chanley stem during the years 1987 to 2002.

Method: We treated 159 patients with subcapital femoral fractures, type Garden stage 3 and 4. Of those 57 were men and 102 women aged between 65 and 85 years old. All the patients underwent surgical treatment by the same surgeon team, using cemented bipolar hemi-arthroplasty Hastings types, with Chanley stem. The preferred surgical approach was the anterolateral with partial incision of the gluteus medius muscle and preservation of the posterior capsule of the hip joint, so that the prosthesis would be stable and the abductor muscles retained their strength.

Results: The observation time ranged from 6 months to 15 years. During this period 38 patients passed away and 24 never returned for follow up. The observed complications were: 1 aseptic loosening of the femoral stem that was dealt with THA, 1 superficial inflammation that was taken care of with surgical cleaning and antibiotic administration and 1 dislocation of the metal cup (with the internal polyethylene bearing) from the femoral stem that was corrected by OR. Postoperative hip mobility was found to be excellent (62%), fair (32%), poor (6%). 6 patients reported light to moderate pain during walking. We observed that the dual motion of the bipolar prosthesis is considerably reduced and eventually disappears over time.

Conclusions: From our long time experience regarding subcapital femoral fractures types Garden 3 and 4 in patients aged between 65 and 80 years old, we believe that the cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a very good method of choice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome.

Between 1990–2002, 46 patients, 15 male and 31 female aged ranging from 23 to 49 years old (mean age 34 years) underwent decompressive surgery of the thoracic outlet syndrome. Some 9 patients required bilateral operations. Symptoms due to compression of neural elements were present in 23 patients, of vascular elements in 12 patients and of both elements in 11 patients. The duration of symptoms was less than 2 years in 25 patients and 2 to 6 years in 21 patients. Operations consisted of scalenectomy in 47 cases with brachial plexus neurolysis for neurogenic indication, release of the pectoralis minor muscle insertion in 5 cases and cervical rib resection in 3 cases.

The follow up period ranged from 1 to 12 years (mean 5 years). The results were classified as excellent with symptoms elimination in 27 cases, good with symptoms significant improvement in 19 cases and poor with symptoms persistent or aggravation in 9 cases. First rib resection in 4 patients with poor results and release of the pectoralis minor muscle insertion in 1 patient leaded to significant improvement of their symptoms. Some 90% of patient with symptoms less than 2 years had a successful result compared with only 76% in those with symptoms longer than 2 years. Complications included pneumothorax in one case and temporary phrenic nerve palsy in another case.

A selective surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet syndrome yields satisfactory results in appropriately selected patients.