INTRODUCTION

The TFCC injuries are usually diagnosed by a coronal MRI. We have described the Float image for the diagnosis of peripheral injuries of the TFCC. In a sagital image parallel to the ulnar diaphysis and placed lateral to the ulnar fovea, we can observe the radiocubital dorsal and volar ligaments of the TFCC. A distance of more than 4mm between the dorsal edge of the meniscus and the joint capsule suggests the presence of TFCC peripheral rupture.

Objective: To present the experience of a Deparment of Neuroorthopedics in treatment of the severe deformities of the wrist using the technique of the wrist arthrodesis very often associated to other surgical procedures such as musculotendinous lengthenings and transfers.

Materials and Methods: 20 patients with neurological sequelae of cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke and other neurological disorders of the first motoneuron were retrospectively studied. Fusion of the wrist with an specific plate was performed on these patients.

Results: We reached the consolidation of the arthrodesis in a 100% of the cases between 8 and 12 weeks. We had some complications such as 3 cases of phlictenae and edema and 4 cases needed reoperations because of the appearance of secondary deformities previously not seen. 95% of the patient were satisfied and only one wouldn’t go under the same operation again.

Discusion: Despite many text books contraindicate wrist arthrodesis in patients with neurological sequelae because of the remote possibility that they may need the flexoextensiòn for the use of walker or crutches or manual or electric wheel-chairs, in our experience many patients benefit from this procedure to correct severe deformities that make their hands absolutely dysfunctional. Besides, the intervention provides the patients and their family with benefits in terms of hygiene, dressing, very often improvement of the pain and, why not, of the aesthetics. Some patients have also gained function, passing from a dysfunctional hand to a useful hand for the basic functions of life. Nowadays, for these kind of patients to be able to move one or two fingers, if they are correctly positioned, can be useful to manage a walker, a computer or a motorized wheel-chair.

Introduction. Prospective study based on professional sportsmen who affected from Chronicle Compartmental Syndrome in forearm and its treatment.

Material and methods. 32 Chronicle Compartmental Syndrome in forearm were studied in 24 patients. Our selection was composed by 16 men and 8 women. In 8 of our cases both forearms were operated. The age range was from 17 to 33 years of age. Their sportive activity included: 20 professional motorcyclists, 2 wind-surfers and 2 mountainbikers.

To demonstrate evidence of Chronicle Compartmental Syndrome we performed a diagnostic test based on the measure of the intracompartmental pressure after stimulating their usual sportive activity. We considered a positive test when the measured an IMP> 15 mmHg after effort. We also performed a dynamometric of their grip and strength of the thumb-index forceps before and after surgery.

Results. All 24 patients presented clinical and tests compatible with Chronicle Compartmental Syndrome in forearm during effort activities which reached severe range due to loss of sensibility and propioception.

- From 15 to 20 mmHg of IMP after effort, 8 cases.

Minimal invasive surgery based on fasciotomy was performed to release compartmental pressure in flexor and extensor compartments of the forearm.

Conclusions. We can conclude that after fasciotomy most of our patients improve either clinically and diagnostic tests results, without strength loss, and are able to return to their usual activity completely recovered in a short period of time

Introduction. Prospective comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of the ultrasound diagnosis vs MRI in rupture of the Triangular fibrocartilage with arthroscopic confirmation.

Material and methods. 55 patients presenting clinical wrist pain were studied from January’2004 untill september 2006. Our patient selection was composed by 30 men and 25 women, and the age range was 17 to 70 years old. 40 were Right-handed and 15 Left-Handed. Patients presented wrist pain related to several disorders. Our protocol included Sonography with a 11–MHz linear array probe using real-time compound spatial imaging and 1T-MRI studies. Wrist arthroscopy was performed in all of them.

Results. 67 % of our patients presented Triangular fibrocartilage rupture at arthroscopy. The distribution of our patients related to the complementary tests was:

- Arthroscopy (+) 37 cases out of 50 (64%)

According to this results we can easily calculate the sensibility/specificity and PPV/PNV of both tests:

- Ultrasound Sensibility/Specificity: 58,3 %/36,8 %

Conclusions. Due to the results we obtained in our study, we can consider ultrasound as sensible and specific as MRI at diagnosis for the rupture of the Triangular fibrocartilage. In our opinion we conclude that neither MRI nor ultrasound results should be considered satisfactory for a proper diagnosis. This could be sorted out by the use of more resolutive MRI and ultrasound equipments.

Purpose: Objective, prospective study of professional athletes with chronic forearm compartment syndrome and treatment.

Materials and methods: We studied 18 cases of chronic compartment syndrome in 12 patients. The sample consisted of 12 men in an age range of 17 to 33. Both forearms were involved in six cases. Sixteen patients were motorcyclists and two were windsurfers. The clinical picture was compatible with chronic compartment syndrome. For confirmation the compartment pressure was measured after simulating each person’s activity. The test was considered positive when the pressure measured 15′ after exercise was > 15 mmHg.

Results: The 12 patients presented clinical pictures and compartment pressure test results compatible with severe chronic compartment syndrome of the forearm with loss of sensitivity and proprioception. We found compartment pressures of 15–20 mmHg 15′ after exercise in two cases, 20–30 mmHg in six cases and > 30 mmHg in ten. The flexor and extensor compartments of the forearm were released by minimally invasive surgery.

Conclusions: We can conclude that fasciotomy was followed by clinical improvement with no evidence of loss of strength, and the athlete was able to play again within a short time.