A prospective series of 32 cases with tuberculosis of the hand and wrist is presented. The mean age of the patients was 23.9 years (3 to 65), 12 had bony disease and 20 primarily soft-tissue involvement. The metacarpal of the little finger was the most commonly involved bone. Pain and swelling were the usual presenting features and discharging sinuses were seen in three cases. All patients were given anti-tubercular chemotherapy with four drugs. Operative treatment in the form of open or arthroscopic debridement, or incision and drainage of abscesses, was performed in those cases where no response was seen after eight weeks of ATT. Hand function was evaluated by the modified score of Green and O’Brien. The mean was 58.3 (25 to 80) before treatment and 90.5 (80 to 95) at the end. The mean follow-up was for 22.4 months (6 to 43). Conservative treatment was successful in 24 patients (75%). Eight who did not respond to chemotherapy within eight weeks required surgery. Although tuberculosis of hand has a varied presentation, the majority of lesions respond to conservative treatment

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome and complications of endoscopic versus open release for the treatment of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Patients with this condition were randomised to undergo either endoscopic (n = 27) or open release (n = 25). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were measured at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Scar satisfaction was measured using a VAS scale. The mean pain and DASH scores improved significantly at 12 weeks and 24 weeks (p <  0.001) in both groups. The scores were marginally lower in the endoscopic group compared to the open group at 12 weeks (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively); however, only the DASH score showed a clinically important difference. There were no differences between the groups at 24 weeks. The mean VAS scar satisfaction score was higher in the endoscopic group at 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Transient superficial radial nerve injury occurred in three patients in the endoscopic group compared with nine in the open release group (p = 0.033). We conclude that endoscopic release for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis seems to provide earlier improvement after surgery, with fewer superficial radial nerve complications and greater scar satisfaction, when compared with open release. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:947–51

Like athletes, musicians are vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries that can be career ending or have a severe negative financial impact. All ages are affected, with a peak incidence in the third and fourth decades. Women are slightly more likely to be affected than men. It is incumbent upon orthopaedic surgeons to be able to complete a thorough physical assessment, be aware of the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in musicians, and have a detailed knowledge of the specific syndromes they suffer and their appropriate treatment. In this paper we review the common hand injuries that afflict musicians and discuss their treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:146–50

Hand function was evaluated in 105 patients who had been operated on in early infancy for brachial plexus birth palsy. The mean follow-up after surgery was for 13.4 years (5.0 to 31.5). Fine sensation, stereognosis, grip and pinch strength and the Raimondi scale were recorded. Fine sensation was normal in 34 of 49 patients (69%) with C5–6 injury, 15 of 31 (48%) with C5–7 and in 8 of 25 (32%) with total injury. Loss of protective sensation or absent sensation was noted in some palmar areas of the hand in 12 of 105 patients (11%). Normal stereognosis was recorded in 88 of the 105 patients (84%), whereas only 9 of the 105 (9%) had normal grip strength. The mean Raimondi scale scores were 4.57 (3 to 5) (C5–6), 4.26 (1 to 5) (C5–7) and 2.16 (0 to 5) in patients with total injury. The location of impaired sensation was related to the distribution of the root injury. Avulsion type of injury correlated with poor recovery of hand function

Bone loss involving articular surface is a challenging problem faced by the orthopaedic surgeon. In the hand and wrist, there are articular defects that are amenable to autograft reconstruction when primary fixation is not possible. In this article, the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of articular reconstructions in the hand and wrist using non-vascularised osteochondral autografts are reviewed

The results of a cadaver dye-infusion experiment suggested that the hand has ten muscle compartments and that the volar interossei occupy a separate anatomical compartment from the adjacent dorsal interossei. This is not supported by clinical findings. With various minor modifications, we repeated the experiment, infusing Omnipaque into the second dorsal interosseus muscle of four cadaver hands. We used real-time CT imaging to monitor the spread of contrast medium and side-ported needles to measure compartmental pressures. In all four hands, the tissue barrier between dorsal and volar interossei became incompetent at pressures of less than 15 mmHg. Our data indicate that, although cadaver infusion studies can delineate potentially significant musculoskeletal barriers, their physiological relevance must be confirmed clinically

Locognosia, the ability to localise touch, is one aspect of tactile spatial discrimination which relies on the integrity of peripheral end-organs as well as the somatosensory representation of the surface of the body in the brain. The test presented here is a standardised assessment which uses a protocol for testing locognosia in the zones of the hand supplied by the median and/or ulnar nerves. The test-retest reliability and discriminant validity were investigated in 39 patients with injuries to the median or ulnar nerve. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to calculate the test-retest reliability. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing the injured with the unaffected hand. Excellent test-retest reliability was demonstrated for the injuries to the median (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.924, 95% confidence interval 0.848 to 1.00) and the ulnar nerves (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.859, 95% confidence interval 0.693 to 1.00). The magnitude of the difference in scores between affected and unaffected hands showed good discriminant validity. For injuries to the median nerve the mean difference was 11.1 points (1 to 33; . sd. 7.4), which was statistically significant (p < 0.0001, paired t-test) and for those of the ulnar nerve it was 4.75 points (1 to 13.5; . sd. 3.16), which was also statistically significant (paired t-test, p < 0.0001). The locognosia test has excellent test-retest reliability, is a valid test of tactile spatial discrimination and should be included in the evaluation of outcome after injury to peripheral nerves

We systematically reviewed all the evidence published in the English language on proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) replacement, to determine its effectiveness on the function of the hand and the associated post-operative complications. Original studies were selected if they reported clinical outcome with a minimum of one year’s follow-up. Quality was assessed using the Cowley systematic review criteria modified for finger-joint replacements. Of 319 articles identified, only five were adequately reported according to our quality criteria; there were no randomised controlled trials. PIPJ replacements had a substantial effect size on hand pain of -23.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) -27.3 to -19.1) and grip strength 1.2 (95% CI -10.7 to 13.1), and a small effect on range of movement 0.2 (95% CI -0.4 to 0.8). A dorsal approach was most successful. Post-operative loosening occurred in 10% (95% CI 3 to 30) of ceramic and 12.5% (95% CI 7 to 21) of pyrocarbon replacements. Post-operative complications occurred in 27.8% (95% CI 20 to 37). We conclude that the effectiveness of PIPJ replacement has not been established. Small observational case studies and short-term follow-up, together with insufficient reporting of patient data, functional outcomes and complications, limit the value of current evidence. We recommend that a defined core set of patients, surgical and outcome data for this intervention be routinely and systematically collected within the framework of a joint registry

The different attributes of the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) questionnaire were investigated in 80 patients with a fracture of the scaphoid. Assessments were made at 2, 8, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Reliability was assessed by measurement of the internal consistency of the different questions in 275 completed PEM forms. Cronbach’s alpha, which needs to lie between 0.7 and 0.9, was 0.9 for the PEM. Pain, tenderness, swelling, wrist movement and grip strength correlated with the PEM score confirming the validity of the assessment. Changes in the different variables between visits correlated significantly with changes in the PEM score; its effect size and standardised response mean were comparable to those of grip strength and movement, confirming the responsiveness of this questionnaire. Gender, dominance and the side injured did not influence the scores. Older patients had a poorer outcome as assessed by the score which appeared to be a true effect and not age bias. Our study confirmed that the PEM is a reliable, valid and responsive instrument in assessing outcomes of disorders of the hand

Our aim in this prospective study was to evaluate a minimally invasive technique for percutaneous arthrodesis of the small joints in the hand. Thirteen arthrodeses were undertaken in 11 patients, eight women and three men. After the percutaneous removal of articular cartilage, the bony surfaces were aligned in a predetermined position and stabilised using a percutaneous screw system. The mean follow-up was 38.6 months (36 to 56). Bony union was achieved in 12 cases (ten patients) between nine and 12 weeks after surgery. In one patient a second operation was required to obtain union and another developed a painless nonunion after premature removal of the implants

We report two cases of bilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CCS) in the forearmand hand. Measurement of the intramuscular pressure was useful for diagnosis. These two cases illustrate that bilateral CCS should be suspected in patients complaining of bilateral exercise-induced pain in the anconeus muscle, the forearms, the thenar and hypothenar regions and in the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Fasciotomy relieved the pain in both cases

One pattern of injury to the brachial plexus shows recovery of the fifth and sixth cervical nerves but little else. These patients have useful shoulders and functional elbow flexion, but elbow and wrist extension is weak or absent. Their hand function is negligible. We restored hand function in three such patients using free functioning muscle transfer for finger flexion and transfer of the sensory rami of the intercostal nerve to the ulnar nerve for sensation. Supplementary operations to restore elbow and wrist extension were necessary in one patient

We treated 22 patients with a diagnosis of primary frozen shoulder resistant to conservative treatment by manipulation under anaesthetic and arthroscopic release of the rotator interval, at a mean time from onset of 15 months (3 to 36). Biopsies were taken from this site and histological and immunocytochemical analysis was performed to identify the types of cell present. The tissue was characterised by the presence of fibroblasts, proliferating fibroblasts and chronic inflammatory cells. The infiltrate of chronic inflammatory cells was predominantly made up of mast cells, with T cells, B cells and macrophages also present.

The pathology of frozen shoulder includes a chronic inflammatory response with fibroblastic proliferation which may be immunomodulated.

We have studied cellular and vascular changes in different stages of full thickness tears of the rotator cuff. We examined biopsies from the supraspinatus tendon in 40 patients with chronic rotator cuff tears who were undergoing surgery and compared them with biopsies from four uninjured subscapularis tendons. Morphological and immunocytochemical methods using monoclonal antibodies directed against leucocytes, macrophages, mast cells, proliferative and vascular markers were used.

Histological changes indicative of repair and inflammation were most evident in small sized rotator cuff tears with increased fibroblast cellularity and intimal hyperplasia, together with increased expression of leucocyte and vascular markers. These reparative and inflammatory changes diminished as the size of the rotator cuff tear increased. Marked oedema and degeneration was seen in large and massive tears, which more often showed chondroid metaplasia and amyloid deposition. There was no association between the age of the patient and the duration of symptoms. In contrast, large and massive tears showed no increase in the number of inflammatory cells and blood vessels.

Small sized rotator cuff tears retained the greatest potential to heal, showing increased fibroblast cellularity, blood vessel proliferation and the presence of a significant inflammatory component. Tissue from large and massive tears is of such a degenerative nature that it may be a significant cause of re-rupture after surgical repair and could make healing improbable in this group.

Aims

Rotator cuff (RC) injuries are characterized by tendon rupture, muscle atrophy, retraction, and fatty infiltration, which increase injury severity and jeopardize adequate tendon repair. Epigenetic drugs, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), possess the capacity to redefine the molecular signature of cells, and they may have the potential to inhibit the transformation of the fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) within the skeletal muscle into adipocyte-like cells, concurrently enhancing the myogenic potential of the satellite cells.

We have compared the outcome of hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder in three distinct diagnostic groups, using survival analysis as used by the United Kingdom national joint registers, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as recommended by Darzi in the 2008 NHS review, and transition and satisfaction questions.

A total of 72 hemiarthroplasties, 19 for primary osteoarthritis (OA) with an intact rotator cuff, 22 for OA with a torn rotator cuff, and 31 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), were followed up for between three and eight years. All the patients survived, with no revisions or dislocations and no significant radiological evidence of loosening. The mean new Oxford shoulder score (minimum/worst 0, maximum/best 48) improved significantly for all groups (p < 0.001), in the OA group with an intact rotator cuff from 21.4 to 38.8 (effect size 2.9), in the OA group with a torn rotator cuff from 13.3 to 27.2 (effect size 2.1) and in the RA group from 13.7 to 28.0 (effect size 3.1). By this assessment, and for the survival analysis, there was no significant difference between the groups. However, when ratings using the patient satisfaction questions were analysed, eight (29.6%) of the RA group were ‘disappointed’, compared with one (9.1%) of the OA group with cuff intact and one (7.7%) of the OA group with cuff torn. All patients in the OA group with cuff torn indicated that they would undergo the operation again, compared to ten (90.9%) in the OA group with cuff intact and 20 (76.9%) in the RA group.

The use of revision rates alone does not fully represent outcome after hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder. Data from PROMs provides more information about change in pain and the ability to undertake activities and perform tasks. The additional use of satisfaction ratings shows that both the rates of revision surgery and PROMs need careful interpretation in the context of patient expectations.

We randomised 79 patients (84 hands, 90 fingers) with Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint to have either a ‘firebreak’ skin graft (39 patients, 41 hands, 44 fingers) or a fasciectomy (40 patients, 43 hands, 46 fingers) if, after full correction, the skin over the proximal phalanx could be easily closed by a Z-plasty. Patients were reviewed after three, six, 12, 24 and 36 months to note any complications, the range of movement and recurrence. Both groups were similar in regard to age, gender and factors considered to influence the outcome such as bilateral disease, family history, the presence of diabetes, smoking and alcohol intake. The degree of contracture of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the operated fingers was similar in the two groups and both were comparable in terms of grip strength, range of movement and disability at each follow-up. The recurrence rate was 12.2%. We did not identify any improvement in correction or recurrence of contracture after firebreak dermofasciectomy up to three years after surgery

We reviewed 42 consecutive children with a supination deformity of the forearm complicating severe birth lesions of the brachial plexus. The overall incidence over the study period was 6.9% (48 of 696). It was absent in those in Narakas group I (27.6) and occurred in 5.7% of group II (13 of 229), 9.6% of group III (11 of 114) and 23.4% of group IV (18 of 77). Concurrent deformities at the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand were always present because of muscular imbalance from poor recovery of C5 and C7, inconsistent recovery of C8 and T1 and good recovery of C6. Early surgical correction improved the function of the upper limb and hand, but there was a tendency to recurrence. Pronation osteotomy placed the hand in a functional position, and increased the arc of rotation of the forearm. The supination deformity recurred in 40% (17 of 42) of those treated by pronation osteotomy alone, probably because of remodelling of the growing bone. Children should be followed up until skeletal maturity, and the parents counselled on the likelihood of multiple operations

Restoration of hand function is rarely achieved after a complete closed traction lesion of the supraclavicular brachial plexus. We describe the injury, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term results of two patients who regained good function of the upper limb and useful function in the hand after such an injury. Successful repairs were performed within six days of injury. Tinel’s sign proved accurate in predicting the ruptures and the distribution of pain was accurate in predicting avulsion. The severe pain that began on the day of injury resolved with the onset of muscle function. Recovery of muscle function preceded recovery of sensation. Recovery of the function of C and Aδ fibres was the slowest of all

We have compared the functional outcome after glenohumeral fusion for the sequelae of trauma to the brachial plexus between two groups of adult patients reviewed after a mean interval of 70 months. Group A (11 patients) had upper palsy with a functional hand and group B (16 patients) total palsy with a flail hand. All 27 patients had recovered active elbow flexion against resistance before shoulder fusion. Both groups showed increased functional capabilities after glenohumeral arthrodesis and a flail hand did not influence the post-operative active range of movement. The strength of pectoralis major is a significant prognostic factor in terms of ultimate excursion of the hand and of shoulder strength. Glenohumeral arthrodesis improves function in patients who have recovered active elbow flexion after brachial plexus palsy even when the hand remains paralysed

We report the results of performing a pronating osteotomy of the radius, coupled with other soft-tissue procedures, as part of an upper limb functional surgery programme in tetraplegic patients with supination contractures. In total 12 patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up period of 60 months (12 to 109). Pre-operatively, passive movement ranged from a mean of 19.2° pronation (−70° to 80°) to 95.8° supination (80° to 140°). A pronating osteotomy of the radius was then performed with release of the interosseous membrane. Extension of the elbow was restored postoperatively in 11 patients, with key-pinch reconstruction in nine. At the final follow-up every patient could stabilise their hand in pronation, with a mean active range of movement of 79.6° (60° to 90°) in pronation and 50.4° (0° to 90°) in supination. No complications were observed. The mean strength of extension of the elbow was 2.7 (2 to 3) MRC grading. Pronating osteotomy stabilises the hand in pronation while preserving supination, if a complete release of the interosseous membrane is also performed. This technique fits well into surgical programmes for enhancing upper limb function

We have reviewed 11 patients with congenital absence of the thumb, treated by pollicisation of the index finger, after follow-up for 20 to 38 years. Seven of the hands also had an associated radial club-hand deformity. Function as assessed by the Percival score was excellent in six, good in three, fair in two and poor in four; three of the poor results were in patients with radial club hand. Ten of the 15 transfers were used as normal thumbs, but in five hands function required trick movements. Of the seven unilateral cases, two transplants were used as the dominant hand, and in another two thumb strength was more than 50% of that on the opposite side. For patients with isolated congenital absence of the thumb, pollicisation of the index finger gives good functional and cosmetic results which are maintained. The results are less reliable for those with radial club hand

The diagnosis of nerve injury using thermotropic liquid crystal temperature strips was compared blindly and prospectively against operative findings in 36 patients requiring surgical exploration for unilateral upper limb lacerations with suspected nerve injury. Thermotropic liquid crystal strips were applied to affected and non-affected segments in both hands in all subjects. A pilot study showed that a simple unilateral laceration without nerve injury results in a cutaneous temperature difference between limbs, but not within each limb. Thus, for detection of a nerve injury, comparison was made against the unaffected nerve distribution in the same hand. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that an absolute temperature difference ≥ 1.0°C was diagnostic of a nerve injury (area under the curve = 0.985, sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 93.8%). Thermotropic liquid crystal strip assessment is a new, reliable and objective method for the diagnosis of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries. If implemented in the acute setting, it could improve the reliability of clinical assessment and reduce the number of negative surgical explorations

A consecutive series of 372 patients who underwent surgery for disorders of the rotator cuff involving arthroscopic subacromial decompression and open or arthroscopic repairs of the cuff were prospectively investigated as to the comparability of subjective and objective assessment scores of shoulder function. Assessments were made before operation and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, the Oxford shoulder score and the Constant-Murley score, which was used as a reference. All scores were standardised to a scale of 0 to 100 for comparison. Statistical analysis compared the post-operative course and the mean score for the subjective Disabilities to the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and Oxford shoulder score, with the objective Constant score at each interval. A strong correlation was evident between both subjective scores and the Constant score. We concluded that both the subjective scores would be useful substitutes for the Constant score, obviating the need for a trained investigator and the specialist equipment required to perform the Constant score

Between March 1994 and June 2003, 80 patients with brachial plexus palsy underwent a trapezius transfer. There were 11 women and 69 men with a mean age of 31 years (18 to 69). Before operation a full evaluation of muscle function in the affected arm was carried out. A completely flail arm was found in 37 patients (46%). Some peripheral function in the elbow and hand was seen in 43 (54%). No patient had full active movement of the elbow in combination with adequate function of the hand. Patients were followed up for a mean of 2.4 years (0.8 to 8). We performed the operations according to Saha’s technique, with a modification in the last 22 cases. We demonstrated a difference in the results according to the pre-operative status of the muscles and the operative technique. The transfer resulted in an increase of function in all patients and in 74 (95%) a decrease in multidirectional instability of the shoulder. The mean increase in active abduction was from 6° (0 to 45) to 34° (5 to 90) at the last review. The mean forward flexion increased from 12° (0 to 85) to 30° (5 to 90). Abduction (41°) and especially forward flexion (43°) were greater when some residual function of the pectoralis major remained (n = 32). The best results were achieved in those patients with most pre-operative power of the biceps, coracobrachialis and triceps muscles (n = 7), with a mean of 42° of abduction and 56° of forward flexion. Active abduction (28°) and forward flexion (19°) were much less in completely flail shoulders (n = 34). Comparison of the 19 patients with the Saha technique and the 15 with the modified procedure, all with complete paralysis, showed the latter operation to be superior in improving shoulder stability. In all cases a decrease in instability was achieved and inferior subluxation was abolished. The results after trapezius transfer depend on the pre-operative pattern of paralysis and the operative technique. Better results can be achieved in patients who have some function of the biceps, coracobrachialis, pectoralis major and triceps muscles compared with those who have a complete palsy. A simple modification of the operation ensures a decrease in joint instability and an increase in function

We studied, retrospectively, 131 patients who had undergone an open operation for the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in 229 hands. The symptoms were present on both sides in 59% of patients when first seen. Neurophysiological impairment of the median nerve was observed in 66% of the asymptomatic hands, and 73% of patients in this group developed symptoms of CTS after the opposite side had been operated on. Follow-up of patients with unilateral CTS showed that the subsequent development of disease in the unaffected hand is very common. We conclude that CTS is a bilateral disorder and that it becomes more evident as time passes. There is a correlation between the duration of symptoms and bilateral occurrence

Aims

To evaluate if union of clavicle fractures can be predicted at six weeks post-injury by the presence of bridging callus on ultrasound.

The Motec cementless modular metal-on-metal ball-and-socket wrist arthroplasty was implanted in 16 wrists with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC; grades 3 or 4) and 14 wrists with scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) in 30 patients (20 men) with severe (grades 3 or 4) post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the wrist. The mean age of the patients was 52 years (31 to 71). All prostheses integrated well radiologically. At a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (1.1 to 6.1) no luxation or implant breakage occurred. Two wrists were converted to an arthrodesis for persistent pain. Loosening occurred in one further wrist at five years post-operatively. The remainder demonstrated close bone–implant contact. The clinical results were good, with markedly decreased Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and pain scores, and increased movement and grip strength. No patient used analgesics and most had returned to work. Good short-term function was achieved using this wrist arthroplasty in a high-demand group of patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis

We describe a new surgical technique for the treatment of lacerations of the extensor tendon in zone I, which involves a tenodesis using a length of palmaris longus tendon one-quarter of its width. After exposing the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint and harvesting the tendon, a 1.5 mm drill bit is passed through the insertion of the extensor tendon into the distal phalanx where it penetrates through the skin of the pulp of the digit. The palmaris longus tendon is threaded through the drill hole from dorsal to ventral and the ventral end is tied in a simple knot and trimmed. The palmaris longus tendon is then sutured to the extensor tendon close to its insertion, and also at the middle of the middle phalanx. The operation was undertaken on 67 patients: 27 with an acute injury and 40 patients with a chronic mallet deformity. One finger (or the thumb) was involved in each patient. At a mean follow-up of 12 months (6 to 18), 66 patients (98.5%) received excellent or good results according to both the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) classification and Miller’s classification. Tenodesis using palmaris longus tendon after complete division of an extensor tendon in zone 1 is a reliable form of treatment for isolated acute or chronic ruptures

We have developed an illustrated questionnaire, the Hand20, comprising 20 short and easy-to-understand questions to assess disorders of the upper limb. We have examined the usefulness of this questionnaire by comparing reliability, validity, responsiveness and the level of missing data with those of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. A series of 431 patients with disorders of the upper limb completed the Hand20 and the Japanese version of the DASH (DASH-JSSH) questionnaire. The norms for Hand20 scores were determined in another cross-sectional study. Most patients had no difficulty in completing the Hand20 questionnaire, whereas the DASH-JSSH had a significantly higher rate of missing data. The standard score for the Hand20 was smaller than the reported norms for the DASH. Our study showed that the Hand20 questionnaire provided validation comparable with that of the DASH-JSSH. Explanatory illustrations and short questions which were easy-to-understand led to better rates of response and fewer missing data, even in elderly individuals with cognitive deterioration

Inability to actively supinate the forearm makes common activities of daily living and certain vocational activities awkward or impossible to perform. A total of 11 patients with deficient supination of the arm underwent transfer of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris to the split tendon of brachioradialis with its bony insertion into the radial styloid left intact. Active supination beyond neutral rotation was a mean of 37.2° (25° to 49.5°) at a minimum follow-up of three years, representing a significant improvement (95% confidence interval 25 to 50, p < 0.001). Functional evaluation of the hand after this transfer showed excellent and good results in ten patients and fair in one. The split tendon of brachioradialis as an insertion for transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris appears to provide adequate supination of the forearm without altering the available pronation and avoids the domination of wrist extension sometimes associated with transfers of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the radial extensors of the wrist

Between June 1991 and May 1996 we carried out arthrodesis on 15 patients with flail or partially flail wrists using an AO/ASIF dynamic compression plate (DCP) without a bone graft. The wrist was approached through the second extensor compartment. The minimum follow-up was for 24 months with a mean of 34.2 months. All 15 wrists fused without major complications at a mean of 11.9 weeks. Stabilisation improved the function of the hand affected with paralysis and the appearance of the extensively paralysed upper limb with a flail hand. In the absence of bony abnormality fusion can be obtained with a DCP alone without the need for bone grafting

There is little information about the management of peri-prosthetic fracture of the humerus after total shoulder replacement (TSR). This is a retrospective review of 22 patients who underwent a revision of their original shoulder replacement for peri-prosthetic fracture of the humerus with bone loss and/or loose components. There were 20 women and two men with a mean age of 75 years (61 to 90) and a mean follow-up 42 months (12 to 91): 16 of these had undergone a previous revision TSR. Of the 22 patients, 12 were treated with a long-stemmed humeral component that bypassed the fracture. All their fractures united after a mean of 27 weeks (13 to 94). Eight patients underwent resection of the proximal humerus with endoprosthetic replacement to the level of the fracture. Two patients were managed with a clam-shell prosthesis that retained the original components. The mean Oxford shoulder score (OSS) of the original TSRs before peri-prosthetic fracture was 33 (14 to 48). The mean OSS after revision for fracture was 25 (9 to 31). Kaplan-Meier survival using re-intervention for any reason as the endpoint was 91% (95% confidence interval (CI) 68 to 98) and 60% (95% CI 30 to 80) at one and five years, respectively. There were two revisions for dislocation of the humeral head, one open reduction for modular humeral component dissociation, one internal fixation for nonunion, one trimming of a prominent screw and one re-cementation for aseptic loosening complicated by infection, ultimately requiring excision arthroplasty. Two patients sustained nerve palsies. Revision TSR after a peri-prosthetic humeral fracture associated with bone loss and/or loose components is a salvage procedure that can provide a stable platform for elbow and hand function. Good rates of union can be achieved using a stem that bypasses the fracture. There is a high rate of complications and function is not as good as with the original replacement

The outcome of surgery in patients with medial epicondylitis of the elbow is less favourable in those with co-existent symptoms from the ulnar nerve. We wanted to know whether we could successfully treat such patients by using musculofascial lengthening of the flexor-pronator origin with simultaneous deep transposition of the ulnar nerve. We retrospectively reviewed 19 patients who were treated in this way. Seven had grade I and 12 had grade IIa ulnar neuropathy. At a mean follow-up of 38 months (24 to 48), the mean visual analogue scale pain scores improved from 3.7 to 0.3 at rest, from 6.6 to 2.1 with activities of daily living, and from 7.9 to 2.3 at work or sports, and the mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scores improved from 42.2 to 23.5. These results suggest that this technique can be effective in treating patients with medial epicondylitis and coexistent ulnar nerve symptoms

Radial osteotomy is currently advocated for patients with Lichtman’s stages II and IIIA of Kienböck’s disease; its place in the treatment of patients with stage IIIB disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of this procedure and to compare the outcome in patients with stage IIIB disease and those with earlier stages (II and IIIA). A total of 18 patients (18 osteotomies) were evaluated both clinically and radiologically at a mean follow-up of 10.3 years (4 to 18). Range of movement, grip strength and pain improved significantly in all patients; the functional score (Nakamura Scoring System (NSSK)) was high and self-reported disability (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) was low at the final follow-up in all patients evaluated. Patients with stage IIIB disease, however, had a significantly lower grip strength, lower NSSK scores and higher disability than those in less advanced stages. Radiological progression of the disease was not noted in either group, despite the stage. Radial osteotomy seems effective in halting the progression of disease and improving symptoms in stages II, IIIA and IIIB. Patients with less advanced disease should be expected to have better clinical results

A pronation deformity of the forearm following an obstetric brachial plexus injury causes functional and cosmetic disability. We evaluated the results of pronator teres transfer to correct their deformity in 14 children treated over a period of four years. The mean age at surgery was 7.6 years (5 to 15). The indication for surgery in each case was impairment of active supination in a forearm that could be passively supinated provided that there was no medial contracture of the shoulder and normal function of the hand. The median follow-up was 20.4 months (8 to 42). No patient was lost to follow-up. Qualitative results were also assessed. The median active supination improved from 5° (0° to 10°) to 75° (70° to 80°) with no loss of pronation. A passively correctible pronation contracture can be corrected safely and effectively by the transfer of pronator teres

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for the treatment of static scapholunate instability at a minimum follow-up of four years. A total of 59 patients who underwent capsulodesis for this condition were included in a retrospective analysis after a mean of 8.25 years (4.3 to 12). A total of eight patients underwent a salvage procedure at a mean of 2.33 years (0.67 to 7.6) and were excluded. The mean range of extension/flexion was 88° (15° to 135°) and of ulnar/radial deviation was 38° (0° to 75°) at final follow-up. The mean Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Mayo wrist scores were 28 (0 to 85) and 61 (0 to 90), respectively. After significant improvement immediately post-operatively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), the mean scapholunate and radiolunate angles deteriorated to 70° (40° to 90°) and 8° (-15° to 25°), respectively, at final follow-up, which were not significantly different from their pre-operative values (p = 0.6 and p = 0.4, respectively). The mean carpal height index decreased significantly from 1.53 (1.38 to 1.65) to 1.48 (1.29 to 1.65) indicating progressive carpal collapse (p < 0.001); 40 patients (78%) had radiological evidence of degenerative arthritis. Capsulodesis did not maintain carpal reduction over time. Although the consequent ongoing scapholunate instability resulted in early arthritic degeneration, most patients had acceptable long-term function of the wrist

The type II Monteggia (posterior) lesion is a rare injury which is sometimes associated with ulnohumeral instability. We have reviewed 23 of 28 patients with this injury. A clinical and radiographic assessment was undertaken at follow-up. Functional outcome scores, including the Broberg and Morrey Index and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder or Hand (DASH), were used. The results from the six patients with associated posterior ulnohumeral dislocation were compared with 17 without ulnohumeral injury. Those with dislocation had reduced movement of the elbow and had outcome scores indicative of greater disability compared to those without associated dislocation

We have carried out a prospective double-blind randomised controlled trial to compare the efficacy of a single subacromial injection of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, tenoxicam, with a single injection of methylprednisolone in patients with subacromial impingement. A total of 58 patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received 40 mg of methylprednisolone and group B 20 mg of tenoxicam as a subacromial injection along with lignocaine. The Constant-Murley shoulder score was used as the primary outcome measure and the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) as secondary measures. Six weeks after injection the improvement in the Constant-Murley score was significantly greater in the methylprednisolone group (p = 0.003) than in the tenoxicam group. The improvement in the DASH score was greater in the steroid group and the difference was statistically significant and consistent two (p < 0.01), four (p < 0.01) and six weeks (p < 0.020) after the injection. The improvement in the OSS was consistently greater in the steroid group than in the tenoxicam group. Although the difference was statistically significant at two (p < 0.001) and four (p = 0.003) weeks after the injection, it was not at six weeks (p = 0.055). Subacromial injection of tenoxicam does not offer an equivalent outcome to subacromial injection of corticosteroid at six weeks. Corticosteroid is significantly better than tenoxicam for improving shoulder function in tendonitis of the rotator cuff after six weeks

Between 1996 and 2008, nine patients with severe post-traumatic arthritis underwent revision of a failed interposition arthroplasty of the elbow with a further interposition procedure using an allograft of tendo Achillis at a mean of 5.6 years (0.7 to 13.1) after the initial procedure. There were eight men and one woman with a mean age of 47 years (36 to 56). The mean follow-up was 4.7 years (2 to 8). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score improved from 49 (15 to 65) pre-operatively to 73 (55 to 95) (p = 0.04). The mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 26 (7 to 42). One patient was unavailable for clinical follow-up and one underwent total elbow replacement three months post-operatively. Of the remaining patients, one had an excellent, two had good, three fair and one a poor result. Subjectively, five of the nine patients were satisfied. Four continued manual labour. Revision interposition arthroplasty is an option for young, active patients with severe post-traumatic arthritis who require both mobility and durability of the elbow

Displaced fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle in young patients have a high incidence of nonunion and a poor functional outcome after conservative management. Operative treatment is therefore usually recommended. However, current techniques may be associated with complications which require removal of the fixation device. We have evaluated the functional and radiological outcomes using a novel technique of open reduction and internal fixation. A series of 16 patients under 60 years of age with displaced fractures of the lateral end were treated by open reduction and fixation using a twin coracoclavicular endobutton technique. They were followed up for the first year after their injury. At one year the mean Constant score was 87.1 and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3.3. All fractures had united, except in one patient who developed an asymptomatic fibrous union. One patient had post-traumatic stiffness of the shoulder, which resolved with physiotherapy. None required re-operation. This technique produces good functional and radiological outcomes with a low prevalence of complications and routine implant removal is not necessary

We report the outcome at a mean of 93 months (73 to 110) of 71 patients with an acute fracture of the scaphoid who were randomised to Herbert screw fixation (35) or below-elbow plaster cast immobilisation (36). These 71 patients represent the majority of a randomised series of 88 patients whose short-term outcome has previously been reported. Those patients available for later review were similar in age, gender and hand dominance. There was no statistical difference in symptoms and disability as assessed by the mean Patient Evaluation Measure (p = 0.4), or mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (p = 0.9), the mean range of movement of the wrist (p = 0.4), mean grip strength (p = 0.8), or mean pinch strength (p = 0.4). Radiographs were available from the final review for 59 patients. Osteoarthritic changes were seen in the scaphotrapezial and radioscaphoid joints in eight (13.5%) and six patients (10.2%), respectively. Three patients had asymptomatic lucency surrounding the screw. One non-operatively treated patient developed nonunion with avascular necrosis. In five patients who were treated non-operatively (16%) there was an abnormal scapholunate angle ( > 60°), but in four of these patients this finding was asymptomatic. No medium-term difference in function or radiological outcome was identified between the two treatment groups

Between 1998 and 2007, 22 patients with fractures of the scapula had operative treatment more than three weeks after injury. The indications for operation included displaced intra-articular fractures, medialisation of the glenohumeral joint, angular deformity, or displaced double lesions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. Radiological and functional outcomes were obtained for 16 of 22 patients. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) and Short form-36 scores were collected for 14 patients who were operated on after March 2002. The mean delay from injury to surgery was 30 days (21 to 57). The mean follow-up was for 27 months (12 to 72). At the last review the mean DASH score was 14 (0 to 41). Of the 16 patients with follow-up, 13 returned to their previous employment and recreational activities without restrictions. No wound complications, infection or nonunion occurred. Malunion of the scapula can be prevented by surgical treatment of fractures in patients with delayed presentation. Surgery is safe, effective, and gives acceptable functional results

We describe the use of a vascularised periosteal patch onlay graft based on the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery in the management of 11 patients (ten men, one woman) with chronic nonunion involving the proximal third of the scaphoid. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (21 to 45) with the dominant hand affected in eight. Six of the patients were smokers and three had undergone previous surgery to the scaphoid. All of the proximal fragments were avascular. The presence of union was assessed using longitudinal axis CT. Only three patients progressed to union of the scaphoid and four required a salvage operation for a symptomatic nonunion. The remaining four patients with a persistent nonunion are asymptomatic with low pain scores, good grip strength and a functional range of wrist movement. Although this technique has potential technical advantages over vascularised pedicled bone grafting, the rate of union has been disappointing and we do not recommend it as a method of treatment

Excision is not a suitable treatment for all comminuted fractures of the radial head. In elbows where instability can be predicted, a replacement arthroplasty of the radial head is more effective. The aim of this paper was to present the medium-term results of the Judet floating radial head prosthesis. This operation was performed on 14 patients between 1992 and 2003, of whom 12 were reviewed at a mean follow-up of five years and three months (1 to 12 years). The outcome was assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score and a modified Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) questionnaire. There were six excellent results, four good, one fair and one poor, as graded by the Mayo score. The mean DASH score was 23.9/100 (0 to 65.8/100). The only significant complication occurred in one patient who developed a severe complex regional pain syndrome. There were no patients with secondary instability of the elbow, implant loosening, cubitus valgus, osteoporosis of the capitellum, or pain in the forearm and wrist. Our experience, combined with that of other authors using this device, has encouraged us to continue using the Judet prosthesis in comminuted fractures of the elbow where instability is a potential problem

We have treated six patients with chronic pain following nerve injury using a cryosurgical probe. All had a significant return of hand function and improvement of pain during a mean follow-up of 13.5 months. Open visualisation of the injured nervous tissue is essential for patients undergoing this technique. Four patients regained normal sensation in the dermatome of the previously injured nerve

We have established a reference standard for the cross-sectional area (CSA) of supraspinatus as measured by diagnostic ultrasound. The influence of hand dominance and of ageing on the CSA was also assessed. We examined 72 subjects aged from 20 to 79 years. Standard values of the CSA were determined with a high measure of interobserver reliability. Although the CSA on the dominant side was significantly larger (p < 0.001) by 0.16 cm. 2. (95% CI 0.072 to 0.249) than that on the non-dominant side, this difference had no clinical significance. The CSA of supraspinatus decreased significantly with ageing

Between 1990 and 1996 we performed 20 consecutive ulnohumeral arthroplasties for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow. The outcome was assessed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH) and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at a mean follow-up of 75 months (58 to 132). There were excellent or good results in 17 elbows (85%) using the DASH score and in 13 (65%) with the MEPS (correlation coefficient 0.79). The mean fixed flexion deformity had improved by 10° and the range of flexion by a mean of 20°. In 16 elbows (80%) the benefits of surgery had been maintained, and of 16 patients working at the time of operation, 12 (75%) had returned to the same job. There was no correlation between radiological recurrence of degenerative changes and the amount of fixed flexion deformity, the flexion arc, or the elbow scores

Both idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) are common, and may have similar clinical symptoms. The degree of their coexistence is uncertain. We have examined 30 patients, who were diagnosed clinically and electromyographically as having idiopathic CTS, for the presence of RP using a cold provocation test with photoplethysmography. The patients’ hands were exposed in water at 10°C for five minutes. A total of 18 patients (60%) was found to have RP; this is much greater than would be expected from the prevalence in the general population. Raynaud’s phenomenon should be considered when treating patients with CTS because of the possibility of coexistence and the similar symptoms of these two disorders

Our aim was to determine if a tourniquet placed on the forearm has any advantage in clinical practice over the usual position on the upper arm. We randomised 50 patients who were undergoing an open operation for carpal tunnel syndrome under local anaesthesia into two groups. One had a tourniquet on the upper arm and the other on the forearm. The blood pressure, pulse, and level of pain were recorded at intervals of five minutes during the operation. The surgeons were also asked to evaluate the quality of the anaesthesia, the bloodless field, and the site of the tourniquet. The patients tolerated the tourniquet on the upper arm and forearm equally well. The surgeons had some difficulties when it was placed on the forearm. We therefore recommend placement of a tourniquet on the upper arm for operations on the hand and wrist which are carried out under local anaesthesia

The Madelung deformity can result in pain and decreased function of the wrist and hand. None of the surgical techniques available has been shown consistently to improve grip strength, range of movement or relieve pain. In this prospective study we have treated 18 patients with the Madelung deformity (25 wrists) by wedge subtraction osteotomy of the radius and shortening of the ulna. Our results show statistically significant improvement in grip strength and range of movement of the wrist and forearm. Pain improved in 80% of the patients and 88% were satisfied with the appearance. One patient had a wound infection and another developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Two had some recurrence due to continued growth of the ulna and it is recommended that the procedure be delayed until skeletal maturity, or else combined with epiphysiodesis of the ulna

We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled trial of 45 patients (47 elbows), with tennis elbow, who underwent either a formal open release or a percutaneous tenotomy. All patients had pre- and post-operative assessment using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring system. Both groups were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Statistical analyses using the Mann-Whitney U test and repeated measured ANOVA showed significant improvements for patient satisfaction (p = 0.012), time to return to work (p = 0.0001), improvements in DASH score (p = 0.001) and improvement in sporting activities (p = 0.046) in the percutaneous group. Those patients undergoing a percutaneous release returned to work on average three weeks earlier and improved significantly more quickly than those undergoing an open procedure. The percutaneous procedure is a quicker and simpler procedure to undertake and produces significantly better results

External fixation is useful for the treatment of selected injuries to the hand. Some authors have suggested that external fixation of a phalanx may tether the extensor hood, thereby hindering active movements and predisposing to permanent adhesions. There is no consensus as to the best site for placement of the pin to minimise these problems. This study was performed on cadaver specimens to investigate the influence of the pin site on the range of simulated active movement of the interphalangeal joint. The dorsal midline position produces least interference with the extensor mechanism; radial and ulnar to this, interdigitating oblique fibres prevent a clean longitudinal split in the direction of gliding thus limiting movement of the extensor hood. At the proximal phalanx, positioning of the pin just off the midline avoids the thickening of the proximal median hood, whereas at the middle phalanx, a true midline position utilises the bare area at its base

We carried out arthrodesis of the radiolunate joint in 46 wrists (38 patients) for pain and ulnar translation of the carpus because of rheumatoid (42) or psoriatic arthritis (4). At follow-up, three patients had died and in three (1 bilateral) an additional midcarpal arthrodesis had been undertaken. The remaining 32 patients (39 wrists) were evaluated after a mean of five years. The clinical results were good with a mean visual analogue score of 8.3 for pain, 7.2 for hand function and 9 for overall satisfaction. Except for palmar flexion, mobility was equal to or better than before operation. Radiologically, there was deterioration of the midcarpal joint with an increase in the Larsen score from 1.8 to 2.7 (p < 0.001), some decrease in carpal height and recurrence of carpal translation. Radiolunate arthrodesis gives good clinical results at five years although there is some deterioration radiologically

We studied 57 patients with isolated lunotriquetral injuries treated by arthrodesis, direct ligament repair, or ligament reconstruction. The outcomes were compared by using written questionnaires, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, range of movement, strength, morbidity and rates of reoperation. Isolated lunotriquetral injury was confirmed by arthroscopy or arthrotomy. The mean age of the patients was 30.7 years (15.4 to 53.7) and the injuries were subacute or chronic in 98.2%. Eight patients underwent lunotriquetral reconstruction using a distally-based strip of the tendon of extensor carpi ulnaris, 27 had lunotriquetral repair and 22 had lunotriquetral arthrodesis. The mean follow-up was 9.5 years (2 to 22). The probability of remaining free from complications at five years was 68.6% for reconstruction, 13.5% for repair, and less than 1% for arthrodesis. Of the lunotriquetral arthrodeses, 40.9% developed nonunion and 22.7% developed ulnocarpal impaction. The probability of not requiring further surgery at five years was 68.6% for reconstruction, 23.3% for repair and 21.8% for arthrodesis. The DASH scores for each group were not significantly different. Objective improvements in strength and movement, subjective indicators of pain relief and satisfaction were significantly higher in the lunotriquetral repair and reconstruction groups than in those undergoing arthrodesis

Most brachial plexus palsies are due to trauma, often resulting from motorcycle accidents. When nerve repair and physiotherapy are unsuccessful, muscle transfer may be considered. Paralysis of the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles can be addressed by transfer of the trapezius. Between March 1994 and June 1997 we treated 38 patients with brachial plexus palsy by trapezius transfer and reviewed 31 of these (7 women, 24 men) after a mean follow-up of 23.8 months (12 to 39), reporting the clinical and radiological results and subjective assessment. The mean age of the patients was 29 years (18 to 46). The operations had been performed according to the method of Saha described in 1967, involving transfer of the acromion with the insertion of the trapezius to the proximal humerus, and immobilisation in an abduction support for six weeks. Rehabilitation started on the first postoperative day with active exercises for the elbow, hand and fingers, and electrical stimulation of the transferred trapezius. All 31 patients had improved function with a decrease in multidirectional instability of the shoulder. The average increase in active abduction was from 7.3° (0 to 45) to 39° (25 to 80) at the latest review. The mean forward flexion increased from 20° (0 to 85) to 44° (20 to 90). Twenty-nine of the 31 were satisfied with the improvement in stability and function. Trapezius transfer for brachial plexus palsy involving the shoulder improves function and stability with clear subjective benefits

Aims

Plating displaced proximal humeral fractures is associated with a high rate of screw perforation. Dynamization of the proximal screws might prevent these complications. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new gliding screw concept for plating proximal humeral fractures biomechanically.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare the pain caused by the application of a tourniquet after exsanguination of the upper limb with that occurring after simple elevation.

In adults with brachial plexus injuries, lack of active external rotation at the shoulder is one of the most common residual deficits, significantly compromising upper limb function. There is a paucity of evidence to address this complex issue. We present our experience of isolated latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle transfer to achieve active external rotation. This is a retrospective review of 24 adult post-traumatic plexopathy patients who underwent isolated latissimus dorsi muscle transfer to restore external rotation of the shoulder between 1997 and 2010. All patients were male with a mean age of 34 years (21 to 57). All the patients underwent isolated LD muscle transfer using a standard technique to correct external rotational deficit. Outcome was assessed for improvement in active external rotation, arc of movement, muscle strength and return to work. The mean improvement in active external rotation from neutral was 24° (10° to 50°). The mean increase in arc of rotation was 52° (38° to 55°). Mean power of the external rotators was 3.5 Medical Research Council (MRC) grades (2 to 5).

A total of 21 patients (88%) were back in work by the time of last follow up. Of these, 13 had returned to their pre-injury occupation. Isolated latissimus dorsi muscle transfer provides a simple and reliable method of restoring useful active external rotation in adults with brachial plexus injuries with internal rotational deformity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:660–3.

Objectives

Traumatic brachial plexus injury causes severe functional impairment of the arm. Elbow flexion is often affected. Nerve surgery or tendon transfers provide the only means to obtain improved elbow flexion. Unfortunately, the functionality of the arm often remains insufficient. Stem cell therapy could potentially improve muscle strength and avoid muscle-tendon transfer. This pilot study assesses the safety and regenerative potential of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell injection in partially denervated biceps.

Injectable collagenase is an alternative to surgical treatment for Dupuytren’s disease. Previous studies have reported on the effectiveness of collagenase in finger contractures. This prospective study reports on the short-term safety and efficacy of collagenase treatment in five thumb and first web space Dupuytren’s contractures. The thumb and first web space contractures were treated with injectable collagenase in four consecutive patients (five hands) with experience of previous surgical digital fasciectomy. The thumb contracture was measured by angle and span in two planes of thumb extension and abduction before injection and after manipulation. Collagenase treatment resulted in release of the contracture with a mean increase in thumb to index angle from 23° (10° to 35°) to 56° (45° to 60°) in extension and from 30° (10° to 50°) to 58° (50° to 65°) in abduction and a mean increase in span from 1.9 cm (1 to 3.5) to 3.9 cm (3 to 5) in extension and from 2.4 cm (1.5 to 3.5) to 3.9 cm (3 to 4.5) in abduction. All patients reported an increased range of movement and function and described collagenase therapy as preferable to surgery. In the short-term collagenase is an effective, well-tolerated and safe alternative to surgery for Dupuytren’s disease of the thumb.

Objectives

Cadaveric models of the shoulder evaluate discrete motion segments using the glenohumeral joint in isolation over a defined trajectory. The aim of this study was to design, manufacture and validate a robotic system to accurately create three-dimensional movement of the upper body and capture it using high-speed motion cameras.

Surgical repair of posterosuperior rotator cuff tears has a poorer outcome and a higher rate of failure compared with repairs of supraspinatus tears. In this prospective cohort study 28 consecutive patients with an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear after failed conservative or surgical treatment underwent teres major tendon transfer. Their mean age was 60 years (48 to 71) and the mean follow-up was 25 months (12 to 80). The mean active abduction improved from 79° (0° to 150°) pre-operatively to 105° (20° to 180°) post-operatively (p = 0.011). The mean active external rotation in 90° abduction improved from 25° (0° to 70°) pre-operatively to 55° (0° to 90°) post-operatively (p < 0.001). The mean Constant score improved from 43 (18 to 78) pre-operatively to 65 (30 to 86) post-operatively (p < 0.001). The median post-operative VAS (0 to 100) for pain decreased from 63 (0 to 96) pre-operatively to 5 (0 to 56) post-operatively (p < 0.001).

In conclusion, teres major transfer effectively restores function and relieves pain in patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears and leads to an overall clinical improvement in a relatively young and active patient group with limited treatment options.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:523–9.

Malunion is the most common complication of the distal radius with many modalities of treatment available for such a problem. The use of bone grafting after an osteotomy is still recommended by most authors. We hypothesised that bone grafting is not required; fixing the corrected construct with a volar locked plate helps maintain the alignment, while metaphyseal defect fills by itself. Prospectively, we performed the procedure on 30 malunited dorsally-angulated radii using fixed angle volar locked plates without bone grafting. At the final follow-up, 22 wrists were available. Radiological evidence of union, correction of the deformity, clinical and functional improvement was achieved in all cases. Without the use of bone grafting, corrective open wedge osteotomy fixed by a volar locked plate provides a high rate of union and satisfactory functional outcomes.

This study reports the application of a novel method for quantitatively determining differences in the mechanical properties of healthy and torn rotator cuff tissues. In order to overcome problems of stress risers at the grip-tendon interface that can obscure mechanical measurements of small tendons, we conducted our investigation using dynamic shear analysis.

Rotator cuff tendon specimens were obtained from 100 patients during shoulder surgery. They included 82 differently sized tears and 18 matched controls. We subjected biopsy samples of 3 mm in diameter to oscillatory deformation under compression using dynamic shear analysis. The storage modulus (G’) was calculated as an indicator of mechanical integrity.

Normal tendons had a significantly higher storage modulus than torn tendons, indicating that torn tendons are mechanically weaker than normal tendons (p = 0.003). Normal tendons had a significantly higher mean shear modulus than tendons with massive tears (p < 0.01).

Dynamic shear analysis allows the determination of shear mechanical properties of small tissue specimens obtained intra-operatively that could not be studied by conventional methods of tensile testing. These methods could be employed to investigate other musculoskeletal tissues. This pilot study provides some insight into mechanisms that might contribute to the failure of repair surgery, and with future application could help direct the most appropriate treatment for specific rotator cuff tears.

We assessed the short- to mid-term survival of metallic press-fit radial head prostheses in patients with radial head fractures and acute traumatic instability of the elbow.

The medical records of 42 patients (16 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 56 years (23 to 85) with acute unstable elbow injuries, including a fracture of the radial head requiring metallic replacement of the radial head, were reviewed retrospectively. Survival of the prosthesis was assessed from the radiographs of 37 patients after a mean follow-up of 50 months (12 to 107). The functional results of 31 patients were assessed using range-of-movement, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the RAND 36-item health survey.

At the most recent follow-up 25 prostheses were still well fixed, nine had been removed because of loosening, and three remained implanted but were loose. The mean time from implantation to loosening was 11 months (2 to 24). Radiolucent lines that developed around the prosthesis before removal were mild in three patients, moderate in one and severe in five. Range of movement parameters and mass grip strength were significantly lower in the affected elbow than in the unaffected side. The mean MEPS score was 86 (40 to 100) and the mean DASH score was 23 (0 to 81). According to RAND-36 scores, patients had more pain and lower physical function scores than normal population values.

Loosening of press-fit radial head prostheses is common, occurs early, often leads to severe osteolysis of the proximal radius, and commonly requires removal of the prosthesis.

Introduction

The pathogenesis of rotator cuff disease (RCD) is complex and not fully understood. This systematic review set out to summarise the histological and molecular changes that occur throughout the spectrum of RCD.

We reviewed 101 patients with injuries of the terminal branches of the infraclavicular brachial plexus sustained between 1997 and 2009. Four patterns of injury were identified: 1) anterior glenohumeral dislocation (n = 55), in which the axillary and ulnar nerves were most commonly injured, but the axillary nerve was ruptured in only two patients (3.6%); 2) axillary nerve injury, with or without injury to other nerves, in the absence of dislocation of the shoulder (n = 20): these had a similar pattern of nerve involvement to those with a known dislocation, but the axillary nerve was ruptured in 14 patients (70%); 3) displaced proximal humeral fracture (n = 15), in which nerve injury resulted from medial displacement of the humeral shaft: the fracture was surgically reduced in 13 patients; and 4) hyperextension of the arm (n = 11): these were characterised by disruption of the musculocutaneous nerve. There was variable involvement of the median and radial nerves with the ulnar nerve being least affected.

Surgical intervention is not needed in most cases of infraclavicular injury associated with dislocation of the shoulder. Early exploration of the nerves should be considered in patients with an axillary nerve palsy without dislocation of the shoulder and for musculocutaneous nerve palsy with median and/or radial nerve palsy. Urgent operation is needed in cases of nerve injury resulting from fracture of the humeral neck to relieve pressure on nerves.

Ununited fractures of the scaphoid with extensive bone resorption are usually treated by bone grafting and internal fixation, using either an open or a minimally invasive technique. We studied the feasibility of percutaneous fixation without bone grafting in a consecutive series of 27 patients with established nonunion of an undisplaced fracture of the scaphoid and extensive local resorption of bone. They were treated by a single surgeon with rigid fixation alone, using a headless cannulated screw inserted through a volar percutaneous technique. Clinical examination, standard radiographs and CT confirmed that the fracture had united in all patients at a mean of 11.6 weeks (8 to 16), and that their functional scores had improved.

We concluded that extensive resorption at the fracture site is not an absolute indication for bone grafting, and that percutaneous fixation alone will eventually produce healing of ununited undisplaced fractures of the scaphoid regardless of the size of the gap.

Diabetes mellitus is recognised as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome. The response to treatment is unclear, and may be poorer than in non-diabetic patients. Previous randomised studies of interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome have specifically excluded diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of carpal tunnel syndrome in diabetic patients, and compare the outcome of carpal tunnel decompression with non-diabetic patients. The primary endpoint was improvement in the QuickDASH score. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 11.3% (176 of 1564). Diabetic patients were more likely to have severe neurophysiological findings at presentation. Patients with diabetes had poorer QuickDASH scores at one year post-operatively (p = 0.028), although the mean difference was lower than the minimal clinically important difference for this score. After controlling for underlying differences in age and gender, there was no difference between groups in the magnitude of improvement after decompression (p = 0.481). Patients with diabetes mellitus can therefore be expected to enjoy a similar improvement in function.

We hypothesised that a large acromial cover with an upwardly tilted glenoid fossa would be associated with degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs), and conversely, that a short acromion with an inferiorly inclined glenoid would be associated with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA). This hypothesis was tested using a new radiological parameter, the critical shoulder angle (CSA), which combines the measurements of inclination of the glenoid and the lateral extension of the acromion (the acromion index).

The CSA was measured on standardised radiographs of three groups: 1) a control group of 94 asymptomatic shoulders with normal rotator cuffs and no OA; 2) a group of 102 shoulders with MRI-documented full-thickness RCTs without OA; and 3) a group of 102 shoulders with primary OA and no RCTs noted during total shoulder replacement. The mean CSA was 33.1° (26.8° to 38.6°) in the control group, 38.0° (29.5° to 43.5°) in the RCT group and 28.1° (18.6° to 35.8°) in the OA group. Of patients with a CSA > 35°, 84% were in the RCT group and of those with a CSA < 30°, 93% were in the OA group.

We therefore concluded that primary glenohumeral OA is associated with significantly smaller degenerative RCTs with significantly larger CSAs than asymptomatic shoulders without these pathologies. These findings suggest that individual quantitative anatomy may imply biomechanics that are likely to induce specific types of degenerative joint disorders.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:935–41.

Linburg-Comstock syndrome is characterised by an anomalous tendon slip from the flexor pollicis longus to the flexor digitorum profundus, usually of the index finger. An incidence as high as 60% to 70% has been reported. Post-traumatic inflammation of inter-tendinous connections between the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus, usually of the index finger, may cause unexplained chronic pain in the distal forearm. A total of 11 patients (eight females, three males), mean age 29.1 years (14 to 47) with a clinical diagnosis of Linburg-Comstock syndrome underwent surgical release of the inter-tendinous connection. The mean follow-up was for 27 months (2 to 48).

Ten patients reported excellent relief of pain in the forearm, with independent flexion of flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger. Surgical release was an effective treatment for the Linburg-Comstock syndrome in this series.

Aims

We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine whether earlier surgical repair of acute rotator cuff tear (ARCT) leads to superior post-operative clinical outcomes.

We investigated the clinical response to arthroscopic synovectomy in patients with undifferentiated chronic monoarthritis (UCMA) of the wrist. Arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on 20 wrists in 20 patients with UCMA of the wrist who had not responded to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The mean duration of symptoms at the time of surgery was 4.3 months (3 to 7) and the mean follow-up was 51.8 months (24 to 94). Inflamed synovium was completely removed from the radiocarpal, midcarpal and distal radioulnar joints using more portals than normal. After surgery, nine patients had early remission of synovitis and 11 with uncontrolled synovitis received antirheumatic medication. Overall, there was significant improvement in terms of pain relief, range of movement and Mayo score. Radiological deterioration was seen in five patients who were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis during the follow-up period. Lymphoid follicles and severe lymphocyte infiltration were seen more often in synovial biopsies from patients with uncontrolled synovitis.

These results suggest that arthroscopic synovectomy provides pain relief and functional improvement, and allows rapid resolution of synovitis in about half of patients with UCMA of the wrist.

Advanced osteoarthritis of the wrist or the distal articulation of the lunate with the capitate has traditionally been treated surgically by arthrodesis. In order to maintain movement, we performed proximal row carpectomy with capsular interposition arthroplasty as an alternative to arthrodesis in eight patients with advanced arthritis and retrospectively reviewed their clinical and radiographic outcomes after a mean follow-up of 41 months (13 to 53). The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain at its worst and at rest, and the patient-rated wrist evaluation score improved significantly after surgery, whereas ranges of movement and grip strength were maintained at the pre-operative levels. Progression of arthritis in the radiocapitate joint was observed in three patients, but their outcomes were not significantly different from those without progression of arthritis.

Proximal row carpectomy with capsular interposition arthroplasty is a reasonable option for the treatment of patients with advanced arthritis of the wrist.

We undertook this study to determine the minimum amount of coronoid necessary to stabilise an otherwise intact elbow joint. Regan–Morrey types II and III, plus medial and lateral oblique coronoid fractures, collectively termed type IV fractures, were simulated in nine fresh cadavers. An electromagnetic tracking system defined the three-dimensional stability of the ulna relative to the humerus. The coronoid surface area accounts for 59% of the anterior articulation. Alteration in valgus, internal and external rotation occurred only with a type III coronoid fracture, accounting for 68% of the coronoid and 40% of the entire articular surface. A type II fracture removed 42% of the coronoid articulation and 25% of the entire articular surface but was associated with valgus and external rotational changes only when the radial head was removed, thereby removing 67% of the articular surface.

We conclude that all type III fractures, as defined here, are unstable, even with intact ligaments and a radial head. However, a type II deficiency is stable unless the radial head is removed. Our study suggests that isolated medial-oblique or lateral-oblique fractures, and even a type II fracture with intact ligaments and a functional radial head, can be clinically stable, which is consistent with clinical observation.

We have reviewed 38 surgically treated cases of spontaneous posterior interosseous nerve palsy in 38 patients with a mean age of 43 years (13 to 68) in order to identify clinical factors associated with its prognosis. Interfascicular neurolysis was performed at a mean of 13 months (1 to 187) after the onset of symptoms. The mean follow-up was 21 months (5.5 to 221). Medical Research Council muscle power of more than grade 4 was considered to be a good result. A further 12 cases in ten patients were treated conservatively and assessed similarly.

Of the 30 cases treated surgically with available outcome data, the result of interfascicular neurolysis was significantly better in patients < 50 years old (younger group (18 nerves); good: 13 nerves (72%), poor: five nerves (28%)) than in cases > 50 years old (older group (12 nerves); good: one nerve (8%), poor: 11 nerves (92%)) (p < 0.001). A pre-operative period of less than seven months was also associated with a good result in the younger group (p = 0.01). The older group had a poor result regardless of the pre-operative delay.

Our recommended therapeutic approach therefore is to perform interfascicular neurolysis if the patient is < 50 years of age, and the pre-operative delay is < seven months. If the patient is > 50 years of age with no sign of recovery for seven months, or in the younger group with a pre-operative delay of more than a year, we advise interfascicular neurolysis together with tendon transfer as the primary surgical procedure.

We evaluated 100 consecutive patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture but without evidence of a fracture on plain radiographs using MRI within 24 hours of injury, and bone scintigraphy three to five days after injury. The reference standard for a true radiologically-occult scaphoid fracture was either a diagnosis of fracture on both MRI and bone scintigraphy, or, in the case of discrepancy, clinical and/or radiological evidence of a fracture.

MRI revealed 16 scaphoid and 24 other fractures. Bone scintigraphy showed 28 scaphoid and 40 other fractures. According to the reference standard there were 20 scaphoid fractures. MRI was falsely negative for scaphoid fracture in four patients and bone scintigraphy falsely positive in eight. MRI had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100%. Bone scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%.

This study did not confirm that early, short-sequence MRI was superior to bone scintigraphy for the diagnosis of a suspected scaphoid fracture. Bone scintigraphy remains a highly sensitive and reasonably specific investigation for the diagnosis of an occult scaphoid fracture.

This is a prospective study of 107 repairs of obstetric brachial plexus palsy carried out between January 1990 and December 1999. The results in 100 children are presented. In partial lesions operation was advised when paralysis of abduction of the shoulder and of flexion of the elbow persisted after the age of three months and neurophysiological investigations predicted a poor prognosis. Operation was carried out earlier at about two months in complete lesions showing no sign of clinical recovery and with unfavourable neurophysiological investigations.

Twelve children presented at the age of 12 months or more; in three more repair was undertaken after earlier unsuccessful neurolysis. The median age at operation was four months, the mean seven months and a total of 237 spinal nerves were repaired.

The mean duration of follow-up after operation was 85 months (30 to 152). Good results were obtained in 33% of repairs of C5, in 55% of C6, in 24% of C7 and in 57% of operations on C8 and T1. No statistical difference was seen between a repair of C5 by graft or nerve transfer.

Posterior dislocation of the shoulder was observed in 30 cases. All were successfully relocated after the age of one year. In these children the results of repairs of C5 were reduced by a mean of 0.8 on the Gilbert score and 1.6 on the Mallett score. Pre-operative electrodiagnosis is a reliable indicator of the depth of the lesion and of the outcome after repair. Intra-operative somatosensory evoked potentials were helpful in the detection of occult intradural (pre-ganglionic) injury.

Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) for painful winging of the scapula in neuromuscular disorders can provide effective pain relief and functional improvement, but there is little information comparing outcomes between patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions. We performed a retrospective review of 42 STFs in 34 patients with dystrophic and non-dystrophic conditions using a multifilament trans-scapular, subcostal cable technique supported by a dorsal one-third semi-tubular plate. There were 16 males and 18 females with a mean age of 30 years (15 to 75) and a mean follow-up of 5.0 years (2.0 to 10.6). The mean Oxford shoulder score improved from 20 (4 to 39) to 31 (4 to 48). Patients with non-dystrophic conditions had lower overall functional scores but achieved greater improvements following STF. The mean active forward elevation increased from 59° (20° to 90°) to 97° (30° to 150°), and abduction from 51° (10° to 90°) to 83° (30° to 130°) with a greater range of movement achieved in the dystrophic group. Revision fusion for nonunion was undertaken in five patients at a mean time of 17 months (7 to 31) and two required revision for fracture. There were three pneumothoraces, two rib fractures, three pleural effusions and six nonunions. The main risk factors for nonunion were smoking, age and previous shoulder girdle surgery.

STF is a salvage procedure that can provide good patient satisfaction in 82% of patients with both dystrophic and non-dystrophic pathologies, but there was a relatively high failure rate (26%) when poor outcomes were analysed. Overall function was better in patients with dystrophic conditions which correlated with better range of movement; however, patients with non-dystrophic conditions achieved greater functional improvement.

The transfer of part of the ulnar nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve, first described by Oberlin, can restore flexion of the elbow following brachial plexus injury. In this study we evaluated the additional benefits and effectiveness of quantitative electrodiagnosis to select a donor fascicle. Eight patients who had undergone transfer of a simple fascicle of the ulnar nerve to the motor branch of the musculocutaneous nerve were evaluated. In two early patients electrodiagnosis had not been used. In the remaining six patients, however, all fascicles of the ulnar nerve were separated and electrodiagnosis was performed after stimulation with a commercially available electromyographic system. In these procedures, recording electrodes were placed in flexor carpi ulnaris and the first dorsal interosseous. A single fascicle in the flexor carpi ulnaris in which a high amplitude had been recorded was selected as a donor and transferred to the musculocutaneous nerve. In the two patients who had not undergone electrodiagnosis, the recovery of biceps proved insufficient for normal use. Conversely, in the six patients in whom quantitative electrodiagnosis was used, elbow flexion recovered to an M4 level.

Quantitative intra-operative electrodiagnosis is an effective method of selecting a favourable donor fascicle during the Oberlin procedure. Moreover, fascicles showing a high-amplitude in reading flexor carpi ulnaris are donor nerves that can restore normal elbow flexion without intrinsic loss.

We evaluated 56 patients for neurological deficit after enucleation of a histopathologically confirmed schwannoma of the upper limb. Immediately after the operation, 41 patients (73.2%) had developed a new neurological deficit: ten of these had a major deficit such as severe motor or sensory loss, or intolerable neuropathic pain. The mean tumour size had been significantly larger in patients with a major neurological deficit than in those with a minor or no deficit. After a mean 25.4 months (12 to 85), 39 patients (70%) had no residual neurological deficit, and the other 17 (30%) had only hypoaesthesia, paraesthesiae or mild motor weakness.

This study suggests that a schwannoma in the upper limb can be removed with an acceptable risk of injury to the nerve, although a transient neurological deficit occurs regularly after the operation. Biopsy is not advised. Patients should be informed pre-operatively about the possibility of damage to the nerve: meticulous dissection is required to minimise this.

We retrospectively compared wrist arthrodesis using the Mannerfelt technique in 19 or an AO-plate in 23 patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up was for 76 months.

Compared with the Mannerfelt fusion group, patients in the AO-plate group reported greater satisfaction with their wrist function (74% vs 37%, p = 0.015). Complications were reported in six wrists in the AO-plate group and two wrists in the Mannerfelt fusion group (p = 0.258). At final follow-up, 95% of patients (41) reported either no pain or only mild pain. There was improvement in flexion of the finger joints in both groups but no significant improvement in the extension lag in either group.

Both methods relieve pain and improve function. Overall, the activities of daily living scores and the patients’ subjective assessment of outcome tended to be higher in the AO-plate group than in the Mannerfelt fusion group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, although more postoperative complications occurred in the AO-plate group, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Follow-up radiographs are usually used as the reference standard for the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures. However, these are prone to errors in interpretation. We performed a meta-analysis of 30 clinical studies on the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures, in which agreement data between any of follow-up radiographs, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or CT could be obtained, and combined this with latent class analysis to infer the accuracy of these tests on the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures in the absence of an established standard. The estimated sensitivity and specificity were respectively 91.1% and 99.8% for follow-up radiographs, 97.8% and 93.5% for bone scintigraphy, 97.7% and 99.8% for MRI, and 85.2% and 99.5% for CT. The results were generally robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. There was large between-study heterogeneity for the sensitivity of follow-up radiographs and CT, and imprecision about their sensitivity estimates.

If we acknowledge the lack of a reference standard for diagnosing suspected scaphoid fractures, MRI is the most accurate test; follow-up radiographs and CT may be less sensitive, and bone scintigraphy less specific.

The use of passive stretching of the elbow after arthrolysis is controversial. We report the results of open arthrolysis in 81 patients. Prospectively collected outcome data with a minimum follow-up of one year were analysed. All patients had sustained an intra-articular fracture initially and all procedures were performed by the same surgeon under continuous brachial plexus block anaesthesia and with continuous passive movement (CPM) used post-operatively for two to three days. CPM was used to maintain the movement achieved during surgery and passive stretching was not used at any time. A senior physiotherapist assessed all the patients at regular intervals. The mean range of movement (ROM) improved from 69° to 109° and the function and pain of the upper limb improved from 32 to 16 and from 20 to 10, as assessed by the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score and a visual analogue scale, respectively. The greatest improvement was obtained in the stiffest elbows: nine patients with a pre-operative ROM < 30° achieved a mean post-operative ROM of 92° (55° to 125°). This study demonstrates that in patients with a stiff elbow after injury, good results may be obtained after open elbow arthrolysis without using passive stretching during rehabilitation.

We have examined the relief from pain and the functional outcome in 18 patients who underwent resection arthroplasty of the shoulder as a salvage operation between 1988 and 2002. The indications included failed shoulder replacement in 17, with infection in 13, and chronic septic arthritis in one. The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (2.5 to 16.6). Two intra-operative fractures of the humerus occurred, both of which healed.

The level of pain was significantly decreased (t-test, p < 0.001) but five patients continued to have moderate to severe pain. The mean active elevation was 70° (0° to 150°) postoperatively and represented an improvement from 39° (0° to 140°) (t-test, p = 0.003), but internal and external rotation were hardly changed. The mean number of positive answers on the 12-question Simple Shoulder Test was 3.1 (0 to 12) but the shoulder was generally comfortable when the arm was positioned at rest by the side. The mean post-operative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon’s score was 36 (8 to 73).

Despite applying this procedure principally to failed shoulder replacements, the results were similar to those reported in the literature for patients after severe fracture-dislocation. Reduction of pain is possible in one half to two-thirds of patients. The outcome of this operation in providing relief from pain cannot be guaranteed, but the shoulder is usually comfortable at rest, albeit with profound functional limitations.

We report the effectiveness of revision of total elbow replacement by re-cementing. Between 1982 and 2004, 53 elbows in 52 patients were treated with re-cementing of a total elbow replacement into part or all of the existing cement mantle or into the debrided host-bone interface, without the use of structural bone augmentation or a custom prosthesis. The original implant revision was still in situ and functional in 42 of 53 elbows (79%) at a mean of 94.5 months (26 to 266) after surgery. In 31 of these 42 elbows (74%) the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was good or excellent. Overall, of the 53 elbows, 18 (34%) required re-operation, ten (19%) for loosening. A classification system was developed to identify those not suitable for revision by this technique, and using this we have showed that successful re-implantation is statistically correlated to properly addressing the bone deficiency for both the humeral (p = 0.005) and the ulnar (p = 0.039) components.

We compared the long-term function of subscapularis after the Latarjet procedure using two surgical approaches. We treated 102 patients (106 shoulders) with a mean age of 26.8 years (15 to 51) with involuntary unidirectional recurrent instability. The operation was carried out through an L-shaped incision with trans-section of the upper two-thirds of the muscle in 69 cases and with a subscapularis split in 37. All clinical results were assessed by the Rowe and the Duplay scores and the function of subscapularis by evaluating the distance and strength at the lift-off position. Bilateral CT was performed in 77 patients for assessment of fatty degeneration. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (2 to 15) and 18% of cases were lost to follow-up. The mean Duplay score was 82 of 100 for the L-shaped incision group and 90 of 100 for those with a subscapularis split (p = 0.02). The mean fatty degeneration score was 1.18 after an L-shaped incision compared with 0.12 after subscapularis split (p = 0.001). The subscapularis split approach is therefore recommended.

In light of the growing number of elderly osteopenic patients with distal humeral fractures, we discuss the history of their management and current trends. Under most circumstances operative fixation and early mobilisation is the treatment of choice, as it gives the best results. The relative indications for and results of total elbow replacement versus internal fixation are discussed.

We have examined the accuracy of 143 consecutive ultrasound scans of patients who subsequently underwent shoulder arthroscopy for rotator-cuff disease. All the scans and subsequent surgery were performed by an orthopaedic surgeon using a portable ultrasound scanner in a one-stop clinic. There were 78 full thickness tears which we confirmed by surgery or MRI. Three moderate-size tears were assessed as partial-thickness at ultrasound scan (false negative) giving a sensitivity of 96.2%. One partially torn and two intact cuffs were over-diagnosed as small full-thickness tears by ultrasound scan (false positive) giving a specificity of 95.4%. This gave a positive predictive value of 96.2% and a negative predictive value of 95.4%. Estimation of tear size was more accurate for large and massive tears at 96.5% than for moderate (88.8%) and small tears (91.6%). These results are equivalent to those obtained by several studies undertaken by experienced radiologists.

We conclude that ultrasound imaging of the shoulder performed by a sufficiently-trained orthopaedic surgeon is a reliable time-saving practice to identify rotator-cuff integrity.

We report the use of a free vascularised iliac bone graft in the treatment of 21 patients (19 men and 2 women) with an avascular nonunion of the scaphoid in which conventional bone grafting had previously failed. The mean age of the patients was 32 years (23 to 46) and the dominant wrist was affected in 14. The mean interval from fracture to the vascularised bone grafting was 39 months (9 to 62). Pre-operative MRI showed no contrast enhancement in the proximal fragment in any patient. Fracture union was assessed radiologically or with CT scans if the radiological appearances were inconclusive.

At a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (2 to 11) union was obtained in 16 patients. The remaining five patients with a persistent nonunion continued to experience pain, reduced grip strength and limited range of wrist movement. In the successfully treated patients the grip strength and range of movement did not recover to match the uninjured side.

Prevention of progressive carpal collapse, the absence of donor site morbidity, good subjective results and pain relief, justifies this procedure in the treatment of recalcitrant nonunion of the scaphoid.

Between 1995 and 2006, five intra-articular osteotomies of the head of the radius were performed in patients with symptomatic healed displaced articular fractures. Pre-operatively, all patients complained of persistent painful clicking on movement. Only patients with mild or no degenerative changes of the radial head and capitellum were considered for osteotomy. The operations were performed at a mean of 8.2 months (4 to 13) after injury and the patients were reviewed at a mean of 5.5 years (15 months to 12 years) after the osteotomy.

The average Mayo Elbow Performance Index Score improved significantly from 74 before to 88 after operation, with four patients rated as good or excellent (p < 0.05). The subjective patient satisfaction score was 8.4 on a ten-point scale. All osteotomies healed and there were no complications.

In this small series intra-articular osteotomy of the head of the radius was a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic intra-articular malunion without advanced degenerative changes.

This study investigated the anatomical relationship between the clavicle and its adjacent vascular structures, in order to define safe zones, in terms of distance and direction, for drilling of the clavicle during osteosynthesis using a plate and screws following a fracture. We used reconstructed three-dimensional CT arteriograms of the head, neck and shoulder region. The results have enabled us to divide the clavicle into three zones based on the proximity and relationship of the vascular structures adjacent to it. The results show that at the medial end of the clavicle the subclavian vessels are situated behind it, with the vein intimately related to it. In some scans the vein was opposed to the posterior cortex of the clavicle. At the middle one-third of the clavicle the artery and vein are a mean of 17.02 mm (5.4 to 26.8) and 12.45 mm (5 to 26.1) from the clavicle, respectively, and at a mean angle of 50° (12 to 80) and 70° (38 to 100), respectively, to the horizontal. At the lateral end of the clavicle the artery and vein are at mean distances of 63.4 mm (46.8 to 96.5) and 75.67 mm (50 to 109), respectively.

An appreciation of the information gathered from this study will help minimise the risk of inadvertent iatrogenic vascular injury during plating of the clavicle.

This study identified variables which influence the outcome of surgical management on 126 ununited scaphoid fractures managed by internal fixation and non-vascular bone grafting. The site of fracture was defined by a new method: the ratio of the length of the proximal fragment to the sum of the lengths of both fragments, calculated using specific views in the plain radiographs. Bone healing occurred in 71% (89) of cases. Only the site of nonunion (p = 1 × 10⁻⁶) and the delay to surgery (p = 0.001) remained significant on multivariate analysis. The effect of surgical delay on the probability of union increased as the fracture site moved proximally. A prediction model was produced by stepwise logistic regression analysis, enabling the surgeon to predict the success of surgery where the site of the nonunion and delay to surgery is known.

A suspected fracture of the scaphoid remains difficult to manage despite advances in knowledge and imaging methods. Immobilisation and restriction of activities in a young and active patient must be balanced against the risks of nonunion associated with an undiagnosed and undertreated fracture of the scaphoid.

The assessment of diagnostic tests for a suspected fracture of the scaphoid must take into account two important factors. First, the prevalence of true fractures among suspected fractures is low, which greatly reduces the probability that a positive test will correspond with a true fracture, as false positives are nearly as common as true positives. This situation is accounted for by Bayesian statistics. Secondly, there is no agreed reference standard for a true fracture, which necessitates the need for an alternative method of calculating diagnostic performance characteristics, based upon a statistical method which identifies clinical factors tending to associate (latent classes) in patients with a high probability of fracture.

The most successful diagnostic test to date is MRI, but in low-prevalence situations the positive predictive value of MRI is only 88%, and new data have documented the potential for false positive scans. The best strategy for improving the diagnosis of true fractures among suspected fractures of the scaphoid may well be to develop a clinical prediction rule incorporating a set of demographic and clinical factors which together increase the pre-test probability of a fracture of the scaphoid, in addition to developing increasingly sophisticated radiological tests.

We present the outcome of the treatment of chronic post-traumatic contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint by gradual distraction correction using an external fixator. A total of 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34 years (17 to 54) had distraction for a mean of 16 days (10 to 22). The fixator was removed after a mean of 29 days (16 to 40). Assessment at a mean of 34 months (18 to 54) after completion of treatment showed that the mean active range of movement had significantly increased by 63° (30° to 90°; p < 0.001). The mean active extension gained was 47° (30° to 75°).

Patients aged less than 40 years fared slightly better with a mean gain in active range of movement of 65° (30° to 90°) compared with those aged more than 40 years, who had a mean gain in active range of movement of 55° (30° to 70°) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.148).

The use of joint distraction to correct chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a minimally-invasive and effective method of treatment.

Ulnar neuropathy presents as a complication in 5% to 10% of total elbow replacements, but subsequent ulnar neurolysis is rarely performed. Little information is available on the surgical management of persistent ulnar neuropathy after elbow replacement. We describe our experience with the surgical management of this problem.

Of 1607 total elbow replacements performed at our institution between January 1969 and December 2004, eight patients (0.5%) had a further operation for persistent or progressive ulnar neuropathy. At a mean follow-up of 9.2 years (3.1 to 21.7) six were clinically improved and satisfied with their outcome, although, only four had complete recovery. When transposition was performed on a previously untransposed nerve the rate of recovery was 75%, but this was reduced to 25% if the nerve had been transposed at the time of the replacement.

The lateral ligament complex is the primary constraint to posterolateral rotatory laxity of the elbow, and if it is disrupted during surgery, posterolateral instability may ensue. The Wrightington approach to the head of the radius involves osteotomising the ulnar insertion of this ligament, rather than incising through it as in the classic posterolateral (Kocher) approach. In this biomechanical study of 17 human cadaver elbows, we demonstrate that the surgical approach to the head can influence posterolateral laxity, with the Wrightington approach producing less posterolateral rotatory laxity than the posterolateral approach.

Ulnar nerve function, during and after open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal humerus with subperiosteal elevation of the nerve, was assessed by intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring. Intermittent recording of the compound muscle action potentials was taken from the hypothenar muscles in 18 neurologically asymptomatic patients.

The mean amplitude of the compound muscle action potential after surgery was 98.1% (sd 17.6; −37% to +25%). The amplitude improved in six patients following surgery. Despite unremarkable recordings one patient had progressive paresis. Motor impairment is unlikely if the compound muscle action potential is continuously preserved and not reduced by more than 40% at the end of surgery. Temporary decreases in amplitude by up to 70% were tolerated without clinical consequences. However, repeated clinical examination is obligatory to recognise and treat early post-operative palsy.

The Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) may be used to decide whether to perform amputation in patients with injuries involving a limb. A score of 7 points or higher indicates the need for amputation. We have treated three patients with a MESS of 7 points or higher, in two of which the injured limb was salvaged. This scoring system was originally devised to assess injuries to the lower limb. However, a MESS of 7 points as a justification for amputation does not appear appropriate when assessing injuries to the major vessels in the upper limb.