We reviewed 42 consecutive children with a supination
We evaluated scapular dysplasia and malposition in 15 patients with the Sprengel
A pronation
The Madelung
We have measured the three-dimensional patterns of carpal
We present our experience with correction of Madelung’s
We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients who underwent reconstruction of the shoulder for a medial rotation contracture after birth injury of the brachial plexus. Of these, 13 patients with a mean age of 5.8 years (2.8 to 12.9) received an injection of botulinum toxin type A into the pectoralis major as a surgical adjunct. They were matched with 13 patients with a mean age of 4.0 years (1.9 to 7.2) who underwent an identical operation before the introduction of botulinum toxin therapy to our unit. Pre-operatively, there was no significant difference (p = 0.093) in the modified Gilbert shoulder scores for the two groups. Post-operatively, the patients who received the botulinum toxin had significantly better Gilbert shoulder scores (p = 0.012) at a mean follow-up of three years (1.5 to 9.8). It appears that botulinum toxin type A produces benefits which are sustained beyond the period for which the toxin is recognised to be active. We suggest that by temporarily weakening some of the power of medial rotation, afferent signals to the brain are reduced and cortical recruitment for the injured nerves is improved.
Cubitus varus and valgus are the most common complications of supracondylar and lateral condylar fractures. Various combinations of osteotomy and fixation have been described to correct these
Lateral clavicular physeal injuries in adolescents
are frequently misinterpreted as acromioclavicular dislocations. There
are currently no clear guidelines for the management of these relatively
rare injuries. Non-operative treatment can result in a cosmetic
deformity, warranting resection of the non-remodelled original lateral
clavicle. However, fixation with Kirschner (K)-wires may be associated
with infection and/or prominent metalwork. We report our experience
with a small series of such cases. Between October 2008 and October 2011 five patients with lateral
clavicular physeal fractures (types III, IV and V) presented to
our unit. There were four boys and one girl with a mean age of 12.8
years (9 to 14). Four fractures were significantly displaced and
treated operatively using a tension band suture technique. One grade
III fracture was treated conservatively. The mean follow-up was
26 months (6 to 42). All patients made an uncomplicated recovery. The mean time to
discharge was three months. The QuickDASH score at follow-up was
0 for each patient. No patient developed subsequent growth disturbances. We advocate the surgical treatment of significantly displaced
Grade IV and V fractures to avoid cosmetic
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
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
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
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
We treated 32 displaced mallet finger fractures by a two extension block Kirschner-wire technique. The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 49 months (25 to 84). The mean joint surface involvement was 38.4% (33% to 50%) and 18 patients (56%) had accompanying joint subluxation. All 32 fractures united with a mean time to union of 6.2 weeks (5.1 to 8.2). Congruent joint surfaces and anatomical reduction were seen in all cases. The mean flexion of the distal interphalangeal joints was 83.1° (75° to 90°) and the mean extension loss was 0.9° (0° to 7°). No digit had a prominent dorsal bump or a recurrent mallet
We describe the results of surgical treatment in a prospective study of 183 consecutive cases of subluxation (101) and dislocation (82) of the shoulder secondary to obstetric brachial plexus palsy between 1995 and 2000. Neurological recovery was rated ‘good’ or ‘useful’ in all children, whose lesions fell into groups 1, 2 or 3 of the Narakas classification. The mean age at operation was 47 months (3 to 204). The mean follow-up was 40 months (24 to 124). The mean gain in function was 3.6 levels (9.4 to 13) using the Mallet score and 2 (2.1 to 4.1) on the Gilbert score. The mean active global range of shoulder movement was increased by 73°; the mean range of active lateral rotation by 58° and that of supination of the forearm by 51°. Active medial rotation was decreased by a mean of 10°. There were 20 failures. The functional outcome is related to the severity of the neurological lesion, the duration of the dislocation and onset of
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
We studied 11 patients (14 elbows) with gross rheumatoid
Replacement of the shoulder in juvenile idiopathic arthritis is not often performed and there have been no published series to date. We present nine glenohumeral hemiarthroplasties in eight patients with systemic or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The mean follow-up was six years (59 to 89 months). The mean age at the time of surgery was 32 years. Surgery took place at a mean of 27 years after diagnosis. The results indicated excellent relief from pain. There was restoration of useful function which deteriorated with time, in part because of progression of the systemic disease in this severely affected group. No patient has required revision to date and there has been no radiological evidence of loosening or osteolysis around the implants. We discuss the pathoanatomical challenges unique to this group. There was very little space for a prosthetic joint and, in some cases, bony
In 28 patients with a solitary diagnosis of instability of the trapeziometacarpal joint because of a rupture of the anterior oblique ligament, reconstruction was carried out using a slip of the tendon of flexor carpi radialis. We were able to review 26 patients. The results after a follow-up of four years seven months showed that most (87%) had significant relief from pain and symptoms. Seventeen were graded as good to excellent. The mean grip strength recovered to 86% of the contralateral side. Most patients (81%) felt that they had subjective improvement and would have undergone the operation again. A lesser functional result was seen in those who developed a flexion
In 13 patients (18 fingers) we used two types of external fixator as progressive static splints for the preoperative correction of the
We classified fractures of the base of the middle phalanx into five types: 1) single palmar fragment; 2) single dorsal fragment; 3) two main fragments; 4) not involving the articular surface, including epiphyseal separation in children; and 5) all others. Types 1 and 2 were subclassified into avulsion, split and split-depression. Surgery is recommended for unstable type-1 avulsion fractures, type-2 avulsions which may develop buttonhole
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
We studied retrospectively the radiographs of 33 patients with late symptoms after scaphoid nonunion in an attempt to relate the incidence of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) to the level of the original fracture. We found differing patterns for nonunion at the proximal, middle and distal thirds. The mean intervals between fracture and complaint were 20.9, 6.7 and 12.6 years and obvious degenerative changes occurred in 85.7%, 40.0% and 33.3%, for the six proximal-, eight middle- and two distal-third nonunions, respectively. Nonunion at the proximal and middle thirds showed the first degenerative changes at the radioscaphoid joint, and this was followed by narrowing of the scaphocapitate and then the lunocapitate joints. In our two nonunions of the distal third degenerative changes were seen only at the lunocapitate joint. Most patients with SNAC and nonunion of the middle or distal third showed dorsal intercalated instability; few patients with nonunion of the proximal third developed this
Injectable Bromelain Solution (IBS) is a modified investigational derivate of the medical grade bromelain-debriding pharmaceutical agent (NexoBrid) studied and approved for a rapid (four-hour single application), eschar-specific, deep burn debridement. We conducted an Specially prepared medical grade IBS was injected into fresh Dupuytren’s cords excised from patients undergoing surgical fasciectomy. These cords were tested by tension-loading them to failure with the Zwick 1445 (Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany) tension testing system.Objectives
Materials and Methods
This study evaluates the position of the long
head of biceps tendon using ultrasound following simple tenotomy,
in patients with arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears. In total, 52 patients with a mean age of 60.7 years (45 to 75)
underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and simple tenotomy
of the long head of biceps tendon. At two years post-operatively,
ultrasound revealed that the tendon was inside the bicipital groove
in 43 patients (82.7%) and outside in nine (17.3%); in six of these
it was lying just outside the groove and in the remaining three
(5.8%) it was in a remote position with a positive Popeye Sign.
A dynamic ultrasound scan revealed that the tenotomised tendons
had adhered to the surrounding tissues (autotenodesis).The initial
condition of the tendon influenced its final position (p <
0.0005).
The presence of a Popeye sign was statistically influenced by the
pre-operative co-existence of supraspinatus and subscapularis tears (p
<
0.0001). It appears that the natural history of the tenotomised long head
of biceps tendon is to tenodese itself inside or just outside the
bicipital groove, while its pre-operative condition and coexistent
subscapularis tears play a significant role in the occurrence of
a Popeye sign.
This study was performed to determine whether
pure cancellous bone graft and Kirschner (K-) wire fixation were sufficient
to achieve bony union and restore alignment in scaphoid nonunion.
A total of 65 patients who underwent cancellous bone graft and K-wire
fixation were included in this study. The series included 61 men
and four women with a mean age of 34 years (15 to 72) and mean delay
to surgery of 28.7 months (3 to 240). The patients were divided
into an unstable group (A) and stable group (B) depending on the
pre-operative radiographs. Unstable nonunion was defined as a lateral
intrascaphoid angle >
45°, or a radiolunate angle >
10°. There were
34 cases in group A and 31 cases in group B. Bony union was achieved
in 30 patients (88.2%) in group A, and in 26 (83.9%) in group B
(p = 0.439). Comparison of the post-operative radiographs between
the two groups showed no significant differences in lateral intrascaphoid
angle (p = 0.657) and scaphoid length
(p = 0.670) and height (p = 0.193). The radiolunate angle was significantly
different
(p = 0.020) but the mean value in both groups was <
10°. Comparison
of the dorsiflexion and palmar flexion of movement of the wrist
and the mean Mayo wrist score at the final clinical visit in each
group showed no significant difference (p = 0.190, p = 0.587 and
p = 0.265, respectively). Cancellous bone graft and K-wire fixation
were effective in the treatment of stable and unstable scaphoid
nonunion. Cite this article:
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
Most patients with a nightstick fracture of the
ulna are treated conservatively. Various techniques of immobilisation or
early mobilisation have been studied. We performed a systematic
review of all published randomised controlled trials and observational
studies that have assessed the outcome of these fractures following
above- or below-elbow immobilisation, bracing and early mobilisation.
We searched multiple electronic databases, related bibliographies and
other studies. We included 27 studies comprising 1629 fractures
in the final analysis. The data relating to the time to radiological
union and the rates of delayed union and nonunion could be pooled
and analysed statistically. We found that early mobilisation produced the shortest radiological
time to union (mean 8.0 weeks) and the lowest mean rate of nonunion
(0.6%). Fractures treated with above- or below-elbow immobilisation
and braces had longer mean radiological times to union (9.2 weeks,
9.2 weeks and 8.7 weeks, respectively) and higher mean rates of
nonunion (3.8%, 2.1% and 0.8%, respectively). There was no statistically
significant difference in the rate of non- or delayed union between
those treated by early mobilisation and the three forms of immobilisation
(p = 0.142 to p = 1.000, respectively). All the studies had significant
biases, but until a robust randomised controlled trial is undertaken
the best advice for the treatment of undisplaced or partially displaced
nightstick fractures appears to be early mobilisation, with a removable
forearm support for comfort as required. Cite this article:
Arthrolysis and dynamic splinting have been used in the treatment of elbow contractures, but there is no standardised protocol for treatment of severe contractures with an arc of flexion <
30°. We present our results of radical arthrolysis with twin incisions with the use of a monolateral hinged fixator to treat very severe extra-articular contracture of the elbow. This retrospective study included 26 patients (15 males and 11 females) with a mean age of 30 years (12 to 60). The mean duration of stiffness was 9.1 months (5.4 to 18) with mean follow-up of 5.2 years (3.5 to 9.4). The mean pre-operative arc of movement was 15.6° (0° to 30°), with mean pre-operative flexion of 64.1° (30° to 120°) and mean pre-operative extension of 52.1° (10° to 90°). Post-operatively the mean arc improved to 102.4° (60° to 135°), the mean flexion improved to 119.1° (90° to 140°) and mean extension improved to 16.8° (0° to 30°) (p <
0.001). The Mayo elbow score improved from a mean of 45 (30 to 65) to 89 (75 to 100) points, and 13 had excellent, nine had good, three had fair and one had a poor result. We had one case of severe instability and one wound dehiscence which responded well to treatment. One case had deep infection with poor results which responded well to treatment. Our findings indicate that this method is very effective in the treatment of severe elbow contracture; however, a randomised controlled study is necessary for further evaluation.
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.
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:
The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a pivotal
articulation in the linked system of the upper limb girdle, providing
load-bearing in compression while resisting displacement in tension
or distraction at the manubrium sterni. The SCJ and acromioclavicular
joint (ACJ) both have a small surface area of contact protected
by an intra-articular fibrocartilaginous disc and are supported
by strong extrinsic and intrinsic capsular ligaments. The function
of load-sharing in the upper limb by bulky periscapular and thoracobrachial
muscles is extremely important to the longevity of both joints.
Ligamentous and capsular laxity changes with age, exposing both
joints to greater strain, which may explain the rising incidence
of arthritis in both with age. The incidence of arthritis in the
SCJ is less than that in the ACJ, suggesting that the extrinsic
ligaments of the SCJ provide greater stability than the coracoclavicular
ligaments of the ACJ. Instability of the SCJ is rare and can be difficult to distinguish
from medial clavicular physeal or metaphyseal fracture-separation:
cross-sectional imaging is often required. The distinction is important
because the treatment options and outcomes of treatment are dissimilar,
whereas the treatment and outcomes of ACJ separation and fracture
of the lateral clavicle can be similar. Proper recognition and treatment
of traumatic instability is vital as these injuries may be life-threatening.
Instability of the SCJ does not always require surgical intervention.
An accurate diagnosis is required before surgery can be considered,
and we recommend the use of the Stanmore instability triangle. Most
poor outcomes result from a failure to recognise the underlying
pathology. There is a natural reluctance for orthopaedic surgeons to operate
in this area owing to unfamiliarity with, and the close proximity
of, the related vascular structures, but the interposed sternohyoid
and sternothyroid muscles are rarely injured and provide a clear
boundary to the medial retroclavicular space, as well as an anatomical
barrier to unsafe intervention. This review presents current concepts of instability of the SCJ,
describes the relevant surgical anatomy, provides a framework for
diagnosis and management, including physiotherapy, and discusses
the technical challenges of operative intervention. Cite this article:
We evaluated the biomechanical properties of two different methods of fixation for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus. Biomechanical testing of the two groups, locking plate alone (LP), and locking plate with a fibular strut graft (LPSG), was performed using seven pairs of human cadaveric humeri. Cyclical loads between 10 N and 80 N at 5 Hz were applied for 1 000 000 cycles. Immediately after cycling, an increasing axial load was applied at a rate of displacement of 5 mm/min. The displacement of the construct, maximum failure load, stiffness and mode of failure were compared. The displacement was significantly less in the LPSG group than in the LP group (p = 0.031). All maximum failure loads and measures of stiffness in the LPSG group were significantly higher than those in the LP group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.035, respectively). In the LP group, varus collapse and plate bending were seen. In the LPSG group, the humeral head cut out and the fibular strut grafts fractured. No broken plates or screws were seen in either group. We conclude that strut graft augmentation significantly increases both the maximum failure load and the initial stiffness of this construct compared with a locking plate alone.
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.
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.
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.
Residual muscle weakness in obstetric brachial plexus palsy results in soft-tissue contractures which limit the functional range of movement and lead to progressive glenoid dysplasia and joint instability. We describe the results of surgical treatment in 98 patients (mean age 2.5 years, 0.5 to 9.0) for the correction of active abduction of the shoulder. The patients underwent transfer of the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles, release of contractures of subscapularis pectoralis major and minor, and axillary nerve decompression and neurolysis (the modified Quad procedure). The transferred muscles were sutured to the teres minor muscle, not to a point of bony insertion. The mean pre-operative active abduction was 45° (20° to 90°). At a mean follow-up of 4.8 years (2.0 to 8.7), the mean active abduction was 162° (100° to 180°) while 77 (78.6%) of the patients had active abduction of 160° or more. No decline in abduction was noted among the 29 patients (29.6%) followed up for six years or more. This procedure involving release of the contracted internal rotators of the shoulder combined with decompression and neurolysis of the axillary nerve greatly improves active abduction in young patients with muscle imbalance secondary to obstetric brachial plexus palsy.
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.
There is little information available at present regarding the mechanisms of failure of modern metallic radial head implants. Between 1998 and 2008, 44 consecutive patients (47 elbows) underwent removal of a failed metallic radial head replacement. In 13 patients (13 elbows) the initial operation had been undertaken within one week of a fracture of the radial head, at one to six weeks in seven patients (seven elbows) and more than six weeks (mean of 2.5 years (2 to 65 months)) in 22 patients (25 elbows). In the remaining two elbows the replacement was inserted for non-traumatic reasons. The most common indication for further surgery was painful loosening (31 elbows). Revision was undertaken for stiffness in 18 elbows, instability in nine, and deep infection in two. There were signs of over-lengthening of the radius in 11 elbows. Degenerative changes were found in all but one. Only three loose implants had been fixed with cement. Instability was not identified in any of the bipolar implants.
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.
Frozen shoulder is commonly encountered in general
orthopaedic practice. It may arise spontaneously without an obvious
predisposing cause, or be associated with a variety of local or
systemic disorders. Diagnosis is based upon the recognition of the
characteristic features of the pain, and selective limitation of
passive external rotation. The macroscopic and histological features
of the capsular contracture are well-defined, but the underlying
pathological processes remain poorly understood. It may cause protracted
disability, and imposes a considerable burden on health service
resources. Most patients are still managed by physiotherapy in primary
care, and only the more refractory cases are referred for specialist
intervention. Targeted therapy is not possible and treatment remains predominantly
symptomatic. However, over the last ten years, more active interventions
that may shorten the clinical course, such as capsular distension
arthrography and arthroscopic capsular release, have become more popular. This review describes the clinical and pathological features
of frozen shoulder. We also outline the current treatment options,
review the published results and present our own treatment algorithm.
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.
We describe a technique of soft-tissue reconstruction which is effective for the treatment of chronic lunotriquetral instability. Part of extensor carpi ulnaris is harvested with its distal attachment preserved. It is passed through two drill holes in the triquetrum and sutured to itself. This stabilises the ulnar side of the wrist. We have reviewed 46 patients who underwent this procedure for post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability with clinical signs suggestive of ulnar-sided carpal instability. Standard radiographs were normal. All patients had pre-operative arthroscopy of the wrist at which dynamic lunotriquetral instability was demonstrated. A clinical rating system for the wrist by the Mayo clinic was used to measure the outcome. In 19 patients the result was excellent, in ten good, in 11 satisfactory and in six poor. On questioning, 40 (87%) patients said that surgery had substantially improved the condition and that they would recommend the operation. However, six (13%) were unhappy with the outcome and would not undergo the procedure again for a similar problem. There were six complications, five of which related to pisotriquetral problems. The mean follow-up was 39.1 months (6 to 100). We believe that tenodesis of extensor carpi ulnaris is a very satisfactory procedure for isolated, chronic post-traumatic lunotriquetral instability in selected patients. In those with associated pathology, the symptoms were improved, but the results were less predictable.
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.
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.