Traumatic lesions at the thumb base: Treatment options.

Traumatic lesions around the base of the thumb have special features due to the location and structure of the joint and its inherent potential instability. This causes different fracture patterns, which are mostly isolated around the metacarpal base but can also involve just the trapezium or both. Exceptionally, there may be isolated dislocation. Fracture patterns are variable and influence the type of surgery. The most common fracture is Bennett's fracture accounting for 4% of all hand fractures and sometimes associated with trapezium fracture, usually in male subjects. Different fracture mechanisms have been proposed. Apart from intra-articular fractures of the metacarpal base and the trapezium, proximal metaphyseal fractures can exceptionally be treated conservatively by immobilization. All other fractures require open or closed reduction combined with different types of temporary pinning or open reduction and internal fixation with screws or locking plate in case of comminution. Immobilization depends on the type of surgical treatment and can be removable or non-removable. Close follow-up is mandatory to avoid the inconveniences of secondary swelling with non-removable plaster and resin casts. Extra-articular malunion may be tolerated, but articular malunion must be corrected surgically by intra-articular osteotomy to restore the joint. In case of posttraumatic joint degeneration, treatment will focus on a case-by-case basis on the patient's complaints. Arthrodesis or prosthetic surgery can be proposed in case of severe problems caused by osteoarthritis.

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis: From the joint to the patient.

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis (STT OA) is common and often associated with thumb basal joint arthritis. Pain at the base of the thumb on the volar aspect and during resisted extension is characteristic of symptomatic STT OA. If conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment may be offered. In case of STT OA, treatment may range from arthrodesis to trapeziectomy (isolated or associated with ligament reconstruction and/or interposition). Any preoperative intracarpal instability (DISI) can be exacerbated by resecting more than 3 or 4 mm of the distal pole of scaphoid. For peritrapezial osteoarthritis, trapeziectomy is the logical solution, but it exposes the patient to known complications: loss of strength, long recovery, trapeziometacarpal impingement. Initial treatment of thumb basal joint arthritis by arthroplasty is also an option. Treatment of both sites is also possible by interposition of pyrocarbon implants. In all cases (isolated or associated STT OA) and no matter the technique chosen, maintaining the scaphoid height (arthrodesis, resection < 3 mm and/or associated interposition) and performing oblique trapezoidal osteotomy (to prevent scaphoid-metacarpal impingement) are the two crucial elements of surgical treatment.

Arthroscopic grafting of scaphoid nonunion - surgical technique and preliminary findings from 23 cases.

We report our experience with the arthroscopic treatment of 23 cases of scaphoid nonunion. We explain the surgical technique and describe the different steps needed to achieve bone union. We report our initial clinical and radiological results. This was a prospective non-randomized study. Inclusion criteria were a scaphoid nonunion without radiocarpal arthritis, without any time limit and without any selection as to nonunion location. Before the operation, patients underwent an X-Ray and CT scan or MRI. Schernberg's classification was used to evaluate the location of the nonunion. Internal fixation was performed with a screw or K-wires. Bone grafts were taken from the dorsal side of the distal radius using a T-Lok™ bone marrow biopsy needle (Argon Medical Devices, Plano, TX, USA). A CT scan was performed 3 months after the operation to determine whether union was achieved. Pain, strength and range of motion were evaluated before and after the operation. The patients' smoking habits were also documented. The average follow-up was 17.3 months (4-41). There were 20 men and 3 women with an average age of 26 years (17-63). The average duration of nonunion before the operation was 17 months (6-60). Based on Schernberg's classification, there was one type I, 12 type II and 10 type III nonunions. Wrist strength increased from 32 to 41kg. Union was obtained in all patients after an average of 4 months (3-12). Numerous treatments have been described for treating scaphoid nonunion: Matti-Russe, Fisk-Fernadez bone graft, vascularized bone graft, bone substitutes, etc. The success rate varies depending on the technique and study design. We have described an arthroscopic technique for treating scaphoid nonunion with very promising preliminary results. Arthroscopic debridement is needed to ensure good quality bone at the graft site, while preserving extrinsic vascularization. Traction is used during the operation to restore the scaphoid height, once debridement has been completed. Use of the compacted cancellous bone plugs adds stability to the nonunion site and helps to fill the defect. We have yet to encounter a case in which this technique cannot be used (other than the presence of radiocarpal or midcarpal arthritis), whether there is a large bone defect or the nonunion site is very proximal.

The use of screws in the treatment of scapholunate instability.

Seven patients with chronic scapholunate instability (Geissler grade 2-4) were treated by percutaneous placement of screws across the scapholunate joint after arthroscopic debridement of the remnants of the scapholunate ligament. In all seven cases, the screw caused partial destruction of the lunate and/or scaphoid requiring screw removal within 6 months. We no longer perform this procedure.

[Locking of the metacapophalangeal joint: report of four cases]. / Blocage de l'articulation métacarpophalangienne : à propos de quatre cas.

We report four cases of locked metacarpophalangeal joint. This is a rare and, sometimes, undiagnosed pathology. Locking of the joint is due to a conflict between the head of the metacarpal and one of the collateral ligaments. X-Rays may show an osteophyte or a malformation. Treatment varies from simple traction to surgery. Recurrence is rare.

Spontaneous rupture of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of the index and middle fingers: "the pen sign".

We report this case of a flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon rupture of the second and third fingers of the right hand in a 46-year-old patient. This rupture seems to occur under moderate stress. In this precise situation, the diagnosis was confirmed from the MRI data. Treatment was entirely conservative. However, the clinical presentation of the patient appeared quite original and so misleading to us that we reported this case here and developed the term "pen sign" to describe it. Considering this case, in order to reanimate thumb flexion transferring the fourth finger, FDS would appear to be entirely justified because of the lack of consequent difficulties on fine thumb index finger grasping used when holding pens or fine tweezers. It should also lead us in our everyday surgical practice to attempt to systematically repair the two index flexor tendons when they are damaged.

[Arthroscopic management of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius]. / Traitement des fractures articulaires du radius distal sous contrôle arthroscopique: technique opératoire et choix thérapeutiques.

The use of arthroscopy in the management of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius has become established over the last ten years, but the operative technique is not yet standardised. We report our experience with this technique and give a stage by stage description of the operative procedure. The arthroscopic part of the procedure consists firstly of an evaluation of the bony, cartilaginous and ligamentous injuries and secondly direct visual control of the reduction. The choice of bone fixation depends on the individual preferences of the surgeon but may be influenced by the configuration of the fracture. A literature review reiterates the advantages of arthroscopic assistance in managing these fractures without revealing any disadvantages. However, mastery of the arthroscopic techniques is vital before the full advantages of this type of management can be realised.

[Bulge of the scapholunate ligament: an arthro-CT sign of traumatic scapholunate instability]. / Un ligament scapholunaire bombé, signe arthrotomodensitométrique d'instabilité scapholunaire traumatique.

Tears of the scapholunate ligament are usually diagnosed during an arthro-CT or arthro-MRI examination. Typically, the contrast agent passes from one joint to the other. In certain cases, fibrous scar tissue devoid of any mechanical effect may block the passage and lead to an erroneous interpretation of the images. We reviewed retrospectively patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for scapholunate tears and who had normal arthro-CT images. We searched for specific aspects suggestive of ligament injury. Analysis of the arthro-CT images demonstrated that a bulge of the scapholunate ligament could be noted in patients whose diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injury was established arthroscopically. We propose that appropriate lecture of wrist images can identify scapholunate ligament injury in patients wrongly considered to be free of wrist injury, but who actually have an occult injury to the scapholunate ligament.

[Treatment of femoral fracture on previous implants with minimally-invasive surgery and total weight-bearing: benefit of locking plate. Preliminary report]. / Traitement des fractures fémorales sur matériel par voie mini-invasive et remise en charge immédiate: apport des plaques à vis bloquées (LCP). Série préliminaire.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We report a consecutive prospective series of femoral fractures on previous implants. The purpose was to assess treatment with locking compression plates and total weight-bearing. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From June 2002 to December 2005, we treated 21 patients (16 women, five men) for fractures on previous implants: total hip arthroplasty (n=11), total knee arthroplasty (n=1), unicompartmental prosthesis (n=1), gamma nail (n=4), hip screw (n=1). Mean patient age was 75.8 years (range 39-90). Osteosynthesis was performed on an orthopedic table or on a standard table using a minimally-invasive approach for fixation with a locking compression plate (Synthes) LCP) to bridge the implants in place and avoid any zone of weakness. The rehabilitation protocol included immediate total weight bearing. RESULTS: At last follow-up there were three deaths and one failure so that there were 17 patients with a mean follow-up of 15.9 months (range 6-45 months). The following outcomes were noted. Minimally-invasive surgery was used in 18 cases, access to the fracture focus in three. Total weight bearing was possible immediately after surgery in 12 patients and partial weight bearing (20 kg) for two. There were two infections, two general complications and one early displacement. Healing was achieved at 6-10 weeks. Misalignment greater than 10 degrees was noted in three cases. DISCUSSION: This work illustrates the use of locking plates for minimally-invasive repair of fractures on previous implants with total weight bearing. This technique combines the principles of closed fixation and preservation of the fracture hematoma with material stability. In this form, use developed progressively. It is now common practice to use plate fixation for femoral fractures. The LISS system was then developed progressively for minimally-invasive repair of distal fractures. We widened the concept to include more proximal approaches. The use of the locking screws in the plate corresponds to what could be called an internal external fixator with three pins (two corresponding to the cortical screws plus the plate), which enable a solid fixation. Screw hold seems to be sufficient to allow early weight bearing. CONCLUSION: Locking plates have been shown to be an effective treatment for femoral fractures on previous implants allowing a stable fixation sufficient for early weight bearing.

Anatomical basis for distal sartorius muscle flap for reconstructive surgery below the knee. Anatomical study and case report.

We report a case of a woman presenting with a long-term non-healing wound below the tibial tubercle that underwent a successful sartorius muscle flap. We performed an anatomical study of the vascularisation of the sartorius muscle. The vascular supply to the distal part of the sartorius muscle was studied in 15 limbs by dissection and after red ink and latex injections. The artery of the sartorius muscle flap arises most of the time from the saphenous artery or the descending genicular artery and is supplied through anastomoses by branches of the posterior tibial artery and the medial inferior genicular artery. The flap is useful for covering wounds around the knee, as well as the proximal and the middle thirds of the leg. The surgical technique is relatively simple, with a low morbidity from muscle harvesting.

[Proposal for new anterior portals for wrist arthroscopic as a complementary approach to open anterior wrist surgery]. / Arthroscopie complémentaire de l'ostéosynthèse du radius distal par abord antérieur: bases anatomiques de nouvelles voies arthroscopiques antérieures.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Morphological and morphometric studies of the wrist ligaments are scarce. The radiocapitatum and scapholunate ligaments play a pivotal role in wrist stability. Classically, a posterior approach is used for arthroscopic procedures, but an anterior approach should be possible. We conducted a cadaver study to search for new anterior portals for wrist arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five formol-treated upper limbs were dissected. The classical anterior approach for open wrist surgery was executed. The different elements of the capsule-ligament system of the anterior aspect of the wrist were identified and labeled. The dissection was then extended to the ulna in search of soft points which were identified and evaluated. The different structures generally identified during wrist arthroscopy were noted. RESULTS: Two potential portals were identified in all wrists: one between the radiolunate ligament and the radio-scapho-capitatum ligament on the radial aspect and one between the radio-lunate ligament and the ulno-lunate ligament. Arthroscopic exploration enabled observation of the scapho-lunate ligament, the luno-triquetral ligament, the triangular complex of the carpus, and the entire inferior aspect of the radial joint surface, with no risk of vessel or nerve injury because of the exposure allowed by the osteosynthesis approach. DISCUSSION: Wrist arthroscopy is now accepted as a reliable technique not only for diagnostic purposes but also for therapeutic interventions for the treatment of fractures of the lower radius. Most of the arthroscopic portals described in the literature are posterior. The anterior portals described here do not involve any vascular or neurological risk since the radial approach is made under visual control by extension of the open anterior approach and on the ulnar side the noble structures are positioned medially to the ulnar flexor tendon of the carpus. This enables good triangulation necessary for the usual arthroscopic procedures. Finally, these portals have no supplementary morbidity which would be the case with percutaneous portals (injury to the medial nerve, the radial vasculonervous bundle, the radial flexor tendon). CONCLUSION: These new arthroscopic portals are complementary to the anterior approach for open wrist surgery and enable a natural extension of joint exploration via both the radial and ulnar approaches described in this study.

[Bilateral juvenile trapezometacarpal osteoarthritis in congenital hyperlaxity]. / Rhizarthrose juvénile bilatérale dans une laxité constitutionnelle.

We report a rare case of major trapezometacarpal instability observed in a 31-year-old woman with congenital hyperlaxity. The patient presented major functional impotency of both thumbs, closure of the first commissure, and absence of effective opposition except between the lateral borders of the long fingers due to severe pain in the trapezometacarpal joint attributed to osteoarthritis. The patient underwent bilateral trapezectomy with ligamentoplasty. The gross examination of the trapezeal specimens revealed major cartilage destruction on the medial portion of the trapezeal joint surface. Three months after surgery, the patient was able to resume occupational and recreational activities. At one year, she was pain free with normal function. No other similar case could be identified in the literature and search for a pathological condition which could have contributed to the altered collagen was negative. It was observed that since stabilization was achieved by ligamentoplasty, recurrence should not be expected in congenital hyperlaxity if the tendons are unaffected.

[Plate fixation with locking screw for distal fractures of the radius]. / Ostéosynthèse des fractures du radius distal par plaque à vis bloquée.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Fractures of the distal radius are common. No one implant has demonstrated superior efficacy in terms of maintaining the reduction over time. We report our experience with plate fixation using a locking screw. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 2003 and June 2004, 67 displaced fractures of the distal radius were treated by plate fixation using the LCP-DRP 2.4 (Synthès). Three different plates (anterior, posterior, and external) were used. The patients wore a removable anatomic brace for three weeks. Self-controlled rehabilitation exercises began directly after surgery with mobilization of the digital chains. The Fernandez, Castaing and AO classifications were noted. Ulnar variance, anteversion of the radial glenoid, radial slope and the alpha angle were measured intraoperatively and at last follow-up to assess maintenance of reduction over time. The DASH test and Green and O'Brien and PRWE scores were used to assess clinical outcome. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was eight months. Mean age was 55.8 years. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. The analysis included 59 patients who could respond to the questionnaires. Bone healing was achieved at six weeks. There were no cases of secondary displacement nor loss of reduction. The Green and O'Brien score was good or very good for 85%. The mean DASH was 20.6 and the mean PRWE 32.8. DISCUSSION: The appropriate fixation method for distal fractures of the radius remains a controversial issue, leading to a variety of materials and fixation methods. Primary stability achieved with the locking screw in a plate enables early mobilization associated with more rapid recovery of function. The absence of secondary displacement, irrespective of the quality of the underlying bone enabled us to achieve equivalent results in young patients and older patients with osteoporotic bone. This study also confirmed the preference for the anterior approach, irrespective of the direction of the displacement. To date, no other material has enabled equivalent results. This is a major achievement in terms of fixation stability.

[Arthroscopic styloidectomy.] / Styloïdectomie sous arthroscopie.

The radial styloidectomy is a symptomatic treatment of the radio scaphoïdal impingement. Famous many years ago for the treatment of post-traumatic arthritis of the wrist (SLAC, SNAC wrist) this procedure has been progressively abandoned. The miniaturization of the wrist's arthroscopical tools allows stiloidectomy under arthroscopy. This treatment allows the disappearance of the impingement and protects the surrounding soft tissue. After a short historical, anatomical and biomechanical study, the authors expose the technique of the styloidectomy under an arthroscopic procedure.

[Arthroscopic styloidectomy]. / Styloïdectomie sous arthroscopie.

The radial styloidectomy is a symptomatic treatment of the radio scaphoidal impingement. Famous many years ago for the treatment of post-traumatic arthritis of the wrist (SLAC, SNAC wrist) this procedure has been progressively abandoned. The miniaturization of the wrist's arthroscopical tools allows stiloidectomy under arthroscopy. This treatment allows the disappearance of the impingement and protects the surrounding soft tissue. After a short historical, anatomical and biomechanical study, the authors expose the technique of the styloidectomy under an arthroscopic procedure.

[Rupture of the flexor tendons on an anterior plate for distal radial fracture: four cases and a review of the literature]. / Rupture de tendons fléchisseurs sur plaque antérieure après fracture du radius distal: a propos de 4 cas et revue de la littérature.

We report four cases of flexor tendon ruptures which occurred after distal radial fracture and reviewed the 25 other cases reported in the literature since 1932. Analysis of these 29 cases disclosed the causes of these ruptures. A deformed callus after distal radial fracture or presence of an anterior osteosynthesis plate can under certain conditions lead to secondary flexor tendon tears. It was also found that tears of the flexor pollicis longus rupture predominate, followed by injury to the flexor digitorum profundis and superficialis of the index finger. Other tendons have only been involved in only a few cases. In order to avoid this complication, we propose systematic removal of anterior plates or secondary replacement if the reduction is not totally anatomic. Surgeons should recall the importance of anatomic reduction of distal radial fractures.

[Transverse radioulnar branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve: anatomic description and arthroscopic implications from 45 cadaveric dissections]. / Le rameau transverse de la branche dorsale du nerf ulnaire: anatomie et rapports avec les voies arthroscopiques du poignet: quarante-cinq dissections.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We conducted an anatomic study of the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve to describe its morphology and position in relation to arthroscopic exploration portals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five non-side-matched anatomic specimens of unknown age and gender were preserved in formol. The dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve was identified and dissected proximally to distally in order to reveal the different terminal branches. The morphometric analysis included measurement of the length and diameter of the transverse branch and measurement of wrist width. We also measured the smallest distance between the transverse branch and the ulnar styloid process, and between the branch and usual arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) in the axis of the forearm. RESULTS: The transverse branch was inconstant. It was found in 12 of the 45 dissection specimens (27%). In two-thirds of the specimens, the branch ran over less than 50% of the wrist width, tangentially to the radiocarpal joint. Mean nerve diameter was 1 mm. It was found 5-6 mm from the ulnar styloid process and was distal to it in 83% of the specimens. The dissections demonstrated two anatomic variants. Type A corresponded to a branch running distally to the ulnar styloid process, parallel to the joint line (10/12 specimens). Type B exhibited a trajectory proximal to the ulnar styloid process, crossing the ulnar head (2/12 specimens). The relations with the arthroscopic portals (4-5, 6R, 6U) showed that the mean distance from the branch to the portal was 3.75 mm for the 4-5 portal (distally in 11/12 specimens), 3.68 mm for the 6R portal (distally in 10/12 specimens), and 4.83 mm for the 6U portal (distally in 7 specimens and proximally in 5). DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, there has been only one report specifically devoted to this transverse branch. Two other reports simply mention its existence. According to the literature, the transverse branch of the dorsal ulnar nerve occurs in 60-80% of the cases. We found two anatomic variations different than those described in the literature. Based on our findings and data reported previously, we propose a new classification, describing two main types. In Type 1, the transverse branch arises proximally to the ulnar styloid process;type 1A and type IB are described in relation to the direction of the branch. In Type II, the branch arises distally to the ulnar styloid process;type IIA and type IIB again being described in relation to the direction of the branch. On the tangential trajectory over the radiocarpal joint, the morphometric data show a zone of risk described by a rectangle measuring 10 mm wide (6 mm distal and 4 mm proximal to the ulnar styloid process) and covering 50% of the wrist width. The relations with arthroscopic portals describe a zone of risk corresponding to a 5-7 mm radius circle centered on the portals (4-5, 6R, 6U), which includes 83% of the transverse branches.