Current management of avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head: a comprehensive literature review.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the metacarpal head is a rare disease that may lead to progressive destruction of the metacarpophalangeal joint and hand function. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, possible risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of the rare condition of avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head. METHODS: Articles were searched using the subject words "Dieterich disease","Mauclaire's disease", and "avascular necrosis of metacarpal head" in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies were retained for review after meeting the inclusion criteria. Those outcomes relevant to diagnose and assessing AVN of the metacarpal head and those related to curative management were extracted. RESULTS: The literature search revealed 45 studies with 55 patients. Although the aetiology of osteonecrosis has not been clearly delineated, AVN of the metacarpal head most commonly arises from trauma but other risk factors may also be involved. Plain radiographs are often negative and therefore likely to be missed. Early-stage osteonecrosis of the metacarpal head was best assessed using MRI. Given the rarity of this condition, there is no clear consensus on the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful metacarpophalangeal joints. An early understanding of this unusual disease will provide an optimal clinical outcome, restoring joint activity, and resolving pain. Nonoperative treatment cannot cure all patients. Surgical management is based on the patient and lesion characteristics.

Osteosynthesis of Fractures of the Metacarpal Neck with Self-Compressing Screw - Preliminary Analysis of 21 Cases / Osteossíntese de fraturas do colo do metacarpo com parafuso autocompressivo - Análise preliminar de 21 casos

Abstract Objective The present study aims to analyze the clinical results of the surgical treatment of metacarpal neck fractures with retrograde intramedullary fixation using cannulated headless screws (Herbert type). Methods Retrospective study of 21 closed fractures deviated from the metacarpal neck in 21 patients operated between April 2015 and November 2018. Results The sample included 19 men and 2 women. The mechanisms that caused the trauma were punching, falling to the ground and motor vehicle accident (n = 14, 5 and 2). The affected metacarpals were the 5th, 3rd, and 2nd (n = 19, 1 and 1). Surgical indications were neck-shaft diaphysis of the metacarpal > 30º for the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals and > 40º for the 5th metacarpal, shortening ≥ 5mm, rotational deviation, and the desire of the patient not to use plaster cast. In the immediate postoperative period, patients remained without immobilization and were instructed to mobilize their fingers according to tolerance. All patients had total active mobility > 240º and returned to their former occupations. All fractures consolidated and there were no reinterventions. Discussion The great advantages of the headless screw technique are its low morbidity, sufficient stability to avoid external immobilization, and reproducibility at low cost. Conclusion This is an easy, fast technique that has excellent results for the surgical treatment of displaced fractures of the neck of the metacarpals.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo visa analisar os resultados clínicos do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas de colo do metacarpo com fixação intramedular retrógrada utilizando parafusos canulados sem cabeça (tipo Herbert). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 21 fraturas fechadas desviadas do colo do metacarpo em 21 pacientes operados entre abril de 2015 e novembro de 2018. Resultados A casuística incluiu 19 homens e 2 mulheres. Os mecanismos causadores do trauma foram soco, queda ao solo e acidente com veículo motorizado (n = 14, 5 e 2). Os metacarpos acometidos foram o V, III e II (n = 19, 1 e 1). As indicações cirúrgicas foram angulação colo-diáfise do metacarpo > 30º para os II e III metacarpos e > 40º para o V metacarpo, encurtamento ≥ 5mm, desvio rotacional e o desejo do paciente de não utilizar imobilização gessada. No pós-operatório imediato, os pacientes permaneceram sem imobilização e orientados a mobilizar os dedos conforme tolerância. Todos os pacientes ficaram com mobilidade ativa total > 240º e retornaram às suas antigas ocupações. Todas fraturas consolidaram e não houve reintervenções. Discussão As grandes vantagens da técnica com parafuso sem cabeça são sua baixa morbidade, estabilidade suficiente para não precisar de imobilização externa e reprodutibilidade com baixo custo. Conclusão Esta é uma técnica fácil, rápida, e que apresenta ótimos resultados para o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas deslocadas do colo dos metacarpos.

Single-incision percutaneous drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus in foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis and report the outcome of treated foals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eleven thoroughbred foals. METHODS: While horses were under general anesthesia, the lateral aspect of the distal metacarpal physis was approached through a single small incision by using a power drill. The drill bit was placed at the level of the physis under radiographic guidance. A 4.5-mm drill bit was passed several times through the lateral growth plate to remove the cartilage in a fan-like pattern. Postoperative outcomes consisted of clinical assessment and farm manager/owner satisfaction. Cosmetics and radiographic appearance of the surgical site were assessed when the horses were yearlings. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in 16 limbs of 11 thoroughbred foals with a median age of 113.5 days (range, 90-129). Median age at postoperative follow-up was 422 days (range, 366 to 452). The procedure stopped the progression of a metacarpophalangeal varus deformity in all the limbs treated, determined by visual clinical evaluation and farm manager's satisfaction with subjectively excellent radiographic images and cosmetic outcomes at yearling age. CONCLUSION: Physis ablation was consistently achieved in these 11 foals with developing growth deformities of the distal metacarpus. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This drilling technique may offer a minimally invasive, safe, and simple technique to manage distal limb conformation in foals without placement of implants. Additional quantitative data are required to assess its effectiveness relative to other options.

Metacarpal tuberculosis with Nocardia infection: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated metacarpal tuberculosis is rare in orthopedic surgery. In the case of poor efficacy of traditional treatment methods, such as debridement surgery and anti-tuberculosis treatment, it is necessary to consider whether there is a special type of infection. We describe a case of metacarpal tuberculosis with Nocardia infection in a patient. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 65-year-old male patient who suffered from pain and dysfunction lasted for 6 years. DIAGNOSES: Confirmation of the diagnosis was finally achieved by isolation of M tuberculosis and Nocardia actinomycetes from bone specimens. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent debridement surgery, Masquelet technique was used during the operation, and oral antibiotics were combined after surgery. OUTCOMES: Bone graft surgery was performed 6 weeks after the first surgery. We followed up on bone healing at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Tissue-specific necrosis usually occurs in particular types of infections such as tuberculosis, which limits the spread of antibiotics. Masquelet technique seems to bring new options to solve this problem. The performance of Nocardia infection is similar to that of tuberculosis infection, so it is difficult to identify clinically. Therefore, for cases where tuberculosis is suspected, and anti-tuberculosis treatment is ineffective, the possibility of Nocardia infection needs to be considered.

Pyrolytic Carbon Hemiarthroplasty for Avascular Necrosis of the Metacarpal Head: A Case Report.

Avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head is a rare entity. Surgical interventions, such as curettage, bone-grafting, and osteotomy, have been reported in symptomatic patients. We present a patient who underwent pyrolytic carbon hemiarthroplasty of the metacarpal head and had satisfactory outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

WITHDRAWN: Surgery for thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint) osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management, such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal (thumb) osteoarthritis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following sources up to 08 August 2013: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1950 to August 2013), EMBASE (1974 to August 2013), CINAHL (1982 to August 2013), Clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) and World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Trials Portal (to August 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs where the intervention was surgery for people with thumb osteoarthritis. Outcomes were pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors independently screened and included studies according to the inclusion criteria, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, including adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: We included 11 studies with 670 participants. Seven surgical procedures were identified (trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction, trapeziectomy with interpositional arthroplasty (IA), Artelon joint resurfacing, arthrodesis and Swanson joint replacement). We did not find any studies that compared surgery with sham surgery or surgery with non-surgical interventions.Most included studies had an unclear risk of most biases which raises doubt about the results. No procedure demonstrated any superiority over another in terms of pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure (re-operation) or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. One study demonstrated a difference in adverse events (mild-moderate swelling) between Artelon joint replacement and trapeziectomy with tendon interposition. However, the quality of evidence was very low due to a high risk of bias and imprecision of results.Low quality evidence suggests trapeziectomy with LRTI may not provide additional benefits or result in more adverse events over trapeziectomy alone. Mean pain (three studies, 162 participants) was 26 mm on a 0 to 100 mm VAS (0 is no pain) for trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI reduced pain by a mean of 2.8 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -9.8 to 4.2) or an absolute reduction of 3% (-10% to 4%). Mean physical function (three studies, 211 participants) was 31.1 points on a 0 to 100 point scale (0 is best physical function, or no disability) with trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in sightly lower function scores (standardised mean difference 0.1, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.32), an equivalent to a worsening of 0.2 points (95% CI -5.8 to 6.1) on a 0 to 100 point scale (absolute decrease in function 0.03% (-0.83% to 0.88%)). Low quality evidence from four studies (328 participants) indicates that the mean number of adverse events was 10 per 100 participants for trapeziectomy alone, and 19 events per 100 participants for trapeziectomy with LRTI (RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.73) or an absolute risk increase of 9% (95% CI 0% to 28%). Low quality evidence from one study (42 participants) indicates that the mean scapho-metacarpal distance was 2.3 mm for the trapeziectomy alone group, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in a mean of 0.1 mm less distance (95% CI -0.81 to 0.61). None of the included trials reported global assessment, quality of life, and revision or re-operation rates.Low-quality evidence from two small studies (51 participants) indicated that trapeziectomy with LRTI may not improve function or slow joint degeneration, or produce additional adverse events over trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction.We are uncertain of the benefits or harms of other surgical techniques due to the mostly low quality evidence from single studies and the low reporting rates of key outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with LRTI had additional benefit over arthrodesis or trapeziectomy with IA. There was also insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with IA had any additional benefit over the Artelon joint implant, the Swanson joint replacement or trapeziectomy alone. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any studies that compared surgery to sham surgery or to non-operative treatments. We were unable to demonstrate that any technique confers a benefit over another technique in terms of pain and physical function. Furthermore, the included studies were not of high enough quality to provide conclusive evidence that the compared techniques provided equivalent outcomes.

Open reduction and internal fixation for intraarticular fracture of metacarpal head.

Intraarticular fracture of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint presents complex problems related to the sophisticated functional aspects of the hand. Injury to the metacarpal head may have a severe effect on hand function but few studies have investigated the management of this condition. In this study, we applied open reduction and internal fixation for the displaced fracture of the metacarpal head and report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our experience. Thirteen patients (12 men, 1 woman; mean age 21 years) were included in this study, and medical records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. The average follow-up period was 12.5 months. Range of motion (ROM) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were analyzed, and functional results and serial radiographs were investigated for the maintenance of articular congruity and fracture union. The injured fingers were 5 long, 4 small, 2 ring, and 2 index. Five cases were fixed with K­wires, 5 cases with headless screws, and 3 cases with screw and K­wire. The average range of injured MP joint motion was 89°, total active range of motion (TAM) was 265°, and the average DASH score was 3.8 at the last follow-up. All patients showed fracture union on the radiographs and no patient showed significant articular surface incongruence or degenerative change. Open reduction and internal fixation of the metacarpal head fracture had favorable outcomes in our study. The authors suggest accurate reduction and stable fixation for better functional results in metacarpal head fractures.

[Ligament reconstruction for trapeziometacarpal joint instability]. / Bandplastik bei Instabilität des Sattelgelenks.

OBJECTIVE: Restoring stability and preventing subluxation/dislocation of the trapeziometacarpal (first carpometacarpal = CMC-I) joint while preserving mobility. INDICATIONS: Posttraumatic, acquired or congenital instability of the CMC-I joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Existence of osteoarthritis of the CMC-I joint. Neurogenic or muscular origin dysfunction of thenar muscles and other contractures the CMC-I area. Infections. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Radiopalmar approach to the CMC-I joint, reduction, and transosseous ligament reconstruction with a distally pedicled tendon strip from the abductor pollicis longus muscle. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Splint immobilization for 5 weeks. RESULTS: This procedure generally results in good or very good outcomes. Of 24 patients, only one patient experienced rupture of the ligament reconstruction. Ligament reconstruction for the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb relieves pain and restores stability while preserving functional range of motion in patients with chronic instability.

Long term clinical outcome of dental implants placed in a patient with Singleton-Merten syndrome.

PATIENTS: Singleton-Merten syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal dominant condition with less than 10 reported cases in the literature. It is characterized by abnormal aortic calcifications and dental abnormalities. The goal of this case report is to discuss the abnormal oral clinical features and the modified treatment protocol that was used in order to achieve osseointegration of dental implants in a patient having abnormal bone density and bone turnover associated with Singleton-Merten Syndrome. DISCUSSION: Following extraction of the remaining teeth, titanium implants (Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany and Straumann(®), Basel, Switzerland) were placed in the upper and lower jaw of the patient. The upper jaw which was treated with dental implants, received a bar supported implant retained prosthesis and the lower jaw an implant retained telescopic prosthesis. The patient was regularly followed up for the past 13 years during which, clinical and radiological evaluation of osseointegration was undertaken. All the loaded implants showed clinical and radiographic evidence of osseointegration. With a follow up of 13 years after insertion of the first implant, the patient reported functioning well with no complications. CONCLUSION: The treatment with dental implants in the extremely rare Singleton-Merten syndrome patients is a reasonable treatment option to rehabilitate maxillofacial aesthetics and establish normal function of the jaws.

Surgery for thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint) osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management, such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal (thumb) osteoarthritis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following sources up to 08 August 2013: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1950 to August 2013), EMBASE (1974 to August 2013), CINAHL (1982 to August 2013), Clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) and World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Trials Portal (to August 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs where the intervention was surgery for people with thumb osteoarthritis. Outcomes were pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. We excluded trials that compared non-surgical interventions with surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors independently screened and included studies according to the inclusion criteria, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, including adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: We included 11 studies with 670 participants. Seven surgical procedures were identified (trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction, trapeziectomy with interpositional arthroplasty (IA), Artelon joint resurfacing, arthrodesis and Swanson joint replacement).Most included studies had an unclear risk of most biases which raises doubt about the results. No procedure demonstrated any superiority over another in terms of pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure (re-operation) or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. One study demonstrated a difference in adverse events (mild-moderate swelling) between Artelon joint replacement and trapeziectomy with tendon interposition. However, the quality of evidence was very low due to a high risk of bias and imprecision of results.Low quality evidence suggests trapeziectomy with LRTI may not provide additional benefits or result in more adverse events over trapeziectomy alone. Mean pain (three studies, 162 participants) was 26 mm on a 0 to 100 mm VAS (0 is no pain) for trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI reduced pain by a mean of 2.8 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -9.8 to 4.2) or an absolute reduction of 3% (-10% to 4%). Mean physical function (three studies, 211 participants) was 31.1 points on a 0 to 100 point scale (0 is best physical function, or no disability) with trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in sightly lower function scores (standardised mean difference 0.1, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.32), an equivalent to a worsening of 0.2 points (95% CI -5.8 to 6.1) on a 0 to 100 point scale (absolute decrease in function 0.03% (-0.83% to 0.88%)). Low quality evidence from four studies (328 participants) indicates that the mean number of adverse events was 10 per 100 participants for trapeziectomy alone, and 19 events per 100 participants for trapeziectomy with LRTI (RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.73) or an absolute risk increase of 9% (95% CI 0% to 28%). Low quality evidence from one study (42 participants) indicates that the mean scapho-metacarpal distance was 2.3 mm for the trapeziectomy alone group, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in a mean of 0.1 mm less distance (95% CI -0.81 to 0.61). None of the included trials reported global assessment, quality of life, and revision or re-operation rates.Low-quality evidence from two small studies (51 participants) indicated that trapeziectomy with LRTI may not improve function or slow joint degeneration, or produce additional adverse events over trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction.We are uncertain of the benefits or harms of other surgical techniques due to the mostly low quality evidence from single studies and the low reporting rates of key outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with LRTI had additional benefit over arthrodesis or trapeziectomy with IA. There was also insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with IA had any additional benefit over the Artelon joint implant, the Swanson joint replacement or trapeziectomy alone.We did not find any studies that compared any other combination of the other techniques mentioned above or any other techniques including a sham procedure. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any studies that compared surgery to sham surgery and we excluded studies that compared surgery to non-operative treatments. We were unable to demonstrate that any technique confers a benefit over another technique in terms of pain and physical function. Furthermore, the included studies were not of high enough quality to provide conclusive evidence that the compared techniques provided equivalent outcomes.

Thumb carpometacarpal arthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint has a reported radiographic prevalence of 7 percent in men and 15 percent in women. Many patients remain minimally symptomatic; however, a subset of patients develop debilitating pain, weakness, and instability that severely limit hand function. Treatment options have focused on removal of the diseased trapezium and stabilization of the metacarpal base. Newer options, including carpometacarpal arthroplasty, may have a role in some patients for improving function. This article explores the anatomy and biomechanics of carpometacarpal arthritis and its present surgical treatment options.

Giant cell tumor of the metacarpal bone in children: free osteoarticular metatarsal transfer: case report.

We present a successful total resection of metacarpal bone and nonvascularized joint transfer in a giant cell tumor of the fourth metacarpal bone in a 13-year-old girl. At the 6-year follow-up, a good functional outcome was achieved, with 85° range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and no clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor recurrence and no signs of degeneration of the joint.

Effect of needle brand, needle bevel grind, and silicone lubrication on contamination of joints with tissue and hair debris after arthrocentesis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess contamination of joints with tissue and hair debris after arthrocentesis. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. ANIMALS: Fetlock joint tissues (n = 6 horses). METHODS: Soft tissue flaps including joint capsule were dissected from the dorsal aspect of fetlock joints of 6 anesthetized horses leaving an intact proximal base ("live" model) or with complete excision and immediate mounting to a wooden frame ("fresh" model). Needles were inserted through joint tissues and saline solution was flushed through them into tissue culture plate wells, and then examined for tissue and hair debris. Nine needle types were assessed; variables included needle brand, needle bevel grind, needle size, and silicone lubrication. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between "live" and "fresh" models for hair or tissue contamination. Compared to 20 g hypodermic needles, 19 g lubricated and 19 g non-lubricated needles had a significantly greater odds ratio (OR) for hair contamination. Nineteen-gauge non-lubricated needles had a significantly greater OR for hair contamination than 19 g lubricated needles. No significant differences in ORs were identified between type of needle bevel grind, brands of disposable hypodermic needles, or brands of spinal needles for hair or tissue contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Nineteen-gauge needles significantly increase the risk of joint contamination with hair compared to 20 g needles; non-lubricated 19 g needles have the greatest risk. All other needle types tested in this study have similar risks for tissue and hair contamination after arthrocentesis.

Bilateral phalangeal fillet technique for metacarpal pad reconstruction in a dog.

Loss of the metacarpal or metatarsal pad requires reconstruction with other pad tissue to allow functional weight-bearing on the limb. This report describes the use of a bilateral phalangeal fillet technique to reconstruct a weight-bearing surface in a dog following complete excision of its right metacarpal pad for malignant melanoma. This resulted in a functional weight-bearing limb.

Technique du filet phalangien bilatéral pour la reconstruction d'un coussinet métacarpien chez un chien. La perte d'un coussinet métacarpien ou métatarsien exige une reconstruction avec d'autres tissus du coussinet afin de permettre une mise en appui fonctionnelle du poids sur le membre. Ce rapport décrit l'utilisation d'une technique de filet phalangien bilatéral pour reconstruire une surface de mise en appui chez un chien après l'excision complète du coussinet métacarpien droit pour un mélanome malin. Cette technique a créé un membre de mise en appui fonctionnel.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Distal capitate shortening with capitometacarpal fusion for management of the early stages of Kienböck's disease with neutral ulnar variance: case series.

BACKGROUND: The aim of surgical management of Kienböck's disease has been proposed to slow the progressive osteonecrosis and secondary carpal damage. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the results of a new technique, combining distal capitate shortening with capitometacarpal fusion for the treatment of Kienböck's disease (Lichtman stage II or stage IIIA) in neutral ulnar variance patients. METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, 12 patients (mean age: 25 ± 7.6 years) were enrolled in this series. Radiological and clinical evaluations using the modified Mayo wrist scoring system were performed both pre-operatively and 12 months post-operatively. In addition, values of the scapho-capitate angle were evaluated both pre-operatively and 12 months post-operatively. The mean follow-up was 20.7 ± 11.2 months. Statistical analysis was performed for comparisons between pre-operative and post-operative findings with the use of paired sample T test, Pearson's correlation, independent sample T test, and Spearman's rho correlation. Statistical significance was determined to be present at p <0.05. RESULTS: All patients achieved bony union at the fusion site within a mean period of 11.5 ± 2.4 weeks. Regarding wrist pain, grip strength, total wrist arc of motion, practicing daily activities in a normal pattern, and the total modified Mayo wrist score, there were statistically significant differences between the pre-operative and post-operative results. For the differential arc of motion, the only non-significant results were at the ulnar/radial deviation range (p = 0.262). The mean pre-operative scapho-capitate angle was 29.75 ± 3.44 while the mean post-operative value was 33.67 ± 4.77 (p < 0.001). Both pre-operative and post-operative scapho-capitate angle values were positively correlated to post-operative pain, ulnar/radial deviation, and final score (p = 0.001, 0.027, 0.021 and p = 0.001, 0.004, 0.002, respectively). Other parameters had no correlation to this angle. Post-operative MRI (at 12 months follow-up) demonstrated better lunate revascularization in four patients; one of them was diagnosed as having Lichtman stage IIIA Kienböck's disease. There were no patient-reported complications at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Distal capitate shortening combined with capitometacarpal fusion represents a new reliable method in the treatment of early stages of Kienböck's disease with neutral ulnar variance.

Intra-focal reduction and percutaneous fixation of neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal: description of surgical technique / Redução intrafocal e fixação percutânea das fraturas do colo do quinto metacarpo - Descrição de técnica cirúrgica

OBJECTIVE: to demonstrate a surgical technique for treating neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal, by means of reduction through intra-focal manipulation and percutaneous fixation using Kirschner wires, with the aims of making it easier to achieve and maintain the reduction during the operation and enabling reduction of these fractures even if a fibrous callus has formed. METHODS: a series of ten patients with neck fractures of the fifth metacarpal presenting palmar angles greater than 30◦ underwent the surgical technique described, as examples, and their results were evaluated through postoperative radiographs and clinical examinations. RESULTS: all the patients achieved reductions that were close to anatomical and evolved to consolidation of the fracture in the position obtained. CONCLUSION: the surgical technique described is effective, easy to carry out, minimally invasive and low-cost, thereby enabling adequate clinical and radiographic reduction, even in subacute fractures already presenting a fibrous callus...

OBJETIVO: demonstrar uma técnica cirúrgica para o tratamento das fraturas do colo do quinto metacarpo por meio de redução por manipulação intrafocal e fixação percutânea com fios de Kirschner, visando a facilitar a obtenção e manutenção da redução no intraoperatório e possibilitar a redução dessas fraturas, ainda que com calo fibroso formado. MÉTODOS: dez pacientes portadores de fratura do colo do quinto metacarpo com angulação palmar superior a 30◦ foram submetidos, como exemplos, à técnica cirúrgica descrita. Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de radiografias e exame clínico pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: todos os pacientes obtiveram redução próxima da anatômica e evoluíram para consolidação da fratura na posição obtida. CONCLUSÃO: a técnica cirúrgica descrita é eficaz, de simples execução, minimamente invasiva, de baixo custo e permite redução clínica e radiográfica adequadas, mesmo em fraturas subagudas com calo fibroso formado...

Extent of sympathectomy affects postoperative compensatory sweating and satisfaction in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis is generally performed at one or two levels ranging between T2 and T4; however, compensatory sweating (CS) is an occasional bothersome side effect. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the extent of ETS and the degree of postoperative CS and palmar sweating, as well as patient satisfaction. METHODS: The participants represented a consecutive series of 76 patients who underwent bilateral ETS for palmar hyperhidrosis at level T2 and/or T3. Patients were interviewed by postal questionnaires to assess their self-reported degree of postoperative palmar sweating and CS and their outcome satisfaction. Of the 53 patients who replied to the postal questionnaire, 25 underwent bilateral ETS at one level (group A), and 27 underwent bilateral ETS at two levels (group B). One patient who underwent asymmetrical sympathectomy was excluded. RESULTS: The degree of postoperative palmar sweating was significantly lower in group B than in group A. The severity of CS was significantly higher in group B than in group A. The severity of CS was significantly inversely correlated with the degree of patient satisfaction. However, the degree of postoperative palmar sweating was not correlated with the degree of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to ETS at two levels, single-level ETS of T2 or T3 reduces postoperative palmar sweating to a milder degree, and causes CS to a less severe degree. The severity of CS is inversely correlated with the degree of patient satisfaction.

[Spontaneous fixation of MP-joint of the index finger in flexion]. / Spontane fixierte Blockade des Zeigefingergrundgelenks in Beugestellung.

Spontaneous fixations of MP-joints of fingers and thumbs are rare and are often a challenging task for hand surgeons. We present a 25-year-old female office employee with a fixed painless MP-joint of the left index finger in 90° flexion with normal PIP- und DIP-joint range of motion. Using the palmar approach to the MP-joint the entrapped accessory collateral ligament which was constrained by a prominent radial condylus could be identified. Operative removal of the prominence has released the joint. An uncomplicated wound healing has followed with completely unrestricted range of motion. If a closed reduction should be considered, it ought to be done cautiously without anaesthetics. A failed -reduction entails an operative revision using the palmar approach.