Use of Gracile and semi-tendinosus tendons (GRAST) for the reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable rotator cuff tears are common and difficult to treat. Techniques for "filling the loss of substance" require fixation to the rotator cuff stump (tendon augmentation) or to the glenoid (superior capsular reconstruction), which are complicated by the narrow working zone of the subacromial space. The main objective of this study was to determine whether a braided graft of gracilis (GR) and semitendinosus (ST) could fill a loss of tendon substance from an irreparable rupture of the supra- and infraspinatus, by fixing the graft to the greater tuberosity and the spine of the scapula. METHODS: This was a cadaveric study with the use of ten specimens. The GRA and ST tendons were harvested, braided and reinforced with suture. An experimental tear of the supraspinatus (SS) and upper infraspinatus (IS) retracted at the glenoid was made. The GRAST transplant was positioned over the tear. The transplant was attached to the greater tuberosity by two anchors and then attached to the medial third of the scapular spine by trans-osseous stitching. The percentage of filling obtained was then measured and passive mobility of the shoulder was assessed. We proceeded to the same technique under arthroscopy for a 73 years old patient whom we treated for a painful shoulder with irreparable cuff tear. We inserted a GRAST graft using arthroscopy. RESULTS: The Braided-GRAST allowed a 100% filling of the loss of tendon substance. Mobility was complete in all cases. CONCLUSION: This technique simplifies the medial fixation and restores the musculo-tendinous chain where current grafting techniques only fill a tendinous defect. The transplant could have a subacromial "spacer" effect and lower the humeral head. The donor site morbidity and the fate of the transplant in-vivo are two limits to be discussed. This anatomical study paves the way for clinical experimentation.

Collateral ligament sprains of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the long fingers: Results of a surgical series of 15 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Collateral ligament sprains of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MP) of the long fingers are rare and mostly treated conservatively. Clinical examination to diagnose the severity of these injuries is mandatory. The purpose of our study is to report the results of 15 patients treated surgically. METHODS: Twenty-three patients, mean age 48, underwent surgery for Stage 3 radial collateral ligament (RCL) injuries of the middle finger (12), the ring finger (4) and the little finger (7). The mean time from trauma to surgery was 53 days. The clinical evaluation consisted of measuring active joint motion, performing laxity tests at 0°, 30° and 90° of MP flexion, testing for laxity and rotation, looking for a spontaneous overlapping finger (or hyperabducted little finger) in relaxed position and measuring the strength (Jamar). RESULTS: Among the 23 operated patients, RCL lesions were distal in 8 cases, proximal in 9, and mid-substance in 6. There were 2 Stener-like lesions. Preoperatively, 16 patients presented an overlapping finger over the next one and 7 had spontaneous hyperabduction of the fifth finger. Mean follow-up of the 15 patients reviewed was 24 months (8-56). Mean MP flexion-extension range of motion was 86°/11° (71-99/0-29). Mean MP ulnar laxity of the injured finger was 18°, 14° and 11° respectively at 0°, 30° and 90° and 19°, 16°and 13°on comparison to the same digit on the opposite side. Mean MP radial laxity of the injured finger was 28°, 22° and 10° respectively at 0°, 30°, 90°, same digit on opposite side was 29°, 21°, 11°. There were no postoperative overlapped or hyperabducted fingers concerning spontaneous lateral laxity in extension. The postoperative rotational laxity test showed differences of arc in supination and pronation between operated finger and healthy side of respectively -12% and +8%. CONCLUSION: The postoperative results of RCL repair of the MP in the long fingers are good in spite of some residual ligamentous distension, revealed by the laxity tests. The lateral laxity sign as a simple painless clinical sign for diagnosing complete RCL tears requiring surgery needs a validating study in order to spread its use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Arthroscopic proximal carpal row replacement by semitendinosus and gracilis graft (CArpus Row Plasty Using the Semitendinosus: CARPUS procedure). An anatomical study of 16 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic lesions of the carpus (scapholunate rupture, scaphoid non-union) frequently evolve into disabling osteoarthritis (scapholunate advanced collapse or scaphoid non-union advanced collapse: SLAC or SNAC wrist). Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a reliable option but with poorer prognosis in case of osteoarthritis of the distal radius or capitate head. In such situations, radiocarpal arthrodesis may be necessary, sacrificing wrist motion. To circumvent this limitation, we propose a new procedure consisting in arthroscopic PRC and replacing the proximal row by tendon graft. METHODS: This was a study on 16 cadaver specimens. A scapholunate pin was introduced via an approach into the anatomical snuffbox and used as a guide for a cannulated drill bit (9mm) to create a tunnel through the proximal row. The arthroscope and a reamer were introduced into the tunnel via its radial and ulnar ends. PRC was performed under arthroscopic control. The gracilis and semitendinosus tendons were harvested and folded so as to obtain a graft with the same length and diameter as the proximal row. The graft was threaded through the radial approach and fixed to the capsule. RESULTS: Mean procedure time was 68min. There was no pre- to postoperative difference in joint motion or carpal height. On radiocinematography, the graft was stable between the radius and the second row of the carpus. The radial and ulnar sensory branches, median nerve and radial artery were intact at end of procedure. DISCUSSION: This technique could be a solution in SLAC or SNAC wrist with osteoarthritis of the capitate head or radial glenoid. It also conserves carpal height. Being arthroscopic, the procedure avoids the major edema observed after a dorsal approach of the carpus, and also ensures graft stability, since the radiocarpal ligaments are conserved. Harvesting from a second anatomical site and the in vivo fate of the transplant are two issues that need to be discussed. CONCLUSION: This anatomical study paves the way for clinical experimentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Bipedicle strap flaps for reconstruction of longitudinal dorsal finger defects: a review of 42 cases.

We report our experience with 42 bipedicle strap flaps in 42 fingers of 37 patients for the reconstruction of long longitudinal dorsal finger defects. Twelve cases were compound lesions with tendon lacerations. All flaps healed without infection, congestion or necrosis. At follow-up, mean total active interphalangeal joint mobility was 150° and 108° in patients without and with tendon lacerations, respectively. The median scores of the short version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire were 5 and 7, respectively. Patients were able to return to work or to their daily activities after a mean of 6 weeks. The patients were satisfied with the appearance in 34 of the 42 flaps. We conclude that the flap is a useful option for reconstructing dorsal digital lesions. It has a texture similar to the normal dorsal digital skin, and it is easy to perform without needing microsurgery.Level of evidence: IV.

External fixation: Role in decreasing postoperative complications of complex syndactyly release - A review of 18 patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary and revision surgery for complete complex congenital syndactyly (CCCS) of the hand carries a risk of complications such as web maceration, which can result in flap or graft loss and alter the final appearance. No consensus emerges from the scant published data on postoperative care after CCCS surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the role for temporary external fixation in stabilising the commissure and facilitating surgical wound care. HYPOTHESIS: Using external fixation after CCCS release facilitates postoperative wound care and decreases the complication rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients requiring primary CCCS surgery or revision CCCS surgery due to adhesions or web creep were included in a single-centre retrospective study. After release, an external fixator made of Kirschner pins was installed to temporarily immobilise the inter-phalangeal joints. The dressing was changed every 3 days for 3 weeks, and the external fixator was then removed. The parents and nurses completed questionnaires that used 0-10 point scales to assess ease and duration of dressing changes and perceptions and apprehensions experienced by parents and nurses, as well as pain by patients, during dressing changes. RESULTS: No patient experienced maceration or failure of a graft or flap. Pin site discharge was noted in 1 patient and resolved fully after pin removal. Pain intensity was estimated at 4.2/10 during the first dressing change and 1.3/10 during the last dressing change. In the parents, apprehension was 9.6/10 and 5.1/10 during the first and last dressing changes, and stress was 8.1/10 and 4.1/10, respectively. Dressing change difficulty was rated 1.1/10 at the first and 0.9/10 at the last dressing change. Dressing change duration decreased from 13 to 10minutes. CONCLUSION: These encouraging results support temporary commissure stabilisation by an external fixator to decrease postoperative complication rates and facilitate dressing changes after CCCS release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.