Japanese version of the Patient-rated elbow evaluation score correlates with physician-rated Japanese orthopaedic association-Japan elbow society elbow function score.

BACKGROUND: The association between Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation: Japanese version (PREE-J) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association-Japan Elbow Society Elbow Function score (JOA-JES score) is unclear. This study evaluated the association between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. METHODS: The patients with elbow disorders were divided into two groups: Group A (conservative treatment, n = 97) and Group B (surgical treatment, n = 156). The patients were also divided into four disease subgroups according to the JOA-JES classification (rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, sports, and epicondylitis groups), and the association between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores in each disease category was examined. In group B, associations between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores were examined pre-and postoperatively. RESULTS: In group A, there were significant associations between PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. In group B, a strong association between preoperative PREE-J and JOA-JES scores was observed in all disease categories. There was also a significant association between postoperative PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. Additionally, group B showed significant postoperative improvements in PREE-J and JOA-JES scores. CONCLUSIONS: The PREE-J score correlates well with the JOA-JES score and reflects treatment response before and after treatment.

Mid- to long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head in children.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head in children. METHODS: Open reduction was performed in 16 children (mean age, 9.3 years [range, 2.6-13.6 years]) with chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head. Twelve patients had a history of preceding injuries, with a mean interval between injury and surgery of 24 months (range, 2-86 months); 4 patients did not have injuries. Eight patients who had undergone reduction within 16 months were treated by open reduction and ulnar osteotomy. The other 8 patients who had not sustained trauma or had been injured >2 years previously required either annular ligament reconstruction or radial shortening in addition to ulnar osteotomy. RESULTS: The average preoperative Kim's elbow performance score was 77.2 ± 10.5, which significantly improved to 97.5 ± 5.8 at the final follow-up. The radial head was maintained in a reduced position in 14 patients and was subluxed in 2. Slight osteoarthritic changes of the elbow were observed in 2 patients with good reduction. The functional results were excellent in 15 and were good in 1 patient with an average follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 2.6-15.1 years). CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical procedure provided good mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Single osteotomy at the radial diaphysis for congenital radioulnar synostosis.

PURPOSE: To report the effectiveness of single derotation osteotomy at the radial diaphysis for the treatment of congenital radioulnar (RU) synostosis. METHODS: Since 2000, we performed 35 radial diaphysis osteotomies on 17 boys and 9 girls younger than 9 years old (average, 5 y). The radius was cut at the midshaft and manually rotated to a neutral position. A long-arm cast was applied for 4 to 6 weeks. Complications of surgeries were recorded, and pre- and postoperative forearm position was measured. RESULTS: The average postoperative follow-up was 5 years. The patient age at the final follow-up ranged from 5 to 19 years. There were no major surgery-related complications. The average forearm position was improved from 72° pronation before surgery to neutral after surgery, except 2 forearms. Elbow flexion and extension showed no change. All parents noted that daily activities were improved after surgery, and they found the surgical scar in the midforearm acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Single osteotomy at the radial diaphysis was effective for correcting pronation deformity in congenital RU synostosis in children younger than 9 years. Complications were few, and the correction was maintained through midterm follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Radial Osteotomy With Callus Distraction for the Correction of Severe Madelung Deformity.

We report a case of an 11-year-old girl with bilateral severe Madelung deformity who underwent radial osteotomy with callus distraction. The distal radial articulation was corrected at surgery, and a unilateral fixator was subsequently used for callus distraction. No postoperative complication was noted. The patient did not need any additional surgeries for correction of the deformity. Forty-three months after surgery, the patient had a nearly full range of motion without any pain. Forearm deformity was not noticeable, except for surgical scar on both wrists.

Gartland Type III Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture with Radial Nerve Laceration: A Case Report.

CASE: A 6-year-old boy sustained complete radial nerve palsy with a Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF). Posteromedial displacement of the distal fragment was so severe that the tip of the proximal fragment protruded subcutaneously at the anterolateral aspect of the antecubital fossa. Immediate surgical exploration was performed to reveal radial nerve laceration. Neurorrhaphy after fixation of the fracture resulted in full recovery of radial nerve function 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Severe posteromedial displacement with complete radial nerve palsy may warrant acute surgical exploration even in a closed SCHF because primary neurorrhaphy may achieve better results than late reconstruction.

Midterm Surgical Outcomes of Duplicated Thumbs According to New Classification.

BACKGROUND: Surgical outcomes of duplicated thumbs differ depending on the branching type. The authors developed a new classification system and report surgical outcomes with an average 10.2-year follow-up. METHODS: A total of 529 patients with 562 duplicated thumbs were reviewed. Surgical anatomies were compared with radiographs, and then a new classification system was developed based on branching level and bone shape observed on the radiograph: distal type (D-type), including Wassel types I and II; proximal type (P-type), including Wassel types Ⅲ and Ⅳ, and four subdivisions (Po, Pa, Pb, and Pc) according to bone structure; and metacarpal type (MC-type), including Wassel types V and VI. All hands were assessed using the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand evaluation form, and factors causing poor outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 25% D-type, 59% P-type, and 14% MC-type hands; 2% of hands were not classified. Overall, 351 hands (63%) were directly assessed when patients reached 5 years of age. Seventeen percent of hands had fair results. Good results were achieved in 90% of D- and Po-type hands. Pa-, Pb-, Pc-, and MC-type hands had lower Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand scores than did D- or Po-type hands. Pa- and Pb-type hands tended to develop interphalangeal joint malalignment and instability, whereas Pc- and MC-type hands developed disorders in the metacarpophalangeal joint with growth. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' new classification system clarifies the potential pitfalls for each type of duplicated thumb. More than 90% of D- and Po-type hands obtained good results. Care should be taken with interphalangeal joint reconstruction for Pa- and Pb-type hands. Meticulous reconstruction of the metacarpophalangeal joint is essential for Pc- and MC-type hands. This analysis provides important information for surgeons and patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, IV.

Pediatric trigger thumb with locked interphalangeal joint: can observation or splinting be a treatment option?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to report the natural history of pediatric trigger thumb with locked interphalangeal joint, the efficacy of a splint for this condition, and the outcome of late surgery. METHODS: Medical records of 64 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were treated with a coil splint when parents and patients accepted; otherwise, regular observation was conducted. Splint application and/or observation were terminated either when the patient gained full range of active motion without snapping, or underwent surgical intervention. RESULTS: In splint group, 92% of the patients experienced complete symptom relief in 22 months, whereas 60% resolved completely in 59 months in observation group. The differences were statistically significant. One thumb in a patient with bilateral involvement remained locked while the other completely resolved. The rest of the patients also showed improved symptom from locking to snapping. Four patients with residual snapping underwent surgery at the age of 8 years and above without any deformity and complication. CONCLUSIONS: Splint was efficient in shortening the time for symptom relief; however, the natural history revealed the self-limiting nature of this condition. Late surgery was safe and effective for residual snapping and can be presented as one treatment option to the patients and families, combined with conservative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III--retrospective comparative study.

Importance of distal radioulnar joint arthroscopy for evaluating the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated the importance of visualizing both sides of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) when diagnosing ulnar wrist pain. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with ulnar wrist pain who underwent both radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroscopy were studied retrospectively. TFCC was graded as normal or as having wear or tear. The definitive diagnosis was made by evaluating the TFCC from both joints. The medical records were reviewed to document the preoperative diagnosis, arthroscopic findings, postoperative diagnosis, and operative procedure(s) performed after the arthroscopic examinations. The patients' status at final follow-up was evaluated using the modified Green and O'Brien wrist scoring system. The TFCC grading on RCJ and DRUJ arthroscopies was compared. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was modified after arthroscopic examination in three cases (15%). In six patients (30%), DRUJ arthroscopy revealed pathological TFCC findings that could not be detected on RCJ arthroscopy. The DRUJ arthroscopy detected wear or degenerative changes seen only on the proximal aspect of the TFCC in four patients and tear in two patients. On the other hand, in only one patient (5%) were there no pathological findings observed from the DRUJ portal, although RCJ arthroscopy found wear. In eight patients (45%), the arthroscopic grading of TFCC was the same on RCJ and DRUJ arthroscopy; of these, the TFCC was graded as normal in one patient, showing wear in three patients, and with a tear in five patients. For diagnosing TFCC pathology, RCJ arthroscopy had a sensitivity of 68% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 14%, whereas the sensitivity was 95% and the NPV was 50% for DRUJ. CONCLUSIONS: Adding DRUJ arthroscopy to RCJ arthroscopy enables more accurate diagnosis of TFCC pathology because the proximal aspect of the articular disk and the foveal insertion of the distal radioulnar ligament can be visualized.

Scaphoid nonunion and distal fragment resection: analysis with three-dimensional rigid body spring model.

BACKGROUND: Distal fragment resection is one of the salvage procedures for scaphoid nonunion with osteoarthritis. Despite being reported as a simple procedure with favorable midterm outcomes, further arthritic changes remain a concern in the long term. Scaphoid waist fracture is classified into volar or dorsal types according to the displacement pattern, but the indications for distal fragment resection have never been discussed for these fracture types. METHOD: We reconstructed a normal wrist model from computed tomography images and performed theoretical analysis utilizing a three-dimensional rigid body spring model. Two types of scaphoid fracture nonunion followed by distal fragment resection were simulated. RESULTS: With volar-type nonunion, the force transmission ratio of the radiolunate joint increased, and the pressure concentration was observed in the dorsal part of the scaphoid fossa and volar part of the lunate fossa of the radius; no deterioration was seen in the midcarpal joint. In the distal fragment resection simulation for volar-type nonunion, pressure concentrations of the radiocarpal joint resolved. With dorsal-type nonunion, force transmission ratio in the radiocarpal joint resembled that of the normal joint model. Pressure concentrations were observed in the dorsoulnar part of the scaphoid fossa and radial styloid. The pressure concentration in the dorsoulnar part of the scaphoid fossa disappeared in the resection model, whereas the concentration in the radial styloid remained. In the midcarpal joint, pressure was concentrated around the capitate head in the nonunion model and became aggravated in the resection model. CONCLUSIONS: With volar-type scaphoid nonunion, distal fragment resection seems to represent a reasonable treatment option. With dorsal-type nonunion, however, pressure concentration around the capitate head was aggravated with the simulated distal fragment resection, indicating a potential risk of worsening any preexisting lunocapitate arthritis.

Arthroscopic visualisation of the distal radioulnar joint.

The diagnosis of chronic wrist pain is challenging and wrist arthroscopy has been recognised as the "gold standard". The present study investigated the efficacy of adding distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroscopy to routine wrist arthroscopy. The records of 67 patients who underwent DRUJ arthroscopy were reviewed, and the success rates for visualisation of intra-articular structures were determined. Pathological findings were correlated with ulnar-side wrist pain. In seven patients, pre-operative diagnoses were altered after DRUJ arthroscopy. The ulnar head and proximal surface of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) were visualised in 100% and 99% of patients, respectively, while the foveal insertion of TFCC and sigmoid notch were visualised in 57% and 69%, respectively. Pathological findings of the proximal surface of TFCC tended to relate to ulnar wrist pain (p = 0.06). DRUJ arthroscopy should be included in routine wrist arthroscopy to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis.

Surgical Treatment for Kirner's Deformity-Single Osteotomy through a Palmar Approach.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Kirner's deformity often seek medical attention for aesthetic improvement when they reach the age of approximately 10 years, when the deformity becomes evident. The operative technique described in textbooks is the palmar opening-wedge with multiple osteotomies through a mid-lateral incision, which is technically demanding. The purpose of this article was to introduce our surgical technique of a single transverse osteotomy through a palmar approach and to present the short-term outcomes of this technique. METHODS: The surgical outcomes of 7 digits in 4 children were retrospectively reviewed. The deformed distal phalanx was approached with an oblique incision of the pulp, and the palmar cortex was incised at the apex of the curvature. The dorsal cortex was only partially incised and broken manually when correcting the deformity by a palmar opening-wedge. The dorsal aspect of the phalanx was not exposed, and the nail plate was left intact. The fragments were fixed with Kirschner wires. RESULTS: There was no postoperative complication, and the osteotomy sites all healed uneventfully. None of the patients complained about scar pain or hypersensitivity of the finger pulp. The patients and their parents were satisfied with the aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: A single palmar opening-wedge osteotomy at the apex sufficiently corrected the main curvature, and the subtle curvature remaining at the tip of the phalanx did not affect the appearance. This technique is simple and easy; therefore, it is recommended as a reliable procedure for patients with Kirner's deformity who are approaching puberty.

Ultrasonographic examination of the synovial fold of the radiohumeral joint.

This report describes the anatomy of the synovial fold of the radiohumeral joint and assesses its visibility by ultrasonography. Forty-nine fresh cadaver radiohumeral joints were examined by ultrasonography before and after intraarticular saline injection and then dissected. Digital photos were taken before and after the joint capsule was excised. The relative coverage of the radial head by the fold was calculated. Synovial folds were observed in all specimens. Forty-three had anterior and posterior lobes. The synovial fold covered an average of 28% of the radiocapitellar joint surface of the radial head. The sensitivity of the ultrasonography was 81%, 46%, and 85% from the anterior, lateral, and posterior aspects of the radiohumeral joint, respectively. Intraarticular saline injection improved the sensitivity to 96%, 67%, and 94%, respectively. The synovial fold is a consistent anatomic structure, and ultrasonography can be a useful preoperative diagnostic tool.

Malunion of medial condyle fracture of the humerus: a case report.

Medial condyle fracture of the humerus is extremely rare in pediatric elbow fractures. We report a rare case of malunion of medial condyle fracture in a 10-year-old boy who had an injury on the right elbow at age 4. He was referred to our clinic because of severe varus deformity (the carrying angle was 191°, unaffected side 172°) with instability. Extra-articular closing wedge osteotomy was performed. Five years after surgery, the carrying angle was 172° and the patient had no pain and no difficulties with activities of daily living.

Unusual humeral medial condyle fracture in an adolescent because of a previous post-traumatic fishtail deformity: a case report.

A fishtail deformity is a well-known complication following pediatric lateral condyle fracture of the humerus. We report a rare case of a medial humeral condyle fracture in a 12-year-old boy who had had a fishtail deformity because of a lateral condyle fracture in childhood. Radiographs showed a longitudinal fracture plane of the medial condyle extending to the articular surface, which is different from the three types of medial condyle fracture classified by Kilfoyle. We present our case and reviewed the literature to clarify the difference in the mechanism of medial humeral condyle fracture after a fishtail deformity.

Loose body in the wrist: diagnosis and treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report on 10 cases of symptomatic loose bodies in the wrist joints diagnosed using arthroscopy. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective review. METHODS: From 1986 to 2000, we performed wrist arthroscopy for 707 patients, 10 of whom had loose bodies in the wrist joints. The clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. The patients included 8 men and 2 women, and the average age was 28 years (range, 16 to 67 years). The chief complaint was wrist pain in all patients, but locking was uncommon. Preoperative diagnosis was difficult in all but 3 cases; in those cases, an osseous component was found within the loose bodies. The remaining cases were diagnosed by wrist arthroscopy. RESULTS: The loose bodies existed in the radiocarpal joint in 5 cases, and all could be removed arthroscopically. In the other 5 cases, the loose bodies were in the distal radioulnar joint, and arthrotomy was needed to remove them. After removal of the loose bodies, the pain was relieved in all cases without any surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Loose bodies in the wrist joint should be included in the differential diagnosis for chronic wrist pain. Wrist arthroscopy is of value because the preoperative diagnosis is usually difficult.

Flexor pollicis longus reconstruction using the palmaris longus in anterior interosseus nerve syndrome.

In anterior interosseus nerve syndrome, reconstruction of the paralyzed flexor pollicis longus is occasionally required. Traditionally, the brachioradialis has been used as a motor, but we utilised the palmaris longus, which is expendable. The palmaris longus tendon was transferred in an end-to-side manner, leaving the flexor pollicis longus in situ. The procedure was performed in three patients. All patients regained a full range of thumb interphalangeal joint motion and an average 90% of the pinch strength. The only complication noted was thenar pain due to the adhesion of the palmar branch of the median nerve with the transferred tendon in one patient. This can be avoided if the interlacing suture was placed more proximally. Palmaris longus transfer is a simple technique that gives a satisfactory result.

Severe forearm deformity and instability after Monteggia fracture-dislocation: a case report.

A 16-year-old boy presented with a painful deformity of the forearm. At the age of 11 years, he had sustained a Monteggia fracture-dislocation. Radiographs indicated nonunion of the ulna, radial head dislocation, and degenerative changes of the radiocapitellar joint. The longstanding nonunion of the ulna had caused very severe growth disturbance. Despite severe deformity, the patient had had relatively good motion. To regain forearm stability with maintaining motion, we corrected the deformity and stabilized the ulna with a vascularized fibular graft. Two years after surgery, the patient had a good range of motion without pain and grip strength was increased.