Clinical course in patients with chronic undifferentiated arthritis of the elbow after arthroscopic synovectomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment can be considered for patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) limited to the elbow joint. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic synovectomy. METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent arthroscopic synovectomy for chronic UA of the elbow between 2006 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. One patient was excluded because of evidence of tuberculosis in the biopsy. Chronic UA of the elbow was defined as (1) localized synovitis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, (2) no specific cause, and (3) no response to conservative treatment for >3 months. We compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes between the remission and disease progression groups. RESULTS: Postoperatively, synovitis was controlled in 13 patients. In 5 patients, the symptoms disappeared after surgery without any medical treatment. Four patients discontinued disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Nine patients were classified as in remission. The disease progression group had a longer symptom duration, elevated rheumatoid markers, and higher Larsen grading. However, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic synovectomy achieved remission in approximately 47% of patients with chronic UA of the elbow. Although arthroscopic synovectomy did not prevent RA, it can be considered for rapid resolution of synovitis and diagnostic purposes.

Clinical Outcomes and Factors Influencing These Outcome Measures Resulting in Success After Arthroscopic Transosseous Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Repair.

PURPOSE: To analyze postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic transosseous triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal repair and identify factors affecting the clinical outcomes. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled patients who were treated for TFCC foveal tears by arthroscopic transosseous TFCC foveal repair. The diagnosis of TFCC foveal tear was made based on medical history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, with confirmation via arthroscopic examination. Outcome evaluation was completed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, and patients were classified into 2 groups according to the minimal clinically important difference of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. Various factors including age, sex, trauma history, body mass index, symptom duration, hand dominance, ulnar variance, subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, preoperative pain score, and functional status, as well as the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle, were retrospectively analyzed using both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: During the study period, 42 patients were treated for TFCC foveal tears. The functional status significantly improved after surgery. Overall, 27 and 15 patients showed good and poor functional outcomes, respectively, which were assessed according to the minimal clinically important difference of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. On univariate analysis, clinical outcomes were better in male patients (P = .035), younger patients (P = .022), and those with higher CSAs of the PQ muscles (P < .001). However, on multivariable logistic regression analysis, only a higher CSA of the PQ muscle was identified as an independent prognostic factor affecting clinical outcome after TFCC foveal repair (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic transosseous TFCC complex foveal repair led to satisfactory results. However, lower PQ muscle CSA on magnetic resonance imaging was the most independent prognostic factor negatively affecting clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Dual reconstruction of lateral collateral ligament is safe and effective in treating posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.

PURPOSE: Although reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) has been considered the procedure of choice for posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI), recent studies have reported that the entire lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC), rather than its posterior part only, contributes to preventing PLRI. Thus, it was hypothesized that dual reconstruction of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) and LUCL for the treatment of elbow PLRI could provide favourable clinical results regardless of the mechanism of injury. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed the clinical results of 21 patients who underwent dual reconstruction of the RCL and LUCL between 2011 and 2016. Functional outcomes were assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quick DASH) score, and manual varus instability. To identify any difference in outcomes according to the aetiologies for LCLC insufficiency, our patients were divided into LCLC insufficiency associated with elbow dislocation and that with lateral epicondylitis. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 27 months (range 13-65 months), all patients showed resolved instability and achieved a functional arc of motion. In addition, lateral pivot shift tests were negative in all patients. The median MEPS significantly improved after surgery from 70 (range 60-75) to 85 (range 75-100) (p < 0.001), while the median quick DASH score improved from 38.6 (range 26.6-54.5) to 11.4 (range 0-34.1) (p < 0.001). Clinical outcomes according to the aetiology of LCLC insufficiency were not significantly different except for the NRS score. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the dual reconstruction technique leads to a clinical outcome similar to that of conventional LUCL reconstruction in LCLC insufficiency regardless of aetiology. In addition, the dual reconstruction technique was technically easier than the conventional LUCL reconstruction technique and may be a potential alternative when a bone tunnel created at the proximal ulna by the original technique has failed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis combined with ligament insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) insufficiency may occur in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE). We report on 14 consecutive patients with chronic LE and LCL insufficiency. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 14 patients with LE and LCL insufficiency diagnosed between 2006 and 2015. The patients had undergone débridement for LE and ligament reconstruction for LCL insufficiency. The study included 9 men and 5 women with an average age of 53 years (range, 41-69 years). The mean follow-up period was 36 months (range, 24-97 months). We analyzed the pain visual analog scale score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; range of motion; and posterolateral rotatory drawer test. We compared histories of steroid injection, trauma, and surgery. RESULTS: The pain visual analog scale score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were significantly improved postoperatively and improved in all patients. Three patients had mild instability on the stress test at final follow-up. All patients had a history of steroid injection, 2 had a history of trauma, and 3 had a history of surgery. The number of steroid injections and the number of cases receiving steroid injections more than 3 times were significantly higher in patients with LCL insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of stability is important in patients with chronic LE and risk factors such as multiple steroid injections. Simultaneous surgical treatment including open débridement and ligament reconstruction provides satisfactory pain relief and functional improvement in patients with LE and LCL insufficiency.

Prominent synovial plicae in radiocapitellar joints as a potential cause of lateral elbow pain: clinico-radiologic correlation.

BACKGROUND: Thickened synovial plicae in the radiocapitellar joint have been reported as a cause of lateral elbow pain. However, few reports regarding diagnosis based on detailed physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are available. The aims of this study were to characterize the clinical manifestations of this syndrome and to investigate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic surgery. METHODS: We analyzed 20 patients who received a diagnosis of plica syndrome and underwent arthroscopic débridement between 2006 and 2011. The diagnosis was based on physical examination and MRI findings. Elbow symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale for pain; the Mayo Elbow Performance Index; and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. The thickness of plicae on MRI was compared with the normal data in the literature. RESULTS: Plicae were located on the anterior side in 1 patient, on the posterior side in 15, and on both sides in 4. Radiocapitellar joint tenderness and pain with terminal extension were observed in 65% of patients. MRI showed enlarged plicae consistent with intraoperative findings. The mean plica thickness on MRI was 3.7 ± 1.0 mm, which was significantly thicker than the normal value. The mean lengths (mediolateral length, 9.4 ± 1.6 mm; anteroposterior length, 8.2 ± 1.7 mm) were also greater than the normal values. The visual analog scale score for pain decreased from 6.3 to 1.0 after surgery. The Mayo Elbow Performance Index and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores improved from 66 to 89 and from 26 to 14, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Specific findings of the physical examination and MRI provide clues for the diagnosis of plica syndrome. Painful symptoms were successfully relieved after arthroscopic débridement.

Pisiform excision for refractory flexor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy of the wrist.

The aim is to report the long-term clinical results after pisiform excision in patients with refractory flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) tendinopathy. We performed pisiform excision in 14 patients with recalcitrant FCU tendinopathy, who had failed conservative treatment. Nine patients were followed-up for more than 2 years. Pre-operative pain visual analog scale (VAS) was extracted from the electronic medical records. Post-operative symptoms and function were assessed with pain VAS, quick disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, and satisfaction VAS for surgery at the final follow-up. After the mean follow-up period of 6 years, all patients showed improvement in pain VAS (from 5.9 to 1.2). The post-operative scores of quick DASH and PRWE were 3.5 and 13.1, respectively. Satisfaction VAS score was 8.8 and all patients returned to their work. Excision of the pisiform bone improved symptoms in patients with refractory FCU tendinopathy.

Excision of painful dorsal wrist ganglion by open or arthroscopic approach : a compariso n study.

Dorsal wrist ganglion can be removed through open or arthroscopic excision. The better method for relieving pain remains unknown. In this study, we addressed the following questions: (1) does open excision provide better pain relief than arthroscopic? (2) is there any difference in patient satisfaction, functional outcome, and re-operation rate? Forty-five patients with painful dorsal wrist ganglions underwent open or arthroscopic excision. Posterior interosseous neurectomy was performed during open excision. Clinical outcomes were assessed with a focus on pain relief. Patient satisfaction, recurrence, and reoperation due to residual pain were also assessed. The average pain scores improved significantly after both, open and arthroscopic excision. However, five patients who underwent arthroscopic excision reported the same or worse pain, whereas all patients who underwent open excision reported postoperative alleviation of pain. The recurrence rate was comparable. Patient satisfaction was better in those who underwent open excision. Reoperation was performed in four patients who had residual pain after arthroscopic excision. Both, open and arthroscopic methods can alleviate pain in patients with painful dorsal wrist ganglion. However, 20% of the patients who underwent arthroscopic excision reported residual or persistent pain.

Reverse Sural Artery Island Flap With Skin Extension Along the Pedicle.

The distally based sural flap is an efficient flap for reconstruction of soft tissues defects of lower limb. The unstable vascular pedicle, however, is prone to compression by the subcutaneous tunnel, especially when a long pedicle covers the distal area of the foot. The aim of the present study was to introduce a modified surgical technique that leaves the skin extension over the pedicle and to report the clinical results of this modification. A total of 25 consecutive patients with a mean age of 51.7 ± 14.7 years underwent surgery. We modified the conventional sural flap technique by leaving a skin extension over the entire length of the pedicle, creating a fasciocutaneous vascular pedicle. The postoperative flap survival rates, complications, and the characteristics of the flaps such as flap size, pedicle length, and the most distal area that could be covered with this modification, were reviewed. At the last clinical follow-up examination, all the flaps survived, although partial necrosis was observed in 2 (8%) cases. Four cases of venous congestion developed but healed without additional complications. The mean flap size was 5.9 ± 1.8 × 9.2 ± 2.7 cm. With this modification, the sural flap could cover the defect located in extreme distal areas, such as the medial forefoot and dorsum of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, with a longer pedicle (≤27 cm) in 7 patients (28%). A skin extension along the pedicle achieved the favorable survival rate of the sural flap and successfully extended the surgical indications to more distal areas.

Comparison of Flexor Tendon Suture Techniques Including 1 Using 10 Strands.

PURPOSE: To compare mechanical properties of a multistrand suture technique for flexor tendon repair with those of conventional suture methods through biomechanical and clinical studies. METHODS: We describe a multistrand suture technique that is readily expandable from 6 to 10 strands of core suture. For biomechanical evaluation, 60 porcine flexor tendons were repaired using 1 of the following 6 suture techniques: Kessler (2-strand), locking cruciate (4-strand), Lim/Tsai's 6-strand, and our modified techniques (6-, 8-, or 10-strand). Structural properties of each tenorrhaphy were determined through tensile testing (ultimate failure load and force at 2-mm gap formation). Clinically we repaired 25 flexor tendons using the described 10-strand technique in zones I and II. Final follow-up results were evaluated according to the criteria of Strickland and Glogovac. RESULTS: In the biomechanical study, tensile properties were strongly affected by repair technique; tendons in the 10-strand group had approximately 106%, 66%, and 39% increased ultimate load to failure (average, 87 N) compared with those in the 4-, 6-, and 8-strand groups, respectively. Tendons in the 10-strand group withstood higher 2-mm gap formation forces (average, 41 N) than those with other suture methods (4-strand, 26 N; 6-strand, 27 N; and 8-strand, 33 N). Clinically, we obtained 21 excellent, 2 good, and 2 fair outcomes after a mean of 16 months (range, 6-53 mo) of follow-up. No patients experienced poor results or rupture. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-strand suture repair technique not only increased ultimate strength and force at the 2-mm gap formation compared with conventional suture methods, it also showed good clinical outcomes. This multistrand suture technique can greatly increase the gap resistance of surgical repair, facilitating early mobilization of the affected digit. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Long-term results of arthroscopic wrist synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of arthroscopic wrist synovectomy on the clinical course of rheumatoid arthritis in a large series with long-term follow-up. METHODS: We performed arthroscopic synovectomy on 56 wrists in 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. At a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (range, 5-12 y), we evaluated pain and patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale and assessed overall function using the Mayo wrist score. Radiographic stage was graded according to Larsen stage. We determined clinical outcomes on the recurrence of wrist synovitis, which we evaluated by symptoms of pain and swelling and physical examination. Preoperative variables were statistically analyzed to find factors that could influence the results. RESULTS: The mean visual analog scale score for wrist pain decreased from 6.3 to 1.7, and the mean Mayo wrist score (evaluated in 39 wrists) improved from 48 (range, 5-70) to 76 (range, 55-100). The mean visual analog scale score for patient satisfaction was 7.9. At final follow-up, synovitis was controlled in 42 wrists (75%) and recurred in the others. The mean Larsen stage progressed from 2.2 to 3.3. Analysis of preoperative variables revealed no factors that significantly affected clinical outcomes in terms of sex, age, duration of wrist symptom, preoperative serologic inflammatory markers, or Larsen stage. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist can provide pain relief and functional improvement with control of synovitis in 75% of rheumatoid wrists that have not responded to medication. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic débridement for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow: analysis of preoperative factors affecting outcome.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic débridement and to identify preoperative factors that influence the outcome. METHODS: Forty-three elbows with primary osteoarthritis in 43 patients treated with arthroscopic débridement were retrospectively evaluated. At a mean follow-up of 38 months (range, 18-77 months), the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the arc of elbow motion, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score were assessed. The relationships between postoperative MEPI score and postoperative motion arc and preoperative factors including age, sex, involvement of the dominant arm, duration of symptoms, demand of elbow activity, VAS score, previous history of failed surgery, and arc of elbow motion were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for pain, the mean arc of flexion-extension, and the mean MEPI score significantly improved after the operation (all P values < .001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that among preoperative variables, arc of motion was found to be the only independent prognostic factor that affected both postoperative elbow function (P = .024) and final arc of motion (P < .001). The cutoff value of preoperative arc of motion for the final arc of motion was determined to be 80° (P < .001). Involvement of the dominant arm was found to be another independent factor that affected postoperative MEPI scores (P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic débridement for elbow osteoarthritis provides satisfactory pain relief, improvement of elbow motion, and good functional outcome. Based on the fact that preoperative motion arc is the independent factor that can predict clinical outcome, arthroscopic treatment is highly recommended for patients who have a motion arc of 80° or more as it yields reliable results.

Treatment of avascular proximal pole scaphoid nonunions with vascularized distal radius bone grafting.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of vascularized distal radius pedicled bone grafting secured with K-wires for scaphoid nonunions with small avascular proximal fragments. METHODS: We included patients with scaphoid nonunions and small, avascular proximal fragments that were too small for screw fixation. The mean size of the proximal pole fragments was 21% (range, 9% to 28%) of the entire scaphoid, based on quantitative radiographic measurement. All patients had distal radius bone grafting based on the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicle and fixation with K-wires. There were 21 wrists in 18 men and 2 women with the mean age of 34 years (range, 22 to 57 y). The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 40 months (range, 12 to 103 mo). Radiographic union and clinical outcomes, including the ranges of wrist motion, grip strength, and the modified Mayo wrist score, were evaluated. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 18 of 21 wrists (86%) at a mean time of 14 weeks after surgery (range, 8 to 28 wk). Nonunions with proximal fragments less than 20% of the total scaphoid healed in 6 of 8 wrists. In a subset of these 8 wrists in which the proximal fragment was less than 15%, healing occurred in 2 of 4. The modified Mayo wrist score significantly improved from 46 to 78 points, and final wrist functions were rated as excellent in 5, good in 5, fair in 10, and poor in 1. Ranges of motion and grip strengths did not show significant changes after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized distal radius bone grafting and K-wire fixation can heal scaphoid nonunions with small avascular proximal fragments, although motion and grip strength remain unchanged. Healing may be related to the size of the proximal pole fragment.

Surgical release of elbow stiffness after internal fixation of intercondylar fracture of the distal humerus.

BACKGROUND: Loss of motion is common after intercondylar fracture of the distal humerus despite proper management. The purpose of the current study was to report the results of contracture release for stiffness that developed after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal humeral intercondylar fractures. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with a stiff elbow after ORIF of intercondylar fractures (20 AO type C2 and 4 type C3 fractures) were managed with contracture release at a median of 13 months. The surgical indication was total arc of motion of less than 100° despite physical therapy for more than 6 months. Plates and screws for ORIF were removed concomitantly in 16 patients. Each patient was evaluated by final arc of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). RESULTS: The main lesions causing stiffness were heterotopic ossification or excessive callus in 13 patients and capsular fibrosis in 11. The mean total range of motion (ROM) was improved from 60.2° preoperatively to 104.8° postoperatively. At the final follow-up, 17 of the 24 elbows (71.8%) obtained a total ROM of more than 100°. The mean MEPS improved from 69 points preoperatively to 87 points at the final follow-up (P < .05). Refracture occurred during ROM exercise in 4 patients who had undergone concomitant implant removal during the contracture release. CONCLUSION: Surgical release of a stiff elbow that develops after ORIF of intercondylar fractures can result in satisfactory restoration of ROM in most patients. However, potential risk of refracture after release should be considered when implants are concomitantly removed.

Surgical treatment of elbow stiffness caused by post-traumatic heterotopic ossification.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is considered as a common extrinsic cause of elbow stiffness. The purpose of this study was to show the results of surgical treatment for post-traumatic elbow stiffness caused by HO in a large, consecutive series of patients in a single unit. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 77 surgically treated patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness caused by HO. Final motion arc and Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) were assessed as final results. Univariable and multivariable analyses were done to determine which factors had an effect on the final motion arc. RESULTS: The average arc of elbow motion increased from 45° preoperatively to 112°, with an improvement of 67° at the final follow-up evaluation. The mean MEPI score was 91.9. At the final evaluation, 65 patients (84.4%) obtained a total motion arc of ≥100°. Recurrent HO was observed in 16 patients postoperatively, and 6 underwent repeated surgical release. The time from the initial injury to surgical release with a cutoff value of 19 months was the only independent factor affecting the final range of motion (ROM) in multivariable median regression analysis. With the numbers studied, no significant association was found between the final ROM and other clinical variables except for the recurrence of HO (93° vs 117°). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of our study, we can support the surgical treatment of elbow stiffness caused by post-traumatic HO regardless of preoperative ROM. However, recurrence of heterotopic bone and delay in surgery of more than 19 months are associated with less favorable results.

Failure rates and analysis of risk factors for percutaneous A1 pulley release of trigger digits.

This study aimed to identify the rates and risk factors for failure of percutaneous A1 pulley release. We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent percutaneous A1 pulley release between 2015 and 2019. We defined failure as (1) pain or discomfort at the final follow-up, (2) when open release or revision percutaneous release was performed, or (3) when steroid injections were administered three or more times for symptom control. A total of 331 digits from 251 patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 47 months (minimum 24 months). Complete resolution was achieved in 287 cases (87%), but 21% required steroid injection before symptoms settled. There was failure in 44 cases (13%). Involvement of the index, middle and ring fingers was significantly different between the successful and failure groups. Percutaneous A1 pulley release has a long-term success rate of 87%. The failure rate was higher when the procedure was performed on the index, middle or ring fingers.Level of evidence: III.

Arthroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation of perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review clinical and radiographic outcomes of perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations treated with arthroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation. METHODS: Twenty patients who had an acute dorsal perilunate dislocation or fracture-dislocation were treated with an arthroscopic technique at a median interval of 3.9 days from the time of injury. They were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 31.2 months (range, 18 to 61 months). Range of motion and grip strength were measured. Radiographic evaluations included time to scaphoid union, measurement of radiologic parameters, and any development of arthritis. Functional outcomes were determined by the modified Mayo wrist score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score. RESULTS: The flexion-extension motion arc and grip strength of the injured wrist averaged 79% and 78%, respectively, of the corresponding values for the contralateral wrists. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 18, and the mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 30. According to modified Mayo wrist scores, overall functional outcomes were rated as excellent in 3 patients, good in 8, fair in 7, and poor in 2. Nonunion developed in 2 patients with a trans-scaphoid perilunate injury; 1 of the 2 underwent scaphoid excision and midcarpal fusion. On the basis of radiographic parameters, reduction obtained during the operation was maintained within normal ranges in 15 patients. Arthritis had not developed in any patient by the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that arthroscopic reduction with percutaneous fixation is a reliable minimally invasive surgical method for acute perilunate injuries in that it provides proper restoration and stable fixation of carpal alignment and results in satisfactory functional and radiologic outcomes on a midterm basis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis and lunate excision for advanced Kienböck disease.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes of lunate excision combined with scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis for the treatment of advanced Kienböck disease. METHODS: Sixteen patients with Lichtman stage IIIB Kienböck disease were treated with scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis and lunate excision and were followed for a mean of 67 months (range, 49 to 108 mo). The indications for lunate excision included pain and limited motion associated with a collapsed lunate. Clinical evaluation included range of motion, grip strength, and modified Mayo wrist score. Based on plain radiographs, the carpal height ratio, ulnar carpal distance ratio, scaphoid translation ratio, and radioscaphoid angle were measured and any presence of degenerative changes was assessed. To investigate the effects of lunate excision on the radiologic results, we compared 12 patients with stage IIIB Kienböck disease who had only scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis as the control group. RESULTS: Range of motion tended to be preserved, with a trend toward an increase in extension after surgery. Grip strength and modified Mayo score improved significantly. Fourteen patients with lunate excision demonstrated radiographic ulnar translation of the scaphoid beyond the scapholunate ridge, and radioscaphoid arthritis was observed in 4 patients. Compared to initial postoperative radiographs, the scaphoid translation ratio was significantly decreased, but neither ulnar carpal distance ratio nor radioscaphoid angle showed significant differences. In the control group, neither ulnar translation of the scaphoid nor significant changes of radiologic parameters was found between initial postoperative and final radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis with lunate excision for advanced Kienböck disease provided favorable clinical results in terms of pain relief and functional improvement. With the absence of the lunate, however, the scaphoid had a tendency to shift toward the lunate fossa. This study suggests the risk of early development of radioscaphoid arthritis as a negative effect of lunate excision.

Surgical correction for supination loss following malunited radial fractures.

We evaluated fourteen patients who had restricted supination as a major impairment related with a malunited radius fracture. All patients underwent an opening wedge corrective osteotomy, bone grafting, and volar plate fixation. Clinical results were assessed based on range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain, grip power, and a Modified Mayo Wrist Score. The mean supination increased from 24 degrees preoperatively to 71 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.01). Dorsiflexion range, grip power and pain score improved significantly after the operation. The mean value for the Modified Mayo Wrist score improved from 58.6 points to 83.9 points (p < 0.01). Radiological measurements showed that the degree of dorsal angulation decreased from a mean of 9.0 degrees to -2.5 degrees after the corrective osteotomy. This study demonstrated that a malunited radius fracture with dorsal angulation, even if the latter appears mild, can induce functional impairment due to limited range of supination. Supination can be restored by an appropriately performed corrective osteotomy.

Clinical outcomes of open-wedge corrective osteotomy using autogenous or allogenic bone grafts for malunited distal radius: A novel parameter for measuring the rate of bone union.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were (1) to compare outcomes in terms of malunited distal radius bone union in open-wedge corrective osteotomy using autogenous or allogenic bone and (2) to introduce a new parameter that quantifies the rate of the bone union. METHODS: This retrospective study included 22 patients (14 males, 8 females) who underwent open-wedge corrective osteotomy with bone grafting for a malunited distal radius fracture between January 2006 and December 2018 were enrolled. The mean follow-up duration was 57.2 weeks (SD 46.1, range 12-206). All the patients were then divided into 1 of the 2 groups based on the graft material used: autog- enous bone graft group (n=10, 5 males and 5 females) and allogenic bone graft group (n=12, 9 males and 3 females). We introduced the "duration of union/correction gap ratio" to represent the healing potential of each graft materials. Radiologic parameters including initial correction gap, radial inclination, radial length, palmar tilt, and ulnar variance were also measured pre- and postoperatively. Functional outcomes were assessed by grip strength, range of motion, and the disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients, 16 (72.7%) achieved complete union within 12 weeks, 3 (13.6%) in over 12 weeks, and the other 3 (13.6%) showed nonunion. Excluding the 3 nonunion cases, the mean union duration was 10.6 weeks, and the mean correction gap was 10 mm. The mean correction gap was wider in the autogenous bone graft group, and the mean union duration was longer in the allogenic bone graft group. Autogenous bone grafts had a significantly lower duration of bone union/correction gap ratio than allogenic bone grafts (0.76 vs. 1.61, P < 0.001). According to the correction method (simple open-wedge corrective osteotomy vs. open-wedge corrective oste- otomy OWCO), only duration of bone union/correction gap ratio reflected the actual difference between values. CONCLUSION: Despite autogenous bone graft donor site morbidities, in our study, autogenous bone showed better bone healing potential than allogenic bone. In terms of bone union, autogenous bone has the benefit of better union in larger gaps than allogenic bone. Surgeons can take advantage of the newly introduced "duration of bone union/correction gap ratio" to compare the bone healing potential by graft materials or surgical options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Stage II and IIIA Kienböck's Disease After Undergoing Conservative Management.

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to demonstrate the outcomes of patients with Lichtman stage II and IIIA Kienböck's disease with mild pain and good range of motion (ROM) after conservative management. We hypothesized that we can conservatively manage patients with early-stage Kienböck's disease including those with stage IIIA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective case series. Between January 2012 and December 2017, 38 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period of conservatively managed group was 49.1 months. The flexion-extension (FE) arc, grip strength, Pain Visual Analog Scale (pVAS), Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score were determined for functional evaluation. The radiographic parameters were assessed using the Stahl's index and carpal height ratio. The morphological changes in the lunate were also evaluated with plain radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 31 of 38 patients (81.6%) showed favorable outcomes after conservative treatment. The mean pVAS score, MMWS, and DASH score showed statistically significant improvement, as well as the morphology of lunates on the plain radiograph. The mean FE arc was slightly decreased without statistical significance. The grip strength showed improvement with statistical significance. One patient showed the same radiographic morphology, but did not manifest any pain. A total of five (13.2%) patients who experienced aggravated pain and decreased ROM underwent surgical treatment. The other patient required surgical intervention but was provided conservative treatment due to her circumstances. CONCLUSION: Favorable outcomes can be expected in patients with Lichtman stages II and IIIA avascular necrosis of the lunate (Kienböck's disease) with mild pain and good ROM who undergo conservative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.