Survey of practices in surgical management of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in France in 2020.

The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of French surgical practices for treating trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in 2020. An online survey was sent to 64 French hand surgeons: 32 authors of articles on carpometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb and 32 other surgeons randomly selected from the membership of the French Society of Hand Surgery (SFCM). The questions concerned demographic data, surgical practice, operative indications, choices for revision surgery, and eight clinical cases. The response rate was 56.2%. The most popular technique was trapeziometacarpal replacement (63.9%). During the previous 5 years, 31.6% of respondents had changed their practices, 69.2% of whom had adopted total joint replacement. Total trapeziectomy with ligamentoplasty and interposition was the second most frequent method. Most surgeons (77.8%) implemented medical treatment for 6 months to 1 year before resorting to surgery. In the clinical cases, agreement between surgeons was very low, with an overall inter-rater concordance coefficient of 0.182. Except for two cases (a young manual worker and a patient with a flattened trapezium) where no technique was significantly preferred, trapeziometacarpal replacement was chosen by a majority of respondents (p < 0.001). It was the most frequently performed surgical technique in France in 2020. However, there is no real consensus on choice of technique, which reflects the absence of guidelines.

Partial arthroscopic trapeziectomy with or without ligament reconstruction to treat primary thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.

Many surgical options have been proposed for the treatment of first carpometacarpal (CMC1) osteoarthritis. Conventional techniques are invasive, so we wanted to develop an arthroscopic technique. Partial trapeziectomy combined with various interpositions and ligament reconstruction is a long-standing intervention. As in total trapeziectomy, the combination with ligament reconstruction remains controversial. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of adding an abductor pollicis longus (APL) ligament reconstruction to partial trapeziectomy performed under arthroscopy. This study analyzes the results of two consecutive case series carried out by a single surgeon. Thirty-four patients underwent an isolated partial trapeziectomy and 49 patients underwent partial trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction using the APL. The patients were reviewed with an average follow-up of 3.7 years (13 months to 8.6 years) by an independent observer. The assessment included the analysis of pain, thumb appearance, QuickDASH score, Nelson Hospital score, and measurements of mobility and strength. For all patients, there was a marked reduction in pain (7.13 preoperatively vs.1.37 postoperatively) with 71% of patients having a painless thumb, the Nelson (11.14) and QuickDASH (17.89) scores as well as a clinical improvement in mobility and grip strength (14.5 KgF preop vs. 19.6 KgF postop) and key pinch (4.4 KgF preop vs. 5.4 KgF postop). The mean recovery time was 18.8 weeks. Eighty-four percent of patients were satisfied with the procedure with 90% having a stable thumb. No CRPS was found. However, the results were better for patients who underwent ligament reconstruction. There was a significant gain in grip strength, better first web opening and a lower percentage of painful thumbs. The other items were also slightly improved, but not significantly (Nelson Hospital score, QuickDASH score, key grip strength, percentage of stable thumbs, subjective thumb value estimated by patients). This technique is a less aggressive treatment of CMC1 osteoarthritis, with simplified and rapid rehabilitation. The addition of ligament reconstruction using the APL appears useful. The advantages of arthroscopy are a less painful postoperative course, low morbidity, ligament conservation, along with better access to remove loose bodies, osteophytes and to perform synovectomy. Partial trapeziectomy, which is especially indicated when the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint is not symptomatic, is much less used than total trapeziectomy; however, it is an attractive surgical option for young patients with significant functional demands. Arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy is a safe and reliable procedure.

Surgical repair of massive rotator cuff tendon tears: Autologous quadriceps tendon graft versus arthroscopic repair.

INTRODUCTION: Massive rotator cuff tear repair results are variable. The main purpose of this study was to compare functional outcome between two procedures: open repair by autologous quadriceps-patella tendon patch, and arthroscopic suture. The study hypothesis was that there is no significant difference in results between the two techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included all patients younger than 70 years operated on from 1995 to 2013 for massive rotator cuff tear. Exclusion criteria comprised history of dislocation, fracture or surgery or osteoarthritis in the affected shoulder, and infra- and supra-spinatus fatty degeneration equal to or greater than stage 3. Two consecutive groups were distinguished: group 1, from 1995 to 2003, comprised 23 patients (24 shoulders; mean age, 55.8 years) treated by open repair using quadriceps tendon autograft; group 2, from 2003 to 2013, comprised 27 patients (29 shoulders: mean age, 60.3 years) treated by arthroscopic repair. RESULTS: Preoperatively, mean Constant score was 42.9 in group 1 and 45.7 in group 2 (P=0.36), pain score 5.5/15 and 7.6/15 (P=0.08), strength 3.0kg and 2.4kg (P=0.30), and subacromial space 6.3 and 6.7mm (P=0.05), respectively. At respectively 58 and 55 months' mean follow-up, Constant score was 71.1 in group 1 and 71.8 in group 2 (P=0.086), pain 11.9/15 and 12.7/15 (P=0.76), gain in strength 1.4kg and 2.3kg (P=0.0006), and subacromial space 7.1mm and 6.3mm (P=0.29), respectively. The complications rate was 70% in group 1 and there were no specific complications in group 2. CONCLUSION: Functional improvement was significant and comparable between the 2 groups. Quadriceps tendon harvesting was associated with high morbidity, but the technique increased subacromial space. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective, single-center.

Outcomes of arthroscopic lateral epicondylitis release: Should we treat earlier?

BACKGROUND: When managed conservatively, lateral epicondylitis often subsides only after considerable time, during which social and occupational activities are severely disrupted. If conservative management fails, a recently introduced option is arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). The primary objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of this procedure according to preoperative symptom duration. HYPOTHESIS: Earlier arthroscopic release is associated with better functional outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Consecutive patients with arthroscopically managed lateral epicondylitis were included in a retrospective study. Arthroscopy was performed only after at least 6 months of conservative treatment. The criteria to evaluate the clinical outcomes were the Nirschl and Quick-DASH scores, muscle strength, time to pain relief, and percentage of functional recovery. RESULT: Thirty-five patients were evaluated at a median of 4 years (range: 1-12 years) after surgery. Mean preoperative symptom duration was 18 months (range: 6-106 months) with a mean sick leave duration of 2.3±4.9 months. Postoperatively, mean time to recovery was 37.5 days (range: 7 days to 5 years) and mean sick leave duration was 2.4±2.4 months. The mean Quick-DASH score was 15.9±19.1. The Nirschl score improved significantly, from 26.4±7.9 to 66.3±16.3. The initial muscle strength deficit was 10.1±33.2% and muscle strength at last follow-up was increased by 4.3±30.3%. Symptom duration showed no correlations with any of the clinical outcome measures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after arthroscopic release were not associated with symptom duration in this study. Nevertheless, the good clinical outcomes support treatment with arthroscopic release after only 6 months of conservative management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Unplanned return to theater: A quality of care and risk management index?

INTRODUCTION: Surgical quality and risk management is a major public health issue. The consequences of unplanned return to theater are social, occupational, financial and even legal. Unscheduled revision surgery is a major adverse event, resulting from serious complications - some of which are thought to be avoidable. The present study sought to assess and analyze the incidence of unplanned return to theater in an orthopedic surgery department. The study hypothesis was that some of the complications involved could be avoided. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A mixed retrospective-prospective study examined a consecutive series of 10,158 patients operated on in an orthopedic and traumatologic surgery department between January 2011 and December 2013. Patients undergoing revision surgery for reasons directly related to the primary procedure were analyzed. Patients were distributed among the following subgroups: infection, implant dislocation; hemorrhagic complication, mechanical complication, problem of primary technique, stiffness, wound healing disorder. Specific indicators of dysfunction liable to have contributed to onset of the complication were applied in each subgroup, to determine the avoidable or unavoidable nature of the event. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-four patients (2.2%) underwent revision surgery for reasons directly related to the primary procedure. One hundred and eight cases (48.2%) were considered to have been avoidable: 48 infections (21.4%), 27 implant dislocations (12%), 15 hemorrhagic complications (6.7%), 66 mechanical complications (29.5%), 35 technical problems at primary surgery (15.6%), 21 cases of stiffness (9.3%), and 12 cases of delayed wound healing (5.3%). Mean time to revision surgery was 2.7 ± 2.6 months. Extending the time-window to 1 year recruited extra cases: in 31.7% of cases, onset was after the 90th postoperative day, which is the usual deadline. The rate of unplanned return to theater was higher after unscheduled (traumatic: 3.2%) than scheduled surgery (1.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Return to surgery in orthopedic and traumatologic surgery is underestimated. Annual incidence was 2.2%, and twice as high (3.2%) following traumatologic compared to scheduled surgery (1.7%). Analysis found that almost half the cases were avoidable. They represent a relevant and easily assessed indicator of treatment quality and associated risk management. A national or even international database in the form of an anonymous registry of revision surgeries would be useful.

Cubital tunnel syndrome: comparative results of a multicenter study of 4 surgical techniques with a mean follow-up of 92 months.

BACKGROUND: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most frequent entrapment syndrome. Physiopathology is mixed, and treatment options are multiple, none having yet proved superior efficacy. OBJECTIVES: The present retrospective multicenter study compared results and rates of complications and recurrence between the 4 main cubital tunnel syndrome treatments, to identify trends and optimize outcome. MATERIALAND METHODS: Patients presenting with primary clinical cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed on electroneuromyography were included and operated on using 1 of the following 4 techniques: open or endoscopic in situ decompression, or subcutaneous or submuscular anterior transposition. Four specialized upper-limb surgery centers participated, each systematically performing 1 of the above procedures. Subjective and objective results and rates of complications and recurrence were compared at end of follow-up. RESULTS: Five hundred and two patients were included and 375 followed up for a mean 92 months (range, 9-144 months); 103 were lost to follow-up and 24 died. Whichever the procedure, more than 90% of patients were cured or showed improvement. There was a single case of scar pain at end of follow-up, managed by endoscopic decompression; there were no other long-term complications. None of the 4 techniques aggravated symptoms. There were 6 recurrences by end of follow-up: 1 associated with open in situ decompression and 5 with submuscular transposition. CONCLUSION: Surgery was effective in treating cubital tunnel syndrome. Submuscular anterior transposition was associated with recurrence. In contrast to literature reports, subcutaneous anterior transposition, which is a reliable and valid technique, was not associated with a higher complication rate than in situ decompression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Multicenter retrospective.

Rotator cuff tears after 70 years of age: a prospective, randomized, comparative study between decompression and arthroscopic repair in 154 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears leads to better clinical outcomes than subacromial decompression alone; however the former is rarely proposed to patients above 70 years of age. Our hypothesis was that arthroscopic repair would be superior to decompression in patient 70 years or older. The primary goal was to compare the clinical results obtained with each technique. The secondary goal was to analyze the effects of age, tendon retraction and fatty infiltration on the outcome. METHODS: This was a prospective, comparative, randomized, multicenter study where 154 patients were included who were at least 70 years of age. Of the included patients, 143 (70 repair and 73 decompression) were seen at one-year follow-up; these patients had an average age of 74.6 years. Shoulders had a complete supraspinatus tear with extension limited to the upper-third of the infraspinatus and Patte stage 1 or 2 retraction. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Constant, ASES and SST scores. RESULTS: All scores improved significantly with both techniques: Constant +33.81 (P<0.001), ASES +52.1 (P<0.001), SST +5.86 (P<0.001). However, repair led to even better results than decompression: Constant (+35.85 vs. +31.8, P<0.05), ASES (+56.09 vs. +48.17, P=0.01), SST (+6.33 vs. +5.38, P=0.02). The difference between repair and decompression was not correlated with age; arthroscopic repair was also better in patients above 75 years of age (Constant, ASES and SST scores P<0.01). There was no significant correlation between the final outcomes and initial retraction: Constant (P=0.14), ASES (P=0.92), SST (P=0.47). The difference between repair and decompression was greater in patients with stages 0 and 1 fatty infiltration (Constant P<0.02) than in patients with stages 2 and 3 fatty infiltration (Constant P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in all-clinical scores for both techniques 1 year after surgery. Repair was significantly better than decompression for all clinical outcomes, even in patients above 75 years of age. The difference observed between repair and decompression was greater in patients with more retracted tears and lesser in patients with more severe fatty infiltration.

Arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff: prospective study of tendon healing after 70 years of age in 145 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The level of activity of patients older than 70 years is tending to increase, as are their expectations in terms of joint function recuperation. It has not been proven that rotator cuff repair healing is satisfactory in the elderly. The main hypothesis of this study was: repair of supraspinous lesions in patients older than 70 years is reliable in terms of both clinical results and healing. The secondary hypothesis was: tendon healing is significantly correlated with the Constant, ASES, and SST scores as well as with age, tendon retraction, and fatty infiltration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter prospective study on 145 patients older than 70 years, with 135 patients reviewed at 1 year (93%). The mean age was 73.9 years. Full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus extended at most to the upper third of the infraspinatus and retraction limited to Patte stages 1 and 2 were included. Clinical assessment was carried out in accordance with the Constant, ASES, and SST scores. Healing was evaluated with ultrasound. RESULTS: A significant improvement was noted in the Constant (44/76)+31.5 (P<0.0001), ASES (35/90)+54.4 (P<0.0001), and SST (3.5/10)+6.6 (P>0.0001) scores at 1 year of follow-up. The healing rate was 89% with 15 re-tears, nine of which were stage 1 and six stage 2. The clinical result was not correlated with patient age (Constant, P=0.24; ASES, P=0.38; SST, P=0.83) nor with the retraction stage (Constant, P=0.71; ASES, P=0.35; SST, P=0.69) or the stage of fatty infiltration (P>0.7). Healing was correlated with the quality of the clinical result (Constant, P=0.02; ASES, P=0.03) and age (P=0.01) but was not correlated with retraction or the fatty infiltration stage (P>0.3). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair significantly improves the clinical results, even in patients older than 70 years. The clinical results are not correlated with age (but deterioration of the result was not noted after 75 years) or frontal retraction (but the study only included retractions limited to stages 1 and 2). The healing rate is satisfactory, but this study is limited to small ruptures of the supraspinatus, and the postoperative ultrasound analysis probably inferior to CT imaging with contrast agent injection, often used as the reference. Healing proves to be correlated with the quality of the clinical result and patient age.

Partial arthroscopic trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction to treat primary thumb basal joint osteoarthritis.

Since the outcome of partial trapeziectomy is not always satisfactory, we proposed using arthroscopy to perform partial trapeziectomy and to perform ligament reconstruction with the abductor pollicis longus tendon. A tendon strip was left intact at its insertion at the base of the first metacarpal and then slipped into the trapeziectomy space. It was fixed into a blind tunnel at the base of the second metacarpal with a bioabsorbable interference screw. Forty-nine patients were surgically treated between 2006 and 2009. With an average follow-up of 3.6 years, 83.5% of patients were satisfied with the procedure; 96% of thumbs were stable and 74% were pain free. The average recovery time was 4.5 months. There were four cases of radial nerve branch irritation and one case of flexor carpi radialis tendinitis; there were no cases of complex regional pain syndrome. This minimally-invasive technique is a less-aggressive treatment approach for thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis, which simplify postoperative recovery.

[The arthroscopic distal pole resection of the scaphoid: clinical results in STT osteoarthritis]. / Résection arthroscopique du pôle distal du scaphoïde dans l'arthrose scapho-trapézo-trapézoidienne.

We present the results of surgical treatment of eight patients operated in the service of osteoarthritis scapho-trapézo-trapézoidienne (STT) by resection of the distal pole of the scaphoid under arthroscopic. Studies have already shown the good results of this technique in open surgery. This is a retrospective study of eight patients of mean age 70 years. They had an isolated STT osteoarthritis, which is not relieved by medical treatment. They were operated between 2004 and 2007 by the same surgeon and were reviewed at a mean of 13 months by an independent examiner. The evaluation was focused on pain, range of motion and grip strength. A radiological assessment was conducted to examine a possible carpal mal-alignment. Two patients were excluded because they had received a trapeziectomy for rhizarthrosis associated. The pain had decreased in seven cases with complete disappearance in six cases. The force had been increased or stabilized in seven cases and the mobility is the same in six cases. We got six very good results, one good result and one bad result without aggravation. Furthermore, no patient had been taken, nor any complications noted. The good results obtained with this minimally invasive outpatient surgery, encourages us to offer first-line therapy in patients with isolated STT osteoarthritis is not relieved by medical treatment. The resection of the distal pole of the scaphoide under arthoscopy gives less burdensome and less complication that the arthrodesis, while providing very good results.

[Arthroscopic partial trapezectomy. A radio-anatomical study about 14 cases]. / Trapézectomie partielle arthroscopique : étude radioanatomique de 14 cas.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the accessibility of the trapezium surface to arthroscopic resection related to the degenerative stage, to define the surgical approach and to determine the efficacy of the X-rays for evaluating the amount of resected bone. METHODS: Fourteen trapezectomies were performed on seven cadaveric specimens using an arthroscopic procedure. Pre- and post-procedure X-rays were used to assess the initial trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and the resection performed. Each subject was randomized for using two posterior portals or two posterior portals and one anterior portal. At the end of the procedure, a dissection was performed for evaluating the quality of resection and the anatomical relationship of each surgical approach. RESULTS: The stages of preprocedure osteoarthritis were comparable between the two sides of the same cadaveric specimen. On post-procedure X-rays, the resection appeared complete in only six out of 14 wrists. During dissection, no injury to neurovascular structures was observed, and the resection was visible macroscopically in 11/14 wrists. Three resections were incomplete, i.e., less than 20 % of total trapezial surface: two of them were seen in the most osteoarthritic cases of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic approach presents an opportunity to access the entire trapezial surface, even if a high stage of osteoarthritis appears to be a risk for incomplete resection. The addition of a systematic anterior approach to the traditional dorsal approach does not increase the accessibility. Although radiography is not the most appropriate tool to assess the resected surface, it does help to locate the defects of resection and can guide the surgical procedure in situations where there is a risk of incomplete resection.

[Ganglion cyst of the shoulder: six cases and review of the literature]. / Kystes para-glénoïdiens gléno-huméraux: à propos de 6 cas et revue de la littérature.

Paraglenoid glenohumeral cysts can be observed in 2-4% of the general population, particularly in men during the third and fourth decade. On average, these cysts measure 10-20 mm in diameter and are located preferentially on the posterosuperior aspect of the glenoid. An articular origin (rim injury) is generally accepted. The pathogenesis is similar to that of meniscal cysts. Depending on the exact localization, there is generally little clinical expression. The most frequent complication involves compression of the suprascapular nerve leading to suffering of the supra and/or infraspinatus. Amyotrophy can occur without clinical expression. An attentive examination is necessary to identify the cyst. EMG is often falsely negative. MRI is currently gold standard diagnostic tool but will probably be improved with arthro-MRI. Ultrasonography and computed tomography can visualize with difficulty small cysts located very close to the bone. The best treatment is arthroscopy which enables complete cure (emptying the cyst and resection or suture of the rim). We present a review of the pertinent literature together with a retrospective series of six cases of paraglenoid glenohumeral ganglion cysts.

[Endoscopic treatment of snapping scapula.] / Traitement endoscopique des accrochages scapulothoraciques.

We describe an endoscopic method for resection of the superomedial corner of the scapula in cases of painful snapping scapula. A preoperative computed tomography may be useful to show narrowing between the superomedial corner and the chest wall. Endoscopic technique gives the same goods results than open surgery with in cosmetic advantage and early rehabilitation. Avoided neurological lesion need to perform a precise portal placement.

[Endoscopic treatment of snapping scapula]. / Traitement endoscopique des accrochages scapulothoraciques.

We describe an endoscopic method for resection of the superomedial comer of the scapula in cases of painful snapping scapula. A preoperative computed tomography may be useful to show narrowing between the superomedial comer and the chest wall. Endoscopic technique gives the same goods results than open surgery with in cosmetic advantage and early rehabilitation. Avoided neurological lesion need to perform a precise portal placement.

[Single-portal endoscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Results of a preliminary series]. / Traitement endoscopique à une voie du syndrome du canal carpien. Résultats d'une série préliminaire.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to describe the single-portal endoscopic technique developed by J. Menon for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and to evaluate its results in our first 82 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The technique involved insertion of a split cannula into the previously dilated carpal tunnel, followed by section of the transverse carpal ligament from its proximal to its distal edge under visual guidance via a standard arthroscope. No immobilization was used postoperatively. A homogeneous population composed of 82 consecutive patients (71 female and 11 male) with a mean age of 51 years was studied. Mean follow-up was 15 months. A questionnaire was used to evaluate results at last follow-up, and patients were categorized into four groups based on Kelly's criteria. RESULTS: Fifty one patients (62 per cent) reported complete relief of symptoms and 29 (35 per cent) a substantial improvement, for a total of 97 per cent good and very good results. The symptoms remained unchanged in two patients, of whom one underwent revision. One patient was reoperated because of symptoms due to section of the thenar branch. The arthroscopic procedure was converted to an open procedure in 3.6 per cent of cases. DISCUSSION: The main advantage of the arthroscopic method is a faster recovery. The method developed by Menon and the material it requires are simple. Complications may be less common than with the two portal method. CONCLUSION: The single portal endoscopic technique developed by Menon for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is effective and safe when it is performed in carefully selected patients using a faultless technique.

[MRI in the pre-operative evaluation of lesions of the rotator cuff]. / Apport de l'IRM dans le bilan pré-chirurgical des lésions de la coiffe des rotateurs.

The authors report a series of 38 patients who had been examined by MRI and then operated for a rotator cuff syndrome. The correlation between the description of the cuff lesions after MRI and the surgical observations were excellent for 37 patients. In one case MRI showed a false image of tear of the supra spinatus m. on its anterior edge. This was due to a bad knowledge of the anatomy of the muscle and tendon and to a poor orientation of the frontal cut plane. This study was complete with MRI and anatomic study of 12 non embalmed cadaveric shoulders. The results showed that MRI was very sensitive (0.93) and specific (0.94) for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. MRI allowed also to show partial tears of the tendons of the rotator cuff. The authors propose a MRI classification of cuff lesions which permits to establish a good surgical planning.

[Contribution of MRI to the preoperative evaluation of rotator cuff tears]. / Apport de l'IRM dans le bilan pré-chirurgical des lésions de la coiffe des rotateurs.

The authors report a series of 38 patients who had been examined by MRI and then operated for a rotator cuff syndrome. The correlation between the description of the cuff lesions after MRI and the surgical observations were excellent for 37 patients. In one case MRI showed a false image of tear of the supra spinatus m. on its anterior edge. This was due to a bad knowledge of the anatomy of the muscle and tendon and to a poor orientation of the frontal cut plane. This study was completed with MRI and anatomic study of 12 non embalmed cadaveric shoulders. The results showed that MRI was very sensitive (0.93) and specific (0.94) for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears. MRI allowed also to show partial tears of the tendons of the rotator cuff. The authors propose a MRI classification of cuff lesions which permits to establish a good surgical planning.