Nonunion of distal humeral fractures: Current concepts.

The incidence of complex articular fractures of the distal humeral in adults has increased and will be growing in the future due to the greater incidence of high energy trauma and to the higher percentage of elderly population. Successful treatment is challenging for the needed balance between a stability of often comminuted fracture and early motion. Nonunion is a common complication after distal humerus fractures that is influenced by a variety of factors such as biology, in particular the blood supply of the metaphysis, the non-anatomical reduction of the fracture, the methods of fixation, and mechanical failure. These can involve the intra-articular or extra-articular areas. Clinical presentation may be mainly with a flail elbow in extra-articular nonunion or mainly with disfunction and stiffness for an intra-articular nonunion. However, the symptoms will depend on the degree of articular surfaces damage and the main localization of nonunion in the intra- and extra-articular region. The surgical treatment is usually required, being the non-operative treatment with a brace a reasonable option just for low-demand patients and with a high risk of complications. Despite a limited range of motion regained, the union rate achieved with internal fixation and bone grafting is substantially high.

Posttraumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis: Current concepts on the clinical presentations, classifications, and open surgical approaches.

In the forearm, posttraumatic heterotopic ossification usually forms as a proximal radioulnar synostosis. It can occur after soft tissue injury involving the interosseous membrane or after surgery involving the radio and ulna, such as distal biceps tendon repair. It can also be induced by radial head dislocation or fracture. Screening radiography can be used to select the appropriate time for excision. The synostosis can be resected when the ectopic bone margin and trabeculation appear mature on radiographs. An interval of 6-12 months from the injury is generally recommended based on ectopic bone maturity. Selection of the surgical approach depends on site, extension (elbow joint or proximal radioulnar joint), severity of the initial articular surface, and periarticular tissue injury. The posterolateral approach is indicated for synostoses: at or distal to the bicipital tuberosity, at the level of the radial head, and proximal radioulnar joint. The posterior global approach is recommended when the forearm synostosis is associated with complete bony ankylosis of the elbow involving the distal aspect of the humerus. After surgical resection of a proximal radioulnar synostosis, the exposed bone surfaces can be covered with interposition material to minimize recurrence.

Malunion of distal humeral fractures: Current concepts.

The incidence of complex articular fractures of the distal humeral in adults has increased and will be growing in the future due to the greater incidence of high-energy trauma and to the higher percentage of the elderly population. Successful treatment is challenging for the needed balance between the stability of often comminuted fractures and early motion. Malunion is a common complication after distal humerus fractures that is influenced by a variety of factors, such as biology, particularly the blood supply of the metaphysis, the nonanatomical reduction of the fracture, the methods of fixation, and mechanical failure. These can involve the intra-articular or extra-articular areas. The clinical presentation may be mainly with pain and instability as for the cubitus varus, or with disfunction and stiffness as for an intra-articular malunion. However, the symptoms will depend on the degree of articular surfaces damage and the degree of deformities in specific planes. The surgical treatment can be challenging, varying from supracondylar osteotomies and re-contouring arthroplasty for extra-articular deformities to interposition arthroplasty, and elbow replacement for intra-articular deformities.

Three-dimensional printed models for surgery planning of post-traumatic stiff elbow: Current concepts.

The post-traumatic stiff elbow is a challenge for the surgeon, requiring expertise for the treatment choice and accurate planning. Stiffness can result from traumatic injury involving the periarticular soft tissues and the joint articular surfaces. In this article, we want to assess the impact of three-dimensional (3D) printed models in selecting the appropriate surgical strategy for this pathology. Six cases of increasing complexity regarding post-traumatic stiff elbow were submitted to four expert elbow surgeons who had the possibility to evaluate videos and reports of clinical examination, plain radiograms and CT with 3D reconstruction for each case. After a first treatment proposition given by the experts for each patient, a three-dimensional printed model of each elbow based on the CT was provided to the surgeons, asking them to evaluate again all the cases having the possibility to assess also the 3D models. In the four most complex cases all surgeons found more beneficial the use of three-dimensional representation for treatment planning and rate the risk of complications than the sole CT imaging with 3D reconstruction and many of them changed surgical strategy after analysing the model. 3D printing technology is a useful tool in surgery planning for treating complex cases of post traumatic elbow stiffness, especially in the presence of joint deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Current concepts of surgical approach for radial nerve entrapment around the elbow.

Radial nerve entrapment is an uncommon diagnosis. The entrapment can occur at any location within the course of the nerve distribution, but the most frequent location of entrapment occurs around the elbow and involves the posterior interosseous nerve. Several potential sites of radial nerve entrapment around the elbow are identified: the capsular tissue of the radiocapitellar joint; hypertrophic crossing branches of leash of henry; the leading proximal tendinous and medial edge of extensor carpi radialis brevis; the arcade of Frohse and distal border of the supinator between its two heads. The arcade of Frohse is the most common site of compression. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the common surgical methods to approach the radial nerve entrapments around the elbow and define the preferred surgical approach based on the site of compression.

The internal joint stabilizer for elbow instability: current concepts.

The management of residual elbow instability is challenging in both acute and chronic injuries. Among the available devices, the hinged external fixator provides an additional joint stabilization while allowing an early motion, but it is clumsy and associated to high rate of pin track complications. To address these issues, an internal joint stabilizer (IJS) has been recently developed. An easier recreation of the axis of rotation coupled to the reduced lever arm of the hinge is the root of the consistent and satisfactory results thus far observed. In addition, the device is more comfortable for the patients being an internal stabilizer. Nonetheless, a second surgery for the device removal is necessary, of which the timing is still not standardized. This current concepts paper describes literature regarding outcomes of the IJS focusing on the rate of maintained radiographic joint reduction, the resultant range of motion, and the associated complication profile.

Elbow stiffness: Interview with professor Bernard Morrey.

Stiff elbow is a complex condition whose diagnosis and management are sometimes quite a challenge. Compared to the other joints, the elbow is disproportionately affected by loss of motion following trauma or surgery. It is unclear why the elbow tends to develop stiffness; its anatomical complexity, namely the presence of three highly congruent joints in the same capsule and synovial space, the tautness of the lateral and medial collateral ligaments through the whole range of motion, and the very close relationship among tendons, muscles, and skin 2 may account for this characteristic. In a stiff elbow, it is critical to assess the possible involvement of articular and periarticular tissues, particularly the degree of preservation of the articular surfaces and joint congruency. Morrey et al have classified post-traumatic stiff elbow into three types: 1) extrinsic contracture, which involves the soft tissue around the joint (capsule, ligaments, muscles) and heterotopic ossification across the joint, 2) intrinsic contracture, secondary to intra-articular fractures that have altered the anatomy of the articular surface, and 3) mixed contracture, combining intrinsic and extrinsic contracture. In the preoperative clinical assessment, we assume capsule contracture to be present in all patients with a stiff elbow. Two main associated lesions can affect prognosis and surgical management: heterotopic ossification and an altered bone joint anatomy. According to Morrey et al, most activities of daily living can be accomplished within an arc of motion from 30° to 130° in extension and flexion and of 50° in pronation and supination. The elbow arc of motion is not compensated for by the wrist and shoulder, thus loss of extension impairs the use of the hand in the space around the body and loss of flexion limits its use for grooming and self-care. The elbow should carefully be tested for deformity of the axial bone alignment (varus and valgus deformity) and rotational stability. Several treatment options are available for stiff elbow, from conservative management with a dedicated rehabilitation program to surgical treatment and from arthroscopic capsulectomy to joint replacement.

Elbow stiffness: Arthritis and heterotopic ossification.

In elbow stiffness, pre-operative assessments should identify the articular and peri-articular tissues involved and, more specifically, they should determine how preserved the articular surfaces and osteo-articular congruity are. We will focus on the most important conditions and tissue reactions after trauma in order to understand the causes of joint stiffness. A logical surgical planning is based upon a deep knowledge of the anatomical obstacles and of the associated lesions that the trauma provoked with. The peri-articular soft tissue contractures. The osteo-articular incongruity.

Causes, symptoms, and treatments of nerve entrapments around the elbow: Current concepts.

The elbow is a joint extremely susceptible to stiffness, even after a trivial trauma. As for other joints, several factors can generate stiffness such as immobilisation, joint incongruity, heterotopic ossification, adhesions, or pain. Prolonged joint immobilisation, pursued to assure bony and ligamentous healing, represents the most acknowledged risk factor for joint stiffness. The elbow is a common site of nerve entrapment syndromes. The reasons are multifactorial, but peculiar elbow anatomy and biomechanics play a role. Passing from the arm into the forearm, the ulnar, median, and radial nerves run at the elbow in close rapport with the joint, fibrous arches and through narrow fibro-osseous tunnel. The elbow joint, in fact, has a large range of flexion which exposes nerves lying posterior to the axis of rotation to traction and those anterior to compression.

Treatment of elbow instability: state of the art.

The elbow is a congruent joint with a high degree of inherent stability, provided by osseous and soft-tissue constraints; however, when substantial lesions of these stabilising structures happen, instability of the elbow occurs. Significant improvements in surgical elbow instability diagnosis and treatment have been recently introduced both for acute and chronic cases. Specific stress tests, recently introduced in the clinical practice, and different imaging techniques, both static and dynamic, allow assessment of the elbow stabilisers and detection of the instability direction and mechanism even in subtle forms. Many surgical techniques have been standardised and surgical instruments and devices, specifically dedicated to elbow instability treatment, have been developed. Specific rehabilitation protocols have been designed to protect the healing of the elbow stabilisers while minimising elbow stiffness. However, despite the progress, surgical treatments can be challenging even for expert surgeons and the rate of persistent instability, post-traumatic arthritis, stiffness and pain can be still high especially in most demanding cases. The biology of the soft-tissue healing remains one of the most important aspects for future investigation. If future research will help to understand, correct or modulate the biological response of soft-tissue healing, our confidence in elbow instability management and the reproducibility of our treatment will tremendously improve. In this paper, the state of the art of the current knowledge of elbow instability is presented, specifically focusing on modern surgical techniques used to solve instability, with repair or reconstruction of the damaged elbow stabilisers.

Protocol and descriptive epidemiology of the SIGASCOT Italian multicentric registry of revision ACL reconstruction: a 1-year pilot study.

The aim of the present study was to present the demographic and baseline results of the first year of course of the SIGASCOT Italian registry of Revision ACL reconstruction.The data of the patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction, enrolled in by 20 SIGASCOT members from March 2015 to May 2016, were extracted from the Surgical Outcome System (SOS). Overall, 126 patients were enrolled; 18 were excluded due to incomplete data. Mean age at surgery was 30.4 ± 9.3 years (median 29; 23-38), mean BMI was 22.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2 and 77% were males. Revision was performed with a single-bundle technique in 94%, using allograft in 57% of cases and autograft in 43%. Only 28% had both menisci intact, and meniscal repair or replacement was performed in 25% of patients for medial meniscus and 8% for lateral meniscus. During the first year of enrollment, the SIGASCOT Italian ACL revision registry was able to collect the data of more than 100 patients. The revision ACL reconstruction was usually performed with a single-bundle technique, using allograft and autograft almost in the same extent.

Encouraging mid-term outcomes for arthroscopic autologous osteochondral transplant (OAT) in capitellum osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

PURPOSE: The primary outcomes are the evaluation and quantification of pain relief and improvement in range of motion after OAT in OCD. The secondary outcomes are: resuming of sport activities, evaluation of the ADL recovery rate and subjective evaluation of the quality of life improvement. METHODS: Nine patients, affected by an unstable and non-acute OCD lesion of the capitulum humeri, have been treated by the same surgeon. The patient mean age was 22.4 (16-45 years). All subjects were treated with the same surgical technique (arthroscopic OAT from the same side knee, a single cylinder of 6.5-9 mm in diameter) and underwent the same rehabilitation. The mean follow-up was 48 months (30-52 months). The authors documented the clinical assessment of each patient and carried out a questionnaire which included the VAS scale, MEPS Score and Quick DASH score. Patients were asked for MRI and radiographs pre- and post-operatively at follow-up. RESULTS: The mean range of motion improvement was 17.9° in extension (range 13°-27°) and 10.6° in flexion (range 0°-20°) The VAS mean improvement was 7.1 (range 6-8) and the mean post-op value 0.6 (range 0-3). The MEPS score mean post-operative value was 98.3 (range 85-100). The Quick-DASH mean post-operative value was 2.5 (range 0-9.1) with a mean improvement of 41.4 points (range 36.4-47.7 points). All patients resumed sports in 6 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The autologous transplant of an osteochondral plug is a safe and promising procedure. Despite being more demanding, the arthroscopic approach is a valuable tool if the surgeon aims to reduce the invasiveness of the procedure, with all the consequent advantages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Retrospective case series, therapeutic study.

The posterior interosseous nerve crosses the radial head midline and increases its distance from bony structures with supination of the forearm.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether forearm movements change the relative position of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) with respect to the midline of the radial head (Rh) under direct arthroscopic observation. METHODS: The PIN was identified in 10 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens dissected under arthroscopy. The forearm was moved first in full pronation and then in full supination, and the displacement of the PIN from medial to lateral with respect to the midline of the Rh was recorded. The shortest linear distance between the nerve and the most anterior part of the Rh was measured with a graduated calliper inserted via the midlateral portal with the forearm in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. RESULTS: The PIN was identifiable in all specimens. In all cases the PIN crossed the Rh midline with forearm movements, moving from medial in full pronation to lateral in full supination. The distance between the PIN and Rh is significantly greater in supination than in the neutral position and pronation (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the PIN movement described in open surgery (medialization with pronation) also occurs during arthroscopy. The role of pronation in protecting the PIN in extra-articularprocedures is therefore confirmed. Supination, however, increases the linear distance between the PIN and Rh and should therefore be considered to increase the safe working volume whenever intra-articular procedures are performed on the anterolateral aspect of the elbow.

Italian consensus statement for the use of allografts in ACL reconstructive surgery.

PURPOSE: Graft choice for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is debated, with considerable controversy and variability among surgeons. Autograft tendons are actually the most used grafts for primary surgery; however, allografts have been used in greater frequency for both primary and revision ACL surgery over the past decade. Given the great debate on the use of allografts in ACL-R, the "Allografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction" consensus statement was developed among orthopedic surgeons and members of SIGASCOT (Società Italiana del Ginocchio, Artroscopia, Sport, Cartilagine, Tecnologie Ortopediche), with extensive experience in ACL-R, to investigate their habits in the use of allograft in different clinical situations. The results of this consensus statement will serve as benchmark information for future research and will help surgeons to facilitate the clinical decision making. METHODS: In March 2017, a formal consensus process was developed using a modified Delphi technique method, involving a steering group (9 participants), a rating group (28 participants) and a peer-review group (31 participants). Nine statements were generated and then debated during a SIGASCOT consensus meeting. A manuscript has been then developed to report methodology and results of the consensus process and finally approved by all steering group members. RESULTS: A different level of consensus has been reached among the topics selected. Strong agreement has been reported in considering harvesting, treatment and conservation methods relevant for clinical results, and in considering biological integration longer in allograft compared to autograft. Relative agreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for revision ACL-R, in considering biological integration a crucial aspect for rehabilitation protocol set-up, and in recommending a delayed return to sport when using allograft. Relative disagreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for primary ACL-R in patients over 50, and in not considering clinical results of allograft superior to autograft. Strong disagreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for primary ACL-R and for skeletally immature patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this consensus do not represent a guideline for surgeons, but could be used as starting point for an international discussion on use of allografts in ACL-R. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, consensus of experts.

Distance of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve from the Radial Head during Elbow Arthroscopy: An Anatomical Study.

Purpose The aims of this study were to measure the distance of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) from the radial head (RH) and its variations with forearm movements. Methods Five fresh frozen cadaver specimens were dissected under arthroscopy. An anterior capsulectomy extended to the entire lateral compartment was performed. The need of soft tissue dissection to isolate the nerve in the extracapsular space was recorded. The distance between the nerve and the anterior part of the RH was then measured with a graduated caliper inserted via the midlateral portal with the forearm in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. Results The PIN was identifiable in all the specimens. In four cases, it was surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue, and further dissection was necessary to isolate it. Damage of the PIN during dissection occurred in one case, in which the proximal part of the nerve was accidentally cut. In three of the remaining cases, an increased distance was measured with the forearm in supination, as compared with neutral and full pronation position. Conclusion This anatomical study suggests that in most of the cases, the PIN does not lay just extracapular at the level of the radiocapitellar joint, but is surrounded by a thick layer of adipose tissue. Furthermore, its distance from the RH appears to increase with forearm supination. This position could increase the safe working space between RH and PIN. Clinical Relevance Knowledge of PIN position in relation to the anterior elbow capsule and its changes with forearm movements can help reduce the iatrogenic injuries during elbow arthroscopy.

Elbow arthroscopy in stiff elbow.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and review the functional outcomes after arthroscopic surgery in post-traumatic and degenerative elbow contractures. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, 243 patients with post-traumatic or degenerative elbow stiffness were treated with arthroscopic surgery. A total of 212 patients were reviewed at an average of 58 months follow-up (SD ± 17.3). The patients were divided into two groups: group A with post-traumatic stiffness, and group B with degenerative stiffness. Arthroscopic procedures performed included: synovectomy, debridement of osteophytes, removal of loose bodies, anterior and posterior capsulectomy, radial head excision. Ulnar nerve neurolysis was usually performed. The following data were recorded and analysed: sex, age, paraesthesia, previous surgical treatment and complications. Patient outcome was assessed pre- and post-operatively by a visual analogue scale and by the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), which assesses pain, ROM, stability and function. RESULTS: The total average ROM improved by 33° in group A and 20° in Group B. The MEPI improved from 60 to 81 in group A, and from 65 to 91 in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic surgery in post-traumatic and degenerative elbow contractures can be considered a safe, useful, with a long learning curve procedure that offers important improvement of the ROM decreasing surgical morbidity.

Preliminary clinical experience with hyaluronan anti-adhesion gel in arthroscopic arthrolysis for posttraumatic elbow stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Loss of motion of the elbow joint is a common finding after elbow trauma. It has been shown that arthroscopic treatment leads to excellent restoration of elbow motion, although it is still a demanding procedure. The aim of our cohort study was to assess clinical outcomes following treatment of posttraumatic elbow stiffness using arthroscopic arthrolysis with or without the associated use of a hyaluronan anti-adhesion gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 36 consecutive patients undergoing elbow arthroscopic arthrolysis were enrolled: 17 patients in the hyaluronan gel group and 19 in the control group. The patients underwent prospective control visits 30 and 75 days after surgery. Functional outcome was measured by the range of motion and the Liverpool elbow score (LES), whereas pain and quality of life were evaluated using the visual analogue scale and the SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: The range of motion and the overall LES score increased over time in both groups. The mean increase over time was statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups and there was no difference between the groups. There was also no interaction between time and treatment. The percentage of patients who reported pain decreased significantly over time (p = 0.0419) in the hyaluronan-treated group (suggesting limited contractions and better comfort during rehabilitation), but not in the control group. The intensity of pain decreased significantly over time in both groups (p < 0.0001) without any significant difference between the groups. All the changes in patient quality of life as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire were similar for the two groups of patients. No adverse event or complication related to the application of hyaluronan gel occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary clinical experience showed promising results upon the use of hyaluronan gel, considering that it significantly reduced pain in the short term, facilitating a more comfortable rehabilitation. These findings should be confirmed by larger studies.

Effects of biophysical stimulation in patients undergoing arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament: prospective, randomized and double blind study.

Pre-clinical studies have shown that treatment by pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) can limit the catabolic effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on articular cartilage and favour the anabolic activity of the chondrocytes. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is usually performed by arthroscopic procedure that, even if minimally invasive, may elicit an inflammatory joint reaction detrimental to articular cartilage. In this study the effect of I-ONE PEMFs treatment in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction was investigated. The study end-points were (1) evaluation of patients' functional recovery by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Form; (2) use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), necessary to control joint pain and inflammation. The study design was prospective, randomized and double blind. Sixty-nine patients were included in the study at baseline. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 30, 60 and 180 days, followed by 2-year follow-up interview. Patients were evaluated by IKDC Form and were asked to report on the use of NSAIDs. Patients were randomized to active or placebo treatments; active device generated a magnetic field of 1.5 mT at 75 Hz. Patients were instructed to use the stimulator (I-ONE) for 4 h per day for 60 days. All patients underwent ACL reconstruction with use of quadruple hamstrings semitendinosus and gracilis technique. At baseline there were no differences in the IKDC scores between the two groups. At follow-up visits the SF-36 Health Survey score showed a statistically significant faster recovery in the group of patients treated with I-ONE stimulator (P < 0.05). NSAIDs use was less frequent among active patients than controls (P < 0.05). Joint swelling resolution and return to normal range of motion occurred faster in the active treated group (P < 0.05) too. The 2-year follow-up did not shown statistically significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore for longitudinal analysis the generalized linear mixed effects model was applied to calculate the group x time interaction coefficient; this interaction showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the active and placebo groups for all investigated variables: SF-36 Health Survey, IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation and VAS. Twenty-nine patients (15 in the active group; 14 in the placebo group) underwent both ACL reconstruction and meniscectomy; when they were analysed separately the differences in SF-36 Health Survey scores between the two groups were larger then what observed in the whole study group (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that patient's functional recovery occurs earlier in the active group. No side effects were observed and the treatment was well tolerated. The use of I-ONE should always be considered after ACL reconstruction, particularly in professional athletes, to shorten the recovery time, to limit joint inflammatory reaction and its catabolic effects on articular cartilage and ultimately for joint preservation.

All-inside suture technique for Palmer class 1B triangular fibrocartilage repair.

After completion of the diagnostic procedure, the ulnar-sided tear is identified and tear debridement is performed. A 1.5-cm incision is made to isolate the sensory branch of the ulnar nerve. This is made in the region of the 6U portal. The arthroscope is left in the 3-4 portal, and the slotted needle is inserted through the capsule wall, avoiding the isolated sensory ulnar branch, penetrating the ulnar-sided tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. A No. 2 PDS monofilament suture (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) is inserted into the needle and visualized in the joint. The end of the suture is pulled through the 6R portal. The slotted needle is then removed and detached from the suture. The same needle is inserted through the tear about 0.3 cm from the point where the needle exited on the previous suture. The other end of the suture is inserted into the needle, and once visualized within the joint, it is withdrawn again through the 6R portal. In this way, we create an extra-articular loop with both ends of the same suture passing through the tear by way of the 6R portal. A knot is then tied and fixed inside the joint on the ulnar side of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. By use of the same technique, 2 or 3 more stitches can be placed, improving tear security.