Correlation Between Dynamic 4-Dimensional Computed Tomography Data and Arthroscopic Testing of Scapholunate Instability: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the assessments of scapholunate (SL) instability status on 4-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) using wrist arthroscopy as a reference standard. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (16 men, 17 women; mean age, 48 ± 13 years) with suspected SL instability were evaluated prospectively with 4D-CT and wrist arthroscopy. Based on the arthroscopic testing of SL joint, 2 groups were defined: group 1 (n = 8) consisted of patients who had no, or slight, SL malalignment in the midcarpal space and group 2 (n = 25) consisted of patients who had moderate or severe SL malalignment. Two independent readers, who did not know the arthroscopic findings, used 4D-CT to evaluate the SL gap, lunocapitate angle (LCA), and radioscaphoid angle (mean and range values) during radioulnar deviation. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability was deemed good or excellent for most of the 4D-CT variables, except for the LCA range (moderate) and SL gap range (poor). For both readers, the SL gap mean, maximum, and minimum values were significantly higher (+67%, +78%, and +39%, respectively) and the LCA mean was significantly lower (-17%) in group 2 than in group 1. The radioscaphoid angle range values were lower (-34%) and the radioscaphoid angle mean values slightly higher (+4%) in group 2, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The SL gap range values were also higher (+86% for R1 and +40% for R2) and the LCA range values also lower (-50% for R1 and -31% for R2) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative 4D-CT data corresponded well with the arthroscopic dynamic analysis of the SL joint in patients with suspected chronic SL instability. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Evaluation of Dorsal Scaphoid Displacement Using Posterior Radioscaphoid Angle in Patients With Suspected Scapholunate Instability: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the validity and reliability of the posterior radioscaphoid angle (PRSA), an indicator of dorsal displacement of the scaphoid, in distinguishing wrists with and without chronic scapholunate instability (SLI). METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 40 patients (22 men and 18 women; mean age, 46 ± 13 years) with suspected SLI with radiographs and computed tomography arthrography. Based on these data, 3 groups were defined: positive SLI (n = 16), negative SLI (n = 19), and questionable SLI (n = 5). An independent reader measured the PRSA on sagittal computed tomography images using the same procedure. RESULTS: The PRSA median values were significantly lower in the negative SLI group (98°) compared with the positive SLI (110°) and questionable SLI (111°) groups. The difference between the positive SLI and questionable SLI groups was not significant. The best differentiation between patients with and without SLI was obtained with a PRSA threshold value of 103° (specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 79%). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, PRSA analysis offers a quantitative tool for the evaluation of dorsal scaphoid displacement in cases of SLI, including for patients presenting with questionable initial radiography findings. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Three-Dimensional Versus Radiographic Measurements for Analyzing Extra-Articular Distal Radius Malunion.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of evaluating deformity in distal radius malunions using plain radiographic measurements compared with a 3-dimensional method involving 3-dimensional computer bone models. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had an extra-articular distal radius malunion were included. Standard radiographs and computed tomography scans of both wrists were performed. Palmar tilt, radial tilt, and ulnar variance were measured on radiographs. The computed tomography scan data were sent to a workstation and 3-dimensional bone surface models of the radius were created. The 3-dimensional palmar tilt, 3-dimensional radial tilt, 3-dimensional ulnar variance, and axial rotational deformity were calculated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients, mean age 40 years (range, 22-57 years) were included. The 3 3-dimensional values were positively correlated with their corresponding radiographic values. Nevertheless, the 3-dimesional palmar tilt and 3-dimensional radial tilt values were slightly smaller than the radiographic palmar tilt and radial tilt. The quantitative difference between the 3-dimensional method and plain radiographs was on average 2° for the dorsal deformity group and 3° for the palmar deformity group. The 3-dimensional ulnar variance was significantly higher than the radiographic ulnar variance by an average of +1.3 mm for malunions with dorsal tilt and +0.6 mm for malunions with palmar tilt. The 3-dimensional method allowed us to measure the extent of the axial rotational deformity, which was 9° on average (range, 2° to 21°). CONCLUSIONS: Despite small differences, measurements made on both plain radiographs and 3-dimensional computer bone models are accurate for evaluating the deformity in extra-articular distal radius malunions. Our 3-dimensional method seems to provide a more accurate measurement of ulnar variance, particularly for dorsally angulated cases, and is helpful for measuring rotational malalignment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, we found that either a 3-dimensional computer bone model or plain radiographs can be used as a benchmark to evaluate the deformity of extra-articular distal radius malunion. The 3-dimensional method can also be used to define axial rotational deformity.

Four-dimensional CT Analysis of Wrist Kinematics during Radioulnar Deviation.

Purpose To determine the technical feasibility of four-dimensional (4D) CT for analysis of the variation of radioscaphoid angle (RSA) and lunocapitate angle (LCA) during wrist radioulnar deviation. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 37 participants suspected of having scapholunate instability were evaluated from January 2015 to December 2016 with 4D CT and CT arthrography (mean age ± standard deviation, 42.3 years ± 15; range, 21-75 years; 27 men [mean age, 44 years ± 15] and 10 women [mean age, 38 years ± 14]). Five angular parameters for RSA and LCA variation during radioulnar deviation were calculated by two independent readers. CT arthrography was used as the reference standard method for scapholunate ligament tear identification. Results In the control group (n = 23), the mean values for RSA were 103° ± 8 and 104° ± 9, whereas the mean values for LCA were 86° ± 9° and 90° ± 11° with a coefficient of variation of 11% and 13% for reader 1 and reader 2, respectively. The interobserver and intraobserver agreements were excellent for RSA and substantial to excellent for LCA. In the pathologic group (n = 14), LCA amplitude, standard deviation, and maximal angle were lower for both readers with respect to the control group, measuring 36% and 44% (P = .003), 37% and 44% (P = .002), and 13% and 19% (P = .003), respectively. RSA amplitude did not show statistically significant results in the pathologic group (P > .13). LCA yielded the highest sensitivity (71%-93%), whereas RSA yielded the highest specificity (87%-100%). Conclusion Semiautomatic four-dimensional CT analysis of the wrist during radioulnar deviation is technically feasible and reproducible for evaluation of carpal kinematic abnormalities. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article .

Scapholunate instability: improved detection with semi-automated kinematic CT analysis during stress maneuvers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of radioulnar deviation (RUD) and clenching fist (CF) maneuvers for the evaluation of scapholunate dissociation (SLD) using quantitative kinematic CT. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with suspected scapholunate instability were prospectively evaluated with kinematic CT. Two radiologists independently evaluated the SLD during RUD and CF maneuvers. Various dynamic parameters describing SLD were compared (maximal value, variation coefficient and range) in patients with and without scapholunate ligament ruptures confirmed by CT arthrography. RESULTS: SLD in CF varied from 3.17 ± 0.38 to 3.24 ± 0.80 mm in controls and from 4.11 ± 0.77 and 4.01 ± 0.85 mm in patients with scapholunate ligament ruptures for reader 1 and 2 (p < 0.009). SLD in RUD varied from 3.35 ± 0.51 and 3.01 ± 0.78 mm in controls and from 4.51 ± 1.26 to 4.42 ± 1.75 mm in patients with scapholunate ligament ruptures for reader 1 and 2 (p varied from 0.001 to 0.002). The inter-observer variability was better for RUD (ICC = 0.85 versus 0.6 for RUD and CF respectively). CONCLUSION: Analysis of SLD using kinematic CT has shown significant measurement differences between the groups with or without scapholunate instability with good diagnostic performance. KEY POINTS: • Kinematic CT can quantitatively assess scapholunate dissociation. • SLD analysis on kinematic CT has excellent reproducibility with radioulnar deviation maneuver. • Scapholunate dissociation was significantly different in patients with and without instability. • Diagnostic performance for scapholunate instability identification was better with radioulnar deviation.

Posterior Radioscaphoid Angle as a Predictor of Wrist Degenerative Joint Disease in Patients With Scapholunate Ligament Tears.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the posterior radioscaphoid angle, a marker of posterior displacement of the scaphoid, is associated with degenerative joint disease in patients with scapholunate ligament tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images from 150 patients with wrist pain who underwent CT arthrography and radiography were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with and without scapholunate ligament ruptures were divided into two groups according to CT arthrography findings. The presence of degenerative changes (scapholunate advanced collapse [SLAC] wrist) was evaluated and graded on conventional radiographs. Images were evaluated by two readers independently, and an adjudicator analyzed the discordant cases. Posterior radioscaphoid angle values were correlated with CT arthrography and radiographic findings. The association between posterior radioscaphoid angle and degenerative joint disease was evaluated. Scapholunate and radiolunate angles were considered in the analysis. RESULTS: The posterior radioscaphoid angle was measurable in all patients, with substantial interobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.75). The posterior radioscaphoid angle performed better than did the scapholunate and radiolunate angles in the differentiation of patients with and without SLAC wrist (p < 0.02). Posterior radioscaphoid angles greater than 114° presented an 80.0% sensitivity and 89.7% specificity for the detection of SLAC wrist. CONCLUSION: Posterior radioscaphoid angles were strongly associated with degenerative wrist disease, with potential prognostic implications in patients with wrist trauma and scapholunate ligament ruptures.

Morphology and Mobility of the Reconstructed Basilar Joint of the Pollicized Index Finger.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcome and function of the reconstructed basilar thumb joint after index finger pollicization in patients presenting congenital thumb deficiency. METHODS: Plain radiographs and 4-dimensional dynamic volume computed tomography scan were used to evaluate the outcome of 23 pollicizations performed on 14 children between 1996 and 2009. The mean follow-up was 8 years. Patients performed continuous movements of thumb opposition during the imaging studies. Four-dimensional scan images made it possible to visualize mobility within the reconstructed joint. RESULTS: In 14 cases, union occurred in the metacarpal head/metacarpal base interface. In the 9 other cases, there was a nonunion at this interface. The reconstructed joint was mobile in 20 cases, including 3 in which there was also mobility at the site of the nonunion. In 3 cases in our series, mobility was present only at the site of the nonunion, between the base and the head of the second metacarpal. Remodeling and flattening out of the metacarpal head occurred in 16 of 23 cases. The transposed metacarpal head remained spherical in 7 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstructed joint adapts, both morphologically and functionally, allowing movement on all 3 spatial planes. Existing mechanical constraints on the reconstructed joint may explain its remodeled appearance. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Results of a unicentric series of 15 wrist prosthesis implantations at a 5.2 year follow-up.

Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate functional and radiological results of a unicentric series of 17 total wrist prostheses implanted between 2001 and 2011. Nine women and seven men, mean age 59, underwent wrist joint arthroplasty, bilateral in one case. Universal Total Wrist and Remotion prostheses were used and followed-up at a mean of 5.2 years (1.1-10). Fifteen patients were reviewed. Four patients had postoperative complications, three of whom required arthrodesis. The rest obtained satisfactory pain relief. Grip strength nevertheless decreased compared to the contralateral side and mobility was reduced: flexion/extension=33°, ulnar/radial deviation=20°. The Quick DASH score was 29% and PRWE, 26%. Radiological assessment revealed carpal implant loosening in eight patients. Our series confirms the discordance generally observed between patients' subjective satisfaction and mediocre clinical and radiological results over the medium term.

Use of an Axial Flap to Increase the Girth of Wassel IV Thumb Reconstructions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of a flap supplied by the radial collateral artery of the radial duplicate in Wassel type IV thumb duplications. We hypothesized that such a flap was viable and would make it possible to increase the girth of the reconstructed thumb. METHODS: We operated on 17 thumbs in 16 children with type IV thumb duplication using a procedure that included the dissection of a long, narrow strip of skin and soft tissue harvested on the radial side of the radial duplicate. The girth of the reconstructed thumb was measured clinically and compared with that of the contralateral thumb. The width of the soft tissues and bony structures was also measured by x-ray and compared with the opposite side. Furthermore, children, caregivers, and the investigator assessed the overall cosmetic result using a visual analog scale score. RESULTS: All flaps fully survived. The average girth of the reconstructed thumb relative to the healthy contralateral thumb ranged from 92% to 103%, depending on the level of measurement. The mean visual analog scale score was 8.3 (children), 8.2 (caregivers), and 8.8 (investigator). CONCLUSIONS: An axial patterned flap proved to be viable and effective in improving the volume and contour of the reconstructed thumb. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In radial polydactyly, each of the thumbs has a typically smaller girth than the contralateral thumb. Our clinical and radiological measurements showed the efficacy of this reconstruction in increasing the volume and girth of the reconstructed thumb, even though the skeleton of the ulnar duplicate remained thinner. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Clinical, radiological and dynamic CT results of scapholunate intercarpal ligamentoplasty for scapholunate dissociation.

A clinical, radiological and four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) assessment of the outcomes of scapholunate intercarpal ligamentoplasty (SLICL) was done with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Twenty-nine patients (23 men and 6 women) with a mean age of 40 years (22-57) who had chronic scapholunate dissociation were treated with the SLICL procedure. There were 18 cases of dynamic instability and 11 of static instability. The patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 61 months (24-94). SLICL significantly reduced pain and increased grip strength and wrist function. On radiographs, the mean static and dynamic scapholunate gaps as well as the scapholunate and radiolunate angles improved significantly. The dorsal scaphoid displacement was always corrected. 4DCT after surgery provided a more precise analysis of the SLICL's effectiveness at restoring intracarpal alignment. Correction of the DISI deformity and dorsal scaphoid displacement was confirmed. SLICL restored a normal variation in the scapholunate gap (range value) during radioulnar deviation movement without systematically reducing the distance between the bones (mean and maximum values) which remained pathological in wrists with static instability but not in those with dynamic instability. At the final follow-up, no patients had signs of osteoarthritis due to ScaphoLunate Advanced Collapse. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparison between scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis and Pyrocardan® implant for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis and Pyrocardan® implant for painful isolated STT osteoarthritis have shown good results, but no paper has compared their medium-term outcomes. HYPOTHESES: Our main hypothesis would be that the Pyrocardan® implant, by preserving the carpal biomechanics, could lead to better wrist mobility. Our secondary hypotheses would be that no other clinical and radiological differences will be found between these two procedures at a mean 5 years follow-up. PATIENTS: In this non-randomised retrospective study, performed at two healthcare facilities, we report and compare the outcomes of STT arthrodesis with staple fixation versus the Pyrocardan® implant in 38 patients (40 thumbs) from 2 previously published cohorts. Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 68 years (range, 46-79) underwent STT arthrodesis in facility 1. Seventeen patients with a mean age of 61 years (range, 41-80) received a Pyrocardan® implant in facility 2. Patients were reviewed at both facilities by the same examiner who performed a clinical and radiographical assessment. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 8 years (range, 2-20 years) for the STT group and 5 years (range 3-8 years) for the Pyrocardan® group, we found no significant differences in the clinical and radiological outcomes between the two procedures except in wrist active extension and ulnar deviation, where Pyrocardan® appears to produce better mobility (extension 58°± 9 vs. 38°± 14 and ulnar deviation 35°[25, 40] versus 45°[40, 50]) (p<.001 and p<.008 respectively). The two surgical techniques led to significantly improvement in terms of pain relief, function, and strength. For the STT arthrodesis group, two complete non-unions were found (9%), while narrowing of the styloscaphoid joint space was found in eight thumbs (36%). For the Pyrocardan® group, four postoperative DISI (22%), four calcifications around the trapezium and/or distal scaphoid (22%) and one asymptomatic dislocation (6%) of the implant were observed. DISCUSSION: Pyrocardan® implant seems to result in better mobility in extension and ulnar deviation. STT arthrodesis and Pyrocardan® implant to treat isolated STT osteoarthritis led to less pain, better strength and functional scores, and restored wrist stability. A future study with a larger population will be needed to confirm these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Type II and IIIA thumb hypoplasia reconstruction.

Thumb hypoplasia treatment requires considering every component of the maldevelopment. Types II and IIIA hypoplasia share common features such as first web space narrowing, hypoplasia or absence of thenar muscles and metacarpophalangeal joint instability. Many surgical techniques to correct the malformation have been described. We report our surgical strategy that includes modifications of the usual technique that we found useful in reducing morbidity while optimizing the results. A diamond-shape kite flap was used to widen the first web space. Its design allowed primary closure of the donor site using a Dufourmentel flap. The ring finger flexor digitorum superficialis was transferred for opposition transfer, and the same tendon was used to stabilize the metacarpophalangeal joint on its ulnar and/or radial side depending on a uniplanar or more global instability. An omega-shaped K-wire was placed between the first and second metacarpals to maintain a wide opening of the first web space without stressing the reconstructed ulnar collateral ligament of the MCP joint. We report a clinical series of 15 patients (18 thumbs) who had this reconstructive program.

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty with the Tactys® prosthesis: Clinical and radiological outcomes at a mean 3.1 years' follow-up.

Preliminary results with the Tactys® modular gliding prosthesis for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) replacement were encouraging, with notable improvement in clinical and functional scores at 1 and 2 years' follow-up. However, a recent study found a trend for deterioration over time. We wanted to check this by analyzing medium-term outcomes. Sixty-four arthroplasties were performed in 48 patients in single facility between January 2015 and January 2020. Clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes were analyzed at short- and medium-term follow-up for 15 of these arthroplasties. Mean follow-up of the 48 patients was 3.1 years. Pain significantly decreased on the numeric rating scale (p < 0.01) and the functional QuickDASH score improved from 67.3 to 55.9 (p < 0.01). Grip and pinch strengths were lower in the operated than in the contralateral hand (p = 0.04 and p = 0.6, respectively). PIPJ active range of motion (ROM) in flexion/extension improved from 44° to 49.4° (p = 0.17). 70% of the 48 patients were satisfied. Fifteen arthroplasties were analyzed at 17 and 61 months' follow-up. Pain relief continued. ROM decreased from 57° to 46° (p < 0.05) and the functional QuickDASH score deteriorated from 25.8 to 54.7 (p < 0.01). Both grip and pinch strength increased, with a significant difference in pinch (p = 0.003). The main complication was swan-neck deformity (46%), with a mean 11 months' onset. Our results confirmed the deterioration trend observed over time in the functional results of the Tactys® prosthesis despite, good patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Secondary finger amputation after a work accident.

INTRODUCTION: The main aim of the present study was to compare motives between patients requesting secondary finger amputation following or unrelated to a work accident. The secondary objective was to assess correlation between sick leave duration and motive for amputation following a work accident. METHOD: A single-center retrospective study was conducted over an 11-year period in a hand clinic. Cases of secondary totalizing post-traumatic finger amputation at metacarpal base level were included. Exclusion criteria comprised non-traumatic amputation, age<16 years and thumb amputation. In all, 216 patients met the inclusion criteria. The main endpoints assessed motives in requests for secondary metacarpal base amputation: esthetic, functional or administrative. Secondary endpoints comprised accident-to-surgery interval, gender and age, amputated digit and dominant-side involvement. RESULTS: Motive correlated significantly with gender (p<0.05). Administrative motives almost exclusively concerned males (21 males, 1 female) and predominantly concerned work accidents (19 vs. 3). Accident-to-surgery intervals were significantly longer in case of administrative motive (25.7 months, vs. 10.8 months for functional and 9 months for esthetic motives). Accident-to-surgery intervals were significantly longer in case of work accidents (15.2 vs. 9.5 months). DISCUSSION: Age and gender influenced patients' attitudes in post-traumatic finger amputation. Work-accident status influenced attitudes in a quarter of cases; we consider it unlikely that this can be reduced to claims for compensation, but that it is rather a matter of undiagnosed pathological grief. These findings highlight the importance of early follow-up of victims of traumatic amputation and early screening for pathological grief.

Intercarpal ligamentoplasty for scapholunate dissociation: comparison of two techniques.

We modified our original surgical technique of scapholunate intercarpal ligamentoplasty for treating chronic scapholunate dissociation. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes in patients treated by the same surgical team with the original method and the modified method over two different time periods. Nineteen patients with a mean age of 40 years were treated with the original method (mean follow-up of 34 months, range 12-54), and 21 patients with a mean age of 38 years were treated with the modified method (mean follow-up of 27 months, range 13-40). In both groups, we found a significant improvement in pain levels, grip strength, functional scores in terms of QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, and radiographic scapholunate gap and scapholunate angle after surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups in outcome measures except the scapholunate gap, which was significantly better controlled by the modified procedure. Between the immediate postoperative period and the last follow-up, there was a significant increase in the scapholunate gap and scapholunate angle after the original method, while there only a small increase after the modified method. We conclude that both versions of the scapholunate intercarpal ligamentoplasty yield satisfactory clinical and radiological results in the short to mid-term. The modified method makes the triquetral surgical step easier and seems to better optimize the tension across the ligamentoplasty, thus maintaining the intercarpal correction.Level of evidence: III.

Arthroscopic Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Nonunion: A Retrospective Study of 42 Cases.

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcomes of arthroscopic bone grafting and K-wire fixation to treat scaphoid non-union. Methods: We included in at two healthcare facilities, 42 consecutive patients (34 men, 8 women) with a mean age of 25 years (range 15-56 years) with scaphoid non-union of the proximal and middle third without intracarpal deformity or SNAC osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated (pain, range of motion, strength, function, X-rays) by an independent examiner. Results: At the mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12-56), pain was significantly reduced from 7 to 1 on a visual analogue scale (out of 10). The scores on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation were improved significantly. At the last review, grip strength was 83% of the contralateral side, the average wrist flexion-extension was 125° and the radioulnar deviation was 58°. Bone union was achieved in 37 cases (88%). The mean time of checking the bone union was 3 months (range, 2-8). Four patients required revision surgery because of failed union. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we found that this procedure can be used as a surgical treatment for scaphoid non-union of the proximal and middle third without intracarpal deformity or osteoarthritis. The arthroscopic bone grafting is a reliable, effective, and minimally invasive procedure.

Comparison between the MAIA® Implant and Trapeziectomy for Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Outcomes at 9 Years' Follow-Up.

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report and compare the outcomes of the MAIA® prosthesis and trapeziectomy for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Methods: We included 92 consecutive patients (8 men, 84 women) with a mean age of 57 years (range 44-75 years) who underwent trapeziectomy (44 patients) or trapeziometacarpal joint replacement with a MAIA® prosthesis (48 patients) for painful osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated (pain, range of motion, strength, function, X-rays) by an independent examiner. Results: The two groups of patients had comparable preoperative characteristics. At the mean follow-up of 9 years (range: 8-10), we found a significant reduction in pain levels for each group. In the final data review, there were no significant differences in terms of pain levels, grip strength, thumb active motion and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score between the two groups. Pinch strength and the work performance score on the Michigan Hand Questionnaire were significantly better in the MAIA® prosthesis group. The MAIA® group had a shorter postoperative recovery time of 6 weeks and fewer patients required physiotherapy. Postoperatively, the thumb column length was significantly less in the trapeziectomy group. In this group, we found a significant decrease in the trapezial cavity height between the immediate postoperative evaluation and the final assessment, with three patients having painful scaphometacarpal impingement. Two patients required surgical revision for symptomatic meta-carpophalangeal joint hyperextension. In the MAIA® group, we found no implant subsidence, loosening, dislocation or fracture. None of the implants were revised. Conclusions: From this study, we found that the both procedures can be used as a surgical treatment for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The MAIA® prosthesis is a useful alternative to trapeziectomy and appears to be a reliable and effective implant in the medium- to long-term.

Index Finger Pollicization Incisions for Congenital Thumb Aplasia: Review and Design of an Educational Anatomical Model for Skin Incisions.

BACKGROUND: Pollicization of the index finger can be considered the gold standard technique for the treatment of congenital thumb aplasia. The aim of this study was to review the described incisions for pollicization and to create an anatomical framework enabling the study and comparison of these incisions. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to collect descriptions of incision sets. An anatomical model was created from the two upper limbs of the same cadaver. Thumb aplasia was modeled on both hands of this cadaver by severing the thumbs; an index finger pollicization was performed on one of the two hands. Comparative analysis of scar positions, first web size, and neothumb aspect of each incision set was conducted using a surgical glove modeling the skin. The glove was fitted onto the aplastic model to draw the incisions and then onto the pollicized hand to adjust the resulting flaps after cutting. RESULTS: Twelve articles, two textbooks, and one DVD were included in the review, either containing an original description of incisions, or describing an incision pattern with figures and references to the initial author. A total of five different incision sets, described by Buck-Gramcko, Blauth, Foucher, Ezaki, and Malek, were identified and compared using the anatomical model. CONCLUSIONS: This work summarizes five original incisions described for index pollicization in thumb aplasia and presents a standardized and reliable model to study and compare these different sets. The model can be used for educational purposes, either to teach or to optimize an incision set.

Four-Dimensional CT Analysis of Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability in patients with Suspected Scapholunate Instability.

Background In this study we sought to evaluate the contribution of dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) relative to the standard imaging work-up for the identification of the dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) in patients with suspected chronic scapholunate instability (SLI). Methods Forty patients (22 men, 18 women; mean age 46.5 ± 13.1 years) with suspected SLI were evaluated prospectively with radiographs, arthrography, and 4DCT. Based on radiographs and CT arthrography, three groups were defined: positive SLI ( n = 16), negative SLI ( n = 19), and questionable SLI ( n = 5). Two independent readers used 4DCT to evaluate the lunocapitate angle (LCA) (mean, max, coefficient of variation [CV], and range values) during radioulnar deviation. Results The interobserver variability of the 4DCT variables was deemed excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.79 to 0.96). Between the three groups, there was no identifiable difference for the LCA mean . The LCA max values were lower in the positive SLI group (88 degrees) than the negative SLI group (102 degrees). The positive SLI group had significantly lower LCA cv (7% vs. 12%, p = 0.02) and LCA range (18 vs. 27 degrees, p = 0.01) values than the negative SLI group. The difference in all the LCA parameters between the positive SLI group and the questionable SLI group was not statistically significant. When comparing the negative SLI and questionable SLI groups, the LCA cv ( p = 0.03) and LCA range ( p = 0.02) values were also significantly different. The best differentiation between patients with and without SLI was obtained with a LCA cv and LCA range threshold values of 9% (specificity of 63% and sensitivity of 62%) and 20 degrees (specificity of 71% and sensitivity of 63%), respectively. Conclusion In this study, 4DCT appeared as a quantitative and reproducible relevant tool for the evaluation of DISI deformity in cases of SLI, including for patients presenting with questionable initial radiography findings. Level of evidence This is a Level III study.

CT angiography and MRI of hand vascular lesions: technical considerations and spectrum of imaging findings.

Vascular lesions of the hand are common and are distinct from vascular lesions elsewhere because of the terminal vascular network in this region, the frequent hand exposure to trauma and microtrauma, and the superficial location of the lesions. Vascular lesions in the hand may be secondary to local pathology, a proximal source of emboli, or systemic diseases with vascular compromise. In most cases, ischaemic conditions are investigated with Doppler ultrasonography. However, computed tomography angiography (CTA) or dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is often necessary for treatment planning. MR imaging is frequently performed with MRA to distinguish between vascular malformations, vascular tumours, and perivascular tumours. Some vascular tumours preferentially affect the hand, such as pyogenic granulomas or spindle cell haemangiomas associated with Maffucci syndrome. Glomus tumours are the most frequent perivascular tumours of the hand. The purpose of this article is to describe the state-of-the-art acquisition protocols and illustrate the different patterns of vascular lesions and perivascular tumours of the hand.