Recurrence of ulnar tunnel syndrome: Long-term clinical and functional results of surgical management using revision neurolysis and subcutaneous anterior transposition.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrence after primary ulnar tunnel syndrome surgery is observed in 1.4%-25% of patients. However, the outcome of revision surgery is uncertain and limited. This study aimed to assess the clinical and functional outcomes of neurolysis combined with anterior subcutaneous transposition in cases of recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included patients who were operated on for iterative ulnar tunnel syndrome at the elbow between January 1996 and December 2020, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Demographic data, pre- and post-operative clinical evaluations, surgical details, and satisfaction levels were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 11.7 years (range, 2.1-26.4 years). The secondary procedure led to significant improvement in mean Quick-DASH score, from 25.3 (range, 11-50) to 20.0 (range, 11-49) (p = 0.023), with a satisfaction rate of 78.5%. Symptoms of pain (p = 0.033), amyotrophy (p = 0.013), hypoesthesia (p < 0.01), and paresthesia (p < 0.001) also showed significant improvement. There were 7 cases of failure (25.0%). CONCLUSION: The combination of neurolysis and anterior subcutaneous transposition was a reliable technique, improving clinical outcome in recurrent ulnar tunnel syndrome after previous surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - retrospective study.

Outcomes of 53 thoracic outlet syndrome cases with confirmed neurological deficit.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndromes (TOS) are dominated by the nonspecific forms. This study focuses only on the rarer true forms related to proximal nerve compression in the thoracic outlet, with the presence of motor (atrophy of the hand's intrinsic muscles) and/or sensory (hypoesthesia in the territory of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve) deficits. The objectives of this study were to define the clinical characteristics, anatomical causes and surgical results of this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of 53 consecutive cases in 50 patients with an objective clinical deficit confirmed by nerve conduction studies. The population consisted of 47 adults and 3 children, 9 males and 41 females, with a mean age of 39 years (9-80 years), diagnosed between July 1994 and December 2019. An objective motor deficit was present in 50 cases, with the remaining 3 having a sensory deficit only. Forty cases underwent surgery, most often via the supraclavicular approach, while 13 cases did not undergo surgery because their deficit was longstanding and non-progressive. RESULTS: One operated patient was lost in follow-up. An analysis of the medical records of 18 cases, including 15 operated cases found complete recovery in 4 cases, significant improvement in 9 cases and small improvement in 2 cases at a mean follow-up of 53 months (1-162 months). Thirty-four cases were reviewed in person, including 24 operated cases and evaluated with a mean follow-up of 135 months (36-284 months): the pain had disappeared in 21 cases, thenar atrophy persisted in 17 cases, which was associated with a claw-hand deformity in 3 cases, while 2 cases had an isolated claw-hand deformity. The patients were very satisfied with the procedure in 15 cases and satisfied in 9 cases. They evaluated the benefit of surgery at 87% and their upper limb function increased from 38% (10-60%) preoperatively to 77% (60-100%) at the review. CONCLUSION: Few studies in the literature have focused on true neurogenic TOS cases. The treatment is surgical in progressive cases; an anatomical anomaly is always present. Surgical treatment eliminates the pain and helps to stabilize or even partially resolve the deficit. Despite a moderate objective gain, the patients' feeling of functional improvement is important with a high satisfaction rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective.

Hydroxyapatite deposits of the hand and wrist: a diagnosis not to be ignored.

Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) of the hand and wrist is rare but can cause acute inflammatory syndromes that mimic infectious arthritis. These symptoms, which rapidly resolve with systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, are a source of diagnostic errors and inappropriate treatment. It is of crucial importance to make the diagnosis in order to avoid iatrogenic surgical management. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and radiographic signs and the key features on which diagnosis depends. Treatment effectiveness and the course of the disease were also examined. Between 1992 and 2008, 12 patients consulted for an isolated acute local inflammatory syndrome of the hand or wrist, which was accompanied by a unique radiographic picture of calcific density. All patients were reassessed clinically and radiographically with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. All patients had presented with acute local inflammatory syndromes. Nine patients had edema and 8 had swelling and erythema. No patient had fever. The course was favorable in 11 patients and one patient required surgery. No patient had a recurrence at the mean final follow-up of 90 ± 64 months. The symptoms associated with hydroxyapatite crystal deposits suggest septic arthritis with acute joint inflammation. The radiological appearance is characteristic and corrects the diagnosis. Oral anti-inflammatory treatment gives more rapid spontaneous improvement, with complete and long-lasting resolution.

Denervation of the proximal interphalangeal joint: Results from 54 cases in 42 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arthropathy of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) is common. Joint denervation is a symptomatic treatment. It relieves pain by cutting the afferent nerve branches without altering joint biomechanics, and is indicated in painful arthropathy with conserved range of motion. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome in PIP denervation and the sustainability of results. HYPOTHESIS: Denervation is an effective intervention in painful PIP arthropathy with functional range of motion, showing lasting benefit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective study included all patients with painful PIP arthropathy with functional range of motion treated by denervation between January 2005 and September 2018 and evaluated by an independent examiner. Joint stiffness was an exclusion criterion. 54 consecutive denervation procedures were performed in 42 patients (41 women, 1 man) with a mean age of 66.5 years (range, 44-78 years). There were 11 inflammatory and 43 degenerative arthropathies. RESULTS: The 42 patients were evaluated in consultation or contacted by telephone, with a mean follow-up of 51 months (range, 4-168 months). Mean VAS pain score was 7.5/10 (range, 5-10) before the procedure and 1.1/10 (range, 0-8) at last follow-up. Patients considered their joint cured or improved in 78% of cases whatever the etiology (42 cases/54), and in 86% of cases of degenerative arthropathy (37 cases/43). 32 patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention (76% of cases). Active range of motion was improved in 16 cases, unchanged in 33 and impaired in 5. There were 7 denervation failures, which led to surgical treatment by fusion (2 cases) or joint replacement (5 cases); 5 of these cases concerned arthropathy of inflammatory origin. CONCLUSION: Denervation is an effective treatment for painful PIP osteoarthritis, providing lasting pain relief while conserving range of motion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Comparison of subjective outcomes of Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures at a minimum 2 years' follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: In distal radioulnar joint pathology, the literature regularly recommends reserving the Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure to young patients and heavy manual workers, and the Darrach (D) procedure to older patients and rheumatic wrists. However, the SK procedure is more technically demanding and requires more proximal resection of the ulna, with greater risk of instability in the ulnar stump. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the SK procedure really does show superiority. HYPOTHESIS: Subjective results are no better after the SK than the D procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy of the 101 operated cases (70 patients: 40 female, 30 male; mean age at surgery, 50.2 years [range, 16.4-87.2 years]) were assessed, at a minimum 24 months. Group D comprised 44 wrists, and group SK 26. Assessment was conducted by telephone interview for pain, ranges of flexion-extension and pronation-supination, strength, stump stability and satisfaction, and by mail for the QuickDASH questionnaire. Mean follow-up was 8.2 years (range, 25 months to 17 years). RESULTS: The surgical revision rate was significantly higher in SK (p=0.003). Results were comparable between groups for pain, strength, range of motion and satisfaction. Mean QuickDASH score was 45.5 in group D and 26.5 in group SK. Age-matched comparison found no significant differences on endpoints. DISCUSSION: Subjective results after the SK procedure showed no superiority over the D procedure, despite group D patients having twice the rate of heavy manual work and sport activities. This non-difference casts doubt on the need to reserve the D procedure to elderly patients and the SK procedure to young patients and heavy manual workers, especially as the latter is more technically demanding and is associated with a higher rate of surgical revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Ulna shortening osteotomy for ulnar impaction syndrome: Impact of distal radioulnar joint morphology on clinical outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is based on ulnocarpal decompression, which may be achieved by ulna shortening osteotomy. The aim is to restore zero or negative ulnar variance. Tolat et al. described 3 distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) morphologic types: vertical, oblique and reverse. Joint type has been thought to influence the clinical result of shortening, especially in the reverse type. HYPOTHESIS: DRUJ type does not influence clinical results in ulna shortening osteotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine wrists were operated on in 27 patients: 13 female, 14 male; mean age at surgery, 43 years (range, 18-72 years). In 20 cases, UIS was idiopathic and in 7 post-traumatic. Mean preoperative ulnar variance was 3.6mm (range, 2-18mm). The osteotomy was fixed by screwed plate. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (27 wrists) were assessed at a mean 64 months (range, 18 months to 13 years). There were no cases of infection or hematoma. DRUJ was type 1 (vertical) in 6 cases (22%), type 2 (oblique) in 14 (52%) and type 3 (reverse) in 7 (26%). Mean postoperative pain score on VAS was 0.7/10 (range, 0-4); 9 wrists remained painful. Mean Quick-DASH was 16.9 (range, 0-48) and mean PRWE 21.9 (range, 16.9-59). Thirteen patients were very satisfied, 11 satisfied, 1 moderately satisfied, and 2 dissatisfied. Mean postoperative ulnar variance was -0.1mm (range, -4 to +8mm). Three wrists developed osteoarthritis, all following traumatic UIS. There were no significant correlations between DRUJ type and other clinical or radiological parameters. DISCUSSION: Ulna shortening osteotomy has proven efficacy in UIS. The literature reports excellent or good results in 75% of cases. In the present study, 96% of patients considered themselves cured or improved by surgery, and none reported worsening. Ulna shortening osteotomy can be used in all 3 DRUJ types; DRUJ coronal morphology does not impact clinical result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV-retrospective study.

Modified Lateral Approach of the Elbow for Surgical Release and Synovectomy.

Elbow stiffness is a common reason for consultation. In recent years, arthroscopic techniques in elbow surgery have progressed, but there are still some contraindications to performance of arthroscopic synovectomy and release in this joint (elbows with anatomic deformity after multiple procedures, malunion, presence of osteosynthesis material, severe stiffness of >80 degrees, instability, or previous transposition of the ulnar nerve). Therefore, knowledge of a safe and reliable open approach to achieve elbow release and/or synovectomy is essential. We report the technical details of the modified lateral approach between extensor carpi radialis brevis and longus muscles, as well as the clinical results of 43 elbow release and/or synovectomy procedures, illustrating its feasibility. The modified lateral approach, providing visual control of the radial nerve and good anterior exposure of the elbow joint, is detailed. From 1994 to 2016, this approach was used in 43 release and/or synovectomy procedures of the elbow in 41 patients, 30 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 40.56 years (range, 17 to 84 y). Using this procedure, 38 elbows (93%) recovered full extension and 5 subtotal extension with an average deficit of 11 degrees (range, 5 to 20 degrees). All elbows were stable. No neurological complications were reported. The modified lateral approach preserves the insertion of the lateral epicondyle muscles that are major dynamic stabilizers and reduces the risk of instability. Initially described for the treatment of radial tunnel syndrome, it should also be recommended for elbow release and synovectomy.

Successful Terbinafine Treatment for Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Trematosphaeria grisea in a Heart Transplanted Man: Case Report and Literature Review.

Phaeohyphomycosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by dematiaceous fungi. It is characterized by the presence of pigmented septate mycelia within tissues. In the case of superficial infection, the lesion(s) chronically evolve(s) toward painless pseudo-tumor(s) of the soft parts. We report herein the original case of a heart transplanted man who exhibited phaeohyphomycosis of the left hand, with no mention of travels in endemic areas. Trematosphaeria grisea was identified as the causative agent, which is quite innovative since this species has been rather described in mycetoma. The antifungal treatment initially based on isavuconazole alone was not sufficient to cure the patient. In contrast, its association with local terbinafine ointment allowed total clinical improvement. This finding is unusual as diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis caused by T. grisea is uncommon in nontropical countries, and as the outcome appeared successful by the means of add-on therapeutic strategy with terbinafine.

Epidemiological, clinical and histological features of adipose tumors in the hand and wrist: Findings from a continuous series of 37 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Adipose tumors are the most common soft tissue tumor in adults; however, their epidemiology and histology in the hand and wrist are not well-defined. The aim of this study was to describe the histology and treatment strategy for this type of tumor at a specialized cancer center. HYPOTHESIS: The frequency of these tumors is underestimated, and their histology signature varies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and paraclinical data of adults treated for an adipose tumor lesion in the hand or wrist were analyzed retrospectively: age, clinical history, time elapsed between discovery and treatment, type of treatment. The dimensions, location and histology of the tumor were collected. The patients were contacted to inquire about persistent symptoms and sequelae. RESULTS: Thirty-seven tumors (37 patients) were included between January 2003 and December 2018, thus making up 7.5% of all the soft tissue tumors in the hand or wrist. The mean patient age was 59years (28-84years). Except for one fortuitous discovery, the tumors were discovered because the patient had an unusual lump. The lump was associated with distal paresthesia in six cases. The mean time to treatment was 47.5months (1-240months). The lesion was a conventional lipoma (31 cases) or one of its benign variants (6 cases). The mean size was 3.76cm in the long axis (1-11.5cm) and the mean weight was 9.8g (3-60g). The mean follow-up was 73.5months (2-177months). Tumors in the fingers were smaller and lighter than those in the wrist (p=0.004 and p=0.034). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of adipose tumors is underestimated within hand and wrist tumors. The most common way these tumors are discovered is due to compressive neuropathy with paresthesia and/or dysesthesia. While these tumors are nearly always benign, this does not justify ignoring the opinion of the multidisciplinary tumor board or underestimating the small possibility of the lesion being a liposarcoma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective, single-center study.

Tendon transfers for radial nerve palsy with extensor carpi ulnaris revival: Technique and results.

BACKGROUND: Nerve repair is the gold standard for treatment of radial palsy. In case of failure or contraindication, palliative techniques using tendon transfers provide good results. However, wrist extension frequently shows radial deviation, impairing grip strength. HYPOTHESIS: Associating extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) revival avoids radial deviation. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The inclusion criterion was radial nerve palsy treated by tendon transfers involving revival of the ECU. Nine patients, with a mean age of 33 years [15-60] were included. Four palsies were trauma-induced, 3 tumor-induced and 2 idiopathic. The mean time to treatment was 32 months [4.6-120]. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 51 months [3-160.7]. Eight patients could be assessed. Wrist extension was balanced in 6 cases, in ulnar deviation in 1 and in radial deviation in the other. Wrist motion was 54° [30°-80°] in extension, 46° [20°-70°] in flexion, with an active motion in the frontal plane of 21° [0°-35°]. Finger extension was possible with the wrist in extension in 6 cases. Thumb abduction was subnormal in 3 cases, incomplete but functional in 4 and barely functional in 1. Fist closure was always complete. Mean QuickDASH score was 41/100 [14-63]. CONCLUSION: This technique is reliable and reproducible, giving good functional results and avoiding the radial deviation of the wrist in extension observed with traditional techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Combined synovectomy and extensor carpi radialis longus transfer to realign and stabilise the rheumatoid wrist.

BACKGROUND: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the surgical treatment of wrist lesions relies on synovectomy combined with stabilisation and realignment of the carpal bones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and define the indications of extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) transfer to the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) as described by Clayton and Ferlic. HYPOTHESIS: ECRL-to-ECU transfer combined with synovectomy can prevent the development and/or progression of rheumatoid deformities at the wrist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed in 16 wrists. The following data were collected before and after surgery: pain, synovitis, range of motion, carpal height, ulnar translocation and radial deviation of the carpal bones, and Larsen's grade of the radio-carpal and mid-carpal joints. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 42.5 months after surgery, pain relief was noted in 14 cases and synovitis resolution in 10 cases. Mean mobility gains were 19.7° in extension and 5.7° in flexion. The radiographs showed a decrease in carpal height, whereas radial deviation and ulnar translocation were unchanged. No change was seen in the radio-carpal and mid-carpal joint lines. In the 3 wrists that required mid-carpal arthrodesis due to advanced disease before surgery, the radio-carpal joint line was unchanged and outcomes were the same as in the overall population. DISCUSSION: ECRL-to-ECU transfer combined with synovectomy provides pain relief and prevents radio-carpal destabilisation. The main indication of ECRL transfer is reducible radial deviation and ulnar translocation. ECRL is also indicated in combination with mid-carpal arthrodesis in the small minority of patients who have predominant mid-carpal involvement with a Larsen grade greater than 2. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.

Results of surgical treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis: 80 cases with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is indicated in De Quervain's tenosynovitis only after failure of medical treatment, often due to individual anatomical variants. We use Le Viet's technique, to avoid tendon instability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term results, with the hypothesis that this surgical technique is reliable, providing lasting results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients operated on between 1993 and 2015 were included, and results were assessed by telephone questionnaire at a minimum 1-year's follow-up. Surgical technique was systematically as described by Le Viet, with subcutaneous fixation of the retinaculum flap. Any anatomical variants were specified. In 26 cases, a concomitant pathology was treated in the same step. In addition to demographic data, the study looked for: pain on VAS, functional impairment, tendon dislocation, and satisfaction. RESULTS: There were no intra- or immediate postoperative complications. Of the 89 patients, 74 (80 wrists) were successfully recontacted: 68 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 48.5 years (range, 19-71 years). The 15 patients lost to follow-up showed initial progression comparable to the rest of the population. A supernumerary septum was found in 50 cases, and an abductor pollicis longus tendon with multiple slips in 35 cases. There were no recurrences. Functional impairment was absent in 68 wrists, moderate in 8 and significant in 4, including 3 with associated diseases. Mean VAS was 0.76 (range, 0-10). No patients reported tendon dislocation or neuroma. Patients were very satisfied in 72 cases, satisfied in 6 and dissatisfied in 2 cases with associated diseases. DISCUSSION: Results in the present series, with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years, were favorable, with total regression of functional impairment in 85% of cases and a satisfaction rate of 97.5%. There were no cases of tendon dislocation, neuroma, or recurrence. Residual problems were all related to associated diseases, whether pre-existing or with subsequent onset. CONCLUSION: Le Viet's technique gives reliable, lasting results without complications or recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Regional Degenerative Osteoarthritis Linked? Results of a Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Causality has not been formally demonstrated between carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis of the wrist or at the base of the thumb. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and concomitant degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist or basal thumb joint. We hypothesised that wrist osteoarthritis by reducing the free volume of the carpal tunnel would be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, while basal thumb osteoarthritis would show no direct correlation with carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: A case-control study including 95 cases and 99 control subjects, has been carried out. Sixty-eight per group were matched for age and sex. Posterior-anterior and lateral plain wrist radiographs for the two matched groups were analysed. RESULTS: Except for scaphotrapeziotrapezoid location, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was significantly linked with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas there was no significant difference between case and control groups for prevalence of basal osteoarthritis of the thumb. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that basal osteoarthritis of the thumb is not a causal factor in carpal tunnel syndrome. In contrast, degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist was strongly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, suggesting a causal relation.