Posttraumatic Arthrosis and Triquetral Nonunion Associated With Pisotriquetral Subluxation in Adolescent Female Softball Players.

Impaction fracture subluxation of the pisotriquetral joint producing arthrosis and ulnar triquetral osteochondral nonunion is a cause for ulnar wrist pain in batting athletes. Two cases of adolescent female softball players managed successfully with pisiform and triquetral fragment excision are reported.

Arthroscopic Pisiform Excision in Pisotriquetral Osteoarthritis Technique Using a Direct Pisotriquetral Portal.

Pisotriquetral (PT) joint arthritis is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Open pisiform excision is a well-established procedure and is indicated when the conservative treatment fails. Although arthroscopic visualization of the PT joint is part of the routine examination in a patient with ulnar-sided wrist pain, therapeutic arthroscopy of the PT joint is limited to one case in the literature through the standard dorsal portals. Arthroscopic pisiform excision is a novel technique described by the authors. The first aim of this procedure is pain relief maintaining wrist stability and strength. With this minimally invasive approach we believe that preserving the flexor carpi ulnaris and the PT ligament complex we maintain their biomechanical function, while at the same time, reducing scar tenderness and postoperative discomfort with better esthetic results and less recovery time. In addition to standard dorsal portals, a direct PT portal was used to have access to the PT space and as a working portal to complete the pisiform excision.

Pisiformectomy in advanced pisotriquetral joint arthritis: A retrospective study of 12 wrists with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years.

Pisiformectomy is the gold standard treatment for pisotriquetral arthritis resistant to conservative treatment. We evaluated the long-term clinical and functional outcomes after pisiformectomy in resistant pisotriquetral arthritis cases. We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients (12 wrists), mean age of 59 years (49-69) treated by pisiformectomy using a standardized surgical technique. Pisiformectomy was performed for primary osteoarthritis in 10 cases, for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in 1 case and for pisotriquetral instability in 1 case. The clinical and functional evaluation was carried out by an independent examiner. Mean time to review was 90 months (63-151). Pain on a Visual Analog Scale (/10) decreased significantly to 1.1 from 6.8 preoperatively. Mean range of motion was 79° in flexion, 61.5° in extension, 18° in ulnar deviation and 36° in radial deviation. Mean grip strength of the operated wrist was 86% of the non-operated wrist. Functional scores significantly improved with a gain of 40 points for the QuickDASH and 53 points for the PRWE. Based on this long-term follow-up study, pisiformectomy seems to alleviate wrist pain and improve the quality of life in a low-demand population with pisotriquetral osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment. When compared to the pisotriquetral arthrodesis, pisiformectomy is easier to perform, allows quicker mobilization of the wrist and leads to good functional outcomes.

"Silent Ruptures" of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus of the Little Finger due to Pisotriquetral Arthroses.

Asymptomatic pisotriquetral arthroses caused ruptures of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the little finger in 2 elderly patients. Ruptures occurred with unnoticeable onset, and bilateral ruptures separately occurred with interval of several years in one patient. The tendon was ruptured in zone IV with perforation of the gliding floor through which the degenerative pisiform was visible. The gliding floor was repaired followed with excision of the pisiform, and the ruptured tendon was then transferred to the profundus tendon of the ring finger. Asymptomatic pisotriquetral arthrosis in old age can be an aspect of the pathological background of flexor tendon ruptures of the little finger that occur unnoticed.

Suture Fixation Using Polyblend Polyethylene Sutures With Hydroxyapatite Block for an Intra-articular Depression Fracture of the Pisiform Bone.

Few cases in which open reduction and internal fixation was performed for displaced pisiform fractures have been reported. We present a new surgical technique for the treatment of depressed intra-articular pisiform fractures. First, the depressed fragment was reduced by pushing the bone tamp. Then, the fracture void resulting from the reduction of the depressed fragment was filled with a shaped hydroxyapatite block. Finally, the fragments were sutured using braided polyblend polyethylene sutures. The postoperative radiography could achieve a well-reduced articular facet, and this procedure had a good clinical outcome.

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

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

Management of Pisotriquetral Instability.

Pisotriquetral instability is an often-overlooked condition that can lead to ulnar-sided wrist pain and dysfunction. Various case series and biomechanical studies have been published regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. We review current methods for examining, diagnosing, and treating pisotriquetral instability.

Joint Space Narrowing in Patients With Pisotriquetral Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with suspected pisotriquetral osteoarthritis may show joint space narrowing. However, the extent of joint space narrowing and its deviation from the joint space width (JSW) in normal anatomy is unknown. In this pathoanatomic study, we therefore compared the JSW in the pisotriquetral joint between osteoarthritic patient wrists and healthy wrists. METHODS: We reviewed preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of 8 wrists of patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain who underwent a pisiformectomy with confirmed pisotriquetral osteoarthritis at surgery. We also reviewed CT scans of 20 normal wrists from healthy volunteers serving as control group. Three-dimensional CT models of the pisiform and triquetrum were obtained from both affected and normal wrists, after which the minimum JSW was calculated in an automated fashion. RESULTS: In the patient group, the median (interquartile range) of the minimum JSW was 0.1 mm (0.0-0.2), and in the control group, 0.8 mm (0.3-0.9) ( P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that the pisotriquetral joint space in osteoarthritic patient wrists was significantly narrowed compared with healthy wrists. These results suggest that JSW evaluation has a potential diagnostic value in the work-up of patients with suspected pisotriquetral osteoarthritis. This is an interesting area for future clinical research, especially because no gold standard for diagnosing pisotriquetral osteoarthritis has been established yet.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Involving the Pisiform: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal bone cysts are an uncommon form of benign primary bone tumors; affection of the hand is very rare. METHODS: A rigorous review of the literature showed that this type of tumor has not previously been described in the pisiform. In this article, we report the occurrence of an aneurysmal bone tumor in the pisiform of the left hand of a 19-year-old male. RESULTS: This tumor was successfully treated through surgical excision with an uneventful recovery. We describe the process behind the diagnosis of the lesion and the subsequent treatment in an attempt to highlight the rare but possible occurrence of aneurysmal bone cysts in the pisiform. CONCLUSION: Appropriate treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts in this location is required, due to the anatomical nature of the pisiform itself with the risks of pathologic fracture and ulnar nerve compression.

The effect of pisiform excision on wrist function.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pisiform excision on wrist function compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects. METHODS: The authors evaluated the charts of 11 consecutive patients who had undergone pisiform excision. Nine of these patients could be included and clinically examined, and results were compared with 9 matched controls. Measurements included range of motion, strength measurements, neurological examination, and questionnaires. RESULTS: Extension in the operated wrist was reduced in patients compared with controls. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaires were significantly different between patients and controls. All other entities were equal between groups. Subjectively, patients experienced impairments in function of the operated wrist, but these could not be identified objectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although great care must be taken in handling the surrounding soft tissue, pisiform excision is a well-tolerated, safe treatment for pain in the pisotriquetral joint resulting from arthrosis and not controlled by nonsurgical means. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.

Pisiform excision for pisotriquetral instability and arthritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate wrist strength and kinematics after pisiform excision and preservation of its soft tissue confluence for pisotriquetral instability and arthritis. METHODS: We evaluated 12 patients, (14 wrists) subjectively and objectively an average of 7.5 years after pisiform excision. Three additional patients were interviewed by phone. Subjective evaluation included inquiry about pain and satisfaction with the treatment. Objective testing included measuring wrist flexion and extension range of motion, grip strength, and static and dynamic flexion and ulnar deviation strengths of the operative hand compared with the nonsurgical normal hand. Four patients had concomitant ulnar nerve decompression at the wrist. RESULTS: All patients were satisfied with the outcome. Wrist flexion averaged 99% and wrist extension averaged 95% of the nonsurgical hand. Mean grip strength of the operative hand was 90% of the nonsurgical hand. Mean static flexion strength of the operative hand was 94% of the nonsurgical hand, whereas mean dynamic flexion strength was 113%. Mean static ulnar deviation strength of the operative hand was 87% of the nonsurgical hand. The mean dynamic ulnar deviation strength of the operative hand was 103% of the nonsurgical hand. CONCLUSIONS: Soft tissue confluence-preserving pisiform excision relieved pain and retained wrist motion and static and dynamic strength. Associated ulnar nerve compression was a confounding factor that may have affected outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Two cases of pisiform bone impingement syndrome after proximal row carpectomy.

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is an established surgical procedure used to treat post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the wrist with sparing of the midcarpal joint and advanced aseptic necrosis such as lunatomalacia. Proximalization of the distal carpal row following PRC may lead to secondary problems such as radiocarpal impingement. At follow-up, two of our patients complained about ulnar-sided wrist pain after proximal row carpectomy. Computed tomography (CT) scans were taken for both patients with an additional magnetic resonance imaging scan for one patient. The CT scan revealed clear osteolysis consistent with a pisiform bone impingement on the ulnar styloid process in both the cases, and also on the hamate in one patient. An impingement syndrome of this nature has not previously been described and should be kept in mind when patients report ulnocarpal symptoms after PRC.

Carpal fractures.

Carpal fractures are exceedingly rare clinical entities and are often associated with concomitant injuries. In this review, we focus on fractures of the carpus, excluding the scaphoid, and provide an update on the current consensus as to mechanism, diagnosis, management, outcomes, and complications after such injuries.

Effect of pisiform excision or pisotriquetral arthrodesis as a treatment for pisotriquetral arthritis: a biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) forces and tendon displacements change after pisotriquetral arthrodesis or after pisiform excision. METHODS: Nine cadaver wrists were moved through 4 variations of a dart throw motion, each having an oblique plane of motion, but with different ranges of motion and different antagonistic forces. The FCU tendon force and movement were measured in the intact wrist, following pisotriquetral arthrodesis, and following pisiform excision. Changes in force and tendon movement were compared using a repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: After excision of the pisiform, a significantly greater FCU force was required during the 2 variations of the dart throw motion having a larger range of motion and during the smaller motion having a larger antagonistic force. Pisotriquetral arthrodesis did not cause a significant increase in the peak FCU force. Excision of the pisiform caused the FCU tendon to significantly retract during all wrist motions as compared to the intact wrist or after pisotriquetral arthrodesis. CONCLUSIONS: Greater FCU forces are required to move the wrist when the pisiform with its moment arm function has been removed. This occurs during large oblique plane wrist motions and also in a smaller motion when greater antagonistic forces are applied. Excision of the pisiform also allows the FCU to move proximally, again because its moment arm function has been eliminated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Excision of the pisiform requires greater FCU forces during large wrist motions and during motions that include large gripping forces such that excision may be a concern in high-demand patients with pisotriquetral arthritis. Although pisotriquetral arthrodesis does not alter the mechanical advantage of the FCU, its use in high-demand patients with pisotriquetral osteoarthritis cannot yet be recommended until the effects of that arthrodesis on midcarpal kinematics are further clarified.

Osteoid osteoma of the pisiform: a case report.

Osteoid osteoma of the pisiform is exceptional, and has been reported previously only once, in 1985, by Kernohan. This report presents a clinical case of osteoid osteoma of the pisisform assessed by CT-scanning, 3D reconstruction CT-scan images, MRI imaging and per-operative pictures.

Pisotriquetral arthrodesis for pisotriquetral instability: case report.

A 22-year-old professional downhill mountain bike rider developed increasing posttraumatic pisotriquetral instability. To preserve full function of the pisiform bone, we performed pisotriquetral arthrodesis using a Herbert screw. Ten months after the splint was removed, the patient was free of symptoms and returned to professional downhill mountain biking without limitations. This uncommon method seems to be a feasible treatment strategy and can be recommended in high-demand patients.

Latent pisotriquetral arthrosis unmasked following carpal tunnel release.

The causes of persistent wrist pain following carpal tunnel release include scar tenderness and pillar pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate latent pisotriquetral arthrosis as a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain following open carpal tunnel release. Seven hundred consecutive carpal tunnel releases were reviewed, looking for postoperative presentation of pisotriquetral arthrosis, as well as management and outcome. Fourteen patients with long-standing postoperative pain at the base of the hypothenar eminence had clinical and radiographic signs of pisotriquetral degenerative arthrosis, which conceivably had existed preoperatively and been unmasked thereafter. In 6 patients with persistent symptoms despite conservative measures, excision of pisiform was curative. Altered isometric stresses over the pisotriquetral articulation as a result of releasing the transverse ligament, which constitutes a major radial static stabilizer of this joint, seems to cause articular maltracking, and consequently aggravates a preexisting asymptomatic pisotriquetral arthrosis. Long-standing discomfort is characteristically associated with loss of grip strength and dexterity. Pisotriquetral dysfunction and arthrosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent wrist pain following either open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release that does not respond to nonoperative measures. Clinical scrutiny, adequate clinical inspection, and radiographic evaluation readily establish the diagnosis. Conservative treatment includes immobilization, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and intra-articular injection of corticosteroids under fluoroscopic control. The corticosteroid injection combined with a local anesthetic also serves as a diagnostic test. Excision of the pisiform is indicated where conservative treatment has failed.

Imaging and anatomic study of the pisiform bone/ulnar nerve relationship-evaluation of the preferred surgical approach for the excision of the pisiform bone.

This study examines the role of the pisiform bone/ulnar nerve relationship in determining the preferred surgical approach for the excision of the pisiform bone. An anatomic dissection of Guyon's canal on 10 fresh frozen cadaver wrists evenly divided between males and females was combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 10 volunteer wrists. The 3 reported data points include the axial images determined on the MRI, the anatomic dissection related to the proximity of the ulnar nerve relative to the pisiform in defined positions of the wrist and the soft tissue envelope that surrounds the pisiform, and the proximity of the ulnar nerve as recorded, measured, and analyzed. An analysis of variance of the recorded data points was performed and the statistical results were presented (P value of P 05). Dissection and the MRI scans determined that the soft tissue envelope between the pisiform and ulnar nerve at Guyon's canal with neutral dorsiflexion was 2.5 mm. Palmar flexion was 3.0 mm and neutral flexion was 4.5 mm. The thinnest area was adjacent to the ulnar nerve proper on the volar radial aspect of the pisiform, on the basis of clock-faced analysis, between the 3 : 00 and 6 : 00 positions (the pisiform as a circle). The proximity of the pisiform in relation to the ulna and the limit of the soft tissue envelope would suggest that the preferred surgical approach, or that least likely to cause injury to the ulnar nerve, is one that is volar and includes excising the pisiform after exposing Guyon's canal.

Symptomatic congenital pisiform hamate coalition.

Congenital fusions of the carpal bones are rare anomalies, which occur in less than 1% of the population. This article describes a congenital pisiform hamate coalition which became symptomatic when caused by a trauma. The condition was successfully treated with the resection of the synchondrosis, autogenous bone graft, and screw stabilization.