Clinical Phenotype and Bone Biopsy Characteristics in a Child with Proteus Syndrome.

Proteus syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, which is characterized by progressive, segmental, or patchy overgrowth of diverse tissues of all germ layers, including the skeleton. Here, we present a 9-year-old girl with a somatic-activating mutation (c.49G > A; p.Glu17Lys) in AKT1 gene in a mosaic status typical for Proteus syndrome. She presented with hemihypertrophy of the right lower limb and a "moccasin" lesion among others. A transiliac bone biopsy was analyzed for bone histology/histomorphometry as well as bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) and osteocyte lacunae sections (OLS) characteristics based on quantitative backscattered electron imaging. Bone histomorphometry revealed highly increased mineralizing surface (Z-score + 2.3) and mineral apposition rate (Z-score + 19.3), no osteoclasts (Z-score - 2.1), and an increased amount of primary bone in the external cortex. BMDD abnormalities included a decreased mode calcium concentration in cancellous bone (Z-score - 1.7) and an increased percentage of highly mineralized cortical bone area (Z-score + 2.4) compared to reference. OLS characteristics showed several differences compared to reference data; among them, there were the highly increased OLS-porosity, OLS-area, and OLS-perimeter on the external cortex (Z-scores + 6.8, + 4.4 and 5.4, respectively). Our findings suggest that increased bone formation reduced matrix mineralization in cancellous bone while the enhanced amount of primary bone in the external cortex increased the portion of highly mineralized cortical bone and caused OLS-characteristics abnormalities. Our results indicate further that remodeling of primary bone might be disturbed or delayed in agreement with the decreased number of osteoclasts observed in this child with Proteus syndrome.

Outcomes after thumb carpometacarpal joint stabilization with an abductor pollicis longus tendon strip for the treatment of chronic instability.

INTRODUCTION: Instabilities of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, caused by idiopathic ligamentous hyperlaxity, trauma or other conditions may lead to pain, functional impairment and eventually osteoarthritis. Several techniques have been described to enhance stability of the CMC 1. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes after CMC 1 joint stabilization using a soft-tissue procedure in patients with chronic instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective study with a single follow-up visit after a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. All patients who underwent stabilization of the CMC 1 with an abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon strip for chronic, habitual instability were re-assessed using clinical examination, dedicated outcome scores [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; Nelson score; Kapandji opposition score], grip and pinch strength measurements, and radiographic examination. RESULTS: 12 patients (15 operated thumbs) with a mean age at surgery of 23.2 (± 9.3) years were included after a mean follow-up period of 3.5 (± 1.3) years. The postoperative outcomes indicated excellent results, with a mean DASH score of 13.3 (± 11.3), VAS 1.1 at rest (and 2.8 during stress) and Nelson score of 87.7 (± 11.3). Postoperative grip, pinch strength and passive stability were not significantly different between operated and non-operated sides (p = 0.852; p = 0.923 and p = 0.428, respectively). We observed one case of recurrent instability besides no other complications. However, patients with trapezium hypoplasia (5 of 12) were more prone to signs of radiographic instability during stress testing. CONCLUSIONS: Thumb carpometacarpal stabilization with an APL tendon strip yielded excellent clinical outcomes and low morbidity in the mid-term. However, long-term follow-up is needed to assess specifically whether patients with trapezium hypoplasia may be more prone to clinical symptom recurrence than those with normal anatomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

[Elbow Luxation at Birth? - Differential Diagnosis of Elbow Disorders presenting at Birth]. / Ellbogenluxation bei Geburt? ­ Differenzialdiagnose von Ellbogenpathologien bei Geburt.

This is a case report of an isolated congenital radial head dislocation (CRHD) presenting after a breech delivery. The implications of this delivery mode led to the misdiagnosis of an elbow luxation. We found that elbow luxation is a common misdiagnosis of CRHD, although it has not been reported in children younger than one year. For the experienced clinician, repeated examinations and appropriate imaging usually lead to the exclusion of such misdiagnoses. CRHD itself usually remains asymptomatic until adolescence. Without pain or functional impairment of the joint, no specific therapy is needed. This case prompted us to provide an overview of elbow pathologies presenting at birth.

Clinical experience with arthroscopically-assisted repair of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears in adolescents--technique and results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report our preliminary results after arthroscopically-assisted repair of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in adolescent patients. METHODS: All children and adolescents who underwent arthroscopically-assisted repair of a Palmer 1B tear were identified and prospectively evaluated after a mean follow-up of 1.3 years. The postoperative assessment included documentation of clinical parameters, pain score (visual analogue scale, VAS), grip strength and completion of validated outcome scores (Modified Mayo Wrist Score, MMWS; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Inventory, DASH). A total of 12 patients (four males, eight females) with a mean age of 16.3 years at the time of surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean VAS decreased significantly from 7.0 to 1.7 after the procedure. We observed a significant increase of the MMWS after surgery; however, MMWS was still significantly lower at final follow-up when compared to the contralateral side. A mean postoperative DASH score of 16 indicated an excellent outcome after the procedure. DASH Sports and Work Modules showed fair and good overall outcomes in the short-term, respectively. Grip strength averaged 86 % of the contralateral side at final follow-up, with no significant difference being found between both sides. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopically-assisted repair of peripheral TFCC tears in adolescents provided predictable pain relief and markedly improved functional outcome scores. Concomitant pathologies may have to be addressed at the same time to eventually achieve a satisfactory outcome. Sports participation, however, may be compromised in the short-term and should therefore be resumed six months postoperatively.

Vascularization of primary and secondary ossification centres in the human growth plate.

BACKGROUND: The switch from cartilage template to bone during endochondral ossification of the growth plate requires a dynamic and close interaction between cartilage and the developing vasculature. Vascular invasion of the primarily avascular hypertrophic chondrocyte zone brings chondroclasts, osteoblast- and endothelial precursor cells into future centres of ossification.Vascularization of human growth plates of polydactylic digits was studied by immunohistochemistry, confocal-laser-scanning-microscopy and RT-qPCR using markers specific for endothelial cells CD34 and CD31, smooth muscle cells α-SMA, endothelial progenitor cells CD133, CXCR4, VEGFR-2 and mesenchymal progenitor cells CD90 and CD105. In addition, morphometric analysis was performed to quantify RUNX2+ and DLX5+ hypertrophic chondrocytes, RANK+ chondro- and osteoclasts, and CD133+ progenitors in different zones of the growth plate. RESULTS: New vessels in ossification centres were formed by sprouting of CD34+ endothelial cells that did not co-express the mature endothelial cell marker CD31. These immature vessels in the growth plate showed no abluminal coverage with α-SMA+ smooth muscle cells, but in their close proximity single CD133+ precursor cells were found that did not express VEGFR-2, a marker for endothelial lineage commitment. In periosteum and in the perichondrial groove of Ranvier that harboured CD90+/CD105+ chondro-progenitors, in contrast, mature vessels were found stabilized by α-SMA+ smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION: Vascularization of ossification centres of the growth plate was mediated by sprouting of capillaries coming from the bone collar or by intussusception rather than by de-novo vessel formation involving endothelial progenitor cells. Vascular invasion of the joint anlage was temporally delayed compared to the surrounding joint tissue.

Pedicled Rectus Femoris Flap for Restoration of Suprapatellar Quadriceps Tendon and Defect Coverage after Multiple Reconstruction Attempts-A Case Report and Literature Review.

There is no unified approach for restoring the suprapatellar quadriceps tendon and covering tissue defects simultaneously. In this case report, we present the pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap as one effective approach in two cases with extensive loss or impairment of the suprapatellar muscle-tendon structures after trauma-related suprapatellar quadriceps tendon rupture and multiple reconstruction attempts. Additionally, we provide a literature review of the reconstructive use of the functional pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap. METHODS: Two male patients, 48 and 74 years old, with extensive loss or impairment of the suprapatellar muscle-tendon structures due to multiple reconstruction attempts, underwent restoration of the knee extension with a pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap. RESULTS: Three months after reconstruction, both patients were able to walk freely, unaided. After a six-month follow-up, the free passive mobility of the knee joint was restored, and the active extension of the knee joint was possible in both patients. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that the pedicled rectus femoris flap is a reliable method for the restoration of knee extension, with excellent functional results in cases of suprapatellar tendon lesions. Further to the functional restoration, this technique has the additional advantage of simultaneously achieving coverage of soft-tissue defects, while a direct closure of the donor site is possible. Elderly patients and patients with relevant comorbidities or multiple revisions may especially benefit from this technique.

Kinematic Effects of Derotational Osteotomy of the Humerus in Patients with Internal Shoulder Contracture Secondary to Erb's Palsy-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Internal rotation contractures of the shoulder are common sequelae of conservatively treated obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) with incomplete spontaneous neurological recovery. Humerus derotation osteotomy has been suggested as a possible treatment option to improve arm positioning. However, consensus as to whether humerus derotation osteotomy can successfully restore limb function is missing. Methods: In the present controlled cohort study, we aimed at analyzing global upper extremity kinematics with a 3D-video analysis system in children with shoulder internal rotation contractures secondary to OBPP before, and one year after, humerus derotation osteotomy. Patients under 18 years of age that presented to our center with conservatively treated internal rotation contractures of the shoulder and subsequently underwent humerus derotation osteotomy were included. The unimpaired arm served as a respective control. Results: Pre-operatively, all patients showed severe internal rotation contractures of the shoulder of almost 60° at rest. At the follow-up, the position of the shoulder at rest was greatly shifted to 9° of internal rotation. The patients showed statistically significant improvement in maximum external rotation and abduction of the shoulder, as well as in maximum flexion of the elbow, and the range of motion of pro/supination. The maximum internal rotation of the shoulder, however, was diminished after the osteotomy. Conclusions: Our data indicated that derotational osteotomy is a promising procedure which can be used to correct for internal rotation contractures secondary to OBPP. Moreover, 3D-video analysis proved to be a useful tool that supplies the surgeon with both precise information about the degree of distortion pre-operatively, thus helping to decide on the amount of correction, and secondly, a measurement of the post-operative gain in upper extremity function.

The Vascularized Fibula as Salvage Procedure in Extremity Reconstruction: A Retrospective Analysis of Time to Heal and Possible Confounders.

The vascularized fibula transfer is a well-established technique for extremity reconstruction, but operative planning and patient selection remains crucial. Although recently developed techniques for bone reconstruction, such as bone segment transfer, are becoming increasingly popular, bone defects may still require vascularized bone grafts under certain circumstances. In this study, 41 cases, 28 (68%) men and 13 (32%) women (median age: 40 years), were retrospectively analyzed. Therapy-specific data (flap vascularity [free vs. pedicled] size in cm and configuration [single- vs. double-barrel], mode of fixation [internal/external]) and potential risk factors were ascertained. Indications for reconstruction were osteomyelitis at host site (n = 23, 55%), pseudarthrosis (n = 8, 20%), congenital deformity (n = 6, 15%), traumatic defect, and giant cell tumor of the bone (n = 2, 5% each). Complete healing occurred in 34 (83%) patients after a median time of 6 months. Confounders for prolonged healing were female gender (p = 0.002), reconstruction in the lower limb (p = 0.011), smoking (p = 0.049), and the use of an external fixator (p = 0.009). Six (15%) patients required secondary limb amputation due to reconstruction failure, and one patient had persistent pseudarthrosis at last follow-up. The only risk factor for amputation assessed via logistic regression analysis was preexisting PAOD (peripheral artery occlusive disease; p = 0.008) The free fibula is a reliable tool for extremity reconstruction in various cases, but time to full osseous integration may exceed six months. Patients should be encouraged to cease smoking as it is a modifiable risk factor.

Autologous Fat and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb, various therapies are used. Infiltration therapy with autologous substances such as platelet-rich plasma and autologous fat have recently gained increasing attention because of beneficial pain-reducing effects in arthritis and the associated regenerative potential. However, the extent of clinical evidence in this area and how well autologous substances work in terms of pain reduction and improvements in hand function remain unclear. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the current evidence and to provide more insight into pain reduction and improvement in hand function after infiltration of autologous substances. The authors identified 11 clinical trials, of which we included eight in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Autologous substances achieved a good and long-lasting pain reduction, which may also be accompanied by corresponding improvement in hand function. Autologous substances appear to be more effective than corticoid infiltrations. The infiltration of autologous fat seems to be particularly promising in more advanced stages of carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb. Our meta-analysis showed a mean pain reduction of 2.4 to 3 in visual analogue scale score and a reduction of 18 to 19 points in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire after infiltration with autologous substances. CONCLUSION: Both platelet-rich plasma and autologous fat infiltration offer an efficient and long-lasting, minimally invasive therapy option in the treatment of carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Results of a Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical therapy for widespread first carpometacarpal (CMC1) arthritis permanently alters the physiologic anatomy of the hand. The injection of autologous substances into the thumb saddle joint could achieve temporary pain relief and delay surgical indications. This trial aimed to compare the pain-reducing effects of autologous fat and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with saline 0.9% in the infiltration therapy of carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb (CMC1 arthritis). METHODS: A blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety-five patients with CMC1 arthritis were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 2 years. Participants were injected with 1.5 mL of autologous fat, PRP, autologous fat and PRP, or 0.9% saline solution into the CMC1 joint, depending on the group allocation. The primary outcome of this study was the evaluation of pain reduction in each treatment group. RESULTS: The combination of fat and PRP was the only treatment that resulted in a significantly greater reduction in pain compared with 0.9% saline ( P = 0.003). Similarly, fat and PRP in combination was the only therapy group to achieve clinically relevant Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score reduction, and the only group that showed a significantly better Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey score than 0.9% saline ( P = 0.016). No major complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to pain reduction, the combination of autologous fat and PRP yields a relevant improvement in hand function and a corresponding improvement in quality of life. This treatment seems to be a viable and safe alternative to short-acting glucocorticoids. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Radiological Influencing Factors in the Diagnosis of Painful Habitual Instability of the Thumb Basal Joint as a Precursor of Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb-A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Painful habitual instability of the thumb basal joint (PHIT) is a rarely diagnosed condition that can severely impair hand function. Furthermore, it can increase the risk of developing carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb (CMAOT). Clinical examination and radiographic imaging provide the foundation for a correct diagnosis, but early detection is still challenging. We investigated two objective, radiographically obtainable parameters as potential risk factors for PHIT. METHODS: Clinical data and radiographic images of 33 patients suffering from PHIT were collected and compared to those of 35 people serving as the control group. The two main objectives, the slope angle and the bony offset of the thumb joint, were gathered from the X-rays and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis showed no differences between the study and the control group concerning the slope angle. Gender and the bony offset, on the other hand, had a significant influence. Female sex and higher offset values were associated with an increased risk of PHIT. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study prove a connection between a high bony offset and PHIT. We believe this information can be valuable in early detection and will allow more efficient treatment of this condition in the future.

Pathomorphologic findings of wrist arthroscopy in children and adolescents with chronic wrist pain.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this diagnostic study were to show pathomorphologic findings of children and adolescents with persistent wrist pain and to compare these arthroscopic findings with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A total of 41 arthroscopies in 39 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients underwent diagnostic wrist arthroscopy because of persistent wrist pain after at least 3 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. Of the patients, 22 (56.4%) reported an injury before the onset of pain. The mean age at arthroscopy was 15.3 years (range, 9.8 to 19.4 years), and the mean duration between the onset of symptoms and arthroscopic exploration was 19.9 months (range, 3.0 to 121.0 months). RESULTS: Among all affected wrists, 33 (80.5%) showed a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear on arthroscopy, with 75.6% also showing other pathomorphologic findings. Retrospectively, the condition of the TFCC was correctly identified by MRI in only 17 wrists (41.5%). In contrast, 23 wrists were incorrectly classified as having "no tear" whereas arthroscopy later indeed showed a TFCC tear. Concerning the TFCC, MRI and arthroscopy showed a significant difference of outcome (P < .01), indicating low agreement (κ = 0.09) for the outcome of the 2 methods. A larger proportion of TFCC tears was found for patients with injuries (91.3%) as compared with the other patients (66.7%), although this was not significant on statistical analysis (P = .11). No significant difference in the time to surgery was found between patients with TFCC tears and those without TFCC tears classified by MRI (P = .76) and by arthroscopy (P = .99). CONCLUSIONS: Wrist arthroscopy in children and adolescents with chronic wrist pain shows TFCC lesions in a high percentage. However, most of these lesions have not been correctly identified by MRI before arthroscopy. Thus diagnostic wrist arthroscopy may be recommended to rule out underlying pathologies and initiate further therapeutic steps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study of nonconsecutive patients.

Radiographic early to midterm results of distraction osteogenesis in radial longitudinal deficiency.

PURPOSE: To analyze early to midterm radiographic results after forearm lengthening in children with radial longitudinal deficiency. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with radial longitudinal deficiency undergoing distraction osteogenesis with an Ilizarov device. We retrospectively reviewed 8 lengthening procedures in 6 children with respect to distraction details and assessed anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the hand and forearm of the preoperative and postoperative follow-up investigations. RESULTS: The mean age at time of ulna lengthening was 9.9 years (range, 6.3-14.0 y). The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years (range, 1.0-8.5 y). Mean lengthening of the ulna was 7.0 cm (range, 3.5-8.7 cm), and the mean length gain of the ulna compared with its preoperative length was 75% (range, 42% to 103%). The mean ulna bowing was 25° preoperatively (range, 7° to 42°), 6° after forearm distraction (range, 0° to 14°), and 17° at latest follow-up (range, 0° to 45°). The mean hand-forearm angle was 25° of radial deviation preoperatively (range, 15° ulnar to 60° radial deviation), 11° of radial deviation after distraction (range, 0° to 41°), and 23° at latest follow-up (range, 0° to 45°). We encountered 2 major complications: 1 ulna fracture after removal of the Ilizarov device and 1 insufficient bone regenerate during lengthening. CONCLUSIONS: We achieved both deformity correction and improvement of limb length after distraction osteogenesis with an Ilizarov device. However, some of the deformity-in particular, ulnar bowing and radial deviation of the hand-recurred at midterm follow-up.

Wrist arthroscopy in children and adolescents: a single surgeon experience of thirty-four cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report our experience of wrist arthroscopy in children and adolescents with chronic wrist pain in a retrospective single surgeon series. Therefore, technical differences or obstacles compared to standard wrist arthroscopy in adults, and complications were highlighted. METHODS: A retrospective data review of all patients undergoing wrist arthroscopy between 2002 and 2011 was performed. The basic inclusion criteria was chronic, therapy refractory wrist pain for more than three months in children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger. In total, 34 arthroscopies in 27 girls and six boys were reviewed. The mean age at time of arthroscopic exploration was 14.6 years (range, 9.8-17.9 years). RESULTS: A total of 28 wrists showed a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear (82.4%). In 26 of 34 (76.5%) inspected wrist joints additional pathologies besides TFCC tears were documented. As a consequence, 14 arthroscopic TFCC resections, two arthroscopic TFCC repairs and seven open resection arthroplasties were performed. Other concomitant procedures (e.g., ulna shortening) were performed in 25 patients (26 wrists) because of predisposing malformations. No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the arthroscopies were observed. No relevant technical differences to wrist arthroscopy in adults were experienced apart from cases of major anatomical malformations. CONCLUSIONS: Wrist arthroscopy has been shown to be a safe procedure to detect and treat paediatric wrist disorders. Nevertheless, we believe that this procedure should only be carried out by well-trained, experienced hand surgeons.

[First Experiences with peripheral Nerve Stimulation using an implantable System as a Treatment Method for the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS 2]. / Erste Erfahrungen mit der peripheren Nervenstimulation mittels implantierbarem System als Behandlungsmethode des komplexen regionalen Schmerzsyndroms CRPS 2.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), based on central nerve stimulation (Spinal Cord Stimulation - SCS), has proven to be a suitable therapy option for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), especially in the area of the upper extremities. However, the evidence on PNS in the current literature is very scarce. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 patients suffering from CRPS 2 were selected for implantation of a peripheral nerve stimulation system according to strict selection criteria. There were 5 men and 6 women with a mean age of 46.4 (24-58) years. Preoperatively, the mean pain score quoted by the patients was 8.0 (±1.3) on the ten-part numeric rating scale (NRS). In 8 patients, electrodes were implanted in the upper extremity (brachial plexus), in 2 patients in the area of the lower extremity (sciatic nerve) and in one patient on both the upper and lower extremities. The 8 active electrode poles were implanted as parallel as possible on the target nerves and connected to an external stimulation device by means of extension electrodes. After a test phase of 5 days, with positive feedback by the patients and a pain reduction of at least 4 points on the NRS, objectified by a pain log kept by the patient, the definitive impulse generator was implanted. RESULTS: All 11 patients were successfully supplied with an implantable peripheral nerve stimulation system from Boston Scientific Inc. The mean pain reduction was 4.6 (±1.2) points on the NRS. The mean pain score postoperatively was 3.4 (±0.9). The postoperative course was uncomplicated in all patients. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve stimulation appears to be a suitable therapy option for the treatment of CRPS 2 when conservative and conventional surgical treatment methods have failed. The experience with our patients shows that neuropathic pain could be successfully reduced by an average of about 4 points on the NRS. Arthrogenous symptoms, on the other hand, were not influenced by the PNS. Since CRPS is a psychosomatic illness, the integration of PNS into a multimodal therapy concept with physiotherapy and occupational therapy and psychology is essential for the success of the treatment.

[Acute Hand Infections - Survey of the Pathogen Spectrum and appropriate Antibiotics]. / Akute Infektionen der Hand ­ Ein Überblick über das Keimspektrum und gängige Antibiotika.

Acute infections of the hand can be a pathology with severe consequences. Alongside the surgical therapy, it is necessary to establish a systemic antiinfective therapy as well. The most frequent bacteria in acute hand infections are Staphylococcus aureus and, less frequently, different Streptococci. If the infection is the result of a bite wound, the most frequently found bacterium is Pasteurella multocida. Fortunately, the susceptibility to frequently used antibiotics in the (middle-)European area is quite good - according to the literature, resistances are rare. First line antibiotics are 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins as well as aminopenicillins in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors. Especially in multi-morbid patients or infections with unusual aetiology, a broader bacterial spectrum is to be expected. It is very effective to collect a tissue sample or swab for microbiological analysis before the establishment of the antiinfective therapy to gain valuable information about the prospective therapy. Ultimately, hand infections are a pathology to be treated with increased attention to avoid severe complications. A close cooperation with the involved specialties and physiotherapists should be sought to guarantee the best possible outcome.

Radial Head Resection and Corium Interposition Arthroplasty in Skeletally Immature Patients With Isolated Posttraumatic Radial Head Arthrosis.

Radiocapitellar arthrosis represents a serious sequela of pediatric elbow injuries. Although persistent pain and disability are not uncommon in such cases, treatment remains controversial. The present study aimed to review the clinical outcomes after a new surgical treatment with partial radial head resection and corium interposition arthroplasty. To date, 3 adolescent cases underwent the surgical procedure and postoperative care. Thorough clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed. The mean age at the time of surgery was 14.4 years (range, 13 to 16 y) and mean duration of follow-up was 19 months (range, 12 to 29 mo). The postoperative range of motion was maintained in all cases. The outcome was rated as excellent in all 3 patients for the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (mean, 3; range, 0 to 6.7) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (mean, 92; range, 80 to 100). The mean Timmermann score; however, was still rated as fair despite marked improvements (mean, 153; range, 145 to 165). No complications such as elbow stiffness, osteophytes formation, radial head overgrowth, or proximal radius migration occurred. In pediatric isolated posttraumatic radiocapitellar arthrosis, we believe that radial head resection and corium interposition arthroplasty is an effective salvage procedure to alleviate symptoms and maintain elbow function with good to excellent clinical outcomes and no proximal migration of the radius.