Minimally invasive arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Arthrodesis is a reliable surgical procedure for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis that provides hand strength and pain relief. Locking plate fixation is a common technique that provides rigid fixation and a high rate of bone union; however, it requires extensive surgical exploration of the first metacarpal and trapezium. Here, we report the surgical outcome of minimally invasive arthroscopy-assisted thumb CMC arthrodesis that preserves soft tissue supplying the blood flow to the bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine thumbs of nine patients who underwent arthroscopy-assisted thumb CMC arthrodesis were retrospectively analysed (mean postoperative follow-up, 19.7 months). We investigated the time from surgery to bone union, grip strength, pinch strength (pulp and key), range of motion (ROM) of the thumb, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Hand20 questionnaire score preoperatively and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Bone union was observed in eight of the nine patients. The mean time to bone union was 2.9 months (range 8 weeks-9 months). Although grip strength changed from 24.0 kg preoperatively to 25.8 kg at the final follow-up (not significant), the pulp pinch strength and key pinch strength significantly increased from 2.3 kg and 3.7 kg preoperatively to 3.8 kg and 5.6 kg at the final follow-up, respectively. No significant change occurred in the thumb ROM. The DASH score, Hand20 questionnaire score, and VAS score for pain significantly improved from 29.8, 42.2, and 78.4 preoperatively to 12.4, 11.2, and 13.2 at the final follow-up, respectively. Non-union was observed in one patient. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy-assisted arthrodesis is a valuable procedure for thumb CMC osteoarthritis. However, the learning curve for this procedure must be overcome before the operative time can be shortened and successful bone union and satisfactory outcomes achieved.

Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty continuously improves hand functions up to 5-year postoperatively.

INTRODUCTION: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty is a reliable surgical procedure for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, which provides good long-term outcomes. However, it remains unclear when the greatest benefit of this procedure can be obtained, and how long these benefits will continue. Therefore, we investigated the middle- to long-term advantages of this procedure by analysing the chronological changes in clinical outcomes by following the same patients from 1 year to a median 5 years after trapeziectomy with LRTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen thumbs that completed consecutive clinical and radiographic evaluations preoperatively, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and median 5 years (range 4-8 years) after trapeziectomy with LRTI were included in this study. We investigated grip strength, pinch strength, range of motion (ROM) of the thumb, a visual analogue scale for pain, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Hand20 questionnaire score, trapezial space height, and trapezial space ratio at every time point. RESULTS: Hand strength (grip, pulp, and lateral pinch), palmar abduction, DASH score, and Hand20 questionnaire score were improved at 1 year postoperatively while the radial abduction showed significant improvement at the final follow-up. Moreover, pulp pinch strength, DASH score, and Hand20 questionnaire score continued to improve significantly from 1 year postoperatively to the final follow-up. Conversely, trapezial space height and ratio continuously decreased up to the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Trapeziectomy with LRTI consecutively improved the pinch strength, ROM of the thumb, DASH score, and Hand20 questionnaire score up to 5 years postoperatively. It also maintained the improvement of the other clinical outcomes up to 5 years postoperatively except for radiological findings.

Deletion of Tfam in Prx1-Cre expressing limb mesenchyme results in spontaneous bone fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoblasts require substantial amounts of energy to synthesize the bone matrix and coordinate skeleton mineralization. This study analyzed the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on bone formation, nano-organization of collagen and apatite, and the resultant mechanical function in mouse limbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Limb mesenchyme-specific Tfam knockout (Tfamf/f;Prx1-Cre: Tfam-cKO) mice were analyzed morphologically and histologically, and gene expressions in the limb bones were assessed by in situ hybridization, qPCR, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Moreover, we analyzed the mitochondrial function of osteoblasts in Tfam-cKO mice using mitochondrial membrane potential assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We investigated the pathogenesis of spontaneous bone fractures using immunohistochemical analysis, TEM, birefringence analyzer, microbeam X-ray diffractometer and nanoindentation. RESULTS: Forelimbs in Tfam-cKO mice were significantly shortened from birth, and spontaneous fractures occurred after birth, resulting in severe limb deformities. Histological and RNA-seq analyses showed that bone hypoplasia with a decrease in matrix mineralization was apparent, and the expression of type I collagen and osteocalcin was decreased in osteoblasts of Tfam-cKO mice, although Runx2 expression was unchanged. Decreased type I collagen deposition and mineralization in the matrix of limb bones in Tfam-cKO mice were associated with marked mitochondrial dysfunction. Tfam-cKO mice bone showed a significantly lower Young's modulus and hardness due to poor apatite orientation which is resulted from decreased osteocalcin expression. CONCLUSION: Mice with limb mesenchyme-specific Tfam deletions exhibited spontaneous limb bone fractures, resulting in severe limb deformities. Bone fragility was caused by poor apatite orientation owing to impaired osteoblast differentiation and maturation.

Total hip arthroplasty using a three-dimensional porous titanium acetabular cup: an examination of micromotion using subject-specific finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the mid-term clinical and radiological results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a three-dimensional (3D) porous titanium cup and analyzed the micromotion at the interface of the cup using subject-specific finite element (FE) analysis. METHODS: We evaluated 73 hips of 65 patients (6 men and 59 women; mean age at the time of surgery, 62.2 years; range, 45-86 years) who had undergone THA using a 3D porous titanium cup. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score system. We assessed the fixation of the acetabular component based on the presence of radiolucent lines and cup migration using anteroposterior radiographs. Subject-specific FE models were constructed from computed tomography data. RESULTS: The JOA score improved from a preoperative mean of 52.2 (range, 23-82) to a mean of 87.8 (range, 71-100) at the final follow-up. None of the patients underwent revisions during the follow-up period. Radiolucent lines were observed in 26 cases (35.6%) and frequently appeared at DeLee and Charnley Zone 3. Following the FE analysis, the micromotion at DeLee and Charnley Zone 3 was significantly larger than that at Zone 2. Furthermore, micromotion was large in the groups in which radiolucent lines appeared at Zone 3. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term clinical outcome of THA using a 3D porous titanium cup was excellent. However, radiolucent lines frequently appeared at DeLee and Charnley Zone 3. FE analysis indicated that micromotion was large at the same site, strongly suggesting that it contributes to the emergence of radiolucent lines. The 3D porous titanium cups are useful in THA, and with improvements focused on micromotion, we anticipate better long-term outcomes.

Natural History and Characteristics of Hand Exostoses in Multiple Hereditary Exostoses.

PURPOSE: Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHEs) comprise a rare skeletal disorder. This study aimed to elucidate the natural history and characteristics of hand exostoses by focusing on their progression or regression and their association with shortening and angular deformation of the finger bones. METHODS: Of 60 MHE patients who presented to our hospital between 2005 and 2019, 32 patients (62 hands) who underwent hand x-ray examinations were included in a study of initial presentation. Among them, 15 patients (30 hands) who underwent consecutive x-ray examinations before epiphyseal closure were included in a subsequent follow-up study (follow-up period, 6.9 years). We investigated the incidence and common location of hand involvement by exostoses during the initial examination study. We further investigated the progression or regression of hand exostoses and the influence of hand exostoses on longitudinal bone growth and the angular deformation of finger bones during the follow-up study. RESULTS: In the initial study, we observed exostoses in 30 (60 hands) of 32 (62 hands) patients. The average number of exostoses per hand was 5.2. Exostoses developed more frequently in the middle and ring proximal phalanges and the fifth metacarpal. In the follow-up study, 3.1 exostoses per hand spontaneously regressed and 2.9 exostoses per hand occurred de novo with growth. Progression of exostoses was mainly observed by approximately age 15 years; thereafter, spontaneous regression became dominant. Regression of exostoses was frequently observed in metacarpals, whereas de novo exostoses frequently occurred in phalangeal bones, particularly in distal phalanges. Growth plate involvement by exostoses did not influence the longitudinal growth of finger bones, but it increased their angulation. CONCLUSIONS: The hand is a common location of exostoses development for MHE patients. Although some exostoses in the hands regress with skeletal maturity, hand involvement by exostoses can result in angular deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.

Opponensplasty by the Palmaris Longus Tendon to the Rerouted Extensor Pollicis Brevis Transfer With Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

In patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), restoring thumb opposition is critical because this function is essential for proper pinching, grasping, and other complex hand movements. Opponensplasty is an effective procedure to preserve thumb function, with several methods reported. Camitz opponensplasty, using the palmaris longus (PL), is an option for patients with severe CTS. Recently, several modified Camitz procedures have been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the original description. This article describes the surgical technique of the opponensplasty using the PL tendon to the rerouted extensor pollicis brevis transfer. The procedure provides satisfactory outcomes for early functional recovery of the hand in patients with severe CTS.

Reverse radiodorsal artery-pedicled thumb metacarpal vascularized bone graft for osteochondral fracture of the thumb interphalangeal joint with a bone defect: A case report.

Osteochondral fractures of the fingers are challenging to treat, and it is mandatory to acquire early bone union and joint surface reconstruction to obtain satisfactory outcomes. These injuries sometimes occur as open fractures with poor soft tissue condition and bone defect adjacent to osteochondral fragment. For such cases, surgical treatment can be more difficult, and vascularized bone graft (VBG) could be a useful method for joint reconstruction. Here, we report reverse-pedicled VBG based on the radiodorsal artery of the thumb for reconstructing a traumatic bone defect of the thumb. A 36-year-old man, who had ulcerative colitis and was taking immunosuppressive agents, sustained open fracture-dislocation of the thumb interphalangeal joint with a free osteochondral fragment of the proximal phalanx and 6 × 5 × 4 mm of subcondylar bone defect. We harvested 5 × 5 × 5 mm VBG at the base of the first metacarpal bone and dissected running the radiodorsal artery. The vascularized bone was grafted into the bone defect site through the subcutaneous tunnel created on the radial aspect of the proximal phalanx and fixed with a Kirschner wire. Bony union was obtained 2 months after surgery. At 7 months after the operation, the patient complained no pain, and the range of motion of the thumb interphalangeal joint was extension 0° and flexion 42°. Radiographs showed no avascular necrosis of the united fragment and osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joint. This method could be a useful option for reconstruction of the thumb with bone defects.

Correlation between mutated genes and forearm deformity in patients with multiple osteochondroma.

BACKGROUNDS: Exostosin-1 (EXT1) and exostosin-2 (EXT2) cause multiple osteochondromas (MO). In this study, we investigated the correlation between forearm deformity and mutant EXTs in Japanese families with MO. METHODS: We evaluated 112 patients in 71 families with MO. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes. Of these, 28 patients were selected and underwent radiography for their forearms since they had gross forearm deformities. We measured the radial articular angle (RAA), ulna variance (UV), carpal slip (CS), and percentage of radial bowing (%RB) to compare between patients with mutant EXT1 or EXT2 and those with missense or other mutations using Student's t-test. RESULTS: Twenty-two (78.6%) and 6 (11.4%) out of 28 patients had mutations in EXT1 and EXT2, respectively. Nine (32.1%) and 19 (67.9%) of the 28 patients had missense and other mutations, respectively. The mean age of patients with EXT1 and EXT2 were 25.9 ± 20.3 and 33.5 ± 25.4 years, respectively and those with missense mutation and other mutations were 28.7 ± 27.0 and 24.6 ± 17.0 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in RAA, UV, and RB between patients harbouring mutant EXT1 or EXT2 (RAA, 40.1 ± 8.7 and 31.5 ± 13.9°; UV, -2.7 ± 5.7 and -3.1 ± 3.7 mm; %RB, 8.6 ± 1.5 and 8.3 ± 2.0%). CS was significantly greater in patients with mutant EXT1 than that in those with mutant EXT2 (EXT1, 44.1 ± 16.8%; EXT2, 18.6 ± 14.0%). There were no significant differences in RAA, UV, CS and %RB between patients with missense and other mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mutant EXT1 displayed greater CS than patients with mutant EXT2, indicating that patients with MO harbouring EXT1 mutations sustain more severe ulnar drift deformities than those with EXT2 mutations.

Does trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition arthroplasty correct the metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension associated with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis?

INTRODUCTION: Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis sometimes results in hyperextension of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, which could negatively impact outcomes following trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty. Although algorithms on performing trapeziectomy with LRTI for the management of this deformity are available, they lack clear evidence. Here, we investigate the function of the thumb MCP joint after trapeziectomy with LTRI and whether this procedure alone corrects preoperative MCP hyperextension, and also analyze clinical factors correlated with MCP hyperextension post-surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who underwent trapeziectomy with LRTI and followed up for at ≥ 1 year (mean, 27.2 months) were retrospectively analyzed. No patient had concomitant surgery to the thumb MCP joint at the time of trapeziectomy with LRTI. Patients were divided into the < 30° (n = 19) and > 30° (n = 9) hyperextension groups as per their preoperative passive range of motion (ROM) of the MCP joint. Changes in ROM of the MCP joint post-surgery, clinical factors correlated with postoperative MCP hyperextension, and correlations between clinical outcomes and postoperative MCP extension were analyzed. RESULTS: In the < 30° MCP hyperextension group, active and passive extensions of the MCP joint did not significantly change after surgery, and no worsening of postoperative MCP hyperextension was observed. In the > 30° hyperextension group, passive extension of the MCP joint significantly decreased (mean, 49.6°-29.8°). Preoperative MCP hyperextension improved in seven patients, was unchanged in 1, and worsened in 1. Postoperative passive MCP extension was negatively correlated with active/passive radial abduction, MCP flexion, trapezial space height, subjective outcomes, and hand strength post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Trapeziectomy with LRTI alone could prevent postoperative thumb MCP hyperextension deformity for patients with thumb MCP extension < 30° and improve preoperative thumb MCP hyperextension. However, for patients with loss of radial abduction and MCP flexion due to the contracture, indirect correction of the MCP hyperextension was improbable.

Dorsal buttress plate fixation for the treatment of fracture-dislocation of the fifth carpometacarpal joint with avulsion fracture of the hamate: a case report.

Fracture-dislocations of the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) joints present a complex situation. Misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment may cause malunion and residual subluxation, which lead to painful arthritis and grip weakness. Open reduction along with internal fixation is the treatment of choice, but there is no consensus on an optimal treatment approach. We applied a novel surgical technique to treat a case of a fracture-dislocation of the fifth CMC joint with avulsion fracture of the hamate using a dorsal buttress plate between the hamate and the capitate. This method allowed for achieving rigid fixation without screw insertion across the bone fragments of the hamate. We could avoid the risk of unexpected fragmentation and unexpected damage to the volar neurovascular bundles around the hook of the hamate. Six months postoperatively, bone union was achieved and the reduction of the fourth and fifth CMC joints was maintained. Range of motion of the fourth and fifth CMC joints was almost equal to that on the contralateral side. Dorsal buttress plating between the hamate and the capitate could be an alternative technique for the treatment of fracture-dislocation of the fifth CMC joint with avulsion fracture of the hamate.

Staged arthrodesis using the Masquelet technique for osteomyelitis of the finger with articular destruction: a report of two cases.

Osteitis of the fingers is a serious infection that needs early diagnosis and appropriate surgical debridement and antibiotic treatment of the infected bone. If the effects of treatments are insufficient, long-term antibiotic treatment and repeated operations could be required. In worst cases, some patients may have to undergo amputation. Recently, the usefulness of the Masquelet technique in extensive traumatic bone defects has been reported. We herein describe two cases of immunocompromised patients with purulent osteitis involving joint destruction of the finger treated by two-stage arthrodesis using the Masquelet technique. They obtained good infection control and better function of the finger than before the operation. Moreover, there was no recurrence of the infection. The Masquelet technique could be an alternative technique for osteitis with high risk of amputation.

Recurrent atraumatic acute carpal tunnel syndrome due to hematoma caused by distal radioulnar joint arthritis during anticoagulant treatment with apixaban.

Atraumatic acute carpal tunnel syndrome is a rare type of median nerve neuropathy caused by etiologies that increase compartment pressure in the carpal tunnel. This report describes a patient with flexor tendon abrasion as an unusual complication of distal radioulnar joint arthritis. This abrasion caused a hematoma to form in the carpal tunnel during anticoagulant treatment with apixaban, resulting in recurrent acute carpal tunnel syndrome.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes for Arthrodesis and Arthroplasty for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis in Female Workers.

Background: Both arthrodesis and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (T + LRTI) arthroplasty are reliable surgical procedures for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis. Here, we compared surgical outcomes between arthrodesis and T + LRTI for female workers aged over 40 years with thumb CMC osteoarthritis to determine an optimal procedure. Patients and Methods: Fourteen thumbs of 13 patients who underwent arthrodesis with locking plates and 11 thumbs of 10 patients who underwent T + LRTI and were followed up for at least 12 months were retrospectively analyzed. For the two groups, we investigated the range of motion (ROM) of the thumb, grip strength, pinch strength, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, Hand20 score, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain at 1-year follow-up and compared them between the two groups. In addition, we investigated surgical complications and resumption of work. Results: Both procedures provided similar subjective outcomes in terms of Hand20 and VAS scores; however, arthrodesis provided significantly larger ROM of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the thumb, grip and pinch strength, and DASH score, whereas T + LRTI provided a significantly better palmar abduction at 1-year follow-up. There were three and four postoperative complications in the arthrodesis and T + LRTI groups, respectively. One patient in the arthrodesis group had resigned, whereas two patients in T + LRTI had changed their jobs to less physically demanding ones postoperatively. Conclusion: Both procedures satisfy female workers aged over 40 years with thumb CMC osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, arthrodesis can provide favorable outcomes that are equal to or better than T + LRTI.

Two-stage reconstruction using a vancomycin-impregnated cement spacer for finger osteomyelitis with bone and joint destruction.

OBJECTIVES: Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are serious infections. Several treatment methods for the small joints and bones of the hands have been reported. We hypothesized that antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers could be useful for purulent finger osteomyelitis with bone and joint destruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven patients with finger osteomyelitis with bone and joint destruction were treated using vancomycin (VCM)-impregnated cement spacers. During the first surgery, a cement spacer was placed in the space created after debridement, maintaining finger length. Intraoperative specimens were tested for bacterial growth. Systemic antibiotic treatment was administered. A second surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after the first. After spacer removal, reconstruction surgeries were performed: arthrodesis using the Masquelet technique (n = 5), vascularized bone grafting (n = 1), and silicone implant arthroplasty (n = 1). We assessed the pathogenic bacteria, duration of antibiotic treatment, infection control, time to bone union, pain on visual analogue scale (VAS) (0 - 100), total active motion (TAM) of the affected fingers, and grip strength. RESULTS: The pathogenic bacteria were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and unknown in 3, 3, and 1 patients, respectively. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 6.4 weeks. In all patients, infection resolved without recurrence. One patient underwent joint arthroplasty; otherwise, bone union was achieved in 6 patients. Mean VAS score for pain was 0.9. Mean TAM was 147° for the index and middle fingers and 50° for the thumb. Mean grip strength was 86.4% of that of the unaffected side. CONCLUSION: VCM-impregnated cement spacers could be useful for finger osteomyelitis, facilitating effective infection control and the maintenance of finger length, even in severe conditions.

Surgical Treatment of Heterotopic Ossification of the Bilateral Shoulder and Elbow Joints Caused by Burn Injury: A Case Report.

CASE: A 27-year-old man sustained chemical burns affecting 54% of his body caused by steam and acetic acid at a dyeing factory. He developed restricted bilateral elbow and shoulder motion because of heterotopic ossification (HO) beginning 3 months after the incident. The skin healed within 1 year, but ankylosis developed because of progressing ossification. We performed HO surgical excision in 4 stages. Two years after the final surgery, the function of both upper extremities had recovered. CONCLUSION: For HO caused by severe burns, improvement in upper extremity function can be achieved even if surgery is performed after skin healing.

First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery-pedicled Second Metacarpal Vascularized Bone Graft for Nonunion after Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthrodesis.

Arthrodesis is a reliable surgical procedure for treating thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. However, the most frequent and problematic complication of arthrodesis is nonunion. Although postarthrodesis-related nonunion is a common complication, the indications and results of revision procedures for this pathological condition have not been well documented. A 59-year-old man underwent arthrodesis for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, which resulted in painful nonunion 7 months after the surgery. We performed revision surgery for this pathological condition, using first dorsal metacarpal artery-pedicled second metacarpal vascularized bone graft. This method resulted in successful bone union and pain relief. First dorsal metacarpal artery-pedicled second metacarpal vascularized bone grafting could be an alternative method for nonunion, which is a common complication after thumb carpometacarpal arthrodesis.

The Incidence of Heterotopic Ossification in Surgically and Non-surgically Treated Elbow Fractures at a Municipal Hospital in Japan.

Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-recognised complication of after elbow trauma. The prevalence and risk factors of HO have been previously reported. However, these reports were based on elbow trauma that had undergone surgical treatment and most of them were from Western countries. This study aimed to assess the incidence of HO in patients with elbow fractures who were treated surgically and non-surgically in Japan. Methods: We retrospectively identified consecutive patients who were treated of elbow fractures and fracture-dislocations at our institution in recent consecutive 3-year periods. We extracted patient demographics, injury mechanisms and treatment details from the medical records. Furthermore, we reviewed radiographs to classify the fracture pattern and identify the presence or absence of HO. Results: HO was identified in 6/97 (6%) patients. Fracture-dislocation was noted in 4/6 patients. The fracture types with HO included terrible triad injury (n = 2), isolated coronoid process fractures (n = 2), distal humerus A-type fractures (n = 1) and radial head fracture (n = 1). According to the Hastings and Graham classification, HO was classified as Class I in five patients and Class II B in one patient who underwent additional surgery for HO resection. Conclusions: The incidence of HO was relatively low in our patients. However, of the 20 conservatively treated elbows, one patient developed clinically relevant HO and required excision of HO. Even patients with elbow fractures treated conservatively should be informed of the potential risk of developing severe HO requiring surgical excision. In addition, surgeons in this region could use these data to inform patients about the risk of HO development after an elbow injury. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).