Surgical management of slightly or non-displaced corporal scaphoid fractures by retrograde percutaneous screw fixation through the anterior trapezium horn: A single-center retrospective French study of 33 patients between January 2015 and January 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous screw fixation has recently gained popularity as an alternative to conservative treatment to avoid prolonged immobilization. The placement of a screw in the central axis of the scaphoid has been shown to be biomechanically superior to its eccentricity. Still, it poses difficulties in performing percutaneous screw fixation via both palmar and dorsal approaches. OBJECTIVE: We describe a palmar percutaneous screwing of corporal fractures of the scaphoid by a simple palmar transtrapezial approach allowing an optimal centering of the screw. METHOD: We selected patients operated on by the same surgeon using the palmar transtrapezial approach between January 2015 and January 2019 based on the coding used for these fractures and the operative reports. In addition, pre- and postoperative data were collected from the patient's computer and paper records and by telephone contact with the patients. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. Percutaneous screw fixation of the scaphoid was performed under locoregional anesthesia in the operating room with one arm in the supine position on the arm table. No hyper-extension of the wrist was performed. The Kirchner guidewire passed through the anterior horn of the trapezium and then into the trapezium-scaphoid joint. A screw replaced it after satisfactory centering in the axis of the scaphoid. Management took place on average within 12 days after the trauma. 75.8% were A2 fractures, according to Herbert's classification. The average operating time was 16.63minutes, and in 91% of the cases, the patient was hospitalized for one day. The variation of the scapholunate angle on the preoperative profile radiographs with the angle defined by the axis of the scaphoid screw and the lunate postoperatively was on average 2.94°. One patient presented nonunion, and four showed an undersized screw with a screw overhang requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSION: The transtrapezial approach to fixation of acute scaphoid fractures facilitates precise percutaneous screw placement in the central axis of the scaphoid. A study of long-term complications, including the degenerative impact on the scaphotrapezial joint, is needed to assess the safety of passage through the anterior horn of the trapezium.

Does vitamin C supplementation improve rotator cuff healing? A preliminary study.

PURPOSE: One of the complications after rotator cuff repair is a tendon non-healing. It has already been posited in the literature that vitamin C (VC) promotes tendon healing through its antioxidant properties and its role as a cofactor in collagen synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative VC supplementation on the tendon healing following repair. METHODS: This randomized monocentric prospective study included 98 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 1-year period and follow-up ultrasound 6 months postoperatively. The cohort was divided into two groups: the VC+ group (500 mg/day PO for 45 days postoperatively) and the VC- group (no supplementation). The evaluation criterion was tendon healing at 6 months postoperatively according to the Sugaya ultrasound classification. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluations were based on active mobilities, the Constant score and the subjective shoulder value. RESULTS: There was no difference in term of postoperative outcomes between the two groups. At an average follow-up of 6.3 months, the non-healing rate in the overall population was 17%. This rate was higher in VC- compared to VC+, respectively, 23% vs. 11%), p = 0.2. CONCLUSION: This study showed a trend to improve tendon healing after rotator cuff repair with VC supplementation. However, a prospective study with a larger patient population should be conducted to confirm this finding.

Influence of vitamin C on the incidence of CRPS-I after subacromial shoulder surgery.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to determine whether postoperative administration of vitamin C (VC) is associated with reduced risk of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) after subacromial shoulder surgery (SaSS). The secondary objective of the study was to identify risk factor for the development of CRPS-I after SaSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate 542 patients undergoing SaSS from January 2015 to December 2016. The cohort was divided into two groups based on VC administration [Group I (no VC) and Group II (500 mg/day oral VC for 50 days postoperatively)]. The relationship between VC administration and development of CRPS-I was assessed. Demographics, preoperative clinical parameters, and operative variables were evaluated to determine their effect on the incidence of CRPS-I. RESULTS: A total of 267 patients (Group II) undergoing SaSS received VC, and 266 patients (Group I) did not. The incidence of CRPS-I was significantly different between two groups (36(13%) vs 18(7%), p = 0.009). Multivariable regression, however, demonstrated that VC reduced the risk of CRPS-I after SaSS by > 50% (aOR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.27-0.91). Patients undergoing open surgery (aOR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.2-4.0) were more likely to develop CRPS-I postoperatively. Higher preoperative Constant score (aOR = 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.98) was associated with lower risk for CRPS-I development. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that VC administered prophylactically for 50 days postoperatively is effective in preventing CRPS-I development after SaSS. CRPS-I is a common complication following SaSS, especially in the setting of an open approach. The authors recommend preventive management with VC and arthroscopic approaches when possible for SaSS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Retrospective comparative study.

Description and ultrasound targeting of the origin of the suprascapular nerve.

Anatomical variations in the suprascapular nerve (SSN) and its depth in the suprascapular notch can make it difficult to target with ultrasonography (US). One alternative could be a proximal approach to the SSN, if US provides a reliable description of its origin (orSSN). The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate that US can reliably locate the orSSN. The secondary objective was to describe the features of the proximal SSN. Seventy brachial plexuses (BPs) from 30 healthy volunteers (60 BPs) and 5 cadavers (10 BPs) were included. There were two parts to this study: (1) description of the proximal SSN in healthy volunteers using US to determine the diameter, depth and location of the orSSN; (2) targeting of the orSSN with US in cadaver limbs to determine its distance from the needle, ink marking and locating the orSSN. In Part I, the diameter of the orSSN averaged 1.33 mm (1-9 mm) and its depth averaged 5.12 mm (2.7-10.6 mm). The orSSN was located in the upper trunk of the BP (53) or its posterior division (7). In Part II, the orSSN was successfully targeted in nine of the 10 specimens by US; the needle/orSSN distance averaged 3.8 mm (0-8 mm). The implanted needle was at the orSSN in two cases, proximal to it in seven and distal to it in one. US is a valid modality for describing and pinpointing the orSSN, irrespective of patient morphology. Clin. Anat. 30:747-752, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

How to determine the bone mineral density of the distal humerus with radiographic tools?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate three methods of prediction of the bone quality of the distal humerus: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), Ct-Scan and plain radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density (BMD) of 21 cadaveric distal humerus was determined using DEXA at two levels. Then a CT-scan and anteroposterior radiographs were taken. The cancellous density was estimated with the CT-scan. The cortico-medullar index (CMI) was calculated as cortical thickness divided by total bone thickness on AP views. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between the BMD of the epiphysis and the CMI of r = 0.61. The mean BMD of the distal humerus was 0.559 g/cm(2). Male specimens showed a significantly higher BMD than females. The mean CMI of diaphysis was 1.431 and the mean BMD of the metaphysis region was 0.444 g/cm(2). DISCUSSION: More than a direct evaluation of the bone density with a CT-scan, the CMI of the distal humerus diaphysis is a predictor of the bone quality of the distal humerus. This should be of great help for the surgeon's decision making in case of fracture of the distal humerus, as open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of fractures of the distal humerus can lead to failure due to poor bone quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study, Anatomic Cadaver Study.

[Indications and technique of combined medial and lateral column procedures in severe extrinsic elbow contractures]. / Indikationen und Operationstechniken für kombinierte mediale und laterale Eingriffe bei schwerer extrinsischer Ellenbogensteife.

Severe extrinsic elbow contracture can be treated effectively using elbow arthrolysis to obtain satisfactory results. Preoperative planing is of prime importance to evaluate joint involvement and to decide how to approach the capsule from the lateral or medial aspect of the elbow. Most of the time because of the extensive involvement of the periarticular tissue, a combined approach is usually preferred. It is a step-by-step procedure that must be adapted to the progressive gain of motion. The ulnar nerve must be identified systematically and often anteriorly transposed. Maximum gain of motion must be obtained at surgery because loss of elbow motion after surgery is common. Postoperative management must be closely followed static splint being preferable to active physiotherapy. Results of surgical arthrolysis for extrinsic stiffness is often satisfactory with an absolute gain in the flexion-extension arc between 30 and 60°.

Functional outcomes after surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis: Retrospective single-center 24-case series.

Isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis has functional consequences on the wrist. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients managed surgically during the last 12 years at the Toulouse University Hospital, regardless of the surgical technique used, for isolated STT osteoarthritis. We performed a single-center retrospective observational study using the CCAM database. The inclusion criteria were patients treated surgically for isolated STT osteoarthritis who did not respond to conservative treatment, with at least 6 months of clinical and radiological follow-up. Twenty-four patients were treated between 2006 and 2018. Partial arthroplasty of the distal pole of the scaphoid with or without interposition and total trapeziectomy had been performed on these patients. The mean follow-up was 79±46.8 months. The wrist range of motion (ROM) and the Kapandji score were not significantly reduced postoperatively. The mean postoperative QuickDASH score was 29.15±8.46. The mean pain assessed using a visual analog scale was 6.6±1.17 preoperatively versus 1.25±1.51 postoperatively (P=0.003). Statistical subgroup analysis found no predictive factor for a better postoperative QuickDASH score, and no surgical technique was superior at halting the progression of intracarpal misalignment and postoperative ROM. Surgical treatment of isolated STT osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment leads to significant functional improvement, particularly in terms of pain, without altering the wrist's overall mobility.

Prospective study of 80 volar wounds of the hand and wrist: Correlations between clinical examination and intraoperative findings.

Hand and wrist volar wounds are a common cause of emergency room (ER) visits. These wounds are explored surgically in the operating room at most hospitals. The main objective of our study was to prospectively assess the correlation between clinical examination in the ER performed by a surgical resident and the tendon, vascular and/or nerve damage found during surgery in hand and wrist volar wounds. The second objective was to describe the lesions based on their mechanism, as well as their topography. Eighty patients from two hand surgery referral centers were included. Patients' past medical history was obtained, as well as records of their physical examination in the ER and description of lesions found during surgery. In 28% of wounds with a normal clinical examination, tendon, vascular or nerve damage was found on surgical exploration. Out of the cases that tested negative for tendon injury in the ER, 16% had partial tendon injury or digital tunnel wound discovered during surgery. Nerve damage was found during surgery in 12% of cases that had not been detected clinically preoperatively. Based on our findings, we recommend performing surgical exploration for all volar hand and wrist wounds in the operating room, as physical examination does not detect all tendons, vascular or nerve injuries.

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis versus radiolunate arthrodesis in rheumatoid wrist surgery: Clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Radiolunate arthrodesis is a validated surgical technique in rheumatoid wrist surgery. When the radioscaphoid joint is involved or when there is radiolunate instability, a radioscapholunate arthrodesis must be preferred. The objective was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes for both types of arthrodesis. Patients were evaluated retrospectively at a minimal follow-up of 12 months after radiolunate arthrodesis (RL-A group) or radioscapholunate arthrodesis (RSL-A group). Mean follow-up was 10.7 years (1-25 years). One hundred and one patients were included in RL-A group and 26 in RSL-A group. At follow-up, pain level was significantly reduced by 3.7 points and by 2.9 points in RL-A and RSL-A groups, respectively. Mobility in flexion/extension was significantly reduced by 25° in both groups. DASH and PRWE scores were 42.9 and 41.4 in RL-A group, 41.8 and 20.6 in RSL-A group, respectively. Larsen stage for the midcarpal joint increased significantly in both groups (+0.8 in RL-A group; +0.9 in RSL-A group), carpal height index decreased (-0.03 in RL-A group (significant); -0.02 in RSL-A group (non-significant)), carpal ulnar translation index increased (+0.038 in RL-A group; +0.037 in RSL-A group), without significant difference between both groups. Nonunion rate was significantly higher in RSL-A group (62%) than in RL-A group (30%). A pain free and functional wrist can be obtained after radiolunate and radioscapholunate arthrodesis. However, arthritis lesions and carpal deformities increased with follow-up similarly with both surgical techniques. Our results have shown that radiolunate arthrodesis remains a reliable surgical procedure for advanced rheumatoid wrist.

BCGitis of the wrist after intravesical BCG therapy: A case report.

Septic arthritis of the wrist can result in joint destruction, making timely diagnosis crucial for initiating empiric antibiotics and surgical intervention. Mycobacterium is a rare cause of this disorder. A 47-year-old man with bladder cancer was treated surgically and received BCG intravesical therapy. Eleven months later, this patient developed severe carpal BCGitis requiring total carpal resection. The first step was addition of a cement spacer and radiometacarpal stabilisation (Masquelet technique). Secondary infections occurred aggravating the prognosis. This case emphasises the importance of taking into account the patient's medical history. Tuberculosis of the wrist is a rare etiology for septic arthritis; delayed treatment leads to severe complications and functional sequelae.

[Surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability in rugby players: clinical and radiographic results with minimum five-year follow-up]. / Traitement chirurgical des instabilités antérieures de l'épaule chez les joueurs de rugby : résultats cliniques et radiographiques au recul minimum de cinq ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In rugby players, 9 to 11% of injuries involve shoulder trauma. Anterior dislocation is one of the most severe accidents affecting the upper limb; recurrent dislocation, observed in more than 60%, appears to be related to the characteristic mechanism of injury in this sport (tackling). Surgical treatment for this instability is a bone block or capsulolabral repair. The purpose of this work was to evaluate outcome with minimum five-years follow-up after treatment by selective capsule repair in a homogeneous series of rugby players. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2001, 31 rugby players were reviewed at mean 82 months (range: 60 to 120 months) follow-up. Sixty-one percent were regional-level players. A tackle was involved in the instability accidents for half of the players. Age at surgery was 21 years (range: 16 to 34), on average 4.44 years (range: 2 to 20) after the instability accident. Signs of capsule hyperlaxity were noted in 16 shoulders (46%). Dislocation was noted in 27 shoulders, subluxation in five. Chronic pain and instability were noted for three shoulders. Disinsertion of the anteroinferior labrum was noted in 23 shoulders (65%) and was repaired with two, three or four anchors. Isolated capsule distension was observed in twelve shoulders. Neer capsuloplasty was performed on 33 shoulders, with complementary labral reinsertion for 21 of them. RESULTS: Ninety-seven percent of the patients were playing rugby again after surgery, the longest delay being one year after the operation. A new episode of instability after major trauma was observed in six shoulders (17%), on average 3.8 years (range: 0.5 to 6) after the operation. Isolated capsule repair had the poorest prognosis (p=0.04). Compared with the contralateral side, external rotation decreased on average 6.2 degrees (elbow to chest) and 3.4 degrees at 90 degrees abduction. Subscapular muscle force decreased on average 2.05 kg. The Rowe and Duplay-Walch scores were good or excellent for 86% and 80% of shoulders, respectively. Patient satisfaction was 88%. According to Samilson, radiographic degeneration was noted in 32% of shoulders, with stage 1 osteoarthritis in 45% and stage 2 in 23%. DISCUSSION: Young age appears to be a major factor, predictive of recurrence after a first instability accident; the type of sport would only be indirectly involved. Nevertheless, for patients playing this type of contact sports, the appropriateness of surgical stabilization can be debated; arthroscopic anatomic methods have not yet yielded results equivalent to open surgery. The results in this series are similar to those found elsewhere in the literature, but with a follow-up longer than generally reported. Anatomic reconstruction of anterior stability elements enables these patients to resume their contact sport at an equivalent level with restored joint motion.

[Comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients]. / Fractures articulaires complexes de l'extrémité distale de l'humérus chez le sujet âgé

Treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients remains a challenge in trauma surgery. These fractures are rare, but their frequency increases. Our multicenter studies collected 238 cases of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in patients older than 65: two hundred and five cases for the retrospective study, 33 for the prospective study with a minimum follow-up of six months. The following criterias were studied: age, sex, state of health (with ASA score), functional scores (with Katz score), osteoporosis by the OST score and dual X-ray absorptiometry. The results were evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (Morrey) and the Quick DASH. X-ray studies were performed in order to assess both results for prosthesis and osteosynthesis. The following criteria were studied: bone healing, quality of reduction, signs of arthritis (Broberg-Morrey), prosthetic position, mechanical complications, prosthesis fixation. There were 80% of women in good health according to the ASA score (more than 70% of ASA 1 or 2). Most of them (80%) were self-governing and living at home. Hundred and seventy-two patients had an osteosynthesis and 44 had a prosthetic reconstruction (like Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis). Patients treated with osteosynthesis were younger (mean age was 77) than those treated with prosthetic reconstruction (mean age 81). Mean follow-up was 32 months. Results of osteosynthesis were good and excellent for 77% of the patients. Complications occurred for 20% of patients with a reoperation rate of 13%. Results of prosthetic reconstruction were good and excellent for 83% of the patients with 14% of complications and 6% of reoperation. Prosthetic reconstruction seemed to be better than osteosynthesis according to the Mayo Clinic score (84 points versus 77 points for the retrospective study and 95 points versus 75 points for the prospective study). However, the statistical analysis was not significant. Treatment of these fractures must be discussed according to the physiological status of the patient and the fracture patterns (scan evaluation). In conclusion, osteosynthesis remains the standard treatment when stable fixation is feasible. However, prosthetic reconstruction should be discussed for dependant patients or with comorbidity factors, bad bone quality leading to poor osteosynthesis or complex fracture.

Results of non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in over 75-year-olds.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the gold-standard treatment of displaced olecranon fracture, but is associated with numerous complications, especially in the elderly. Functional results of non-operative treatment in this population have never been analyzed in a prospective study. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Non-operative treatment of isolated olecranon fracture with stable elbow-joint in over 75-year-olds gives functional results comparable to those of surgery as reported in the literature, with fewer complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study analyzed functional results of non-operative treatment of isolated closed Mayo I and II olecranon fracture with stable elbow, in patients aged ≥75 years. The principal assessment criterion was functional recovery on the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and QuickDASH at 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty-two fractures in 21 patients were included. Mean MEPS was 95.26/100 (range, 85-100), and mean QuickDASH 4.3 (range, 0-29.55). Eighteen fractures showed osteoarthritis of the olecranon. There were no cases of elbow instability. There were no complications. DISCUSSION: Non-operative treatment of olecranon fracture in patients aged ≥75 years provided excellent functional results at 6 months, without associated complications. TYPE OF STUDY: Single-center prospective observation cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Degenerative subtalar joints complicated by medial plantar intraneural cysts : cutting the cystic articular branch prevents recurrence.

AIMS: The pathogenesis of intraneural ganglion cysts is controversial. Recent reports in the literature described medial plantar intraneural ganglion cysts (mIGC) with articular branches to subtalar joints. The aim of the current study was to provide further support for the principles underlying the articular theory, and to explain the successes and failures of treatment of mICGs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, five patients with five mICGs were retrospectively reviewed. There were five men with a mean age of 50.2 years (33 to 68) and a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (0.8 to 6). Case history, physical examination, imaging, and intraoperative findings were reviewed. The outcomes of interest were ultrasound and/or MRI features of mICG, as well as the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The five intraneural cysts followed the principles of the unifying articular theory. Connection to the posterior subtalar joint (pSTJ) was identified or suspected in four patients. Re-evaluation of preoperative MRI demonstrated a degenerative pSTJ and denervation changes in the abductor hallucis in all patients. Cyst excision with resection of the articular branch (four), cyst incision and drainage (one), and percutaneous aspiration/steroid injection (two) were performed. Removing the connection to the pSTJ prevented recurrence of mIGC, whereas medial plantar nerves remained cystic and symptomatic when resection of the communicating articular branch was not performed. CONCLUSION: Our findings support a standardized treatment algorithm for mIGC in the presence of degenerative disease at the pSTJ. By understanding the pathoanatomic mechanism for every cyst, we can improve treatment that must address the articular branch to avoid the recurrence of intraneural ganglion cysts, as well as the degenerative pSTJ to avoid extraneural cyst formation or recurrence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:183-9.

Evaluation of the glenoid implant survival using a biomechanical finite element analysis: influence of the implant design, bone properties, and loading location.

Total shoulder arthroplasty has become a successful surgical procedure through design improvements. However, lucent lines around the glenoid component are of major concern for leading to component loosening. To better understand the mechanism causing loosening, a finite element biomechanical model of an in vivo scapula was developed. The effect of eccentric loading was analyzed on a keel glenoid and a peg glenoid implant. Results indicated that eccentric loading greatly increases stresses in the cement mantle at the bone-cement interface, and no significant difference was predicted between keel and peg implants. The results suggested that eccentric loading is a likely cause for initiation of cracks in the cement layer especially on the posterior side. Moreover, these results, compared with other studies, indicate that geometric and bone properties of the scapula may be more important factors in the success of shoulder arthroplasty than implant design.

[Anaerobic sternocostoclavicular septic arthritis: a case report]. / Arthrite septique sterno-costo-claviculaire à germes anaérobies: à propos d'un cas.

Septic arthirtis of the sternocostoclavicular joint is exceptional and usually occurs in immunodeficient subjects. The clinical presentation may be misleading, a rheumatoid disease often being suggested. We report a case of secondary joint infection caused by anaerobic bacteria and discuss the diagnostic problems involved as well as the disease course and the therapeutic options proposed in the literature. The diagnosis calls upon computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, leading to joint needle aspiration. Appropriate imaging enables an assessment of the anatomic damage and is useful for guiding surgical treatment under adapted antibiotic coverage.

[The hairdresser hand: clinical aspect of pilonidal sinus. Report of 3 cases]. / La main du coiffeur: forme clinique du sinus pilonidal. A propos de trois cas.

The authors report 3 cases of interdigital pilonidal sinus in hairdressers. Description of pathology, pathogenesis and treatment are discussed. A literature review then follows which gives a perspective on this clinical presentation.

[Partial trapezectomy with suspension and interposition tendinoplasty for trapezometacarpal osteoarthritis: 5 years results]. / Trapézectomie partielle avec tendinoplastie de suspension et d'interposition dans le traitement de la rhizarthrose: résultats à cinq ans.

OBJECTIVES: Partial trapezectomy with suspension and interposition tendinoplasty is an alternative to total trapezectomy or trapezometacarpal arthroplasty for the treatment of trapezometacarpal osteoarthritis. This technique preserves the thumb length allowing good motion and satisfactory pollicidigital strength. The purpose of the present study is to report our experience with this procedure reviewing a continuous monocentric series of 41 thumbs with an averaged follow-up of 5 years. Surgical technique, clinical and radiographic results, and indications are discussed. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (41 thumbs) of 57.4 years average age underwent this procedure. According to Dell classification there were 23 stage II, 15 stage III, and 3 stage IV. No sign of osteoarthritis of the scapho-trapezo-trapezoidal joint were noted. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were available for all the patients. Pollicidigital strength was measured with a dynamometer. RESULTS: At 57 months average follow-up, 71% of the patients had no pain. Average opposition was 9.56 out of 10 according to Kapandji, the key pinch was equal to 6.51 kg, and M1M2 space was 34 degrees . Trapezometacarpal space was 2.52 mm on average. There were only 3 complications related to a reflex sympathetic dystrophy. CONCLUSION: Partial trapezectomy with tendinoplasty gives satisfactory functional results which is maintained with follow-up. It allows recovery of a functional pollicidigital strength by limiting thumb shortening. It is a reliable procedure with a low rate of complication indicated for isolated thumb trapezometacarpal joint osteoarthritis without scapho-trapezo-trapezoidal joint involvement.

[Carpometacarpal dislocation of the fifth finger: descriptive study of 31 cases]. / Les luxations carpométacarpiennes du cinquième rayon: étude descriptive à propos de 31 cas.

OBJECTIVES: Carpometacarpal dislocation of the little finger is a rare and little known injury. We performed a 10 years retrospective study of all the cases in our unit in order to improve comprehension and treatment of this disease. METHODS: Thirty-one patients were included in this study. All the dislocations were dorsal with 5 isolated fifth carpometacarpal dislocations, 6 fracture-dislocations of the base of the fifth metacarpal, 19 fourth and fifth dislocations and one third-fourth-fifth dislocation. Diagnosis of the injury was made early in only 19 patients. 30 had surgical management, 28 with percutaneous K-wires, and 2 through a metacarpalhamate arthrodesis. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were available for follow-up at an average of 6 months and 5 patients were lost for follow-up. Twenty-five patients had satisfactory results. A reflex sympathetic dystrophy delayed the recovery for one patient. There was no recurrence of dislocation at follow-up. There was no complication necessitating revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of carpometacarpal dislocation of the little finger can be performed with conventional radiographic examination; computer-tomography is helpful to confirm an associated fracture of the carpus. The goal of treatment is early reduction and fixation of the metacarpal. There is no recommendation for operative technique based on scientific evaluation. Early diagnosis is the key to success.

Denervation of the wrist with two surgical incisions. Is it effective? A review of 33 patients with an average of 41months' follow-up.

The goal of wrist denervation is to decrease pain at the wrist, whether caused by an intra- or extra-articular problem or even when the reason for the pain is unknown. It is an alternative to partial or total arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy. Our hypothesis was that wrist denervation with a two-incision technique was a reliable and efficient way to treat painful degenerative wrists. Thirty-three patients, 48years old on average, were included in this study. Indications were scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) in 18 cases, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) in 10, distal radius fracture sequelae with advanced radiocarpal osteoarthritis in 4, and post-traumatic ulnocarpal impingement in 1 case. At 41 months' follow-up (12-161), there was a 75% reduction in pain levels, decreasing from 7.1 to 1.8 on a visual analog scale (VAS). There were no modifications related to wrist range of motion or grip strength. The QuickDASH averaged 23 points (5 to 70). Radiographic evaluation showed progression of intracarpal degeneration in 6 patients. All but 2 patients returned to their previous work. Persistent dysesthesia was observed in 7 patients; it resolved in 3 cases and persisted in 4. One patient developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). A midcarpal arthrodesis with scaphoidectomy was performed in one patient because of disabling pain 5months after surgery. Wrist denervation with a two-incision technique for post-traumatic osteoarthritis led to satisfactory results in 75% of cases with reduction in pain, preservation of range of motion and grip strength. However, this technique does not stop the progression of osteoarthritis. It can be discussed as a therapeutic alternative to proximal row carpectomy or intracarpal arthrodesis to treat degenerative painful wrists. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.