Modified Split Ulnar Gutter Splint for Treatment of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiological results of the modified split ulnar gutter splint for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture. METHODS: Between December 2008 and May 2014, 17 patients (18 cases) with fifth metacarpal neck fractures were managed with our modified split ulnar gutter splint. Radiological outcomes in oblique and lateral radiographs were evaluated. Mean immobilization period was 4.9 weeks (range, 4-7) weeks. Mean follow-up period was 17.1 week (range, 8-80 weeks). RESULTS: All of 18 fractures were completely united. The average of prereduction dorsal angulation, 27degrees in the oblique radiographs and 21degrees in the lateral radiographs, were corrected to 17degrees in the oblique radiographs and 10degrees in the lateral radiographs after closed reduction. At the last follow-up, they were 14degrees and 11degrees respectively. The mean difference of angulation deformity between in postreduction and final follow-up radiograms were 3degrees in the oblique radiographs and 1degrees in the lateral radiographs, which was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Immobilization using modified split ulnar gutter splint will be a reliable option for the fifth metacarpal neck fractures in selected patients, which will avoid the surgeries.

Factors Affecting the Occurrence of Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis after Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy

PURPOSE: Ulnar shortening osteotmy is a common operation for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that may affect the occurrence of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis after ulnar shortening osteotomy. METHODS: From September 2005 to August 2012, we performed 81 ulnar shortening osteotomies for ulnar impaction syndrome, and evaluated occurrence or deterioration of DRUJ arthritis in 58 patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. We analyzed potential factors that may affect the occurrence of DRUJ arthritis, such as, age, sex, hand dominance, pre- and postoperative ulnar variance, preexisting DRUJ arthritis, types of radial sigmoid notch, amount of ulnar shortening, and follow up period. RESULTS: DRUJ arthritis occurred or deteriorated in 32 out of the 58 patients. Regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between the type of radial sigmoid notch (type 1) and DRUJ arthritis. Other factors were not found to be correlated with occurrence or deterioration of DRUJ arthritis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with type 1 radial sigmoid notch (ulnar inclination of more than 10 degrees) are more likely to develop DRUJ arthritis after ulnar shortening osteotomy.

Outcomes of the Sauve-Kapandji Procedure in Patients with Advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for the treatment of advanced rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Twenty-severn wrists in twenty-two patients were treated for advanced rheumatoid arthritis with Sauve-Kapandji procedure. Patients were evaluated in terms of wrist pain, bony union, instability of the ulnar proximal stump, ulnar stump pain, range of motion and other complications. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Radiographic evaluation included calculation of the carpal translation index to assess the extent of ulnar translation of the carpus. RESULTS: The average visual analogue scale score improved from 4+/-1.85 preoperatively to 0.78+/-0.91 at the last follow-up (p=0.003). Bone unions in distal radioulnar joint were obtained in all 22 patients, 27 wrists at mean 10.74 weeks (range, 6-28 weeks) after operation. The supination/pronation range of motion was changed from 55/50 degrees preoperatively to 79/73 degrees at postoperative 6 months follow up (p=0.32). The mean carpal translation index did not change after the operation. CONCLUSION: The Sauve-Kapandji procedure is a reliable methods of relieving pain, preserving range of motion (supination/pronation) and preventing ulnar translation of the carpus in managements of the severely destroyed distal radioulnar joints in rhematoid arthritis.

Scaphoid Nonunions Treated with 1, 2-Intercompartment Supraretinacular Artery Pedicled Vascularized Bone Graft and Headless Compression Screw Fixation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of scaphoid nonunions treated with 1, 2-intercompartment supraretinacular artery (ICSRA) pedicled vascularized bone grafting (VBG) and headless compression screw fixation. METHODS: Since August 1, 2005, 11 scaphoid nonunions with avascular necrosis or bone marrow edema of proximal fragments were managed with 1, 2-ICSRA pedicled VBG combined with headless compression screw fixation. The mean age was 37.1 years (range, 21-66 years). 8 patients had avascular necrosis (AVN) of proximal fragments and 3 patients had bone marrow edema in proximal fragments. Serial radiographic evaluations were performed in every 4-8 weeks for bone union and follow up computed tomography scanning were checked in 8 patients. RESULTS: Bone unions were obtained in all 11 patients at 4.9 months (range, 3-9 months) after operation. At last follow up, the average range of motion was 82.5% and the grip power was 84.1% compared to the contralateral side. The mean New York Orthopaedic Hospital wrist score at last follow up was 83.2 (range, 58.1-93.3). CONCLUSION: Combined 1, 2-ICSRA pedicled VBG and headless compression screw fixation were reliable methods for managements of scaphoid nonunions even with AVN at proximal fragments.

Short Scarf Osteotomy for Moderate Hallux Valgus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of short scarf osteotomy that has minimized longitudinal cut for moderate hallux valgus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 12 patients (12 feet) were reviewed by medical records and radiographs. All patients were female and the mean age at the time of operation was 41.5 years. The mean followup time was 21.2 months. We modified original scarf osteotomy by shortening the longitudinal cut to 15~20 mm in length. Additionally, Akin osteotomy of the first proximal phalanx was done in 7 feet and Weil osteotomy of the second metatarsal was done in 4 feet. First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were analyzed radiographically before and after the operation. And the clinical result was assessed by AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hallux score. RESULTS: First-second intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 14.6degrees and 32.8degrees to 6.5degrees and 11.2degrees, respectively. The mean AOFAS hallux score was increased from 52.4 points preoperatively to 88.2 points at followup. Three complications were found: metatarsal fracture during the operation, painful scar around second metatarsal head after Weil osteotomy and postoperative neuralgia. There was no transfer metatarsalgia or recurrence of hallux valgus during followup. CONCLUSION: Short scarf osteotomy would be an effective surgical procedure for moderate hallux valgus with the benefits of minimized soft tissue dissection and stable fixation.