A radiographic study of dorsovolar wrist axes and a database of angular measurements on axial computed tomography images.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify the most accurate dorsovolar principal axis of the distal radius and carpus identified on axial computed tomography (CT) sections and to establish normative data for angular measurements among these axes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2019 and December 2021, normal axial CT images of wrists of a total of 42 individuals (25 males, 17 females; mean age: 31±8.4 years; range, 18 to 45 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Eight axes were identified on axial CT images: four distal radial axes (the volar cortical, medial cortical, central, and sigmoid notch axes) and four carpal axes (the scapholunate, lunotriquetral, capitohamate, and pisotrapezial axes). Twenty-two angular parameters were measured with reference to four principal axes (the volar cortical, medial cortical, central, and pisotrapezial axes). RESULTS: The mean sigmoid notch rotation (version) angles relative to the four principal axes were 8±5° (range, -2° to 18°), 6±5° (range, -2° to 13°), 1±5° (range, -8° to 14°), and 4±4° (range, -3° to 15°), respectively. The mean scapholunate rotation angles were -13±5° (range, -27° to -6°), -15±6° (range, -29° to -8°), -21±5° (range, -30° to -11°), and -8±5° (range, -28° to -6°), respectively. Among four principal axes, the volar cortical and medial cortical axes were nearly collinear with both of relatively fixed carpal axes. The four principal axes showed angular differences between 2° and 8° with each other. There was no significant difference between men and women for all measurements. CONCLUSION: The axial CT sections can be used to describe the various angulations between the normal wrist axes such as the sigmoid notch and scapholunate joint rotation angles. Despite slight differences among the four principal axes, the volar cortical and medial cortical axes are more consistent with the relatively fixed carpal axes.

Facet Inclinations and Interfacet Angle of the Distal Radius on Posteroanterior Radiographs: Clinical Associations With 3 Carpal Pathologies.

PURPOSE: The radiographic interfacet angle (IFA), scaphoid facet inclination (SFI), and lunate facet inclination (LFI) of the distal radius were measured in patients with 3 distinct wrist pathologies to determine whether there is an association between these radiographic measurements and these conditions. METHODS: Posteroanterior wrist radiographs were compiled from patients with 3 types of common wrist pathologies (scaphoid waist fracture [n = 54], scapholunate [SL] dissociation [n = 23], and dorsal ganglion [n = 51]). The patients were all Caucasians aged 20 to 45 years who met strict radiographic criteria. The IFA, SFI, and LFI values of these patients were compared with those obtained from 400 normal wrist radiographs of subjects who met the same selection criteria. RESULTS: In men with a scaphoid waist fracture, the IFA and SFI were significantly greater than in normal men, whereas the LFI was significantly lower. In the SL dissociation group, for all patients and for subgroups stratified according to sex, the IFA and SFI were significantly lower than in the normal matched groups. In the dorsal ganglion group, differences were found in the IFA and SFI for women, but not for men. CONCLUSIONS: The facet orientations of the distal radius in patients with scaphoid fracture, SL dissociation, and dorsal ganglion differed from those in the normal population. The IFA alone is most likely to be associated with all 3 pathologies. The SFI and LFI are less likely to be associated with patients with carpal pathologies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with a greater IFA may be susceptible to scaphoid fractures when they fall on an overstretched hand. Patients with a smaller IFA may be susceptible to SL dissociation when they fall on an overstretched hand.

Outcomes of bipedicle V-Y 'cup' flap for repair of volar oblique fingertip amputations.

We used bipedicle V-Y 'cup' flaps to reconstruct 13 consecutive volar oblique fingertip amputations encountered in a nearly 2-year period. All flaps survived completely with no bone protuberance, scarring or neuroma evident at the end of follow-up (mean, 7 months; range 4-13 months). Two of the 13 patients had moderate or severe tenderness, three had moderate or severe cold intolerance and two had noticeable hook nails. There were no significant (≥10°) flexion contracture in the interphalangeal joints. The mean static two-point discrimination score was 4 mm (range 3-6) and the modal Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test score was 3.6 g (range 3.2-4.2). All patients were satisfied with their surgical outcomes. The bipedicle V-Y 'cup' flap provides good results in terms of fingertip contour, padding and sensation, and has a low complication rate when used to treat volar oblique fingertip amputations.Level of evidence: IV.

Isolated A1 pulley release surgery for trigger finger leads to significant increase in tip-to-tip pinch strength.

BACKGROUND: Even in the first application of patients with early complaints of trigger finger, pinch strength of the hand may be affected. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the change of strength as a result of treatment in this problem. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the change of strength taking into account both measured and expected pinch strengths before and after A1 pulley release surgery. METHODS: Thirty fingers (9 thumbs, 12 middle, 8 ring and 1 index fingers) of 26 patients (17 women, 9 men) who underwent A1 pulley release were included into this study. The mean age of the patients was 53 (16-71). Tip-to-tip finger pinch strengths were measured pre-operatively and at 3 months postoperatively. The expected strengths were calculated using the values obtained from the healthy side and taking into account the dominance effect. In the analysis, pre-operative and postoperative measured strength/expected strength ratios were compared. RESULTS: The mean of measured pinch strength/expected pinch strength ratio was 0.91 ± 0.3 pre-operatively and 1.14 ± 0.3 postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: With the calculation method used in this study, it was found that there was a significant increase in the tip-to-tip pinch strength after surgical A1 pulley release for the trigger finger. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Retrospective cohort study).

An analysis of cases presenting with a mass in the hand and an evaluation of treatment methods.

The aim of this study was to present and discuss our clinical experience of patients presenting with a mass in the upper extremity, in respect of demographic characteristics, localisation of the mass, clinical and pathological characteristics. A retrospective evaluation was made of 114 cases (60 females, 54 males) who presented at our clinic with complaints of localised pain and swelling in the upper extremity between 1 June 2016 and 31 December 2018. The cases were separated into 3 groups; Group 1 with a mass determined in the carpal region, Group 2 with localisation between the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal joint, and Group 3, in the distal of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The mass was of soft tissue origin in 90 cases, and of bone origin in 24 cases. The distribution of cases was 6 in Group 1, 20 cases in Group 2, and 88 in Group 3. The tumour was benign in 105 (92%) cases and a primary malignancy in 9 (7.8%) cases. Recurrence occurred in 4 cases, of which 2 were enchondroma, 1 was a giant cell tendon sheath tumour, and 1 was hemangioma The majority of painful masses seen in the hand are benign and very few are malignant. In the approach to hand tumours, clinical evaluation guided by demo- graphic data, and the evaluation of diagnostic and treatment options according to the radiological ap- pearance and anatomic localisation will determine the ideal approach providing a full cure.

Clinical outcomes of the oblique V-Y advancement pulp flap for repair of lateral fingertip injuries.

We report the use of obliquely oriented V-Y advancement pulp flaps to reconstruct 17 consecutive, lateral oblique fingertip traumatic defects over a 2-year period. All flaps survived completely with no bone protuberance, prominent scar or neuroma evident at an average follow-up of 11 months (range 7 to 19). Although there was no incidence of severe hook nail deformities, there were two patients who had residual mild hook nails, two with pulp/nail asymmetries and one with an ingrown nail. The mean static two-point discrimination was 3.9 mm (range 2 to 8) and the mean Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test score 3.6 g (range 2.44 to 4.56). No correlation was found between the flap obliquity angle and sensory test results. We recommend the obliquely oriented V-Y pulp flap as a reliable reconstructive option for the cover of lateral oblique fingertip defects.Level of evidence: IV.

Radial Reference Points for Measuring Palmar Tilt and Ulnar Variance on Lateral Wrist Radiographs.

Background: Palmar tilt and ulnar variance are crucial parameters for evaluating the distal radius. Identifying suitable reference points for these parameters on lateral wrist radiographs remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to establish reference points for measuring palmar tilt and ulnar variance on lateral wrist radiographs and to evaluate the reliability of these two parameters using the newly defined reference points. Methods: The distal articular surfaces of 25 cadaver radii were marked at four different locations using thin wires. These bones were radiographed and constant landmarks were recorded. The reliability of the palmar tilt and ulnar variance measurements was assessed using the new reference points and two serial measurements recorded by three observers on 27 standardized lateral wrist radiographs. Results: The reference points for palmar tilt on lateral radiograph were the dorsal and volar end points of the subchondral line. The subchondral line was connected to two of five metaphyseal cortical lines. The reference point for lateral ulnar variance was easily defined on the midpoint of the proximal aspect of the subchondral line. The corresponding posteroanterior central reference point for ulnar variance was at the ulnar corner of the subchondral line. Inter- and intra-observer reliabilities were overall good for the palmar tilt measurements, and excellent for the ulnar variance measurements. Conclusions: Palmar tilt can be determined accurately with a good understanding of the radiographic landmarks on lateral radiographs, and by addressing the problems caused by ulnar inclination of the articular surface of the distal radius. Lateral wrist radiographs can provide a complete picture of the ulnar border of the radius for measuring ulnar variance.

Facet Inclinations and Interfacet Angle of the Distal Radius on Posteroanterior Radiographs.

PURPOSE: To determine the lunate facet inclination (LFI), scaphoid facet inclination (SFI), and interfacet angle (IFA) of the distal radius on posteroanterior (PA) radiographs; evaluate the reliability of the IFA measurements; and define normative reference values for all 3 parameters. METHODS: The IFA was defined as the angle between the lines tangential to the scaphoid and the lunate facets. The reliability of the IFA measurements was investigated using 2 serial measurements made by 3 observers. Three parameters (the IFA, LFI, and SFI) were measured on PA wrist radiographs of 400 normal Caucasians. Between-side and -sex differences among the 3 parameters were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The inter- and intraobserver reliability of the IFA measurements was excellent. The mean values were as follows: IFA, 20°; LFI, 14°; and SFI, 34°. Although no statistically significant difference was found between the right and the left wrists, sex-based analyses revealed significant differences between the wrists of women and men. Based on the standard distribution of IFAs, 3 groups of distal radii were defined as follows: slightly, moderately, and steeply angled. CONCLUSIONS: The LFI, SFI, and IFA are easily measured radiographic parameters of the distal radius. Although a moderate correlation was evident between the IFA and the LFI, the IFA is a novel parameter to evaluate the carpal articular shape of the distal radius. The IFA measurement on PA radiographs is reliable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The LFI has been accepted as a parameter for Madelung deformity and radiocarpal force transmission. The IFA may be considered as a parameter to evaluate radiocarpal coronal stability that could potentially be affected by changes in bifacet curvature.

Lower-extremity rotational profile and toe-walking in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder.

The aim of this study was to establish the torsional and toe-walking profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to analyze the correlations between torsion, toe-walking, autism severity score, and age. In total, 79 consecutive children with autism were examined to determine their hip rotations, thigh-foot angle, degree of toe-walking, and autism severity. Femoral and tibial torsion values, of the preschool patients, were compared statistically with age-matched controls. The hip rotation profile of the patients was similar to the normal group. Nearly a half of the patients with ASD present excessive external tibial torsion. The difference in the tibial torsion between patients and normal children was statistically significant. A weak correlation was found only between tibial torsion and the autism severity score, but no correlation was found between the other parameters. External tibial torsion is the cardinal and persistent orthopedic manifestation among patients with ASD. Toe-walking is the second most common such manifestation and is an independent orthopedic feature in these patients. External tibial torsion may potentially contribute toward the described gait abnormalities in patients with ASD.