Digital mucous cysts of the finger without osteoarthritis: optimizing outcome of long needle trajectory aspiration and injection.

Digital mucous cysts are common, benign and highly recurrent tumors of the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and often associated with osteoarthritis. Multiple treatment modalities have been described, but still no consensus is stated. In the absence of degenerative changes, we promote a novel non-surgical approach. The aim of this study was to examine all patients with digital mucous cysts without underlying osteoarthritis, undergoing this injection technique and to assess outcome and complications of this procedure. This was a single center study (2018-2019) of 17 patients who received a long needle trajectory aspiration and injection for treatment of digital mucous cysts. Exclusion criteria were prior surgical treatment, post-traumatic cyst formation and the presence of radiographic distal interphalangeal joint osteophytosis. A total of 15 patients were found eligible for inclusion. The patient reports were retrospectively analyzed with a follow-up of 6 months. The primary study outcome was resolution of the cyst; secondary outcomes were complications of the procedure. Twelve (80%) resolved completely and three (20%) had limited local recurrence at 6 months. No complications were reported. None of the patients with limited recurrence desired further treatment. We believe that this technique offers a non-invasive, low-cost treatment option for digital mucous cysts, particularly in the subset of patients with ample evidence of degenerative articular changes in the distal interphalangeal joint. The described technique can be performed in an office-based setting and avoids typical surgical as well as aspiration-associated complications.

Addition-Subtraction Osteotomy With Ligamentoplasty for Symptomatic Trapezial Dysplasia With Metacarpal Instability: A 10-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic trapezial dysplasia with metacarpal instability in a nonarthritic joint can lead to a disabling condition characterized by decreased pain, mobility, and strength. Bony correction may be required in dysplastic joints, because soft tissue correction might be insufficient to stabilize the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. We combined 2 techniques described previously, an abduction-extension osteotomy of the first metacarpal and an opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium, including a ligament reconstruction (hemi-flexor carpi radialis). The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term results of this technique. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we included patients treated surgically for primary instability of the TMC joint with trapezial dysplasia between 2003 and 2007. We measured pain (visual analog scale), mobility (opposition and retropulsion), patient-reported disability (Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and radiographic evaluation (Devers' angle) 10 years after surgery. Results were compared with preoperative data. RESULTS: We reviewed 17 thumbs retrospectively (mean follow-up, 12 years). One patient was converted to a TMC prosthesis. Key pinch improved significantly from 5.2 kg (±2.4 kg) at baseline to 6.3 kg (±2.1 kg) at 10-year follow-up. Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and Devers' angle were significantly better after 10 years compared with preoperative data. There was a mean visual analog scale score of 0.5 (±1.4) at rest and 2.3 (±2.6) during activities. Ten years after surgery, 5 patients had a stable Eaton score of 1. Four patients had progression to stage 2, and 5 to stage 3. CONCLUSIONS: Addition-subtraction osteotomy with ligamentoplasty has a positive long-term effect on symptomatic trapezial dysplasia with TMC joint instability. Although this operation did not protect the TMC joint from further wear, pain was acceptable for most patients. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Clinical and ultrasonographical follow-up after standard removal of distal radius volar plates positioned distal to the watershed line.

Marginal fracture types of the distal radius may require volar plate positioning distal to the watershed line. Subsequently, plate prominence with direct friction with the flexor tendons occurs which is associated with flexor tendon pathology. Standard plate removal can be proposed. This cohort study examined clinical outcome, patient satisfaction and ultrasonographical assessment of the relation of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) and the volar rim after standard plate removal. Twenty patients with volar plate prominence after osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures were included. Plate removal was performed at least 4 months after initial surgery. The mean age was 60 years (range 39-84). The average delay from hardware removal to assessment was 2.9 years (range 1.0-5.0 years). Mean flexion, extension and radial deviation were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) compared to the contralateral side, while ulnar deviation, pro- and supination and grip strength were not. Mean QuickDASH score was 21.5. 85% of patients described their result as good to excellent. 80% would undergo the intervention again. During ultrasonography, distance from FPL to volar rim remained significantly decreased compared to the uninjured side in neutral and flexed position (p < 0.05) despite plate removal. The largest distance between the FPL and the volar cortical bone, which is mainly occupied by the pronator quadratus, did not differ. In this study, the range of motion and FPL distance to the distal radius normalized only partially compared to the uninjured wrist after standard plate removal.

Myopericytoma of the Base of the Finger: Radiological and Pathological Description of a Rare Benign Entity.

A previously healthy 46-year-old woman presented with a mass lesion between the bases of the fourth and fifth fingers of the right hand. The mass had grown progressively over 2 years and started to cause practical difficulties in everyday life. Imaging depicted a hypervascular and well-circumscribed soft tissue tumor with imaging characteristics of a sarcoma. The lesion was treated surgically. The final diagnosis of the specimen upon pathology was a myopericytoma, a benign smooth-muscle cell neoplasm. Myopericytoma is a rare disease entity; however, it is important because it can mimic more ominous conditions.

Intramedullary headless compression screw fixation of the middle phalanx: tips, tricks, and pitfalls.

This report emphasizes careful consideration of surgical technique for intramedullary screw fixation in middle phalanx fractures. Highlighting pitfalls, particularly with K-wire placement, it suggests the antegrade trans-articular approach as superior, urging further research for improved patient outcomes.

Immersive Virtual Reality in Orthopedic Hand Therapy.

Emerging advances in immersive virtual reality incorporating optical hand-tracking present promising potential for application in orthopedic hand therapy. The system is designed to analyze hand movements, enabling users to "use" their hands virtually in any fabricated setting. This article, supplemented with videos, examines practical applications of immersive virtual reality in routine hand therapy and provides a scientific presentation of the interaction of immersive virtual reality with our physiological and neurological systems. Indications for immersive virtual reality use, critical evaluations and recommendations are comprehensively discussed. Immersive virtual reality has the potential to evolve into a standard treatment modality in orthopedic hand therapy.

Addition-subtraction osteotomy without ligamentoplasty for symptomatic trapezial dysplasia with metacarpal instability.

Trapeziometacarpal joint pain is often associated with a dynamic adduction deformity of the thumb metacarpal, combined with radial subluxation at the base of the thumb metacarpal, due to trapeziometacarpal dysplasia. Addition-subtraction osteotomy is a surgical option to correct the bony deformity when conservative treatment fails. Eight patients who underwent surgery with this technique were prospectively evaluated. All patients were female and mean age was 42 (range 27-59) years. Mean follow-up period was 23 (range 10-42) months postoperatively. Seven patients (87.5%) were very satisfied. Joint mobility and strength of the operated thumb was restored to a degree comparable to the contralateral thumb. Overall function according to the Quick-DASH score improved by 75.5% and pain according to the Visual Analogue Scale decreased by 65%. Radiological evaluation showed a decrease of the trapezial slope. Mean angle between the articular surface of the trapezium and the long axis of the second metacarpal measured 1420 preoperatively 1290 and postoperatively. In the present study results of addition-subtraction osteotomy without ligamentoplasty were promising, especially for function and pain. The technique may be a valuable treatment option for trapeziometacarpal dysplasia with metacarpal instability.

Arthroplasty of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint With the TACTYS Prosthesis: Clinical and Radiographic Results With a Mean Follow-up of 5 Years.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the long fingers is a common disorder affecting mainly a female middle-aged population. Conservative treatment is often effective, but in some cases, pain can persist which can lead to invalidating function. Besides denervation and arthrodesis, arthroplasty is a valuable alternative treatment. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes of the TACTYS prosthesis with a mean follow-up of more than 5 years. METHODS: Between October 2005 and August 2019 10 joints in 9 patients, one patient had two prostheses in two separate fingers (4 males and 6 women) were treated for painful degenerative arthritis of the long fingers with a TACTYS prosthesis (Stryker Inc, Kalamazoo, Michigan). Power grip and pinch force were tested preoperatively and postoperatively, and the functional outcome survey is performed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), recall QuickDASH, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation standardized questionnaires scored of 100 and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 65.70 months (range: 23-106). Mean age was 71.5 years (range: 64-83). QuickDASH score evolved from 68.43 to 41.92, range of motion from 37.5° to 45.1°, VAS from 6.65 to 1/10. Power grip and precision pinch evolved from 16.44 to 20.80 kg and 1.97 to 2.85 kg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TACTYS arthroplasty can be proposed for people who have been treated long enough with unsuccessful conservative treatment. Infection rate is still the highest complication, which can evolve in invalidating arthrodesis. It should be proposed exceptionally if the PIP joint arthritis causes invalidating functional pain.

Symptomatic bifid insertion of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis.

A 35 year-old right-handed female presented with persistent wrist pain lasting two years. Imaging disclosed an accessory tendon-shaped structure, identified as a Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis, strangling the Flexor Carpi Radialis tendon at the wrist during effort. Surgical exploration found the insertion of the Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis to be bifid. Resection of the stenosing branch and the fibrotic tendon sheath restored strength in the right wrist and painless symmetrical motion compared to the left wrist ten weeks postoperatively.

Radiological imaging of the trapeziometacarpal joint: a historical and clinical perspective.

The opposable thumb provides both stability and mobility and is needed to accomplish different prehensile tasks. The trapezium is a complex bone, with a distal articular surface that is convex in the sagittal plane of the thumb and concave in the coronal plane of the thumb. The numerous additional articulations with the carpus and the oblique orientation to the main plane of the hand makes it difficult to evaluate the trapeziometacarpal joint using standard hand or wrist radiographic views. This review gives an overview of the different radiological views that have been described for the thumb with an emphasis on their historical origin and positioning during radiography. We also describe different measurements and classifications that can be obtained using different thumb radiographs.

Shortening arthrodesis combined with limited fasciectomy in severe recurrent Dupuytren's disease of the fifth finger.

OBJECTIVE: Management of recurrent Dupuytren's disease of the little finger is challenging. Various treatment modalities have been proposed: external fixation, local skin flap, dermofasciectomy, or even amputation. An alternative surgical technique was introduced by Honecker et al. in 2016 and refined by Raimbeau et al. in 2019, consisting in resection of the middle phalanx and shortening arthrodesis. We modified the technique by combining arthrodesis with a limited fasciectomy of the abductor and/or pretendinous cord in the fifth ray to improve cosmetic and functional outcomes. METHODS: Patients with severe recurrent Dupuytren's disease of the little finger (Tubiana stage III/IV) were treated with proximodistal interphalangeal arthrodesis, combined with limited fasciectomy. Range of motion was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. QuickDASH and a VAS were assessed to determine overall function and pain respectively. Radiographic evaluation was made at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were eligible for inclusion. Mean age was 69 years (range 49-87). Radiographic consolidation was obtained at a mean 58 days (range 27-97). Full extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint was achieved in 11 patients and full adduction in 12. Mean active flexion was 94° (range 90-100). QuickDASH scores decreased from 18 to 12 after surgery. Pain scores were low and unchanged. CONCLUSION: By combining proximodistal interphalangeal arthrodesis with limited fasciectomy through a volar approach, finger extension improved, and fixed abduction was also treated. The combined volar and dorsal approach did not induce vascular impairment or other complications.

Pathology of extrinsic ligaments: a pictorial essay.

The role of the extrinsic ligaments, together with the intrinsic ligaments, appears to be much more important than previously thought in the setting of carpal stability. The anatomy and pathology of the extrinsic wrist ligaments is complex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with thin slices is essential for visualization. This article describes the pathological appearance of the extrinsic palmar and dorsal radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments on MRI, correlated with arthroscopy (performed by two skilled hand surgeons), clinical findings, and follow-up. High-resolution MRI, especially using isotropic three-dimensional sequences with orthogonal multiplanar reconstructions on 3T MR systems, allows detailed depiction of many of the extrinsic ligaments affected in carpal injuries. Recognition of ligament abnormalities is improved by intra-articular or intravenous injection of contrast before the examination. Both techniques may help to determine the precise localization, size, and extent of dorsal and palmar radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligament lesions. Further experience with these techniques is needed to define the place of MRI in the management of traumatic wrist injuries.

Cone-beam computed tomography: a new low dose, high resolution imaging technique of the wrist, presentation of three cases with technique.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new technique. It generates a 3D image by emitting a pulsed cone-shaped X-ray beam. CBCT has become a very useful and widely used technique for dentomaxillofacial imaging over the last decade. It provides clear, high resolution multiplanar reconstruction images. Previously, the images could only be generated while the patient was sitting with his/her head fixed in position. With the presented new generation CBCT (NewTom 5G, QR, Verona, Italy), a more free positioning of the patient, either lying or sitting, is possible. In this way, skeletal imaging of various body parts becomes possible. In this article we present three clinical cases of CBCT imaging of the wrist, describe the background of the technique, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of CBCT imaging.

Treatment of fractures of the proximal phalanx of long fingers with an isometric traction splint.

Treatment of fractures of the proximal phalanx of the long fingers remains difficult and challenging ; several options have been used. We report our experience with an isometric traction splint, modified from the Southampton design. A cohort of 32 patients with displaced fractures of a proximal phalanx was treated and assessed retrospectively after a short term (9 weeks after splint application). Traction splint was applied to realign the fracture and to control rotation. This construct was used for approximatively 5 weeks (mean: 36 days; range: 21-44 days), considering the usual progression of fracture healing in closed phalangeal fractures and patient tolerance to the splint. Three weeks after splint removal, almost full range of motion was regained in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints in all patients, except in 3 cases. Two of these three patients had a displaced fracture of the proximal phalanx as a result of a compression trauma. The combination of the trauma type with static traction splint led to a tenodesis effect with a severe active flexion deficit in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Our results suggest that isometric traction splint is a valid treatment option for displaced fractures of the proximal phalanx, however compression type fractures should be excluded.

Minimally Invasive Pronator Quadratus Sparing Approach versus Extended Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach with Pronator Quadratus Repair for Volar Plating in Distal Radial Fractures.

Background Several volar plating techniques exist to treat distal radial fractures. Question We investigated minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with pronator quadratus (PQ) sparing versus conventional flexor carpi radialis approach for volar plating with PQ repair after distal radial fractures during the first postoperative year. Patients and Methods Prospective data of two consecutive cohorts were compared: 62 patients in MIPO group with an average age of 61.2 years and 66 patients in PQ repair group with an average age of 61.4 years completed the entire follow-up period. Results Range of motion was not significantly different, except flexion-extension that was significantly higher in the MIPO group. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was significantly lower in the MIPO group. Pain visual analogue scale was only significantly lower at 6 weeks. Grip strength measurements and patient satisfaction were not significantly different. Conclusions MIPO volar plating with PQ sparing is a surgical technique that can be chosen according to surgeon's preference and expertise, resulting in a better flexion-extension mobility and function score according to our study. Level of evidence This is a Level 3 study.

Defining trapezial dysplasia - analysis of trapezial inclination in a normal population.

We assess the distribution of trapezial inclination in a young population in order to propose a threshold for trapezial dysplasia. One hundred peritrapezial views were reconstructed from wrist computed tomography scan datasets to measure trapezial inclination. Seventy peritrapezial views were constructed from 10 datasets to assess the influence of radiograph rotation. Mean trapezial inclination in our population was 8° (range 0.2-17.9). Fifteen degrees of radiographic pronation or supination did not alter trapezial inclination significantly. Intra-rater consistency and absolute agreement had an interclass correlation (ICC) of 0.95. Inter-rater consistency and absolute agreement had an ICC of 0.88. Trapezial inclination is a reliable measurement for trapezial dysplasia with an excellent intra-rater and good inter-rater reliability and does not change significantly with 15° of radiographic pronation or supination. These normal values can be used to propose a threshold for trapezial dysplasia in the management of trapeziometacarpal joint instability in the younger population.Level of evidence: IV.

Ivory Arthroplasty for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis in Men: Analysis of Clinical Outcome and Implant Survival.

Background: Trapeziometacarpal arthroplasties are designed to restore an adequate level of mobility, stability, and grip strength. In this article, pain and functional and radiographic outcome of Ivory arthroplasty in male patients are investigated. Methods: Between 2005 and 2012, the Ivory arthroplasty was inserted in 21 male patients with degenerative trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, of which 14 patients were found eligible for inclusion. Mobility, grip strength, patient self-assessment (pain; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QuickDASH]), and radiographic outcome were measured. Twenty-two female patients who received an Ivory arthroplasty between 2005 and 2007 were included and underwent the same evaluation. Age at primary surgery, survival rate of the implant, and clinical outcome were compared between the 2 groups. Results: In both groups, QuickDASH score and mean pain sensation improved significantly. The improvement in mobility obtained significance in the female group. In the male group, 7 arthroplasties failed (mean follow-up of 65 months). In the female group, 3 of the 24 arthroplasties failed (mean follow-up of 123 months). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significant lower implant survival in the male group. Conclusions: Decrease in muscle mass and decline in grip strength that postmenopausal women tend to experience might explain the significant difference in implant survival between sexes. In 4 of the 7 failed arthroplasties in the male group, no surgical revision was required. Trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, even after radiographic failure, still served as a spacer, avoiding collapse of the thumb base. Nevertheless, the failure rate of the Ivory arthroplasty in male patients is high, and an alternative treatment should be considered.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release with or without suture: Does it make a difference? A case-control study.

A case-control study was conducted to compare wound healing with or without skin suture after endoscopic carpal tunnel release. The primary endpoint was esthetics on the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). Patients were recruited between April 2016 and April 2017. Inclusion criteria comprised carpal tunnel syndrome with clinical and electromyographic confirmation on the Canterbury NCS (nerve conduction studies) Severity Scale. Age, gender, occupation, handedness, smoking status, and operated side were noted. In the first group (64 patients) the skin was not sutured. In the second group (44 patients) the skin was closed Ethilon™ 5-0 intradermal running suture. All 108 patients had 3 months' follow-up. Since data were not normally distributed, analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test (MWU) for independent samples. There were no significant differences in age (p = 0,416), gender (p = 0.670) or occupation (p = 0.725) between groups. MSS score did not significantly differ between groups (MWU test; p = 0.529): sutureless, 6.64 ± 1.21; sutured, 6.45 + 1.09. Thus, sutureless wound closure can be a useful option in treating carpal tunnel syndrome by a single-portal endoscopic technique. That the wound remains open enables easy evacuation of any hematoma, avoiding pain due increased intra-tissular pressure.

Complicated Replanted Finger, 34 Years after Revascularization.

Merely a few reports of late failure (later than the 7th postoperative day) of a digital replantation can be found in the literature. Discussions of the factors that might cause a late failure are concise. To our knowledge, there are no reports of failure in literature as late as the case we are presenting. An 87-year-old white man was diagnosed with acute complications of a digital replantation, 34 years after initial surgery. Ultrasound examination and an arteriography demonstrated occlusion of the arterial anastomosis. The patient's surgical file revealed scars of former replantation surgery of both the index and the middle finger. In the latter, 1 artery and 2 veins were anastomosed. Considering the age and comorbidities of the patient, revascularization of the finger was not performed. Local wound care and analgesic drugs were prescribed. After initial deterioration and ulceration, gradual improvement was noticed. Total wound healing occurred at 3 months after the initial consultation. Compared with free flap surgery in general, finger replantations are at a higher risk of late complications because digital neovascularization is directly correlated to the contact surface area. This contact surface is usually larger in other free flaps. Furthermore, diseases that deteriorate circulation most likely affect the short- and the long-term survival of a digital replantation. From this point of view, performing both volar digital arterial anastomoses, whenever possible, might reduce early as well as late failure in replantation surgery.

Intra-Articular Osteotomy for Symptomatic Bennett Fracture Malunion.

Bennett's fractures are the most common fractures around the trapeziometacarpal joint but require specialized radiographs to be correctly diagnosed. If a fracture is missed at initial presentation, it may heal with an intra-articular gap, leading to joint incongruency and a painful trapeziometacarpal joint. We present a new technique to correct the intra-articular gap and restore joint congruency in the event of a symptomatic Bennett malunion with a gap of at least 2 mm. The joint is exposed through an anterolateral approach, and the malunion is marked with K-wires under fluoroscopic control. A closing wedge osteotomy with excision of the malunion site is then performed to restore joint congruency. The osteotomy is fixed with 3 interfragmentary screws, and the joint is immobilized for 2 weeks before passive mobilization is initiated. Hardware can be removed between 3 and 6 months postoperatively after consolidation of the osteotomy. We recommend this technique in active patients without trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis who present with a painful Bennett malunion. Restoration of the joint congruency reduces pain and may prevent the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.