Cartilage graft from rib to treat trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

Trapeziectomy has been considered as the gold standard for treating trapeziometacarpal arthritis. But trapezial space collapse is responsible for thumb strength decrease and intracarpal deformities (with or without tendon interposition). Partial trapeziectomy with interposition of a chondrocostal autograft combines the advantages of trapeziectomy and a biological spacer without the disadvantages of arthroplasty. Partial trapeziectomy is performed by a dorsal approach, under regional anaesthesia. The graft is harvested by a direct approach of the 9th rib during a short bout of general anaesthesia and inserted in the trapeziectomy space. A thumb spica cast is used for 3-6 weeks. In our experience, long-term outcomes and radiological evolution of the graft are good, similar to that of other procedures reported in the literature, except for strength, which is better in this scenario. With more than 5 years of follow-up, the graft is viable, the length of the thumb is maintained, and any areas of graft metaplasia are localized. The result is stable over time and any donor site morbidity is anecdotal. The interposition of a biological material is feasible and produces a stable and strong thumb.

[Opened dorsal metacarpophalangeal dislocation of the four long fingers. Volar plates reinsertion with anchors]. / Luxation dorsale ouverte métacarpophalangienne des quatre doigts longs. Réinsertion des plaques palmaires par ancres.

The authors describe the case of a 53 year-old right-handed patient, who fell from a scaffolding and sustained a dorsal metacarpophalangeal dislocation of the four long fingers of his left hand. Because of the major dorsal instability after reduction, a mini anchor was placed over each metacarpal neck, to help repair the volar plate. After active rehabilitation, the patient regained satisfying articular amplitudes and was able to get back to his job and his regular sports activities.

Treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis by partial trapeziectomy and costal cartilage autograft. A review of 100 cases.

PURPOSE: Trapeziectomy remains the surgery of choice in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Some authors consider the collapse of the trapezial space responsible for a loss of strength and intracarpal deformities. We report our experience of partial trapeziectomy with chondrocostal autograft as an interposition material. METHODS: The study included100 thumbs in 82 patients with a mean age of 64.6 years (47-82). Mean follow-up was 68 months (4-159). Partial trapeziectomy was carried out through a dorsal approach. The graft was harvested through a direct approach of the 9th rib. RESULTS: Our results were similar to those obtained with alternative techniques, except for strength where the gain is improved. No intracarpal deformities were seen. There was no sign of graft wear; the length of the thumb ray is preserved. The results are stable over time, and the morbidity of the costal donor site is negligible. The interposition of a hardwearing biological material and its association with partial trapeziectomy enable to restore the thumb stability and strength.

[Induced membrane technique for the reconstruction of bone defects in upper limb. A prospective single center study of nine cases]. / Reconstruction des pertes de substance osseuse du membre supérieur par la technique de la membrane induite, étude prospective à propos de neuf cas.

INTRODUCTION: Bone defect in the upper limb remain infrequent with few reported in the literature. Their reconstruction raises the problem of bone union of non weight-bearing segments as well as the function of adjacent joints. We report a monocentric continuous series of nine patients treated with the induced membrane technique (Masquelet technique). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine patients with a mean age of 39.2 years (17-69) presented with a bone defect of the humerus (six cases) or one of two bones (three cases). Diaphyseal (six cases) or metaphyseal (three cases) defects were secondary to trauma in three patients, to non-union in four others and following tumors for the other two. The mean defect was 5.1cm (2.5-9). Reconstruction was done by initial filling using a spacer in cement, followed by a cancellous bone graft within the induced membrane. BMP's growth factor was used in two cases. RESULTS: Bone union was achieved in eight out of nine cases with a follow-up of 23 months (8-52) after the first stage, and 17 months (6-49) following filling by the graft. One patient did not want the second stage done before one year. The failure was in a very non-compliant patient who had a bone substitute associated with aBMP. Two septic non-unions were cured. Shoulder and elbow functional outcomes were comparable to the controlateral side for humeral defects; pronosupination decreased by 17% for the cases of reconstruction of two bones. DISCUSSION: The technique of the induced membrane allows filling of a large bone defect, while avoiding vascularised bone autografts and their morbidity. It requires two procedures but can be used in emergency or after failure of other interventions. It is a reliable, and reproducible technique where the only limit is the cancellous bone stock. Following the series of Masquelet, Apard and Stafford in the lower limb, and the series of Flamans in the hand, this is the first report of reconstruction of defect in the upper limb using this technique.

Post-traumatic malunion of the distal radius treated with autologous costal cartilage graft: a technical note on seven cases.

UNLABELLED: Seven cases of post-traumatic intra-articular malunion of the distal radius treated using costal cartilage graft with a minimum follow-up of 2 years are reported. Location of the articular defect was dorsal in two cases and volar in the others. The approach (dorsal or volar) depended on the main location of the defect. A costal cartilage graft harvested on the eighth rib was implanted in a trough created at the epiphysis metaphyseal junction. This trough removed the defective area on the distal radius articular surface. A plate or wire fixation was used to stabilize in place the graft. Plaster cast wear was prescribed for 3 months in the first case and for 1 month in the other cases following joint reconstruction. No complications were observed. Union was achieved in all seven cases. Graft integration and viability were evaluated with MRI and biopsy. At the longest follow-up, the functional results were excellent in the first (youngest) case (male, 22 years old) in whom motion and grasp were similar to the contralateral side. In the other cases of malunion, the patients were pain-free in daily activities with a functional wrist score of 72/100 (range, 54-82) and a DASH score of 38.3 (range, 22.5-51.7). Only the case with a septic problem failed, with pain reported at follow-up. Reconstruction of a partially destroyed articular surface using a costal graft is reliable and allows filling and resurfacing an articular cartilage void. Although costal cartilage graft is currently used in maxillofacial surgery, this is the first report in post-traumatic osteoarthritis secondary to intra-articular malunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Suture anchor reinsertion of distal biceps rupture: clinical results and radiological assessment of tendon healing.

INTRODUCTION: The present study consisted in a clinical follow-up of patients with distal rupture of the biceps brachii tendon managed by suture anchor reinsertion to the radial tuberosity. Tendon apposition on the cortical bone is the least resistant reinsertion technique according to biomechanical studies. A parallel radiological (X-ray and MRI) study was therefore performed to assess the exact quality of tendon healing and its correlation to clinical results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were followed up retrospectively at a mean 22 months (minimum FU: six months) with clinical examination (mobility, force, satisfaction, residual pain, and return to work) and radiological assessment (standard X-ray exploration for heterotopic ossification, and MRI for quality of healing of the tendon apposed to the cortical bone). RESULTS: Forty percent of cases showed complications (mainly neurological) which resolved without sequelae under medical treatment. Mobility was normal in all but eight patients who showed -5° to -20° supination loss. Force in flexion-supination was 91% of that on the contralateral side. On X-ray, only 46% of patients were free of ossification. On MRI, reinsertion was judged anatomic in 19 patients (70%), moderate in six and poor in two, with one iterative rupture. Statistical analysis revealed that the greater the number of suture tacks through the tendon, the greater the force in patients with less than two weeks' interval to surgery and satisfactory reinsertion on MRI. DISCUSSION: Many reinsertion techniques have been reported, giving clinical results similar to one another and to the present findings. The complications rate, in contrast, varies according to technique and surgical approach. Radiologically, 70% of reinsertions were satisfactory: healing with the tendon apposed on the cortical bone is thus a reliable technique. Heterotopic ossification is considered benign in the literature. The present radiological study refined this notion by identifying three types of ossification: pure asymptomatic intratendon ossification; pure asymptomatic tuberosity ossification without impact on healing on the radial tuberosity; and tuberosity ossification with associated boney metaplasia of the terminal part of the reinserted tendon, impairing healing and leading to less satisfactory clinical results. To ensure anatomic healing of the distal biceps tendon, we recommend less than two weeks' interval to surgery and at least two suture tacks to obtain good apposition on the radial tuberosity.

[Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint in men: different stakes. Results of three surgical techniques]. / La rhizarthrose chez l'homme: des enjeux différents. Résultats de trois techniques chirurgicales.

Basal thumb arthritis is less common in men, but the functional implication is different in this manual worker or active retired population. The objective was to analyse the results of three surgical procedure in an exclusively men's population. Twenty-eight patients (19 partial trapeziectomy with interposition of a chondrocostal autograft, seven total trapeziectomy and two prosthesis), with a mean age of 69 years old, were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 71 months. Mobility and pain were similar in the three populations. But the strength and Dash scores were better in the cartilage group. Radiologically the length of the thumb ray was greater in the cartilage group and no signs of loosening were observed in the prosthesis group. The surgery of reference in this population is the arthrodesis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. But the lack of mobility is disabling, the strength is questionable and painlessness varies due to high rates of non-union. Only one study compared four surgical procedures in an exclusively male population and total trapeziectomy seemed to give the best results. But this technique carries risk of shortening of the thumb ray. Even if the comparison is difficult, the association of partial trapeziectomy with interposition of costal cartilage graft seems to give better stability to the thumb column by preserving length as well as greater strength compared to total trapeziectomy. We advocate this procedure for basal thumb arthritis in men.

Post-traumatic reconstruction of digital joints by costal cartilage grafting: a preliminary prospective study.

In digital joint defects, reconstruction is meant to obtain a stable, mobile and pain-free finger. Six patients aged 29 years in average (15-46) and who were prospectively followed-up presented with digital joint defects that affected at least half of either the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint or the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. These defects were treated in emergency (four cases) or scheduled for an autograft of costal cartilage harvested from the ninth rib. Four digits showed lesions of the extensor system which were repaired. One digit grafted after complete amputation was no more vascularized. All patients were reviewed and prospectively followed-up by the surgeons and were also reviewed by an independent operator 16.1 months post-surgery in average (9-25). No infection occurred. None of the grafted fingers had to undergo arthrodesis or secondary amputation. One case of type 1 complex regional pain syndrome occurred. No functional or aesthetic complaint was reported, and no complication was observed at the donor site. The mean arc of motion was 33° (20-50) for the PIP joint and 37° (30-40) for the MCP joint. Mean total active motion (TAM) was 191° (160-250°), whichever the injured finger, i.e. 79.1% compared with the contralateral finger. The Buck-Gramko score averaged 11/15 (8-15). The Strickland score (interphalangeal TAM) was 57.8%, which corresponds to a medium result. The quick DASH assessment averaged 17.42 (0-47.72). Even if arthrodesis or amputation remain the conventional option in case of joint defect, prosthesis or cartilage grafting constitute solutions that allow the preservation of a functional painless finger.

Three or four parts complex proximal humerus fractures: hemiarthroplasty versus reverse prosthesis: a comparative study of 40 cases.

INTRODUCTION: As population ages, the number of fractures of the proximal humerus in still-active patients is increasing. For three- or four-parts displaced fractures in which replacement is indicated, hemiarthroplasty with tuberosity reattachment remains the reference treatment; this technique, however, can lead to catastrophic functional results due to nonunion or tuberosity migration. The present study compared short-term functional results for reverse prosthesis and hemiarthroplasty in complex fractures of the proximal humerus. HYPOTHESIS: In selected complex proximal humerus fractures, the reverse shoulder arthroplasties is a superior treatment option. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients were treated by shoulder replacement for three- or four-part displaced fractures of the proximal humerus between 1996 and 2004. Twenty-one had a hemiarthroplasty and 19 were treated by reverse prosthesis. All patients of both groups were reviewed retrospectively by an independent observer. Joint amplitude and Constant score were measured; quality of life was assessed by DASH score. Standard X-ray assessment comprised frontal imaging in three rotation positions and Lamy's incidence. RESULTS: In the hemiarthroplasty group, 17 patients, mean age 74 years (range: 49-95), were followed up for a mean 16.5 months (6-55). In the reverse prosthesis group, 16 patients, mean age 74 years (range: 58-84), were followed up for a mean 12.4 months (6-18). The reverse prosthesis group showed better results in terms of abduction (mean=91 degrees versus 60 degrees), anterior elevation (mean=97.5 degrees versus 53.5 degrees) and Constant score (mean=53 versus 39). Rotation was better in the hemiarthroplasty group (external rotation, 13.5 degrees versus 9 degrees ; internal rotation, 54.6 degrees versus 31 degrees). DASH scores were identical in both groups. X-ray showed three abnormal tuberosity fixations in the hemiarthroplasty group and 15 glenoid notches in the reverse arthroplasty group. DISCUSSION: In three- or four-part displaced proximal humerus fracture, arthroplasty does not ensure recovery of pretrauma shoulder function. Management is therefore to be decided in terms of outcome predictability and rapid recovery of daily comfort for elderly patients. Hemiarthroplasty can provide good functional results, but depends on tuberosity union quality and this often necessitates a prolonged immobilization. Reverse prostheses provide reliable, rapid and predictable results in terms of abduction, anterior elevation and pain relief, but impaired rotation; this impacts quality of life and long-term implant durability (glenoid notching). Reverse prostheses should thus prove advantageous in the treatment of complex fractures of the proximal humerus if these two drawbacks can be resolved and at present seem indicated on condition that the patient is no younger than 70 years of age.

[Filling a humeral head defect with a chondrocostal autograft combined with subscapularis transfer for chronic posterior glenohumeral dislocations]. / Comblement d'une encoche antérieure de la tête humérale par autogreffe cartilagineuse costale et transposition du muscle sub-scapulaire dans le cadre d'une luxation postérieure invétérée de l'épaule. A propos d'un cas.

Mac Lauglhin defects of the right humeral head developed in a 44-year-old woman with drug-resistant epileptic seizures, subsequent to recurrent posterior dislocations. The preoperative work-up demonstrated a large anterior defect corresponding to more than 50% loss of the osterochondral tissue. The humeral head lodged on the posterior rim of the scapular glenoid, like an inveterate posterior dislocation, causing major pain and joint dysfunction. After adjustment of the antiepilepsy treatment, the patient underwent joint reconstruction with a chondrocostal autograft harvested from the ninth homolateral rib combined with transfer of the lesser tubercle. At three years follow-up, the patient has a stable pain-free shoulder with a satisfactory range of motion. The graft was integrated.

[Rupture of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint: is it possible to operate according to the position of sesamoides on dynamic Xray]. / Entorse grave du pouce: opérer selon la position des sésamoïdes lors des clichés en stress.

AIM: Acute complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament should be treated with surgical repair of the ligament. But diagnosis using ultrasound, dynamic X ray and magnetic resonance imaging are unable to diagnose surely the complete rupture. According to Rotella and Urpi if the radiograph shows no parallelism between the sesamoid bones and the metacarpal head, the injury of ulnar collateral ligament is total and complete and requires surgical reparation. The aim of this work was to verify the finding of Rotella and Urpi and the relationship between the lost of parallelism and the Stener lesion (interposition of adductor aponeurosis between the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament and its site of insertion on the base of the proximal phalanx). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Embalmed anatomical specimens were used to systematically investigate and document the role played in joint stability by each of the anatomical elements. Each ligament was sectioned and instability documented. A retrospective radiological study was performed on 93 patients who had an history of injured ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. RESULTS: The anatomical study confirmed the result of Rotella and Urpi in showing that the loss of parallelism between the sesamoid bones and the metacarpal head was associated with complete rupture of ulbnar collateral ligement The clinical study showed that the lost of parallelism was associated with a Stener lesion (N=23). CONCLUSION: The association between the lost of parallelism of sesamoid bones and Stener lesion confirm that the rupture of all elements of the ulnar collateral ligament. This anatomical and clinical findings have to be confirmed by a prospective clinical study.

A study of thirty right hepatic arteries.

Thirty right hepatic arteries discovered among 137 celiomesenteric angiographies show the high frequency (22%) of this variation. Radiologic anatomy of the right hepatic artery was discussed; with the exception of one atheromatous stenosis, the pathologic findings of the right hepatic artery and its terminal branches illustrate the development of a regional disease (12 cases or 40%). This assumed pathology is divided half in pancreatic causes (neoplasm, pancreatitis, pseudocysts) and half in hepatobiliary causes (metastatic cancer of the liver, cancer of the hilus, cirrhosis, hydatid cyst, alveolar echinococcosis or angioma). Five times the surgical technic was modified because of the right hepatic artery. Since these observations were made, we are studying the consequences of this hepatic artery over surgical technics and the approach to the various segments of this artery.

[Portal venous return in cases of obstruction of the inferior vena cava. Phlebographic study of five cases (author's transl)]. / Les retours portes en cas d'obstruction cave inférieure. Etude phlébographique de cinq observations

Amongst 77 patients studied by phlebography for obstruction of the inferior vena cava, 5 (6%) showed evidence of a portal collateral network: 3 via the mesenteric vein, 2 via the epiploic veins. In four cases the portal flow represented the principal collateral flow. Our cases, together with those described in the literature, show that portal collateral flow occurs in at least 5% of cases of caval obstruction. They should, therefore, have been reported more frequently since it would appear that our five cases bring the total published to date to only 13.

Ultrasonic study of venous patterns in the right hypochondrium: an anatomical approach to differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.

Through real time ultrasonography, it is possible to display the splenic vein, the superior mesenteric vein, the vena porta, and the intrahepatic portal and systemic veins. In jaundice, it is of the utmost importance to carefully identify the vena porta before making a diagnosis of common bile duct enlargement. It is also necessary, when confronted with a pattern of apparently enlarged intrahepatic ducts, to conduct a thorough study of possible confluences of the ducts with the vena porta or vena cava to be certain that the ducts are not part of the portal or systemic venous network. Without such differentiation, portal enlargement caused by portal hypertension, systemic venous enlargement caused by cardiac insufficiency, or even nonpathological wide veins may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.

[Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer: differenciation by ultrasonics]. / Pancréatite chronique, cancer du pancréas: différenciation par ultrasons

Analysis of the ultrasound patterns obtained in 63 pancreatic tumours and 147 cases of chronic pancreatis shows a considerable difference in the two conditions. The echostructure is mainly dense and reflexogenic in chronic pancreatitis and trans-sonic in carcinomata.