Comparison between scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis and Pyrocardan® implant for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis and Pyrocardan® implant for painful isolated STT osteoarthritis have shown good results, but no paper has compared their medium-term outcomes. HYPOTHESES: Our main hypothesis would be that the Pyrocardan® implant, by preserving the carpal biomechanics, could lead to better wrist mobility. Our secondary hypotheses would be that no other clinical and radiological differences will be found between these two procedures at a mean 5 years follow-up. PATIENTS: In this non-randomised retrospective study, performed at two healthcare facilities, we report and compare the outcomes of STT arthrodesis with staple fixation versus the Pyrocardan® implant in 38 patients (40 thumbs) from 2 previously published cohorts. Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 68 years (range, 46-79) underwent STT arthrodesis in facility 1. Seventeen patients with a mean age of 61 years (range, 41-80) received a Pyrocardan® implant in facility 2. Patients were reviewed at both facilities by the same examiner who performed a clinical and radiographical assessment. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 8 years (range, 2-20 years) for the STT group and 5 years (range 3-8 years) for the Pyrocardan® group, we found no significant differences in the clinical and radiological outcomes between the two procedures except in wrist active extension and ulnar deviation, where Pyrocardan® appears to produce better mobility (extension 58°± 9 vs. 38°± 14 and ulnar deviation 35°[25, 40] versus 45°[40, 50]) (p<.001 and p<.008 respectively). The two surgical techniques led to significantly improvement in terms of pain relief, function, and strength. For the STT arthrodesis group, two complete non-unions were found (9%), while narrowing of the styloscaphoid joint space was found in eight thumbs (36%). For the Pyrocardan® group, four postoperative DISI (22%), four calcifications around the trapezium and/or distal scaphoid (22%) and one asymptomatic dislocation (6%) of the implant were observed. DISCUSSION: Pyrocardan® implant seems to result in better mobility in extension and ulnar deviation. STT arthrodesis and Pyrocardan® implant to treat isolated STT osteoarthritis led to less pain, better strength and functional scores, and restored wrist stability. A future study with a larger population will be needed to confirm these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Percutaneous fixation of scaphoid fractures through the snuffbox: an anatomical study.

The aim of the present anatomical study was to assess the dorso-radial approach for percutaneous fixation of scaphoid wist fractures. Through the anatomical snuffbox, cannulated screws or 1.2 mm K-wires were inserted into the scaphoids of 20 fresh-frozen cadavers. No tendon injuries were observed. There were two lesions of the radial artery, and three lesions of the sensory branches of the radial nerve. After dissection and three-dimensional CT reconstruction, the K-wire or screw position was described in relation to the scaphoid centroid and its longitudinal axis. The mean distance between the device and the scaphoid centroid was 2.8 mm (SD 1.4, range 0.6 to 6.1). The mean angle between the device and the scaphoid's longitudinal axis was 29° (SD 11, range 6.5 to 54). Rather than percutaneous fixation, an open approach with a modest incision might be safer for identifying and protecting both the radial artery and the sensory nerves. This approach would make perpendicular fixation possible for specific patterns of scaphoid fracture orientated approximately 60° from the longitudinal axis.

Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic End-Neuroma With a New Bioresorbable Copolyester Nerve Capping Device: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Neuroma-induced neuropathic pain is associated with loss of function and reduced quality of life. No consistently effective standard-of-care treatment has been defined. Neurocap, a bioresorbable nerve capping device, has been designed to isolate the nerve stump from surrounding tissues to reduce development of symptomatic end-neuromas. METHODS: Patients with peripheral symptomatic end-neuromas were included in a prospective, multicenter, single-arm design. Data were collected presurgery up till 24 months postsurgery. Eligible patients with neuromas were identified based on blocks using anesthetic. Intervention included surgical excision and capping of the transected proximal nerve end with the Neurocap. Main outcome measures were pain, function, recurrence of symptomatic neuroma, use of analgesics, and adverse events. RESULTS: In total, 73 patients with 50 upper-extremity and 23 lower-extremity end-neuromas were enrolled. End-neuromas were predominately located in the digits and lower leg. Statistical power of the study outcomes was preserved by 46 of 73 patients completing 24-month follow-up. The mean VAS-Pain score at baseline was 70.2 ± 17.8 (scale 0-100) and decreased significantly to 31 ± 32.5 (P < 0.001). Function significantly improved over time. The recurrence rate of confirmed symptomatic neuroma was low (2 of 98 capped nerves). Adverse event rate was low and included pain and infection; there were no unexpected device-related adverse events. Most patients reported lower use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and antineuropathic medications at last follow-up compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: End-neuroma treatment with excision and capping resulted in long-term significant reduction in reported pain, disability, and analgesic medication use. Adverse event rate was low.

The impact of COVID-19 on hand surgery: A French retrospective comparative study in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 hand trauma centers.

INTRODUCTION: In 2020, the pandemic divided France into two zones: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19. The main objective of our study was to compare the variability of surgical and emergency consultation activity amongst two hand trauma centers, between the pandemic period and outside the pandemic period. The secondary objective was to identify at-risk patients in order to develop preventative strategies in hand trauma. METHODS: This bi-centric retrospective study considered the epidemiology of admissions to trauma centers during the first French lockdown. The data were compared to the same period in 2019 (control group). Two thousand and fifty-five patients underwent consultations for hand or wrist trauma. RESULTS: The first French lockdown was associated with a 35% decrease in hand and wrist injuries in the COVID-19 zone versus 24% in the non-COVID-19 zone, compared to the same period in 2019 (p<0.0001, 95% CI: 6.5-15.6). Comparing 2019 and 2020, the incidence of wounds significantly increased in the COVID-19 zone (58% vs. 78%, p<0.0001) and significantly decreased in the non-COVID-19 zone (55% vs. 50%, p<0.0001). Complex wounds (16% vs. 35%, p<0.0001 and 15% vs. 17%, p<0.0001) and open fractures (8% vs. 14%, p=0.019 and 4.5% vs. 5.3%, p<0.0001) significantly increased in both zones during the pandemic. The rate of male, non-manual workers injured in domestic accidents (76% vs. 36%, p<0.0001) was significantly increased in all areas. CONCLUSION: Hand and wrist trauma was less frequent but more severe during the pandemic compared to the same period in 2019. By encouraging the public to be aware of the risks and the means to avoid trauma, such as better information and compliance with safety instructions, we could minimize these risks. This data can be useful in planning preventative strategies for future lockdowns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; case-control study.

Pyrocardan Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Joint Arthroplasty for Isolated Osteoarthritis: Results after a Mean Follow-Up of 5 Years.

Background Isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis (OA) mainly develops in women over 50 years of age in a bilateral manner. Many surgical treatments are available, including distal scaphoid resection with or without interposition, trapeziectomy, and STT arthrodesis. However, there is a controversy about which procedure is the most effective. Purposes The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of the Pyrocardan implant for treating STT isolated OA at a mean follow-up of 5 years. Patients and Methods Consecutive patients who underwent STT arthroplasty using the Pyrocardan were reviewed retrospectively by an independent examiner who performed a clinical and radiological evaluation. Results The mean follow-up time was 5 years (range 3-8 years). Thirteen patients (76%) were followed for more than 5 years. Between the preoperative assessment and the last follow-up, pain levels decreased significantly. There was no significant difference in the mean Kapandji opposition score. Grip and pinch strengths were 88 and 91% of the contralateral side. The active range of motion in flexion-extension and radioulnar deviation was not significantly different to the contralateral side (119° vs. 121° and 58° vs. 52°, p > 0.1). Functional scores were improved significantly. No identifiable differences were found in the radioscaphoid, capitolunate, and scapholunate angles before and after surgery. In three cases, the preoperative dorsal intercalated scapholunate instability (DISI) failed to be corrected. In one case, DISI appeared after the procedure. There was one asymptomatic dislocation of the implant. Calcification around the trapezium and/or distal scaphoid was found in four cases. The survival rate of the implant without reoperation was 95%. Conclusions In the medium term, Pyrocardan implant is an effective treatment for STT OA as it reduces pain, increases grip strength, and maintains wrist mobility. This is consistent with the results of other published case series using pyrocarbon implants. It provides a high rate of patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, the surgical procedure must be done carefully to avoid STT ligament damage, periarticular calcifications, or dislocation.

Thumb Carpometacarpal Implant Arthroplasty.

Thumb carpometacarpal implant arthroplasty aims to preserve thumb length and motion and to provide pain relief and functional recovery after a short postoperative time. For several decades, implant arthroplasty has been performed with total trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis using the concept of "ball-and-socket" joint. More recently, pyrocarbon implants used as hemiarthroplasty or interposition arthroplasty have been proposed. Whatever the type of arthroplasty used, the surgical technique must be precise and may require a learning curve. Implant arthroplasty has proven that in the medium and long-term, it may be considered as a valid and reliable alternative to trapeziectomy.

Medium-Term Outcomes for Amandys Implant: A 5-Year Minimum Follow-Up of 63 Cases.

Background Amandys is a pyrocarbon interposition implant used as a therapeutic alternative to total wrist fusion (TWF) or total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) in painful and disabling extensive destruction of the wrist. Objective To review mid-term outcomes in a continuous prospective series of patients who underwent wrist arthroplasty Amandys with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Methods Clinical evaluation included a satisfaction survey, pain, two functional scores, the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), active wrist mobility, and grip strength compared with the contralateral side. Radiological evaluation was used to detect implant subsidence, carpal migration, bone lysis, or implant malposition. All per- and postoperative complications were collected. Results Fifty-nine patients (63 procedures) were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 7 years; 57% of the patients were males, and the mean age was 58 years. Among the patients, 90% were satisfied or very satisfied. Pain was significantly improved, with a gain of 4/10 ( p < 0.001). Functional outcomes also improved between the second and fifth year of follow-up. Active mobility was preserved and grip strength was significantly improved by 7 kg ( p < 0.001). No implant subsidence or carpal migration was observed. Ten patients (11.9%) underwent revision surgery for conflict (1%), rotation (6%), or implant dislocation (5%). All complications and revisions occurred early with no new events after 1 year of follow-up. Discussion Mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes were stable with improvement of functional scores. The survival rate was comparable to that reported for TWF with conserved mobility. We report fewer complications compared with those reported for TWA or TWF. Early instability of the implant was the main etiology of the revisions. Repositioning of the implant was successful. No conversion to TWA or TWF was necessary. Conclusions Mid-term outcomes of the Amandys implants were encouraging. Patients conserved good wrist motion with improved strength and functional scores. The implant was well tolerated. Functional outcomes continue to improve with the follow-up. The survival rate remains stable after 2 years. The level of evidence of this study is IV (therapeutic case series).

Arthroscopic Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Nonunion: A Retrospective Study of 42 Cases.

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcomes of arthroscopic bone grafting and K-wire fixation to treat scaphoid non-union. Methods: We included in at two healthcare facilities, 42 consecutive patients (34 men, 8 women) with a mean age of 25 years (range 15-56 years) with scaphoid non-union of the proximal and middle third without intracarpal deformity or SNAC osteoarthritis. All patients were evaluated (pain, range of motion, strength, function, X-rays) by an independent examiner. Results: At the mean follow-up of 18 months (range 12-56), pain was significantly reduced from 7 to 1 on a visual analogue scale (out of 10). The scores on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation were improved significantly. At the last review, grip strength was 83% of the contralateral side, the average wrist flexion-extension was 125° and the radioulnar deviation was 58°. Bone union was achieved in 37 cases (88%). The mean time of checking the bone union was 3 months (range, 2-8). Four patients required revision surgery because of failed union. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we found that this procedure can be used as a surgical treatment for scaphoid non-union of the proximal and middle third without intracarpal deformity or osteoarthritis. The arthroscopic bone grafting is a reliable, effective, and minimally invasive procedure.

Double trapeziometacarpal and scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal pyrocarbon interposition implants for pantrapezial arthritis: Midterm results and surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Pantrapezial osteoarthritis of the thumb (OA) includes involvements of scaphotrapezoidtrapezoidal (STT) and trapeziometacarpal (TM) joints which are source of disabling pain and function loss. Whilst radical procedures or arthroplasties are available, more conservative techniques have been developed recently and have gain popularity. They aim of this study was to know the midterms results of patients presenting peritrapezial OA treated with a double interposition pyrocarbon implant at the STT and TM joints. Our hypothesis was that patients suffering from pantrapezial OA treated with this technique would improve their functional scores at the last follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive, retrospective, observational study analysed 31 patients treated with a double STT and TM pyrocarbon interposition implant ("Burger arthroplasty") between 2009-2018. Patients were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with pantrapezial OA before surgery (Eaton stage I or II). The primary endpoint was the comparison of the preoperative and postoperative values of the functional scores QuickDASH and PRWE. Epidemiological data and radiological results were reported. Pain, range of motion, pinch and grip strength, were analysed with standardised tools. The surgical technique was described in detail and reinforced with a didactic supplementary video. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were available for analysis (58%) with a mean age of 62 years (range: 49-79). At last follow-up (44 months, range: 9-95) we found significant reduced pain, significant improvement of QuickDASH and PRWE scores and of pinch strength (p<0.05). Range of motion, grip and pinch strength did not improve significantly (p>0.05). Two patients required revision surgery. DISCUSSION: The double STT and TM pyrocarbon interposition offer good results at midterm on patient suffering from early stages of pantrapezial OA with preserved trapezium structure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Mechanical performance comparison of two surgical constructs for wrist four-corner arthrodesis via dorsal and radial approaches.

BACKGROUND: Four-corner arthrodesis, which involves fusing four carpal bones while removing the scaphoid bone, is a standard surgery for the treatment of advanced stages of wrist arthritis. Nowadays, it can be performed using a dorsal approach by fixing a plate to the bones and a new radial approach is in development. To date, there is no consensus on the biomechanically optimal and most reliable surgical construct for four-corner arthrodesis. METHODS: To evaluate them biomechanically and thus assist the surgeon in choosing the best implant orientation, radial or dorsal, the two different four-corner arthrodesis surgical constructs were virtually simulated on a 3D finite element model representing all major structures of the wrist. Two different realistic load sets were applied to the model, representing common tasks for the elderly. FINDINGS: Results consistency was assessed by comparing with the literature the force magnitude computed on the carpal bones. The Von Mises stress distribution in the radial and dorsal plates were calculated. Stress concentration was located at the plate-screw interface for both surgical constructs, with a maximum stress value of 413 MPa for the dorsal plate compared to 326 MPa for the radial plate, meaning that the stress levels are more unfavourable in the dorsal approach. INTERPRETATION: Although some bending stress was found in one load case, the radial plate was mechanically more robust in the other load case. Despite some limitations, this study provides, for the first time, quantified evidence that the newly developed radial surgical construct is mechanically as efficient as the dorsal surgical construct.

Medium- and long-term outcomes for hand and wrist pyrocarbon implants.

The article reviews the techniques and surgical outcomes of arthroplasties of the metacarpophalangeal, carpometacarpal and the wrist joints. In my patients, interposition pyrocarbon implants quickly achieve functional recovery and do not deteriorate time. Bony and articular tolerances are remarkable. These implants are a valid alternative to conventional arthroplasties, such as trapeziectomies, silicone implants and total joint replacements. Because of the implant's small size, the surgery can be done through minimally invasive approaches especially for young and active patients. A technical key is to properly manage the bone surfaces of the joint and the peri-articular soft tissues to avoid early implant instability.

Treatment of Pisotriquetral Arthritis by Pyrocarbon Interposition Arthroplasty.

Purpose Pisiformectomy is the baseline treatment for pisotriquetral arthritis when medical treatment fails to address the problem. This operation may lead to loss of mobility and strength in the wrist. This study reports the short-term outcomes of a new technique for treating pisotriquetral arthritis using a pisotriquetral interposition arthroplasty with a pyrocarbon implant. Patients and Methods We performed a clinical and radiographic study on a series of eight patients who received this treatment at a mean follow-up of 2.8 years. We also studied the mobility of the implant and did assessed articular instability using dynamic radiology and fluoroscopy. Results We observed one proximal dislocation of the implant in one hand which was reoperated to reposition the implant and strengthen the capsule. All patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their operation and had an average functional recovery period of 1.6 months. At the last follow-up, the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (QDASH), and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores were 89, 18, and 20, respectively. Postoperatively, there was a 22% improvement in the grip strength of the wrists as well as improved mobility, mainly as regards the radioulnar deviation (47% improvement) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores decreased from 8 preoperatively to 2 at the latest follow-up. The functional radiologic and fluoroscopic study reported good adaptive mobility of the implant in all the patients, without any indication of pisotriquetral joint instability. Conclusion The short-term results of pisotriquetral arthroplasty using the Pyrocardan implant are encouraging. This new surgical solution appears to be a valid alternative to pisiformectomy or pisotriquetral arthrodesis. Long-term studies are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Pyrocarbon interposition after capitate head resection.

Background Isolated lunocapitate disease is a rare situation. It includes both capitolunate arthritis and osteonecrosis of the capitate head. The management of this pathology is not defined yet. Case Description We treated three patients by resection of the capitate head and interposition of a so-called capitolunate Pi(2) implant (Tornier, BioProfile, Grenoble, France). We reported encouraging results at average follow-up of 4.8 years. Literature Review Several procedures have been reported in this indication. All suffer from lack of follow-up. Four-corner fusion seems to be the most reliable solution at the expense of wrist stiffness. Clinical Relevance case series.

Pyrocarbon interposition wrist arthroplasty in the treatment of failed wrist procedures.

Treatment of failures after prior wrist surgeries with major articular destruction is challenging. In most cases, total wrist fusion is the only possible salvage procedure. We propose a new interposition arthroplasty with a pyrocarbon implant called Amandys. A total of 16 patients, 14 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 56 years were operated on for a failure of wrist surgery performed previously, with an average time lapse of 12 years. The prior surgeries were partial wrist arthrodesis in seven cases, silicone implant interpositions in five cases, advanced Kienböck disease (Lichtman IV) treatment in two cases, proximal row carpectomy in one case, and an isolated scaphoidectomy in one case. A prospective study with clinical and radiological evaluation was performed with a mean follow-up of 24 months (6 to 41 months). Pain and function showed significant improvement. The mean pain score decreased from 7 of 10 to 4 of 10, postoperatively. The mean grip strength was 19 kg (53% of the contralateral side), and the mean range of motion in flexion extension was 68 degrees. Mean strength and range of motion did not change significantly with the operation. The mean QuickDASH (Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand) score decreased from 59 of 100 to 39 of 100. The mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation decreased from 57 of 100 to 33. Two patients (12.5%) required revision for implant repositioning. No dislocation or subsidence of the implant was noted. Pyrocarbon interposition arthroplasty is a new option for treatment of advanced wrist destruction. Preliminary short-term results suggest that it may be a reliable alternative to total wrist fusion. The level of evidence of this study is IV (therapeutic case series).

Pi2 spacer pyrocarbon arthroplasty technique for thumb basal joint osteoarthritis.

Trapeziectomy associated with a pyrocarbon implant is a recent procedure for thumb basal joint osteoarthritis. The investigators report Pi pyrocarbon implant technique (Tornier Bioprofile, Grenoble, France) for primary thumb basal joint osteoarthritis. The key points of the procedure are preservation of the soft tissue environment during the trapeziectomy, partial trapezoidectomy to medialize the implant, and careful capsuloplasty and ligamentoplasty to stabilize the implant.