ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for chronic perilunate dislocations using single-stage, two-stage, and salvage procedures. The study also compares these approaches with each other and with results from existing literature. METHODS: A total of 15 patients with chronic perilunate injuries from 2013 to 2019 were included in the study. Pre-operative and post-operative assessments were conducted using plain radiographs, with CT scans performed selectively for detailed morphology and fracture pattern analysis. Among the patients, 13 underwent ORIF, while 2 underwent salvage procedures. Among the ORIF cases, single-stage procedures were performed in 4 patients, and two-stage procedures in 9 patients. External fixators, including unilateral uniplanar external fixators (UUEF) and bilateral uniplanar external fixators (BUEF), were applied in 5 and 4 patients, respectively. Our methodology of treating chronic perilunate injuries has evolved over the years. We started with single stage ORIF then graduated to a two staged procedure initially using a external fixator as a carpal distractor applied only on the radial side and finally settling down with bilateral carpal distraction using external fixators both on the radial and ulnar sides. RESULTS: Among the 15 patients, 3 were lost to follow-up. Of these, one underwent four-corner fusion, while the remaining two had UUEF. The mean time interval between injury and surgery was 3.60 months. The post-operative mean scapholunate angle measured 52.46°, with a negative radio-lunate angle (indicating flexion) observed in two patients, while others showed a positive angle (indicating extension). Two cases exhibited nonunion and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the scaphoid, while one case presented with lunate AVN. Mid-carpal and radio-carpal arthritis was observed in 4 and 2 patients, respectively. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Mayo's wrist score categorized as good for two-stage BUEF cases and satisfactory for UUEF and single-stage procedures. CONCLUSION: Staged reduction utilizing the BUEF followed by open reduction has demonstrated superior outcomes when compared to UUEF, single-stage open reduction and salvage procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.
Subject(s)
Fracture Fixation, Internal , Joint Dislocations , Lunate Bone , Salvage Therapy , Humans , Male , Adult , Lunate Bone/surgery , Lunate Bone/injuries , Lunate Bone/diagnostic imaging , Female , Salvage Therapy/methods , Treatment Outcome , Joint Dislocations/surgery , Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Middle Aged , External Fixators , Young Adult , Open Fracture Reduction/methods , Retrospective Studies , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Range of Motion, Articular , Chronic DiseaseABSTRACT
SUMMARY: The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is vital to the stability and function of the wrist and forearm. The osseous morphology is variable and provides little stability. A complex of confluent soft tissues is the primary stabilizer; however, the contribution of each component has yet to be elucidated. It has become increasingly clear that the anatomic fixation of distal radius fractures restores DRUJ stability, obviating the need for additional DRUJ stabilization. This review will describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the DRUJ and discuss injury patterns, treatments, and clinical results.
Subject(s)
Joint Instability , Radius Fractures , Wrist Joint , Humans , Joint Instability/physiopathology , Joint Instability/surgery , Wrist Joint/physiopathology , Wrist Joint/surgery , Radius Fractures/surgery , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Biomechanical Phenomena , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Radius/anatomy & histologyABSTRACT
Background: Perilunate fracture-dislocations are frequently associated with a high risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis. Current studies indicate that during mid-term follow-ups, radiological signs of arthritis do not appear to correspond with functional score. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of posttraumatic arthritis and the wrist function after perilunate dislocations (PLD) and fracture dislocations at a mid-term follow-up of 7 years. Methods: We report the clinical and radiological outcomes of 17 wrists treated for PLD or fracture-dislocation by open reduction and internal fixation through a dorsal approach with dorsal ligament repair. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the short version of the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire (PRWE) and the Mayo Wrist Score (MWS). Results of radiographs were assessed using the Herzberg Radiological Scoring Chart. Results: The MWS showed five excellent, five good, five fair and two poor results with an average score of 81%. Radiological analysis using the Herzberg classification revealed midcarpal and/or radiocarpal arthritis in 65% of cases, lunate collapse in 59% and an increase in the mean ulnar translocation ratio in 53% of the cases. Complications included one case of lunate osteonecrosis and one case of stage 3 scapholunate advanced collapse that required revision surgery. Conclusions: Although the clinical and functional outcomes are favourable at mid-term follow-up, radiological evaluation shows a progression towards osteoarthritis (OA). Further research is warranted to refine treatment strategies and investigate factors influencing the development of OA. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).
Subject(s)
Fracture Dislocation , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Lunate Bone , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Follow-Up Studies , Lunate Bone/injuries , Lunate Bone/diagnostic imaging , Lunate Bone/surgery , Middle Aged , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Fracture Dislocation/surgery , Fracture Dislocation/diagnostic imaging , Disability Evaluation , Young Adult , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Radiography , Wrist Joint/diagnostic imaging , Wrist Joint/surgery , Wrist Joint/physiopathology , Arthritis/etiology , Arthritis/diagnostic imaging , Arthritis/surgery , Open Fracture Reduction/methodsABSTRACT
Background: To restore distal radioulnar joint stability following injury to the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC), foveal repair surgery may be necessary. Post-surgery rehabilitation is prescribed to restore wrist and hand function; however, no universally accepted or definitive rehabilitation protocol currently exists. The aim of this study was to survey hand and wrist surgeons regarding their recommended postoperative rehabilitation protocols following TFCC foveal repair surgery. Methods: Australian hand and wrist surgeons were invited to complete a descriptive survey containing 10 questions. Questions included clinical recommendations for wrist and forearm immobilisation, range of motion (ROM) exercise timeframes and surgeon experience of TFCC rupture. Descriptive statistics and between-group (TFCC rupture vs. no-rupture) comparisons (Pearson's Chi2) were calculated. Results: Thirty-one surgeons completed the survey. Recommendations for post-surgery immobilisation ranged from 'not required' to 8 weeks (mode 6 weeks). Wrist and forearm ROM commencement time ranged from 'immediately' to 'later than 8 weeks' (mode 6 weeks). The most recommended orthosis was a 'sugar-tong' (57%). Thirty-seven percent (37%) reported experience of post-surgery re-rupture. Conclusions: While surgeon recommendations varied, the majority recommended 4- to 6-week timeframe for immobilisation and ROM exercise commencement. Additional clinical research is recommended to evaluate whether postoperative rehabilitation decisions influence patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).
Subject(s)
Triangular Fibrocartilage , Humans , Australia , Triangular Fibrocartilage/injuries , Triangular Fibrocartilage/surgery , Range of Motion, Articular , Postoperative Care/standards , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/rehabilitation , Practice Guidelines as TopicABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Amputation of the wrist or distal forearm after high-energy trauma due to a crushing mechanism is associated with complex tissue defects, making repair, and reconstruction challenging. Given the difficulty of this type of salvage, patients unfortunately experience a high revision amputation rate. However, a higher quality of life has been reported in patients with successful reconstructions. Herein, we described a protocolized approach for revascularization and reconstruction for functional hand salvage after traumatic amputation from a crushing mechanism using an anterolateral thigh flap (ALT). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed between October 2016 and October 2023 for all patients who underwent single-stage emergent debridement, revascularization, and soft tissue coverage using the ALT after amputation at the level of the wrist or distal forearm secondary to high-energy crush injury. Charts were reviewed for the preoperative Mangled Extremity Salvage Score, intraoperative details including what structures were injured and the reconstructive method performed, and postoperative data such as follow-up duration, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria with an average age of 35.5 (21-49) years old. The average size of the skin soft tissue defects was 17.3 × 8 cm (range, length: 13-25 cm, width: 6-13 cm), and all cases had associated injury to the underlying bone, nerves, and blood vessels. The average size of the ALT flap used for reconstruction was 19.2 × 9.8 cm (range, length: 14-27 cm, width: 7-15 cm). All patients had survival of the replanted limb. One patient experienced partial flap necrosis that required secondary debridement and skin graft. Nine patients healed without requiring any additional debridement procedures. Patient follow-up averaged 24.6 (12-38) months. All patients achieved satisfactory functional recovery with Grade II to III of Chen's criteria. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with traumatic crush amputation to the wrist with surrounding soft tissue injury, thorough debridement, revascularization, and reconstruction of amputated limbs can be performed in a single stage using the ALT. A protocolized approach from two institutions is presented, demonstrating improved survival and reduced complications of the traumatized limb with improved long-term patient outcomes.
Subject(s)
Amputation, Traumatic , Crush Injuries , Forearm Injuries , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Wrist Injuries , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Adult , Male , Middle Aged , Forearm Injuries/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Crush Injuries/surgery , Female , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Amputation, Traumatic/surgery , Young Adult , Limb Salvage/methods , Clinical Protocols , Free Tissue Flaps/transplantation , Free Tissue Flaps/blood supply , Surgical Flaps/blood supply , Surgical Flaps/transplantation , Treatment Outcome , Debridement/methodsABSTRACT
Cartilage injuries of the hand and wrist can be debilitating in the athlete. Diagnosis is difficult given the broad spectrum of presenting symptomatology. History and physical examination is crucial to achieve the correct diagnosis, and advanced imaging can offer helpful assistance to the clinician as well. TFCC injuries and ulnar impaction syndrome are among the most common conditions in athletes with hand and wrist pain. Treatment of these injuries is initially nonoperative, but elite athletes may elect to bypass nonoperative treatment in favor of earlier return to sport. Surgical treatment varies but can include open and arthroscopic methods. The clinician should tailor treatment plans to each athlete based on level of competition, type of sport, and individual preferences and goals.
Subject(s)
Arthroscopy , Athletic Injuries , Cartilage, Articular , Hand Injuries , Wrist Injuries , Humans , Wrist Injuries/therapy , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnosis , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Athletic Injuries/therapy , Athletic Injuries/diagnosis , Athletic Injuries/surgery , Hand Injuries/therapy , Hand Injuries/surgery , Hand Injuries/diagnosis , Arthroscopy/methods , Cartilage, Articular/injuries , Cartilage, Articular/surgery , Return to Sport , Physical ExaminationABSTRACT
Trans-scaphoid perilunate fractures-dislocations are rare injuries caused by high-energy trauma of the wrist. Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical examination, and tools such as radiographs, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Early treatment consists of closed reduction and casting to stabilize the limb. Definitive treatment is surgical and includes bone and soft tissue repair. A case of trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture-dislocation is presented, along with diagnosis, management and outcome.
Las fracturas-luxaciones transescafo-perilunares son lesiones infrecuentes causadas por impactos de alta energía hacia la muñeca. El diagnóstico se basa en la historia clínica, exploración física y herramientas como la radiografía, la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética. El manejo inmediato consiste en una reducción cerrada e inmovilización para estabilizar la extremidad. El tratamiento definitivo es de carácter quirúrgico e incluye la reparación ósea y de tejidos blandos. Se presenta un caso de fractura-luxación transescafo-perilunar, su diagnóstico, manejo y evolución.
Subject(s)
Scaphoid Bone , Humans , Male , Scaphoid Bone/injuries , Scaphoid Bone/diagnostic imaging , Lunate Bone/injuries , Lunate Bone/diagnostic imaging , Lunate Bone/surgery , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging , Fracture Dislocation/surgery , Fracture Dislocation/diagnostic imaging , Joint Dislocations/surgery , Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic wrist osteoarthritis is an irreversible and often progressive condition. Many surgical treatments, used in (daily) practice, aim to relieve symptoms like pain and restore function. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the patient reported and functional outcomes of the most common surgical interventions in patients with posttraumatic wrist osteoarthritis. This overview can help clinicians select the best treatment and manage patient's expectations. METHODS: A literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane for articles published between 1990 and November 2022 according to the PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42017080427). Studies that describe patient reported outcomes (pain and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) -score) and functional outcomes (range of motion (ROM) and grip strength) after surgical intervention with a minimal follow-up of 1 year were included. The identified surgical procedures included denervation, proximal row carpectomy, interpositional- and total arthroplasty, and midcarpal-, radiocarpal- and total arthrodesis. The pre-and postoperative outcomes were pooled and presented per salvage procedure. RESULTS: Data from 50 studies was included. Pain score improved after all surgeries except denervation. Flexion/extension decreased after radiocarpal arthrodesis, did not show significant changes after proximal row carpectomy, and improved for all other surgeries. DASH score improved after arthroplasty, proximal row carpectomy and midcarpal arthrodesis. Grip strength improved after interposition arthroplasty and partial arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this review did not support the indication for denervation in this particular patient population. In patients with SLAC/SNAC II, proximal row carpectomy might be favourable to a midcarpal arthrodesis solely based on better FE ROM of the radiocarpal joint after proximal row carpectomy. In terms of radiocarpal mobility, total wrist arthroplasty might be preferred to radiocarpal arthrodesis in patients with osteoarthritis after a distal radius fracture. More uniform measurements of outcomes would improve the understanding of the effect of surgical treatments of the posttraumatic osteoarthritic wrist.
Subject(s)
Osteoarthritis , Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Range of Motion, Articular , Salvage Therapy , Wrist Joint , Humans , Osteoarthritis/surgery , Wrist Joint/surgery , Wrist Joint/physiopathology , Salvage Therapy/methods , Arthrodesis/methods , Hand Strength , Treatment Outcome , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/physiopathology , Recovery of Function , Denervation/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Perilunate dislocations and perilunate fracture dislocations (PLD/PLFDs) are rare injuries of the wrist, with surgical management leading to acceptable functional results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of the patients of our department who were treated with surgical management of PLDs/PLFDs through dorsal approach, as well as to report any complications on their follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 52 patients with PLD/PLFD, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, underwent surgical management of their injury. All patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year postoperatively with radiographic imaging as well as functional scores measured with the modified mayo wrist score and the QuickDASH questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean postoperative modified Mayo score was 76.8 ± 8.8 and the mean QuickDASH score was 1.52 ± 2.18. Of the 52 cases, 20% had excellent results, 42% had good results, 29% had fair results and 9% had poor results as per the modified Mayo wrist score. No patient signed any symptoms of median nerve neuropathy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, open reduction and internal fixation through dorsal approach is a reliable technique to manage perilunate injuries in spite of radiological evidence of wrist arthritis, as it also provides consistently good results in terms of functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Retrospective case series study.
Subject(s)
Fracture Dislocation , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Lunate Bone , Wrist Injuries , Humans , Male , Female , Retrospective Studies , Adult , Lunate Bone/injuries , Lunate Bone/surgery , Lunate Bone/diagnostic imaging , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Fracture Dislocation/surgery , Fracture Dislocation/diagnostic imaging , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/physiopathology , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Young Adult , Radiography , Joint Dislocations/surgery , Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging , Range of Motion, Articular , Wrist Joint/physiopathology , Wrist Joint/surgery , Wrist Joint/diagnostic imaging , Recovery of Function , AdolescentABSTRACT
Caring for hand and wrist injuries in the elite athlete brings distinct challenges, with case-by-case decisions regarding surgical intervention and return-to-play. Metacarpal fractures, thumb ulnar collateral ligament tears, and scaphoid fractures are common upper-extremity injuries in the elite athlete that can be detrimental to playing time and future participation. Treatment should therefore endure the demand of accelerated rehabilitation and return-to-activity without compromising long-term outcomes. Fortunately, the literature has supported emerging management options that support goals specific to the athlete. This review examined the advances in surgical and perioperative treatment of metacarpal fractures, thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries, and scaphoid fractures in the elite athlete.
Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries , Fractures, Bone , Hand Injuries , Wrist Injuries , Humans , Wrist Injuries/therapy , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Fractures, Bone/therapy , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Athletic Injuries/therapy , Athletic Injuries/surgery , Athletic Injuries/diagnosis , Hand Injuries/therapy , Hand Injuries/surgery , Scaphoid Bone/injuries , Scaphoid Bone/surgery , Return to Sport , Metacarpal Bones/injuries , Collateral Ligament, Ulnar/injuries , Collateral Ligament, Ulnar/surgeryABSTRACT
CASE: A 34-year-old man was acutely treated with radial head arthroplasty and central band repair following Essex-Lopresti injury. A 38-year-old man presented with chronic longitudinal instability following failed radial head arthroplasty, which was performed for failed fixation. Treatment with revision radial head arthroplasty and central band reconstruction restored longitudinal stability. CONCLUSION: We have a low threshold to repair the central band in acute Essex-Lopresti injury with sufficient evidence of disruption. Nearly all chronic cases require central band reconstruction to restore longitudinal stability. We do not temporarily pin the DRUJ, and distal ulnar shortening is rarely indicated.
Subject(s)
Joint Instability , Humans , Male , Adult , Joint Instability/surgery , Joint Instability/etiology , Elbow Injuries , Radius Fractures/surgery , Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Arthroplasty/methodsABSTRACT
Radiocarpal dislocation is an uncommon injury that is usually caused by high-energy trauma. Herein, we present two cases of dorsal radiocarpal dislocation with radial styloid fractures that were treated by arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation. Wrist arthroscopy provides accurate information on intra-articular fractures and carpal and/or intracarpal ligamentous tears of the radiocarpal joint. Furthermore, the procedure enables simultaneous anatomical reduction of intra-articular fractures and radiocarpal and/or intercarpal ligament repair. Arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation yield satisfactory outcomes for patients presenting with dorsal radiocarpal dislocation and radial styloid fractures.
Subject(s)
Arthroscopy , Fracture Fixation, Internal , Joint Dislocations , Radius Fractures , Humans , Arthroscopy/methods , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Joint Dislocations/surgery , Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging , Male , Radius Fractures/surgery , Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Treatment Outcome , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Female , Wrist Joint/surgery , Wrist Joint/diagnostic imaging , Middle Aged , Wrist FracturesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The scapholunate ligament is the most important stabilizer of the scapholunate articulation. The management of chronic irreversible injuries of this ligament in the absence of preexisting arthritis of the wrist joint remains controversial. Recently, surgeons introduced a novel surgical technique using an internal brace (IB). Several biomechanical studies on this technique have been conducted using cadavers; however, very few studies have discussed the results in detail in actual clinical practice. Therefore, herein, we investigated the radiological and functional results of patients who underwent IB augmentation as a treatment for chronic scapholunate dissociation. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from April 2018 to May 2022. Twenty-two patients with chronic scapholunate dissociation were treated using the IB augmentation technique, of whom 17 were followed-up for at least 1 year. Radiological results, including scapholunate distance, scapholunate angle, and radioscaphoid angle, were collected. Furthermore, clinical parameters, such as the visual analog scale (preoperative and at final follow-up), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores (preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively), and Mayo wrist scores (preoperative and at final follow-up), were measured. RESULTS: The scapholunate distance increased significantly in the affected wrist compared to the unaffected wrist, which improved after reconstruction in all wrist positions ( P < 0.05). Compared to the unaffected wrist, the scapholunate angle increased significantly in all positions ( P < 0.05) except for extension ( P = 0.535) and improved after reconstruction in all wrist positions. The radioscaphoid angle significantly increased compared to the angle of the unaffected wrist in all positions ( P < 0.05) except for extension ( P = 0.602) and clenched fist ( P = 0.556). This angle improved after reconstruction in all wrist positions except for extension ( P = 0.900). The visual analog scale score (7-2, preoperatively and at final follow-up) and Mayo wrist score (53-82, preoperatively and at final follow-up) improved after surgery. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores also improved after surgery (68, 53, 30, 7, preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that scapholunate ligament reconstruction using an autologous tendon and suture tape is a good reconstruction technique that can improve clinical symptoms and radiographic parameters with a shorter operation time and fewer complications than other reconstruction methods.
Subject(s)
Ligaments, Articular , Lunate Bone , Scaphoid Bone , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Ligaments, Articular/surgery , Female , Male , Adult , Follow-Up Studies , Lunate Bone/surgery , Scaphoid Bone/surgery , Scaphoid Bone/injuries , Middle Aged , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Braces , Joint Instability/surgery , Chronic Disease , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Joint/surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint is a rare injury that is often missed at initial presentation. We report a 21-year-old male patient who presented 2 months after sustaining this injury. He was successfully managed by open reduction and reconstruction of the dorsal radioulnar ligament using a partial distally based extensor carpi ulnaris tendon strip. A literature review showed only a few reported cases with varied methods for management. The technique utilised is analysed in comparison to the others. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).
Subject(s)
Joint Dislocations , Wrist Injuries , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Joint Dislocations/surgery , Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Tendons/surgery , Wrist Joint/surgery , Ligaments, Articular/surgery , Ligaments, Articular/injuriesABSTRACT
Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures in adults and account for one quarter of all fractures, with increasing incidence. The number of patients and the requirement of an exact treatment are high. Continuous developments in diagnostic and operative possibilities enable in many cases a high-quality treatment with good clinical outcome; however, radius fractures rarely occur alone but in combination with additional fractures or ligamentous injuries. The frequency and extent of these injuries are not linked to the complexity of the primary injury. The aim is to recognize and correctly diagnose potential concomitant injuries. Many injuries do not need immediate treatment but heal without additional treatment after the radius has been treated. It is important to recognize those injuries which can cause severe complications if untreated; however, exactly this is often difficult. In many cases there is still no consensus if and how concomitant injuries should be treated. This article highlights the most frequent concomitant injuries in distal radius fractures with the possible advantages and disadvantages of cotreatment in order to facilitate decision making.
Subject(s)
Radius Fractures , Wrist Injuries , Radius Fractures/surgery , Humans , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Fracture Healing , Multiple Trauma/surgery , Ulna Fractures/surgery , Ulna Fractures/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Combined Modality Therapy , Wrist FracturesABSTRACT
Distal radius fractures are one of the most frequent fractures of the upper extremities. The decision for conservative or surgical treatment is made after appropriate diagnostics using conventional radiographic and usually computed tomography imaging examinations. If the indications for surgical treatment are present, various options for reduction and fixation are available. The spectrum ranges from closed to open procedures up to accompanying arthroscopic support. Appropriate preoperative patient education about the procedure and the planned postinterventional treatment is essential. The goal of treatment is to restore wrist function while maintaining mobility and strength with a low risk of complications. All surgical procedures share the principle of reduction to restore anatomical relationship followed by fixation. Closed procedures include fixation with Kirschner wires and the construction of an external fixator. Volar locking plate osteosynthesis has become established in recent years as the method of choice for the majority of the fractures to be treated. For special fracture patterns and the treatment of accompanying injuries, arthroscopic support can be indicated. There is no uniform consensus on the best choice of procedure. This article discusses the possible procedures including the approaches, fixation techniques and specific follow-up treatment.
Subject(s)
Fracture Fixation, Internal , Radius Fractures , Humans , Radius Fractures/surgery , Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Arthroscopy/methods , Bone Plates , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Bone Wires , Fracture Fixation/methods , Fracture Fixation/instrumentation , Treatment Outcome , External Fixators , Wrist FracturesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Salter-Harris I and II fractures of the distal radius are common injuries. In our facility, immobilisation is performed in a way that counteracts angulation forces. The aim of our study was to determine whether there are significant differences between patients with and patients without a loss of reduction treated with this method and to determine what degree of flexion reliably prevents secondary displacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 112 patients (mean age: 12 years) who had sustained a Salter-Harris type I or II fracture of the distal radius and were treated with reduction. Patients were grouped according to fracture type and whether they sustained a loss of reduction or not. Patients were compared for gender, age, initial angulation, angulation after reduction, degree of flexion/extension of the wrist in the cast, residual angulation, duration of immobilisation, and complication rate. We also analysed whether a 45-degree flexed position of the wrist in plaster provides reliable protection against secondary displacement. RESULTS: In group I, patients with no loss of reduction had a significantly greater degree of wrist flexion in the cast, a significantly shorter duration of immobilisation and significantly less residual angulation. Patients with an apex-volar deformity with the wrist immobilised at more than 45 degrees of flexion had no loss of reduction at all and had significantly less residual angulation compared with patients with the wrist immobilised at less than 45 degrees of flexion. In this patient group, loss of reduction was noted in 28% of cases. The patients in group II with loss of reduction showed a significantly higher angulation after the reduction. During the follow-up examination, one patient experienced physeal arrest followed by an ulnar impaction syndrome. Other complications recorded were minor. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, based on our results, we recommend that all physeal fractures of the distal radius with an apex-volar angulation can be safely treated with reduction and immobilisation counteracting the forces of angulation. For apex-dorsal fractures, palmar flexion of 45° allows for reliable reduction.
Subject(s)
Casts, Surgical , Radius Fractures , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Retrospective Studies , Radius Fractures/surgery , Radius Fractures/physiopathology , Adolescent , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/physiopathology , Range of Motion, Articular/physiology , Salter-Harris Fractures , Fracture Healing/physiology , Follow-Up Studies , Immobilization , Wrist FracturesSubject(s)
Casts, Surgical , Radius Fractures , Wrist Injuries , Humans , Radius Fractures/surgery , Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Fracture Healing/physiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Salter-Harris Fractures/surgery , Fracture Dislocation/surgery , Fracture Dislocation/diagnostic imaging , Wrist FracturesABSTRACT
We present the case of a 14-year-old patient who suffered fracture dislocation of the pisiform bone (PB) along with fractures of the scaphoid, proximal radius, and proximal phalanx of the thumb due to high-energy trauma directly to the extended wrist. This combination of fractures has not been previously reported in the literature. Currently, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal treatment approach for such cases. In our management, initial attempts at closed and open reduction were unsuccessful, leading to the decision for primary pisiformectomy. Our report includes a follow-up of 3.5 years, demonstrating a very good outcome. Based on this case and a few similar published cases, primary pisiformectomy appears to be a viable and well-accepted option, particularly among young patients. Additionally, we conducted a review of radiographic criteria and management strategies for this specific injury and related conditions.
Subject(s)
Pisiform Bone , Humans , Adolescent , Male , Pisiform Bone/injuries , Fracture Dislocation/surgery , Fracture Dislocation/diagnostic imaging , Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Wrist Injuries/surgery , Wrist Injuries/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
Aims: The study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and partial excision in patients with traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and to identify prognostic factors associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients arthroscopically diagnosed with Palmer 1 A lesions who underwent arthroscopic debridement and partial excision from March 2009 to February 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The poor outcome group was defined as patients whose preoperative and last follow-up clinical score difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH score (10.83). Baseline characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and radiological factors (ulnar variance, MRI, or arthrography) were evaluated to predict poor clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 29.8 months (SD 14.4). The mean DASH score improved from 36.5 (SD 21.5) to 16.7 (SD 14.3), the mean MWS from 59.7 (SD 17.9) to 79.3 (SD 14.3), and the mean VAS pain score improved from 5.9 (SD 1.8) to 2.2 (SD 2.0) at the last follow-up (all p < 0.001). Among the 114 patients, 16 (14%) experienced poor clinical outcomes and ten (8.8%) required secondary ulnar shortening osteotomy. Positive ulnar variance was the only factor significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes (p < 0.001). Positive ulnar variance was present in 38 patients (33%); among them, eight patients (21%) required additional operations. Conclusion: Arthroscopic debridement alone appears to be an effective and safe initial treatment for patients with traumatic central TFCC tears. The presence of positive ulnar variance was associated with poor clinical outcomes, but close observation after arthroscopic debridement is more likely to be recommended than ulnar shortening osteotomy as a primary treatment.