Comparison of volarly and dorsally displaced distal radius fracture treated by volar locking plate fixation.

INTRODUCTION: In case of distal radius fractures (DRF) the distal fragment generally displaces either dorsally or volarly. Scientific literature however, seldom differentiates between volarly and dorsally displaced DRFs when reporting results. It is no clear, if the direction of displacement has an influence on the clinical and radiological outcome. This study was intended to evaluate the influence of displacement direction in adult patients with surgically treated Colles or Smith type fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After a mean follow up (FU) time of above 5 years, 50 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for DRFs (25 Smith type fractures, 25 Colles type fractures) were included. Upon FU, standard X-rays and a clinical evaluation as well as evaluation scores were raised and analysed. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation showed no difference between the Colles and the Smith group. Radiologic and clinical results for the Colles group showed diminished flexion compared to the healthy wrist, decreased radial inclination and dorsal tilt during FU and progression of osteoarthritis. For the Smith group decreased grip strength compared to the healthy wrist and osteoarthritis-progression was found. For both groups there was no correlation between radiologic values, grip strength, arthrosis grading, disability of arm, shoulder and hand score and patient rated wrist evaluation score. DISCUSSION: Decreased flexion in combination with a decreased dorsopalmar tilt might hint towards a mechanical inhibition in the Colles group. Altogether, the study showed good clinical outcome with satisfactory radiological result. As all patients showed arthrosis progression, the fracture per se is to be seen as a prearthrotic factor. It still remains unclear which measures could be taken to prevent this.

Acute Gouty Knee Arthritis: Ultrasound Findings Compared With Dual-Energy CT Findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare findings of ultrasound (US) with dual-energy CT (DECT) findings in patients presenting with suspected gouty knee arthritis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 65 patients (52 men and 13 women; median age, 61.7 years [range, 38-87 years]) with an initial clinical diagnosis of acute gouty knee arthritis who underwent DECT performed using a 128-MDCT scanner and US performed using a 5-18-MHz transducer. Both intra- and extraarticular findings obtained using each modality were tabulated. RESULTS: DECT identified gout as the final diagnosis for 52 of 65 patients (80.0%). An alternative diagnosis was confirmed for the remaining 13 patients. US detected gout in 31 of 52 patients (sensitivity, 59.6%) and produced findings negative for gout in seven of 13 patients (specificity, 53.8%). The double contour sign on US was positive for gout in 23 of 52 patients (44.2%) and negative in 12 of 13 patients (92.3%). Extraarticular urate deposition was identified by DECT in 44 of 52 patients, compared with identification by US in 11 of 52 patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of US for the diagnosis of gouty knee arthritis is limited, particularly with respect to extraarticular urate deposition. The double contour sign is the single most valuable sign for the assessment of gouty knee arthritis by US.

Total wrist arthrodesis for septic wrist arthritis and loss of the bony carpus following percutaneous pinning of the fifth carpometacarpal joint: a case report.

We report on a patient who developed septic wrist arthritis with destruction of the entire carpus due to osteomyelitis following percutaneous pinning of a fifth metacarpal base fracture. Arthrodesis was performed using a 6 cm vascularized iliac bone graft. This case report may sharpen the surgeon's awareness of risks in orthopedic surgeries, even though the procedure seems to be rather simple and the patient is young and seems to be healthy.

[Arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of intraarticular distal radius fractures]. / Arthroskopisch gesteuerte Osteosynthese der dislozierten intraartikulären distalen Radiusfraktur.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical reconstruction of the distal radius after intra-articular fractures with special consideration of the articular surface and treatment of concomitant ligament injuries. INDICATIONS: Intra-articular distal radius fractures in adults under 65 years of age. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Osteoporotic deterioration of metaphyseal bone, radiocarpal fracture dislocation and open fractures. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Conventional palmar approach for plate fixation of the fracture with a fixed angle locking plate. Arthroscopy of the wrist is performed for reduction of the articular fracture component using the standard 3­4 and 6R portals. Following temporary Kirschner (K) wire fixation of the fracture, angle stable locking screws are inserted into the most distal portion of the plate. Finally, the intercarpal ligaments and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are checked for concomitant lesions and if necessary subsequent treatment within the same operation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Plaster cast fixation for 4 weeks followed by a physiotherapy program. RESULTS: After arthroscopically assisted reduction of an intra-articular distal radius fracture, 17 out of the 23 patients were available for follow-up examination an average of 31 months after the procedure. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score was 4.9 and the mean patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score was 6.0 at final follow-up. Except for wrist flexion, an active range of motion at the wrist as well as forearm rotation of more than 90 % was achieved compared with the uninjured contralateral side. Grip strength averaged 96 % compared with the contralateral side and pain levels under stress varied between 1 and 3 on a visual analog scale (range 0-10).

[Arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of dorsally tilted intraarticular distal radius fractures--technique and results]. / Arthroskopisch assistierte Versorgung dorsal dislozierter distaler intraartikulärer Speichenfrakturen--Technik und Ergebnisse.

The present paper describes the indication and application of an arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures. Visualisation of articular incongruency is emphasised with special regard to articular fracture fragment reduction. In addition to that, classification of soft tissue injuries and treatment options are discussed. The final clinical and radiological results of 17 patients are presented: DASH and PRWE averaged 4.9 and 6.0 respectively. Active range of motion measured 123° for flexion/extension, 51° for radial and ulnar deviation and 163° for pronosupination, which is 87%, 98% and 97%, respectively, compared with the opposite wrist. Radial inclination at final follow-up was 23°, palmar tilt measured 6° and ulnar variance averaged -1.2 mm. The scapholunate gap at follow-up was 1.6 mm, and the scapholunate angle measured 57°.

Pressure distribution in carpometacarpal joint, due to step-off in operatively treated Bennett's fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of residual articular incongruity after Bennett's fracture on load distribution of the joint surface. Our aim was to investigate whether a residual joint step and the altered load distribution led to negative clinical outcomes or symptomatic degenerative osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients were available for long-term follow-up examination and were contacted by phone, and they returned for follow-up examination. Computed tomography (CT) scans of both carpometacarpal (CMC) joints were performed. CT scans were taken in the sagittal plane of the forearms with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm for three-dimensional reconstruction. The CMC joints were analysed due to a residual step in the joint. Only patients with a residual step-off were included in this study. To determine the areas of maximum density in the joint, CT-osteoabsorptiometry was performed. RESULTS: Ten patients had the maximum loading area radial and two patients central. The second major position of mineralization was detected central in four patients, volar-ulnar in two patients, radial in one patient, dorso-radial in one patient, volar in one patient and volar-radial in two patients. CONCLUSION: Finally, no higher loading in the area of the beak fragment could be found. The Wagner technique, even if it results in a persistent 1-2-mm intra-articular step-off of the beak fragment, is still the favourable method for the treatment of Bennett's luxation fractures.

A new radiological method to detect dorsally penetrating screws when using volar locking plates in distal radial fractures. The dorsal horizon view.

Penetration of the dorsal screw when treating distal radius fractures with volar locking plates is an avoidable complication that causes lesions of the extensor tendon in between 2% and 6% of patients. We examined axial fluoroscopic views of the distal end of the radius to observe small amounts of dorsal screw penetration, and determined the ideal angle of inclination of the x-ray beam to the forearm when making this radiological view. Six volar locking plates were inserted at the wrists of cadavers. The actual screw length was measured under direct vision through a dorsal approach to the distal radius. Axial radiographs were performed for different angles of inclination of the forearm at the elbow. Comparing axial radiological measurements and real screw length, a statistically significant correlation could be demonstrated at an angle of inclination between 5° and 20°. The ideal angle of inclination required to minimise the risk of implanting over-long screws in a dorsal horizon radiological view is 15°.

[Secondary reconstruction of the digital A2-flexor pulley]. / Sekundäre Rekonstruktion des digitalen A2-Ringbands.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary reconstruction of A2 flexor pulley for after closed rupture. INDICATIONS: Persisting impairment of finger function and strength after combined injury of A2 and C1 pulley. Passive free movement of all finger joints. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Fixed flexion contractures of interphalangeal joints after complex finger injuries. Degenerative arthrosis of interphalangeal joints. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A strip of extensor retinaculum approximately 10 mm in width together with the periosteum from the second floor of the extensor tunnel was used for reconstruction of the A2 pulley. After drilling bilateral burr holes in the palmar aspect of the phalanx at the distal and proximal ends of the A2 pulley, the graft was fixed by the periosteum to the bone of the phalanx, placing the synovial layer innermost. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperatively, patients in both treatment groups wore a palmar splint which extended from the distal interphalangeal joint to the proximal palmar crease for 4 weeks. The metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint were held in full extension. After removing the splint, physiotherapy was started. Full load-bearing, hard manual work and sport activities were not permitted for 3 months. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were treated using the extensor retinaculum for reconstruction of the A2 flexor pulley. The mean follow-up time was 48 months. The average range of motion of the PIP joint was 97 %, the average power grip strength 96 %, the finger pinch strength 100 %, and the average circumference 95 % of the uninjured contralateral side. The Buck-Gramcko score showed the following results: 10 excellent, 2 good, and 1 fair.

[Functional therapy and the limitations for acute elbow dislocation]. / Funktionelle Therapie und ihre Grenzen bei akuten Ellenbogenluxationen.

Dislocation of the elbow joint is the second most common dislocation, the shoulder being the most common. Non-surgical therapy is done by repositioning and early active motion after a short period of immobilization. There are, however, certain principles which must be followed in order to obtain a favorable result with functional therapy. On the basis of case reports the constraints of early active motion are discussed. Knowing the mechanism or kinematics of an elbow dislocation, it is possible to determine a staging of the injury. Using detailed x-rays and an exact stability test, the degree of instability must be checked after repositioning. It is important to determine the grade of instability and to operatively correct a major instability.