RESUMEN
Background Synovial cysts (SCs) are the most frequent wrist tumors; the arthroscopic treatment presents good results when surgery is indicated for symptomatic or patients with cosmetic concerns. The tumoral lesion should be arthroscopically decompressed or drained toward the inside of the joint through pedicle opening and resection of a small portion of the capsule. Hence, the cyst pedicle must be found for the success of this technique. Description of Technique Some tricks have already been described to facilitate SC location during arthroscopy. We describe an indirect technique that employs an 18-G needle to enhance SC pedicle location and drainage. The technique involves a puncture on the interval of the carpal extrinsic ligaments where the pedicle is suspected to be remain. When found, cyst is drained with a single-puncture motion of the need which promotes cyst content extravasation due to pressure toward the joint. Patients and Methods This method has been employed in 16 patients, including 9 with dorsal cysts, and seven with volar cysts. Results All patients presented complete recovery and symptom improvement in up to 30 days, with total disappearance of the cyst. There were no relapses or severe complications within the 12-month follow-up. Conclusion This is a safe, useful technique that facilitates location of intra-articular cyst pedicle, thus avoiding unnecessary damage in healthy tissues with no increased costs.
RESUMEN
Background Madelung's deformity (MD) comprises increased volar and ulnar tilt of the distal radius joint facet, secondary to an idiopathic physeal dysplasia. Such change causes radial shortening and a consequent distal ulnar prominence, along with wrist pain and loss of motion. Classic surgical techniques are problematic for adults, as they are specific for children and adolescents whose distal radial physis is still open. Description of Technique It is suggested a new treatment method for MD in skeletally mature patients: a distal radius osteotomy and joint realignment are performed through a volar approach to increase the support area of the lunate bone. The rotation and lengthening of the distal epiphysis of the radius generate support and cover to the lunate bone, with improvement of both radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints. Patients and Methods We describe the technique in details and report the treatment of a 25-year-old female patient. Results Early clinical and radiographic outcomes are encouraging for the treatment of symptomatic patients. Conclusion There is a plethora on the literature about conflicting opinions on the best treatment options and surgical techniques are quite variable, although usually with good results. Besides, the technique here described is indicated during a specific stage of disease presentation, consisting of young adults without any wrist-degenerative changes. Having said that, it is possible to claim that MD treatment with shelf osteotomy is a concept change. Our main goal is to reconstruct the diseased segment and improve wrist stability.
RESUMEN
Nonunion is a rare complication of metacarpal fractures and is usually associated with compound, open fractures with tissue loss and infection, or after failed surgical treatment. Repair by rigid osteosynthesis with plate and screws combined with autologous bone grafting has always been the treatment of choice for most patients. Such method allows early motion, although it has been proven that the presence of hardware may cause local soft tissue irritation. Often, hardware removal and tendon releases are necessary. We describe an original technique with a fixation method for the treatment of metacarpal nonunions, considering the excellent results attained with an intramedullary, headless screw for metacarpal fracture fixation. We report a series of three cases that evolved to bone healing with excellent clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes.
