Silicone Implant Arthroplasty for Severe Bony Ankylosis of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Arthrodesis and prosthetic arthroplasty have been used to treat severe proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthritis. Silicone implant arthroplasty is an established treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the fingers. However, few studies have reported the application of silicone implant arthroplasty for the treatment of severe ankylosis of the PIP joint in RA patients. The authors report, for the first time, the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented with severe bony ankylosis of the right fourth and fifth PIP joints at greater than 90° of flexion. Proximal interphalangeal silicone arthroplasty in combination with reconstruction of the extensor mechanism was successfully performed in the affected joints. Four years after surgery, active flexion of the fourth and fifth PIP joints was 55° and 75°, respectively, with an extensor lag of only 5° without pain and joint instability. Proper repair of the extensor mechanism with shortening of the central slips and mobilization of the lateral bands dorsally was most important in maintaining the extended position of the PIP joints. Proximal interphalangeal silicone arthroplasty with intensive reconstruction of the extensor mechanism could become a potential treatment option to maintain joint mobility even in severe ankylosis of the PIP joints in RA patients. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(1):e53-e56.].

Cutaneous Myxoma of Multiple Lesions.

Cutaneous myxoma is a rare neoplasm typically occurring as an asymptomatic nodule on the head, neck, and chest regions of adults. However, multiple cutaneous myxoma of the subungual space is even rarer. Here, we report a case of multiple cutaneous myxoma of the subungual space in which the tumor was removed by creating a mid-radial incision while preserving the nail matrix. The excisional biopsy samples were dispatched for histopathological examination and confirmed to be cutaneous myxoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on multiple cutaneous myxoma of the subungual space.

Hypercholesterolemia Is Associated with the Subjective Evaluation of Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Who Undergo Surgery: A Multivariate Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist; its symptoms include neuropathic pain and sensory and motor disturbance distributed by the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome and hypercholesterolemia have similar backgrounds, but the effect of these similarities on postoperative outcomes has not been reported. Using multivariate analysis, the authors analyzed the relationship between prognostic factors, including the presence of hypercholesterolemia, and subjective postoperative outcomes of patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Of 168 hands with carpal tunnel syndrome that were treated surgically, 141 that were followed up and assessed 1 year postoperatively or thereafter were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 40.8 months. Surgery was performed through a small palmar skin incision under local anesthesia. The outcomes were postoperative symptoms, including pain and numbness, and overall Kelly assessment. RESULTS: Preoperative numbness and pain resolved and alleviated in 94 of 141 hands and was diminished in 59 of 64 hands. Univariate analysis showed that postoperative numbness and Kelly assessment were significantly associated with hypercholesterolemia. Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative numbness was significantly associated with smoking and hypercholesterolemia, and Kelly assessment was significantly associated with smoking (adjusted OR, 3.3; 95 percent CI, 1.1 to 10; p = 0.04) and hypercholesterolemia (adjusted OR, 2.9; 95 percent CI, 1.4 to 6.3; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Hypercholesterolemia, usually a systemic condition in sites other than the hand, is associated with the subjective evaluation of postoperative symptoms in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Outcome of the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for distal radioulnar joint disorder with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis: Results of one-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: We performed the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating disorders of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to compare and clarify the results of the SK procedure between RA and OA patients. We report the one-year follow-up results of patients who underwent the SK procedure to correct the DRUJ disorder caused by RA or OA. METHODS: The study included 22 wrists of 19 patients with RA and 10 wrists of nine patients with OA. Pain, grip strength and range of motion of the wrist were examined clinically. For the evaluation of the stability of the carpus, ulnar stump and bone union, parameters were measured using radiographs. Shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) was used for functional evaluation. RESULTS: Wrist pain reduced in all cases, and bone union was achieved in all wrists. The QuickDASH score significantly improved in both patients with RA and OA. In patients with RA, the range of motion increased significantly with regard to supination but decreased significantly with regard to palmar flexion. Carpal alignment and ulnar stump stability were maintained well at one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating disorders of the distal radioulnar joint DRUJ showed good results clinically and radiographically, irrespective of RA or OA.

Modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for rheumatoid wrists: a long-term study with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for treating disorders of distal radioulnar joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This procedure involves resecting the distal part of the ulna, rotating the resected portion by 90° and fixating it with the distal part of the radius for shelf plasty. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of this procedure with more than 5 years' follow-up. METHODS: We studied 32 wrists of 27 RA patients with the mean follow-up of 93.1 months after operation. Pain, grip strength and range of motion of the wrist were examined clinically, while two indices for evaluation of ulnar and palmar translation of the carpus, carpal translation index and palmar carpal subluxation ratio were calculated on radiographs. RESULTS: The wrist pain reduced in all cases. Range of motion increased significantly regarding pronation and supination but decreased significantly regarding flexion. Change in grip power was not significant. No significant differences were recognized between radiographic indices, suggesting carpal alignment was maintained well throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: We think this procedure could be applied for distal radioulnar joint disorders in RA patients with promising clinical as well as radiographic outcomes over a long period.

Clinical outcomes of primary skin closure with Y-V and Z-plasties for Dupuytren's contracture: use of one-stage skin closure.

Y-V or Z-plasties are a useful one-stage technique for skin closure after aponeurotomy. However, we know no details about postoperative improvement, particularly at each joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of primary skin closure with Y-V and Z-plasties for Dupuytren's contracture. We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative results of 23 patients (25 hands, 29 fingers). The preoperative severity of the contracture evaluated by the Meyerding classification was grade I in 11 fingers, II in two fingers, and III in 16 fingers. In total, 26 metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints and 27 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints were treated. In each finger we assessed clinical outcomes according to the percentage improvement in extension and a modified version of Tubiana's classification. Primary wound closure was possible in all cases. The mean contracture values were improved from 46.5° preoperatively to 4.2° postoperatively for the MP joint and from 43.9° to 22.4° for the PIP joint. The mean percentage improvement in extension for the MP joint was 92% and for the PIP joint 56%. The rate for the PIP joint of the little finger was 40% and for the other fingers 78%. In total, 83% of the fingers had satisfactory results. For Dupuytren's contracture, primary skin closure with Y-V and Z-plasties gives satisfactory results, more so with involvement of the MP than the PIP joint and less so with involvement of the little finger.

Repair of long intercalated rib defects in dogs using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivered by a synthetic polymer and beta-tricalcium phosphate.

Long intercalated defects in canine ribs can be repaired successfully using porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) cylinders, infused with a biodegradable polymer (poly D,L-lactic acid-polyethylene block copolymer) containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). We previously reported the successful regeneration of bony rib and periosteum defects using beta-TCP cylinders containing 400 microg of rhBMP-2. To reduce the amount of rhBMP-2 and decrease the time required for defect repair, we utilized a biodegradable polymer carrier, in combination with rhBMP-2 and the porous beta-TCP cylinders. An 8 cm long section of rib bone was removed and replaced with an implant comprised of the porous beta-TCP cylinders and the polymer containing 80 microg of rhBMP-2. Six weeks after surgical placement of the beta-TCP cylinder/polymer/BMP-2 implants, new rib bone with an anatomical configuration and mechanical strength similar to the original bone was regenerated at the defect site. The stiffness of the regenerated ribs at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after implantation of the composite implant was significantly higher than that of ribs regenerated by implantation of rhBMP-2/beta-TCP implants. Thus, addition of the synthetic polymer to the drug delivery system for BMP potentiated the bone-regenerating ability of the implant and enabled the formation of mechanically competent rib bone. This new method appears to be applicable to the repair of intercalated long bone defects often encountered in clinical practice.

Regenerative repair of long intercalated rib defects using porous cylinders of beta-tricalcium phosphate: an experimental study in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: In maxillofacial, spinal, and orthopedic surgery, bony ribs have been used as a source of donor bone. The resultant defects are not usually repaired, despite the pain or cosmetic morbidity experienced by the patient. The authors evaluated the efficacy of an osteoconductive beta-tricalcium phosphate and the contribution of the periosteum in rib bone regeneration. METHODS: Two 8-cm-long intercalated rib defects were generated in each of 30 beagle dogs. In the first group (n = 15), one defect was implanted with 16 small, short, porous beta-tricalcium phosphate cylinders that were connected with a titanium wire, and the other defect was left untreated. In the remaining 15 dogs, the periosteum was devitalized by ethanol, and then the same surgical procedures were performed. Each group was subdivided into three groups (n = 5), and the animals were euthanized at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Bone regeneration was assessed radiologically, histologically, and mechanically. RESULTS: In the defect implanted with beta-tricalcium phosphate on intact periosteum, newly formed bone was present on and in the beta-tricalcium phosphate cylinders and bridged both ends of the resected ribs at 12 weeks, with replacement of beta-tricalcium phosphate by new bone. Mechanical testing of these ribs revealed that they had 70 percent of the strength of normal ribs when compared in a bending stress test at 12 weeks after surgery. No regenerative bone bridging the rib defects was seen in the ethanol-devitalized or untreated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Porous beta-tricalcium phosphate cylinders placed in tandem on the intact periosteum might be useful for the repair of rib bone donated at surgery, presenting a new and unique method for regenerating rib defects.

Volar dislocation of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with extensor digitorum communis tendon rupture in rheumatoid wrists.

PURPOSE: Extensor tendon rupture in rheumatoid wrists is a common problem and causes immediate dysfunction of the digits. The best treatment for tendon rupture may be prophylactic management, although the factors associated with tendon rupture must first be identified. The purpose of this study was to evaluate structures around rheumatoid wrists using magnetic resonance imaging with forearm rotation and to identify factors associated with extensor tendon rupture as indications for prophylactic surgery. METHODS: The subjects were 34 patients (40 wrists) with active rheumatoid arthritis. The extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendons were ruptured in 15 wrists. Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrists was performed in maximally pronated and supinated positions of the forearm. Axial images of the distal radioulnar joints (DRUJs) were selected to evaluate DRUJ synovitis, dorsal tenosynovitis, volar dislocation of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon, sigmoid notch angle, and the radioulnar ratio (RUR) (ie, the degree of DRUJ subluxation). RESULTS: No significant correlations were found between EDC tendon rupture and DRUJ synovitis, dorsal tenosynovitis, or RUR in pronation. Extensor digitorum communis tendon rupture correlated significantly with volar ECU tendon dislocation, sigmoid notch angle, and RUR in supination. Radioulnar ratio correlated significantly with volar ECU tendon dislocation only in supination and not in pronation. Thus, DRUJ subluxation was advanced even in the supinated wrist with volar ECU tendon dislocation. As a factor associated with EDC tendon rupture, volar ECU tendon dislocation had 87% sensitivity and 76% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Volar ECU tendon dislocation is associated with increased RUR in supination and EDC tendon rupture. Volar ECU tendon dislocation can thus be considered a factor associated with EDC tendon rupture, and its presence may indicate the need for prophylactic surgical intervention in a subset of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Repair of long intercalated rib defects using porous beta-tricalcium phosphate cylinders containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in dogs.

A new method to repair rib defects with biomaterials containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is presented in this report. We had reported previously the successful regeneration of bony rib defects by placing a short chain of small beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) cylinders on the intact periosteum. The multi-cylinder implants were ineffective in promoting rib repair when the periosteum was absent. By adding rhBMP-2 to the beta-TCP cylinders, we were able to promote rib bone regeneration in the presence or absence of the periosteum. The osteogenic capacity of the rhBMP-2/beta-TCP composite implant and the time required to complete regeneration were evaluated in a canine model. An 8cm long section of rib bone, including the periosteum, was removed and replaced with a chain of the rhBMP-2/beta-TCP cylinders. At 6 weeks after implantation, the ribs were restored to their original configuration and mechanical strength. The multi-cylinder beta-TCP implants were degraded and replaced by new bone in 12 weeks. This new degradable bone-inducing implant material has significant clinical potential for rib repair.

Time course of magnetic resonance images in an adolescent patient with Kienböck's disease treated by temporary scaphotrapezoidal joint fixation: a case report.

UNLABELLED: Kienböck's disease in a 15-year-old girl was treated successfully by temporary scaphotrapezoidal joint fixation using longitudinal K-wires. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging begun 3 months after surgery showed progressive increases in signal intensity on T1-weighted sequences of the lunate and was almost normal 6 months after surgery. The K-wires used for the temporary joint fixation were removed 6 months after surgery. The signal intensity of the lunate on magnetic resonance images remained normal 2 years after surgery. At that time plain x-ray showed no sign of lunate sclerosis and there was no cystic shadow or sign of advanced collapse. At 2 years after surgery the patient does not complain of wrist pain, can lead a normal daily life, and plays sports without difficulty. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Anatomic variation--a bony canal for the median nerve at the distal humerus: a case report.

We report a rare anatomic variation in which the median nerve travels in a bony canal of the distal humerus, separating from the brachial artery. We encountered this during neurolysis for posttraumatic median nerve palsy in a 10-year-old boy. We suggest that this anatomic variation was related strongly to this patient's median nerve palsy.