Comparison of Radiographic Measurement Parameters of the Wrist in Patients with and without Scaphoid Fracture after Fall on an Outstretched Hand.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effects of anatomical variations on the mechanism of scaphoid fracture by comparing the radiologic parameters of the wrist of patients with and without scaphoid fracture after a fall on an outstretched hand. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional comparative retrospective analysis of radiographs of patients with (Group 1, n=169) and without scaphoid fracture (Group 2, n=188). Morphometric data were measured including radial inclination (RI), radial height (RH), ulnar variance (UV), carpal height (CH) ratio, revised carpal height (RCH) ratio and palmar tilt of the distal radius (PT). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance for each variable with statistically significant difference. RESULTS: The mean RI and PT degrees and RH length were statistically significantly higher, and the mean UV was lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2. No difference was determined between the groups with respect to the CH ratio and RCH ratio. With ROC curve analysis, the cut-off value with the highest odds ratio was determined as RH (Cut-off value=10.77 mm, OR=21.886). CONCLUSIONS: Although higher RI, RH, PT values and more negative ulnar variance were observed in the scaphoid fracture group compared to the non-fracture group, ROC curve analysis showed that only increased RH can be considered as a possible risk factor for scaphoid fractures after fall on an outstretched hand. KEY WORDS: radiographs, risk factor, scaphoid fracture, wrist morphology.

Three-corner arthrodesis for scapholunate and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapsed wrists: outcomes at long term follow-ups.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess clinical, functional and radiological outcomes after three-corner arthrodesis in patients suffering from symptomatic scapholunate or scaphoid non-union advanced collapsed wrists. We hypothesised that three-corner arthrodesis provided satisfactory clinical and radiological results in the long term. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 13 patients (14 wrists) who underwent a three-corner arthrodesis between March 2004 and January 2019 with a mean follow-up of 6,7 years. Clinical assessment consisted of wrist motion, grip strength, pain and functional scores (Quick-DASH, PRWE, MWS). All complications and surgical revisions were investigated. Radiographic assessment searched for union, evaluated carpal height and ulnar translation, lunate tilt and occurrence of radio-lunate arthritis. RESULTS: At the last follow-up Quick-DASH and PRWE scores were 24,87(± 17.2) and 47.4 (± 26.9) respectively and were significantly improved. Wrist motion was 35°, 32°, 10° et 24° of flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation respectively. Union was obtained for 13 (92,9%) wrists. The mean radiolunate angle was 11° (-17°-34°). Three patients needed reintervention, which 2 consisted of total wrist arthrodesis due to persisting pain. Mild signs of radio-lunate arthritis were found in three patients. CONCLUSION: Three-corner arthrodesis seemed to provide satisfactory long-term functional outcomes. The union rate was high and even patients with signs of radio-lunate arthritis still had improved outcomes at the last follow-up. It could be a part of surgical options in wrists with radio- and midcarpal arthritis, among other procedures.

[Trans-scapho-perilunar fracture-dislocation: a case report]. / Fractura-luxación transescafo-perilunar: reporte de un caso clínico.

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.

Examining the Efficacy of Arthroscopic Scaphocapitate Arthrodesis for Advanced Kienbock's Disease: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes.

Background: Altering wrist biomechanics, Kienbock's disease leads to progressive carpal collapse that results in early arthritis and degenerative changes. By shifting the loading axis toward the radioscaphoid joint, scaphocapitate arthrodesis (SCA) has been reported as a salvage procedure effective in treating symptomatic patients with advanced Kienbock's disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic SCA in symptomatic patients with advanced stages of Kienbock's disease. Methods: Between March 2010 and February 2021, we included 15 patients with symptomatic stage IIIA (n=2) and stage IIIB (n=13) Kienbock's disease who were followed up for a minimum of 24 months after arthroscopic SCA with or without lunate excision. The lunate was excised in 6 patients and retained in 9. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, grip strength, range of motion (ROM), active flexion-extension arc, and modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS) were measured preoperatively and at each follow-up examination after surgery. Operation-related complications and radiographic changes were also assessed. Results: There were 13 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 57.6 years (range, 21-74 years) at the time of undergoing arthroscopic SCA. Follow-up ranged from 24 to 116 months, with an average of 56.9 ± 32.3 months. Bony union was achieved in all patients. At preoperative examination, wrist ROM (67%) and grip strength (48%) significantly decreased, compared to the contralateral wrist. At the final follow-up, there were significant improvements in VAS, grip strength, and MMWS, whereas the active wrist ROM showed no significant change. Radioscaphoid angle recovered after surgery, while radiographic carpal collapse and ulnar translation of the carpus occurred. In subgroup analysis according to excision of the lunate, there were no significant differences in VAS, MMWS, grip strength, or total ROM. However, increased ulnar translation and decreased radial deviation were noted in the lunate excision group. Conclusions: Arthroscopic SCA achieved significant improvements in pain and wrist function in patients with advanced Kienbock's disease without any complications. Excision of the lunate when performing arthroscopic SCA seemed to induce progressive carpal ulnar translation, with no apparent clinical benefits over retaining it.

In vivo non-contact regions of proximal scaphoid in six extreme wrist positions.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the scaphoid are the most common carpal injuries, account for 80-90% of all carpal fractures. 5-15% nonunion of scaphoid fractures were reported even with adequate primary treatment, which probably progresses to osteoarthritic changes several decades later. Researches regarding to scaphoid physiological characteristic in vitro and in vivo and kinds of trials in clinical practice are being kept on going, which contribute much to our clinical practice. With the advancing wrist arthroscopy, 3D-print patient-specific drill guide, and intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance, dorsal approach (mini-invasive and percutaneous technique) is being popular, through which we can implant the screw in good coincidence with biomechanics and with less disturbing tenuous blood supply of the scaphoid. Investigating the noncontact area of the dorsal proximal scaphoid in different wrist positions can facilitate preoperatively estimating insert point of the screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight volunteers were recruited to accept CT scans in six extreme wrist positions. The images of DICOM mode were imput into the Mimics analytical system, the segmented scaphoid, lunate and radius were exported in mode of ASCII STL and were opened in the software of Geomagic studio. We created four planes based on anatomic markers on the surface of the radius and scaphoid to confine the proximal scaphoid to form the so-called non-contact regions. We measured and compared the areas in six targeted positions. RESULTS: Amidst six extreme wrist positions, area of the non-contact region in extreme dorsal extension (59.81 ± 26.46 mm2) was significantly the smallest, and it in extreme palmar flexion significantly was largest (170.51 ± 30.44 mm2). The non-contact regions increased in order of dorsal extension, supination, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, pronation and palmar flexion. As for two-group comparison, the non-contact region showed significantly larger (p < 0.05) in palmar flexion than the others except for in pronation individually, and in radial deviation (p < 0.05) than in dorsal extension. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient space was available for the screw started from the dorsal approach despite the wrist positions.

Post-processing of quantitative 4D-CT for initial evaluation of scapholunate Instability: Assessment of simplified approaches to data analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of simplified post-processing approaches for quantitative wrist 4D-CT in the assessment of scapholunate instability (SLI). METHODS: A prospective monocentric case-control study included 60 patients with suspected post-traumatic scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears and persistent pain. Of these, 40 patients exhibited SLL tears, subdivided into two groups of 20 each: one group with completely torn ligaments and the other with partially torn ligaments. The remaining 20 patients, whose SLLs were intact, served as controls. 4D-CT and CT arthrography were performed, and post-processed by two readers using three approaches: the standard method with full data assessment and dedicated software, partial data assessment with post-processing software (bone locking), and partial data assessment without post-processing software (no bone locking). The scapholunate gap (SLG) parameter was measured in millimeters to evaluate scapholunate diastasis during radioulnar deviation (RUD). The scapholunate ligament status on CT arthrography was considered the gold standard. RESULTS: The SLG-derived parameters (range, mean, and maximal values) were significantly increased in patients with both intact and torn scapholunate ligaments across all post-processing approaches (P values ranging from 0.001 to 0.004). SLG range was the best parameter for diagnosing SLL tears, with ROC AUC values ranging from 0.7 to 0.88 across the three post-processing methods. The interobserver reproducibility was better with the alternative approaches (ICC values 0.93-0.96) compared to the standard approach (ICC values 0.65-0.72). Additionally, post-processing time was shorter with the alternative approaches, especially when specific software was not used (reduced from 10 to three minutes). CONCLUSION: Simpler approaches to wrist 4D-CT data analysis yielded acceptable diagnostic performances and improved interobserver reproducibility compared to the standard approach.

Thirty-Three-Year Follow-up Following Silicone Scaphoid Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

CASE: A 64-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of right wrist pain and swelling 33 years after a silicone scaphoid arthroplasty for chronic scaphoid nonunion. Radiographs demonstrated a deformed scaphoid implant, carpal and distal radius cysts, and mild carpal collapse. He elected to undergo a wrist arthrodesis with a dorsal fusion plate after failing conservative management. CONCLUSION: Although carpal bone silicone implant arthroplasties of the wrist have long been abandoned, our patient was pain free and fully functional for 3 decades. He was pleased to undergo serial examinations with radiographs for 30 years without any therapeutic intervention.

Detection of scapholunate interosseous ligament injury using dynamic computed tomography-derived arthrokinematics: A prospective clinical trial.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries are a major cause of wrist instability and can be difficult to diagnose radiographically. To improve early diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injuries, we compared injury detection between bilateral routine clinical radiographs, static CT, and dynamic four-dimensional CT (4DCT) during wrist flexion-extension and radioulnar deviation. Participants with unilateral scapholunate ligament injuries were recruited to a prospective clinical trial investigating the diagnostic utility of 4DCT imaging for ligamentous wrist injury. Twenty-one participants underwent arthroscopic surgery to confirm scapholunate ligament injury. Arthrokinematics, defined as distributions of interosseous proximities across radioscaphoid and scapholunate articular surfaces at different positions within the motion cycle, were used as CT-derived biomarkers. Preoperative radiographs, static CT, and extrema of 4DCT were compared between uninjured and injured wrists using Wilcoxon signed rank or Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Median interosseous proximities at the scapholunate interval were significantly greater in the injured versus the uninjured wrists at static-neutral and maximum flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation. Mean cumulative distribution functions at the radioscaphoid joint were not significantly different between wrists but were significantly shifted at the scapholunate interval towards increased interosseous proximities in injured versus uninjured wrists in all positions. Median and cumulative distribution scapholunate proximities from static-neutral and 4DCT-derived extrema reflect injury status.

Automatic analysis of the scapholunate distance using 4DCT imaging: normal values in the healthy wrist.

AIM: Early diagnosis of scapholunate ligament (SLL) injuries is crucial to prevent progression to debilitating osteoarthritis. Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography (4DCT) is a promising dynamic imaging modality for assessing such injuries. Capitalizing on the known correlation between SLL injuries and an increased scapholunate distance (SLD), this study aims to develop a fully automatic approach to evaluate the SLD continuously during wrist motion and to apply it to a dataset of healthy wrists to establish reference values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 healthy wrists were analysed in this study. All subjects performed radioulnar deviation (RUD), flexion-extension (FE), and clenching fist (CF) movements during 4DCT acquisition. A novel, automatic method was developed to continuously compute the SLD at five distinct locations within the scapholunate joint, encompassing a centre, volar, dorsal, proximal, and distal measurement. RESULTS: The developed algorithm successfully processed datasets from all subjects. Our results showed that the SLD remained below 2 mm and exhibited minimal changes (median ranges between 0.3 mm and 0.65 mm) during RUD and CF at all measured locations. During FE, the volar and dorsal SLD changed significantly, with median ranges of 0.90 and 1.27 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study establishes a unique database of normal SLD values in healthy wrists during wrist motion. Our results indicate that, aside from RUD and CF, FE may also be important in assessing wrist kinematics. Given the labour-intensive and time-consuming nature of manual analysis of 4DCT images, the introduction of this automated algorithm enhances the clinical utility of 4DCT in diagnosing dynamic wrist injuries.

A comparative study of volar locking-plate fixation with corticocancellous and pure cancellous bone grafts for scaphoid nonunion with dorsal intercalated segmental instability secondary to scaphoid humpback deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Bone grafts for scaphoid nonunion with deformity include cortcicocancellous or pure cancellous bone grafts. This study compared the outcomes between two types of bone grafts when employing a volar locking-plate in patients with scaphoid nonunion with dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 34 patients with scaphoid nonunion and DISI due to humpback deformity treated between March 2017 and January 2022. Two types of bone grafts were obtained from iliac crest. Twenty of the corticocancellous (CC) group underwent a wedge-shaped graft, while 14 patients of the pure cancellous (C-only) group received graft chips. In both groups, a 1.5-mm anatomically pre-contoured locking plate was used for fixation. Radiographic evaluations included the union rate and carpal alignment including scapholunate angle (SLA), radiolunate angle (RLA), intrascaphoid angle (ISA) and scaphoid height to length ratio (HLR). Clinical assessments encompassed wrist range-of-motion, grip strength, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 20 patients in the CC group and 12 of the 14 patients in the C-only group respectively, achieving osseous union. The mean follow-up period in CC group was 14.7 (range, 12 ∼ 24) months and that in C-only group was 12.6 (range, 12 ∼ 15) months. Postoperatively, there were no significant intergroup differences of radiographic parameters including SLA (CC; 49.9° ± 6.7° vs. C-only; 48.9° ± 3.5°, P = 0.676), RLA (1.7° ± 6.4° vs. 2.4° ± 3.3°, P = 0.74), ISA (36° ± 7.5° vs. 36.6° ± 12.2°, P = 0.881), and HLR (0.54 ± 0.09 vs. 0.53 ± 0.05, P = 0.587). Clinical outcomes, including the flexion-extension arc (137° ± 30° vs. 158° ± 33°, P = 0.122), grip strength (93.4 % ± 15.4% vs. 99.5 % ± 16.7 %, P = 0.39), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores (11.2 ± 8.3 vs. 12.5 ± 7.7, P = 0.74) and Mayo Wrist Scores (81.2 ± 13.1 vs. 89 ± 11.4, P = 0.242) also showed no significant intergroup differences. CONCLUSIONS: Volar locking-plate fixation with pure cancellous bone grafts achieved outcomes comparable to those achieved with corticocancellous bone grafts in scaphoid nonunion with deformity, possibly due to the biomechanical advantages of the volar plate to provide structural supports.

Retrospective analysis of scaphoid trapezium pyrocarbon implant intervention in STT arthritis: a 3-year follow-up study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical, patient rated and radiological outcome of the scaphoid trapezium pyrocarbon implant (STPI) at a minimum of three years follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive patients operated with the STPI due to scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal (STT) arthritis between 2012 and 2019 were included. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and annually after surgery for range of motion, grip strength, key pinch, quick-DASH, pain, and satisfaction. Radiographs were evaluated for implant position, signs of dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI), capitolunate (CL) angle, scapholunate (SL) distance, and presence of osteophytes. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (29 implants) were included. Seven implants were revised during the follow up, mainly due to pain: three implants were removed, four patients received a new STPI of a different size, leaving 22 implants in 20 patients available for follow up, 9 males and 11 females. Median age was 61.7 years (51-78 years). Median follow-up time was 68 months (37-105 months). Comparing preoperative status to the last follow-up, wrist extension and deviation, thumb abduction, and grip strength did not change. Key Pinch, quick DASH, pain, and patient satisfaction improved significantly at last follow-up. Radiographic signs of DISI were seen in six cases preoperatively and in 12 cases at last follow-up. CONLUSION: At a minimum of three years follow-up, the STPI used for STT-arthritis improve pain, quick-DASH result, and patient satisfaction significantly. ROM and grip strength did not change compared to preoperative values. Radiographic signs of carpal instability were common at the follow-up and the revision rate was high.

Capitate Proximal Fragment Migration Compressing the Median Nerve in Scaphocapitate Fracture: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Scaphocapitate syndrome is a rare clinical entity consisting of a combined scaphoid and capitate fracture along with a 90- or 180-degrees rotation of the proximal capitate fragment. The syndrome is scarcely described in the literature, with proximal migration of the capitate fragment being reported only by Mudgal et al in 1995. Concurrent compression of the median nerve is a highly unfortunate event, suggesting a unique case presented here. CASE REPORT We present a unique case of scaphocapitate fracture-dislocation in a 25-year-old man with volar dislocation of the capitate's fragment deep to the median nerve. X-rays and CT scan were performed and the patient was treated few hours after the injury by a hand specialist, in order to prevent median neuropathy and avascular necrosis of the fragment. Open reduction and internal fixation utilizing a Herbert screw for the scaphoid fracture and 3 additional K-wires was performed. Immediately post-operatively, the acute neurological symptoms had subsided and good reduction was acquired radiologically. One year post-operatively the patient had regained good hand and wrist functionality, with no extension or flexion ROM deficits. CONCLUSIONS Immediate intervention in a specialized center with reduction and fixation utilizing a Herbert screw and K-wires showed favorable 1-year results in our case of scaphocapitate syndrome. The impending complications of median neuropathy and capitate avascular necrosis were avoided despite the high-risk injury pattern.

Reasons for scaphoid non-union: Analysis of behavior of health care providers and patients.

To assess factors related to health-system and patient behavior in scaphoid fracture non-union, a retrospective analysis of 134 patients treated by scaphoid reconstruction was performed. Mean age at the accident was 26 years (range, 9-75 years), and the mean age at surgery was 28 years (range, 13-75 years). Mean time to first consultation was 233 days (range, 0-12,136 days), and time to surgery 740 days (range, 19-12,362 days). The physician was mainly a general practitioner (52.2%), or an orthopedist/traumatologist (17.9%), general surgeon (12.7%), or hand surgeon (17.2%). The initial diagnostic procedure was X-ray in 76.9% of cases, computed tomography (CT) in 20.9%, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 13.4%, and none in 11.2%. A fracture was diagnosed in 32.8% of cases, and non-union in 14.9%. Patients mainly presented late: 63% within 3 weeks, and a minority on the day of the accident (39%). In 11% of cases, healthcare providers performed either no or inadequate imaging (77%) and missed correct diagnosis in 52% of cases. 128 patients had a second consultation, and 77 a third, with the same or different physicians, before surgery, leading to increased healthcare costs due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Delayed presentation and lack of suspicion by attending physicians were the main reasons. Speeding up diagnosis and improving physician training are vital and could significantly reduce health care costs. CT or MRI should be performed if scaphoid fracture is suspected.

A comparative study of image quality and diagnostic confidence in diagnosis and follow-up of scaphoid fractures using photon-counting detector CT and energy-integrating detector CT.

PURPOSE: Scaphoid fractures in patients and assessment of healing using PCD-CT have, as far as we know, not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim was to compare photon counting detector CT (PCD-CT) with energy integrating detector CT (EID-CT) in terms of fracture visibility and evaluation of fracture healing. METHOD: Eight patients with scaphoid fracture were examined with EID-CT and PCD-CT within the first week post-trauma, and with additional scans at 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Our clinical protocol for wrist examination with EID-CT was used (CTDIvol 3.1 ± 0.1 mGy, UHR kernel Ur77). For PCD-CT matched radiation dose, reconstruction kernel Br89. Quantitative analyses of noise, CNR, trabecular and cortical sharpness, and bone volume fraction were conducted. Five radiologists evaluated the images for fracture visibility, fracture gap consolidation and image quality, and rated their confidence in the diagnosis. RESULTS: The trabecular and cortical sharpness were superior in images obtained with PCD-CT compared with EID-CT. A successive reduction in trabecular bone volume fraction during the immobilized periods was found with both systems. Despite higher noise and lower CNR with PCD-CT, radiologists rated the image quality of PCD-CT as superior. The visibility of the fracture line within 1-week post-trauma was rated higher with PCD-CT as was diagnostic confidence, but the subsequent assessments of fracture gap consolidation during healing process and the confidence in diagnosis were found equivalent between both systems. CONCLUSION: PCD-CT offers superior visibility of bone microstructure compared with EID-CT. The evaluation of fracture healing and confidence in diagnosis were rated equally with both systems, but the radiologists found primary fracture visibility and overall image quality superior with PCD-CT.

3D printed guide-assisted percutaneous screw fixation for minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures with delayed diagnosis or presentation.

OBJECTIVES: To Investigate the value of 3D printed guide-assisted percutaneous management of minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures(Herbert's B2) with delayed diagnosis or presentation. METHODS: From October 2018 to February 2022, 10 patients with established delayed diagnoses and presentation of minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures were treated with 3D printed guides assisted with percutaneous internal fixation without bone grafting. This technique was based on the patient's preoperative CT and imported into the software. Based on Boolean subtraction, the most centralized screw placement position was identified and a customized guide was produced. Intraoperative percutaneous insertion of the guide wire was assisted by the custom guide. RESULTS: All 10 patients were successful in one attempt. The fractures healed at a mean of 7.7 weeks postoperatively (range 6-10 weeks). At a mean follow-up of 7.7 months (6-13 months), patients had excellent recovery of wrist function with minimal pain reduction. There were no major postoperative complications and the patients all returned to their previous activities before the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous internal fixation based on 3D printed guides is a safe and effective technique for delayed diagnosis or presentation of patients with minimally displaced fractures of the scaphoid waist. This method allows for easy insertion of screws and avoids multiple attempts.

Scaphoid proximal pole ejection in perilunate injury: a case report and pathophysiological hypothesis.

Isolated ejection of the scaphoid proximal pole in perilunate injuries is rare, with only 4 reports in the literature, and does not correspond to the biomechanical situations in the Herzberg or Mayfield classifications. Bone ejection incurs a risk of avascular necrosis despite good osteosynthesis, notably because of precarious vascularization. We present a case of scaphoid proximal pole ejection and a theoretical hypothesis of the biomechanics of this injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.