Palliative surgery for thumb involvement in ulnar paralysis.

Ulnar paralysis has multiple clinical presentations, which are due to partial recovery or to anatomical variations between the ulnar and median nerves. The main sequelae of ulnar nerve paralysis are the loss of hand strength with impairment of all intrinsic functions of the fingers and some of the thumb's functions. Weakness of the adductor pollicis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles may manifest as weak key pinch with automatic flexion of the thumb interphalangeal joint when gripping. Indications for palliative surgery have decreased due to advances in peripheral nerve surgery. However, palliative surgery still has a significant role to play when nerve repair techniques are not indicated or do not provide satisfactory results. The principle is to reinforce metacarpophalangeal flexion while stabilizing the thumb's interphalangeal joint, thus supplementing the action of the flexor pollicis brevis. This is generally done by transferring the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of the fourth finger to the distal insertion of the superficial thenar muscles and the extensor pollicis longus. Restoration of the first dorsal interosseous is more rarely indicated.

Tendon transfers to restore elbow flexion.

Elbow flexion paralysis is one of most significant deficiencies in the upper limb. When secondary to brachial plexus palsy or nerve trunk lesions, restoration of elbow flexion by means of early nerve surgery or palliative transfers should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Tendon transfers are indicated in long-standing palsies, in those who are poor candidates for nerve surgery or when the results of nerve surgery are inadequate. A regional pedicled muscle transfer is performed if available. In this case, a "strong" donor is preferred (pectoralis major with pectoralis minor transfer, triceps brachii to biceps brachii transfer, or bipolar latissimus dorsi transfer). A "weak" transfer is indicated in patients who have incomplete recovery of elbow flexion (MRC 2 strength): isolated pectoralis minor transfer, medial epicondylar muscle transfer according to Steindler technique, or advancement of biceps brachii tendon on forearm. When no donor muscle is available, a free reinnervated muscle transfer may be indicated if age and nerve regeneration conditions are favorable.

Metacarpophalangeal joint instability in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: A systematic review.

Thumb metacarpophalangeal instability is commonly found in conjunction with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. If not corrected, it can have detrimental effects on the outcome. The authors describe the two types of metacarpophalangeal deformities - hyperextension and valgus - their pathophysiology and the surgical repair techniques available to surgeons. An algorithm for treating this instability is presented.

Radioscapholunate fusion for posttraumatic osteoarthritis with consecutive excision of the distal scaphoid and the triquetrum: A comparative study.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes after radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion for posttraumatic osteoarthritis. This was a retrospective, dual-center study of all patients who underwent RSL fusion between 1995 and 2015 for posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis. Patients were assessed at the final review to determine clinical (pain, wrist range of motion and strength), self-reported (QuickDASH, PRWE and MWS scores) and radiological (degenerative osteoarthritis in the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) or midcarpal joint and radiocarpal fusion) outcomes. We analyzed three groups: RSL fusion alone, RSL fusion with distal scaphoid excision (DSE) and RSL fusion with DSE and triquetrum excision (TE). Eighty-five patients were included; 10 were lost to follow-up and 11 required conversion to total wrist fusion before the final review. Finally, 64 patients had both clinical and radiographic evaluations. The mean follow-up was 9.1 years (range 1-21.4). RSL fusion alone was performed in 29 patients, RSL fusion with DSE in 23 and RSL fusion with DSE and TE in 12. At the final follow-up, the three groups did not differ in their pain or wrist motion. Overall, 47 (73%) patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure. DSE significantly decreased STT osteoarthritis and radiocarpal non-union. The total wrist osteoarthritis rate after RSL fusion was 55%. RSL fusion is an effective procedure to preserve some motion in wrists with posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis. DSE prevents STT osteoarthritis by removing bony impingement and increases the fusion rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series, Therapeutic studies.

Black pigmentation of both forearm bones after chronic minocycline antibiotic therapy for septic nonunion. A case report and literature review.

We report the case of a 28-year-old man with a septic forearm non-union treated with minocycline for 3 months. At the time of reconstructive surgery, the radius and ulna were entirely black. Surgical debridement until bleeding of both bone extremities resulted in a 5-cm defect that was filled with a cement spacer. Histology confirmed poorly vascularized bone with focal areas of acute inflammatory infiltrate at the non-union sites (highly suggestive of infection) and normal structure of the remaining diaphyseal bones, although black in color. Reconstruction with free vascularized fibula transfer was successful leading to complete bone healing. An incidental finding of minocycline-induced black bone discoloration should not change the surgeon's decision because there is no evidence of adverse effects on bone healing in the literature. Surgery can be performed safely at sites of minocycline-induced black bone pigmentation.

Soft tissue sarcomas of the forearm, wrist and hand.

Soft tissue sarcoma of the forearm, wrist and hand are rare. Their benign appearance leads often to primary inadequate treatment. Due to the complex anatomy of the hand and forearm, they are challenging to treat. The two goals are to obtain wide resection of the primary tumor while preserving function. Limb-sparing surgery is now the cornerstone for the treatment of most sarcomas of the forearm, hand and wrist. To achieve optimal oncological and functional outcomes, the surgical excision should be associated with early reconstructive procedures and a multidisciplinary meeting to define the treatment strategy including adjuvant medical treatments. This article outlines the current principles and presents the results of the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas with emphasis on to particularities related to their forearm, wrist and hand location.

Coracoid bone block transfer procedure: Correlation between subscapularis volume below the bone graft and shoulder stability.

INTRODUCTION: Coracoid bone graft transfer has become the gold standard in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability associated with bony defect. Several studies have shown that the main stabilizing component of this procedure is the sling effect by the conjoint tendon and the lower portion of subscapularis (SS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a larger SS volume below the bone block was correlated to greater postoperative shoulder stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included a cohort of patients who underwent open coracoid bone graft transfer for post-traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Forty patients were reviewed at 2 years with a clinical and CT scan evaluation. A correlation analysis assessed the relation between the SS volume index (ratio of SS volume below the bone block to volume over the bone block) and Rowe and Walch-Duplay instability scores. RESULTS: There exists a positive and significant correlation between SS volume index and postoperative Rowe score, r=0.37 (P=0.03). The same trend was observed for Walch-Duplay score without statistical significance. A larger inferior SS volume did not result in a limitation of external rotation, greater fatty infiltration, or malposition of the coracoid graft. CONCLUSION: A larger SS volume below the bone block is related to greater postoperative shoulder stability. We recommend performing the split in the middle of the SS or higher instead of the junction of the superior two-thirds and inferior one-third as usually reported. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, prospective study.

Clinical outcomes of proximal row carpectomy by preoperative midcarpal joint morphological classification: Viegas type I versus type II.

The midcarpal joint can be classified into two anatomical types - Viegas type I and Viegas type II - based on the absence or presence of a medial facet for the hamate on the lunate (lunohamate facet). Type I is associated with a round capitate shape, which theoretically allows better congruence with the lunate fossa of the distal radius following proximal row carpectomy (PRC). This morphological feature has never been considered as a predictive factor of clinical outcome for this surgical procedure. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the two Viegas types following PRC. A retrospective single-center study was carried out on patients who underwent PRC for wrist osteoarthritis. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Lunate type was determined based on preoperative CT arthrography. The clinical evaluation included range of motion (ROM) and strength as well as the functional DASH, Mayo Wrist scores and a VAS for pain. The outcome of radiocapitate osteoarthritis was assessed on plain radiographs. Forty patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 57 months. Twenty-one Viegas type I and 19 Viegas type II were identified on preoperative CT arthrography. The etiologies included 23 SLAC wrists (12 Viegas type I, 11 type II), 8 SNAC wrists (4 Viegas type I, 4 type II), 6 cases of Kienböck's disease (3 type IIIa, 3 type IIIb with 3 Viegas type I and 3 type II), 1 Preiser's disease and 2 cases of transscaphoid perilunate dislocation of the carpus. Patients with a Viegas type I lunate had significantly greater flexion-extension ROM: 83.5° vs. 71° (P=0.04) and radial deviation: 12° vs. 7° (P=0.013) than those with Viegas type II. However, three cases of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) were reported in the Viegas type II group vs. zero in the Viegas type I group. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of strength, functional scores or VAS pain. The outcome of radiocapitate osteoarthritis was similar in both groups. Considering the number of CRPS cases in the Viegas type II group and similar functional results in both groups, the worse outcomes of the Viegas type II patients in terms of ROM cannot be considered as clinically relevant. This comparative study does not provide a reasonable basis for concluding that Viegas type I patients are better candidates for PRC than Viegas type II patients.

[Carpal malalignment following distal radius fracture]. / Désaxations carpiennes adaptatives après fractures de l'extrémité distale du radius.

Adaptive carpal malalignment is the consequence of malunion of the distal radius. Since the radial metaphysis and capitate have to be aligned, any disorientation of the radial epiphysis will force the proximal carpal row to adapt, as it is the only mobile element. There are two types of adaptation depending where the compensative occurs: (1) midcarpal - leading to flexion between the lunate and capitate, with the lunate maintaining a normal relationship with the radial epiphysis axis; (2) radiocarpal - combining flexion and dorsal displacement of the lunate relative to the axis of the radial epiphysis, with the midcarpal joint remaining aligned. Clinically, adaptive carpal malalignment is not the first reason for consultation in cases of distal radius malunion. It occurs in cases of moderate deformity with preserved pronation-supination in a young patient who has good mobility. It generates dorsal pain that may be associated with a snapping sensation. The diagnosis requires strict lateral X-ray views. Over time, the wrist becomes stiff but analgesic and is often well tolerated functionally. This type of deformity has not been shown to lead to osteoarthritis. Osteotomy to correct the malunion is the only way to treat adaptive carpal malalignment in active young patients who have a mobile but painful wrist.

[Surgical exposures for distal radius fractures]. / Les voies d'abord des fractures du radius distal : une mise au point.

This is a review of the various approaches that can be used for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures. The main dissection steps are exposed and the specific indications for each approach are described. The anterior approach is discussed extensively as it is now the gold standard for ORIF of distal radius fractures. The lateral and posterior approaches are also described as they are sometimes needed for complex fractures.

[Extra-articular distal radius fractures in young adults]. / Fractures extra-articulaires de l'extrémité distale du radius chez l'adulte jeune.

Extra-articular distal radius fractures in young active patients are typically the result of sport injuries or traffic accidents. Displaced fractures are less well tolerated in young patients than in older people, especially in terms of dorsal tilt and radial shortening. Non-surgical treatment is only indicated when the fracture is minimally or not displaced. No fracture fixation method is superior to another, however, the treatment goal is a rapid return to previous activities.

Extensive limb-sparing surgery with reconstruction for sarcoma of the hand and wrist.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoma rarely involves the hand or wrist. Extensive surgical excision is the current standard of care. At the extremities, such as the hand and wrist, limb-sparing surgery with reconstruction to provide optimal function is increasingly performed. A descriptive case-series study of 16 patients with sarcoma of the hand and wrist managed using limb-sparing surgery is reported here. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 19 patients with sarcoma of the hand or wrist treated between 1999 and 2012, 16 were managed using limb-sparing surgery. These were consecutive patients managed at a single-centre and studied retrospectively. The tumour involved the hand in 7 patients and the wrist in 9 patients. The procedure was primary in 6 patients, whereas 10 patients underwent secondary revision surgery. In 12 patients, reconstruction was performed for one or more of the following structures: nerves (n=2), tendons (n=3), bone (n=3), and/or skin (n=8). After surgical excision, the margins were R0 in 15 patients and R1 in 1 patient. At last follow-up, survival, pain, and function as reflected by the DASH and MSTS scores were assessed. RESULTS: After the median follow-up of 4.5years [1-13], 15 patients were alive with no local recurrence and 1 patient had lung metastases. Mean values were 18 [0-49] for the DASH score and 88.8% [53-100] for the MSTS score. DISCUSSION: Limb-sparing surgery reconciles the need to achieve complete tumour excision with the need to restore function. No limits should be placed on tumour excision, given the availability of effective reconstructive methods. The functional outcome depends on the tolerance of adjuvant treatments, most notably radiotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Prognostic factors in two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction: Is it possible to predict surgical failure?

INTRODUCTION: Two-stage surgical reconstruction of the flexor tendons by the Hunter technique is the salvage option in case of old tears or a severely damaged fibro-osseous canal. HYPOTHESIS: The identification of poor prognostic factors during the assessment of injuries at presentation could help determine indications and predict failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a retrospective single center series of reconstruction of zone 2 of the flexor digitorum profundus of the long fingers between 2000 and 2012, in 22 patients, mean age 33 years old with a mean follow-up of 36.4 months. RESULTS: The total active range of motion (TAM) of the rays was 110° with a mean range of motion of the PIP and DIP of 71° and 39° respectively. Sixty-three percent of patients were satisfied and 73% returned to their professional activities. A group with good and fair results was determined based on the Strickland classification (68%, 15 patients, mean TAM 126°, mean QuickDASH 22.6) and a group with poor results (32%, 7 patients, mean TAM 77°, mean QuickDASH 43.4). The factors of a poor prognosis were associated injuries to the extensor apparatus, infection (phlegmon) (P=0.023) and joint injuries (P=0.09). DISCUSSION: There are no factors in the literature to predict a poor prognosis except for reconstruction of the flexor pollicis longus. A simplified procedure could provide better results in patients with associated injuries to the extensor apparatus, infection (phlegmon) or osteoarticular damage, in terms of the duration of physical therapy, additional surgery and overall socioeconomic cost. The results in the literature of superficialis finger reconstruction are significantly better (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the Hunter technique is still the reference procedure for the reconstruction of flexor tendons, our study identified prognostic factors of poor functional results such as infection and associated extensor apparatus damage, which should orient the surgeon towards a simplified technique such as the superficialis finger procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV: retrospective study.

Revision surgery for recurrent and persistent carpal tunnel syndrome: Clinical results and factors affecting outcomes.

Thirty-eight hands in 36 patients with recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were reviewed retrospectively after a mean of 51 months (range 12-86) to identify factors that may lead to poor outcomes after surgical management. Clinical assessment focused on pain and sensitivity recovery, measured with a VAS and Weber's two-point discrimination test, respectively. At the latest follow-up, we found 11 excellent, 15 good, nine fair and three poor results. The risk of fair or poor results was significantly higher in the presence of intraneural fibrosis, severe preoperative sensory deficit, neuroma of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, workers compensation claims and number of previous surgeries. This last factor also significantly increased the risk of intraneural fibrosis. Despite disappointing outcomes, identification of these factors may improve our prognostic ability for revision surgery in cases of recurrent CTS.

The effect of the anatomy of the distal humerus and proximal ulna on the positioning of the components in total elbow arthroplasty.

Determining and accurately restoring the flexion-extension axis of the elbow is essential for functional recovery after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). We evaluated the effect of morphological features of the elbow on variations of alignment of the components at TEA. Morphological and positioning variables were compared by systematic CT scans of 22 elbows in 21 patients after TEA. There were five men and 16 women, and the mean age was 63 years (38 to 80). The mean follow-up was 22 months (11 to 44). The anterior offset and version of the humeral components were significantly affected by the anterior angulation of the humerus (p = 0.052 and p = 0.004, respectively). The anterior offset and version of the ulnar components were strongly significantly affected by the anterior angulation of the ulna (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). The closer the anterior angulation of the ulna was to the joint, the lower the ulnar anterior offset (p = 0.030) and version of the ulnar component (p = 0.010). The distance from the joint to the varus angulation also affected the lateral offset of the ulnar component (p = 0.046). Anatomical variations at the distal humerus and proximal ulna affect the alignment of the components at TEA. This is explained by abutment of the stems of the components and is particularly severe when there are substantial deformities or the deformities are close to the joint.

Proximal row carpectomy in total arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist.

BACKGROUND: Advanced proximal carpal row damage is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) simplifies total wrist arthrodesis, obviating the need for an iliac bone graft. In theory, PRC also improves the chances of healing, as fusion of a single joint space is needed for the procedure to be successful. Potential effects of the loss of carpal height related to PRC are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that PRC performed concomitantly with total wrist arthrodesis in patients with RA produces good clinical and radiological outcomes, without inducing loss of strength or digital deformities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 38 total arthrodeses of rheumatoid wrists, a clinical evaluation was performed, including a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), grip strength, digital deformities, and patient satisfaction. A standard radiographic workup was obtained to assess healing and carpal height indices. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 50 months, the mean VAS pain score was 0.4 (range: 0-7), the mean PRWE score was 21 (range: 0-80.5), and grip strength as a percentage of the contralateral limb was 76%. The healing rate was 92% (35/38 wrists), and 34 (90%) patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied. No effects of carpal height loss on clinical or radiographic parameters was detected. DISCUSSION: Total wrist arthrodesis combined with PRC provides reliable and reproducible benefits. This study found no evidence of adverse effects related to the loss of carpal height. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Radial nerve palsy in surgical revision of total elbow arthroplasties: A study of 4 cases and anatomical study, possible aetiologies and prevention.

BACKGROUND: Damage to the radial nerve in the arm during revision of total elbow arthroplasty is a serious complication; which is still not well documented. The aim of this study was to define a way on how to avoid this complication and to prevent it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients underwent radial palsy after revision of total elbow arthroplasty. An anatomical study on 20 upper limbs was performed to define landmarks for the radial nerve in the arm and elbow. RESULTS: Radial nerve damage occurred near the proximal tip of the stem in all four patients, due to cement seepage caused by cortical effraction in two patients, and to damage caused by the retractors in the two other patients. The anatomical study made it possible to specify landmarks for the radial nerve in relation to the humerus. A high-risk area located 14cm away from the tip of the olecranon fossa, and 15.5cm from the medial epicondyle, was identified. CONCLUSION: A high-risk area for the radial nerve was defined and suggested targeted landmarks with a posterior proximal counter-incision situated at about 14cm above the olecranon fossa. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Impact of cardiovascular risk factor on the prevalence and severity of symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

INTRODUCTION: The natural history of rotator cuff (RC) tears is likely multifactorial. Two theories have been put forward to explain them: extrinsic and intrinsic. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors may be important in the context of the intrinsic theory. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the influence of CV risk factors and their cumulative effect on the prevalence of symptomatic full-thickness RC tears and on the severity of these lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational case-control study was carried out with 206 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The control population consisted of 100 consecutive patients of the same age who had asymptomatic unoperated shoulders and were being operated in the orthopedics unit. The full-thickness RC tears were classified intraoperatively using the Southern California Orthopaedic Institute (SCOI) classification described by Snyder. CV risk factors were rated as either present or absent: smoking, high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes, alcoholism, dyslipidemia, obesity and CV history. RESULTS: Using a multivariate analysis, two factors were identified as having a significant influence on the prevalence of RC tears: smoking (OR=8.715, 95%CI=4.192-18.118, P<0.0001) and dyslipidemia (OR=4.920, 95%CI=2.046-11.834, P=0.0004). The following factors had a significant effect on the severity of RC tears: smoking (OR=1.98, P=0.0341, 95%CI=1.05-3.74), HBP (OR=3.215, P=0.0005, 95%CI=1.67-6.19) and history of CV disease (OR=6.17, P<0.0001, 95%CI=2.5-14.78). The case patients had an average of 2.09 CV risk factors while the control patients had an average of 0.74 (OR=3.56, 95%CI=2.18-6.33, P=0.0012). The average number of CV risk factors increased as the severity of the tear increased: 0.19 for stage 1, 1.75 for stage 2, 2.75 for stage 3 and 2.90 for stage 4. DISCUSSION: Modification of the vascular background appears to influence the severity and prevalence of tears. This corroborates anatomical studies in which a hypovascular area was identified in the tendon, 10-15 mm from the lesser trochanter attachment. Smoking, high blood pressure and obesity have been identified in other published studies as risks factors for the severity and prevalence of RC tears. However, it will be important to dissociate prevalence issues from that of RC healing in patients with compromised vascularity. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular risk factors have a significant role in the pathology of RC tears. The prevalence of RC tears is greater in patients who smoke or have dyslipidemia. Their severity is greater in patients who smoke, have high blood pressure or have experienced at least one CV event. The next step will be to study how these factors affect tendon healing, as this information could change our indications for cuff repair.

Total elbow arthroplasty: Influence of implant positioning on functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Restoring the axis of rotation is often considered crucial to achieving good functional outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty. The objective of this work was to evaluate whether variations in implant positioning correlated with clinical outcomes. HYPOTHESIS: Clinical outcomes are dictated by the quality of implant positioning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of data from 25 patients (26 elbows). Function was assessed using a pain score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Score, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). The patients also underwent a clinical evaluation for measurements of motion range and flexion/extension strength. Position of the humeral and ulnar implants was assessed by computed tomography with reconstruction using OsiriX software. Indices reflecting anterior offset, lateral offset, valgus, height, and rotation were computed by subtracting the ulnar value of each of these variables from the corresponding humeral value. These indices provided a quantitative assessment of whether position errors for the two components had additive effects or, on the contrary, counterbalanced each other. Elbows with prosthetic loosening or extensive epiphyseal destruction were excluded. RESULTS: Of the 26 elbows, 5 were excluded. In the remaining 21 elbows, the discrepancy between the humeral and ulnar lateral offsets was significantly associated with pain intensity (P ≤ 0.05) and the MEPS (P ≤ 0.05). Anterior position of the ulna relative to the humerus was associated with decreased extension strength (P ≤ 0.05) and worse results for all functional parameters (P ≤ 0.05). DISCUSSION: In the absence of loosening, positioning errors seem to adversely affect functional outcomes, probably by placing inappropriate stress on the soft tissues. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty with Neuflex® implants: relevance of the volar approach and early rehabilitation.

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty through a volar approach preserves the extensor apparatus, which allows for early active rehabilitation. Here, we report on the results of 28 silicone implants in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (12 joints) or osteoarthritis (16 joints) with a mean follow-up of 39 months. Pain was reduced significantly after arthroplasty. Range of motion increased significantly by 29° with a mean postoperative value of 58°; the mean extension deficit was reduced from 14° to 5°. There were 18 cases of preoperative ulnar drift with a mean value of 13°, compared with 13 cases postoperatively with a mean value of 7°. Three cases (10%) of implant fracture were noted on the radiology reports. The mean DASH score at follow-up was 35/100. Immediate active mobilization led to significant shortening in recovery time. The improvement in mobility and extension seems to be higher than that obtained with other approaches. Clinodactyly remains problematic no matter the type of arthroplasty.