Treatment of advanced trigger finger by ulnar superficialis slip resection: Long-term outcome and predictive factors for poor prognosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of ulnar superficialis slip resection and to determine predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with advanced trigger finger. Over a 5-year-period, 55 patients (58 fingers) were included. After surgery, two groups were identified: group 1, with complete extension or <10° extension deficit in the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint (n = 27 fingers/27 patients); and group 2, with ≥10° residual PIP extension deficit (n = 31 fingers/28 patients). Factors associated with PIP extension deficit were assessed on logistic regression. There was a median extension gain of 20° (range, 10-30°) after surgery. The difference between pre- and post-operative extension deficits was significant (p < 0.001). There was no significant inter-group difference in DASH score (p > 0.9). Two predictive factors were found: >12 months' preoperative symptom duration (OR = 1.02; p = 0.045), and lack of self-rehabilitation (OR = 20; p < 0.001). Ulnar superficialis slip resection was effective in advanced trigger finger. Hand surgeons should operate early on these patients, and encourage self-rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Treatment of unstable proximal interphalangeal joint fractures with hemi-hamate osteochondral autografts.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological results after hemi-hamate resurfacing arthroplasty in patients with acute or chronic unstable fractures of the base of the middle phalanx and to describe technical features that can facilitate the surgical procedure. Hemi-hamate arthroplasties were done in 19 patients (mean age 39 years) with an isolated fracture at the base of the middle phalanx that involved more than 40% of the articular surface. We assessed ten chronic cases (treated >6 weeks after fracture) and nine acute ones (<6 weeks) at a mean of 24 months. Pain scores, QuickDASH scores, grip strengths, range of motion and radiological findings were recorded at follow-up. At follow-up, the mean active flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint was to 83° with a mean fixed flexion of 17° (active range of motion 66°). The mean active distal interphalangeal motion was 41°. The mean visual analogue scale score was 1.1. The mean QuickDASH score was 11. The mean pinch strength was 82% of the opposite side. Radiographs revealed one partial graft lysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Bilateral carpal tunnel surgery in one operation: Retrospective study.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment syndrome. The incidence of a bilateral condition varies between 22% and 87%. The aim of our study was to assess the level of satisfaction and the clinical outcomes in a group of patients operated on through a bilateral neurolysis on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, in one operating session. This is a retrospective study involving patients with an electromyographic and clinical diagnosis of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients were treated on an outpatient basis and the bilateral neurolysis was performed by endoscopy. The postoperative data was collected during consultation by a senior surgeon or during telephone interviews. Patients were asked to respond to a satisfaction questionnaire and the functional outcome was assessed through the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire. Twenty-nine patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were operated on in single operating sessions between January 2009 and January 2014. The average follow-up was 46 months. The average age at the time of the intervention was 45 years. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and 27 were able to be assessed. In relation to the clinical and functional outcomes, the average Quick-DASH score was 6.78 (ranges: 0-43.2). Twenty-five patients (92.5%) were satisfied with this simultaneous treatment and 26 patients (96%) would choose the same technique again. One-stage surgery in cases of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome appears to constitute a benefit for the patient, the surgeon and the anaesthetist, but it is reserved for patients who request it and who are motivated by this type of intervention.

[Pedicled joint transfers in the fingers]. / Les transferts articulaires pédiculés au niveau des doigts.

OBJECTIVES: We report a retrospective series of 27 cases of composite island homodigital distal interphalangeal joint to replace proximal destroyed interphalangeal joint. Results of our series are compared with other procedures available in order to specify the place of pedicled articular transfers mainly for the proximal interphalangeal joint which is recognized as the most important joint in the finger. METHODS: The series included 27 cases of destroyed proximal interphalangeal joints with preservation of the distal interphalangeal joint, the flexor tendon and vascular pedicles. The mean age was 32 years, 26 male, all manual workers. All fingers were concerned mainly the third (13 cases) and the fourth (10 cases). RESULTS: No vascular failure. Pain quotation improved from 7 preoperatively to 2 postoperatively. Average flexion-extension motion arc was 43°. The grip strength was 54% compared to the opposite side. The average time off work was 7 months. Complications were few, all of them due to technical imperfections underlining the difficulty of this procedure. This transfer deserves his use due to the better mobility he gives compared to the other techniques available. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of important articular loss of substance in a digit remains an unsolved problem, especially for the proximal interphalangeal joint representing the anatomical and functional center of the digit. However, in certain good indications, especially in emergency it deserves to be used.

Conservative treatment versus scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis for Kienbock's disease. A retrospective study.

Efficiency of surgical treatment in Kienböck's disease has never been proven in the long term. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of the 104 patients treated by various techniques for Kienböck's disease from 1981 to 1999 in our unit. A comparison was made between 19 cases treated conservatively (amongst 59) and 11 cases (amongst 25) treated by scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis with a mean follow-up of 13 years. The two groups were statistically comparable in stage, age, sex ratio, number of manual workers. STT arthrodesis was responsible for an increased loss of mobility, an increase of barometric pain, a longer rehabilitation time and more fractures of lunatum than conservative treatment. Those results question about indications for STT in Kienböck's disease.

Reconstruction of fingertip defects with the neurovascular tranquilli-leali flap.

For many years, bipedicled palmar advancement flaps were used rarely in fingers because they sacrificed the dorsal branches of the digital arteries, risking dorsal skin necrosis. In 1995, a short bipedicled neurovascular VY advancement flap raised distally to the PIP flexion crease, which spared the dorsal blood supply, was described by Elliot et al. (1995). This paper includes an anatomical study on 28 fresh cadaver fingers to evaluate the advancement potential of this flap. It also reviews 22 fingertip reconstructions in 22 patients using this flap. The mean advancement of the flap in the cadaver study was 14 (range 10-16) mm. This procedure gave good clinical results in respect of healing, sensibility, bone cover and appearance. Complications occurred in four fingers (18%), viz. two infections, one neuroma and one stiff proximal interphalangeal joint. Our study suggests that this flap can be used to treat fingertip defects of a size of approximately half of the pulp of the distal phalangeal segment of the finger.

[Eight days of hand emergencies. Report of the audit carried out at the FESUM centers from June 3 to June 9, 2002]. / Huit jours d'urgences mains. Rapport de l'audit réalisé dans les centres FESUM du 3 au 9 juin 2002.

All the FESUM centers in France, Belgium and Switzerland were invited to participate in this prospective audit, during 1 week in June 2002. In these FESUM centers, the patients are operated by senior hand surgeons or trainees graduated with a microsurgical and a hand surgery University degrees. All acute hand disorders, requiring surgery or not, were to be included. For every case, a standardized form was to be filled. This form included 22 fields concerning the specificities of the patient, the circumstances of the accident, the lesions and initial treatment up to exit of the patient out of the Hand Center. Out of the 43 French centers, 38 (90%) participated in this study, but only 30% in the other French speaking countries. A total of 2360 forms were completed and analyzed, representing a mean of 8 forms per day center (6-147). The population was predominantly active men with a mean age of 31. Manual workers represented 41%, scholars 33%. Most of them came to the Hand Center with a non-specilized vehicle (86%). Emergency medical transportation was required in 130 cases (5.8%). A majority of the patients were treated on an outdoor basis. A 1-day admission concerned 29% of the patients, and 4.6% have been admitted on an indoor basis during several days. Work accident represented 28% of all the cases, while the majority was daily living (62%) or sport (15%) accidents. Closed trauma represented 50% of the cases. Amongst open trauma (974 cases), 862 were simple skin lacerations, 156 skin loss, 140 extensor tendon lacerations, 70 flexor tendon lacerations. A preliminary wound exploration had been performed in a non-specialized center in 124 cases (12%). Complete amputation of some part was observed in 33 cases. In 32%, the initial severity of the lesion led to expect some degree of definitive consequences. Some kind of anesthesia was required in 43% of the cases (local in 41%, troncular in 19%, plexical in 28% and general in 9%). A surgical procedure was performed in 45% of the patients. Microsurgery was necessary in 15%, six of which were replantations. The period between presentation to the Hand Center and treatment was less than 1 day in 95% of the cases. Time of treatment was considered to be delayed in 113 cases (5%). Following this audit, it is considered that the FESUM centers make provision for the care of 120,000 cases per year, 54,000 of which needing a surgical procedure. This may be a small part of the total load of emergency hand surgery throughout the country (generally estimated over 1.4 million), but compares quite favorably with other European studies. We believe that improvement relies essentially on a better orientation of the patients whether they need a simple skill or specialist skill treatment. An information leaflet about orientation of hand trauma has been distributed to non-specialized emergency centers. Hand surgery training must be reevaluated inside the universitary system to avoid a dramatic lack of hand surgeons within a few years. A new audit will be presented next year.

[Trapeziometacarpal denervation. Description of surgical technique and preliminary results from a prospective series of 14 cases]. / Dénervation trapézométacarpienne. Description de la technique chirurgicale et résultats préliminaires dans une série prospective de 14 cas.

INTRODUCTION: The main goal of first carpometacarpal arthritis surgical treatment is to relieve pain. The main disadvantages of the usual techniques (trapeziectomy, implant arthroplasty) are loss of strength or presence of a prosthetic device. It is difficult to propose such extensive surgery at an early stage of the disease. Selective denervation of the first carpometacarpal joint seems to be an interesting choice. We propose a new technique of denervation based on our previous anatomical investigations. TECHNIQUE: Two incisions are needed to cut all the articular branches derive from the superficial branch of the radial nerve, the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve, the thenar branch of the median nerve and the lateral ante brachial cutaneous nerve. MATERIAL: Fourteen patients were prospectively included in our study with a mean follow-up of 5 months. RESULTS: Pain relief was very satisfying in 12 cases (mean decrease 84%). An increase in grip and key pinch strength was noted. Complications were uncommon, excepted temporary paresthésia in the radial nerve area. DISCUSSION: This technique seems to be promising and a good indication for patients with no disabling deformity, but only long-term results will confirm the place of denervation in the treatment of first carpometacarpal arthritis.

[Wedge excision: a new reconstructive technique after longitudinal nail biopsy]. / L'excision cunéiforme: une nouvelle technique de reconstruction après biopsie unguéale longitudinale.

A biopsy is needed when a solitary melanonychia striata in a white patient remains unexplained after careful clinical examination in order to rule out the development of a malignant melanoma. The ideal biopsy has to excise entirely the lesion and to provide enough tissue for pathological examination. The authors describe a new method of excisional biopsy based on primarily closure using a longitudinal closing wedge osteotomy of the distal phalanx. The longitudinal elliptical resection extended from the distal interphalangeal joint to the hyponychium with en bloc resection of the entire thickness of the nail complex, including the periosteum. A longitudinal closing wedge osteotomy was then performed in the distal phalanx allowing primarily closure with precise alignment of the nailbed edges. After suture of the nailbed, a tension band nail synthesis was performed. Four consecutive melanonychia striata of 2 to 3 mm were consecutively operated on using this technique. Postoperative cares were uneventful in all the cases. The pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma in one case, Bowen's disease in one and junctional nevus in two. Cosmetic and functional assessment at a mean follow-up of 12 months evidenced light nail dystrophy in all the cases. Our method offers to the pathologist enough tissue with preserved architecture for precise pathological examination. The technically simple closing wedge osteotomy never complicated the postoperative course. These preliminary results are encouraging and allow us to recommend this technique for the diagnosis of all suspect melanonychia striata between 2 and 3 mm wide.

[Nail recession emergency treatment: a new technique for the repair of fingertip amputations]. / Recul unguéal en urgence: nouvelle technique de prise en charge des amputations digitales distales.

INTRODUCTION: In spite of the recent advances made in microsurgery, the reconstruction of oblique fingertip amputations remains problematical. In cases where reimplantation is technically impossible, the surgeon can utilize a number of different flaps to preserve digital length. METHODS: In certain cases, instead of local flap repair using an advancement flap, the nail complex can be recessed so that after bone shortening of the distal phalanx the free edge of the nail can be stitched to the skin without resulting tension. Two longitudinal incisions are made, and a flap including the nail complex is obtained from the distal phalanx. The dissection is made as far as the base of the middle phalanx, and is superficial so that it does not affect the distal branches of the middle phalangeal arteries. This technique was used consecutively in three cases of oblique fingertip amputations. RESULTS: The average shortening required was 10 mm. In all three cases, the nail was preserved, and pulp sensitivity was excellent (mean static two-point discrimination of 5 mm, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments of 2.83-3.61). The mean period before return to work was 5 weeks. No proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness was noted. However, all the patients complained of pain upon exposure to cold. DISCUSSION: This technique is simple to use, and combines the advantages of bone shortening with the esthetic aspect of preserving the nail complex. No palmar dissection is necessary, and the standard risks associated with advancement flap techniques are thus avoided. Although this reconstruction method results in a shorter finger, good functioning and good immediate sensitivity are maintained.

[Camptodactyly: classification and therapeutic results. Apropos of a series of 50 cases]. / Camptodactylie: classification et résultats thérapeutiques. A propos d'une série de 50 cas.

Fifty patients with camptodactyly of one or several fingers were seen in the Strasbourg SOS Main unit between 1980 and 1988. Classification of these lesions was based on the mobile or fixed nature of the deformity in flexion of the interphalangeal joint. This classification is useful for the therapeutic management. Treatment by dynamic splint for a mean duration of 20 months gives good results in fixed or mobile camptodactylies of small children, provided that this treatment is commenced as soon possible. This splint treatment also obtains favorable results in patients reaching the end of the growth period, whether their camptodactyly is mobile or even, in some cases, fixed. In every case, treatment by dynamic splint constitutes a therapeutic test (safety of the apparatus, patient's cooperation) and only forms of camptodactyly resistant to conservative treatments benefit from Malek's type of surgical correction. It must be remembered that a certain number of cases of camptodactyly have a potential for severity with time, progressing towards irreducible forms which can only be corrected by surgical treatment. Camptodactyly in adults must be analysed meticulously and only major deformities causing functional discomfort or major aesthetic prejudice should be operated.

[Lipofibroma of the median nerve. Apropos of a case]. / Lipofibrome du nerf médian. A propos d'un cas.

Lipofibroma is a rare, benign nerve tumour corresponding to diffuse fibroadipose infiltration of the nerve, dissociating the fasciculi without invading them. The authors report a case of lipofibroma of the median nerve in a 32 year old man presenting with a soft swelling of the palmar surface of the thumb. Treatment consisted of intraneurodissection of the tumour arising exclusively from the medial collateral nerve of the thumb. With a follow-up of two years, there has been no recurrence of the tumour, but the patient has persistent decreased sensation of the ulnar half of the thumb pulp. The features of the lipofibroma and the therapeutic options are discussed in the light of the data reported in the literature.

[Emergency resection of the proximal carpal bones]. / Résection de la première rangée des os du carpe en urgence.

Nine cases of emergency proximal row carpectomy are analysed. In 3 cases, the resection was performed in the context of transcarpal amputation in which the bone shortening obtained by resection allowed revascularisation without a flap. The functional result was poor because of the severity of the initial lesion. In the other 6 cases, consisting of proximal row bone defects or so-called intreatable fracture-dislocations, the results in terms of pain, range of movement and strength were similar to those obtained with elective operations.

[Partial toe transfers. Functional results: apropos of 26 cases]. / Les transferts partiels d'orteils. Résultats fonctionnels: à propos de 26 cas.

We present our results from a series of 26 partial toe transfers (11 pulp transfers and 15 composite tissue transfers) performed in posttraumatic reconstruction of the thumb (22 cases) and fingers II to V (4 cases). There was one failure due to arterial thrombosis. The results for sensitivity were satisfactory after pulp transfer (Weber-average of 9 mm), less satisfactory after composite transfer. Recovery of mobility and strength usually were satisfactory. Problems with the donor foot were mainly slow healing and poor tolerance to cold; the latter was experienced by 1/3 of the patients although functional deficits were rare. Partial toe transfer is used at present for distal reconstruction of the thumb, and leaves the metacarpophalangeal joint intact. There are basically two techniques: "tailored" transfers from the big toe for amputations of the distal phalanx of the thumb, and wrap-around flap of Morrison for amputations proximal to the proximal phalanx.

[Treatment of severe callus of the metacarpus and phalanges. Indications and results apropos of a series of 38 patients]. / Traitement des cals vicieux du métacarpe et des phalanges. Indications et résultats à propos d'une série de 38 patients.

Severe deformities of metacarpals and phalanges, whether isolated or associated with soft tissues lesions impair the hand function and are to be corrected. The authors initial proposal was the fixation after corrective osteotomy by wiring which have been proved to be suitable in the treatment of recent fractures. This technique was used in 25 cases out of 38 treated malunions with 21 satisfactory results. 4 poor results were related to associated lesions of the soft tissues more than to the osteotomy itself. The other 13 malunions were treated by several techniques arthrodeses, callus resections, dynamic splintage, osteotomies with satisfactory results.

[Repair of the flexor digitorum profundus and the flexor pollicis longus by the "rope down" technique. Results in a series of 77 cases]. / Réparation du fléchisseur profond et du long fléchisseur du pouce par la "fixation en rappel". Résultats d'une série de soixante-dix-sept cas.

UNLABELLED: Seventy-seven flexor tendon lesions in zone I have been reinserted by the "rope down" technique using the Jennings barb-wire. They included 20 cases of repair of FPL. The patients were reviewed with an average follow-up of 4 years (minimum 3 months, maximum 10 years). By means of this technique, immediate active mobilisation was possible in 70 of the 77 cases. Mobility of the MCPJ and the PIPJ was maintained in all but one case. At DIPJ level active flexion was recovered at an average of 42.8 degrees with an average extension deficit of 5.5 degrees. This corresponds to a 1.3% (D1) and 2% (D2-D5) handicap as assessed by the International Federation of Hand Surgery. Complications were recorded in 12 of the 77 cases. Two cases required a secondary tenolysis. The factors which influence on the result were analysed. This analysis demonstrates the frequency with which the association of other lesions worsens an outcome which, traditionally, is otherwise good. The average time off work was 6.9 weeks (minimum 0, maximum 6 months). IN CONCLUSION: this simple, rapid technique achieves secure reinsertion allowing immediate active mobilisation. The use of barb-wire demands meticulous surgical technique and close post-operative surveillance. These requirements indicate why this method does not readily lend itself to the management of these lesions in infants.

[Local intravenous treatment of algodystrophy of the hand: buflomedil versus guanethidine, long term follow-up]. / Traitements locaux intra-veineux des algodystrophies de la main: buflomédil versus guanéthidine, suivi à long terme.

This report compares the results obtained after treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophies (algodystrophies) of the hand by pharmacological segmental blocks with buflomedil (51 cases) versus guanethidine (30 cases). The results were similar for all the different stages of algodystrophies treated: 65% satisfactory to excellent results with buflomedil, versus 63% with guanethidine. The sooner the algodystrophy is treated after its onset, the better the results. On TPBS, when the technique is effective, both hemovelocity and blood pool return to normal, along with the improvement in the patient's condition. Early and delayed bone fixations evolve independently of the treatment. These techniques should always be associated with active, mild physiotherapy, and in some cases with dynamic splints in order to prevent the development of functional sequelae in the form or capsulo-aponeurotic retraction.

Primary repair of extensor tendons with assisted post-operative mobilisation. A series of 48 cases.

Forty-eight patients with lesions of the extensor apparatus of the hand were treated by primary repair with assisted post operative mobilisation by means of a dynamic extension, low profile splint. They were divided into three groups: 25 simple wounds of the extensor tendons of the fingers; 14 simple wounds of the extensor tendon of the thumb; 9 complex lesions. The mobility of the tendinous suture and the callus displacement were monitored by means of metallic markers implanted at operation. Functional electromyographic study during physiotherapy permitted refinement of the technique of reeducation by a limitation of the range of flexion of the proximal interphalangeal articulations. The results are divided into 4 categories: excellent 33 (60%), good 9 (16.4%), average 4 (7.3%), bad 9 (16.4%). No complications (infection, loosening of suture, reflex sympathetic dystrophy) were detected in this short preliminary series. The proposed technique produced improvement of only minor significance in comparison with traditional methods, when applied to uncomplicated wounds. Significantly improved results were obtained in the group of patients with complex lesions.