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.

[Pronator quadratus repair using the Henry approach with an outward-return running suture]. / Réparation du pronator quadratus par surjet aller-retour dans la voie de Henry.

Repair of the quadratus pronator after osteosynthesis of the distal radius via the Henry approach is generally considered a difficult procedure. The quadratus pronator is a powerful muscle which stabilizes the distal radioulnar joint. The muscle is most often injured in association with distal fracture of the radius. Apposition osteosynthesis appears to be the most appropriate procedure in order to limit loss of reduction, i.e. distal radioular variance, observed in the first postoperative weeks. Tendon complications observed with dorsal approaches and the development of new volar plates with locking screws have offered new prospects for the Henry approach. We propose here a technique for repairing the pronator quadratus with an outward-return running suture using a 2.0 single-strand thread. The technique is designed to redistribute tension along the muscle borders progressively and precisely. Muscle integrity can thus be restored and the flexor system is isolated from the osteosynthesis material.

[Temporary external fixation in the correction of non articular mal-unions of the distal radius]. / Le fixateur externe temporaire dans la correction extra-articulaire des cals vicieux du radius distal.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors reviewed 21 cases of extra articular malunions of the distal radius treated by osteotomy, temporary external fixation, then osteosynthesis. Two groups were studied: Group A of 14 patients with dorsal tilt of the distal radius and Group B of 7 patients with palmar tilt of the distal radius. Mean follow-up of this series was 69 months ranged from 12 to 109 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In Group A, after exposure of the distal radius through a dorsal approach, the site of osteotomy, proximal to the distal radio-ulnar joint, was determined by fluoroscopy. The angular correction was done by progressive opening using a small external fixator. After checking on the correction, the bone graft was harvested 7 times on the radius as described by Watson et Castle, 7 times on the iliac crest. Bone fixation was done by two K-wires and a cast for 8 to 10 weeks. Three Sauvé-Kapandji procedures was done at the same time. In Group B, the approach was palmar, extended distally to open the carpal tunnel. The distraction was done with a distal T-shaped external fixator. The bone graft was always harvested on the iliac crest. Bone fixation was done with a T-shaped palmar plate. Two Sauvé-Kapandji procedures was done at the same time. RESULTS: Group A: Flexion-extension arc was improved of 15.5 p. 100, pronation-supination of 83.7 p. 100 and grip strength of 80 per cent of the pre-operative values. Radiological evaluation showed good correction except one case of undercorrection of the dorsal tilt (-7 degrees) and one case of undercorrection of the radial inclination (+6 degrees). The distal radio-ulnar index was measured at the mean of 0mm postoperatively compared to +5 mm pre-operatively. One patient developed a postoperative radiocarpal arthritis. Group B: Flexion-extension arc was improved of 96.2 p. 100, pronation-supination of 76.9 p. 100 and grip strength of 108.3 p. 100 of the preoperative values. Radiological evaluation showed good correction except one case of overcorrection of the palmar tilt (-10 degrees) and one case of undercorrection of the radial inclination (+7 degrees). The distal radio-ulnar index was measured at the mean of 0mm postoperatively compared to +7 mm pre-operatively. DISCUSSION: The functional consequences of malunions of the distal radius have been stressed by others for more than sixty years. Since, many authors have contributed to refine and improve their surgical correction. Several displacements should be taked into account for the preoperative planning. They are sagittal tilt, frontal horizontalisation, shortening, sagittal and frontal translation, and axial rotation. Many types of osteotomies could be done; closing wedge, opening wedge or reorientation. In some cases, an operative procedure of the distal radio-ulnar joint should be done at the same time. We chose an opening-wedge osteotomy and the use of a temporary external fixator to ensure progressive distraction and good adjustment in the correction of angular deformities. In the dorsal tilt group we were satisfied in using on 7 patients a trapezoidal cortico-cancellous bone graft harvested on the radius. CONCLUSION: The authors would like to stress two points: The technical interest of using a temporary external fixator to adjust the angular correction of the distal radius. The importance of an adequate treatment of distal radius fractures in emergency situation, considering the functional and cosmetic alterations due to malunions and their need for surgical corrections in main instances.