[Trigger finger-pitfalls and differential diagnosis]. / Der schnellende Finger ­ Pitfalls und Differenzialdiagnostik.

The differential diagnosis of a trigger finger presents a clinical challenge. This case depicts a 32-year-old male patient who presented with persistent snapping of the right index finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint without localized tenderness despite previous surgical A1-annular ligament release. CT diagnostics demonstrated a prominent articular tuberosity. The MRI showed no pathological findings. Surgical revision with concomitant excision of the tuberosity restored smooth mobility of the index finger.

[Treatment of extensor tendon injuries of the hand]. / Behandlung von Strecksehnenverletzungen der Hand.

The extensor apparatus of the hand is a complex system consisting of extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, which in combination enable the individual extension of the fingers. Extensor tendon injuries of the hand are frequent injuries and the operative or conservative treatment options are determined by the localization and involvement of osseus structures. For an optimal outcome of the treatment of extensor tendon injuries, correct diagnostics and a consistent hand aftercare are absolutely essential. The crucial decision making regarding the further procedure starts with the initial patient treatment, ideally on the day of trauma.

A retrospective analysis of controlled active motion (CAM) versus modified Kleinert/Duran (modKD) rehabilitation protocol in flexor tendon repair (zones I and II) in a single center.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze primary flexor tendon repair results in zones I and II, comparing the rupture rate and clinical outcomes of the controlled active motion (CAM) protocol with the modified Kleinert/Duran (mKD) protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery with traumatic flexor tendon lacerations in zones I and II were divided in three groups according to the type of rehabilitation protocol and period of management: group 1 included patients who underwent CAM rehabilitation protocol with six-strand Lim and Tsai suture after May 2014. Group 2 and 3 included patients treated by six-strand Lim Tsai suture followed by a modified Kleinert/Duran (modK/D) protocol with additional place and hold exercises between 2003 and 2005 (group 2) and between 2011 and 2013 (group 3). RESULTS: Rupture rate was 4.7% at 12 weeks in group 1 (3/63 flexor tendon repairs) compared to 2% (1/51 flexor tendon repairs) in group 2 and 8% in group 3 (7/86 flexor tendon repairs). The grip strength at 12 weeks was significantly better in group 2 compared to the group 1 (35 kg/25 kg, p = 0.006). The TAM in group 1 [113° (30-175°)] was significantly worse (p < 0.001) than the TAM in group 2 [141° (90-195°)] but with similar extension deficits in both groups. The assessment of range of motion by the original Strickland classification system resulted in 20% excellent and 15% good outcomes in the CAM group 1 compared with 42% and 36% in the modK/D group 2. Subanalysis demonstrated improvement of good/excellent results according to Strickland from 45% at 3 months to 63.6% after 6-month follow-up in the CAM group. CONCLUSION: The gut feeling that lead to change in our rehabilitation protocol could be explained by the heterogenous bias. A precise outcome analysis of group 1 could underline that in patients with complex hand trauma, nerve reconstruction, oedema or early extension deficit, an even more intensive and individual rehabilitation has to be performed to achieve better TAM at 6 or 12 weeks. Our study explicitly demonstrated a significant better outcome in the modK/D group compared to CAM group. This monocenter study is limited by its retrospective nature and the low number of patients.

[Mid- to long-term functional results after Bowers' hemiresection interposition arthroplasty of the distal radio-ulnar joint]. / Mittel- bis langfristige, funktionelle Ergebnisse nach Hemiresektion-Interpositions-Arthroplastik (nach Bowers) des distalen Radioulnargelenks.

BACKGROUND: Bowers' hemiresection interposition arthroplasty of the distal radio-ulnar joint has been performed for decades, mainly for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the distal radio-ulnar joint. However, long-term test results are sparse. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of a homogeneous patient population following a mid- to long-term postoperative follow-up interval after hemiresection interposition arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients were evaluated 77.2 (±34.6) months after surgical therapy with regard to range of motion, grip strength and pain level. The subjective and objective scores DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and MMWS (modified Mayo Wrist Score) were collected. RESULTS: Wrist mobility is not worse than 10.4° in relation to all directions of wrist movement compared with the healthy opposite side. Coarse grip strength is reduced by an average of 5.8 kg compared with the opposite side. The pain level decreased on average from 8.2 preoperatively to 1.8 postoperatively. Postoperatively, 22 patients (88 %) had a stable distal radio-ulnar joint. At the time of follow-up DASH averaged 26.7 (±21.4) and the MMWS averaged 78 (±15.7). DISCUSSION: Hemiresection interposition arthroplasty is a reliable and safe surgical technique with good subjective and functional outcomes in the mid- to long-term.

[Minimally invasive procedures in the early stages of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis : Denervation, arthroscopy and autologous fat transplantation]. / Minimal-invasive Verfahren im Frühstadium der Daumensattelgelenksarthrose : Denervierung, Arthroskopie, autologe Fetttransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Resection arthroplasty of the trapezium with or without tendon interposition is the standard procedure in the treatment of advanced, symptomatic thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Treatment recommendation in the early stages without visible or minimal radiographic changes is often difficult, especially when conservative treatment methods have already been exhausted. In these cases, there is the possibility of the minimally invasive methods of denervation, arthroscopic procedures and autologous fat transplantation. OBJECTIVES: Which minimally invasive procedures are available for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis and how is their value to be assessed? METHODS: The minimally invasive methods of denervation, arthroscopic procedures and autologous fat transplantation for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis are described and current results from the literature are discussed. RESULTS: Good results have been reported with all three procedures. However, the reports are almost exclusively based on retrospective studies with small numbers of patients, which lack control groups, so the results cannot be regarded as definitive. CONCLUSIONS: Denervation, arthroscopic procedures and autologous fat transplantation appear to be suitable methods in the early stages of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Further studies, especially comparative randomised trials that report medium and long-term results, would allow further assessment of these methods.

The arthroscopic Bankart operation: a 10-year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic shoulder instability most frequently occurs in young people often during sports events. Currently, the arthroscopic Bankart repair is the therapy of choice in the absence of extensive glenoid bone loss and has proved to be a safe and effective procedure. Nevertheless, we see recurrence of instability-especially if new trauma happens-and further data are needed to guide the right decision-making for these often young patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome 10 years after arthroscopic Bankart operation in terms of satisfaction of the patient, functional result, complications, recurrent instability, and development of osteoarthritis, and to look after possible risk factors for recurrence of instability and statistical proof of these. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine out of 49 patients underwent physical examination of both shoulders. We could perform a postoperative shoulder a-p X-ray in 28 patients. According to Samilson, [24] the extent of osteoarthritis was measured. The Constant score and the postoperative ROWE score were determined for both shoulders as well as the WOSI Score. In 25 cases, we calculated the ISIS Score. RESULTS: We could reach out to 89.6% of patients and 79.6% could be physically examined. The vast majority of 95.5% are either very satisfied or satisfied with the result at the time we ended the follow-up. The mean Constant score of 95.5 reflects this result. In contrast to this, we found at the same time in 15.3% ongoing clinical signs of instability of the concerning shoulder, even though 9.1% had to be re-operated for recurrent instability in between the follow-up timeline and we found in the X-rays (57.1% of all patients) in 35.7% at least moderate and in 10.7% severe signs of osteoarthritis. The Constant score but not the ROWE score differed significantly in patients with no or mild compared to those with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic Bankart stabilization procedure showed after 10 years to be a very safe operation and to be able to produce a satisfying and functional very good long-term result-reflected by the Constant score. We assume that the extent of osteoarthritis seems to be the determining factor of the very good functional result, even though ongoing instability was present in 15.3% of the patients.

Diagnostic accuracy of wrist MRI in comparison to wrist arthroscopy regarding TFCC lesions in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to arthroscopically verify MRI diagnostic accuracy for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in a regular clinical environment. METHODS: A total of 859 patients' data with both preoperative MRI of the wrist and additional wrist arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed. Two board-certified hand surgeons and one orthopaedic surgeon executed wrist arthroscopy, whereas more than 100 radiologists examined the MRI of the wrist. The accordance of TFCC lesion classification using MRI in comparison to wrist arthroscopy and diagnostic precision of the former depending on technical details were evaluated. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for TFCC lesions is poor in comparison to wrist arthroscopy as the reference standard. Technical specifications for MRI of the wrist are heterogeneous among the radiologists. These parameters have not improved accuracy of TFCC evaluation at large. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of MRI in a regular clinical environment still remains inferior to wrist arthroscopy for detection of TFCC lesions. Development of a standard MRI protocol may be implemented on a regular basis and application of the Palmer classification for TFCC lesion should be sought.

Long-term outcome after arthroscopic debridement of Palmer type 2C central degenerative lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report long-term objective and patient-reported outcome after arthroscopic debridement of central degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions. METHODS: A total of 17 patients with central degenerative TFCC (Palmer type 2C) lesions and ulnar positive variance who were treated by arthroscopic debridement were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 8.8 years. Assessment facilitating the Modified Mayo Wrist score (MMWS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH score), recording of pain level and of patient satisfaction, and radiological examination were done. RESULTS: Patients reached a pain level of 1.7 VAS, MMW score of 92, and DASH score of 22. No significant differences could be detected between the operated and the contralateral extremity regarding range of motion and grip strength for all patients. No perioperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic debridement of central degenerative TFCC lesions is safe, reliable, and efficacious even for ulnar positive variance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

[Revision surgery for carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome]. / Revisionseingriffe beim Karpal- und Kubitaltunnelsyndrom.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome, a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist and cubital tunnel syndrome, a compressive neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, are the two most common peripheral nerve compression syndromes. Chronic compressive neuropathy of peripheral nerves causes pain, paraesthesia and paresis. Treatment strategies include conservative options, but only surgical decompression can resolve the mechanical entrapment of the nerve with proven good clinical results. However, revision rates for persistent or recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome is estimated at around 5% and for refractory cubital tunnel syndrome at around 19%. Common causes for failure include incomplete release of the entrapment and postoperative perineural scarring. THERAPY: Precise diagnostic work-up is obligatory before revision surgery. The strategy of revision surgery is first complete decompression of the affected nerve and then providing a healthy, vascularized perineural environment to allow nerve gliding and nerve healing and to avoid recurrent scarring. Various surgical options may be considered in revision surgery, including neurolysis, nerve wrapping and nerve repair. In addition, flaps may provide a well vascularized nerve coverage in the case of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. In the case of recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome, anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is mostly performed for this purpose. RESULTS: In general, revision surgery leads to improvement of symptoms, although the outcome of revision surgery is less favourable than after primary surgery and complete resolution of symptoms is unlikely.

[Revision surgery after failed (partial-) arthrodesis of the wrist]. / Revisionen nach fehlgeschlagenen (Teil­)Versteifungen am Handgelenk.

(Partial) arthrodeses of the wrist have been proven cornerstones to treat many lesions for decades, especially in the case of revision surgery. Four-corner, scapho-trapezo-trapezoidal (STT), radio-scapho-lunate (RSL) and total wrist fusions are very common techniques in hand surgery. However, even these proven surgical procedures have significant non-fusion rates. Prior to revising a failed arthrodesis, it is essential to analyse the latter failure precisely. A technically adequate revision is only feasible when based on a correct and meticulous analysis. The understanding of the biological processes and technical aspects of the implants are the basis for solving this issue.

[Tenolysis of extensor and flexor tendons of the hand]. / Tenolyse von Streck- und Beugesehnen an der Hand.

BACKGROUND: Unrestricted gliding of extensor and flexor tendons is essential for normal functioning of the hand. If tendon gliding is impaired, a restricted range of motion of finger joints and, finally, joint stiffness result. OBJECTIVES: To answer the questions about the causes of tenodesis in the hand, which examinations are most informative, how tenolysis is technically performed, and what results can be expected. METHODS: The reasons, examinations, surgical technique, and results of extensor and flexor tendon tenolysis are presented. RESULTS: Based on the data in the literature tenolysis of flexor tendons leads to range of motion that is only 50-60% of the preoperative range of motion. In about 20% of patients, deterioration as serious as secondary tendon rupture is observed. Meaningful results of extensor tendon tenolysis have not yet been published. CONCLUSIONS: Tenolysis of extensor and flexor tendons in the hand is a demanding surgical procedure, and in addition to detailed knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, it requires sufficient experience-especially following the primary repair of tendon injuries. The earliest indication for tenolysis can occur at about 3 months, usually after 6 months, if continuous intensive hand therapy and splinting have not been successful. General and individual benefits and risks must be carefully weighed. The key to successful tenolysis is the patient's access to and unrestricted participation in competent postoperative treatment, ideally performed by a specialist in hand therapy, which may last for weeks or months.

[Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: open release of the flexor retinaculum and hypothenar fat flap for revision surgery]. / Operative Behandlung des Karpaltunnelsyndroms: offene Retinakulumspaltung und Hypothenarfettlappenplastik beim Rezidiv.

OBJECTIVE: Decompression of the median nerve by complete release of the flexor retinaculum and the distal antebrachial fascia. In the case of revision surgery providing of a scar-free covering of the median nerve, if necessary. INDICATIONS: Carpal tunnel release is indicated for symptomatic patients with painful paraesthesia or neurological deficits after adequate diagnostic evaluation. The hypothenar fat flap is indicated in revision surgery if a sufficient nerve bed of the median nerve is needed and to restore nerve gliding. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General operative limitations. The hypothenar fat flap is not indicated in revision surgery if median nerve irritation is not caused by surrounding scaring but other reasons like tendonitis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Proximal longitudinal incision of the palm. Subcutaneous dissection and incision of the palmar aponeurosis. Careful ulnar incision of the transverse carpal ligament. Considerate release of the distal and proximal parts of the retinaculum as well as the distal part of the antebrachial fascia. Exploration of the median nerve and palpation of the carpal tunnel and resection of compressive structures, if necessary. In case of revision surgery, if required, the hypothenar fat flap is raised. The fat flap is transposed without tension palmar to the median nerve and fixed to the radial side of the carpal tunnel. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Early functional mobilization. Immobilization for a short period is optional. After revision surgery and hypothenar fat flap, splinting for one week is recommended.

[Repair of the pronator quadratus muscle with a part of the brachioradialis muscle insertion in volar plate fixation of a distal radius fracture]. / Refixierung des Musculus pronator quadratus mit einem Teil des M.-brachioradialis-Ansatzes bei der palmaren Plattenosteosynthese einer distalen Radiusfraktur.

THE PROBLEM: Stable pronator quadratus repair following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures with complete plate coverage is often difficult. THE SOLUTION: Detachment of the pronator quadratus muscle (PQ) with a strong rim of connective tissue consisting of a fibrous portion of the roof of the first extensor compartment and the volar limb of the brachioradialis muscle (BR) insertion; stable suture repair of the PQ with complete coverage of a volar plate after osteosynthesis of a distal radius fracture. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Radiopalmar approach between the radial artery and the flexor carpi radialis tendon to the PQ; sharp dissection below the radial artery onto the first extensor compartment, which is opened; retraction of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendon; presentation of the BR insertion at the bottom of the first extensor compartment; incision of the BR insertion halfway to proximal and dissection of the volar limb at the transition to the free BR tendon; release of the PQ from the distal radius; after reduction and internal fixation repair of the PQ with complete coverage of the volar locking plate due to slight distal transposition. RESULTS: Pronator quadratus repair with a part of the brachioradialis muscle insertion is a reliable technique for coverage of a volar plate by slight distal transposition. In the repair of distal radius fractures, this may protect the finger flexor tendons against irritation and/or rupture.

[Surgical approaches to the hand]. / Operative Zugangswege an der Hand.

OBJECTIVE: Accessibility of any anatomical structure of the hand via surgical approach. INDICATIONS: Any surgical treatment of the hand. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Any contraindication to surgical treatment of the hand. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Skin incision at the hand with access to any anatomical structure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Postoperative treatment depends on the disease and hand surgery performed.

[Open reduction and plate/screw osteosynthesis of proximal phalanx fractures]. / Offene Reposition und Schrauben­/Plattenosteosynthese von Fingergrundgliedfrakturen.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical open reduction and internal fixation using screw/plate osteosynthesis. INDICATIONS: Extra-articular fractures with clinically evident malrotation of the finger, comminution fracture and/or loss of length, which cannot be treated non-operatively; fracture instability; intra-articular fracture with step off greater than 1 mm, which cannot be treated percutaneously but openly using plate/screw osteosythesis; failure of conservative treatment. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General operative limitations. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Dorsal, mediolateral, or palmar approach, temporary reduction using pincers or optional Kirschner wires; screw/plate osteosynthesis for internal fixation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immediate mobilization facilitated by buddy loops for the first 4-6 weeks, prevention of edema using elastic dressing, physiotherapy. RESULTS: Open reduction and internal fixation using screw/plate osteosynthesis provides good results in combination with immediate mobilization. Nevertheless, adhesion of tendons or capsule tissue with restriction of range of motion is observed.

[Metacarpophalangeal joint replacement]. / Der Gelenkersatz der Fingergrundgelenke.

BACKGROUND: Arthroplasty of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints is crucial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Motion preserving therapies are mandatory for this joint, since loss of function of the MCP joint is detrimental. Many protheses or spacers have been introduced over the last 80 years, but most of them have been dismissed due to major complications. CURRENT PROCEDURES: Since the 1960s the Swanson spacer has been established as the reference standard for motion preserving procedures of the finger MCP joints. High fracture rates of the spacer do not seem to limit function and patient satisfaction after all. Current long-term studies show at least promising results for pyrolytic carbon protheses with respect to range of motion, survival, and revision rates in comparison to the Swanson spacer.

[Arthroplasty of the TMT1 joint-a critical view]. / Daumensattelgelenkendoprothetik ­ eine kritische Beurteilung.

Resection suspension arthroplasty of the trapezium still represents the golden standard in treatment of CMC 1 arthritis. First reports about long-term results of a modern-design endoprosthesis of the CMC 1 joint promise a lower complication and revision rate. Thus, endoprosthesis of the CMC1 joint is becoming more attractive, especially because the rehabilitation and back-to-work times are much faster. While new anatomic prosthesis designs are coming onto the market, which theoretically are less susceptible to loosening and dislocation, they still have to prove their superiority in the clinical setting.

[Anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal finger joint with respect to arthroplasty]. / Anatomie des Fingergrund- und -mittelgelenks unter Berücksichtigung der Endoprothetik.

BACKGROUND: Precise knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint is the basis for both indication and implantation of a finger joint prosthesis. Currently available finger joint prostheses inadequately take into account individual, ethnological, gender, age, and side differences. They can remain compromised despite the possible combination of their components. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate which problems of finger joint arthroplasty exist due to the anatomy and biomechanics of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. METHODS: The anatomy and biomechanics of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint are described, and the problems and solutions of finger joint arthroplasty are presented. RESULTS: Despite precise knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint, not all problems of finger joint arthroplasty have been solved. However, a modular surface replacement appears promising for the proximal interphalangeal joint. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial joint replacement of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint is difficult with regard to morphology, small bone dimensions, complex biomechanics, and the strain of the hand. Further improvements, especially in design, should be achieved by exact anatomical imitation.

[Anatomy of the trapeziometacarpal joint in the context of arthroplasty]. / Anatomie des Daumensattelgelenks unter Berücksichtigung der Endoprothetik.

The thumb has a crucial role in the hand due to its position with regard to the fingers. The CMC-1 joint enables an extraordinary range of motion, since its geometry allows for opposition. The former joint may often succumb to osteoarthritis because a great range of motion in combination with large forces, small contact areas, and thorough usage are always present. Joint replacement is challenged by the great range of motion based on the necessary joint stability and the demand for sufficient pain reduction. This review highlights the anatomy of the CMC-1 joint with regard to joint preplacement solutions.