The Foot as a Donor Site for Reconstruction in the Hand.

The foot contains a unique collection of tissue types that can be used in the reconstruction of the hand. Numerous reconstructive options have been presented, some of which have been adopted, such as modifications to procedures that have been described in the past or even newly developed options for hand reconstruction. It is possible to reconstruct missing fingers and other hand structures using tissues taken from the foot rather than removing healthy tissue from a hand that has already been injured. This makes it possible to avoid having healthy tissue removed from an injured hand.

Is There a Correlation between the Radiological and Clinical Outcome after Core Decompression of the Radius for Kienböck Disease?

Background: Despite the good clinical results in the treatment of Kienböck disease with distal radius core decompression, a radiological progression to a certain degree in the long-term follow-up is possible. Is there a negative correlation between the clinical improvement of the patients and the radiological progression? Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiological and clinical results of 24 patients (mean age: 38 years; 10 women) treated with core decompression for Kienböck disease. The mean follow-up was 10 years. Results: A radiologic progression in the Lichtman classification was seen in nine patients. The Spearman correlation did not show any correlation between this radiological progression and the clinical outcome. Namely -0.06 between Mayo and Lichtman classification and 0.16 between VAS and Lichtman classification. Conclusions: We found that the clinical outcomes do not deteriorate despite a radiological progression of patients treated with core decompression for Kienböck disease Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Coverage of Palmar Mini Plates with Flexor Pulleys in the Treatment of Dorsal Fracture-Subluxation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

Introduction: Dorsal fracture dislocations (DFD) of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) are challenging fractures. A palmar surgical approach and plate fixation has a high complication rate, including flexor contractions, reduction of range of motion (ROM) and secondary need for plate removal. Methods: We use the flexor tendon pulleys to cover the mini plate with the assumption that it may reduce the adhesion between the mini plates and the tendons and reduce postoperative complications. We present the outcomes of using this technique in eight patients. Results: All patients had an excellent outcome at a mean follow-up of 17 months, and none required removal of the implants. Conclusions: This study presents a surgical technique that may potentially reduce the high complication rate found after ORIF for treatment of DFD of the PIPJ. Therefore, improving the clinical outcomes after this type of surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Risk of Volar Locking Plate Removal After Distal Radius Fractures: Time-to-Event Analysis.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to describe the rate of volar locking plate (VLP) removal after distal radius fracture and how long it takes for the risk of VLP removal to stabilize. The secondary purpose was to describe the reasons for VLP removal and analyze the relationship between it and the Soong index. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients aged >18 years with distal radius fracture who underwent VLP fixation were included. Hardware removal, time until VLP removal, and the primary reason for removal were recorded. The implant prominence was measured as described by Soong. We used Kaplan-Meier curves and risk tables to describe the risk of VLP removal and variation over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between Soong grade and VLP removal. RESULTS: A total of 313 wrists were included. There were 35 cases of VLP removal, with an overall incidence of 11.2% at 15 years of follow-up. The incidence rate was 1.2 per 100 individuals per year for the entire cohort. The risk of VLP removal decreased from 6.2% in the first postoperative year to 1.7% in the second year and 1.4% in the third year. Beyond that, the rate remained <1% per year throughout the follow-up period. The median hardware removal time was 11 months. The main reasons for VLP removal were tenosynovitis, implant-associated pain, and screw protrusion. We found no association between Soong grade and VLP removal. CONCLUSIONS: Volar locking plate removal after distal radius fracture was more common in the first year after surgery and remained notable until the third year. Regular monitoring and patient education to assess possible complications related to hardware are important during this period. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Fibula flap in upper extremity segmental/critical size bone defects fixed with locking plates. Single-institution observational cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Management of bone defects in the upper extremity can vary depending on the size and location of the defect. Large defects may require complex reconstruction techniques. Vascularized bone grafts, mainly free vascularized fibula flap (FVFF), have many advantages in the treatment of bone or osteocutaneous defects. However, complications such as graft fracture are the most common, with a free fibula flap for bone defects in the upper extremity. This study aimed to describe the results and complications associated with the treatment of posttraumatic bone defects in the upper extremity using FVFF. We hypothesized that performing osteosynthesis using locking plates would prevent or reduce the fracture of the fibula flap MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective single-centre cohort study. Patients with segmental bone defects caused by trauma who underwent reconstructive surgery with FVFF fixed with locking compression plates (LCP) between January 2014 and 2022 were included. Demographic variables and preoperative data, such as bone defect, location, and time until reconstruction, were collected. Bone defects were classified according to the Testworth classification. Intraoperative variables included the length of the FVFF, type of graft (osteocutaneous or not), type and technique of arterial and venous sutures, number of veins used as output flow, and the osteosynthesis technique used. RESULTS: Ten patients were included (six humerus, three ulna, and one radius). All patients had critical-size bone defects, and nine patients had a history of infection. In 9 of 10 patients, bone fixation was performed with a bridge LCP and in one patient with two LCP plates. In eight cases, the FVFF was osteocutaneous. All the patients showed bone healing at the end of the follow-up period. There was one early complication, donor site wound dehiscence, and two long-term complications (proximal radioulnar synostosis and soft-tissue defect). CONCLUSION: A high rate of bone union with a low rate of complications can be obtained with an FVFF in upper extremity segmental/critical-size bone defects. Rigid fixation with locking plates avoids stress fractures of the grafts, mainly in humeral reconstruction. However, in these cases, a bridge plate should be used.

What Is the Infection Rate of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Trigger Finger Release Performed Under Wide-Awake Anesthesia?

BACKGROUND: High infection rates have been reported in hand procedures using the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) method, causing some to question the validity of this approach. However, little evidence exists surrounding the direct use of WALANT compared with monitored anesthetic care (MAC). This study was conducted to directly compare the postoperative infection rates of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger (TF) release surgeries performed under WALANT and MAC. METHODS: A retrospective study comparing postoperative infection rates between patients undergoing CTS and TR releases was conducted. Our primary outcome measure was postoperative infection. Our secondary outcome was postoperative complications. Comparative statistics were used to compare means of infection between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 526 patients underwent CTS release (255 with WALANT and 271 with MAC), and 129 patients underwent TF release (64 with WALANT and 65 with MAC). Patients undergoing WALANT and MAC were statistically comparable in terms of sex, smoking status, diabetes, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification. In patients undergoing CTS release, there were no infections with WALANT and 6 infections (2.2%) with MAC. In patients undergoing TF release, there were no infections in either group. There were similar rates of complications in patients undergoing WALANT and MAC for CTS and TF releases. CONCLUSION: There was no increased risk of infection with WALANT compared with MAC in CTS or TR surgeries. These surgeries can be safely conducted with lidocaine and epinephrine without a concern for increased risk of infections or complications.

Resultados de la neurólisis como tratamiento del dolor neuropático en pacientes con lesión del nervio ciático. Reporte de casos / Results of neurolysis for the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with sciatic nerve Injury. Case report

Introducción: La lesión del nervio ciático puede ocasionar desde parestesias e hipoestesias, hasta dolor neuropático severo y parálisis. La neurólisis suele mejorar la función, el dolor y la calidad de vida de los pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados clínico-funcionales de una serie de pacientes con dolor neuropático por lesión del nervio ciático que no respondieron al tratamiento conservador y fueron sometidos a neurólisis. Materiales y métodos: Se analizó retrospectivamente una serie de pacientes sometidos a neurólisis del nervio ciático mayor entre marzo de 2009 y junio de 2018. El dolor pre- y posoperatorio se evaluó mediante la escala analógica visual y la escala de Likert. El tipo de dolor posoperatorio se evaluó con el cuestionario DN4 y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, con el cuestionario SF-36.Resultados:Se incluyó a 8 pacientes. A los 32 meses de seguimiento promedio (rango 14-66), el dolor había mejorado notablemente (promedio de 3 y 1,88 puntos en las escalas analógica visual y de Likert, respectivamente). El cuestionario DN4 arrojó un promedio de 3,75 puntos (rango 2-7). Según el SF-36, la "salud física" fue la variable con peores resultados (promedio 30,15).Conclusiones: La neurólisis, cuando se indica a pacientes con mala respuesta al tratamiento conservador, es un método que alivia el dolor y mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes con dolor neuropático secundario a una lesión del nervio ciático. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Sciatic nerve injury may cause paresthesias and hypoesthesias, severe neuropathic pain, and paralysis. Neurolysis can improve function, pain, and quality of life for these patients. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the clinical-functional outcomes of a series of patients with neuropathic pain due to sciatic nerve injury that was refractory to conservative treatment in whom neurolysis was performed. materials and methods:A retrospective case series of patients operated on for neurolysis of the greater sciatic nerve between March 2009 and June 2018 was analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative pain were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Likert scale. The type of postoperative pain was evaluated using the DN4 questionnaire, and the health-related quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Eight patients were included. All patients evolved with a notable improvement in pain, with an average of 3 and 1.88 points on the VAS and Likert scales, respectively. The mean follow-up was 32 months (range 14­66). The DN4 questionnaire showed an average of 3.75 points (range 2­7). According to the SF-36, "Physical Health" was the variable with the worst results, with an average of 30.15. Conclusions: Sciatic nerve neurolysis in patients with neuropathic pain due to sciatic nerve injury and poor response to conservative treatment may improve pain and quality of life. Level of Evidence: IV

Transferencia tendinosa del primer radial externo al cubital posterior: ¿mejora significativamente la corrección de la desviación radial en la muñeca reumática? / Extensor carpi radialis longus tendon transfer to extensor carpi ulnaris: Does it significantly improve the correction of radial deviation in the rheumatoid wrist?

Introducción: La artritis inflamatoria puede conducir al síndrome de caput ulnae con desviación radial de la muñeca y los meta-carpianos. El tratamiento es la artroplastia de rescate de la articulación radiocubital distal y la reubicación del tendón del extensor cubital del carpo (ECC). Sin embargo, puede ser débil para corregir la desviación. Clayton describió la transferencia del tendón del extensor radial largo del carpo (ERLC) al ECC. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la corrección de la desviación radial de los metacarpianos en pacientes operados con transferencia del ERLC al ECC o sin ella. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva en pacientes con artritis reumatoide y síndrome de caput ulnae, sometidos a tenoplastia del ECC con ERLC o sin este procedimiento. Se formaron dos grupos: pacientes con transferencia (grupo A) y sin transferencia (grupo B). Se calculó la corrección del ángulo de Clayton comparando las medidas preoperatoria y del último control, y se compararon los resultados. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 28 meses. El ángulo de Clayton preoperatorio promedio era de 44,54° (DE ± 7,52) en el grupo A y 60,24° (DE ± 12,28) en el grupo B (p = 0,001). El promedio de corrección fue de 6,57° (DE ± 4,11) y 0,95° (DE ± 9,17), respectivamente (p = 0,026). Conclusiones: El nivel de corrección fue mayor en el grupo A. No obstante, si bien ambas técnicas lograron mejorar el ángulo, el grado de corrección podría estar supeditado a la magnitud del ángulo preoperatorio. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Inflammatory arthritis can lead to caput ulnae syndrome with radial deviation of the wrist and metacarpals. Treatment includes salvage arthroplasty of the distal radioulnar joint and relocation of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon. However, the ECU may be too weak to correct the deviation. To strengthen the ECU, Clayton described the transfer of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon to the ECU. The aim of this work is to compare the correction of the radial deviation of the metacarpals in patients with and without transfer of the ECRL to the ECU. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and caput ulnae syndrome, treated with ECU tenoplasty with or without ECRL, were included. The patients were divided into two groups: ECRL to ECU transfer (group A) and no transfer (Group B). The correction of the metacarpal-radial angle (Clayton's angle) was calculated by comparing the measurements before surgery and at end of follow-up, and the results obtained were compared. Results: The average follow-up was 28 months. The preoperative Clayton angle was on average 44.54° (SD ± 7.52) in group A and 60.24° (SD ± 12.28) in group B (p = 0.001). The correction average was 6.57° (SD ± 4.11) and 0.95° (SD ± 9.17) for group A and B respectively (p=0.026). Conclusions: The level of correction obtained was higher in group A. However, although both techniques managed to improve the angle, the degree of correction could be subject to the magnitude of the preoperative angle. Level of Evidence: IV

Total Elbow Arthroplasty in the Context of an Olecranon Nonunion: A Surgical Technique and Report of Three Cases.

The deficiency of the triceps tendon has been considered a relative contraindication to performing a total elbow arthroplasty. One of the conditions that may compromise triceps integrity is the presence of an olecranon non-union (ON). In this scenario, the placement of a total elbow arthroplasty in a patient with end-stage elbow arthritis is a complex problem to be solved. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique for the placement of a TEA in the context of a previous ON and to report the results of three cases. Surgical technique: the focus of the nonunion is identified, and the olecranon fragment is proximally reflected with the triceps tendon to allow accurate exposure of the medullary canal of the ulna and easy access to the joint. With the elbow in a fully flexed position, the previously assembled test prosthesis is placed and the proximal ulna fragment should then be reduced to match the distal ulna. Osteosynthesis with a tension band technique was performed at 45° of elbow extension. A non-absorbable Krackow suture (Ti-Cron 2-0) from the triceps's tendon to the hole of the wire in the distal ulna is applied to decrease the triceps tension traction. Bone grafting is performed when a persistent gap is present at the fracture site following reduction. This technique enables us to achieve a stable elbow with little pain and maintains the extensor apparatus's continuity.

Description of unusual osteochondral laminar fragment patterns in Distal Radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the most common fractures and, frequently, surgical treatment is mandatory in the presence of an intra-articular fracture. However, there are some unusual intra-articular fracture patterns, were it remains challenging to properly recognize and anatomically reconstruct the articular surface. The objective of the present study is to describe an intra-articular fracture pattern of the distal radius characterized by the presence of osteochondral laminar fragments, which could potentially require a different treatment to standard stabilization. We aim to answer the following questions: (1) What are the radiological characteristics of intra-articular DRFs with osteochondral laminar fragments (OCLF), (2) What is the prevalence of DRFs with OCLF relative to all intra-articular surgical DRFs, (3) What are the differences in epidemiological characteristics of patients with OCLF in relation to all patients with intra-articular DRFs, (4) What is the prevalence of intra-articular DRFs with OCLF in patients belonging to a closed community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed radiological and tomographic records of all adult patients operated on distal radius fractures at our institution. We analyzed tomographic characteristics; prevalence of osteochondral laminar fragments relative to all intra-articular surgical distal radius fractures and compared clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with osteochondral laminar fragments in relation to all patients with intra-articular fractures. RESULTS: Two main groups according to the fracture pattern were described: group I, volar rim impacted OCLF (vOCLF); and group II, central impacted OCLF (cOCLF). Prevalence of OCLF relative to surgical intra-articular DRFs: 42/989 (4.2%); group I: 23/989 (2.32%); group II: 19/989 (1.92%). Characteristics of patients with OCLF compared to all patients with intra-articular DRFs: Significant differences were found in the five variables evaluated (age, less than 65 years, female, high energy fracture, and associated fractures). The global prevalence of DRFs with OCLF in patients affiliated with the medical care insurance system of our institution was 2 per 10,000 individuals (95% CI 1.4 to 2.9). DISCUSSION: Global prevalence of these fragments relative to surgical intra-articular fractures was very low. However, despite being epidemiologically rare, it is important to identify these specific fracture patterns because their treatment can be challenging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (Observational/Descriptive); Cross sectional study.

Does Age Affect the Outcomes of Core Decompression for the Treatment of Kienböck Disease?

Background: Core decompression of the distal radius is a minimally invasive technique that has demonstrated good clinical outcomes in the treatment of Kienböck disease. However, the effectiveness of core decompression has not been compared in different age groups. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of core decompression in patients <45 years of age to those ≥45 years of age. Methods: This retrospective study included 36 patients with Kienböck disease who were treated with core decompression over a 20-year period. The mean follow-up was 7 years. Outcome measures included visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), active range of flexion/extension at the wrist, grip strength, and modified Mayo wrist score. The patients were divided into two age groups namely <45 years (younger group; n = 22) and ≥45 years (older group; n = 12) and the outcome measures were compared between the two age groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the outcomes of the two age groups. Conclusion: The outcomes of core decompression of the distal radius for Kienböck disease in older patients (≥45 years) are favorable and similar to those seen in younger patients (<45 years). Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Time until union in absolute vs. relative stability MIPO plating in simple humeral shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of absolute stability (AS) versus relative stability (RS) performed through a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in AO/OTA 12A1 and 12A2 fractures on healing and the time to radiographic union. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated with plate fixation for AO/OTA type 12A1-A2 fractures at a single institution. Patients were grouped according to the type of stability used in their surgery. Time until radiographic union was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, which was compared by long-rank test between both types of surgical techniques. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included in this study with 35 patients in each group. The median follow-up was 9 (IQR 6-14) months. The median time to radiographic union was significantly lower in the AS group than in the RS group: 12 (interquartile range (IQR) 10-14) weeks versus 18 (IQR 16-19) weeks, respectively (p < 0.001). Non-union was seen in two cases (7%) in the relative stability group. Three patients in the RS group developed a post-operative radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study is that the median time to radiographic union was significantly shorter in the patients treated with AS compared to those with a RS technique. These findings support the recommendations of the AO foundation in that simple metaphyseal fractures (type A) that require surgical treatment should be treated with an AS construct. RS techniques should be reserved to multifragmentary fractures where fragment preservation of blood supply is paramount.

Dorsal Plating for Specific Fracture Pattern of the Distal Radius.

Background: Volar locking plates have provided the capability to repair both simple and complex fractures. However, complications related to the inability to fix or to maintain the fixation of some fracture patterns have been reported with volar locking plates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of dorsal plating treatment for specific pattern of fractures. Methods: Patients with distal radius fractures were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria for this study were those related to the patient and treatment (adult patients, internal fixation with dorsal plating, a minimum follow-up of 12 months), and those related to the fracture pattern (displaced central articular fragment, volar distal fracture line not enough to allow volar fixation, displaced dorsal-ulnar fragment, dorsal partial fractures, combination of these patterns). Clinical outcome information including active range of motion, radiographs, PRWE and DASH questionnaires were collected. Complications were recorded. Results: During a 6-year period, 679 distal radius fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Of these, 27 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were examined at a median of 34 months' follow-up. All but pronation, supination, and radial deviation had a statistically significant difference compared to the opposite side. The median score on the DASH was 4.5 and 3.2 on the PRWE. No patient suffered loss of reduction during the follow-up nor were tendon ruptures recorded. Conclusions: Although most of the distal radius fractures can be treated with volar locking plates, almost 5% of them present specific patterns that are amenable to treatment with dorsal fixation, without postoperative loss of reduction. These specific patterns are: (1) displaced central articular fragment, (2) volar distal fracture with less of 1cm distance from the distal volar edge of the radius, (3) displaced dorso-ulnar fragment, (4) Barton's fracture, (5) combination of these patterns.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy using the Thenar Portal.

BACKGROUND: Although the standard 1Radial and 1Ulnar portals allow for visualisation of most of the trapezium articular surface, the proximity of these two portals can often make arthroscopic triangulation and visualisation of the most lateral capsule and joint surface challenging. Despite its already reported advantages in improving visualisation, there is little literature reporting the clinical experience with the Thenar Portal. The purpose of this study is to describe potential complications and the short-term clinical-radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy using the Thenar Portal in order to determine its safety and efficacy as a standard working portal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients diagnosed with first carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis who were treated surgically with an arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy. Only patients with stage II or III osteoarthritis and a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. Twenty-two patients (24 thumbs) with an average age of 62 years met the inclusion criteria. The average follow-up was 52 months. Intra-operative and post-surgical complications were recorded. Objective evaluation consisted of an assessment of range of motion (ROM), grip and pinch strength. Subjective evaluation consisted of a DASH questionnaire and the visual analog scale to score pain at rest, during activities, and function. RESULTS: There were no intra- or post-surgical complications. In one case, pain persisted with a poor functional result, requiring a revision surgery. Average range of motion (compared with the contralateral) showed a statistically significant improvement in palmar abduction and radial abduction of the CMC joint: 50° vs. 55° (p=0.01235), and 50° vs. 55° (p=0.06009), respectively. There was no statistically significant improvement in thumb adduction, grip strength, or lateral and tip-pinch. All patients achieved retropulsion with their affected thumb. According to the VAS, average rest pain improved from 7.5 to 0 (p<0.001) and from 9 to 0 (p<0.001) during activity. The average final function and QuickDASH were 9 (VAS) and 8, respectively (p<0.001). The average radiographic proximal migration of the first metacarpal was 2.9mm (range: 0.7-5.8mm). DISCUSSION: Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy using the Thenar portal: 1) improved visualisation of the trapeziometacarpal joint, 2) facilitated arthroscopic triangulation, and 3) represents a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of thumb osteoarthritis, with pain relief and function improvement in most patients without a higher risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Dedo azul agudo idiopático no isquémico: síndrome de Achenbach. Presentación de un caso y revisión bibliográfica / Acute non-ischemic idiopathic blue finger. Achenbach's syndrome. Case report and literature review

El síndrome de Achenbach es un cuadro de baja incidencia y de etiología idiopática. Se caracteriza por la aparición aguda de coloración azul digital sin un episodio desencadenante, imitando a un cuadro isquémico, pero, al contrario, el síndrome de Achenbach se autolimita sin dejar secuelas. Se presenta una mujer de 75 años que consultó en la central de emergencias por dolor y cambio de coloración violácea del dedo índice de su mano derecha, de inicio súbito. Los estudios complementarios no aportaron información relevante. Se administró un tratamiento sintomático y se logró la resolución completa del cuadro. La anamnesis y el examen físico exhaustivo tienen un rol fundamental para sospechar este cuadro y los estudios complementarios se reservan para descartar otras enfermedades, si es necesario. Consideramos que conocer esta enfermedad y un abordaje correcto conducen a un diagnóstico apropiado. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Achenbach's Syndrome (AS) is a pathology with low incidence and its etiology is unknown. It is characterized by the acute appearance of blue coloration in the finger without a triggering event and might be confused with an ischemic event. However, AS is a self-limited disease without sequelae. This case report is about a 75-year-old woman who presented sudden onset pain and purple coloration in the index finger of her right hand. Diagnostic tests were unhelpful and did not provide relevant information. She received symptomatic treatment, achieving complete resolution. The anamnesis and an exhaustive physical examination play a primary role in the suspicion; leaving diagnostic tests for the exclusion of other pathologies when they are required. We believe that knowing about this pathology allows a correct approach leading to an appropriate diagnosis. Level of Evidence: IV

Osteotomía en cuña sustractiva supracondílea para el tratamiento del codo valgo del adulto / Supracondylar subtraction wedge osteotomy for the treatment of adult cubitus valgus

Objetivo: Comunicar los resultados de una serie de adultos con consolidaciones en valgo del codo tratados con una osteotomía en cuña sustractiva monoplanar. materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 5 pacientes. Se describe la técnica quirúrgica que consistió en un abordaje posterior paratricipital, resección en cuña sustractiva y transposición anterior del nervio cubital. El seguimiento promedio fue de 17 meses. Resultados: Se trató a 4 hombres y una mujer, con una edad promedio de 27 años. La movilidad preoperatoria promedio fue de 138-7° y la posoperatoria, de 138-6°, el puntaje de dolor en la EAV fue de 4 y 1, el MEPS de 71 y 97, y el DASH de 26 y 8, respectivamente. La evaluación radiográfica preoperatoria arrojó un valgo promedio de 30° con un valgo contralateral de 11°. La corrección radiográfica demostró un valgo de 13°. Se obtuvo una corrección promedio de 2° menos que del otro lado. Todas las osteotomías consolidaron, y la medición de la prominencia medial fue, en promedio, un 32% mayor que en el preoperatorio. Según la escala de Oppenheim, el resultado fue excelente en 4 pacientes y bueno en uno. La satisfacción personal fue, en promedio, de 8,6. Conclusiones: La osteotomía en cuña sustractiva para tratar un codo valgo es una buena opción terapéutica, con recuperación de valores angulares comparables con el lado contralateral, y alta tasa de satisfacción de los pacientes. Como es una técnica menos compleja que las osteotomías multiplanares, es nuestra elección ante una consolidación viciosa en valgo del codo del adulto. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Objective: To report the results of a series of adult patients with a valgus malunion of the elbow treated with a supracondylar subtractive monoplanar wedge osteotomy, materials and methods: 5 patients were included. The surgical technique consisted of a posterior paratricipital approach, with resection of a subtractive wedge and the anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. The average follow-up was 17 months.Results: 4 patients were men and 1 woman with an average age of 27 years. The preoperative range of motion was 138°-7° and the postoperative range of motion was 138-6°. Pain according to VAS was 4 and 1, MEPS was 71 and 97, and DASH was 26 and 8, respectively. The preoperative radiological evaluation showed an average valgus of 30° with a contralateral valgus of 11º. The final valgus obtained was 13°. The final correction was, on average, 2° less than the contralateral side. All osteotomies healed and the medial prominence was on average 32%, more than before surgery. According to Oppenheim scale, the results were excellent in 4 patients and good in 1. Personal satisfaction was, on average, 8.6. Conclusions: Supracondylar subtractive wedge osteotomy is a good option for the treatment of adult cubitus valgus with a recovery of angular values similar to the contralateral side and a high satisfaction rate. As it is a simpler technique, compared to the multiplanar osteotomies, it is our treatment of choice for adult cubitus valgus. Level of Evidence: IV

Prótesis total de codo en el contexto de una seudoartrosis de olécranon. Técnica quirúrgica y reporte de tres casos / Total elbow arthroplasty in the context of a nonunion of the olecranon. Surgical technique and report of 3 cases

La indemnidad del aparato extensor es fundamental para un correcto funcionamiento de una prótesis de codo. Se ha considerado que la deficiencia del tríceps es una contraindicación relativa para la artroplastia, porque produce una contractura en flexión y un déficit de extensión activa. Estas limitaciones pueden afectar significativamente la mejora funcional que la artroplastia total de codo produce. Ante una seudoartrosis de olécranon, la colocación de una prótesis total de codo se presenta como un problema complejo que resolver. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la técnica quirúrgica para la colocación de una prótesis total de codo en el contexto de una seudoartrosis de olécranon, y comunicar tres casos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

The integrity of the extensor apparatus is essential for the correct functioning of an elbow prosthesis. Triceps deficiency has been considered a relative contraindication for arthroplasty, because it produces a flexion contracture and an active extension deficit. These limitations can significantly affect the functional improvement that total elbow arthroplasty produces. Faced with an olec-ranon nonunion, the placement of a total elbow prosthesis is presented as a complex problem to be solved. The objective of this article is to describe the surgical technique for the placement of a total elbow prosthesis in the context of an olecranon nonunion, and to report three cases. Level of Evidence: IV