Current management of avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head: a comprehensive literature review.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the metacarpal head is a rare disease that may lead to progressive destruction of the metacarpophalangeal joint and hand function. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, possible risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of the rare condition of avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head. METHODS: Articles were searched using the subject words "Dieterich disease","Mauclaire's disease", and "avascular necrosis of metacarpal head" in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies were retained for review after meeting the inclusion criteria. Those outcomes relevant to diagnose and assessing AVN of the metacarpal head and those related to curative management were extracted. RESULTS: The literature search revealed 45 studies with 55 patients. Although the aetiology of osteonecrosis has not been clearly delineated, AVN of the metacarpal head most commonly arises from trauma but other risk factors may also be involved. Plain radiographs are often negative and therefore likely to be missed. Early-stage osteonecrosis of the metacarpal head was best assessed using MRI. Given the rarity of this condition, there is no clear consensus on the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful metacarpophalangeal joints. An early understanding of this unusual disease will provide an optimal clinical outcome, restoring joint activity, and resolving pain. Nonoperative treatment cannot cure all patients. Surgical management is based on the patient and lesion characteristics.

Osteosynthesis of Fractures of the Metacarpal Neck with Self-Compressing Screw - Preliminary Analysis of 21 Cases / Osteossíntese de fraturas do colo do metacarpo com parafuso autocompressivo - Análise preliminar de 21 casos

Abstract Objective The present study aims to analyze the clinical results of the surgical treatment of metacarpal neck fractures with retrograde intramedullary fixation using cannulated headless screws (Herbert type). Methods Retrospective study of 21 closed fractures deviated from the metacarpal neck in 21 patients operated between April 2015 and November 2018. Results The sample included 19 men and 2 women. The mechanisms that caused the trauma were punching, falling to the ground and motor vehicle accident (n = 14, 5 and 2). The affected metacarpals were the 5th, 3rd, and 2nd (n = 19, 1 and 1). Surgical indications were neck-shaft diaphysis of the metacarpal > 30º for the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals and > 40º for the 5th metacarpal, shortening ≥ 5mm, rotational deviation, and the desire of the patient not to use plaster cast. In the immediate postoperative period, patients remained without immobilization and were instructed to mobilize their fingers according to tolerance. All patients had total active mobility > 240º and returned to their former occupations. All fractures consolidated and there were no reinterventions. Discussion The great advantages of the headless screw technique are its low morbidity, sufficient stability to avoid external immobilization, and reproducibility at low cost. Conclusion This is an easy, fast technique that has excellent results for the surgical treatment of displaced fractures of the neck of the metacarpals.

Resumo Objetivo O presente estudo visa analisar os resultados clínicos do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas de colo do metacarpo com fixação intramedular retrógrada utilizando parafusos canulados sem cabeça (tipo Herbert). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 21 fraturas fechadas desviadas do colo do metacarpo em 21 pacientes operados entre abril de 2015 e novembro de 2018. Resultados A casuística incluiu 19 homens e 2 mulheres. Os mecanismos causadores do trauma foram soco, queda ao solo e acidente com veículo motorizado (n = 14, 5 e 2). Os metacarpos acometidos foram o V, III e II (n = 19, 1 e 1). As indicações cirúrgicas foram angulação colo-diáfise do metacarpo > 30º para os II e III metacarpos e > 40º para o V metacarpo, encurtamento ≥ 5mm, desvio rotacional e o desejo do paciente de não utilizar imobilização gessada. No pós-operatório imediato, os pacientes permaneceram sem imobilização e orientados a mobilizar os dedos conforme tolerância. Todos os pacientes ficaram com mobilidade ativa total > 240º e retornaram às suas antigas ocupações. Todas fraturas consolidaram e não houve reintervenções. Discussão As grandes vantagens da técnica com parafuso sem cabeça são sua baixa morbidade, estabilidade suficiente para não precisar de imobilização externa e reprodutibilidade com baixo custo. Conclusão Esta é uma técnica fácil, rápida, e que apresenta ótimos resultados para o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas deslocadas do colo dos metacarpos.

Single-incision percutaneous drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus in foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis and report the outcome of treated foals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eleven thoroughbred foals. METHODS: While horses were under general anesthesia, the lateral aspect of the distal metacarpal physis was approached through a single small incision by using a power drill. The drill bit was placed at the level of the physis under radiographic guidance. A 4.5-mm drill bit was passed several times through the lateral growth plate to remove the cartilage in a fan-like pattern. Postoperative outcomes consisted of clinical assessment and farm manager/owner satisfaction. Cosmetics and radiographic appearance of the surgical site were assessed when the horses were yearlings. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in 16 limbs of 11 thoroughbred foals with a median age of 113.5 days (range, 90-129). Median age at postoperative follow-up was 422 days (range, 366 to 452). The procedure stopped the progression of a metacarpophalangeal varus deformity in all the limbs treated, determined by visual clinical evaluation and farm manager's satisfaction with subjectively excellent radiographic images and cosmetic outcomes at yearling age. CONCLUSION: Physis ablation was consistently achieved in these 11 foals with developing growth deformities of the distal metacarpus. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This drilling technique may offer a minimally invasive, safe, and simple technique to manage distal limb conformation in foals without placement of implants. Additional quantitative data are required to assess its effectiveness relative to other options.

Metacarpal tuberculosis with Nocardia infection: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated metacarpal tuberculosis is rare in orthopedic surgery. In the case of poor efficacy of traditional treatment methods, such as debridement surgery and anti-tuberculosis treatment, it is necessary to consider whether there is a special type of infection. We describe a case of metacarpal tuberculosis with Nocardia infection in a patient. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 65-year-old male patient who suffered from pain and dysfunction lasted for 6 years. DIAGNOSES: Confirmation of the diagnosis was finally achieved by isolation of M tuberculosis and Nocardia actinomycetes from bone specimens. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent debridement surgery, Masquelet technique was used during the operation, and oral antibiotics were combined after surgery. OUTCOMES: Bone graft surgery was performed 6 weeks after the first surgery. We followed up on bone healing at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Tissue-specific necrosis usually occurs in particular types of infections such as tuberculosis, which limits the spread of antibiotics. Masquelet technique seems to bring new options to solve this problem. The performance of Nocardia infection is similar to that of tuberculosis infection, so it is difficult to identify clinically. Therefore, for cases where tuberculosis is suspected, and anti-tuberculosis treatment is ineffective, the possibility of Nocardia infection needs to be considered.

Colgajo de la primera arteria metacarpiana dorsal: revisión y aplicación clínica de una técnica clásica / Review and description of a classic technique of the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap

Antecedentes y Objetivo. Entre las opciones para cobertura de defectos de piel en mano y especialmente para reconstrucción del pulgar, el colgajo de primera arteria metacarpiana dorsal (PAMD) que utiliza la piel del dorso de la falange proximal del índice es una técnica utilizada desde hace años y que brinda buenos resultados. Nuestro objetivo es actualizar este colgajo mediante una revisión crítica de la literatura al respecto ilustrada con disección en cadáver y su aplicación en varios casos clínicos de nuestra experiencia. Material y método. Revisamos los antecedentes históricos y la anatomía del colgajo y hacemos una descripción detallada de la técnica quirúrgica mediante disección en cadáver, aportando dibujos y fotografías, complementado con la descripción detallada de 4 casos clínicos exitosos. Resultados. Encontramos 21 artículos relevantes sobre el colgajo de PAMD complementados con 2 capítulos de libros de mano. En cuanto a la revisión anatómica en cadáver comprobamos que este colgajo tiene un eje vascular similar al descrito en la literatura y en relación al componente clínico, demostramos que es un colgajo reproducible y seguro. Conclusiones. Teniendo en cuenta las indicaciones precisas y un conocimiento claro de la técnica, el colgajo de PAMD es una alternativa versátil y segura para el tratamiento de defectos cutáneos en mano

Background and Objective. Among coverage options for skin defects on the hand and especially for reconstruction of the thumb, the flap of the first metacarpal dorsal artery that uses the skin of the back of the proximal phalanx of the index, is a well known technique providing good results. Our aim is to carry out an actualization of this flap with a critical review of the literature, illustrated with cadaver dissection, and its application in some clinical cases of our own experience. Methods. We conduct a review of the historical antecedents, the anatomy and a detailed description of the surgical technique by means of dissections in cadaver complemented with drawings and photos and the presentation of 4 successful clinical cases. Results. We found 21 relevant articles complemented with 2 chapters of hand books. Based on these, a detailed documentation of the history, anatomy and surgical technique of the first metacarpal dorsal artery flap was made. On the part of the anatomical revision in corpses it was found that this flap has a vascular axis similar to that described in the literature, and on the part of the clinical application, we demostrate that is a secure and reproducible flap. Conclusions. Taking into account the precise indications and a clear knowledge of the technique, the first metacarpal dorsal artery flap is a versatile and safe alternative for the management of skin defects in the hand

Artroplastia de fijación con hemibandeleta del palmar mayor en el tratamiento de la rizartrosis: Resultados preliminaries / Fixing arthroplasty with a slip of major palmar in the treatment of the trapeziometacarpal arthrosis: preliminary results

Objetivo: Evaluar los primeros resultados tras la realización de una artroplastia de fijación e interposición utilizando una bandeleta cubital del tendón palmar mayor en el tratamiento de la rizartrosis. Material y método: Desde abril de 2014 hasta enero de 2017, 16 pacientes con rizartrosis en estadio 3 y 4 de Eaton fueron intervenidos con hemitrapeziectomia y reconstrucción ligamentosa utilizando una plaslos pacientes fue de 64,3 (DS 7,4) años. El seguimiento medio postquirúrgico fue de 20,7 (DS 10,6) meses. Resultados: Los resultados funcionales según la clasificación Green y O'Brien fueron excelentes en 4 pacientes (25%), buenos en 10 pacientes (62,5%) y regulares en 2 pacientes (12,5%). La escala Quick-Dash preoperatoria pasó de 74,8 (DS 10,6) puntos a 10,8 (DS 9,9) puntos al final del seguimiento. De acuerdo a la escala Mayo, la muestra tenía una media de 85,4 (DS 14,6) puntos. Radiográficamente, no encontramos colapso articular trapecio-metacarpiano al final del seguimiento. Conclusiones: Esta técnica permite reproducir la función de los ligamentos trapeciometacarpianos y al realizar una plastia de fijación de la base del primer metacarpiano, lo estabiliza y evita el colapso articular, consiguiendo una articulación indolora y estable, con un buen arco de movilidad del pulgar. Los resultados clínicos y radiológicos al final del seguimiento son buenos y esperanzadores pero se necesita un mayor número de pacientes y mayor seguimiento para obtener conclusiones más definitivas

Purpose: To evaluate the early results after the fixing and interposition artroplasty using a cubital slip of the flexor carpi radialis for the treatment of ostheoarthritis of the thumb. Methods: From April 2014, to January 2017, 16 patients with ostheoarthritis of the thumb in stage 3 and 4 of Eaton underwent reconstruction with hemitrapeziectomy and ligaments reconstruction using a plasty of the palmar major. Mean patient age at surgery was 64, 3 (DS 7, 4) years. The minimum follow-up was 20, 7 (DS 10, 6) months. Results: The functional outcome according to Green and O’Brien score was excellent in 4 patients (25%) good in 10 patients (62, 5%) and satisfactory in 2 patients (12, 5%). The mean according Quick-Dash score was 74, 8 (DS 10, 6) points before the surgery to 10.8 (DS 9, 9) points at the end of the follow-up and according modified Mayo score, the result was 85, 4 (DS 14, 6) points. On the X-rays, there isn't collapse postoperative and the end of the follow-up. Conclusions: This technique enables to simulate the function of carpometacarpal ligaments and to perform a fixing arthroplasty of the base of the first metacarpal to stabilizes it and avoids the collapse of the joint, getting a painless and stable joint, with a good range motion of the thumb. The clinical and radiographic findings at follow-up were good and encouraging but more patients and longer follow-up is needed to reach definitive conclusions

Pyrolytic Carbon Hemiarthroplasty for Avascular Necrosis of the Metacarpal Head: A Case Report.

Avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head is a rare entity. Surgical interventions, such as curettage, bone-grafting, and osteotomy, have been reported in symptomatic patients. We present a patient who underwent pyrolytic carbon hemiarthroplasty of the metacarpal head and had satisfactory outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

WITHDRAWN: Surgery for thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint) osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management, such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal (thumb) osteoarthritis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following sources up to 08 August 2013: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1950 to August 2013), EMBASE (1974 to August 2013), CINAHL (1982 to August 2013), Clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) and World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Trials Portal (to August 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs where the intervention was surgery for people with thumb osteoarthritis. Outcomes were pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors independently screened and included studies according to the inclusion criteria, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, including adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: We included 11 studies with 670 participants. Seven surgical procedures were identified (trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction, trapeziectomy with interpositional arthroplasty (IA), Artelon joint resurfacing, arthrodesis and Swanson joint replacement). We did not find any studies that compared surgery with sham surgery or surgery with non-surgical interventions.Most included studies had an unclear risk of most biases which raises doubt about the results. No procedure demonstrated any superiority over another in terms of pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure (re-operation) or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. One study demonstrated a difference in adverse events (mild-moderate swelling) between Artelon joint replacement and trapeziectomy with tendon interposition. However, the quality of evidence was very low due to a high risk of bias and imprecision of results.Low quality evidence suggests trapeziectomy with LRTI may not provide additional benefits or result in more adverse events over trapeziectomy alone. Mean pain (three studies, 162 participants) was 26 mm on a 0 to 100 mm VAS (0 is no pain) for trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI reduced pain by a mean of 2.8 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -9.8 to 4.2) or an absolute reduction of 3% (-10% to 4%). Mean physical function (three studies, 211 participants) was 31.1 points on a 0 to 100 point scale (0 is best physical function, or no disability) with trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in sightly lower function scores (standardised mean difference 0.1, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.32), an equivalent to a worsening of 0.2 points (95% CI -5.8 to 6.1) on a 0 to 100 point scale (absolute decrease in function 0.03% (-0.83% to 0.88%)). Low quality evidence from four studies (328 participants) indicates that the mean number of adverse events was 10 per 100 participants for trapeziectomy alone, and 19 events per 100 participants for trapeziectomy with LRTI (RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.73) or an absolute risk increase of 9% (95% CI 0% to 28%). Low quality evidence from one study (42 participants) indicates that the mean scapho-metacarpal distance was 2.3 mm for the trapeziectomy alone group, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in a mean of 0.1 mm less distance (95% CI -0.81 to 0.61). None of the included trials reported global assessment, quality of life, and revision or re-operation rates.Low-quality evidence from two small studies (51 participants) indicated that trapeziectomy with LRTI may not improve function or slow joint degeneration, or produce additional adverse events over trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction.We are uncertain of the benefits or harms of other surgical techniques due to the mostly low quality evidence from single studies and the low reporting rates of key outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with LRTI had additional benefit over arthrodesis or trapeziectomy with IA. There was also insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with IA had any additional benefit over the Artelon joint implant, the Swanson joint replacement or trapeziectomy alone. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any studies that compared surgery to sham surgery or to non-operative treatments. We were unable to demonstrate that any technique confers a benefit over another technique in terms of pain and physical function. Furthermore, the included studies were not of high enough quality to provide conclusive evidence that the compared techniques provided equivalent outcomes.

Empalamiento torácico. A propósito de un caso / Chest impalement: presentation of a case

No disponible

Open reduction and internal fixation for intraarticular fracture of metacarpal head.

Intraarticular fracture of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint presents complex problems related to the sophisticated functional aspects of the hand. Injury to the metacarpal head may have a severe effect on hand function but few studies have investigated the management of this condition. In this study, we applied open reduction and internal fixation for the displaced fracture of the metacarpal head and report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our experience. Thirteen patients (12 men, 1 woman; mean age 21 years) were included in this study, and medical records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. The average follow-up period was 12.5 months. Range of motion (ROM) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were analyzed, and functional results and serial radiographs were investigated for the maintenance of articular congruity and fracture union. The injured fingers were 5 long, 4 small, 2 ring, and 2 index. Five cases were fixed with K­wires, 5 cases with headless screws, and 3 cases with screw and K­wire. The average range of injured MP joint motion was 89°, total active range of motion (TAM) was 265°, and the average DASH score was 3.8 at the last follow-up. All patients showed fracture union on the radiographs and no patient showed significant articular surface incongruence or degenerative change. Open reduction and internal fixation of the metacarpal head fracture had favorable outcomes in our study. The authors suggest accurate reduction and stable fixation for better functional results in metacarpal head fractures.

Rigideces metacarpofalángicas en extensión. ¿Un desafío para el cirujano de mano? / Metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness. Still a challenge for the hand surgeon?

Objetivo. Analizar los resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la rigidez metacarpofalángica en extensión mediante tenoartrólisis dorsal en nuestro centro y revisar la literatura al respecto. Material y método. Estudio retrospectivo de 21 rigideces metacarpofalángicas intervenidas. En todos los pacientes se realizó tenoartrólisis dorsal de forma ambulatoria, comenzando la rehabilitación a los diez días postoperatorios. Se registró etiología, variación de la movilidad activa tras la cirugía, complicaciones, cuestionario DASH y una encuesta de satisfacción con el resultado. Resultados. El seguimiento medio fue de 6,5 años y la edad media de 36,5 años. La causa más frecuente fue la fractura de un metacarpiano (52,4%) seguida de los traumatismos complejos de antebrazo (19%). A final del seguimiento la mejoría en la movilidad activa fue de 30,5° pese a obtener una movilidad intraoperatoria de 0-90° en más del 80% de los casos. En el cuestionario DASH la puntuación media fue de 36,9, calificando el resultado como excelente el 10% de nuestros pacientes, bueno el 30%, regular el 40% y malo el 20% restante. En el 9,5% de los casos se produjo un síndrome de dolor regional complejo y en el 14,3% lesión de la musculatura intrínseca. Conclusión. Por su difícil abordaje y pobres resultados, el tratamiento quirúrgico de la rigidez metacarpofalángica en extensión es de gran dificultad mostrándose la tenoartrólisis dorsal como una técnica reproducible en relación con nuestros resultados y a los resultados publicados en la literatura (AU)

Objectives. The aim of this study is to analyse the outcomes of the surgical treatment of metacarpophalangeal stiffness by dorsal teno-arthrolysis in our centre, and present a review the literature. Material and methods. This is a retrospective study of 21 cases of metacarpophalangeal stiffness treated surgically. Dorsal teno-arthrolysis was carried out on all patients. A rehabilitation programme was started ten days after surgery. An evaluation was performed on the aetiology, variation in pre- and post-operative active mobility, complications, DASH questionnaire, and a subjective satisfaction questionnaire. Results. The mean age of the patients was 36.5 years and the mean follow-up was 6.5 years. Of the 21 cases, the most common cause was a metacarpal fracture (52.4%), followed by complex trauma of the forearm (19%). Improvement in active mobility was 30.5°, despite obtaining an intra-operative mobility 0-90° in 80% of cases. Mean DASH questionnaire score was 36.9 points. The outcome was described as excellent in 10% of our patients, good in 30%, poor in 40%, and bad in the remaining 20%. There was a complex regional pain syndrome in 9.5% of cases, and intrinsic muscle injury in 14.3%. Conclusion. Because of its difficult management and poor outcomes, surgical treatment of metacarpophalangeal stiffness in extension is highly complex, with dorsal teno-arthrolysis being a reproducible technique according to our results, and the results reported in the literature (AU)

Luxación carpometacarpiana: presentación de dos casos clínicos / Carpometacarpal dislocations: presentation of two clinical cases

No disponible

[Ligament reconstruction for trapeziometacarpal joint instability]. / Bandplastik bei Instabilität des Sattelgelenks.

OBJECTIVE: Restoring stability and preventing subluxation/dislocation of the trapeziometacarpal (first carpometacarpal = CMC-I) joint while preserving mobility. INDICATIONS: Posttraumatic, acquired or congenital instability of the CMC-I joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Existence of osteoarthritis of the CMC-I joint. Neurogenic or muscular origin dysfunction of thenar muscles and other contractures the CMC-I area. Infections. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Radiopalmar approach to the CMC-I joint, reduction, and transosseous ligament reconstruction with a distally pedicled tendon strip from the abductor pollicis longus muscle. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Splint immobilization for 5 weeks. RESULTS: This procedure generally results in good or very good outcomes. Of 24 patients, only one patient experienced rupture of the ligament reconstruction. Ligament reconstruction for the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb relieves pain and restores stability while preserving functional range of motion in patients with chronic instability.

Long term clinical outcome of dental implants placed in a patient with Singleton-Merten syndrome.

PATIENTS: Singleton-Merten syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal dominant condition with less than 10 reported cases in the literature. It is characterized by abnormal aortic calcifications and dental abnormalities. The goal of this case report is to discuss the abnormal oral clinical features and the modified treatment protocol that was used in order to achieve osseointegration of dental implants in a patient having abnormal bone density and bone turnover associated with Singleton-Merten Syndrome. DISCUSSION: Following extraction of the remaining teeth, titanium implants (Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany and Straumann(®), Basel, Switzerland) were placed in the upper and lower jaw of the patient. The upper jaw which was treated with dental implants, received a bar supported implant retained prosthesis and the lower jaw an implant retained telescopic prosthesis. The patient was regularly followed up for the past 13 years during which, clinical and radiological evaluation of osseointegration was undertaken. All the loaded implants showed clinical and radiographic evidence of osseointegration. With a follow up of 13 years after insertion of the first implant, the patient reported functioning well with no complications. CONCLUSION: The treatment with dental implants in the extremely rare Singleton-Merten syndrome patients is a reasonable treatment option to rehabilitate maxillofacial aesthetics and establish normal function of the jaws.

Surgery for thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint) osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is used to treat persistent pain and dysfunction at the base of the thumb when conservative management, such as splinting, or medical management, such as oral analgesics, is no longer adequate in reducing disability and pain. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different surgical techniques for trapeziometacarpal (thumb) osteoarthritis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following sources up to 08 August 2013: CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1950 to August 2013), EMBASE (1974 to August 2013), CINAHL (1982 to August 2013), Clinicaltrials.gov (to August 2013) and World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Trials Portal (to August 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs where the intervention was surgery for people with thumb osteoarthritis. Outcomes were pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. We excluded trials that compared non-surgical interventions with surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. Two review authors independently screened and included studies according to the inclusion criteria, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data, including adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: We included 11 studies with 670 participants. Seven surgical procedures were identified (trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI), trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction, trapeziectomy with interpositional arthroplasty (IA), Artelon joint resurfacing, arthrodesis and Swanson joint replacement).Most included studies had an unclear risk of most biases which raises doubt about the results. No procedure demonstrated any superiority over another in terms of pain, physical function, quality of life, patient global assessment, adverse events, treatment failure (re-operation) or trapeziometacarpal joint imaging. One study demonstrated a difference in adverse events (mild-moderate swelling) between Artelon joint replacement and trapeziectomy with tendon interposition. However, the quality of evidence was very low due to a high risk of bias and imprecision of results.Low quality evidence suggests trapeziectomy with LRTI may not provide additional benefits or result in more adverse events over trapeziectomy alone. Mean pain (three studies, 162 participants) was 26 mm on a 0 to 100 mm VAS (0 is no pain) for trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI reduced pain by a mean of 2.8 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) -9.8 to 4.2) or an absolute reduction of 3% (-10% to 4%). Mean physical function (three studies, 211 participants) was 31.1 points on a 0 to 100 point scale (0 is best physical function, or no disability) with trapeziectomy alone, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in sightly lower function scores (standardised mean difference 0.1, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.32), an equivalent to a worsening of 0.2 points (95% CI -5.8 to 6.1) on a 0 to 100 point scale (absolute decrease in function 0.03% (-0.83% to 0.88%)). Low quality evidence from four studies (328 participants) indicates that the mean number of adverse events was 10 per 100 participants for trapeziectomy alone, and 19 events per 100 participants for trapeziectomy with LRTI (RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.73) or an absolute risk increase of 9% (95% CI 0% to 28%). Low quality evidence from one study (42 participants) indicates that the mean scapho-metacarpal distance was 2.3 mm for the trapeziectomy alone group, trapeziectomy with LRTI resulted in a mean of 0.1 mm less distance (95% CI -0.81 to 0.61). None of the included trials reported global assessment, quality of life, and revision or re-operation rates.Low-quality evidence from two small studies (51 participants) indicated that trapeziectomy with LRTI may not improve function or slow joint degeneration, or produce additional adverse events over trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction.We are uncertain of the benefits or harms of other surgical techniques due to the mostly low quality evidence from single studies and the low reporting rates of key outcomes. There was insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with LRTI had additional benefit over arthrodesis or trapeziectomy with IA. There was also insufficient evidence to assess if trapeziectomy with IA had any additional benefit over the Artelon joint implant, the Swanson joint replacement or trapeziectomy alone.We did not find any studies that compared any other combination of the other techniques mentioned above or any other techniques including a sham procedure. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any studies that compared surgery to sham surgery and we excluded studies that compared surgery to non-operative treatments. We were unable to demonstrate that any technique confers a benefit over another technique in terms of pain and physical function. Furthermore, the included studies were not of high enough quality to provide conclusive evidence that the compared techniques provided equivalent outcomes.

Thumb carpometacarpal arthritis.

Osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint has a reported radiographic prevalence of 7 percent in men and 15 percent in women. Many patients remain minimally symptomatic; however, a subset of patients develop debilitating pain, weakness, and instability that severely limit hand function. Treatment options have focused on removal of the diseased trapezium and stabilization of the metacarpal base. Newer options, including carpometacarpal arthroplasty, may have a role in some patients for improving function. This article explores the anatomy and biomechanics of carpometacarpal arthritis and its present surgical treatment options.

Giant cell tumor of the metacarpal bone in children: free osteoarticular metatarsal transfer: case report.

We present a successful total resection of metacarpal bone and nonvascularized joint transfer in a giant cell tumor of the fourth metacarpal bone in a 13-year-old girl. At the 6-year follow-up, a good functional outcome was achieved, with 85° range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and no clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor recurrence and no signs of degeneration of the joint.

Effect of needle brand, needle bevel grind, and silicone lubrication on contamination of joints with tissue and hair debris after arthrocentesis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess contamination of joints with tissue and hair debris after arthrocentesis. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. ANIMALS: Fetlock joint tissues (n = 6 horses). METHODS: Soft tissue flaps including joint capsule were dissected from the dorsal aspect of fetlock joints of 6 anesthetized horses leaving an intact proximal base ("live" model) or with complete excision and immediate mounting to a wooden frame ("fresh" model). Needles were inserted through joint tissues and saline solution was flushed through them into tissue culture plate wells, and then examined for tissue and hair debris. Nine needle types were assessed; variables included needle brand, needle bevel grind, needle size, and silicone lubrication. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between "live" and "fresh" models for hair or tissue contamination. Compared to 20 g hypodermic needles, 19 g lubricated and 19 g non-lubricated needles had a significantly greater odds ratio (OR) for hair contamination. Nineteen-gauge non-lubricated needles had a significantly greater OR for hair contamination than 19 g lubricated needles. No significant differences in ORs were identified between type of needle bevel grind, brands of disposable hypodermic needles, or brands of spinal needles for hair or tissue contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Nineteen-gauge needles significantly increase the risk of joint contamination with hair compared to 20 g needles; non-lubricated 19 g needles have the greatest risk. All other needle types tested in this study have similar risks for tissue and hair contamination after arthrocentesis.