Modification of the Zancolli Lasso Procedure for Simultaneous Correction of Wartenberg's Sign.

Ulnar nerve injury initiates an imbalance between the intrinsic muscles and extrinsic extensors of the ring and small fingers, which leads to the characteristic hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of these 2 digits-commonly referred to as the ulnar claw hand. In addition to these changes in the static posture of the hand, ulnar nerve palsy severely impairs grasp due to deficient active MP joint flexion. In most cases, motor balance can be restored by preventing MP joint hyperextension and augmenting MP joint flexion using the Zancolli lasso procedure (ZLP). Ulnar neuropathy can cause a second motor imbalance between the ulnar intrinsics and the extensor digit minimi leading to an abduction deformity of the small finger known as Wartenberg's sign. The inability to adduct the small finger can be a great source of frustration to patients. Using a cadaveric biomechanical model, we have developed a simple modification of the Zancolli lasso procedure that simultaneously corrects claw deformity and Wartenberg's sign and we report its efficacy in 2 clinical cases.

Comparison of Surgical Treatment Outcomes of Pediatric Medial Epicondyle Fractures With and Without Elbow Dislocation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare surgical treatment outcomes of pediatric medial epicondyle fractures with and without elbow dislocation. METHODS: A total of 139 patients (75 boys and 64 girls; mean ± SD age, 9.6 ± 3.3 years) who received surgical treatment for medial epicondyle fractures at the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2012 to December 2018 were included in our study. There were 99 cases that had a medial epicondyle fracture alone (group A) and 40 cases had a concomitant elbow dislocation (group B). Pain, ulnar nerve palsy, and stability of the elbow joint were recorded. Robert's criteria was used to assess elbow function. RESULTS: The prevalence of ulnar nerve palsy was lower in group A compared to group B, both before and after surgery. More patients underwent ulnar nerve transposition in group B than in group A. The incidence of elbow valgus instability was higher in group B than in group A. At the final follow-up, all patients had achieved good radiographic restoration of the elbow joint. Clinical outcomes in group A, according to Robert's criteria, were better than those in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Elbow dislocation was associated with poorer functional outcomes following surgical treatment of medial epicondyle fractures in children. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Charcot arthropathy of elbow due to syringomyelia: a case series and systematic review of literature.

Syringomyelia is an important etiology of Charcot arthropathy of the elbow. We present five interesting patients, along with a systematic literature review summarizing the clinical profile and management of syringomyelia-induced Charcot arthropathy of the elbow. PUBMED, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Science Direct databases were screened for English articles published between 1980 and 2022 using the search query: "Syringomyelia" AND "elbow" AND ("arthropathy" OR "neuropathic" OR "Charcot"). Articles without full text and/or lack of conclusive evidence of elbow arthropathy due to syringomyelia were excluded. The reference lists of the selected articles were reviewed to identify additional articles describing syringomyelia-induced Charcot arthropathy of the elbow. All five patients in the current series had elbow arthritis with variable motor weakness and dissociated sensory loss. The literature review included 31 reports (45 patients) and five patients from our center (n = 50). The median age at presentation was 45 (13-77) years. The median duration of arthropathy was 24 (0.5-180) months. Thirty-three patients had isolated elbow arthropathies. The other joints affected included the shoulder (n = 13), wrist (n = 7), metacarpophalangeal joints (n = 3), and interphalangeal joints (n = 1). Chiari malformations were present in 33 (66%) patients. Sensory deficits, motor deficits, and ulnar neuropathies were described in 36 (72%), 31 (62%), and 14 (28%) patients, respectively. Surgical decompression for syringomyelia was performed in 13 (26%) patients. The presence of dissociated sensory loss, with or without motor weakness, is key to the suspicion of syringomyelia-induced Charcot arthropathy of elbow. Chiari malformation and ulnar neuropathy are frequently associated with this condition. Key Points • Charcot arthropathy of elbow is not so uncommon as believed • Syringomyelia is an important etiology of Charcot arthropathy of elbow • Therefore, all patients with elbow arthropathy of unknown etiology must be evaluated for dissociative sensory loss • Chiari malformation and ulnar neuropathy are commonly associated with syringomyelia-induced Charcot arthropathy of elbow joint.

Effectiveness of electrophysical modalities in the sensorimotor rehabilitation of radial, ulnar, and median neuropathies: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: People with ulnar, radial or median nerve injuries can present significant impairment of their sensory and motor functions. The prescribed treatment for these conditions often includes electrophysical therapies, whose effectiveness in improving symptoms and function is a source of debate. Therefore, this systematic review aims to provide an integrative overview of the efficacy of these modalities in sensorimotor rehabilitation compared to placebo, manual therapy, or between them. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. We perform a literature review in the following databases: Biomed Central, Ebscohost, Lilacs, Ovid, PEDro, Sage, Scopus, Science Direct, Semantic Scholar, Taylor & Francis, and Web of Science, for the period 1980-2020. We include studies that discussed the sensorimotor rehabilitation of people with non-degenerative ulnar, radial, or median nerve injury. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Risk of Bias Tool described in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the risk of bias across studies with the GRADE approach described in the GRADE Handbook. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies were included in the systematic review and 34 in the meta-analysis. The overall quality of evidence was rated as low or very low according to GRADE criteria. Low-level laser therapy and ultrasound showed favourable results in improving symptom severity and functional status compared to manual therapy. In addition, the low level laser showed improvements in pinch strength compared to placebo and pain (VAS) compared to manual therapy. Splints showed superior results to electrophysical modalities. The clinical significance of the results was assessed by effect size estimation and comparison with the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). CONCLUSIONS: We found favourable results in pain relief, improvement of symptoms, functional status, and neurophysiological parameters for some electrophysical modalities, mainly when applied with a splint. Our results coincide with those obtained in some meta-analyses. However, none of these can be considered clinically significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020168792; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168792.

Return to sporting activity after ulnar nerve transposition for isolated neuritis in competitive overhead athletes.

BACKGROUND: Although ulnar neuritis can occur secondary to ulnar collateral ligament pathology, stress fractures, and traction apophysitis, isolated ulnar nerve dysfunction can lead to medial elbow pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of overhead athletes undergoing anterior ulnar nerve transposition for ulnar neuropathy. METHODS: All overhead athletes who underwent isolated ulnar nerve transposition between 2009 and 2016 for refractory ulnar neuritis were identified. The primary outcome was return to sport, and secondary outcome measures included the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score; and visual analog scale score for pain. Complication and reoperation rates were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 26 overhead athletes (21 male and 5 female athletes) underwent ulnar nerve transposition at an average age of 18.4 years (range, 11-25 years). Of the patients, 24 (92%) returned to their sporting activity at an average of 2.7 months postoperatively, including 16 (62%) at the previous level of play. The average visual analog scale pain score improved from 4.7 (±2.5) to 0.4 (±1.5) (P = .015). The average postoperative patient-reported outcome scores were as follows: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, 80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.7-87.0); Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, 85 (95% CI, 75.4-94.7); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 5 (95% CI, 2.1-7.7); and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 91 (95% CI, 86.8-96.0). CONCLUSION: Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause medial elbow pain in overhead athletes in the presence of a normal ulnar collateral ligament. At mid-term follow-up, 92% of overhead athletes returned to sport after ulnar nerve transposition, with 62% resuming their previous level of performance.

Perineural Dextrose and Corticosteroid Injections for Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: A Randomized Double-blind Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of perineural corticosteroid and 5% dextrose water (D5W) injections in patients with mild to moderate ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial (6-month follow-up). SETTING: Outpatients of local medical center settings. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=36) with mild to moderate UNE were randomized, and 33 participants were included in the final data analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were administered a single perineural injection with 5 mL D5W and 3 mL corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide, 10mg/mL) mixed with 2 mL normal saline under ultrasound guidance in the dextrose and steroid groups, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The visual analog scale digital pain or paresthesia/dysesthesia score was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, motor nerve conduction velocity, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve. The measurement assessment was conducted before and 1, 3, 4, and 6 months after injection. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients completed the study. Both injections were found to be equally effective at most measurement points, although the dextrose group experienced larger reductions in symptom severity and CSA of the ulnar nerve from the third month onward. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest D5W as a more suitable injectate for perineural injection in patients with UNE.

Spasmophilia and entrapment nerve syndrome comorbidities in fibromyalgic patients: a possible neuromuscular pain generator.

This paper is aimed at investigating whether peripheral dysfunction at the neuromuscular level may represent a pain generator in fibromyalgia. We studied the prevalence of spasmophilia (SP), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) in a group of 40 subjects suffering from fibromyalgia. Clinical and electrophysiological data were obtained to ascertain whether comorbid conditions were present. For subjective evaluation of symptoms severity, validated questionnaires for CTS and UNE were completed by patients. Twenty subjects were positive for SP (50%); CTS was diagnosed in 12 subjects (30%); no patient suffered from UNE; 6 subjects were affected at the same time by SP and CTS (15%); 14 subjects (35%) were affected by SP alone. The prevalence of CTS and SP was higher in fibromyalgia subjects than in the general population. The scores of the questionnaires related to CTS were significantly higher in fibromyalgia subjects positive for CTS, with respect to the other subjects. In fibromyalgia, CTS and SP may be considered clinical entities in themselves, the importance of which lies in their acting as peripheral pain generators that enhance or initiate central sensitization, thereby contributing to chronic widespread pain. The amplification of pain is indeed a correctable/misguided message that occurs inside the brain of fibromyalgia subjects and identification and local treatment of pain generators would lessen the total pain burden. The magnitude of the overlap in symptoms between fibromyalgia and CTS/SP necessitates careful investigation of these conditions.

Seudoaneurisma postraumático de la arteria axilar presentado como tumoración axilar / Postraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the axillary artery presenting as an axillary tumor

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Predicting Clinical Outcome After Surgical Treatment in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is typically offered to symptomatic patients with electrophysiological abnormalities when night orthoses no longer prevent waking with numbness and preferably before there is any static numbness, weakness, or atrophy. The ability to predict the amount of symptom relief after CTR could be beneficial for managing patient expectations and, therefore, improve treatment satisfaction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify predictors for symptom relief after CTR and to determine their contribution to symptom relief at 6 months after surgery. METHODS: A total of 1,049 patients who underwent CTR between 2011 and 2015 at 1 of 11 Xpert Clinics in the Netherlands were asked to complete online questionnaires at intake and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and baseline scores were considered potential predictors for the amount of symptom relief on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) score, which was the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: A low score on the BCTQ at intake, a codiagnosis of a trigger finger, ulnar nerve neuropathy, trapeziometacarpal joint arthrosis, and instability or arthrosis of the wrist were associated with a smaller improvement in the BCTQ domains after a CTR at 6 months after surgery and accounted for 35% to 42% of the variance on the BCTQ domains in our multivariable regression models. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that clinical severity of carpal tunnel syndrome at intake is the most important factor in estimating symptom relief after surgical treatment. Furthermore, this study contributes to a more precise understanding of the capabilities of CTR in relieving symptoms for different subgroups of patients. Results of our study can be used to manage patient expectation on symptom relief from CTR. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

A Neglected Markedly Displaced Medial Epicondyle Fracture with Simultaneous Ulnar Nerve Palsy in an Adolescent.

Humeral medial epicondyle fractures constitute around 15% of pediatric elbow fractures. Up to 60% occur in association with elbow dislocations. Knowledge of potential imaging pitfalls when examining acute elbow fractures in children contributes significantly to accurate diagnosis. Nevertheless, management of missed pediatric medial epicondyle fractures has rarely been reported. We present an 11-year-old boy with a neglected and severely displaced medial epicondyle fracture with concurrent ulnar nerve palsy. We performed neural decompression, fragment excision, and muscular and capsuloligamentous reconstruction of the medial elbow. This study demonstrates that the surgical outcome of a late presenting fracture can be satisfactory in terms of function and neural recovery. It also underscores the importance of careful interpretation of elbow imaging including normal anatomic variants.

Fat Grafting for Esthetic Correction of the Muscle Atrophy Secondary to Ulnar Nerve Lesion.

Patients with hand muscular atrophy due to damage of the ulnar nerve could be stigmatized for their appearance. Unsatisfactory results in the attempt to correct the atrophy are reported in the literature. Fat grafting is an autologous and easily obtainable graft, antigenic response is very unlikely, it does not require any special material, and the procedure has a low cost. The technique of autologous fat grafting by using fat block, to remodel the first interdigital space, is useful and safe in correcting muscle atrophy of the first interdigital space caused by the injury of the ulnar nerve. This technique is suitable for muscular atrophy caused by injury of the ulnar nerve and nerve compression as well as patients present with esthetic complaints. Fifteen cases were operated using this technique. After the surgery, the resorption of the graft ranged between 12.5% and 66.7%, averaging 28%. Patients were able to check the benefit provided by filling of the atrophied area, which allowed a serene return to their daily life activities, living with others, reducing the need to hide their hands, and even facilitating their reintegration into the labor market.

Complete dislocation of the ulnar nerve at the elbow: a protective effect against neuropathy?

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent complete ulnar nerve dislocation has been perceived as a risk factor for development of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). However, the role of dislocation in the pathogenesis of UNE remains uncertain. METHODS: We studied 133 patients with complete ulnar nerve dislocation to determine whether this condition is a risk factor for UNE. In all, the nerve was palpated as it rolled over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion. RESULTS: Of 56 elbows with unilateral dislocation, UNE localized contralaterally in 17 elbows (30.4%) and ipsilaterally in 10 elbows (17.9%). Of 154 elbows with bilateral dislocation, 26 had UNE (16.9%). Complete dislocation decreased the odds of having UNE by 44% (odds ratio = 0.475; P = 0.028), and was associated with less severe UNE (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: UNE occurs less frequently and is less severe on the side of complete dislocation. Complete dislocation may have a protective effect on the ulnar nerve. Muscle Nerve 56: 242-246, 2017.

Posttraumatic Elbow Stiffness: A Critical Analysis Review.

Open and arthroscopic release are both effective surgical treatments for posttraumatic elbow stiffness. Both static and dynamic bracing are effective for increasing elbow range of motion when heterotopic ossification is not present. Some loss of immediate postoperative range of motion is expected. Recurrence of heterotopic ossification around the elbow is rare. The occurrence of ulnar nerve palsy is rare and often requires transposition.

Tardy ulnar nerve palsy caused by chronic radial head dislocation after Monteggia fracture: a report of two cases.

Dislocation of the radial head is often encountered as a result of a pediatric Monteggia fracture. We report two rare cases of tardy ulnar nerve palsy associated with anterior radial head dislocation combined with anterior bowing of the ulna. They had cubitus valgus deformity, valgus instability, and osteoarthritis of the elbow, and had elbow injury more than 40 years back. They were diagnosed with chronic radial head dislocation long after a Bado type 1 Monteggia fracture. Anterior subcutaneous ulnar nerve transposition yielded favorable results. It is important to recognize the possibility of tardy ulnar nerve palsy caused by an improperly treated Monteggia fracture.

Does ulnar nerve dislocation at the elbow cause neuropathy?

INTRODUCTION: The role of ulnar nerve dislocation in the pathogenesis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is not clear. Data exist for and against a causal relationship. METHODS: We studied UNE patients and controls divided into 4 groups consisting of 203 UNE patient arms (185 with abnormal and 18 with normal diagnostic studies) and 49 controls (10 with abnormal and 39 with normal studies). In all arms we performed neurologic examination, short-segment nerve conduction studies (SSNCS), and ultrasonography (US). The frequency of partial and complete nerve dislocation was calculated in each group. RESULTS: Dislocation tended to be more common in controls compared with UNE patients (P = 0.056). It was particularly common in controls with subclinical UNE and patients with UNE symptoms but normal diagnostic studies. CONCLUSION: Our data speak against a causal relationship between ulnar nerve dislocation and UNE. However, the findings also suggest that dislocation may cause mild ulnar nerve damage.

Ulnar Nerve Repair With Simultaneous Metacarpophalangeal Joint Capsulorrhaphy and Pulley Advancement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of performing a static anti-claw procedure (metacarpophalangeal joint volar capsulorrhaphy and A1 and A2 pulley release) at the time of ulnar nerve repair for acute or chronic lacerations to prevent development of claw hand deformity and disability or to correct them. METHODS: We present a case series of 14 patients for whom metacarpophalangeal joint capsulorrhaphy and pulley advancement were done at the time of ulnar nerve management. Direct nerve repair was performed in 10 patients, nerve grafting in 2, neurolysis in 1, and combined direct repair and anterior interosseous nerve transfer in 1. Outcome measurements included assessment of claw hand correction and sequence of phalangeal flexion according to modified evaluation criteria of Brand and motor recovery of ulnar nerve function using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 39 months. At 3 months, 12 patients had good and 2 had fair claw hand correction. At 6 months, 2 patients had excellent, 10 patients had good, and 2 patients had fair correction. At final follow-up, 13 patients had good to excellent correction and 1 had fair correction. Motor recovery of the intrinsic muscles was rated from 2 to 5 according to the MRC scale. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is simple and effective. It acts as an internal orthosis during recovery of sufficient strength of the intrinsic muscles. In cases of incomplete recovery of the intrinsic muscles (up to MRC grade 2), it may eliminate the need for secondary surgery to correct a claw hand deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Ulnar tunnel syndrome with ultrasonographic nerve imaging.

A 32-year-old man presented to our clinic complaining of numbness of the little finger and the ulnar aspect of the ring finger of his right hand. He complained about the weakness of grip strength and ulnar-sided pain. At the first glance, wasting of the first interossei muscle could be recognized. In his detailed examination, the medial half of the palmar aspect of the hand, including the hypothenar eminence, along with the palmar side of the fourth and fifth digits showed decreased sensation to light touch. Severe weakness of the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) was noted. No sensory loss was found in the dorsum of the hand, excluding the diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.