Ultrasound-guided interventions of the upper extremity joints.

Ultrasound guidance is valuable for performing precise joint interventions. Joint interventions may be requested for therapeutic and diagnostic pain injections, joint aspiration in the setting of suspected infection, or contrast injection for arthrography. In practice, interventions of the shoulder girdle, elbow, and hand/wrist joints may be performed without any imaging guidance. However, imaging guidance results in more accurate interventions and better patient outcomes than those performed by palpation alone. When compared to other modalities used for imaging guidance, ultrasound has many potential advantages. Radiologists should be prepared to perform ultrasound-guided upper extremity joint interventions utilizing recommended techniques to optimize clinical practice and patient outcomes. KEY POINTS: 1. Ultrasound-guided injections of the glenohumeral, acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, elbow, and hand/wrist joints have higher accuracy than injections performed without imaging guidance. 2. Ultrasound-guided aspirations of upper extremity joints have advantages to fluoroscopic-guided aspirations because of the potential to identify effusions, soft tissue abscess, or bursitis. 3. Ultrasound-guided contrast injection prior to MR arthrography is as accurate as fluoroscopic-guided injection for upper extremity joints.

Fracture-dislocation of the radiocarpal joint: bony and capsulo-ligamentar management, outcomes and long-term complications.

PURPOSE: Radiocarpal dislocation fractures (RCDF) are rare injuries that usually occur in a violent trauma setting. Our work aimed to analyze our patients' functional and radiological results after surgery and identify potential medium- and long-term complications while reviewing other series previously reported in the literature. METHODS: We have performed a retrospective study over five years at our university hospital, eleven patients were selected, and the mean follow-up was about 33 months. We used Dumontier's and Moneim's classifications for classifying the injuries. All the patients underwent surgery followed by cast immobilization. The QuickDash score and Green O'Brien score modified by Cooney were used to assess the functional result, while the radiological result was judged on standard wrist radiographs. RESULTS: Out of the eleven patients, only one described a Dumontier type I radiocarpal dislocation; all the others were type II. Following the Moneim classification, two patients were type II. Most cases showed posterior displacement. In 80% of cases, the radiocarpal fracture-dislocation was combined with other bone or ligament injuries. All patients received surgical treatment followed by cast immobilization for 45 days. The mean loss of range of motion at the last follow-up was about 39%, keeping the arch intact in most cases. Quick dash score was 29.54, and Green O'Brien's score was 71.1. Three of the patients showed osteoarthritic remodeling. CONCLUSION: A careful clinical and radiological evaluation, followed by an anatomic surgical reduction of the articulating surface of the distal radius, as well as the handling of the associated lesions, are major conditions for a satisfactory clinical result.

Intra-articular fibromembranous septum after intra-articular distal radial fracture: Arthroscopic excision and factors associated with formation of the septum.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular fibromembranous septum in the radiocarpal joint can cause wrist contracture after distal radial fracture, but the mechanism underlying the formation of the septum is unknown. This study examined the clinical outcomes in patients treated with arthroscopic excision of the septum and the factors associated with formation of the septum in patients with and without a septum. METHODS: Fifty-three patients (22 with septum and 31 without septum) treated for intra-articular distal radial fracture with arthroscopy using a volar locking plate and secondary removal of the plate were included. Clinical outcomes and radiological assessments were analyzed. RESULTS: In patients with a septum, the range of wrist flexion and total wrist arc before the second operation were significantly more limited than in those without a septum (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). The improvement rate (improvement in wrist arc divided by the wrist arc of the healthy side) after arthroscopic excision of the septum and plate removal was greater in patients with a septum than in those without a septum (6.1% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.08). The significant factors affecting formation of the septum were the residual articular gap and the height of the midradial ridge on computed tomography images. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular fibromembranous septum after surgically treated intra-articular distal radial fracture affects limited range of motion and secondary arthroscopic excision of the septum improves the wrist range of motion. Anatomical reduction and maintenance of the articular fragment, as well as anatomical characteristics might be causes of septum formation.

Imaging appearance of post-arthroscopic radiocarpal chondrolysis: comparison with osteoarthritis associated with scapholunate dissociation.

BACKGROUND: Since the diagnosis of post-arthroscopic chondrolysis is very difficult, it can be underdiagnosed and confused with other diseases in clinical practice. PURPOSE: To propose imaging features of post-arthroscopic radiocarpal chondrolysis (PRCC) and to compare these with osteoarthritis associated with scapholunate dissociation which are the most common misdiagnoses of PRCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To identify missed diagnoses of PRCC, 994 magnetic resonance imaging scans performed in 910 patients were retrospectively reviewed. After the identification of 73 patients who exhibited significant radiocarpal cartilage loss, 11 were diagnosed with PRCC. Since scapholunate advanced collapse was the most common incorrect diagnosis of PRCC (4/11), the imaging findings were compared among the 11 patients with PRCC and 14 patients with osteoarthritis caused by scapholunate dissociation who were diagnosed in the same period. The following imaging features were evaluated: scapholunate dissociation; the center of disease and grade of radiocarpal joint destruction; characteristics of bone marrow edema; the presence of radial styloid and distal scaphoid osteophytes; and the extent of joint effusion and synovitis. RESULTS: The imaging diagnosis of PRCC was significantly differentiated from osteoarthritis associated with scapholunate dissociation based on occurrence at a younger age, bone marrow edema crossing the joint, center of disease in the proximal radioscaphoid joint, and absence of radial styloid and scaphoid osteophytes (P < 0.05). PRCC occasionally presented with arch-shape bone marrow edema based on the proximal carpal row. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of PRCC can be aided if its characteristic imaging findings are differentiated from other disease entities in patients with a history of arthroscopy.

Clinical Features and Classification of Proximal Carpal Fracture Dislocation Through the Radiocarpal Joint.

Background: The most common types of wrist dislocation are trans-scaphoid lunate dislocation (TLD) and trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation, in which the lunate and proximal scaphoid are dislocated through the midcarpal joint. There is another rare type of dislocation in which the proximal carpi are dislocated through the radiocarpal joint. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical features of this type of dislocation. Methods: Six cases of the proximal carpal fracture dislocation via the radiocarpal joint were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with the ligament reconstruction. A Mayo wrist score was assigned to each patient based on the assessment of pain, functional status, range of motion and grip strength at the last follow-up. Clinical subjective evaluation of function and pain was assessed using the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) method. Results: All patients were male and injured with a median age of 33.5 years. The median follow-up period was 10 months. There were three types of dislocations: Scaphoid fracture dislocation, TLD and scaphoid-lunate dislocation. All patients had satisfactory results with an average PRWE of 7.2 ± 4.7. The preoperative VAS was 6.7 ± 1.0 and the postoperative VAS was 0.7 ± 0.7 (p < 0.01). Postoperative grip strength accounted for 89.2% ± 9.8% of the contralateral side; the Mayo wrist score averaged 90.0 ± 6.5, with four patients obtaining excellent and two good results. Conclusions: Fracture dislocation of the proximal carpal bones through the radiocarpal joint is an independent type of wrist dislocation that tends to occur in young men with high-energy impact. The wrist is most often injured in a pronation hyperextension position. If treatment is timely and appropriate, the prognosis is quite good. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Faster perfusate instillation time results in more systemic leakage of amikacin sulfate when performing intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if a difference in synovial amikacin concentrations exists in the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) following different durations of instillation of an IV regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) perfusate. ANIMALS: 7 healthy horses. METHODS: Horses received 2 IVRLPs with 2 g amikacin diluted to 60 mL with 0.9% NaCl via the cephalic vein in a crossover study design with a wash-out period between procedures. Instillation of the perfusate was administered over a 1-minute (technique 1) and 5-minute (technique 5) period. Concentrations of amikacin within the RCJ were measured at time (T) 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after instillation of the perfusate. Systemic concentrations of amikacin were measured at T0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 29 minutes, and 1 minute after tourniquet removal (T31). Amikacin concentrations were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. RESULTS: The median maximum concentration (CMAX) of amikacin within the RCJ for technique 1 was 338.4 µg/mL (range, 60 to 4,925 µg/mL), while the median CMAX for technique 5 was higher at 694.8 µg/mL (range, 169.2 to 3,410 µg/mL; P = .398). There was a higher amikacin blood concentration over time for technique 1 compared to technique 5 (P = .004). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of perfusate at different rates did not significantly affect synovial concentration of amikacin within the RCJ when performing IVRLP. However, increased systemic leakage was noted when the perfusate was administered over 1 minute, which might affect synovial concentrations in a larger group of horses.

Insertion Site Dilemma: Rethinking Radial Arterial Catheter Placement for Device Resilience.

The study by Marie et al (2023) discusses their outcomes regarding the distance of radial arterial catheters from the radiocarpal joint and its association to device failure, although authors found no significant difference in failure rates between catheters inserted proximally or distally to the radiocarpal joint. However, other recent studies have reported that catheters inserted more distally are more likely to fail, with rates high as 25%. Factors that contribute to failure include poor site selection, infection, device occlusion, or dislodgement. With reliance on accurate hemodynamics from arterial catheters, providers should be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them, as catheter failure is more than just associated infection, the inability to aspirate blood or a useable arterial waveform. Optimal insertion location, use of ultrasound-guided techniques, appropriate securement, and close monitoring of the catheter, along with accurate reporting of failure reasons, will help clarify future research outcomes.

The distance between the distal margin of the flexor retinaculum and the radiocarpal joint as a landmark in CTS surgery: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent peripheral entrapment neuropathy is compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The most effective treatment is surgery, where the flexor retinaculum (FR) is divided. Nevertheless, after this operation, a significant number of patients suffer from persistent symptoms due to incomplete FR distal release. It may be difficult to identify the distal boundary of the FR due to the minimal skin incision. We aimed to identify an anatomical landmark to avoid incomplete distal FR release. The radiocarpal (RC) joint can be palpated, and lies in close proximity to the boundaries of the FR. Thus, the distance between the RC joint space and the distal FR margin - the RC-FR distance - could be a reliable and individual morphologic measurement from easily acquired regional anthropological measurements. METHODS: During this study, 39 radiocarpal regions of 23 embalmed cadavers were dissected, and measurements were taken. Linear regression corresponding to the ulnar length and the RC-FR distance was established. RESULTS: The mean RC-FR distance from the RC joint space to the distal FR margin was 3.8 cm (95 % CI 3.5-4.0), and the range was 2.3-5.1 cm. This distance was 1.1 cm (95 % CI 0.8-1.4) longer in males than in females (p < 0.00001), and there were no side-specific differences. The individual projection of the distal FR margin in centimeters can be calculated by measurement of the ipsilateral ulnar length divided by 4 and reduced by 2.9, p < 0.005. CONCLUSIONS: The side-equal and sex-specific position of the distal flexor retinaculum margin could be calculated from the palpable radiocarpal joint space based on the ipsilateral ulnar length.

The Relationship Between the Wrist Flexion Creases and the Volar Radiocarpal Joint: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical approaches to the volar radiocarpal joint have historically entailed wide exposure, possibly contributing to poor wound healing and wrist denervation. To avoid wound complications and wrist denervation, minimally invasive and percutaneous approaches to the volar radiocarpal joint have been proposed. To help guide these minimally invasive or percutaneous approaches to the joint, we sought to characterize the relationship between the volar wrist flexion creases and the volar radiocarpal joint. We propose that the wrist flexion creases will be a reliable method for localizing the joint. METHODS: Ten cadaveric upper-extremity specimens consisting of fingertip to mid forearm were obtained. Measurements from the proximal and distal wrist flexion creases were taken via fluoroscopy and gross dissection. RESULTS: The wrist flexion creases were located distal to the volar radiocarpal joint in all specimens. The volar radiocarpal joint was located 7 and 16 mm proximal to the proximal and distal wrist flexion creases, respectively. The radiographic anatomy correlated well with the underlying deep anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: The wrist flexion creases can serve as a reliable superficial landmark for the identification of the volar radiocarpal joint. These landmarks aid clinicians in performing or interpreting a physical examination or in performing minimally invasive or percutaneous approaches to the volar radiocarpal joint.

Madelung Deformity: Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis With a Neo-DRUJ.

BACKGROUND: Madelung deformity is a rare wrist anomaly that causes considerable pain while restricting function. In this study, we describe a radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis with a neo-distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) in Madelung deformity patients with an abnormal sigmoid notch and compare results to patients after a reverse wedge osteotomy. METHODS: Six wrists underwent RSL arthrodesis with a neo-DRUJ in a two-phase approach: (1) modified RSL arthrodesis with triquetrectomy; and (2) distal scaphoidectomy. Seven wrists underwent a reverse wedge osteotomy procedure. RESULTS: There were no differences found in postoperative pain, grip strength, or range of motion (ROM), apart from extension, which was decreased after RSL arthrodesis with a neo-DRUJ. Quality of life and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire scores were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinical outcome parameters are not different among the two groups, the RSL arthrodesis with construction of a neo-DRUJ could prove a valid treatment option for a subset of patients with a severely affected sigmoid notch.

Shelf Osteotomy for Madelung's Deformity in Adults: A Novel Technique.

Background Madelung's deformity (MD) comprises increased volar and ulnar tilt of the distal radius joint facet, secondary to an idiopathic physeal dysplasia. Such change causes radial shortening and a consequent distal ulnar prominence, along with wrist pain and loss of motion. Classic surgical techniques are problematic for adults, as they are specific for children and adolescents whose distal radial physis is still open. Description of Technique It is suggested a new treatment method for MD in skeletally mature patients: a distal radius osteotomy and joint realignment are performed through a volar approach to increase the support area of the lunate bone. The rotation and lengthening of the distal epiphysis of the radius generate support and cover to the lunate bone, with improvement of both radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints. Patients and Methods We describe the technique in details and report the treatment of a 25-year-old female patient. Results Early clinical and radiographic outcomes are encouraging for the treatment of symptomatic patients. Conclusion There is a plethora on the literature about conflicting opinions on the best treatment options and surgical techniques are quite variable, although usually with good results. Besides, the technique here described is indicated during a specific stage of disease presentation, consisting of young adults without any wrist-degenerative changes. Having said that, it is possible to claim that MD treatment with shelf osteotomy is a concept change. Our main goal is to reconstruct the diseased segment and improve wrist stability.

Radiocarpal Contact Pressures Are Not Altered after Scapholunate Ligament Tears.

Background The scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) couples the scaphoid and lunate, preventing motion and instability. Prior studies suggest that damage to the SLIL may significantly alter contact pressures of the radiocarpal joint. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this study was to investigate the contact pressure and contact area in the scaphoid and lunate fossae of the radius prior to and after sectioning the SLIL. Methods Ten cadaveric forearms were dissected distal to 1-cm proximal to the radiocarpal joint and a Tekscan sensor was placed in the radiocarpal joint. The potted specimen was mounted and an axial load of 200 N was applied over 60 seconds. Results Sectioning of the SLIL did neither significantly alter mean contact pressure at the lunate fossa ( p = 0.842) nor scaphoid fossa ( p = 0.760). Peak pressures were similar between both states at the lunate and scaphoid fossae ( p = 0.301-0.959). Contact areas were similar at the lunate fossa ( p = 0.508) but trended toward an increase in the SLIL sectioned state in the scaphoid fossa ( p = 0.055). No significant differences in the distribution of contact pressure ( p = 0.799), peak pressure ( p = 0.445), and contact area ( p = 0.203) between the scaphoid and lunate fossae after sectioning were observed. Conclusion Complete sectioning of the SLIL in isolation may not be sufficient to alter the contact pressures of the wrist. Clinical Relevance Injury to the secondary stabilizers of the SL joint, in addition to complete sectioning of the SLIL, may be needed to induce altered biomechanics and ultimately degenerative changes of the radiocarpal joint.

Articular contact vs. embedding: Effect of simplified boundary conditions on the stress distribution in the distal radius and volar plate implant loading.

Boundary conditions (BCs) are often simplified in experimental and numerical models simulating distal radius fractures and their treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of simplified BCs at the radiocarpal joint: (1) on the stress distribution in the intact distal radius, and (2) on the loading of a volar locking plate (VLP) used for distal radius fracture treatment. Finite element models of the distal radius with contact between carpals and cartilage were created as reference models for an intact bone and a fractured bone with VLP treatment. Four models with simplified BCs were compared to these reference models: One with embedding material instead of carpals, one with carpals tied to the radius; each loaded either uniaxially or with statically equivalent loading to the reference model. Differences in distal bone stress distributions and mechanical parameters of the VLP (fracture gap movement, plate peak stresses, distal screw loads) were generally largest for the uniaxially loaded, embedded model (up to 250 % in individual screw loads) and smallest for the model with tied carpals and statically equivalent loads (<25 % for all parameters). Differences were greatly reduced if statically equivalent loads were applied, but subchondral stress peaks were absent without carpals. In conclusion, implementing realistic resultant forces and moments is more important than the exact articular load distribution, but carpal bones should be included if subchondral bone stresses are analyzed. In this case, a tie constraint may replace articular contact modelling with acceptable accuracy if statically equivalent loading is applied.

A new capsulotomy-based dorsal approach to the wrist: A cadaver study.

Using a cadaver study, we described a new dorsal approach to the wrist joint using a "U-shaped with proximal base" capsulotomy. Six fresh adult cadaveric wrists were dissected after intra-arterial silicone injection. We did a dorsal approach to expose the dorsal joint capsule. It was then possible to identify the dorsal radiocarpal and intercarpal ligaments, the dorsal radiocarpal and intercarpal arterial arches, the dorsal branch of the anterior interosseous artery and the terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve. Wrist arthrotomy was done using our capsulotomy. In each dissected capsular flap, we always found the individual ligament, vascular, and nerve structures, implying they were intact over their trajectories. The mean surface area of the articular exposure was 945 mm2 (range 725-1102 mm2) allowing easy access to the carpal bones and the radiocarpal and midcarpal joint spaces. This surgical approach to the wrist is technically feasible and avoids damaging the dorsal extrinsic ligaments fibers. Keeping the vascularization intact could improve capsular healing, while preserving innervation could maintain wrist proprioception.

[Long-term effectiveness of vascularized fibula flap in radiocarpal joint reconstruction following excision of Campanacci grade â ¢ giant cell tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of vascularized fibula flap in radiocarpal joint reconstruction following excision of Campanacci grade Ⅲ giant cell tumor (GCT) of distal radius. METHODS: Between December 2010 and December 2014, 10 patients with Campanacci grade Ⅲ GCT of distal radius were treated with en bloc excision and inradiocarpal joint reconstruction using vascularized fibula flap. They were 6 males and 4 females, with an average age of 39.9 years (range, 22-65 years). The disease duration was 1.5-6.0 months (mean, 2.6 months). The length of distal radius defect was 6.0-12.5 cm (mean, 8.4 cm) after en bloc excision of GCT. Vascularized fibula flap with inferior lateral genicular vessels were performed in 6 patients and with inferior lateral genicular vessels and peroneal vessels in 4 cases. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 4.4-8.3 years (mean, 6.0 years). There was no tumor recurrence during follow-up. At last follow-up, the mean ranges of motion of wrist joint were 55.0° (range, 25-85°) in extension, 26.5° (range, 15-40°) in flexion, 12.0° (range, 5-25°) in radial deviation, 19.6° (range, 10-30°) in ulnar deviation, 50.5° (range, 5-90°) in pronation, and 66.5° (range, 20-90°) in supination. The mean grip strength of effected wrist was 75% (range, 60%-85%) of the healthy wrist. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 82.7% (range, 75%-90%). X-ray films showed that the fibula flap healed at 12-16 weeks after operation (mean, 14.1 weeks) and there were 9 cases of radiological complications. CONCLUSION: For Campanacci grade Ⅲ GCT of distal radius, application of the vascularized fibula flap in radiocarpal joint reconstruction after en bloc excision of GCT can obtain good wrist function.

The Use of Contact Biomechanics to Study the Intact, Proximal Row Carpectomy and Scaphoid Excision, Four Bone Fusion Wrist.

The study of contact biomechanics of the wrist is a challenge. This is partly due to the relatively small size of the joint as well as the lack of space in the radiocarpal joint which makes the delivery of investigative materials such as pressure sensitive film without causing artifact, difficult. Fortunately, a number of authors have studied the intact wrist, the scapholunate ligament injured wrist, the proximal row carpectomy and the scaphoid excision, four bone fusion. Despite some contrasting findings, there are some general concepts that we understand about wrist mechanics.

Quantitative three-dimensional assessment of Madelung deformity.

In the diagnostic work-up of Madelung deformity conventional radiographic imaging is often used, assessing the three-dimensional deformity in a two-dimensional manner. A three-dimensional approach could expand our understanding of Madelung deformity's complex wrist anatomy, while removing inter- and intra-rater differences. We measured previous two-dimensional-based and newly developed three-dimensional-based parameters in 18 patients with Madelung deformity (28 wrists) and 35 healthy participants (56 wrists). Madelung deformity wrists have increased levels of ulnar tilt, lunate subsidence, lunate fossa angle, and palmar carpal displacement. The lunate fossa is more concave and irregular, and angles between scaphoid, lunate, and triquetral bones are decreased. These findings validate the underlying principles of current two-dimensional criteria and reveal previously unknown anatomical abnormalities by utilizing novel three-dimensional parameters to quantify the radiocarpal joint.

Functional results of wrist arthrodesis versus arthroplasty with proximal fibula following giant cell tumour excision of the distal radius.

Twenty-one patients underwent excision of a Campanacci grade III giant cell tumour of the distal radius and had reconstruction using a proximal fibula autograft. We compared the functional results of wrist arthrodesis versus arthroplasty. All 21 patients healed in an average of 8 months, and all have remained disease free. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores and the grip strength of the operated wrist compared with the contralateral wrist were 93%, 7, and 71% for the arthrodesis group and 83%, 17, and 40% for the arthroplasty group. Arthrodesis of the reconstructed radiocarpal joint provided better grip strength and functional outcomes than arthroplasty. Level of evidence: III.

Digital image analysis protocol for determining the radiocarpal joint space in the rheumatoid arthritic wrist.

This paper describes a simple protocol for measuring the joint space of the rheumatoid arthritic (RA) wrist from projection radiographs. The protocol is implemented using a computer algorithm based upon the Interactive Data Language platform. The computerized algorithm features a user-friendly graphical interface to aid the operator to measure joint space parameters, namely distance and area, of the wrist vertebral morphometry at the radiocarpal region. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) radiograph of a standard hand and wrist phantom was evaluated using the measurement protocol to determine the accuracy and precision of the protocol. The accuracy, parameterised by the systematic error, returned a mean of 5.20% for distance and is equal to 3.49% for area measurement. The precision of the measurement protocol, parameterised by the coefficient of variation (CV), for distance returned a mean of 1.96%; the CV for area measurement equals 2.1%. Three observers participated to investigate the repeatability (intra-observer) and reproducibility (inter-observer) of the measurement protocol, parameterised by the CV, using DXA radiographs from a healthy volunteer and a RA patient. The inter-observer repeatability for distance measurement for the respective observers returned mean values of 10.9%, 7.7% and 11.4% for the healthy wrist. However, the results revealed improved repeatability for the RA wrist; the CV for the respective observers returned mean values of 7.7% 7.1% and 10.0%. The inter-observer repeatability for area measurement for the respective observers returned mean values of 10.2%, 7.1% and 10.1% for the healthy wrist. However, the results revealed improved repeatability (in two out of the three observers) for the RA wrist; the CV for the respective observers returned mean values of 6.8% 6.5% and 10.8%. Student's t-test analysis of the intra-observer repeatability revealed that the measurements of distance and area were generally not intra-observer sensitive. On the other hand, student's t-test analysis of the inter-observer reproducibility revealed that half of the distance measurements were inter-observer sensitive; whereas the remaining were not. Similar findings were obtained for area measurements. Overall the results reveal that the variabilities in accuracy and precision tests and the repeatability and reproducibility tests were typically 10% or less. These findings, in addition to the versatility and simplicity of the digital image analysis protocol, lend to the potential of using the protocol to complement the acquisition of bone mineral density data derived from DXA for diagnosing the progression of RA in patients.

Arthroscopic Transplantation of Osteochondral Autograft for Treatment of Cartilage Defects in the Wrist.

Focal chondral lesions are a common cause of chronic wrist pain, with no ideal treatment. The authors developed arthroscopic transplantation of osteochondral autograft from lateral femoral condyle to distal radius with satisfactory outcome in 4 consecutive patients between December 2006 and December 2010. In all cases, graft incorporation was completed by 3 months to 4 months postoperation. All patients showed improvement in wrist function with no pain at follow-up at an average of 70.5 months (range 24-116 months). Second-look arthroscopy in 3 patients confirmed the preservation of normal articular cartilage. Patient satisfaction was high with no complications.