Indications and functional outcome of the use of integra® dermal regeneration template for the management of traumatic soft tissue defects on dorsal hand, fingers and thumb.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have been conducted to explore the utility of the Integra® dermal regeneration template (IDRT) combined with a delayed split-thickness skin graft (STSG) for reconstructing complex dorsal hand, digit, and thumb injuries. This study reports the indications and outcomes for 14 patients treated with this technique via a two-stage process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated by IDRT combined with STSG from May 2015 to October 2018. The inclusion criterion was traumatic or post-infectious soft tissue defects (STDs) of the dorsal hand, fingers, and thumb, not suitable for direct wound closure and requiring local, pedicle, or free flap reconstruction. After debridement, a two-stage procedure was applied, namely IDRT followed by STSG. Indications, functional outcomes, aesthetic results, complications, patient satisfaction, and the STSG take rate were evaluated over a 36-month follow-up using standardised instruments. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients with 15 reconstructions (average age = 48 years) were included. The dominant hand was involved in 50% of cases. Dorsal STDs involved the hand, fingers, thumb, and hand and thumb in 7, 3, 2 and 2 cases, respectively. The mean STD size was 35 cm2 (range: 3-150 cm2). The wound was associated with exposed tendons (without peritenon), bone (without periosteum), and joints (without a capsule) in eight cases (57%). The IDRT/STSG take rate was 97%. The average Vancouver Scar Scale score was 2 (1-4). CONCLUSION: The 36-month follow-up demonstrated that IDRT is a safe and reliable technique that can be considered a viable alternative to flap reconstruction for the management of traumatic STDs in selected patients. The aesthetic outcomes are acceptable, functional recovery of the fingers is excellent, patient satisfaction is very high and the rate of complications is very low.

Long-term results of first row carpectomy with proximal capitate resurfacing using a pyrocarbon implant.

The functional results of proximal row carpectomy with a proximal capitate resurfacing using a pyrocarbon implant were evaluated in a retrospective, multicentric, multi-operator study. The outcomes of patients operated on at five surgical centres between January 2005 and December 2018 were reviewed. The data were collected by an independent observer during standardized consultations. Based on 30 patients with a mean follow-up of 7 years, the median range of flexion and extension was 65° and the median radioulnar tilt was 45°. The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 14 and the improvements in strength and pain were good. Compared with the preoperative values, significant improvements were seen in the flexion and extension range of motion, radioulnar tilt and pain score. No postoperative complications were recorded.Level of evidence: IV.

Revision of failed trapeziometacarpal prothesis by CMI pyrocarbon implant: Retrospective study of 28 patients with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on the best salvage option after a failed trapeziometacarpal prothesis. Conserving the trapezium and inserting a pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty implant will prevent thumb shortening and preserve the thumb's motion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes in the medium term of trapeziometacarpal prothesis revisions done using the CMI pyrocarbon implant. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 28 patients with a mean age of 63.5 years. The mean time to revision was 6.1 years after the initial arthroplasty. The dominant side was operated in 70% of patients. The surgery consisted of removing the existing prosthesis, reconstructing the trapezium with a bone graft, and inserting the CMI pyrocarbon implant. The review consisted of a functional assessment (visual analog scale for pain, QuickDASH score, patient satisfaction), physical assessment (Kapandji, grip strength, key pinch strength, tip pinch strength) and radiological assessment (complications, radiolucent lines, scaphometacarpal height, implant centering, bone remodeling). RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 7.5 years, no further surgical revisions were needed. The mean QuickDASH score was 1.1 and the mean QuickDASH was 13%. Twenty-five patients (89%) were satisfied with the outcome. The Kapandji score improved significantly from 7.5 to 9.5 on average. Grip strength improved significantly from 16.7kg to 21.5kg on average. The mean postoperative key pinch strength was 93% of the contralateral side. The mean postoperative tip pinch strength was 88% of the contralateral side. There were no fractures or dislocations visible on the radiographs. However, there was bone remodeling in the trapezium related to the pyrocarbon implant's indentation that was well tolerated by patients in the medium term. CONCLUSION: For revision of failed trapeziometacarpal prothesis, inserting the CMI pyrocarbon implant combined with trapezium reconstruction appears to be a good alternative to the more commonly used trapeziectomy procedure. Reconstructing the trapezium and inserting this hemiarthroplasty implant preserves the thumb's projection, length, and stability. The functional improvement experienced by patients makes this a relevant treatment option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study without control group.

Long-term results with Bankart procedure: a 26-year follow-up study of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome (>20 years) of patients who underwent an open Bankart procedure, many of them contact athletes, in terms of shoulder stability, return to sport, and the development of osteoarthritis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients (50 shoulders) who underwent an open Bankart procedure for recurrent shoulder instability. There were 36 contact athletes (73%) in this cohort. Mean follow-up was 28 years (25-32). Clinical examination was performed by an independent reviewer, with standard shoulder radiographs obtained. RESULTS: Eight patients had recurrence of dislocation after a new traumatic episode, in six cases while playing rugby, with two of them requiring re-operation. Forty (82%) patients returned to their previous level of sports activities, including all 31 rugby players. No statistically significant loss of motion occurred in this group, although there was slight loss of flexion (6 degrees ) and external rotation (9 degrees ). The mean Rowe score at final follow-up was 82 (25-97), and all but two patients considered themselves satisfied with the results of the surgery. Thirty-four (69%) patients showed signs of osteoarthritis at follow-up, as follows: Stage 1 -18, Stage 2 - 5, Stage 3 - 5, and Stage 4 - 1. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, patients undergoing an open Bankart procedure for recurrent shoulder instability obtained a high percentage of shoulder stability, and reliably returned to high-level sports activities. However, 69% did show radiographic signs of osteoarthritis.