The "Bubble Test" in the Arthroscopic Diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilage Central Lesion: Description and Relevance to Treatment.

Background Ulnarly sided wrist pain is a common and challenging symptom. Arthroscopy has become a safe and effective tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment, proving to be better than all other clinical and imaging diagnostic methods. Some tests have been described for the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) lesions, such as the trampoline test for peripheral lesions and the hook, ghost, and suction tests for foveal detachments. In tears at the disc level, when they affect all layers of the TFC (complete lesion) at the same point, testing with the probe will usually suffice for the diagnosis. However, in some apparently partial lesions, the probe cannot pass through all layers because the proximal and distal sites of the lesion are not aligned. There has been no arthroscopic test described for such cases. Case Description We describe a simple and practical test that we have called the "bubble test" in a typical case to diagnose TFC central injuries, aiming to discriminate partial from complete lesions, which are eventually hard to differentiate through direct vision and arthroscopic probing, leading to a direct influence onto the treatment. The bubble test is performed with external compression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) aspect, with the thumb on the back of the DRUJ and the index and middle fingers onto the volar aspect. The abrupt compression of this region causes the passage of air mixed with synovial fluid from the DRUJ to the radiocarpal joint, generating bubble formation. Clinical Relevance The bubble test should correlate to physical examination and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) findings and is particularly useful in central and degenerative (Type II) TFC lesions in patients complaining of chronic pain on the ulnar region of the wrist, with no history of trauma and with inconclusive MRI findings. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, arthroscopic treatment consists of wide debridement of the lesion with resection of the injured tissue and the local inflammatory reaction. Thus, it is essential for the correct treatment to define the exact location of the lesion and to know whether the disc injury is complete.

Arthroscopy-assisted Procedures in Hand and Wrist Surgery: An Update. Where Are We So Far?

Wrist and hand arthroscopy, despite being an old tool, has gained popularity and advanced in assisting in the treatment of various injuries and conditions in the region in recent years. Dorsal, volar, ulnar, and radial accessory portals are used to reach all points of the carpal and hand joints. The minimal tissue damage, lesser injury to the capsule and its mechanoreceptors, the assessment of injuries associated with the reason for surgery, and aesthetically more favorable scars have attracted many doctors and their patients. As a result, there has been an increase in publications and diversifications of arthroscopic techniques. The aim of this update article is to present the advances and the evidence available in the literature to assist readers in their decision on which technique to use in the treatment of wrist and hand conditions.

Fracture in Humeroradial Synostosis: Description of Two Clinical Cases.

Synostosis is a generic term to indicate the union of two originally separated bones. At the elbow, humeroradial or longitudinal synostosis causes significant disability, which varies depending on hand function, elbow positioning, adjacent joints mobility and contralateral limb function. It is estimated that, to date, a little more than 150 patients have been described with this deformity, which is more common in subjects with deficient ulnar formation or affected by conditions such as Antley-Bixler and Hermann syndromes. The lack of the elbow joint, with the formation of a longer bone due to humerus-radius fusion, results in stiffness. As such, it is assumed that fractures in this topography are not uncommon. However, since synostosis is rare, this lesion was only described twice in the literature. We report two patients with a fracture of the single bone formed by a humeroradial synostosis and Bayne type-IV ulnar formation failure. Both patients were treated surgically with success. We emphasize the need for adequate treatment to not compromise the daily activities of patients who are adapted to their deformity, thus avoiding worsening the function of a previously affected limb.

Endoscopic Release of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: Technique Description and Case Series.

Objective The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve reproduces a simple ( in situ ) procedure with smaller incisions, less soft tissue damage, and higher preservation of nerve vascularization. Endoscopy allows the clear visualization of the entire path of the nerve and surrounding noble structures. Moreover, it reveals any signs of compression and allows a safe release of 10 cm distally or proximally to the medial epicondyle. Methods A retrospective survey revealed that 15 subjects (1 with a bilateral injury) underwent an ulnar nerve compression release at the elbow using the endoscopic technique with Agee (Micro-Aire Sugical Instruments, Charlottesville, VA, EUA) equipment from January 2016 to January 2020. Results Symptoms of ulnar nerve compression improved in all patients; on average, they resumed their work activities in 26.5 days. There was no recurrence or need for another procedure. In addition, there were no severe procedure-related complications, such as infection and nerve or vascular injury. One patient had transient paresthesia of the sensory branches to the forearm, with complete functional recovery in 8 weeks. Conclusion Our study shows that the endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with the Agee equipment is a safe, reliable technique with good outcomes.

Intramedullary Fixation with Headless Screws versus Bouquet in Unstable Metacarpal Neck Fractures in Active Patients: A Randomized Study.

Objeticve To compare the range of motion (ROM), return-to-work time, visual analogue score (VAS), disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), and radiographic outcomes of two methods of definitive internal fixation in active patients with boxer's fractures, operated in the first week. Methods This was a prospective, randomized trial, in which 50 patients, with a mean age range of 18 to 40 years old, were randomized and treated to definitive intramedullary fixation using 2 headless screws ( n = 20) or bouquet (2 or 3 Kirschner wires) ( n = 20). The patients were assessed on return-to-work time, ROM, patient reported QuickDASH outcome, VAS, and radiographic evaluation at 6 months. Results At 6 months, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of ROM, postoperative pain (VAS), or QuickDASH score. The overall complication rate was 4.76% in the screw group, compared with 5% in the bouquet-fixation group. Conclusions In the treatment of the active patients with unstable boxer's fractures, headless screws and bouquet fixation proved to be a safe and reliable treatment. The outcomes were similar in both groups.

Arthroscopy-assisted Procedures in Hand and Wrist Surgery: An Update. Where Are We So Far? / Procedimentos assistidos por artroscopia no punho e na mão: Atualização. Onde nós estamos?

Abstract Wrist and hand arthroscopy, despite being an old tool, has gained popularity and advanced in assisting in the treatment of various injuries and conditions in the region in recent years. Dorsal, volar, ulnar, and radial accessory portals are used to reach all points of the carpal and hand joints. The minimal tissue damage, lesser injury to the capsule and its mechanoreceptors, the assessment of injuries associated with the reason for surgery, and aesthetically more favorable scars have attracted many doctors and their patients. As a result, there has been an increase in publications and diversifications of arthroscopic techniques. The aim of this update article is to present the advances and the evidence available in the literature to assist readers in their decision on which technique to use in the treatment of wrist and hand conditions.

Resumo A artroscopia de punho e mão, apesar de ser uma ferramenta antiga, tem ganhado popularidade e avançado no auxílio do tratamento das mais diversas lesões e doenças da região nos últimos anos. Utilizam-se portais acessórios dorsais, volares, ulnares e radiais para se alcançar todos os pontos das articulações do carpo e da mão. O menor dano tecidual, a menor lesão da cápsula e de seus mecanoceptores, a avaliação de lesões associadas ao motivo da cirurgia e as cicatrizes esteticamente mais favoráveis têm atraído muitos médicos e seus pacientes. Com isso, houve um aumento das publicações e diversificações de técnicas artroscópicas. O objetivo deste artigo de atualização é mostrar os avanços e o que temos de evidência na literatura para apoiar os leitores na sua decisão sobre qual técnica utilizar nos tratamentos das doenças do punho e da mão.

Artrhoscopic Resection of Volar Wrist Ganglion: Surgical Technique and Case Series.

Objectives To describe the technique and results of the arthroscopic surgical treatment of volar ganglion cyst of the wrist. Materials and Methods The present study comprised 21 patients submitted to the arthroscopic treatment of volar ganglion cysts of the wrist from January 2015 to May 2017, with a full evaluation for at least 6 months. The technique was indicated for patients presenting pain and functional impairment for more than four months, with no improvement with the conservative treatment, or for those with cosmetic complaints and cyst present for more than three months. Results The mean age of the patients was 43.6 years; 16 (76%) patients were female, and 5 (24%) were male. The mean follow-up time from surgery to the final assessment was of 10.9 months. A total of 2 (9.6%) patients complained of mild pain after the procedure, and another patient presented slight motion restrictions. The 18 (90.4%) remaining patients reported cosmetic improvement, complete functional recovery, and pain improvement. There were no recurrences or infections. No patient required further surgery. Conclusions The arthroscopic resection of volar ganglion cysts is a useful and safe technique. It is a minimally-invasive procedure, with low morbidity and very few complications, representing a good alternative to the open technique.

Biplanar carpal wedge osteotomy in the treatment of the arthrogrypotic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of the surgical treatment of patients with congenital arthrogryposis with wrist deformity through biplanar carpal wedge osteotomy. METHOD: This study analyzed nine patients through a retrospective evaluation with severe deformity in flexion and ulnar deviation of the wrist in the period between January 2004 and December 2009. They were submitted to carpal osteotomy with a biplanar dorsal resection wedge, with a minimum evaluation of 48 months of postoperative evolution. In three patients the osteotomy was bilateral, totalling 12 cuffs analyzed. The indication for the technique described was deformity and stiffness for over six months, without improvement with the conservative treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients on the day of surgery was five years and eight months. The initial mean wrist mobility was 35°, and the joints presented a mean flexion of 72.5° in a resting position. Osteotomy union occurred in all patients at an average period of 5.7 weeks. The final position of the resting wrist was 12° of flexion and the mean mobility was 26.6°, slightly lower than preoperatively but in a much better position. No serious complications arising from surgery or in the immediate postoperative period were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Carpal osteotomy with biplanar dorsal resection wedge was useful and effective in helping to correct the deformities in flexion and ulnar deviation of the wrist, maintaining a reasonable mobility. It is a preservation surgery, which has low morbidity and avoids the progression of deformity and future degenerative changes.

OBJETIVO: Descrever os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes portadores de artrogripose congênita com deformidade do punho através da osteotomia intracárpica biplanar. MÉTODO: Por meio de uma avaliação retrospectiva, entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2009, o estudo avaliou nove pacientes com grave deformidade em flexão e desvio ulnar do punho por artrogripose submetidos a osteotomia intracárpica com cunha de ressecção dorsal biplanar, com avaliação mínima de 60 meses de evolução pós-operatória. Em três pacientes, a osteotomia foi bilateral, perfez 12 punhos analisados. A indicação da técnica descrita foi deformidade e rigidez havia mais de seis meses, sem melhoria com tratamento conservador. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes no dia da cirurgia foi de cinco anos e oito meses. A média de mobilidade inicial do punho foi de 35° e as articulações apresentavam 72,5° de flexão média em posição de repouso. Todas osteotomias consolidaram em um período médio de 5,7 semanas. A média da posição final do punho em repouso foi de 12° de flexão e a mobilidade média foi de 26,6°, ligeiramente inferior ao pré-operatório, porém mais bem posicionado. Não foram observadas complicações graves decorrentes da cirurgia ou no pós-operatório imediato. CONCLUSÕES: A osteotomia intracárpica com cunha de ressecção dorsal biplanar se mostrou útil e eficaz no auxílio da correção da deformidade em flexão e desvio ulnar do punho, com manutenção de uma mobilidade razoável. É uma cirurgia preservadora, com baixa morbidade e que evita a progressão da deformidade e alterações degenerativas futuras.

Fracture in Humeroradial Synostosis: Description of Two Clinical Cases / Fratura em sinostose rádio-umeral: Descrição de dois casos clínicos*

Abstract Synostosis is a generic term to indicate the union of two originally separated bones. At the elbow, humeroradial or longitudinal synostosis causes significant disability, which varies depending on hand function, elbow positioning, adjacent joints mobility and contralateral limb function. It is estimated that, to date, a little more than 150 patients have been described with this deformity, which is more common in subjects with deficient ulnar formation or affected by conditions such as Antley-Bixler and Hermann syndromes. The lack of the elbow joint, with the formation of a longer bone due to humerus-radius fusion, results in stiffness. As such, it is assumed that fractures in this topography are not uncommon. However, since synostosis is rare, this lesion was only described twice in the literature. We report two patients with a fracture of the single bone formed by a humeroradial synostosis and Bayne type-IV ulnar formation failure. Both patients were treated surgically with success. We emphasize the need for adequate treatment to not compromise the daily activities of patients who are adapted to their deformity, thus avoiding worsening the function of a previously affected limb.

Resumo Sinostose é um termo genérico utilizado para indicar a união de dois ossos originalmente separados. No cotovelo, a sinostose rádio-umeral ou longitudinal causa importante incapacidade, que varia a depender da função da mão, da posição do cotovelo, da mobilidade das articulações adjacentes e da função do membro contralateral. Estima-se que um pouco mais de 150 pacientes foram descritos até hoje com essa deformidade, sendo mais frequente em portadores de deficiência de formação ulnar ou podendo fazer parte de síndromes como de Antley-Bixler e de Hermann. Devidoàrigidezcausadapelaausênciadaarticulaçãodocotovelo,queresultana formação de um osso mais longo com a fusão do úmero no rádio, presume-se que fratura nessa topografia não seja incomum. No entanto, pela raridade dessa patologia, tal lesão apresenta apenas duas descrições prévias na literatura. Relatamos os casos de dois pacientes com fratura do osso único formado pela sinostose entre o úmero e o rádio portadores de falha de formação ulnar do tipo IV de Bayne. Ambos os pacientes foram tratados de forma cirúrgica e evoluíram bem. Salientamos a necessidade do tratamento adequado para não comprometer as atividades da vida de um paciente já adaptado à deformidade, evitando piorar a função de um membro já alterado.

Endoscopic Release of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: Technique Description and Case Series / Liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar no cotovelo: Descrição da técnica e série de casos

Abstract Objective The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve reproduces a simple (in situ) procedure with smaller incisions, less soft tissue damage, and higher preservation of nerve vascularization. Endoscopy allows the clear visualization of the entire path of the nerve and surrounding noble structures. Moreover, it reveals any signs of compression and allows a safe release of 10cm distally or proximally to the medial epicondyle. Methods A retrospective survey revealed that 15 subjects (1 with a bilateral injury) underwent an ulnar nerve compression release at the elbow using the endoscopic technique with Agee (Micro-Aire Sugical Instruments, Charlottesville, VA, EUA) equipment from January 2016 to January 2020. Results Symptoms of ulnar nerve compression improved in all patients; on average, they resumed their work activities in 26.5 days. There was no recurrence or need for another procedure. In addition, there were no severe procedure-related complications, such as infection and nerve or vascular injury. One patient had transient paresthesia of the sensory branches to the forearm, with complete functional recovery in 8 weeks. Conclusion Our study shows that the endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with the Agee equipment is a safe, reliable technique with good outcomes.

Resumo Objetivo A liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar permite reproduzir uma liberação simples (in situ), mas através de incisões menores e com menor lesão de partes moles e uma maior preservação da vascularização do nervo. A visualização clara através da endoscopia permite observar todo o trajeto do nervo e das estruturas nobres circundantes, mostrando os sinais de compressão, possibilitando realizar a liberação de forma segura em um trajeto de 10 cm nos sentidos distal e proximal ao epicôndilo medial. Método Foram encontrados, de forma retrospectiva, no período entre janeiro de 2016 e janeiro de 2020, 15 pacientes (sendo 1 com lesão bilateral) submetidos a liberação da compressão do nervo ulnar no cotovelo pela técnica endoscópica com equipamento de Agee (Micro-Aire Sugical Instruments, Charlottesville, VA, EUA). Resultados Todos os pacientes tiveram melhora dos sintomas de compressão do nervo ulnar e o período de retorno ao trabalho foi de em média 26,5 dias. Não houve recidivas e não houve a necessidade de outro procedimento. Também não houve complicações graves decorrentes do procedimento, como infecção, lesão nervosa ou vascular. Em um paciente, houve parestesia transitória dos ramos sensitivos para o antebraço, com retorno completo da função em 8 semanas. Conclusão Os resultados mostram que a liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar no cotovelo comoequipamentodeAgeeéuma técnica segura, confiável e com bons resultados.

Intramedullary Fixation with Headless Screws versus Bouquet in Unstable Metacarpal Neck Fractures in Active Patients: A Randomized Study / Fixação intramedular com parafusos de compressão versus técnica do buquê em fraturas instáveis do colo do metacarpo em pacientes ativos: Ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Objeticve To compare the range of motion (ROM), return-to-work time, visual analogue score (VAS), disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH), and radiographic outcomes of two methods of definitive internal fixation in active patients with boxer's fractures, operated in the first week. Methods This was a prospective, randomized trial, in which 50 patients, with a mean age range of 18 to 40 years old, were randomized and treated to definitive intramedullary fixation using 2 headless screws (n = 20) or bouquet (2 or 3 Kirschner wires) (n = 20). The patients were assessed on return-to-work time, ROM, patient reported QuickDASH outcome, VAS, and radiographic evaluation at 6 months. Results At 6 months, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of ROM, postoperative pain (VAS), or QuickDASH score. The overall complication rate was 4.76% in the screw group, compared with 5% in the bouquet-fixation group. Conclusions In the treatment of the active patients with unstable boxer's fractures, headless screws and bouquet fixation proved to be a safe and reliable treatment. The outcomes were similar in both groups.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a amplitude de movimento (ADM), o tempo de retorno de trabalho, a pontuação na escala visual analógica (EVA), o escore no questionário abreviado incapacidade do braço, ombro e mão (QuickDASH, na sigla em inglês) e os resultados radiográficos de dois métodos de fixação interna definitiva em pacientes ativos com fraturas do boxer; operados na primeira semana. Métodos Este foi um ensaio prospectivo randomizado, no qual 50 pacientes, com idade mediana na faixa de 18 a 40 anos, foram randomizados e tratados com fixação intramedular definitiva utilizando 2 parafusos de compressão (n = 20) ou buquê (2 ou 3 fios de Kirschner) (n = 20). Os pacientes foram avaliados em relação ao tempo de retorno ao trabalho, à ADM, ao desfecho relatado pelo paciente no questionário QuickDASH, à EVA e à avaliação radiográfica aos 6 meses. Resultados Aos 6 meses, não houve diferenças entre os 2 grupos em termos de ADM, dor pós-operatória (EVA) ou escore no QuickDASH. A taxa global de complicações foi de 4,76% no grupo de fixação com parafusos, em comparação com 5% no grupo de fixação com a técnica do buquê. Conclusões Parafusos de compressão e fixação com buquês provaram ser tratamentos seguros e confiáveis para pacientes ativos com fraturas instáveis. Os resultados foram semelhantes nos dois grupos.

Artrhoscopic Resection of Volar Wrist Ganglion: Surgical Technique and Case Series / Ressecção artroscópica do cisto sinovial volar do punho: Técnica cirúrgica e série de casos

Abstract Objectives To describe the technique and results of the arthroscopic surgical treatment of volar ganglion cyst of the wrist. Materials and Methods The present study comprised 21 patients submitted to the arthroscopic treatment of volar ganglion cysts of the wrist from January 2015 to May 2017, with a full evaluation for at least 6 months. The technique was indicated for patients presenting pain and functional impairment for more than four months, with no improvement with the conservative treatment, or for those with cosmetic complaints and cyst present for more than three months. Results The mean age of the patients was 43.6 years; 16 (76%) patients were female, and 5 (24%) were male. The mean follow-up time from surgery to the final assessment was of 10.9 months. A total of 2 (9.6%) patients complained of mild pain after the procedure, and another patient presented slight motion restrictions. The 18 (90.4%) remaining patients reported cosmetic improvement, complete functional recovery, and pain improvement. There were no recurrences or infections. No patient required further surgery. Conclusions The arthroscopic resection of volar ganglion cysts is a useful and safe technique. It is a minimally-invasive procedure, with low morbidity and very few complications, representing a good alternative to the open technique.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever a técnica e os resultados da artroscopia no tratamento cirúrgico dos cistos sinoviais volares no punho. Materiais e Métodos Foram incluídos e analisados neste trabalho 21 pacientes submetidos a artroscopia para o tratamento de cisto sinovial volar no punho, no período entre janeiro de 2015 e maio de 2017, com avaliação completa e mínima de 6 meses. A técnica descrita foi indicada para os pacientes com dor e incapacidade funcional com duração de mais de quatro meses, sem melhora com o tratamento conservador, ou para aqueles com queixas estéticas e que apresentavam o cisto havia mais de três meses. Resultados A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 43,6 anos, sendo 16 (76%) do sexo feminino, e 5 (24%) do masculino. O tempo de seguimento médio entre a cirurgia e a avaliação final foi de 10,9 meses. Um total de 2 (9,6%) pacientes apresentaram dor leve e uma restrição da mobilidade no pós-operatório. Nos 18 (90,4%) pacientes restantes, houve melhora das queixas estéticas, recuperação funcional completa, e melhora completa da dor. Não houve recidivas ou infecções. Nenhum paciente necessitou ser submetido a nova cirurgia. Conclusões A ressecção artroscópica do cisto sinovial volar mostrou-se uma técnica útil e segura. É um procedimento minimamente invasivo, com baixa morbidade e poucas complicações, sendo uma boa alternativa à técnica aberta.

Factitious lesions of the hand.

The presence of a lesion with atypical presentation, obscure clinical history, which does not improve with classic treatments, shall raise the red flag of the medical team. In such cases, the hypothesis of a factitious lesion shall be considered. Many times the correct diagnosis on the initial assessment may avoid high-cost diagnostic tests, unnecessary treatments, and time consumption of the medical team. We present here two classic cases of factitious lesions that, similar to those described in the literature, is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat.

OBJETIVO: A presença de lesão com apresentação atípica, história clínica indefinida, que não melhora com tratamentos clássicos, deve colocar a equipe médica em alerta. Nesses casos, a hipótese de lesão factícia tem de ser levada em conta. Muitas vezes o diagnóstico correto na avaliação inicial pode evitar a realização de testes diagnósticos de alto custo, tratamentos desnecessários e desgaste da equipe médica. Por meio da apresentação de dois casos clássicos de lesão factícia na mão mostramos que, assim como descrito na literatura, tal patologia é de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento.

Biplanar carpal wedge osteotomy in the treatment of the arthrogrypotic patients / Osteotomia intracárpica biplanar no tratamento de pacientes com artrogripose

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the results of the surgical treatment of patients with congenital arthrogryposis with wrist deformity through biplanar carpal wedge osteotomy. Method: This study analyzed nine patients through a retrospective evaluation with severe deformity in flexion and ulnar deviation of the wrist in the period between January 2004 and December 2009. They were submitted to carpal osteotomy with a biplanar dorsal resection wedge, with a minimum evaluation of 48 months of postoperative evolution. In three patients the osteotomy was bilateral, totalling 12 cuffs analyzed. The indication for the technique described was deformity and stiffness for over six months, without improvement with the conservative treatment. Results: The mean age of the patients on the day of surgery was five years and eight months. The initial mean wrist mobility was 35°, and the joints presented a mean flexion of 72.5° in a resting position. Osteotomy union occurred in all patients at an average period of 5.7 weeks. The final position of the resting wrist was 12° of flexion and the mean mobility was 26.6°, slightly lower than preoperatively but in a much better position. No serious complications arising from surgery or in the immediate postoperative period were observed. Conclusions: Carpal osteotomy with biplanar dorsal resection wedge was useful and effective in helping to correct the deformities in flexion and ulnar deviation of the wrist, maintaining a reasonable mobility. It is a preservation surgery, which has low morbidity and avoids the progression of deformity and future degenerative changes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes portadores de artrogripose congênita com deformidade do punho através da osteotomia intracárpica biplanar. Método: Por meio de uma avaliação retrospectiva, entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2009, o estudo avaliou nove pacientes com grave deformidade em flexão e desvio ulnar do punho por artrogripose submetidos a osteotomia intracárpica com cunha de ressecção dorsal biplanar, com avaliação mínima de 48 meses de evolução pós-operatória. Em três pacientes, a osteotomia foi bilateral, perfez 12 punhos analisados. A indicação da técnica descrita foi deformidade e rigidez havia mais de seis meses, sem melhoria com tratamento conservador. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes no dia da cirurgia foi de cinco anos e oito meses. A média de mobilidade inicial do punho foi de 35° e as articulações apresentavam 72,5° de flexão média em posição de repouso. Todas osteotomias consolidaram em um período médio de 5,7 semanas. A média da posição final do punho em repouso foi de 12° de flexão e a mobilidade média foi de 26,6°, ligeiramente inferior ao pré-operatório, porém mais bem posicionado. Não foram observadas complicações graves decorrentes da cirurgia ou no pós-operatório imediato. Conclusões: A osteotomia intracárpica com cunha de ressecção dorsal biplanar se mostrou útil e eficaz no auxílio da correção da deformidade em flexão e desvio ulnar do punho, com manutenção de uma mobilidade razoável. É uma cirurgia preservadora, com baixa morbidade e que evita a progressão da deformidade e alterações degenerativas futuras.

Factitious lesions of the hand / Lesao facticia na mao

OBJECTIVE: The presence of a lesion with atypical presentation, obscure clinical history, which does not improve with classic treatments, shall raise the red flag of the medical team. In such cases, the hypothesis of a factitious lesion shall be considered. Many times the correct diagnosis on the initial assessment may avoid high-cost diagnostic tests, unnecessary treatments, and time consumption of the medical team. We present here two classic cases of factitious lesions that, similar to those described in the literature, is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. .

OBJETIVO: A presença de lesão com apresentação atípica, história clínica indefinida, que não melhora com tratamentos clássicos, deve colocar a equipe médica em alerta. Nesses casos, a hipótese de lesão factícia tem de ser levada em conta. Muitas vezes o diagnóstico correto na avaliação inicial pode evitar a realização de testes diagnósticos de alto custo, tratamentos desnecessários e desgaste da equipe médica. Por meio da apresentação de dois casos clássicos de lesão factícia na mão mostramos que, assim como descrito na literatura, tal patologia é de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. .

Osteotomias do rádio distal com uso de placa volar de ângulo fixo / Osteotomy of the distal radius using a fixed-angle volar plate

OBJETIVO: A consolidação viciosa do rádio distal, por sequela de fratura, pode causar incapacidade funcional, levando o paciente a apresentar dor, perda de força e diminuição da mobilidade. Baseando-se nos excelentes resultados obtidos com o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas instáveis do rádio distal com a utilização de abordagem volar e o uso de fixação rígida com a placa volar de ângulo fixo, começamos a utilizar o mesmo método para as osteotomias do rádio distal. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão retrospectiva e encontrou-se 20 pacientes, no período de fevereiro de 2002 a outubro 2009. O tempo de acompanhamento médio foi de 43,9 meses (variando de 12-96 meses). A indicação cirúrgica foi de dor persistente, deformidade e limitação funcional após fratura de deslocamento dorsal. RESULTADOS: A deformidade média pré-operatória foi de 27º de inclinação dorsal do rádio distal, 87º de angulação ulnar e 7,3 milímetros de encurtamento do rádio. Todas as osteotomias consolidaram e a média final de angulação volar do rádio distal foi de 6,2º, com 69,3º de angulação ulnar e um milímetro de encurtamento. A mobilidade média do punho aumentou em 19,9º na flexão e em 24º na extensão. No antebraço, a supinação média aumentou em 23,5º e em 21,7º na pronação. A força do punho aumentou de 13,4 para 34,5 libras. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da placa volar de ângulo fixo por abordagem volar para as osteotomias do rádio distal permite uma correção satisfatória das deformidades e elimina a necessidade de remoção do material de síntese por complicações nos tendões.

OBJETIVE: Skewed consolidation of the distal radius, due to sequelae of fractures, may cause functional incapacity, thus leading such patients to present pain, loss of strength and diminished mobility. Based on the excellent results obtained from surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius through a volar approach and use of rigid fixation with a fixed-angle volar plate, we started to use the same method for osteotomy of the distal radius. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted, and 20 patients treated between February 2002 and October 2009 were found. The mean length of follow-up was 43.9 months (range: 12 to 96 months). The surgical indications were persistent pain, deformity and functional limitation subsequent to a dorsally displaced fracture. RESULTS: The mean preoperative deformity was 27º of dorsal tilt of the distal radius, 87º of ulnar tilt, and 7.3 mm of shortening of the radius. All the osteotomies consolidated and the final mean volar tilt was 6.2º, with ulnar tilt of 69.3º and shortening of 1 mm. The mean mobility of the wrist increased by 19.9º (flexion) and by 24º(extension). Mean forearm supination increased by 23.5º and pronation by 21.7º. Grip strength increased from 13.4 to 34.5 pounds. CONCLUSION: Use of a fixed-angle volar plate for a volar approach towards osteotomy of the distal radius enables satisfactory correction of the deformities and eliminates the need for removal of the synthesis material caused by tendon complications.