Silicone proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis using a volar approach.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic outcome of a silicone proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint implant using a volar approach in patients with primary osteoarthritis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 36 proximal PIP joints that were replaced with Avanta silicone implants in 26 patients. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of primary osteoarthrtitis of the PIP joint and failure to respond to conservative treatment. Clinical asessment included range of motion, patient satisfaction, and pain scores. The Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was administered at final follow-up. Radiographs were reviewed for alignment and implant fracture. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 18 months (range, 12-60 mo), pain relief was markedly reduced in all patients, decreasing from a mean score of 7.2 preoperatively to 0.4 postoperatively. The arc of active motion of the PIP joint improved from 33° to 72°. Satisfaction averaged 4.8 on a 5-point Likert scale, and all patients stated they would repeat the surgery. The median final average Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 7 (range, 4-12). Radiograph review showed 2 implant fractures at 1 and 2 years after surgery, respectively, but without clinical changes. The average deformity in the coronal plane changed from 12° (range, 8° to 18°) preoperatively to 4° (range, 3° to 8°) postoperatively, whereas the average flexion contracture changed from 18° (range, 10° to 30°) to 0° (all patients achieved full active extension). No other complications were observed. No revision surgery has been needed to date. CONCLUSIONS: The volar approach to PIP joint silicone arthroplasty offers the advantages of maintaining the integrity of the extensor mechanism, providing pain relief, and improving postoperative range of motion with minimal complications. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of this implant. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Treatment of little finger carpometacarpal posttraumatic arthritis with a silicone implant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic outcome of a flexible silicone proximal interphalangeal joint implant between the hamate and the metacarpal, to treat posttraumatic little finger carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis. METHODS: We treated 3 men with a mean age of 30 years by means of a proximal interphalangeal silicone implant arthroplasty for CMC osteoarthritis of the little finger. Indications were disabling pain on the ulnar side of the hand, grip weakness, loss of CMC joint mobility, and disability for work and daily activities. RESULTS: All patients were free of pain at a mean follow-up of 20 months. Transverse metacarpal arch mobility and grip strength were restored. The appearance was acceptable, without misalignment, malrotation, or shortening of the little finger ray. Radiographic evaluation showed no fractures or dislocations of the implant and no signs of foreign body reaction to silicone particles. CONCLUSIONS: This technique offers the advantages of eliminating pain, maintaining length, and restoring mobility of the transverse metacarpal arch, and results in acceptable function and grip strength.

Permanent articulated antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer in septic shoulder arthroplasty: a case report.

We report a case of a patient with an infected shoulder hemiarthroplasty in whom a permanent antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer was employed with satisfactory results. This method of treatment has limited applications and would not be appropriate in all cases of septic shoulder joint arthroplasties. However, its use may represent a valid alternative in low physical demand patients who are unwilling to undergo major surgery or when inadequate bone stock is present.

Delayed rupture of all finger flexor tendons (excluding thumb) following nonoperative treatment of Colles' fracture: A case report and literature review.

AIMS: We report a case of delayed all digital flexor tendon ruptures after nonoperative management of distal radius fracture. METHODS: An 84-year-old woman, noted loss of flexion of your fingers. She had a history of Colles' fracture 40 years before, which had been left untreated. Darrach procedure were carried and a tendon transfers for the flexor tendon ruptures. RESULTS: Despite attempts of early active mobilisation, a poor operative outcome was observed. CONCLUSION: Tendon rupture can occur several months or years after the injury, and prompt recognition and treatment can minimize disability.

The spacer block technique in osteomyelitis of the phalangeal bones of the hand.

The authors report a case of an open mallet injury with a traumatic arthrotomy which was complicated with a destructive infection involving both the middle and distal phalanges of a ring digit and which was treated with two-stage reconstructive surgery with good results. In the first stage, after the osteomyelitic portion of adjacent phalangeal bones were excised en bloc, the dead space was filled by means of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer. In the second stage, an autogenous corticocancellous bone graft from the iliac crest was secured into the defect with a intramedullary Herbert scaphoid screw.

Distal radioulnar joint prosthesis for the treatment of giant cell tumor of the distal ulna: a case report and literature review.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal end of the ulna is an uncommon site for primary bone tumors. When it occurs, en-bloc resection of the distal part of the ulna with or without reconstruction stabilization of the ulnar stump is the recommended treatment. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with a GCT of the distal ulna treated successfully with an en-bloc resection of the distal ulna with reconstruction using radioulnar joint prosthesis. Although the experience with this type of treatment is limited, implantation of a metallic prosthesis to replace the distal part of the ulna can also be considered as a salvage procedure for the treatment of this difficult pathology.

"Fat pad" and "little finger pulp" signs are good indicators of proper release of carpal tunnel.

OBJECTIVE: The release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) for relief of carpal tunnel syndrome has been a standard operative procedure since the early 1950s. Although complications are not common after the open surgical technique, a small but significant group of patients will have similar symptoms after surgery or will experience new symptoms in the postoperative period. Incomplete section of the TCL is the major cause of these complications. The authors have described two signs that confirm a complete release of the TCL, called the "fat pad" and "little finger pulp" signs. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2003, we treated 643 hands in 611 patients (45 men and 566 women; age range, 32-76 yr; mean age, 58.2 yr). All patients were examined 6 months after the procedure, with special attention given to the persistence or recurrence of symptoms. The presence of palmar scar pain, residual numbness, patient satisfaction, and time to return to work were also evaluated. A longitudinal incision (2 cm) at the base of the palm was used to release the TCL. A good indicator that the distal TCL has been released is the visualization of a fatty tissue ("fat pad" sign). This fatty tissue is always present underneath the most distal fibers of the TCL, covering the sensory digital branches of the median nerve. To confirm the complete release of the proximal fibers of the TCL, we should be able to introduce the little finger pulp in a proximal direction underneath the distal flexion crease of the wrist ("little finger pulp" sign). When both signs are confirmed, we can be certain that the TCL is completely released. RESULTS: Night pain disappeared immediately after surgery in all patients except three. There were seven complications (1%) not related to the palmar scar and 10 complications (1.5%) related to it. However, all of these complications disappeared an average of 3 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was 100%, and the mean time to return to work and full activity was 22 days (range, 14-36 d). CONCLUSION: Two surgical observations that are reliable to confirm a complete release of the TCL were described. The first, called the "fat pad" sign, is useful to determine whether or not the distal end of the TCL has been adequately released, whereas the "little finger pulp" sign indicates whether or not the proximal end of the TCL has been fully divided.

Intraoperative antepulsion of a fusion cage in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a case report and review of the literature.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of intraoperative anterior migration into the abdominal cavity of a titanium fusion cage in the course of posterior lumbar interbody fusion. OBJECTIVES: To explain the importance of a proper introduction of the fusion cages in the vertebral space and the necessity of intraoperative fluoroscopy study in both planes, frontal and lateral, respectively, to confirm the proper position of the implants. A potential serious complication of fusion cage instrumentation and the limited literature on this subject are reviewed. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Early reports regarding fusion cage instrumentation have been encouraging. However, the potential benefits are better defined than the potential complications. METHODS: A patient had anterior migration of a fusion cage intraoperatively in the course of posterior lumbar interbody fusion. One day later, the patient underwent surgical laparotomy to extract the migrated implant and a repeat posterior procedure that included bilateral posterior fusion with insertion of pedicle instrumentation. RESULTS: One year after the second operation, the patient remains pain-free, and no abdominal lesions or neurologic deficits were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The various types of spinal fusion operations are associated with specific complications. A through knowledge of the procedures and possible complications, as well as meticulous surgical technique, can help minimize these. Once complications do occur, prompt recognition and treatment should minimize the long-term sequelae.

Biomechanical evaluation of fixation of clavicular fractures.

Reproducible fractures of the midshaft of the clavicle were created in 14 fresh frozen human cadaveric clavicles. Under the three-point bending loading by a materials testing machine, the load to failure of fixation of the clavicular fractures treated with steel reconstruction plates (five specimens) and Herbert cannulated bone screw (nine specimens), was compared with a group control formed by five specimens of clavicles without osteosynthesis material. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups. In consequence and in terms of biomechanics, in clavicular acute fractures, both plating and intramedullary Herbert cannulated bone screw may be utilized in the treatment of these lesions.