Analyzing the reduction quality of the distal radioulnar joint after closed K-wire transfixation in a cadaver model: is supination or neutral position superior?

INTRODUCTION: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instabilities are challenging and their optimal treatment is controversial. In special cases or when reconstruction of the stabilizing triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) fails, K-wire transfixation can be performed. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the rotational position of the forearm in which this should be done. Therefore, it was investigated whether anatomical reduction would best be achieved by transfixation in neutral position or supination of the forearm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve cadaveric upper limbs were examined before dissection of the DRUJ stabilizing ligaments and after closed transfixation in both positions by C-arm cone-beam CT. Whether this was first done in neutral position or in supination was randomized. The change in the radioulnar ratio (RR) in percentage points (%points) was analyzed using Student's t-test. RR was used since it is a common and sensitive method to evaluate DRUJ reduction, expressing the ulnar head's position in the sigmoid notch as a length ratio. RESULTS: The analysis showed an increased change in RR in neutral position with 5.4 ± 9.7%points compared to fixation in supination with 0.2 ± 16.1%points, yet this was not statistically significant (p = 0.404). CONCLUSIONS: Neither position leads to a superior reduction in general. However, the result was slightly closer to the anatomical position in supination. Thus, transfixation of the DRUJ should be performed in the position in which reduction could best be achieved and based on these data, that tends to be in supination. Further studies are necessary to validate these findings and to identify influential factors.

The influence of K-wire transfixation on proximalization of the first metacarpal after resection suspension interposition arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint is a common degenerative disease and surgical treatment includes resection suspension interposition arthroplasty (RSIA) with or without temporary transfixation of the first metacarpal. One major drawback includes proximalization of the first metacarpal during the postoperative course. Specific data comparing different transfixation techniques in this context is sparse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we measured the trapezial space ratio (TSR) in 53 hands before and after RSIA to determine the proximalization of the first metacarpal depending on the type of Kirschner (K)-wire transfixation. We, therefore, compared transfixation of the first metacarpal to the scaphoid with one K-wire (1K) to transfixation of the first metacarpal with two K-wires (2K), either to the carpus (2Ka), or to the second metacarpal (2Kb), or to both second metacarpal and carpus (2Kc). RESULTS: While preoperative TSR did not differ between group 1K and 2K (p = 0.507), postoperative TSR was significantly higher in group 2K compared to 1K (p = 0.003). Comparing subgroups, postoperative TSR was significantly higher in group 2Kc than 1K (p = 0.046), while we found no significant difference comparing either group 2Ka or 2Kb to 1K (p = 0.098; p = 0.159). Neither did we find a significant difference within 2K subgroups, comparing group 2Ka and 2Kb (p = 0.834), 2Ka and 2Kc (p = 0.615), or 2Kb and 2Kc (p = 0.555). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that transfixation with two K-wires should be preferred to transfixation with one K-wire after RSIA. Specifically, transfixation from first to second metacarpal and from first metacarpal to carpus resulted in least proximalization of the first metacarpal postoperatively.

Temporary Kirschner wire transfixation versus strapping dressing after second MTP joint realignment surgery: a comparative study with ten-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Instability of the second metatarsophalageal (MTP) joint is a common disorder of the forefoot and can be addressed operatively. The objective of this study was to compare a temporary K-wire fixation (tKW) to a postoperative strapping dressing (SD) after realignment surgery of second MTP instability in combination with correction of claw toe deformity. METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive patients with metatarsal index plus or neutral and a collective total of 62 operative interventions were examined at 10 years postoperatively. The operative intervention included dorsal capsulotomy, incision of the extensor hood, and lengthening of the extensor tendon. All operations were carried out at a single institution by orthopedic surgeons experienced in foot surgery. One team preferred fixation with tKW, whereas the other team used only noninvasive SD for postoperative management. The assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score as well as the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Kaplan Meier analysis with recurrence of subluxation as the end point was performed, and plain radiographs of the forefoot were investigated. RESULTS: Survival without recurrence of second MTP subluxation was significantly higher in the tKW group (93%) compared with the SD group (88%) (P < .001). There was no statistical significant difference in pre- to postoperative AOFAS and VAS pain between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Temporary K-wire fixation had a significantly lower recurrence rate of second MTP subluxation compared with postoperative SD for postoperative alignment management in second MTP instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.