Dorsal Bone-Ligament-Bone Reconstruction of Chronic Lunotriquetral Instability: Biomechanical Testing.

Purpose Lunotriquetral (LT) instability is uncommon and few biomechanical analyses of the condition exist. For chronic LT instabilities, arthrodesis has long been the treatment of choice but has a high risk for nonunion. The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative treatment option using a bone-ligament-bone graft in a cadaver model and compare it with a conventional arthrodesis. Methods We used 10 cadaveric forearms with different loading positions. We employed computed tomography scans to evaluate the LT joint. Scans were performed with the joint intact after we sectioned the dorsal LT ligament and the palmar LT ligament. The joints were then reconstructed using a bone-ligament-bone graft from the capitate-hamate joint as well as with a compression screw simulating arthrodesis. The joints were then rescanned and 3-dimensional analysis was performed using specialized 3-dimensional software. Results Sectioning the dorsal part of LT ligament had little effect on kinematics; however, additional division of the palmar LT ligament resulted in increased mobility. Restoration of physiological kinematics could be partially achieved after bone-ligament-bone reconstruction. Arthrodesis showed increased intercarpal motion in the adjacent scapholunate and lunocapitate joints compared with the bone-ligament-bone reconstruction. Conclusions The bone-ligament-bone reconstruction displayed physiologic carpal kinematics in the adjacent joints compared with arthrodesis. It provided enough stability but still some mobility in the LT joint to be able to use it as a treatment modality for chronic LT instability without the risk for nonunion. Decreased intercarpal motion was not statistically significant although there appeared to be a trend toward it. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV

Comparing treatment of proximal phalangeal fractures with intramedullary screws versus plating.

PURPOSE Phalangeal fractures are the most common injuries in humans and account for approximately 10% of all fractures. With plate fixation, anatomic reduction is achievable in most cases, but extension lag is seen in up to 67%. Intramedullary headless screw offers treatment of unstable proximal phalangeal fractures using a minimally invasive procedure with very few complications. One of the major disadvantages of this technique is the transarticular screw position, damaging the articular surface and thus preventing very proximal fractures from being treated with a distally inserted screw. In this study, we present a modified approach to the fixation of the proximal phalangeal fractures and compare outcomes with plate osteosynthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-nine patients with 31 comparable fractures of the proximal phalanx were treated either with a plate (14) or with minimal invasive cannulated compression screw (17). Pain, strength, range of motion (ROM), work disability and QuickDASH score were assessed. RESULTS TAM was significantly better in the screw group. The extension lag was worse in the plate group. Plate removal had to be performed in 13 of 14 the cases, while the screw had to be removed in only 3 cases. The average duration of work disability was 9.9 weeks in the plate group, compared to 5.6 weeks in the screw group. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive screw osteosynthesis not only has the advantage of significantly shorter work disabilities, but also shows remarkably improved postoperative range of motion. In contrast to plate osteosynthesis, removal of the screw is only necessary in exceptional cases. With the antegrade screws position, even difficult fractures close to the base can be treated without destroying any articular surface. In proximal phalanx fractures with both options of plate or single-screw osteosynthesis, we recommend minimal invasive cannulated screw osteosynthesis

Semi-occlusive dressing therapy versus surgical treatment in fingertip amputation injuries: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVES Treatment of fingertip amputations is subject of controversial debates. Recently, semi-occlusive dressings have increased in popularity in these injuries. AIMS To compare clinical outcomes of conservative semi-occlusive dressing therapy versus surgical treatment of fingertip amputations. METHODS Eighty-four patients with fingertip amputations were re-examined clinically after a mean follow-up of 28.1 months (range 9.6-46.2). Sixty-six patients (79%) were treated with semi-occlusive dressings (group 1) and 18 (21%) underwent surgery (group 2). Range of motion, grip strength, and two-point discrimination were measured at the final follow-up. Furthermore, VAS score, Quick-DASH score, subjective aesthetic outcome and loss of working days were obtained. RESULTS Group 1 demonstrated healing in all 66 patients (100%) while in Group 2 5 out of 18 patients (28%) failed to achieve healing after a mean of 17 days (range 2-38) due to graft necrosis. Group 1 showed significantly lower VAS scores and significantly lower loss of two-point discrimination compared to Group 2. Work absence was significantly shorter in Group 1 versus Group 2. Trophic changes in finger (46%) and nail (30%) were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (44% and 70%, respectively). Disturbance during daily business activities (14%) and cold sensitivity (23%) were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (86% and 77%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Semi-occlusive dressing therapy for fingertip amputations demonstrated excellent healing rates. Compared to surgical treatment, it resulted in significantly better clinical outcomes, lower complication rates and significantly higher reported satisfaction rates. Therefore, semi-occlusive dressing for fingertip injuries is a very successful procedure and shall be preferred over surgical treatment in most cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III therapeutic

Radio-luno-triquetral bone-ligament transfer as an additional stabilizer in scapholunate-instability.

INTRODUCTION Reconstruction of the scapho-lunate (SL) ligament is still challenging. Many different techniques, such as capsulodesis, tendon graft and bone-ligament-bone graft have been described to stabilize reducible SL dissociation. If primary ligament repair alone is not possible, an additional stabilizer is needed to achieve scapho-lunate stability. A new local bone-ligament transfer using half of the radio-luno-triquetral ligament is performed. The direction of traction of the transposed ligament is very similar to the original ligament. Ideal tension can be attained by fixation of the bone block at the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid. The biomechanical stability of this bone-ligament transfer shall be examined biomechanically. MATERIAL AND METHODS Computed tomography imaging was performed using eight cadaveric forearms with a defined position of the wrist. Axial load was accomplished with tension springs attached to the extensor and flexor tendons. Three series ([a] native, [b] divided SL ligament and [c]) after reconstruction with bone-ligament transfer] were reconstructed three-dimensionally to determine the angles between radius, scaphoid and lunate. The radial distal part including a bone fragment of the radio-luno-triquetral ligament was transferred from its insertion at the distal edge of the radius to be attached to the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid. RESULTS SL gap was widened after its transection. Average SL distance was 6.6 ± 1.6 mm. After ligament reconstruction, the gap could be narrowed significantly to 4.2 mm (± 0.7 mm). The movement of the scaphoid and lunate showed significant changes, especially in wrist flexion, fist closure and radial deviation. These deviations could be corrected by the bone ligament transfer. CONCLUSION Reconstruction of a transected SL ligament with a bone-ligament transfer from the radio-luno-triquetral ligament reduces SL dissociation under axial load. The described surgical technique causes low donor-side morbidity and can be considered in addition to improve stability if SL ligament suture alone does not appear sufficient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II, therapeutic investigating experimental study

A retrospective case series reporting the outcomes of Avance nerve allografts in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

INTRODUCTION Acellular nerve allografts are viable treatment modality for bridging nerve gaps. Several small studies have demonstrated equal results to autologous grafts, however there is lacking information regarding outcomes for wider indications. The aim of this retrospective case series was to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with a nerve allograft in a variety of clinical situations. METHODS A retrospective chart analysis was completed between April 2009 - October 2017. The inclusion criteria for this study were: age ≥ 18 years at the time of surgery and be treated with a nerve allograft. Patients were excluded if they had not been followed-up for a minimum of six months. The modified Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC) was used to monitor motor and sensory changes in the post-operative period. RESULTS 207 nerve allografts were used in 156 patients; of these 129 patients with 171 nerve allografts fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 77% of patients achieved a sensory outcome score of S3 or above and 36% achieved a motor score of M3 or above. All patients with chronic pain had improvement of their symptoms. DISCUSSION Graft length and diameter were negatively correlated with reported outcomes. One patient elected to undergo revisional surgery and the original graft was shown histologically to have extensive central necrosis. Anatomically, allografts used for lower limb reconstruction yielded the poorest results. All chronic patients had a significantly lower post-operative requirement for analgesia and allografts are effective in not only reducing pain, but also restoring a functional level of sensation. CONCLUSION This study supports the wider application of allografts in managing nerve problems however caution must be applied to the use of long grafts with larger diameters

Bite injuries to the hand and forearm: analysis of hospital stay, treatment and costs.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients treated for bite injuries in our clinic from 2014 to 2019. The time from the bite event to surgery, duration of hospital stay, duration of antibiotic treatment, complications, incapacity for work and costs were analysed. Cat bites were compared with the other bite injuries and were found to be more problematic. The results of early (within 24 hours) and delayed treatment in cat bite injuries were compared. Treated early they were associated with a shorter hospital stay (1.4 versus 2.4 days), shorter duration of antibiotic treatment (9.7 versus 12.6 days), lower complication rate (10% versus 18%), lower cost (CHF4606 versus 8072) (£4061 versus £7116; US$4771 versus US$8361; €4788 versus €8390) and a shorter incapacity for work (15 versus 43 days). Surgical treatment must be carried out as early as possible. The public and physicians require education to reduce the frequency of these injuries and the associated costs.Level of evidence: IV

Mid-term Clinical Outcome of Microvascular Gracilis Muscle Flaps for Defects of the Hand

Gracilis muscle flaps are useful to cover defects of the hand. However, there are currently no studies describing outcome measurements after covering soft tissue defects using free flaps in the hand

Osteosynthesis of fifth metacarpal neck fractures with a photodynamic polymer bone stabilization system.

Metacarpal neck fractures with severe displacement are commonly treated surgically with intramedullary Kirschner wires. We present the results of treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures using a light curable intramedullary photodynamic polymer (IlluminOss™, IlluminOss Medical Inc., East Providence, RI, USA). Twenty-nine patients with isolated displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures were included and followed up for 12-24 weeks. All fractures had radiologically healed after 3 months. In two cases, a secondary loss of reduction was seen, which did not require further correction. During the follow-up period, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 89% after 6 weeks and increased to 100% after 3 months compared with the uninjured side. Grip strength improved over time from 61% to 85%. No implant removal was necessary. We conclude that osteosynthesis using an intramedullary photodynamic polymer is a reliable treatment option for displaced fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck. Level of evidence: IV

Carpal instability after partial trapeziectomy, total trapeziectomy and the resection of the distal scaphoid pole: a cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION Non-dissociative carpal instability (CIND) may lead to severe functional impairment. Destabilisation of the scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal (STT) ligament complex seems to result in a CIND. MATERIALS AND METHODS In one group with eight cadaver arms, distal scaphoid pole was resected with the adjacent ligaments. In the other eight cadavers, hemitrapeziectomy was performed followed by total trapeziectomy. CT scans were performed in different wrist positions, and the changed positions of the scaphoid, lunate and capitate were measured in comparison to non-operated wrists. RESULTS Mainly in clenched fist position, dissociation between proximal and distal row can be determined after total trapeziectomy and resection of distal scaphoid pole. Capitate rotates dorsally up to 24°, the scaphoid up to 17° and the lunate up to 7° compared to the non-operated wrists. Resection of the distal scaphoid pole results in dorsal rotation of capitate and scaphoid of about 14° and the lunate 8°. Relative scapholunate and capitolunate angle increased significantly after total trapeziectomy, especially in clenched fist position. After scaphoid pole resection, significant SL and CL angles changes could be seen in almost every wrist position. CONCLUSION Destabilisation of the STT ligament complex by total trapeziectomy or distal scaphoid pole resection results in dissociation of the proximal and distal carpal row without instability within the proximal or distal row, corresponding to a CIND. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III