Arthroscopic Management of Intra-articular Ligament Lesions on Distal Radius Fractures

AbstractArticular distal radius fractures (DRFs) have increased in incidence in recent years, especially among the economically active population. Most of the treatment approaches are based on plain X- rays, and do not give us any information on how to treat these fractures. In the search for solutions with greater precision in diagnosis, in reducing the joint surface of the fracture, and envolving minimally-invasive techniques, we found arthroscopy as the main tool for these patients. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of the biomechanics of the different types of fracture associated with ligamentous lesions should facilitate the right decision regarding the treatment. The present paper aims at providing a management-oriented concept to diagnose and treat ligamentous lesions associated with intra-articular DRFs based on a arthroscopy-assisted procedure, and showing the objective and patient-reported outcomes and a new classification. The objective and patient-reported outcomes were: the mean range of motion (ROM) was of 94.80% on the non-affected side; the mean score on the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) was of 3.6 (range: 1 to 12). The score on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was of 1.66 (range: 1 to 3). Complications were observed in 2 (13.33%) patients: extensor tendon synovitis in 1 patient, and a limitation (stiffness) in ROM in 1 patient, both treated with wrist arthroscopy release. The mean time until the return to work was of 6.4 weeks. In patients with unstable intra-articular DRFs associated with ligamentous lesions, the fixation of specific osseous-ligamentous fragments and ligamentous repair/reconstruction by wrist arthroscopy prove to be a safe and reliable treatment. The clinical and functional results predict that the patients can return to work more quickly

Experimental trial on surgical treatment for transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx: technique using intramedullary conical compression screw versus lateral compression plate

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the mechanical parameters between two methods for stabilization through compression: 1.5mm axial compression plate versus conical compression screw used as an intramedullary tutor.MethodsPolyurethane models (Sawbone®) that simulated transverse fractures of the proximal phalanx were used. The models were divided into three groups: lateral plate, conical screw and no implant.ResultsGreater force was needed to result in fatigue in the synthesis using an intramedullary plate. Thus, this model was proven to be mechanically superior to the model with the lateral plate.ConclusionStabilization using the Acutrak® screw for treating fractures in the model used in this trial presents mechanical results that are statistically significantly superior to those from the axial compression technique using the lateral plate (Aptus Hand®)

Distal Articular Fractures of the Humerus: Surgical Approach with Dynamic Elbow external Fixator

Abstract Purpose To measure clinical and radiographic outcomes using external fixation in distal humeral fractures. Methods A total of 10 elderly patients, with a mean age of 71 (range 64–84 years) years old, with unstable distal humeral fractures were treated by percutaneous reduction and fixation with an articulated external fixator. The patients were assessed on range of elbow motion, patient disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) and radiographic evaluation at 12 months. Results The mean range of motion was 134° of flexion, extension was of - 5°. All of the elbows were clinically stable. The mean VAS was 2.2, and the mean DASH score was 14.3. Radiographic analysis showed satisfactory reduction and consolidation. All of the patients showed congruence of concentric humerus-ulnar and radius and no patient had joint stiffness or posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow. Regarding complications, we observed a patient who presented with pain in the location of the ulnar pin, which was resolved with the removal of the pin. After two months, another patient had pneumonia and died. The follow-up was of 15.44 months. Conclusions A radiographic analysis of the patients showed fracture healing with joint congruity. In the functional clinical aspect, it was noted that patients had functional range of motionType of study/level of evidence Therapeutic I

Intramedullary fixation of refractory metacarpal stress fracture in a professional boxer

Metacarpal stress fractures, although rare in the general population, are not uncommon in high performance athletes and may be seen in individuals with chronic pain associated with sports activity and with no history of acute trauma. Stress fracture fixation in skeletal long bones with different methods and implants have been discussed in the literature, both for patients who had conservative treatment failure and prophylactically. We describe the use of intramedullary cannulated screw fixation for the treatment of a 26-year-old professional boxer who complained of hand pain and swelling with 18 months evolution. After 30 days of post-operative evolution, the patient had no pain on palpation of the metacarpal base and, after three months, he was back to boxing. This is a level V evidence study. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images

Randomized clinical trial between proximal row carpectomy and the four-corner fusion for patients with stage II SNAC

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the outcomes of patients with stage II SNAC submitted to surgical treatment by proximal row carpectomy (PRC) or four-corner fusion (FCF).MethodTwenty-seven patients aged 18–59 years (mean 37.52 years) were included. Thirteen patients underwent PRC in Group A, and 14 underwent FCF of the wrist in Group B. Evaluations were made before and after surgery with follow-up between 45 and 73 months. Range of motion (ROM); pain assessment with a visual analog scale (VAS); grip strength; disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH); and return to work were evaluated.ResultsGroup A patients had 68.5% and Group B patients, 58.01% of the ROM of the contralateral side. The VAS score was 2.3 in Group A and 2.9 in Group B. Grip strength was 78.67% and 65.42%, respectively, relative to the side not affected. The DASH score was 11 for PRC and 13 for FCF. In Group A, 9/13 (69.23%) and in Group B, 8/14 (57.14%) patients are currently working. Complications were symptomatic osteoarthritis in the mid-carpal joint in Group A and loosening of a screw in Group B.ConclusionThe clinical and functional results do not present statistically significant differences for both analyzed methods

Randomized clinical trial between proximal row carpectomy and the four-corner fusion for patients with stage II SNAC

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of patients with stage II SNAC submitted to surgical treatment by proximal row carpectomy (PRC) or four-corner fusion (FCF). METHOD: Twenty-seven patients aged 18-59 years (mean 37.52 years) were included. Thirteen patients underwent PRC in Group A, and 14 underwent FCF of the wrist in Group B. Evaluations were made before and after surgery with follow-up between 45 and 73 months. Range of motion (ROM); pain assessment with a visual analog scale (VAS); grip strength; disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH); and return to work were evaluated. RESULTS: Group A patients had 68.5% and Group B patients, 58.01% of the ROM of the contralateral side. The VAS score was 2.3 in Group A and 2.9 in Group B. Grip strength was 78.67% and 65.42%, respectively, relative to the side not affected. The DASH score was 11 for PRC and 13 for FCF. In Group A, 9/13 (69.23%) and in Group B, 8/14 (57.14%) patients are currently working. Complications were symptomatic osteoarthritis in the mid-carpal joint in Group A and loosening of a screw in Group B. CONCLUSION: The clinical and functional results do not present statistically significant differences for both analyzed methods

FIBRIN GLUE APPLICATION IN MICROVASCULAR ANASTOMOSIS: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO FREE FLAPS SERIES

Background: Since the first experiments with fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomoses in 1977, several studies have reported its benefits on suture reduction and anastomosis decreased time. In spite of that, clinical experience has been limited to two neurosurgical and two replantation case series, all of them with good results. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and the potential benefits of fibrin glue application in free flaps. Methods: We performed 24 free flaps in 24 patients, from March 2005 to June 2006. Twenty were included in this study. They were divided into two groups according to the anastomosis technique: conventional group (n = 7 patients) and fibrin glue group (n = 13 patients). In the conventional group, the anastomosis was performed with interrupted sutures, whereas in the fibrin glue group, they were performed using less sutures and fibrin glue application. Results: The application of fibrin glue cut by half the number of sutures required to complete the anastomoses. The mean arterial and venous anastomotic times in the conventional group were 27.2 and 24.0 minutes, respectively. In the fibrin glue group, they were 13.6 and 12.6 minutes, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant. There was no significant difference of ischemic time between two groups (P = 0.26). The survival rate of the flaps was similar in both groups: 84.6% (11 of 13) in the fibrin glue group and 85.7% (6 of 7) in the conventional group (P = 1.0). Conclusions: Fibrin glue application in free flaps was feasible and allowed us to complete the anastomoses with fewer sutures and less time. The survival rate of the flaps was not adversely affected by the fibrin glue. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 29:24-28, 2009

Ensaio experimental para tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas transversas da falange proximal - Técnica com parafuso intramedular cônico de compressão versus placa de compressão lateral

resumo Objetivo: Comparar os parâmetros mecânicos entre dois métodos de estabilização por com pressão: placa de compressão axial de 1,5 mm com o parafuso cônico de compressão usado como tutor intramedular. Métodos: Foram usados modelos de poliuretano (Sawbone(r)) que simulam a fratura da falange proximal transversa, divididos em três grupos (placa lateral, parafuso cônico, sem implante). Resultados: Há necessidade de uma maior força para resultar na fadiga da síntese com para fuso intramedular. Comprova-se, assim, a supremacia mecânica desse sobre o modelo com a placa lateral. Conclusão: A estabilização com o parafuso Acutrak(r), no tratamento das fraturas no modelo adotado neste ensaio, apresenta resultados mecânicos superiores e estatisticamente sig nificativos em comparacão com a técnica de compressão axial com o uso da placa lateral (Aptus Hand (r))