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@#Introduction: Despite several techniques for corrective osteotomy in congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) the published literature lacks a guide for radiographic planning and rationale for the site and level of the osteotomy. The primary objective of this study is to report a technique of radiographically controlled corrective osteotomy using the axis of rotation of the forearm in CRUS. Materials and methods: Children with CRUS underwent corrective osteotomy based on radiographic planning; the extent of rotational correction and functional outcomes were assessed at a mean of 27 months after the operation. Results: Seven forearms in six children of an average of 6.25 years were assessed for correction and functional outcomes. The average pre-operative pronation deformity was 71.5°. The average correction achieved was 64°. At follow-up, there were five excellent and two good functional outcomes. All children could perform daily tasks besides eating with hand and personal hygiene. Conclusion: Radiographic determination of the osteotomy sites by the method described is effective, consistent, and reproducible in achieving optimal functional outcomes in congenital radioulnar synostosis.
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Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling and separation of the synostosis area associated with radial shortening osteotomy and plate internal fixation for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis. Methods: Between February 2014 and June 2018, 36 patients (41 sides) with congenital radioulnar synostosis were analyzed retrospectively, including 21 males and 15 females, aged 2.5-4.5 years with an average of 3.1 years. The fixed pronation deformity of the forearm ranged from 30° to 90° with an average of 71.6°, and the range of motion of the elbow flexion was 120°-135° with an average of 128.2°. According to the Cleary-Omer classification, there were 8 sides of type Ⅱ, 17 sides of type Ⅲ, and 16 sides of type Ⅳ. All patients were treated by local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling and separation of the synostosis area associated with radial shortening osteotomy and plate internal fixation. The range of motion of the elbow, muscle strength, joint stability, and patient discomfort were evaluated by using the Broberg and Morrey elbow scoring system preoperatively and postoperatively. In addition, the ability for daily living of the affected limb was evaluated by using the Failla grading standard. Results: Radial nerve palsy occurred in 3 cases, and nerve function recovered at 2-4 weeks after operation. All the 36 cases were followed up 6-52 months, with an average of 38 months. All osteotomy sites healed, the healing time was 5-12 weeks (mean, 6.3 weeks), and the pedicled fat flap between the radius and ulna survived when the internal fixation was taken. At last follow-up, the flexion range of motion of elbow joint was not decreased, and the pronation and supination range of motion of forearm were improved. The elbow flexion range of motion was 125°-135° with an average of 132.4°. The pronation range of motion of forearm was 15°-45° with an average of 30.1°, and the supination range of motion of forearm was 10°-40° with an average of 22.6°. At last follow-up, the Broberg and Morrey elbow scores increased from the preoperative 85.6±1.0 to 91.8±1.8, showing significant difference ( t=25.593, P=0.000). Moreover, the results were good in 3 sides, fair in 9 sides, and poor in 29 sides according to the Failla grading standard before operation, with an excellent and good rate of 7.3%. At last follow-up, the results were excellent in 6 sides, good in 28 sides, and fair in 7 sides, with an excellent and good rate of 82.9%, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value ( Z=-5.781, P=0.000). Conclusion: The application of local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling and separation of the synostosis area associated with radial shortening osteotomy and plate internal fixation is an effective surgical method for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis. It can restore the partial rotation function of the forearm and improve the quality of life of children.
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PURPOSE: Forearm lengths in cases of unilateral congenital radioulnar synostosis, were analysed radiographically to evaluate the amount of length discrepancy according to different types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the ulnar length ratio (length of affected forearm/length of unaffected forearm) in 15 cases of uni-lateral congenital radioulnar synostosis. We observed two distinct radiographic patterns. Type I (Lamda type) appeared to be of gamma character grossly, and showed severe radial bowing and a severely hypoplastic radial head. Type II (Chi type) seemed x like in character, showed mild radial bowing and a mildly hypoplastic, or normal radial head. RESULTS: Nine cases were type I and 6 were type II. The ulnar length ratio was 0.89 in type I and 0.98 in type II. Significant differences were formed in the ulnar length ratios between normal subject and type I, and between type I and type II (p<0.05). The equation determined by simple linear regression analysis in a patient of type I, who had been followed for 10 years, was'ulnar length ratio=0.959-0.013 X age (year)'. CONCLUSION: Unilateral congenital radioulnar synostosis can be classified into two types according to radiological morphology. This classification can be helpful in the prediction of forearm length discrepancy, and in the determination of surgical treatment type.
Subject(s)
Humans , Classification , Forearm , Head , Linear Models , SynostosisABSTRACT
Congenital radioulnar synostosis can be a disabling state, especially if it is bilateral or fixed hyperpronation. The purpose of this study is to introduce the surgical technique in proximal radioulnar synostosis who needs surgical intervention. Our procedures included excision of synostosis, interposition of muscle flap using brachioradialis, anconeus or extensor carpi ulnaris muscles with vascular pedicle for prevention of re-ankylosis and biceps transfer to improve supination. From July 1994 to July 1996, we evaluated 8 cases in 6 patients who underwent these procedures. The average age was 7 years and average duration of follow up was 24 months. The fixed forearms with hyperpronation have gained average 40 degrees of range of rotation. Improvement in holding and using small objects, sports activities and daily living activities was observed in all cases. There were no significant complications including re-ankylosis during the follow-up periods. In conclusion, surgical treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis with these procedures is a reliable method that prevent re-ankylosis with providing forearm rotation.