Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the "Thumb Disability Exam - TDX" questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese / Tradução e adaptação cultural do questionário "Thumb Disability Exam - TDX" para o português brasileiro

Abstract Objective To perform the translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Thumb Disability Exam (TDX) questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese. Method The questionnaire was translated, with reverse translation. The translations were evaluated and synthesized by a committee, resulting in the THUMB DISABILITY EXAM - BRASIL (TDX-BR). A total of 31 patients diagnosed with rhizarthrosis were selected and answered the questionnaire. Quality parameters were evaluated, such as internal consistency, reproducibility and ceiling and floor effect. Results The questionnaires were translated and adapted according to defined protocols. Internal consistency, through the Cronbach α coefficient for the TDX-BR, was 0.962. The reliability of the questionnaire, through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC )also proved to be quite high, with κ = 0.953 (0.947-0.959). Agreement, measured using the standard error of measurement, remained with standard values < 5%. There was no ceiling and floor effect. Conclusion Through specific methodology, we consider TDX-BR as translated and valid for the Portuguese language of Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo Realizar a tradução, adaptação cultural e validação do questionário Thumb Disability Exam (TDX) para o português brasileiro. >Método O questionário foi traduzido, com tradução reversa. As traduções foram avaliadas e sintetizadas por um comitê, chegando ao THUMB DISABILITY EXAM - BRASIL (TDX-BR). Foram selecionados 31 pacientes com diagnóstico de rizartrose que responderam ao questionário. Foram avaliados parâmetros de qualidade, como consistência interna, reprodutibilidade e efeito teto e piso. Resultados Os questionários foram traduzidos e adaptados conforme protocolos definidos. A consistência interna, através do coeficiente α de Cronbach para o TDX-BR foi de 0,962. A confiabilidade do questionário, através do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) também se mostrou bastante elevada, com κ = 0,953 (0,947-0,959). A concordância, medida através do erro padrão de medição manteve-se com valores padronizados < 5%. Não houve efeito teto e piso. Conclusão Através de metodologia específica, consideramos o TDX-BR como traduzido e válido para a língua portuguesa do Brasil.

Luxación carpometacarpiana múltiple / Multiple carpometacarpal dislocation

Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 37 años que llegó al servicio de urgencias a raíz de traumatismo de alta energía (caída en bicicleta). Previa valoración inicial y una vez descartadas lesiones vitales. se objetiva dolor y deformidad en muñeca derecha, por lo que se realiza radiografía simple que demuestra una luxación carpometacarpiana de los cinco radios de la mano. Se procede a la reducción quirúrgica bajo anestesia y fijación interna, restableciendo la relación anatómica normal. La luxación carpometacarpiana es una lesión poco frecuente y en ocasiones difícil de diagnosticar por lo que puede pasar desapercibida. No existe una evidencia clara con respecto al método diagnóstico y tratamiento específico de éste tipo de lesiones. De todas formas, las recomendaciones son una correcta reducción y osteosíntesis articular para alcanzar un resultado satisfactorio y función de agarre

Trapeziectomy with Ligament Reconstruction and Interposition Arthroplasty Using the Palmaris Longus Tendon: An Average 5-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) with the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon is one of the most common procedures for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. We modified the LRTI, using the palmaris longus (PL) tendon instead of the FCR tendon. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy with our modified LRTI procedure at a mean follow-up of 5 years. METHODS: Fourteen thumbs in 13 patients (12 women) with a mean age of 64 years (range, 50 to 77 years) were available for assessment for a mean duration of 62 months (range, 41 to 97 months). The patients were evaluated subjectively and objectively. RESULTS: The modified LRTI procedure provided good pain relief, motion, strength, and stability without any severe complications related to the PL tendon harvesting. Radiography showed that compared to the preoperative status, the trapezial space decreased by about 40% at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The modified LRTI procedure provided significant subjective and objective improvements without severe complications particularly related to the harvesting of the PL tendon. This procedure is a valuable surgical option for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and could be a useful salvage modality if the FCR tendon ruptures during the conventional LRTI procedure.

Reporte de caso: luxación simultánea carpometacarpiana del pulgar y los cuatro dedos / Case report: simultaneous carpometacarpal dislocation of the thumb and four fingers / Relato de caso: deslocamento carpometacarpal simultâneo do polegar e quatro dedos

Introducción: Las luxaciones carpo-metacarpianas son lesiones poco frecuentes, que van del 0.5 al 1% de las luxaciones de los huesos de la mano. Siendo extremadamente infrecuente la luxación simultanea de los 5 dedos. Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es documentar una lesión poco frecuente producida en un paciente asistido en nuestro centro. Así como realizar una puesta a punto sobre las medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas de dicha lesión. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 63 años, diestro, artesano en hierro y madera, que sufre un accidente de tránsito de alta energía en moto versus auto, sufriendo traumatismo en mano derecha, sin presentar otros traumatismos. De la exploración física, en el departamento de emergencia, se constata la mano derecha dolorida con gran deformidad en dorso. Se diagnosticó: luxación dorsal carpo-metacarpiano de los 5 metacarpianos, con fractura del sector distal del trapecio, trapezoide, hueso grande y ganchoso. Se realizó reducción cerrada en block quirúrgico con anestesia general, siendo la reducción inestable se colocan agujas de Kirschner para su estabilización. Se confecciona, además, una férula de yeso de protección. Se solicitó una tomografía computada de control donde se objetiva buena reducción de las 5 articulaciones carpo-metacarpianas. Se retiraron las agujas de Kirschner a las 6 semanas. A los 3 meses de la lesión presenta una mano indolora, con buen rango de movilidad, con disminución a la fuerza prensil máxima comparada con la contralateral. El paciente reanuda sus tareas, incorporándose totalmente al trabajo a los 6 meses. Presenta, al año de la cirugía, un score de DASH excelente. Discusión: Las luxaciones de los 5 metacarpianos son lesiones extremadamente raras. Se han reportado en el mundo menos de 20 casos. A pesar de los elementos clínicos sugestivos, el diagnostico de esta lesión es difícil, siendo fundamental contar con un enfoque radiológico de perfil estricto de mano. Los resultados de esta lesión son inciertos, la función de la mano y la muñeca se mantiene pero frecuentemente asociado a una reducción de fuerza prensil. Este tipo de trauma lleva, en mayor o menor grado, al desarrollo de artrosis carpo metacarpiana a largo plazo.

Introduction: Carpometacarpal join dislocations, are really infrequent injuries, with an incidence that goes from 0,5 to 1% of all bone hand dislocations. Being extremely rare the simultaneous luxation of all five fingers. Objectives: Our work objective is to report a very infrequent injury found on a patient treated at our medical center. As well as getting up to date with diagnosis and treatment of such injury. Clinical case: A 63 year old male case is presented, right-handed, wood and iron artisan, who was involved in a high-impact car crush against a motorbike, suffering a trauma on his right hand, without any other injuries. At the emergency room, the physical examination showed a painful right hand deformed on the back. His diagnosis was dorsal carpometacarpal luxation of all 5 metacarpus, with a distal fracture of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate bones. A closed reduction at the surgical room was performed, with general anesthesia, being the reduction unstable therefore Kirschner needles were used for stabilization. A plaster cast was used for its protection. A control tomography was performed showing good reduction of all 5 carpometacarpal joints. Kirschner needles were taken out 6 weeks later, at which point the rehabilitation program was started with the physiatrist team. Three months after the injury, the hand was painless, with a good range of movement, a diminished maximum catching strength compared with the other hand. The patient restarted his usual chores, fully reincorporating to his job 6 months later. He presents an excellent DASH score one year after surgery. Discussion: Luxation of all 5 metacarpus is an extremely rare injury. It has been reported less than 20 cases worldwide. In spite of clinical suggestive elements, the diagnosis of this injury is quite difficult, being of great importance to count with x-rays with a straight profile incidence of the hand. The results of this injury are uncertain; the functionality of the hand and wrist is frequently sustained associated with a reduction of the catching strength. This type of trauma will end up developing in greater or lesser degree, long term carpometacarpal arthrosis.

Introdução: As luxações carpo-metacarpianas são lesões raras, variando de 0,5 a 1% das luxações dos ossos da mão. O deslocamento simultâneo dos 5 dedos é extremamente incomum. Objetivo: O objetivo do nosso trabalho é documentar uma lesão rara produzida em um paciente assistido em nosso centro. Bem como realizar um set-up nas medidas diagnósticas e terapêuticas da referida lesão. Caso clínico: O caso de um homem de 63 anos, destro, artesão em ferro e madeira, que sofre um acidente de motocicleta de alta energia em uma motocicleta contra um carro, sofrendo traumatismo em sua mão direita, sem apresentar outras lesões, é apresentado. A partir do exame físico no pronto-socorro, há uma dor na mão direita com grande deformidade nas costas. Foi diagnosticado: luxação metacarpal do dorsal do carpo dos 5 metacarpos, com fratura do setor trapézio distal, trapézio, osso grande e hamato. Uma redução fechada foi realizada em um bloco cirúrgico com anestesia geral, com a redução instável sendo colocada com fios K para estabilização. Uma tala de gesso protetora também é feita. Solicitou-se tomografia computadorizada de controle, onde foi observada boa redução das 5 articulações carpo-metacarpianas. Os fios de Kirschner foram removidos às 6 semanas. Aos 3 meses após a lesão, ele apresenta uma mão indolor, com boa amplitude de mobilidade, com diminuição da força preênsil máxima em comparação com a força contralateral. O paciente retoma suas tarefas, ingressando totalmente no trabalho aos 6 meses. Um excelente escore DASH é apresentado um ano após a cirurgia. Discussão: As luxações dos 5 metacarpos são lesões extremamente raras. Menos de 20 casos foram relatados no mundo. Apesar dos elementos clínicos sugestivos, o diagnóstico dessa lesão é difícil, sendo fundamental a abordagem radiológica do perfil estrito da mão. Os resultados dessa lesão são incertos, a função da mão e do punho é mantida, mas freqüentemente associada a uma redução na força de preensão. Este tipo de trauma leva, em maior ou menor grau, ao desenvolvimento de artrose metacarpal do carpo a longo prazo.

Evaluation of Anti-Subsidence Effect of Abductor Pollicis Longus Suspensionplasty in Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-subsidence effect of suspensionplasty using abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon in carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis of the thumb. METHODS: From June 2009 to May 2016, hematoma distraction arthroplasty (HDA; group A, 10 cases) and HDA with suspensionplasty using APL tendon (group B, 7 cases) were performed in total 17 patients with CMC arthritis. The K-wire was fixed from 1st metacarpal to 2nd metacarpal in both group to maintain the empty space for 6 weeks until the fibrous tissue fill the space. We measured the preoperative trapezium space height with picture archiving and communication (PACS) system and compare the height with that was measured postoperatively. Additionally the subsidence rate checked sequentially with follow-up plain radiography. RESULTS: The subsidence ratios (subsidence/trapezium height) were average 33.2% in group A and 31.4% in group B. There is no statistical difference between two groups. Six weeks after pin removal almost of subsidence occurred, and then from 3 months after surgery to 6 months after surgery, few subsidence was occurred and it is average only 8% of total subsidence. The trial of distraction the empty space when perform the Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, it does not influence the prevention of subsidence. Between distraction height and subsidence, there was no statistical relevance. CONCLUSION: Although suspensionplasty was known as one of methods to prevent the subsidence, it is thought to be not very helpful method to prevent subsidence of thumb in CMC arthritis.

Acute Dislocation of the Metacarpal-Trapezoid Joint

The trapezoid metacarpal dislocation is a rare event. In the literature, it is found in case reports. This injury is caused by direct or indirect high energy trauma. In most cases, the dislocation is dorsal and is difficult to reproduce because the joint is not very mobile. Given the low incidence and little evidence supported in the literature regarding the management, this injury can be treated by open or closed reduction; however, it has been published that most authors use Kirschner wire fixation with good results. Here we present our experience in the management of a male patient with acute trapezoid metacarpal dislocation handled with a splint with good functional results at 6 weeks.

Acute Dislocation of the Metacarpal-Trapezoid Joint

The trapezoid metacarpal dislocation is a rare event. In the literature, it is found in case reports. This injury is caused by direct or indirect high energy trauma. In most cases, the dislocation is dorsal and is difficult to reproduce because the joint is not very mobile. Given the low incidence and little evidence supported in the literature regarding the management, this injury can be treated by open or closed reduction; however, it has been published that most authors use Kirschner wire fixation with good results. Here we present our experience in the management of a male patient with acute trapezoid metacarpal dislocation handled with a splint with good functional results at 6 weeks.

Chronic Instability of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb after Trauma: A Report of 3 Cases

Posttraumatic instability of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb are rarely reported. Consequently little is known about clinical and radiologic diagnosis, natural progress or treatment method. We report three cases of chronic instability of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb treated with Eaton and Littler's ligament reconstruction. Satisfactory thumb functions were restored without arthritic change or recurrent subluxation.

Metacarpal Extension Osteotomy for Mild Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: Retrospective Long-Term Outcomes / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We report clinical and radiologic outcomes after metacarpal extension osteotomy for mild osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2008, 11 patients were diagnosed with mild thumb carpometacarpal arthritis (Eaton stage I, II), and extension osteotomies were performed. Of these, seven patients with at least 6 years follow-up were analyzed retrospectively. Male to female ratio was 2:5, and mean age at time of surgery was 38.9 years old. Symptom onset period was a mean of 11.2 months. Two patients were I, and five patients were II in Eaton stage. Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scale (DASH) scores were 3.7 points (3-4 points), and 40.1 points (32-51 points). Radial abduction was 38.5degrees (30degrees-45degrees), and volar abduction was 42.1degrees (40degrees-45degrees). Grip strengths and pinch powers, compared with the normal contralateral side were 82% (64%-90%) and 72% (40%-100%), respectively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8.5 years, and all patients except one maintained their occupational activity during the follow-up period. Final VAS and DASH scores were 0.7 points (0-2 points) and 11.7 points (8-16 points), respectively, and were statistically significant. Volar abduction, grip strengths, and pinch power were improved to 45degrees (40degrees-50degrees), 92.3% (73%-117%), and 94.4% (75%-117%) with statistical significances. In five patients, Eaton stages did not change, and two patients advanced to the next stage (stage I to II in one patient, stage II to III in one patient). CONCLUSION: Among the various treatment options for mild thumb carpometacarpal arthritis, metacarpal extension osteotomy may be considered as an effective treatment.

Results of Abductor Pollicis Longus Suspension Ligamentoplasty for Treatment of Advanced First Carpometacarpal Arthritis

BACKGROUND: Suspension ligamentoplasty using abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon without bone tunneling, was introduced as one of the techniques for treatment of advanced first carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of APL suspension ligamentoplasty. METHODS: The medical records of 19 patients who underwent APL suspension ligamentoplasty for advanced first CMC arthritis between January 2008 and May 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 13 female and 6 male patients, whose mean age was 62 years (range, 43 to 82 years). For clinical evaluation, we assessed the grip and pinch power, radial and volar abduction angle, thumb adduction (modified Kapandji index), including visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Radiologic evaluation was performed using simple radiographs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 19 to 73.7 months). Mean power improved from 18.3 to 27 kg for grip power, from 2.8 to 3.5 kg for tip pinch, and from 4.3 to 5.4 kg for power pinch. All patients showed decreased VAS from 7.2 to 1.7. Radial abduction improved from 71degrees preoperatively to 82degrees postoperatively. The modified Kapandji index showed improvement from 6 to 7.3, and mean DASH was improved from 41 to 17.8. The height of the space decreased from 10.8 to 7.1 mm. Only one case had a complication involving temporary sensory loss of the first dorsal web space, which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: The APL suspension ligamentoplasty for treatment of advanced first CMC arthritis yielded satisfactory functional results.

Carpometacarpal Joint Fracture Dislocation of Second to Fifth Finger

BACKGROUND: Carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation of the second to fifth finger is a rare hand injury associated with high energy trauma. Due to severe swelling and overlapping of bones on the radiograph of wrist-hand, dislocations are missed. We reported a series of six patients with rare carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation treated with open reduction. METHODS: We retrospectively studied six cases of carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire. Functional assessment was done with Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (Quick DASH score) at regular intervals. RESULTS: Average Quick DASH score was improved from 75.76 to 1.9 from 6 weeks to 18 months of duration. Of the six patients, three patients had a Quick DASH score of 0 at the end of 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Careful hand examination and radiographic assessment is necessary to avoid missed diagnosis of carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation. Early open reduction and internal fixation lead to excellent recovery of hand function.

Sensory Neuropathy of the Common Palmar Digital Nerve Caused by Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts that arise from the palm and compress the median nerve are rarely reported. Previous studies have described ganglion cysts compressing the motor branch of the median nerve, but no reports have described sensory neuropathy of the common palmar digital nerve as a result of ganglion cysts. We present a case of sensory neuropathy similar to carpal tunnel syndrome caused by a ganglion cyst that originated from the second carpometacarpal joint.

Multiple volar dislocations of the carpometacarpal joints with an associated fracture of the first metacarpal base / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Multiple volar dislocations of carpometacarpal (CMC) joints are uncommon and have been reported rarely. A 25 years old male presented with injury to his left hand 6 days following a road traffic accident. Clinical examination revealed gross swelling of the hand and diffuse tenderness over the carpometacarpal area. His radiographs of the hand showed volar dislocation of the second, third and fourth CMC joints in association with an extra-articular fracture of the base of thumb metacarpal. He was treated by open reduction and percutaneous fixation using Kirschner wires. The functional results were excellent at one year follow-up.

Ligament reconstruction with tendon interposition arthroplasty for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Ligament reconstruction tendon interposition (LRTI) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to examine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of LRTI arthroplasty and document the clinical results based on metacarpal subsidence.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2008 to January 2011, 19 patients (21 thumbs) underwent surgery for thumb carpometacarpal arthritis using ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty with flexor carpi radialis (FCR) in Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center of Louisville University, USA. The follow-up period was an average of 13.9 months. Pain, grip strength, tip pinch strength, range of motion, and radiographic measurements were recorded. Based on first metacarpal subsidence, the cases were classified in to mild, moderate, and severe. Clinical outcomes of the groups were evaluated and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Grip strength improved from 18.6 kg to 20.5 kg, and tip pinch strength increased from 4.4 kg to 4.5 kg after the surgery. Radial abduction and palmar abduction improved after surgery. Radial abduction increased from 55.7° to 60.6° and palmar abduction improved from 56.7° to 63.5° after the procedure. Visual analogue scores (VAS) were significantly reduced, from 6.6 to 0.5. Compared with the preoperative radiographs the first metacarpal had subsided about 54.6% of the arthroplasty space. The height of arthroplasty space and index of the arthroplasty space significantly decreased from 12.4 mm to 5.6 mm and from 0.27 to 0.12 respectively. Between the various groups (mild, moderate and severe metacarpal subsidence), there was no difference in grip strength, tip pinch strength, thumb range of motion, and VAS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ligament reconstruction tendon interposition arthroplasty resulted in excellent relief of pain and increase in range of motion. However, LRTI cannot maintain the arthroplasty space. Compared with the preoperative radiographs, the metacarpal subsided more than 50%. The amount of first metacarpal subsidence has no bearing on the results.</p>

Atypical Bennett's fracture-dislocation

We herein report an unusual case of a fracture-dislocation of the thumb metacarpal base. The injury consisted of features typical of Bennett's fracture-dislocation of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint, with additional rotation of the proximal fragment, signifying a greater ligamentous injury. Radiographic features of this injury are discussed together with its pathomechanics. Surgical management was undertaken due to the inherent instability of this injury.

Tratamento da rizartrose: atualização / Rhizarthrosis treatment: up to date

A osteoartrite é a forma mais prevalente de artrite e a maior causa de incapacidade em pessoas com mais de 65 anos. Quando essa doença acomete as mãos, em especial o polegar, implica em grande impacto na qualidade de vida, uma vez que afeta diretamente a habilidade do indivíduo em executar as atividades de vida diária. Devido à importância da articulação carpometacarpal, a qual forma a vase do polegar e a alta prevalência de osteoartrite nessa articulação (assim chamada de rizartrose), propomos uma atualização sobre os diferentes aspectos de abordagem terapêutica.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent articular disorder and the biggest cuase of disability in population over 65 years. These disorder can attack hand, specially the thumb, and these disease can affect the hability of perform dairly activities. Due to the thumb importance for the hand in our health related quality of life, the aim of this study is to review the different treatment aspects.

Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Base Arthrodesis for Posttraumatic Arthritis of Fifth Carpometacarpal Joint

Posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth carpometacarpal joint occurs as a sequelae of intraarticular comminuted fracture or missed and untreated fracture. If it is inappropriately managed, persistent pain and functional disability of the hand can occur. Arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, or interposition arthroplasty has been reported as the treatment for the arthritis. However, outcome studies for operative treatment of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis have been rarely reported. We report a case of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis occurred after missed fracture, which was successfully treated with fourth, fifth metacarpal base arthrodesis.

[Effect of prefabricated and custom- made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis]

The first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis reduced the ability of upper limb in elderly with subsequent disability in physical activities. This study was carried out to determine the effect of prefabricated and custom-made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. This quasi-experimental study was done on 24 elderly [>60 years of age] patients with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis and 12 matched healthy subjects in Tehran rehabilitation University during 2010-11. Patients assigned randomly in two groups with 8 weeks treatment period, prefabricated thumb and custom-made splints. Persian version of The Short Form 36 quastioner [SF36] was used to assess the quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and paired t-test. There were significant differences between osteoarthritis patients and healthy subjects in the quality of life according to SF36 score physical health problem [P<0.05], general health [P<0.05], limitations of activities [P<0.05], emotional health problem [P<0.05], social activities [P<0.05], pain [P<0.05], energy and emotions [P<0.05]. Using splints significantly improved the quality of life of patients, but there was no significant difference between two splints in improving the quality of life. Prefabricated and custom-made splint improve quality of life in elderly patient with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

Bilateral Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocations of the Thumb

A traumatic carpometacarpal joint dislocation of the thumb accounts for less than 1% of all hand injuries. Optimal treatment strategies for this injury are still a subject of debate. In this article, we report a case of bilateral thumb carpometacarpal joint dislocations: a unique combination of injuries. We believe our case is the second report of bilateral carpometacarpal joint dislocation regarding the thumb in English literature. It was successfully treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation on one side, and an open reduction and reconstruction of the ligament on the other side.

Volar Ligament Reconstruction or Trapeziectomy for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis treated either by volar ligament reconstruction or trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2004 to January 2011, we treated 43 patients with thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis by volar ligament reconstruction in stages I and II, and by trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty in stages III and IV. Out of the 43, we evaluated 19 patients (9 treated by volar ligament reconstruction, 10 treated by trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty) at an average of 36.8 months (range: 8 to 65 months) after surgery. Outcome measures included pain visual analogue scale (VAS), ranges of motion, and grip and pinch strengths. RESULTS: The mean VAS was 1.2 in the volar ligament reconstruction group and 2.0 in the trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty group at final follow-up. The ligament reconstruction group had significantly better thumb radial abduction and opposition ranges of motion, and key grip strength. No further radiographic arthritic changes were noted in the ligament reconstruction group at a mean follow-up of 39 months. CONCLUSION: The authors obtained satisfactory pain control in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis by volar ligament reconstruction for stages I-II and trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty for stages III-IV.