Modified Transosseous Wiring Technique for Neglected Fracture–Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

BACKGROUND: Fracture–dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the finger is challenging due to the high risk of stiffness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a modified transosseous wiring technique for the management of chronic fracture–dislocations of the PIP joint. METHODS: Ten patients (nine men and one woman; mean age, 38.3 years; range, 21 to 69 years) with neglected fracture–dislocation of the PIP joint were included. The mean duration from injury to operation was 14.7 weeks (range, 3 to 66 weeks). The dorsolateral approach and extension block pinning were used to reduce dislocation. After thorough debridement of the scar tissues in the dorsal dead space and the fracture site, the reduction was maintained with transosseous wiring. Radiologic evaluations of bone union and arthritic changes and clinical evaluations (range of motion of the PIP joint and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score) were performed. The mean follow-up period was 12.9 months (range, 12 to 19 months). RESULTS: All patients demonstrated evidence of radiographic healing within a mean healing time of 6 weeks (range, 4 to 10 weeks); however, one had a widened gap and one had an early arthritic change. The mean range of motion in the PIP joint was 81° (range, 50° to 105°). The mean DASH score was 21.6 (range, 7.5 to 35.8). CONCLUSIONS: For chronic fracture–dislocation of the PIP joint, transosseous wiring with direct curettage and optimal bone purchase can provide satisfying outcome.

Single Stage Reduction Operation for Treatment of Toe Macrodactyly in Skeletally Immature Patients / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Macrodactyly is one of the most difficult congenital anomalies to treat. Treatment of macrodactyly requires surgical intervention because it gives rise to esthetic, social, and functional disability including difficulty in wearing shoes. A myriad of surgical techniques has been introduced to reduce the size of macrodactyly. However, treatment of toe macrodactyly has not been spotlighted due to less significant functional and social issues compared with finger macrodactyly. We treated two patients with toe macrodactyly by single stage reduction operation.

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.

Current Approaches for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

With advancement in biomechanical and biological research on idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, the insight on the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome has gained much clinical relevance. Open carpal tunnel release is still a gold standard procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome, which has evolved into mini-open procedure with development of new devices. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release has become popular in recent practice of hand surgery with an advantage of early recovery of hand function with minimal morbidity. However, endoscopic carpal tunnel release has its own limitation such as long learning curve with obvious surgical risk reported in the literature. In this review article, various treatment protocols for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome are presented with special highlight on endoscopic carpal tunnel release, which is gaining popularity in current practice.

Surgical Release of the First Extensor Compartment for Refractory de Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Surgical Findings and Functional Evaluation Using DASH Scores

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated surgical outcomes in patients with refractory de Quervain's disease using validated outcome measures. We assessed the clinical outcomes of dorsal release of the first extensor compartment for the treatment of de Quervain's disease using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. METHODS: From October 2003 to May 2009, we retrospectively evaluated 33 patients (3 men and 30 women) who underwent surgical treatment for de Quervain's disease. All patients had a positive Finkelstein test and localized tenderness over the first dorsal compartment. All operations were performed under local anesthesia. A 2-cm-long transverse skin incision was made over the first extensor compartment and the dorsal retinaculum covering the extensor pollicis brevis was incised longitudinally. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included the use of DASH score, Finkelstein test, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: In 18 patients (55%), the extensor pollicis brevis tendon compartment was separated from the abductor pollicis longus compartment. Eight patients had intracompartmental ganglia in the extensor pollicis brevis subcompartment. All patients except one had negative sign on Finkelstein test at the last follow-up. The average VAS score decreased from 7.42 preoperatively to 1.33 postoperatively (p < 0.05), and DASH score was improved from 53.2 to 3.45 (p < 0.05). There were no postoperative complications such as subluxation of the tendon of the first dorsal compartment or injury to the sensory branch of the radial nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Intracompartment ganglia and the separate septum of extensor pollicis brevis are often related to de Quervain's disease. The release of the first extensor compartment for refractory de Quervain's disease resulted in good clinical outcomes with minimal morbidity.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Ulnar Nerve Schwannoma: A Case Report

As a rare cause of cubital tunnel syndrome, we report a case of cubital tunnel syndrome caused by Schwannoma of the ulnar nerve. Enucleation and subcutaneous anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve resulted in complete relief of the patient's symptoms.

Neurilemmoma in the Digital Nerve: 8 cases

As a rare cause of tumor in hand, we report eight cases of neurilemmoma in the digital nerve. Enucleation of the neurilemmoma under the microscopy resulted in complete relief of the symptoms at the latest follow-up.

The Effects of Partial Wrist Denervation on Chronic Wrist Pain

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate analgesic benefit, patient satisfaction, range of motion and grip power of the patients after partial wrist denervation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 12 patients with chronic wrist pain treated with partial denervation. Mean age of the patients was 65 years. The leading cause of the pain was Kienbock's disease (7 cases). Berger's partial denervation technique was used, in which distal branches of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerve were resected through dorsal longitudinal incision. We recorded visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and range of motion and grip power for functional evaluation. RESULTS: Preoperative VAS for pain decreased from a mean of 6.1 to 1.5 during early postoperative period and 2.3 at the final follow-up (p<0.01). Flexion-extension and grip power improved significantly after surgery. All the patients could return to their daily activity. Ten patients (83%) showed satisfaction. CONCLUSION: It seems that partial denervation for chronic pain of the wrist is an easy technique that can provide satisfactory pain relief with preserving the wrist motion.

Dislocation of the Extensor Tendon over the Metacarpophalangeal Joint

PURPOSE: We analyzed the results of treatment of dislocation of the extensor tendons over the metacarpophalangeal joints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients who had received treatment for dislocation of the extensor tendons over the metacarpophalangeal joint were reviewed. Ten patients had traumatic dislocations, two had spontaneous dislocations, and one had congenital dislocation. The long finger was most frequently affected. The other fingers were affected almost equally. Displacement of the extensor tendon always occurred in the ulnar direction in the long and ring fingers. The index and little fingers exhibited different patterns of dislocation. RESULTS: Nonsurgical treatment was undertaken in two cases. Surgery was performed in 11 cases. No recurrent dislocations were reported in any of the patients. Conculsions: Based on our experience, patients seen within 2 weeks of injury initially should be treated with splinting of the involved metacarpophalangeal joint. Chronic dislocations should be treated with a primary repair of the defect in the sagittal band. When the sagittal band is absent or deficient, the tendon must be stabilized using a loop procedure with a tendon slip.

Crescent Fracture-dislocation of Sacroiliac Joint: Affecting Factors of Operative Results

PURPOSE: To assess the affecting factors of results after the operation of Crescent fracture-dislocation in sacro-iliac joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 19 patients (mean age, 47.4 year-old) of open reduction and internal fixation for Crescent fracture-dislocation, there were seven type I, 9 type II, and 3 type III fractures according to Day's classification. We assessed affecting factors of radiological and functional results, such as patients' ages, surgical approaches, the fixation extent of pelvic ring, and fracture patterns. RESULTS: Seventeen of 19 cases united at 14.5 weeks in average, and 2 non-unions occurred with the fixation failure of posterior ring. Satisfactory results were 14 and 15 in radiological and functional evaluation, respectively. In complications, three cases of leg length discrepancy were from an imperfect reduction and two fixation failures. Surgical approach did not show any difference of results, but all cases of unsatisfactory reduction occurred from posterior ring fixation through the anterior approach. Fixation of both rings seemed to have satisfactory results, comparing to posterior ring only. Older patients over 60 year-old had more complications and a tendency to show an unsatisfactory result. CONCLUSION: In operative treatment of Crescent fracture-dislocation of sacro-iliac joint, it is better to fix both anterior and posterior rings. But, caution is needed to prevent complications in old-aged patients.

Arthroscopic Evaluation on Intra-Articular Pathology in Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation Aged Over 40 Years

PURPOSE: This study is to analyze the prevalence of various intra-articular lesions in patients with traumatic recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder over 40 years and suggest clinical implications for treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 16 cases that underwent surgical treatment for recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder from January 2001 to May 2009. There were 9 males and 7 females, and the mean age was 52.7years. We carried out arthroscopic exam for all patients based on standard protocol, which included labrum, capular lesion, cuff, bony lesions. RESULTS: All 16 cases showed Hill-Sachs lesion, 3 patients (19%) had bony Bankart lesion, 6 patients (38%) had labral tear. Capsular tear were found 15 patients (94%). Twelve (75%) had ruptured supraspinatus and 5 (31%) had subscapularis tear. Only one (6%) had SLAP lesion. CONCLUSION: There was relatively higher incidence of capsular and rotator cuff tears in patients over age 40 years. Preoperative planning to address these lesions is highly recommended.

Complications after Trauma Around the Elbow Joint

PURPOSE: The elbow joint is one of the most stable joints. Dislocation and fracture can occur in elbow joint most commonly next to shoulder joint. Various injuries can occur according to generated mechanism, age of patient and impact. Despite proper treatment, various complications can occur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe etiology and treatment of these complications after elbow trauma such as stiffness, instability and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Malunion, nonunion and traumatic arthritis are addressed as a possible complication after fracture around elbow joint.

Correlation between Maximal Inclination of Sliding Rehabilitation Machine and Gait Parameters

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between variables measured by sliding rehabilitation machine and gait parameters in hemiplegic stroke patients. METHOD: Thirty-two patients with hemiplegia due to stroke were included in this study. Maximal inclinations of sliding rehabilitation machine where each patient could extend their knee and plantarflex their ankle, and the ratio of the load in affected lower limb to total body weight were measured. Clinical parameters such as functional ambulation classification, 10 meter walking time, timed up and go test, Berg balance scale, modified Barthel index, and manual muscle test were evaluated. We investigated correlations betweenvariables measured by sliding rehabilitation machine and gait parameters using Pearson test. RESULTS: Maximal inclination of sliding rehabilitation machine and the ratio of the load in affected lower limb to total body weight were significantly correlated with almost all measured clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: Sliding rehabilitation machine could be a useful and objective method to measure the closed kinetic chain strength and function of affected lower limb including gait in patients with hemiplegia due to stroke.

Anterior Plating and Ilio-sacral Screwing for Unstable Pelvic Injury / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of iliosacral screw fixation with anterior plating in the management of an unstable pelvic ring injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with an unstable pelvic ring injury were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. The mean age of the patients was 43 years. According to the AO-OTA classification, there were five B2 injuries, 11 C1 injuries, and 3 C2 injuries. After anterior fixation by plating, ilio-sacral screw fixation was performed percutaneously under the C-arm guide. RESULTS: All cases united except for 1 case of nonunion at the pubic ramus. The radiology results showed 9, 7, 2 and 1 case of anatomic, nearly anatomic, moderate and poor reduction, respectively. Sixteen out of 19 patients had a good or excellent functional result. Two moderate and one poor result were from an unsatisfactory reduction in a type C injury with the residual neurological signs. Screw misplacement with neurological compromise occurred in one patient but there were no adverse sequelae after its removal. Regarding the complications, there were two cases of screw loosening, two cases of anterior metal failures, and 1 case of a deep infection. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ilio-sacral screwing with anterior plating may be a useful method for treating unstable pelvic ring injuries, and the reduction quality and neurological signs are important.

Fixation Failure of LCP during the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the causative factors in the catastrophic failure of LCP in the proximal humerus fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients (6 cases) were collected between October 2003 and July 2005. The mean age was 55.6 years (range: 38~70). The cause of injury was road traffic accident in four, fall down in one and slip down in one. According to the Neer classification, four were 2 part fractures, each one in 3 part fracture and 4 part fracture. RESULTS: Fixation failure occurred due to back-out of the plate and screw in five and plate breakage in one. Analysis of the preoperative radiographs revealed medial cortical defect in all and no bone graft and tension band wiring in the greater tuberosity fragment were carried out. Postoperative radiographs showed the anatomical reduction in three and non-anatomical in three. CONCLUSION: Non-anatomical reduction, insufficient medial bony buttress, inadequate screw length to the head and the neglect for the greater tuberosity fragment were the contributing factors to the failure of LCP. Knowledge of these factors will enable the surgeon to avoid failure of the LCP. Augmentation fixation and bone graft procedures with careful preoperative planning are necessary for successful fixation of LCP.

Factors Influencing the Result of Transverse Acetabular Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To review the results and factors affecting the surgical treatment of transverse acetabular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 15 cases of transverse fractures with an average follow-up period of 43 months (mean age, 46.6 years), there were 8 cases with and 7 cases without posterior wall fractures. Seven cases included those with a comminution of the weight-bearing dome. The post-operative radiographic results were evaluated using Matta's criteria. The final clinical results were evaluated using a modified Merle d'Aubigne scoring system. RESULTS: All the fractures united. The average time for fracture healing was 17.5 weeks. The post-operative radiology results revealed 6 cases with an anatomic reduction, 5 cases with an imperfect reduction, and 4 cases with a poor reduction. The clinical results showed nine cases with satisfactory results but 6 cases with unsatisfactory results. Regarding complications, there were 4 cases with traumatic osteoarthritis and 3 cases with heterotropic ossification. The cases of an anatomic reduction showed a higher rate of satisfactory results. The comminution of the transverse fracture appeared to have an adverse influence on the radiological results after surgery, and also appeared to correlate with the development of traumatic arthritis. CONCLUSION: Transverse acetabular fractures, if not reduced anatomically, may have a tendency toward traumatic osteoarthritis and a poor clinical outcome. Comminution of the dome may produce a poor outcome.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Comminuted Subtrochanteric Fracture of the Femur

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with comminuted subtrochanteric femoral fractures using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with a mean age of 38.2 years, who sustained comminuted subtrochanteric femoral fractures, were treated using MIPO technique. All patients suffered these fractures either from traffic accidents (6) or falls from height (6). Average follow-up was 4.3 years (range, 29~78 months). Patients were assessed radiographically and clinically with regards to time to union, malunion, and complications. According to the Seinsheimer's classification, there were 1 type III, 7 type IV, and 4 type V. Type C fractures were ten according to AO-OTA classification. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 7 of 12 cases, in an average of 23.4 weeks (range, 12~42 weeks). Three definite non-unions with implant failures, needed the procedure of implant change and bone graft. In other two patients, early bone graft was performed for anticipated nonunion of comminuted area. The most common complication was metal failures (2 plate failures and 3 screw breakages). Limb length shortening of 1.5 cm occurred in one patient, and external rotation malunion of 15 degrees was noted in one patient. No patients developed infection. CONCLUSION: Preserving biology of the fracture fragments, the use of MIPO technique using DCS has proven to be less successful in comminuted subtrochanteric fractures, comparing to fractures in other areas. To avoid mechanical failure, the careful and protective weight bearing is needed until the callus-bridging is seen in the commniuted area.

A Biomechanical Advantage of the Lengthening with an External Fixator Over an Intramedullary Nail: An Experimental Study in Saw Bones and Cadeveric Bones

PURPOSE: To know biomechanical differences in methods of limb lengthening between using monolateral external fixator and using external fixator over an intramedullary nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In acryl rods, saw-bone, and cadeveric bone, we created two lengthening models of using monolateral external fixator and using external fixator over an intramedullary nail. The axial compression test was done on the site of osteotomy for lengthening. To fix the models, half pins of 5 mm in diameter and nails of 9 mm in diameter were used. Using MTS (Material Test System) machine, we evaluated the differences of axial stiffness according to the presence of an intramedullary nail or the numbers of half-pins which were fixed at each side of osteotomy. RESULTS: Lengthening over an intramedullary nail, comparing to monolateral external fixator only, increased the axial stiffness by 1.1~1.2 times in acryl rods, 1.2~1.6 times in saw bones, and 15.6~15.9 times in cadeveric bones when the same numbers of half-pins were used. In saw bone and cadaveric bone, the group of two half pins in lengthening over an intramedullary nail was stiffer than the group of three pins in lengthening with monolateral external fixator. CONCLUSION: In the distraction of the limb, the addition of an intramedullary nail may increase the axial stiffness of the frame of monolateral external fixator. In lengthening over an intramedullary nail, it is enough to distract the bone with fixing two half pins at each sides of osteotomy.

Osteoarthritis of the Elbow with Ulnar Neuropathy; Outerbridge-Kashiwagi Procedure through Posteromedial Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Elbow osteoarthritis with ulnar neuropathy was treated by a modified posteromedial approach, for decompression/transposition of the ulnar nerve and simultaneously with an Outerbridge-Kashiwagi procedure. The clinical result with these operative techniques is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Average age of the patients was 51, which including 9 male and 2 female. There were 8 manual workers and one each of a clerk, a merchant and a house wife. The ulnar neuropathy was evaluated by the McGowan grading; one grade I, 4 grade II and 6 grade III. RESULTS: The ulnar nerve symptoms were relieved in all patients; 3 McGowan grade I, 5 grade II and 3 grade III, postoperatively. The pain subsided in all patients, with the exception of in one. The average range of motion was improved from 22.5-124degrees to 11.5-128.5degrees. CONCLUSION: A modified posteromedial approach is an effective method for both ulnar nerve decompression and the OK procedure, and provides an effective functional outcome.

High Ulnar Nerve Palsy by the Arcade of Struthers in the Elbow: Report of 2 Cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The arcade of Struthers has been described as a possible cause of ulnar nerve compression in the elbow. This paper reports two cases of ulnar neuropathy caused by the arcade of Struthers. These observations demonstrated the importance of evaluation of the arcade of Struthers in atypical high ulnar nerve palsy.