Total Elbow Arthroplasty in the Context of an Olecranon Nonunion: A Surgical Technique and Report of Three Cases.

The deficiency of the triceps tendon has been considered a relative contraindication to performing a total elbow arthroplasty. One of the conditions that may compromise triceps integrity is the presence of an olecranon non-union (ON). In this scenario, the placement of a total elbow arthroplasty in a patient with end-stage elbow arthritis is a complex problem to be solved. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique for the placement of a TEA in the context of a previous ON and to report the results of three cases. Surgical technique: the focus of the nonunion is identified, and the olecranon fragment is proximally reflected with the triceps tendon to allow accurate exposure of the medullary canal of the ulna and easy access to the joint. With the elbow in a fully flexed position, the previously assembled test prosthesis is placed and the proximal ulna fragment should then be reduced to match the distal ulna. Osteosynthesis with a tension band technique was performed at 45° of elbow extension. A non-absorbable Krackow suture (Ti-Cron 2-0) from the triceps's tendon to the hole of the wire in the distal ulna is applied to decrease the triceps tension traction. Bone grafting is performed when a persistent gap is present at the fracture site following reduction. This technique enables us to achieve a stable elbow with little pain and maintains the extensor apparatus's continuity.

Description of unusual osteochondral laminar fragment patterns in Distal Radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the most common fractures and, frequently, surgical treatment is mandatory in the presence of an intra-articular fracture. However, there are some unusual intra-articular fracture patterns, were it remains challenging to properly recognize and anatomically reconstruct the articular surface. The objective of the present study is to describe an intra-articular fracture pattern of the distal radius characterized by the presence of osteochondral laminar fragments, which could potentially require a different treatment to standard stabilization. We aim to answer the following questions: (1) What are the radiological characteristics of intra-articular DRFs with osteochondral laminar fragments (OCLF), (2) What is the prevalence of DRFs with OCLF relative to all intra-articular surgical DRFs, (3) What are the differences in epidemiological characteristics of patients with OCLF in relation to all patients with intra-articular DRFs, (4) What is the prevalence of intra-articular DRFs with OCLF in patients belonging to a closed community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed radiological and tomographic records of all adult patients operated on distal radius fractures at our institution. We analyzed tomographic characteristics; prevalence of osteochondral laminar fragments relative to all intra-articular surgical distal radius fractures and compared clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with osteochondral laminar fragments in relation to all patients with intra-articular fractures. RESULTS: Two main groups according to the fracture pattern were described: group I, volar rim impacted OCLF (vOCLF); and group II, central impacted OCLF (cOCLF). Prevalence of OCLF relative to surgical intra-articular DRFs: 42/989 (4.2%); group I: 23/989 (2.32%); group II: 19/989 (1.92%). Characteristics of patients with OCLF compared to all patients with intra-articular DRFs: Significant differences were found in the five variables evaluated (age, less than 65 years, female, high energy fracture, and associated fractures). The global prevalence of DRFs with OCLF in patients affiliated with the medical care insurance system of our institution was 2 per 10,000 individuals (95% CI 1.4 to 2.9). DISCUSSION: Global prevalence of these fragments relative to surgical intra-articular fractures was very low. However, despite being epidemiologically rare, it is important to identify these specific fracture patterns because their treatment can be challenging. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (Observational/Descriptive); Cross sectional study.

Time until union in absolute vs. relative stability MIPO plating in simple humeral shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of absolute stability (AS) versus relative stability (RS) performed through a minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in AO/OTA 12A1 and 12A2 fractures on healing and the time to radiographic union. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients treated with plate fixation for AO/OTA type 12A1-A2 fractures at a single institution. Patients were grouped according to the type of stability used in their surgery. Time until radiographic union was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, which was compared by long-rank test between both types of surgical techniques. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included in this study with 35 patients in each group. The median follow-up was 9 (IQR 6-14) months. The median time to radiographic union was significantly lower in the AS group than in the RS group: 12 (interquartile range (IQR) 10-14) weeks versus 18 (IQR 16-19) weeks, respectively (p < 0.001). Non-union was seen in two cases (7%) in the relative stability group. Three patients in the RS group developed a post-operative radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: The main finding of this study is that the median time to radiographic union was significantly shorter in the patients treated with AS compared to those with a RS technique. These findings support the recommendations of the AO foundation in that simple metaphyseal fractures (type A) that require surgical treatment should be treated with an AS construct. RS techniques should be reserved to multifragmentary fractures where fragment preservation of blood supply is paramount.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis: Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy using the Thenar Portal.

BACKGROUND: Although the standard 1Radial and 1Ulnar portals allow for visualisation of most of the trapezium articular surface, the proximity of these two portals can often make arthroscopic triangulation and visualisation of the most lateral capsule and joint surface challenging. Despite its already reported advantages in improving visualisation, there is little literature reporting the clinical experience with the Thenar Portal. The purpose of this study is to describe potential complications and the short-term clinical-radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy using the Thenar Portal in order to determine its safety and efficacy as a standard working portal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients diagnosed with first carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis who were treated surgically with an arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy. Only patients with stage II or III osteoarthritis and a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. Twenty-two patients (24 thumbs) with an average age of 62 years met the inclusion criteria. The average follow-up was 52 months. Intra-operative and post-surgical complications were recorded. Objective evaluation consisted of an assessment of range of motion (ROM), grip and pinch strength. Subjective evaluation consisted of a DASH questionnaire and the visual analog scale to score pain at rest, during activities, and function. RESULTS: There were no intra- or post-surgical complications. In one case, pain persisted with a poor functional result, requiring a revision surgery. Average range of motion (compared with the contralateral) showed a statistically significant improvement in palmar abduction and radial abduction of the CMC joint: 50° vs. 55° (p=0.01235), and 50° vs. 55° (p=0.06009), respectively. There was no statistically significant improvement in thumb adduction, grip strength, or lateral and tip-pinch. All patients achieved retropulsion with their affected thumb. According to the VAS, average rest pain improved from 7.5 to 0 (p<0.001) and from 9 to 0 (p<0.001) during activity. The average final function and QuickDASH were 9 (VAS) and 8, respectively (p<0.001). The average radiographic proximal migration of the first metacarpal was 2.9mm (range: 0.7-5.8mm). DISCUSSION: Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy using the Thenar portal: 1) improved visualisation of the trapeziometacarpal joint, 2) facilitated arthroscopic triangulation, and 3) represents a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of thumb osteoarthritis, with pain relief and function improvement in most patients without a higher risk of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Metaphyseal Core Decompression and Anterograde Fixation for Scaphoid Proximal Pole Fracture Nonunion without Avascular Necrosis.

Objective To report the consolidation rate and the results of a series of 22 patients with metaphyseal core decompression of the distal radius and an antegrade compression screw. Methods We present a prospective series of patients with scaphoid proximal pole nonunion in whom the presence of intraoperative bleeding was confirmed in both fragments. Patients with displacement, degenerative changes, fragmentation of the proximal pole, cavitation of the focus, loss of height, and necrosis, as well as those with carpal instability, were excluded. The patients were evaluated with X-rays and computed tomography to evaluate their consolidation; their mobility and fist strength were recorded and an analog visual scale (VAS) of pain at rest, pain in activity, subjective functional status, and DASH questionnaire were completed. Results Of the 23 patients, 21 accomplished union. The average follow-up was 19 months and the average final range of motion was flexion 86%, extension 85%, radial deviation 79%, ulnar deviation 84%, and grip strength 84%. The average VAS for pain at rest was 1 point, the average VAS for activity pain was 2 points, the average VAS for function was 9 points, and the average DASH score was 8. Conclusions Using this simple and reliable technique, we obtained 91% union and very good functional results. Metaphyseal core decompression of the distal radius associated with an antegrade scaphoid screw is a reasonable and effective option for the treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions without avascular necrosis in carefully selected patients. Level of Evidence This is Level IV study.

Radius Core Decompression for Kienböck Disease Stage IIIA: Outcomes at 13 Years Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients with Kienböck disease stage IIIA treated with radius core decompression. METHODS: This retrospective study included 15 patients with Kienböck disease (Lichtman stage IIIA) who underwent distal radius metaphyseal core decompression between 1998 and 2005 and who were followed-up for at least 10 years. At the last follow-up, the patients were evaluated for wrist range of motion and grip strength. The overall results were evaluated by the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analog scale pain score. We also compared the radiological changes between the preoperative and the final follow-up in their Lichtman classification and the modified carpal height ratio. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 13 years (range, 10-18 years). Based on the modified Mayo wrist score, clinical results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 8 patients, and poor in 1 patient who required a proximal row carpectomy as revision surgery. The mean preoperative pain according to the visual analog scale was 7 (range, 6-10) and was 1.2 (range, 0-6) at the final follow-up. Compared with the opposite side, the average flexion/extension arc was 77% and the grip strength was 80%. All patients, except 1, returned to their original employment. At the final follow-up, 3 patients had decreased modified carpal height ratio, 12 remained unchanged. Radiographic disease progression according to the Lichtman classification to stages IIIB to IV occurred in only 2 wrists. There were no complications related to the core decompression. CONCLUSIONS: In this limited series, the radius core decompression demonstrated favorable long-term results and could be considered as a surgical alternative for stage IIIA of Kienböck disease. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Foreign-Body Reaction and Osteolysis in Dorsal Lunate Dislocation Repair With Bioabsorbable Suture Anchor.

Background: In recent years the use of biodegradable suture anchors for treating tendon and ligament pathology in hand surgery became popular. These materials are biocompatible, radiolucent, and load sharing, as they incrementally transfer load to surrounding bone during the resorption process. Despite these numerous advantages, polyglycolic (PGA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) have become a problem because of the potential risk for foreign body reactions. Methods: This article presents a case of an intraosseous foreign body reaction and massive osteolysis of the proximal carpal after dorsal lunate dislocation repair with bioabsorbable suture anchors. Results: Because of the persistent pain and the decreased strength, a proximal row carpectomy was performed 12-months after the initial trauma. Conclusions: Hand surgeons should be aware of the possibility of a late foreign body reaction, that could be especially severe in carpal bones.