Reconstruction of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant: A case report.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm poses a considerable challenge because of its rarity. The objective of this report is to introduce a novel surgical technique for its treatment. Here, we document a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius in a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with type-1 neurofibromatosis. The surgical treatment involved the excision of approximately 9 cm of native radial periosteum and a bifocal radius osteotomy, which was supplemented with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant to facilitate bone healing. Anastomosis between the anterior tibial vessels and radial vessels was performed. No immediate or late postoperative complications were observed. After 3 weeks, a robust callus formation was observed, and during a follow-up examination 3 years and 4 months later, a wide range of active forearm rotation was noted. This report suggests that vascularized periosteal flaps show promise as a viable treatment option for congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm. They offer an alternative to vascularized fibular grafts or single-bone forearm constructs.

Arthroscopy-assisted Procedures in Hand and Wrist Surgery: An Update. Where Are We So Far?

Wrist and hand arthroscopy, despite being an old tool, has gained popularity and advanced in assisting in the treatment of various injuries and conditions in the region in recent years. Dorsal, volar, ulnar, and radial accessory portals are used to reach all points of the carpal and hand joints. The minimal tissue damage, lesser injury to the capsule and its mechanoreceptors, the assessment of injuries associated with the reason for surgery, and aesthetically more favorable scars have attracted many doctors and their patients. As a result, there has been an increase in publications and diversifications of arthroscopic techniques. The aim of this update article is to present the advances and the evidence available in the literature to assist readers in their decision on which technique to use in the treatment of wrist and hand conditions.

Tenoscopy for the Treatment of Hand Intratendinous Ganglion: Technique Description and Case Report.

Synovial or ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue tumors of the wrist and hand and can arise from joints or tendons. Intratendinous synovial cysts, in contrast, are rare and their pathogenesis is still a matter of debate. The treatment of synovial cysts of articular origin using arthroscopy is commonly used with good results. For cysts of tendon origin, that is, extra-articular, when located at the ankle, shoulder, knee, and wrist, endoscopic treatment has also been described in a procedure called tenoscopy. We describe the technique and the good results using tenoscopy for a patient treated for an intratendinous synovial cyst located at the extensor communis tendon of the third digit. It is a reproducible, safe technique with low morbidity, and the patient has had no complications or recurrence.

The "Bubble Test" in the Arthroscopic Diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilage Central Lesion: Description and Relevance to Treatment.

Background Ulnarly sided wrist pain is a common and challenging symptom. Arthroscopy has become a safe and effective tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment, proving to be better than all other clinical and imaging diagnostic methods. Some tests have been described for the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) lesions, such as the trampoline test for peripheral lesions and the hook, ghost, and suction tests for foveal detachments. In tears at the disc level, when they affect all layers of the TFC (complete lesion) at the same point, testing with the probe will usually suffice for the diagnosis. However, in some apparently partial lesions, the probe cannot pass through all layers because the proximal and distal sites of the lesion are not aligned. There has been no arthroscopic test described for such cases. Case Description We describe a simple and practical test that we have called the "bubble test" in a typical case to diagnose TFC central injuries, aiming to discriminate partial from complete lesions, which are eventually hard to differentiate through direct vision and arthroscopic probing, leading to a direct influence onto the treatment. The bubble test is performed with external compression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) aspect, with the thumb on the back of the DRUJ and the index and middle fingers onto the volar aspect. The abrupt compression of this region causes the passage of air mixed with synovial fluid from the DRUJ to the radiocarpal joint, generating bubble formation. Clinical Relevance The bubble test should correlate to physical examination and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) findings and is particularly useful in central and degenerative (Type II) TFC lesions in patients complaining of chronic pain on the ulnar region of the wrist, with no history of trauma and with inconclusive MRI findings. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, arthroscopic treatment consists of wide debridement of the lesion with resection of the injured tissue and the local inflammatory reaction. Thus, it is essential for the correct treatment to define the exact location of the lesion and to know whether the disc injury is complete.

360-degree Arthroscopic Management of Scaphoid Pseudarthrosis: Description of Technique and Indications.

Nonunion remains one of the main complications of scaphoid fractures, with no consensus being reached as to the best surgical technique for scaphoid pseudoarthrosis. Thus, different types of procedures for bone stability and biological stimulus for consolidation have been described. The use of arthroscopy for scaphoid pseudoarthrosis has advantages as it allows for treating associated injuries, preserving wrist proprioception by minimizing damage to the joint capsule and ligaments and not deteriorating the already fragile scaphoid vasculature, leading to a quick recovery. Arthroscopy was initially indicated for stable scaphoid pseudoarthroses, being used in all patterns of this condition, including unstable ones and those with flexion collapse. However, most scientific articles describe the use of arthroscopy only through the dorsal portals, creating technical difficulty in complete debridement of the site of pseudarthrosis and in placing bone graft. This study describes the 360-degree technique, which standardizes arthroscopy in scaphoid pseudoarthrosis treatment, allowing, with the use of dorsal, volar, and radial portals, direct approach to the entire circumference of the nonunion site, facilitating the debridement of the injury site, the correction of the scaphoid deformity, and the placement of a graft directly on the site of the defect, mainly in its volar region after correction of the flexion deformity. The 360-degree technique aims to help and standardize the arthroscopic procedure for scaphoid pseudarthrosis, creating a routine with defined surgery stages. Additional portals allow complete access to the entire nonunion site and better positioning of the bone graft under direct view.

Endoscopic Release of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: Technique Description and Case Series.

Objective The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve reproduces a simple ( in situ ) procedure with smaller incisions, less soft tissue damage, and higher preservation of nerve vascularization. Endoscopy allows the clear visualization of the entire path of the nerve and surrounding noble structures. Moreover, it reveals any signs of compression and allows a safe release of 10 cm distally or proximally to the medial epicondyle. Methods A retrospective survey revealed that 15 subjects (1 with a bilateral injury) underwent an ulnar nerve compression release at the elbow using the endoscopic technique with Agee (Micro-Aire Sugical Instruments, Charlottesville, VA, EUA) equipment from January 2016 to January 2020. Results Symptoms of ulnar nerve compression improved in all patients; on average, they resumed their work activities in 26.5 days. There was no recurrence or need for another procedure. In addition, there were no severe procedure-related complications, such as infection and nerve or vascular injury. One patient had transient paresthesia of the sensory branches to the forearm, with complete functional recovery in 8 weeks. Conclusion Our study shows that the endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with the Agee equipment is a safe, reliable technique with good outcomes.

Arthroscopic Needling Technique for the Treatment of Wrist Ganglia.

Background Synovial cysts (SCs) are the most frequent wrist tumors; the arthroscopic treatment presents good results when surgery is indicated for symptomatic or patients with cosmetic concerns. The tumoral lesion should be arthroscopically decompressed or drained toward the inside of the joint through pedicle opening and resection of a small portion of the capsule. Hence, the cyst pedicle must be found for the success of this technique. Description of Technique Some tricks have already been described to facilitate SC location during arthroscopy. We describe an indirect technique that employs an 18-G needle to enhance SC pedicle location and drainage. The technique involves a puncture on the interval of the carpal extrinsic ligaments where the pedicle is suspected to be remain. When found, cyst is drained with a single-puncture motion of the need which promotes cyst content extravasation due to pressure toward the joint. Patients and Methods This method has been employed in 16 patients, including 9 with dorsal cysts, and seven with volar cysts. Results All patients presented complete recovery and symptom improvement in up to 30 days, with total disappearance of the cyst. There were no relapses or severe complications within the 12-month follow-up. Conclusion This is a safe, useful technique that facilitates location of intra-articular cyst pedicle, thus avoiding unnecessary damage in healthy tissues with no increased costs.

Fracture in Humeroradial Synostosis: Description of Two Clinical Cases.

Synostosis is a generic term to indicate the union of two originally separated bones. At the elbow, humeroradial or longitudinal synostosis causes significant disability, which varies depending on hand function, elbow positioning, adjacent joints mobility and contralateral limb function. It is estimated that, to date, a little more than 150 patients have been described with this deformity, which is more common in subjects with deficient ulnar formation or affected by conditions such as Antley-Bixler and Hermann syndromes. The lack of the elbow joint, with the formation of a longer bone due to humerus-radius fusion, results in stiffness. As such, it is assumed that fractures in this topography are not uncommon. However, since synostosis is rare, this lesion was only described twice in the literature. We report two patients with a fracture of the single bone formed by a humeroradial synostosis and Bayne type-IV ulnar formation failure. Both patients were treated surgically with success. We emphasize the need for adequate treatment to not compromise the daily activities of patients who are adapted to their deformity, thus avoiding worsening the function of a previously affected limb.

Intramedullary Fixation with Cannulated Screw After Resection of Enchondroma in the Hand: Technique Description and Case Series.

Purpose: Enchondromas are primary, benign bone neoplasms that arise from intramedullary proliferation of hyaline cartilage cells. Slow and progressive in growth, enchondromas can lead to bone destruction, deformities, and fractures. The treatment of enchondromas remains controversial. We hereby describe the technique for bone fixation using headless intramedullary screws (HISs) after enchondroma resection in the long bones of the hand. Methods: From January 2018 to June 2021, all patients treated with HISs after the resection of enchondroma of the hand were retrospectively assessed and included in the study. The series comprised four patients with a minimum postoperative follow-up period of 12 months. Postoperative functional results were measured according to Takigawa criteria and postoperative radiographic results were graded according to the Tordai system. Results: After tumor resection and screw fixation, one patient had autologous bone grafting from the iliac crest, and another had the defect filled with calcium phosphate cement. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months, and the mean healing time of the pathologic fracture was 5 weeks. There were neither complications related to the procedure nor the need for a second surgery. Conclusions: We describe the technique of intramedullary headless screws for bone fixation after enchondroma resection in the long bones of the hand, as well as the excellent functional, cosmetic, and radiographic results of four patients treated with the technique presented herewith. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to Persistent Median Artery thrombosis: Case report.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb, affecting ∼ 4% of the general population. The clinical picture is characterized by pain and, mainly, paresthesia in the median nerve territory, of insidious onset and, in the most severe cases, loss of strength and atrophy of the thenar musculature is observed. It is an extremely common pathology in the daily practice of hand surgery, and in most cases, it can be treated with conservative methods. We present here an atypical case of carpal tunnel syndrome, of acute onset, triggered by persistent median artery (PMA) thrombosis, condition associated with distal embolization and hypoperfusion of the limb.

Endoscopic Release of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow: Technique Description and Case Series / Liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar no cotovelo: Descrição da técnica e série de casos

Abstract Objective The endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve reproduces a simple (in situ) procedure with smaller incisions, less soft tissue damage, and higher preservation of nerve vascularization. Endoscopy allows the clear visualization of the entire path of the nerve and surrounding noble structures. Moreover, it reveals any signs of compression and allows a safe release of 10cm distally or proximally to the medial epicondyle. Methods A retrospective survey revealed that 15 subjects (1 with a bilateral injury) underwent an ulnar nerve compression release at the elbow using the endoscopic technique with Agee (Micro-Aire Sugical Instruments, Charlottesville, VA, EUA) equipment from January 2016 to January 2020. Results Symptoms of ulnar nerve compression improved in all patients; on average, they resumed their work activities in 26.5 days. There was no recurrence or need for another procedure. In addition, there were no severe procedure-related complications, such as infection and nerve or vascular injury. One patient had transient paresthesia of the sensory branches to the forearm, with complete functional recovery in 8 weeks. Conclusion Our study shows that the endoscopic release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with the Agee equipment is a safe, reliable technique with good outcomes.

Resumo Objetivo A liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar permite reproduzir uma liberação simples (in situ), mas através de incisões menores e com menor lesão de partes moles e uma maior preservação da vascularização do nervo. A visualização clara através da endoscopia permite observar todo o trajeto do nervo e das estruturas nobres circundantes, mostrando os sinais de compressão, possibilitando realizar a liberação de forma segura em um trajeto de 10 cm nos sentidos distal e proximal ao epicôndilo medial. Método Foram encontrados, de forma retrospectiva, no período entre janeiro de 2016 e janeiro de 2020, 15 pacientes (sendo 1 com lesão bilateral) submetidos a liberação da compressão do nervo ulnar no cotovelo pela técnica endoscópica com equipamento de Agee (Micro-Aire Sugical Instruments, Charlottesville, VA, EUA). Resultados Todos os pacientes tiveram melhora dos sintomas de compressão do nervo ulnar e o período de retorno ao trabalho foi de em média 26,5 dias. Não houve recidivas e não houve a necessidade de outro procedimento. Também não houve complicações graves decorrentes do procedimento, como infecção, lesão nervosa ou vascular. Em um paciente, houve parestesia transitória dos ramos sensitivos para o antebraço, com retorno completo da função em 8 semanas. Conclusão Os resultados mostram que a liberação endoscópica do nervo ulnar no cotovelo comoequipamentodeAgeeéuma técnica segura, confiável e com bons resultados.

Fracture in Humeroradial Synostosis: Description of Two Clinical Cases / Fratura em sinostose rádio-umeral: Descrição de dois casos clínicos*

Abstract Synostosis is a generic term to indicate the union of two originally separated bones. At the elbow, humeroradial or longitudinal synostosis causes significant disability, which varies depending on hand function, elbow positioning, adjacent joints mobility and contralateral limb function. It is estimated that, to date, a little more than 150 patients have been described with this deformity, which is more common in subjects with deficient ulnar formation or affected by conditions such as Antley-Bixler and Hermann syndromes. The lack of the elbow joint, with the formation of a longer bone due to humerus-radius fusion, results in stiffness. As such, it is assumed that fractures in this topography are not uncommon. However, since synostosis is rare, this lesion was only described twice in the literature. We report two patients with a fracture of the single bone formed by a humeroradial synostosis and Bayne type-IV ulnar formation failure. Both patients were treated surgically with success. We emphasize the need for adequate treatment to not compromise the daily activities of patients who are adapted to their deformity, thus avoiding worsening the function of a previously affected limb.

Resumo Sinostose é um termo genérico utilizado para indicar a união de dois ossos originalmente separados. No cotovelo, a sinostose rádio-umeral ou longitudinal causa importante incapacidade, que varia a depender da função da mão, da posição do cotovelo, da mobilidade das articulações adjacentes e da função do membro contralateral. Estima-se que um pouco mais de 150 pacientes foram descritos até hoje com essa deformidade, sendo mais frequente em portadores de deficiência de formação ulnar ou podendo fazer parte de síndromes como de Antley-Bixler e de Hermann. Devidoàrigidezcausadapelaausênciadaarticulaçãodocotovelo,queresultana formação de um osso mais longo com a fusão do úmero no rádio, presume-se que fratura nessa topografia não seja incomum. No entanto, pela raridade dessa patologia, tal lesão apresenta apenas duas descrições prévias na literatura. Relatamos os casos de dois pacientes com fratura do osso único formado pela sinostose entre o úmero e o rádio portadores de falha de formação ulnar do tipo IV de Bayne. Ambos os pacientes foram tratados de forma cirúrgica e evoluíram bem. Salientamos a necessidade do tratamento adequado para não comprometer as atividades da vida de um paciente já adaptado à deformidade, evitando piorar a função de um membro já alterado.

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.

Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to Persistent Median Artery thrombosis: Case report / Síndrome do túnel do carpo aguda por trombose da artéria mediana: Relato de caso

Abstract Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limb, affecting ~ 4% of the general population. The clinical picture is characterized by pain and, mainly, paresthesia in the median nerve territory, of insidious onset and, in the most severe cases, loss of strength and atrophy of the thenar musculature is observed. It is an extremely common pathology in the daily practice of hand surgery, and in most cases, it can be treated with conservative methods. We present here an atypical case of carpal tunnel syndrome, of acute onset, triggered by persistent median artery (PMA) thrombosis, condition associated with distal embolization and hypoper-fusion of the limb.

Resumo A síndrome do túnel do carpo é a neuropatia compressiva mais comum do membro superior, afetando ~ 4% da população geral. O quadro clínico caracteriza-se por dor e, principalmente, parestesia no território do nervo mediano, de início insidioso e, nos casos mais graves, observa-se perda de força e atrofia da musculatura tenar. Trata-se de patologia extremamente comum na prática diária de cirurgia da mão, e na maior parte dos casos pode ser tratada com métodos conservadores. Apresentamos aqui um caso atípico de síndrome do túnel do carpo, de surgimento agudo, desencadeado pela trombose da artéria mediana persistente, quadro associado com embolização distal e hipoperfusão do membro.

The Flexor Carpi Radialis Portal for Arthroscopy-Assisted Reduction of the Dorsal Ulnar Fragment in Distal Radius Fractures.

Background The importance of the dorsal ulnar fragment (DUF) for stability and articular congruence of the radius is widely recognized, and standard surgical techniques often fail to ensure its reduction. Description of Technique We describe a modification of volar wrist portals for arthroscopic management of the DUF of the distal radius. It is made in an outside-in fashion in line with the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach for the distal radius. Through this volar portal, we achieve wide and direct visualization of the DUF, with the advantage of protecting important anatomic structures such as the FCR tendon, the radial artery, and the median nerve; all protected with the previously made volar approach for the distal radius. In addition, easy manipulation and reduction of the DUF is obtained with instrumentation through standard dorsal portals. Patients and Methods We performed this procedure in 23 patients with distal radius fractures (DRF) with displaced DUF. Results Early and late postoperative evaluation demonstrated intraoperative reduction maintenance and adequate range of motion, compatible with the usual findings of standard volar plating, with the benefit of anatomic reduction of the DUF. Conclusion With our technique, volar plating associated with arthroscopy-assisted dorsal fragment specific fixation with dorsal standard and the FCR portals permits optimal surgical treatment of most DRFs.

Shelf Osteotomy for Madelung's Deformity in Adults: A Novel Technique.

Background Madelung's deformity (MD) comprises increased volar and ulnar tilt of the distal radius joint facet, secondary to an idiopathic physeal dysplasia. Such change causes radial shortening and a consequent distal ulnar prominence, along with wrist pain and loss of motion. Classic surgical techniques are problematic for adults, as they are specific for children and adolescents whose distal radial physis is still open. Description of Technique It is suggested a new treatment method for MD in skeletally mature patients: a distal radius osteotomy and joint realignment are performed through a volar approach to increase the support area of the lunate bone. The rotation and lengthening of the distal epiphysis of the radius generate support and cover to the lunate bone, with improvement of both radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints. Patients and Methods We describe the technique in details and report the treatment of a 25-year-old female patient. Results Early clinical and radiographic outcomes are encouraging for the treatment of symptomatic patients. Conclusion There is a plethora on the literature about conflicting opinions on the best treatment options and surgical techniques are quite variable, although usually with good results. Besides, the technique here described is indicated during a specific stage of disease presentation, consisting of young adults without any wrist-degenerative changes. Having said that, it is possible to claim that MD treatment with shelf osteotomy is a concept change. Our main goal is to reconstruct the diseased segment and improve wrist stability.

Magnetic Resonance as a Method for Diagnosis for Traumatic Lesions by Brachial Plexus Avulsion.

Objective The incidence of traumatic brachial plexus injuries has been increasing considerably in Brazil, mainly due to the increase in the number of motorcycle accidents. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of brachial plexus avulsion lesions, comparing it with the findings of physical and intraoperative examination. Methods A total of 16 patients with brachial plexus injury were prospectively evaluated and treated at the hand surgery outpatient clinic from our service. All patients underwent MRI of the brachial plexus, and the findings were inserted on a table, as well as the physical examination data, and part of the patients had the plexus evaluated intraoperatively. Results In the present study, the accuracy of MRI in the identification of root avulsion was 100%, with 100% sensitivity and specificity when comparing imaging with surgical findings. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging showed high sensitivity and specificity, confirmed by intraoperative findings, which allows considering this test as the gold standard in the diagnosis of avulsion in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Magnetic Resonance as a Method for Diagnosis for Traumatic Lesions by Brachial Plexus Avulsion / Ressonância magnética como método para diagnóstico das lesões traumáticas por avulsão do plexo braquial

Abstract Objective The incidence of traumatic brachial plexus injuries has been increasing considerably in Brazil, mainly due to the increase in the number of motorcycle accidents. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of brachial plexus avulsion lesions, comparing it with the findings of physical and intraoperative examination. Methods A total of 16 patients with brachial plexus injury were prospectively evaluated and treated at the hand surgery outpatient clinic from our service. All patients underwent MRI of the brachial plexus, and the findings were inserted on a table, as well as the physical examination data, and part of the patients had the plexus evaluated intraoperatively. Results In the present study, the accuracy of MRI in the identification of root avulsion was 100%, with 100% sensitivity and specificity when comparing imaging with surgical findings. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging showed high sensitivity and specificity, confirmed by intraoperative findings, which allows considering this test as the gold standard in the diagnosis of avulsion in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Resumo Objetivo A incidência de lesões traumáticas do plexo braquial vem aumentando consideravelmente no Brasil, principalmente devido ao aumento do número de acidentes de motocicleta. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade da ressonância magnética (RM) no diagnóstico das lesões por avulsão do plexo braquial, comparando com os achados do exame físico e do intraoperatório. Métodos Foram avaliados prospectivamente 16 pacientes com lesão do plexo braquial atendidos no ambulatório de cirurgia da mão de nosso serviço. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao exame de RM do plexo braquial e os achados foram inseridos em uma tabela, assim como os dados do exame físico, e parte dos pacientes teve o plexo avaliado intraoperatoriamente. Resultados No presente estudo, a acurácia da RM na identificação de avulsão de raízes foi de 100%, com 100% de sensibilidade e especificidade comparando-se achados da imagem e cirúrgicos. Conclusão A RM mostrou alta sensibilidade e especificidade, confirmadas por achados intraoperatórios, o que permite considerar este exame como padrão outro no diagnóstico de avulsão nas lesões traumáticas do plexo braquial.