Unstable lesions of the forearm: Terminology, evaluative score and synoptic table.

The term "unstable lesions of the forearm" (ULF) was born to more easily describe how a partial or complete instability of the forearm unit might occur due to a traumatic loss of the transverse or longitudinal connection between the radius and ulna. For such an alteration to occur, at least two of the three main osteoligamentous locks (proximal, middle and distal) must be interrupted, often in association with a radial and/or ulnar fracture. Examining the historical patterns (Monteggia, Galeazzi, Essex-Lopresti and criss-cross lesions) and variants described in the literature, out of a total of 586 recorded interventions for forearm trauma, two elbow teams and one wrist team selected 75 cases of ULF. The aim was to describe the instability depending on its clinical and radiographic features, together with the anatomopathological evolution of the lesions based on the time of diagnosis and treatment. The clinical results, evaluated using a new score (FIPS) the Forearm Italian Performance, revealed a correlation between earlier diagnosis and treatment and a better score. The authors suggest a synoptic table that describes 1) the type of instability (proximal transverse, distal transverse, longitudinal and transverse, proximal and distal transverse), 2) classic patterns and variants with characteristic lesions and evolution over time (acute, chronic dynamic, chronic static) and 3) the three forearm constraints and segmental involvement of radius and/or ulna using an alphanumeric classification. Finally, some generic surgical suggestions are proposed.

Humeral trochlear morphology does not influence coronoid fractures in elbow dislocation.

PURPOSE: Traumatic elbow dislocation is the second most frequent joint dislocation, even though the elbow is a congruent and stable joint. Individual variability in anatomical congruence of the elbow and how it relates to simple or complex instability has rarely been studied in the literature; we hypothesized that a greater articular coverage by the humeral trochlea would be more likely to result in complex dislocation. The aim of this study is to analyze trochlear morphology in simple (SED) and complex elbow dislocation (CED), to assess whether the degree of humeroulnar joint congruence influences the incidence of coronoid fractures in elbow dislocation. The secondary goal is to evaluate the association between trochlear morphology and coronoid fracture pattern. METHODS: All the elbow CT scans of the hospital server were retrospectively analyzed. 62 patients were enrolled and so divided in 2 groups: SED and CED with isolated coronoid fracture. Patients who were skeletally immature, presented with other concomitant elbow fractures, or who previously underwent elbow surgery were excluded. The CT scans were performed after closed reduction and prior to further treatment. Coronoid fracture pattern was classified on CT scan according to Regan-Morrey and O'Driscoll classifications; "grade 0" was assigned to SED. Trochlear coverage was measured and expressed as three angles (anterior, posterior, and distal) and their width/depth ratios. Measurements were taken by four different readers and the assessment was repeated after 15 days. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between humeral trochlear morphology of SED and CED patients. There was no association between morphometric measurements and coronoid fracture pattern. The results are strengthened by a good intra- and inter-reader reproducibility of the CT analysis protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to evaluate the impact of trochlear morphology on elbow instability. Considering the results, other variables may have a greater impact on coronoid bone damage, such as trauma energy or ligamentous hyperlaxity: in particular, we believe that the capsuloligamentous structures of the elbow might contribute in a preponderant way to articular stability. The CT analysis protocol gave excellent results: reproducible, accurate and easy to perform. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Results of arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation of anteromedial facet coronoid fractures at short-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Varus posteromedial rotatory instability is a typical pattern of elbow injury that involves fracture of the anteromedial facet (AMF) of the coronoid, as well as injuries to the lateral ligament complex and the posterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament. Some authors support the idea that subtype II AMF coronoid fractures require fixation to restore elbow stability, but this topic is still an issue in the literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) of AMF fractures. METHODS: This retrospective single-center trial evaluated consecutive patients who underwent ARIF of isolated subtype II AMF coronoid fractures between 2014 and 2020. At the final follow-up, the patients were examined for elbow range of motion, stability, and pain. Injury and post-treatment radiographs were reviewed to assess fracture healing and heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (21 male and 11 female patients) with a median age of 47 ± 16 years were included. The average follow-up period was 28 ± 12.4 months. Coronoid process fractures were fixed by cannulated screws in 26 cases (81.25%); in 2 of these cases, additional Kirschner wires were used. Two Kirschner wires were used in 1 case (3.12%), and in the remaining 5 cases (15.62%), osteosuture was used. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament was injured in 27 cases (84.4%) and was always repaired. Other associated lesions were medial collateral ligament injury, osteochondral lesion, and radial head fracture. There were no surgical complications. At the final follow-up, the average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 98.4 ± 2.7 and the mean Oxford Elbow Score was 47.3 ± 1.4. No cases of nonunion were detected on radiographic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically demanding, ARIF has several potential advantages in comparison to open surgery: less scarring, a decreased risk of infection, and less postoperative pain.

Radiocapitellar plica: a narrative review.

Radiocapitellar plica is a vestigial lateral portion of elbow synovial fold which may cause pain and snap in some cases. Plica is a difficult and misleading diagnosis and it could be easily confused with a common lateral epicondylitis however, they are different conditions. Pathology full understanding and proper diagnosis is essential to achieve patient's pain relief and functional recovery therefore, we reviewed the most relevant literature about radiocapitaller plica. The aim of this study is to provide the best and current concepts about: clinical evaluation, imaging findings and surgical treatments of radiocapitellar plica.

Locked anterior glenohumeral dislocation: is it always recommendable a conservative treatment?

PURPOSE: Chronic anterior shoulder dislocation represents a rare condition, and there is still lack of consensus in its treatment. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of painful locked dislocation underwent shoulder replacement, with a minimum follow-up of two years. Second endpoint is to assess the glenoid bone graft, harvested from the humeral head. METHODS: Eight patients underwent shoulder replacement for locked anterior shoulder dislocation. Four patients with a mean age of 23 y.o. were treated with Pyrocarbon-hemiarthroplasty and four patients with a mean age of 76 y.o. were treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Glenoid single stage reconstruction was performed with a bone autograft harvested from the resected humeral head. Patients were observed for a clinical and radiological follow-up for a minimum period of 2 years; ASES and Constant score were assessed. RESULTS: Pain and ROM improvement was reported in all the patients. In one case, postoperative recurrent RSA instability was found. Glenoid reconstruction was performed in seven cases, showing a good integration and no reabsorption issues in all but one cases. ASES and Constant-Murley functional outcomes were rated as excellent by 1 patient with pyrocarbon HA and 1 patient with RSA, good by 3 patients with RSA and 2 patients with HA, fair by 1 patient with HA and poor by one patient with RSA. CONCLUSION: The treatment of locked anterior glenohumeral dislocation still represents a challenge in symptomatic patients. Shoulder replacement showed good results in young and older patients, with HA and RSA, respectively. Autograft from the humeral head is reliable for glenoid defect, even in ream and run procedure. Locked dislocation lasting more than one year, surgery is debatable for higher risk of a poor outcome and recurrent instability.

Combined simple elbow dislocation and forearm joint injuries. A systematic review of the literature with injury patterns and current treatment rationale.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have allowed a great improvement in understanding elbow and forearm traumatic injuries. Simple elbow dislocations combined with forearm injuries have been occasionally reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to detect the possible patterns of simple elbow dislocations and forearm fracture-dislocations, providing a classification scheme to guide surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed search was performed to find combination of simple elbow dislocation and forearm joint injury, between 2000 and 2020, including clinical studies and case report. All articles related to pediatric patient or with complex elbow dislocation were excluded. After identification, articles were analyzed for the description of injury patterns reported according to locker-based classification system of forearm joint injuries. RESULTS: Finally, 15 articles were included. Most of the patients sustained high-energy trauma. According to locker-based classification system, simple elbow dislocation was combined with: MRUJ and DRUJ Galeazzi injury (2IR.3), PRUJ and MRUJ injury (1.2I), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with radial shaft fracture (1.2IR), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with ulnar shaft fracture (1.2 IU), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with radial and ulnar shaft fracture (1.2IRU), PRUJ MRUJ DRUJ Essex-Lopresti injury (1.2I.3), and PRUJ MRUJ DRUJ injury with radial shaft fracture (1.2IR.3). Thirteen out of 15 patients undergo surgical treatment. Clinical results were overall favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Simple elbow dislocation combined with forearm joint injury is an uncommon traumatic pattern usually secondary to high-energy trauma. A thorough knowledge of elbow and forearm biomechanics, and classification of anatomical lesion is mandatory for a successful treatment.

Role of the interosseous membrane in post-traumatic forearm instability: instructional review.

PURPOSE: In the last two decades, a strong interest on the interosseous membrane (IOM) has developed. METHODS: The authors present a review of the new concepts regarding the understanding of forearm physiology and pathology, with current trends in the surgical management of these rare and debilitating injuries. RESULTS: Anatomical and biomechanical studies have clarified the anatomy of forearm constrains and their role in forearm longitudinal and transverse stability. The radial pull test, a new intraoperative test, has been developed that might increase the detection on IOM injuries. The forearm is now considered a "functional unit" and, consequently, a new classification has been proposed. Uncommon variants and rare patterns of forearm fracture dislocations have been reported in the literature and could not be classified to those commonly referred to using eponyms (Monteggia, Galeazzi, Essex-Lopresti). The new Artiaco et al. classification includes all injury patterns, thus avoids confusion in the nomenclature, and helps surgeon with detection of lesions and guiding surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on the new classification and after current literature review, authors propose a management flowchart for treatment of forearm instability injuries.

Validation of the cross-cultural adapted Italian version of the Oxford Elbow Score.

BACKGROUND: The Oxford Elbow Score (OES) is an English-language questionnaire specifically designed to evaluate surgical elbow outcomes. This scoring system has been translated into other languages. Given the lack of an Italian version of the OES, the present study was designed to establish, culturally adapt, and validate the Italian version. METHODS: The OES questionnaire was culturally adapted to Italian patients in accordance with the literature guidelines with a pilot phase including seven patients with elbow problems and seven healthy subjects. The study includes 110 participants from three hospitals, who underwent elbow surgery for acute (70%) or chronic diseases. At least one month after elbow surgery, at the "index visit", the physician completed the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and patients completed the following questionnaires: the Italian OES, the shortened version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Reproducibility was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient in ten patients who completed the OES again two-three days after the index visit. Construct validity was assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients. Responsiveness was evaluated in 68 patients who answered the questionnaires four months after the index visit, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the effect size and the standardized response mean calculation. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was excellent: 0.86 (0.82-0.90) for OES pain, 0.92 (0.90-0.94) for OES function, and 0.90 (0.87-0.93) for OES social/psychological. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 (0.78-0.98) for OES pain, 0.91 (0.71-0.97) for OES function, 0.95 (0.83-0.98) for OES social-psychological and 0.93 (0.76-0.98) for OES total. The Spearman ρ was >0.7 for OES pain and QuickDASH, for OES function and both QuickDASH and Mayo Elbow Performance Index, and for OES social-psychological and QuickDASH. Regarding responsiveness, the mean of the changes between the two visits ranged from 33.9 for OES pain, to 44 points for OES function and OES social/psychological. The effect size and the standardized response mean were >0.8 for all OES domains. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the Italian version of the OES, translated in accordance with the international standardized guidelines, is reliable, valid, and responsive in patients who have undergone elbow surgery.

Arthroscopically-assisted reduction and pinning of a radial neck fracture in a child: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Displaced radial neck fractures in children are challenging to treat. The age of the patient and the degree of angulation are the main criteria to consider when managing these fractures in children. Various surgical techniques have been described in the literature for both indirect and direct reduction and for fixation. However, the best treatment is still debated. CASE PRESENTATION: The case presented is of a 6-year-old Caucasian boy with an impacted and displaced radial neck fracture. With the patient in lateral position, under general anesthesia, elbow arthroscopy was performed to better visualize the articular surface and to assist with reduction and fixation. The fracture was reduced and fixed with a single K-wire under direct arthroscopic visualization. No associated lesions were found. An above-elbow cast was applied after surgery. The cast and K-wire were removed 3 weeks later. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient showed a full recovery with complete range of movement without any postoperative and radiographic complications. CONCLUSION: Traditionally, surgery for displaced radial neck fractures in children is performed by closed reduction with percutaneous pinning or elastic intramedullary nail fixation under fluoroscopic guidance. Direct visualization of the articular surface via an open approach allows better reduction in complex fracture patterns but is related to a higher risk of complications: elbow stiffness, instability, or avascular necrosis. Elbow arthroscopy in children could be a valid alternative to open fixation surgery for displaced radial neck fractures without the complications associated with articular exposure, allowing the direct visualization of the fracture and reducing radiation exposure. Although technically demanding, we believe elbow arthroscopy should be considered an alternative option because it is effective in assisting reduction and fixation and enables the detection of associated joint lesions.

The posterior interosseous nerve crosses the radial head midline and increases its distance from bony structures with supination of the forearm.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether forearm movements change the relative position of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) with respect to the midline of the radial head (Rh) under direct arthroscopic observation. METHODS: The PIN was identified in 10 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens dissected under arthroscopy. The forearm was moved first in full pronation and then in full supination, and the displacement of the PIN from medial to lateral with respect to the midline of the Rh was recorded. The shortest linear distance between the nerve and the most anterior part of the Rh was measured with a graduated calliper inserted via the midlateral portal with the forearm in neutral position, full pronation, and full supination. RESULTS: The PIN was identifiable in all specimens. In all cases the PIN crossed the Rh midline with forearm movements, moving from medial in full pronation to lateral in full supination. The distance between the PIN and Rh is significantly greater in supination than in the neutral position and pronation (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the PIN movement described in open surgery (medialization with pronation) also occurs during arthroscopy. The role of pronation in protecting the PIN in extra-articularprocedures is therefore confirmed. Supination, however, increases the linear distance between the PIN and Rh and should therefore be considered to increase the safe working volume whenever intra-articular procedures are performed on the anterolateral aspect of the elbow.