Does the DISI matter after distal scaphoidectomy with tendon interposition for STT osteoarthritis?

Progression to dorsal extension of the lunate after distal scaphoidectomy was described more than a decade ago. Still, this technique remains a popular choice for surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis (STT OA). This study aimed to investigate short-term postoperative function, patient satisfaction and radiographic outcomes of distal scaphoidectomy with tendon interposition for isolated STT OA in the wrist. Scaphoid resection width, amount of DISI and postoperative complications were also assessed. We evaluated all distal scaphoidectomies done at our hospital from 2012 to 2018. Postoperative clinical analysis consisted of grip and key pinch strength, joint amplitude, pain on visual analog scale (VAS), hand usability (VAS) and functional scores (QuickDASH and PRWHE scores). On follow-up radiographs, we measured the amount of DISI, resection height and scaphoid working length and compared them to functional scores. Eighteen patients with 21 operated wrists were eligible. Average time to postoperative evaluation was 36 (5-78) months. We observed DISI in 95% of the cases (n=19). A mean increase of 13° (±6) in radiolunate angle was noted when comparing pre- and postoperative radiographs. Neither the amount of DISI nor the resection height was significantly correlated with the functional scores. No revision surgery for advanced wrist collapse was reported. Four concomitant surgeries were needed. Distal scaphoid excision with tendon interposition yields good short-term results in isolated STT OA. While 95% of cases developed a DISI deformity, there were no cases of functional impairment. Longitudinal studies with long-term follow-up are required to further evaluate lunate extension and possible clinical implications.

Effectiveness and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in Dupuytren's disease : an observational study in Belgium.

Dupuytren's disease is a connective tissue disorder leading to contractures. It can be treated surgically or through injections of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH). Patients with Dupuytren's contracture (> 20°) and a palpable cord were included in this observational study, aiming to characterise the Belgian patient population and to assess the effectiveness and safety of CCH. Overall, 108 patients (114 joints) received at least one injection of CCH, and 104 patients completed the study. The percentages of joints achieving a degree of contracture of 5° or less, or a relative contracture reduction of at least 50% after the extension procedure were 64.9% and 90.1%, respectively. The mean number of injections per cord was 1.0. The Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main score decreased from 29.4 ±â€ˆ11.0 to 12.9 ±â€ˆ6.3 (mean ±â€ˆSD ; p < 0.0001). CCH was demonstrated to be effective, safe and able to increase quality of life.

[Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections of the hand and wrist: a retrospective review of five cases from a single centre]. / Nicht-tuberkulöse mykobakterielle Infektionen an Hand und Handgelenk: Eine retrospektive Analyse von fünf Fällen.

PURPOSE: A suggestion for a graduated diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients with a suspected infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) of the hand and wrist is made. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2003 and February 2007, 2 women and 3 men with an average age of 64 years were treated for an NTM infection of the hand and wrist. 4 patients had a tenosynovitis of the wrist. In 1 patient both wrists were involved. 1 patient had a granuloma of the index finger. The patients' charts, the operation reports, histological and bacteriological findings and the antibiogram were evaluated. RESULTS: An inoculating trauma was identified in four patients. Intraoperatively rice bodies were present in the 4 patients with a tenosynovitis of the wrist. Histological findings showed acid-fast bacilli in 2 patients and chronic inflammatory reaction with/without granuloma (3/2) in 5 patients. Species identification was based on PCR and microbiological culture and revealed in three patients slow growing species (M. malmoense, M. nonchromogenicum, M. szulgai) and in two patients M. marinum (intermediate growth rate). Therapy consisted of immediate postoperative empirical combined drug treatment followed by antibiogram-based therapy. All patients showed healing of the infection at the final follow-up at an average of 25.2 months (range: 15-44 months) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Consideration of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in the differential diagnosis in cases of localised tenosynovitis is paramount for diagnosis. Treatment based on graduated diagnostic steps, surgery and drugs (empirical followed by directed drugs) can achieve favourable clinical outcomes.