Biomechanical considerations on a CT-based treatment-oriented classification in radius fractures.

A wide range of different classifications exist for distal radius fractures (DRF). Most of them are based on plane X-rays and do not give us any information on how to treat these fractures. A biomechanical understanding of the mechanical forces underlying each fracture type is important to treat each injury specifically and ensure the optimal choice for stabilization. The main cause of DRFs are forces acting on the carpus and the radius as well as the position of the wrist in relation to the radius. Reconstructing the mechanism of the injury gives insight into which structures are involved, such as ruptured ligaments, bone fragments as well as the dislocated osteoligamentous units. This article attempts to define certain key fragments, which seem crucial to reduce and stabilize each type of DRF. Once the definition is established, an ideal implant can be selected to sufficiently maintain reduction of these key fragments. Additionally, the perfect approach is selected. By applying the following principles, the surgeon may be assisted in choosing the ideal form of treatment approach and implant selection.

[Palmar angular stable plate fixation of nonunions and comminuted fractures of the scaphoid]. / Palmare winkelstabile Verplattung von Pseudarthrosen und Trümmerfrakturen des Kahnbeins.

OBJECTIVE: Stabilization of comminuted fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid with an angular stable low-profile scaphoid plate. INDICATIONS: Scaphoid nonunions with a large palmar defect, second and third surgical procedure after previous stabilization by headless compression screw (HCS). Comminuted fractures of the scaphoid that cannot be sufficiently stabilized by screws. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Radio- and midcarpal osteoarthritis, small proximal pole fragments, fragmentation of the proximal pole. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The scaphoid is accessed by a palmar approach. After correcting the DISI (dorsal intercalated segment instability) deformity of the lunate and humpback deformity of the scaphoid, the reduction is secured by temporary Kirschner wires. The nonunion is debrided and the bone defect filled with cancellous bone graft. Subsequently the scaphoid plate and the angular stable screw are positioned in the order to place three screws in the proximal and distal fragment of the scaphoid. Comminuted fractures of the scaphoid are fixated by temporary Kirschner wires, then the plate is positioned in the same way as nonunions. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Comminuted fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid are immobilized by a below-elbow cast or thermoplastic splint with inclusion of the thumb for 8 weeks. No heavy work, high-risk or contact sport activities for 12 weeks. Plate removal is recommended after 6 months or after bony healing. RESULTS: By stabilizing scaphoid nonunions with a plate, high union rates with good clinical outcome can be achieved if the indication is correct.

[Treatment of the ulnar impingement syndrome in the distal radioulnar joint]. / Die Therapie des Impingementsyndroms im distalen Radioulnargelenk.

Ligamentous stability and joint congruity are prerequisites for a physiological function of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Impingement of the ulnar head may be caused by a congenital ulna-minus variance or by an iatrogenically excessive ulna shortening osteotomy. This impingement is detected by a positive compression test at the DRUJ. Radius correction osteotomy with shortening and correction of the radial inclination to restore the sigmoid notch may solve the problem by reducing the pressure between both joint partners and by promoting the remodelling of the DRUJ. This technique may restore the distal radioulnar joint and thus prevent the necessity of salvage procedures.

[Wrist arthrodesis with a fixed-angle, "low-profile" fusion plate without carpometacarpal joint fixation]. / Handgelenkarthrodese mit winkelstabiler "Low-profile"-Platte ohne karpometakarpale Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: Total wrist arthrodesis to improve functional use of the hand by reducing pain and increasing grip strength. INDICATIONS: Painful destruction of the radio- and midcarpal joints. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Analgesia and satisfactory hand function after motion-preserving surgical or conservative treatment. Chronic joint infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Posterior approach to the wrist. Removal of articular surfaces destroyed all the way down to cancellous bone. Filling of defects with cancellous bone graft taken from distal radius or iliac crest. Osteosynthesis with fixed-angle wrist fusion plate without carpometacarpal (CMC) III joint fixation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Below-elbow cast for 2 weeks. Immediate active motion fingers exercises. X­ray control 6 weeks postoperatively. Gradual increase of normal hand use in daily life after bony consolidation. RESULTS: Total wrist arthrodesis was performed using a fixed-angle fusion plate without CMC III joint fixation in 28 patients (21 men, 7 women). A follow-up of 14/28 patients was performed at a mean of 21 (3-39) months postoperatively. Grip strength improved from 14 (0-38) kg preoperatively to 22 (12-40) kg postoperatively. The average postoperative DASH score was 40 (6-72) points. Pain measured with the VAS scale (0-10) improved from an average of 7 (3-10) points preoperatively to 2 (0-6) points postoperatively. Overall, 13/14 patients were satisfied with the treatment; 26/28 patients achieved primary bony consolidation. Postoperative complications found in 9 of 28 patients: 2 nonunion, pain in the CMC II (n = 3) or III (n = 1) joints, 2 screw breakage, 1 postoperative bleeding and 1 infection. Both cases of nonunion healed after plate removal, re-osteosynthesis with a straight wrist arthrodesis plate, bridging the CMC III joint, and a bone graft from the iliac crest. All patients with CMC II joint pain were pain-free after removal of the protruding screw. One patient had chronic pain in the CMC III joint despite plate removal. In the 2 cases with screw breakage, no issues caused. In one patient, after primary bony consolidation, removal of the plate was performed for extensor tenolysis and not as a result of the broken screw. In the second patient, removal of the plate after primary bony consolidation was unnecessary as the patient was pain-free in the area of the broken screw, yet a protruding screw in the CMC II joint cavity was removed.

[(Partial) fusion of the wrist : Indications and surgical procedures]. / (Teil­)Arthrodesen am Handgelenk : Indikationen und chirurgische Therapien.

Carpal bone fusions for secondary reconstruction are still indispensable despite state of the art diagnostic tools and modern treatment techniques for wrist lesions. The former fusions stabilize the wrist and enable sufficient residual carpal mobility. Pain can be reduced significantly by arthrodesis of destroyed joints and the progress of osteoarthritis may be stopped or delayed. This review presents commonly used fusions with their inherent indications, contraindications and complications.

[Distal radius fracture of the adult : Diagnostics and therapy]. / Distale Radiusfraktur : Diagnostik und Therapie beim Erwachsenen.

Fractures of the distal radius are very common. The majority of patients are elderly females. High impact trauma are often responsible for fractures in young men. Clinical and radiological diagnostics, including computer-assisted tomography (CAT) scan, are generally sufficient. The indication for conservative treatment is still recommended for specific fracture patterns. Application of palmar locking plates after open reduction proved to be efficacious for the majority of fracture patterns. Furthermore, precise detection and treatment of concomitant lesions are mandatory in order to prevent complications.

[Open wedge corrective osteotomy of malunited distal radius fractures through a palmar approach. A retrospective analysis]. / Korrekturosteotomie der fehlverheilten Radiusfraktur von palmar. Eine retrospektive Analyse.

BACKGROUND: The conservative as well as the operative treatment of distal radius fractures poses a risk of inadequate reduction or secondary dislocation. The consequences may be limited use of the hand with pain and restricted movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 21 patients with malunited fractures of the distal radius which were corrected operatively through a palmar approach, 19 have been assessed clinically as well as radiologically. The mean age was 60 years (range 45-84 years) and the mean follow-up period was 342 days. In 10 cases no autologous bone graft was inserted into the osteotomy gap. RESULTS: Postoperatively the average extension was 51.8° (±14.9°) and flexion 53.5° (±14°) as well as a supination of 83.8° (±11.2°) and pronation of 84.7° (±12°). The wrist score averaged 85 points, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) functional value averaged 17 points. A mean preoperative palmar inclination of -20.9° (±10.1°) improved to 5.4° (±3.8°) after surgery and the ulnar inclination from 9° (±8.5°) to 18.1° (±6.2°). DISCUSSION: The correction of malunited distal radius fractures led to an improvement in function with less pain. Our data indicate that under certain circumstances interposition of an autologous bone graft does not need to be performed.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion: is intravenous contrast agent necessary in MRI?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study is to assess the diagnostic value of intravenously applied contrast agent for diagnosing osteonecrosis of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion, and to compare the imaging results with intraoperative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 88 patients (7 women, 81 men) suffering from symptomatic scaphoid nonunion, preoperative MRI was performed (coronal PD-w FSE fs, sagittal-oblique T1-w SE nonenhanced and T1-w SE fs contrast-enhanced, sagittal T2*-w GRE). MRI interpretation was based on the intensity of contrast enhancement: 0 = none, 1 = focal, 2 = diffuse. Intraoperatively, the osseous viability was scored by means of bleeding points on the osteotomy site of the proximal scaphoid fragment: 0=absent, 1 = moderate, 2 = good. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, 17 necrotic, 29 compromised, and 42 normal proximal fragments were found. In nonenhanced MRI, bone viability was judged necrotic in 1 patient, compromised in 20 patients, and unaffected in 67 patients. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed 14 necrotic, 21 compromised, and 53 normal proximal fragments. Judging surgical findings as the standard of reference, statistical analysis for nonenhanced MRI was: sensitivity 6.3%, specificity 100%, positive PV 100%, negative PV 82.6%, and accuracy 82.9%; statistics for contrast-enhanced MRI was: sensitivity 76.5%, specificity 98.6%, positive PV 92.9%, negative PV 94.6%, and accuracy 94.3%. Sensitivity for detecting avascular proximal fragments was significantly better (p<0.001) in contrast-enhanced MRI in comparison to nonenhanced MRI. CONCLUSION: Viability of the proximal fragment in scaphoid nonunion can be significantly better assessed with the use of contrast-enhanced MRI as compared to nonenhanced MRI. Bone marrow edema is an inferior indicator of osteonecrosis. Application of intravenous gadolinium is recommended for imaging scaphoid nonunion.

Gadolinium-enhanced preoperative MRI scans as a prognostic parameter in scaphoid nonunion.

The purpose of this prospective study was to correlate preoperative gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans with intraoperative bleeding of the proximal fragment and postoperative union in a series of consecutive patients with established scaphoid nonunions. In 60 patients (6 females, 54 males) with a mean age of 29 years, scaphoid perfusion was judged preoperatively as normal, impaired or absent using a gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan. Scaphoid reconstruction was performed using a nonvascularized bone graft and screw fixation. Perfusion of the proximal fragment was assessed intraoperatively in 49 of 60 patients; compromised or absent vascularity was predicted with a specificity of 90% by contrast-enhanced MRI. However, there was no significant correlation between preoperative MRI assessment of vascularity and subsequent union of the scaphoid.

[Multidirectional palmar fixed-angle plate fixation for unstable distal radius fracture]. / Multidirektionale winkelstabile Versorgung der instabilen distalen Radiusfraktur.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Open reduction and internal fixation with plates is a valid treatment of displaced extra- and intra-articular distal radius fractures. This report presents our experience treating unstable distal radius fractures by using a multidirectional palmar fixed-angle plate system (Aptus(R) Radius 2.5 by Medartis). The subchondral support of the articular surface by fixed angle screws prevents secondary dislocation allowing early mobilisation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 61 patients with distal radius fractures were treated during 6/2003 and 10/2004 using this palmar fixed-angle plate fixation without bonegraft. Postoperative X-rays showed anatomical reduction in all cases. 55 patients could be evaluated postoperatively. The follow-up examination included the patient's history, physical and radiographic examination as well as the DASH questionnaire and the Krimmer's modified Cooney wrist score. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was 9.6 +/- 5.2 months. The mean age of the examined patients was 53.9 +/- 17.8 years. The fractures were classified according to AO. There were eleven A3, four B2 and five B3 fractures, ten C1, 16 C2 and nine C3 fractures. All fractures united without complications. Just two cases showed a loss of length. At follow-up the average palmar angulation was 8 degrees , ulnar inclination 21 degrees and ulnar variance + 0.2 mm. Wrist motion averaged a decrease for extension and flexion of 12 %, for ulnar and radial deviation of 9 % and for pronation and supination only of 2 % in comparison to the uninjured side. Grip strength reached an average of 85 % of the contralateral side. Patients regained good function as represented in a mean DASH score of 14 points and a Krimmer score of 82 points. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with this plate fixation provided stable internal fixation and allowed early function. Due to multidirectional angle fixation and two lines of cortical screws it is possible to achieve an optimal restoration. The fixation of the central articular surface is guaranteed by the distal line, the dorsal subchondral support by the proximal line.

[Ulna shortening osteotomy using a new 7 hole gliding plate. Results from 73 cases]. / Die Ulnaverkürzungsosteotomie mit der neuen 7-Loch-Gleitplatte. Ergebnisse von 73 Eingriffen.

BACKGROUND: Ulna shortening osteotomy is a common procedure for the surgical treatment of ulna impaction syndrome, but it is still associated with complications such as rotation malalignment, and delayed or non-union due to of incomplete closure of the osteotomy gap. METHODS: We have developed a 7-hole titanium compression plate that provides fixation of the ulna before the osteotomy is carried out. With this plate, which has been in use for 4 years, a shortening of up to 10 mm is possible using two gliding holes, with the compression holes enabling the closure of the osteotomy gap. We report the results of 70 patients undergoing 70 ulna shortening procedures, with a follow-up of between 5 and 18 months. Two patient groups underwent follow-up clinical examination as well as completing the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There was no occurrence of delayed or non-union. The DASH score averaged 19 points in the prospective and 23 points in the retrospective group, representing a good functional result with only minor impairment. This study indicates that ulnar shortening using this gliding compression plate and performing an oblique osteotomy is associated with a minimal complication rate and highly satisfactory clinical outcome.

[The reamer--a new instrument for simplified harvesting of donor bone from the iliac crest]. / Beckenkammfräse--Ein Instrumentarium zur vereinfachten Gewinnung von Beckenkammtransplantaten.

Harvesting donor bone from the iliac crest site to fill gaps in bone defects is a simple operation but there are still reports of many complications occurring in the bone harvesting process. We now describe a procedure that significantly decreases the morbidity of the donor site. Reports on the iliac crest miller modified according to Krimmer that was applied on 40 patients (average age: 68 years) afforded results that were compared with data collected from the use conventional methods (average age: 65 years). The average length of the skin incision of 41 mm was significantly shorter than the incision length recorded in connection with the conventional methods, namely 79 mm. The harvesting time was limited to 7.6 minutes instead of 18 minutes und thus was also significantly shorter. The postoperative pain as measured on the basis of a visual analogue scale (0 to 100 points) was as follows: pain records were lower than those of the control group by 29 points on the second day following the operation, by 25 points on the fourth day, and by 17 points on the 12th day following the operation. No complications were observed. In the control group there were three haematomas, two cicatricial dehiscences, one cicatricial keloid and one loss of sensibility. This new procedure fulfils the demands for a minimally invasive technique.

[Long-term results after resection arthroplasty in patients with arthrosis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint: comparison of abductor pollicis longus and flexor carpi radialis tendon suspension]. / Ergebnisse nach Resektions-Suspensions-Arthroplastik bei Rhizarthrose: Vergleich der Abductor pollicis longus- mit der Flexor carpi radialis-Sehnensuspension.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: This retrospective analysis focused on a comparison of long-term results in patients who underwent resection of the trapezium with subsequent arthroplasty and tendon suspension using either the abductor pollicis longus (APL) or the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Based upon a positive history along with a clinical and radiological examination, 20 patients underwent suspension arthroplasty using the APL tendon (APL group) and 21 patients suspension arthroplasty using the FCR tendon (FCR group) after trapeziectomy. In both groups mean age (APL group: 60.4 +/- 5.3; FCR group: 61.7 +/- 6.8 years), pain severity according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; APL group: 6.7 +/- 1.9; FCR group: 6.9 +/- 1.7), severity of arthrosis in the thumb carpometacarpal joint according to the Eaton-Littler classification (APL group: 3 +/- 0.7; FCR group: 3.2 +/- 0.6) and time interval from onset of symptoms to surgery (APL group: 27 +/- 8.1; FCR group: 41.5 +/- 14.1 months) did not significantly differ. Each patient of both groups was treated surgically and reviewed by one experienced hand surgeon. Both groups received the same standardized postoperative treatment. RESULTS: In the APL group the mean operative time was significantly shorter (31.7 +/- 9.5 min) than in the FCR group (48.7 +/- 7.9 min). The follow-up period from surgery to the final examination was similar in both groups (APL group: 23.1 +/- 12.2; FCR group: 31 +/- 17.6 months). At the time of the final examinations, no statistically significant differences were found when analyzing the results of the DASH score (APL group: 20.1 +/- 15.1; FCR group: 29.3 +/- 15.7), the self-administered hand ability score (APL group: 1.7 +/- 0.6; FCR group: 2.1 +/- 0.6) and the VAS (APL group: 1.1 +/- 1.6; FCR group: 0.8 +/- 1.5). The time period from surgery to the offset of postoperative pain was also comparable in both groups (APL group: 5 +/- 1.8; FCR group: 5.3 +/- 2.5 months). The range of abduction in the first carpometacarpal joint after arthroplasty, parallel and perpendicular to the dorsum of the hand, was also similar in both groups (APL group: 63.4 +/- 14.3 degrees /62.1 +/- 11 degrees ; FCR group: 67.8 +/- 12.7 degrees /66 +/- 12.1 degrees ). However, patients enrolled in the APL group revealed significantly better results compared to patients in the FCR group regarding grip-strength, key and pinch grip (APL group: 23.9 +/- 9.7/6.6 +/- 2.4/6.2 +/- 2.8 kg; FCR group: 17 +/- 7.2/4.5 +/- 1.5/3.6 +/- 1.5 kg). CONCLUSION: Both techniques led to highly satisfactory results as seen in DASH and VAS data together with a near normal range of abduction in the first carpometacarpal joint in all enrolled patients. However, in direct comparison the APL procedure is technically easier to perform with significantly shorter surgery time recorded and significantly higher values in all force parameters compared to the FCR procedure.

[Intraoperative three-dimensional imaging with an isocentric mobile C-arm at the wrist]. / Intraoperative 3D-Bildgebung am Handgelenk mit einem mobilen isozentrischen C-Bogen.

In addition to conventional radiological C-arm image amplifiers used for intraoperative imaging, now a new mobile C-arm image amplifier with an option for three dimensional imaging (Iso-C 3D) is available to visualize reduction of fractures and position of implants. In a wrist-model three titanium pins were placed and three holes of different length were drilled. Distances between the pins and the depths of the drilled holes were calculated in conventional computer tomographic scans and Iso-C 3D scans in perpendicular, 30 degree and 90 degree position of the gantry and compared to actual distances and depths. There were no significant differences between the actual measured distances and those measured by CT scans and Iso-C 3D scans. Furthermore, gantry position had no significant effect upon the results. Iso-C 3D scans are as reliable as conventional CT scans for intraoperative controlling of implant positioning.

[Scaphoid fractures--operative or conservative treatment? A CT-based classification]. / Kahnbeinfrakturen--wann operativ, wann konservativ? CT-basierte Klassifikation.

Traditionally acute scaphoid fractures were treated by immobilization. As a consequence we have to deal with a high number of scaphoid non-unions or SNAC wrists. A study of 30 patients with scaphoid non-union showed that only 30% (9 patients) have not seen a doctor, while the majority of the patients (70%, 21 patients) were treated by a physician after trauma. In 15 (71.4%) of these 21 patients a missed diagnosis and in 6 (28.6%) a failed conservative treatment of the scaphoid fracture were the reasons for scaphoid non-union. Therefore, improvements in the diagnosis and therapy of scaphoid fractures are urgently needed. Herbert's classification of scaphoid fractures provides the underlying rationale for treatment according to the fracture type seen on X-ray. Differentiation between stable and unstable fractures sometimes is difficult from conventional X-rays. In these cases we recommend a CT bone scan in the long axis of the scaphoid. According to the CT scan we modified Herbert's classification: undisplaced waist fractures are classified as stable and can be treated conservatively or can be stabilized percutaneously using minimally invasive procedures. Comminuted or displaced fractures are classified as unstable and need operative treatment because of the increased risk of scaphoid non-union after plaster immobilization. Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid should be treated operatively by internal fixation, even if they are not displaced, because of the reduced perfusion. We recommend a CT scan of the scaphoid, if there is any doubt about the diagnosis or the stability of the scaphoid fracture. In any case, a CT scan has to be ordered to justify a conservative treatment.

[Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with familial accumulation]. / Das bilaterale Karpaltunnelsyndrom (KTS) mit familiärer Häufung.

We report on a six-year-old girl with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with familial accumulation. Parents and one grandmother had positive history for CTS, treated by surgical decompression. Following neurologic and radiologic evaluation and after failed conservative treatment in a plaster cast, open carpal tunnel release was performed in a two-stage procedure. Postoperatively symptoms diminished and now six months after surgery, all complaints disappeared completely.