A Reconstructive Extensor Tendon Centralization Technique for Sagittal Band Disruption.

Sagittal band injuries may result in extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon instability and may require operative treatment for symptomatic loss of extension, pain, and snapping at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). Operative methods vary according to the source of donor tissue, as well as the anchor point of attachment. We present a surgical technique that diminishes tension of the repair with MCPJ flexion. Twenty-two EDC tendon stabilization procedures were performed between 2006 and 2017 using a tendon flap method. The selection criteria for this group of patients included completely dislocating extensor tendons with persistent complaints of pain and decrease in finger extension despite at least a 6-week conservative treatment attempt. All subjects underwent surgical treatment for tendon centralization using a distally based tendinous flap from the EDC sutured to the adjacent finger volar plate. A mathematical model was developed to analyze repair tension at 30, 60, and 90 degrees of MCPJ flexion calculating the flap length difference of 2 attachment points: deep transverse metacarpal ligament versus adjacent volar plate. Centralization was maintained in all digits with no evidence of subluxation at final postoperative evaluation. Clinical symptoms of pain and weakness resolved in all patients. Mathematical modeling provided evidence that translation of the anchor point of reconstructed flap to the volar plate of the adjacent finger resulted in lower tensile forces when compared with attachment at the intermetacarpal ligament. This optimized forces on reconstructed tendon flap experienced during MCPJ flexion.Level of Evidence: Level IV-therapeutic, case series.

Restoration of shoulder motion using single- versus dual-nerve repair in obstetrical brachial plexus injury.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder abduction and external rotation (ER) after single-nerve repair of the upper trunk alone versus dual-nerve repair of both the upper trunk and the suprascapular nerve. METHODS A retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's experience repairing obstetrical brachial plexus injuries between June 1995 and June 2015 was performed. Eight patients underwent repair of the upper trunk alone, and 10 patients underwent repair of the upper trunk and the suprascapular nerve. Shoulder abduction and ER ranges of motion (ROMs) (in degrees) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative ROM and the difference in ROM gained after surgery were compared by independent t-test analysis. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 161.4 weeks (range 62-514 weeks, SD 124.0 weeks). The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 31.3 weeks (range 19.9-47.0 weeks, SD 6.9 weeks). The mean postoperative shoulder abduction ROMs were 145.0° (range 85°-180°, SD 39.4°) after single-nerve repair and 134.0° (range 90°-180°, SD 30.3°) after dual-nerve repair (p = 0.51). The mean postoperative shoulder ER ROMs were 67.5° (range 10°-95°, SD 28.8°) after single-nerve repair and 72.0° (range 10°-95°, SD 31.3°) after dual-nerve repair (p = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS The authors found no difference in shoulder abduction and ER between patients who underwent single-nerve repair of the upper trunk alone and those who underwent dual-nerve repair of both the upper trunk and the suprascapular nerve.

Prompt Referral in the Nonoperative Treatment of Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Prompt physical and occupational therapy is crucial in managing nonsurgical candidates with obstetrical brachial plexus injuries (OBPI). The objective of our study was to identify newborns suffering from nonoperative OBPI in need of a "fast-track" evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients with OBPI from June 1995 to June 2015. All nonsurgical candidates (Narakas class 1) were included in the study. The Gilbert score and the Medical Research Council grading system were used to measure shoulder and elbow function, respectively. The relationship between shoulder and elbow functional outcomes and time delay to consultation was studied using analysis of variance and Welch's tests. Various subgroups were studied based on OBPI risk factors: maternal diabetes, birth weight >4 kg, use of forceps, asphyxia, multiple comorbidities, and Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were included in this study. Mean follow-up time was 313.8 weeks (minimum: 52; maximum: 1072; SD: 228.1). A total of 19 patients had an Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes. Time delay between birth and the first consult to our clinic had an impact on shoulder outcome in the subgroup of newborns with Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The subgroup of newborns with an Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes shows improved long-term shoulder function when promptly examined by an OBPI clinic. We recommend a "fast-track" referral for this time-sensitive population.