High radial nerve palsy.

High radial palsy is primarily associated with humeral shaft fractures, whether primary due to the initial trauma, or secondary to their treatment. The majority will spontaneously recover, therefore early surgical exploration is mainly indicated for open fractures or if ultrasonography shows severe nerve damage. Initial signs of nerve recovery may appear between 2 weeks and 6 months. Otherwise, the decision to explore the nerve is based on the patient's age, clinical examination and electroneuromyography, as well as ultrasonography findings. If recovery does not occur, an autograft is indicated only in younger patients, before 6 months, if local conditions are suitable. Otherwise, nerve transfers performed by an experienced team give satisfactory results and can be offered up to 10 months post-injury. Tendon transfers are the gold standard treatment and the only option available beyond 10 to 12 months. The results are reliable and fast.

Outcomes at 7 and 21 years after surgical treatment of Dupuytren's disease by fasciectomy and open-palm technique.

The goal of this study was to assess the recurrence of Dupuytren's disease and the stability of the functional result after fasciectomy combined with the McCash open-palm technique. From 1989 to 1999, 56 consecutive patients were surgically treated for Dupuytren's disease. In 2003, 40 of these operated patients were reviewed by an independent evaluator; 12 patients were Tubiana stage 1, 16 stage 2, 9 stage 3 and 3 stage 4. Twenty-one of them were reviewed again in 2016 by a second evaluator who was unaware of the clinical results in 2003. The mean follow-up was 7.32 years (range, 4.26 to 12.5 years) at the first review. Recurrence occurred in 7 patients (17.5%) and extension of the disease in 15 (37.5%). Three patients had developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Mean residual contracture was 19.3°. Average improvement in finger extension was 53°. At the second review, 21 patients were assessed with a mean follow-up of 21.5 years (range, 18.7 to 26.3 years). None of them were re-operated and no extension of the disease was observed. There was no recurrence in patients who had no recurrence in 2003. However, the contracture had worsened in five patients (23.8%), three of whom had a recurrence of the disease in 2003. Mean residual contracture was 31.8°. Recurrence occurs most often in the first few years after surgery. The functional result is stable over time. CRPS and the number of rays operated are the main factors negatively affecting overall improvement of mobility.

Radiocarpal dislocations and fracture-dislocations: Injury types and long-term outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Radiocarpal dislocation (RCD) and fracture-dislocations (RCFD) are severe but rare injuries for which the treatment and outcomes are not well defined. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the prevalence of the various injury types and their long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 2014, 41 patients with RCFD were seen at our institution. According to the Dumontier classification, there were 4 cases of type 1 and 37 cases of type 2. Thirteen patients were reviewed again after a mean follow-up of 168 months (20-260). RESULTS: Among these 41 patients, 6 required secondary wrist fusion. At the latest follow-up evaluation, flexion-extension amplitude was 100° (25°-152°), grip strength was 86% of the contralateral side (10kgf-112kgf), the mean VAS for pain was 1.3 (0-5), the mean QuickDASH was 23 (0-59) and the mean PWRE was 27 (0-75). Six patients developed osteoarthritis in the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints. DISCUSSION: For cases of RCD, when reduction and stabilization have been confirmed by a dorsal approach, there is no reason to perform volar capsule and ligament suturing. For cases of RCFD, after anatomical reduction, radiostyloid pinning can be performed and an open surgical approach is not always required. Radiolunate fusion is a good solution for treating secondary instability. CONCLUSION: The good functional outcomes and absence of osteoarthritis can be attributed to the effective reduction and radiocarpal stabilization, along with the absence of radial and intracarpal marginal fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective.

Results of the Dubert procedure for chronic painful fracture-dislocations of the fifth carpometacarpal joint. A report of 6 cases.

Carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture-dislocations of the fifth ray are common. For chronic injuries, Dubert proposed combining resection arthroplasty of the base of the fifth metacarpal (M5) with synostosis with the fourth metacarpal (M4). Our aim was to evaluate the results of this procedure. Between 1994 and 2014, 7 men and 1 woman with an average age of 36 years (range, 27 to 45) were operated on. The right hand was involved in 6 of the 8 cases. All patients had symptomatic osteoarthritis secondary to isolated articular malunion and subluxation of the 5th CMC joint. Fusion was obtained right away in all 8 cases. Six patients were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 93 months (range, 7 to 249). At the final assessment, all patients reported a significant decrease in pain. The mean pain assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) was 0.6/10 (range, 0 to 5). Range of motion in flexion-extension of the M4-M5 block ranged from 10° to 20°. Grip strength remained reduced by 15% to 70%. All patients except one were satisfied with the outcome. The technique described by Dubert is an effective method to relieve pain. By fusing together M5 and M4, it preserves the length of the fifth ray and a certain adaptability of the palm when gripping. However, it can be used only when the CMC joint of the 4th ray is healthy. This stabilized arthroplasty is an effective and reliable technique for the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis secondary to CMC fracture-dislocation of M5.

Chronic instability of the thumb metacarpo-phalangeal joint: Seven-year outcomes of three surgical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Severe sprain of the thumb metacarpo-phalangeal joint (TMCPJ) is a common injury whose functional outcome is good when repair is performed at the acute stage. The diagnosis is often missed, however, leading to chronic instability. The optimal treatment of chronic TMCPJ instability is controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the three main surgical techniques used to treat chronic TMCPJ instability. HYPOTHESIS: Arthrodesis is the best surgical option when ligament repair is not feasible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study included all patients managed surgically between 2000 and 2012 for chronic post-traumatic TMCPJ instability using any of the three following techniques: primary repair, ligament reconstruction, and arthrodesis. Subjective and objective outcomes and complication rates at last follow-up were compared across these three techniques. RESULTS: Of 67 included patients, 55 were re-evaluated, after a mean follow-up of 84 months (range: 24-164 months). Among them, 48 (87.3%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Pain relief was significantly better in the arthrodesis group. Mean Quick-DASH scores were 17.4 (range: 0.0-89.5) with primary repair, 25.7 (range: 0.0-58.3) with ligament reconstruction, and 17.8 (range: 0.0-50.0) with arthrodesis. Mean pinch-test strength compared to the normal side was 89% with primary repair, 84% with ligament reconstruction, and 94% with arthrodesis. In the ligament reconstruction group, 6 of the 10 patients had instability at last follow-up and the proportion of patients describing themselves as fully recovered was significantly smaller than in the other groups. Four failures were recorded at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgery to treat chronic TMCPJ instability produces good outcomes. Primary repair deserves preference whenever possible. In contrast to previous reports, outcomes after ligament reconstruction were not better compared to arthrodesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Volar fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint: Four cases at an average follow-up of 3 years.

Volar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint associated with dorsal fracture of the base of the middle phalanx is a rare injury, with only 38 cases published. We report here four such cases: three treated surgically and one conservatively. Patients had a mean age of 19.5 years. At an average follow-up of 3 years, pulp-to-palm contact was obtained and no pain was reported with regular daily activities. All patients considered themselves cured and were very satisfied with the result. Incomplete reduction of the dorsal fragment or the presence of localized articular impaction warrant surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment of carpal boss by simple resection: Results in 25 cases at a mean of 8 years' follow-up.

Carpal boss is a symptomatic bony protrusion on the dorsal surface of the wrist at the base of the 2nd and/or 3rd metacarpal. The goal of this study was to assess the reliability and safety of simply resecting the exostosis. From 1994 to 2014, 29 cases of carpal boss were treated by simple resection. Twenty-five of these patients were subsequently assessed by telephone questionnaire at a mean of 8 years' follow-up (range 1.1 to 20 years). There were no cases of recurrence; however, 1 patient reported carpometacarpal instability requiring fusion, 5 years after surgery. Eight of the 24 patients without fusion (33%) reported moderate episodic pain (visual analog scale [VAS] pain: mean, 2.3/10, range 1 to 4). Range of motion improved in 8 cases (33%), was unchanged in 11 (46%) and decreased in 5 (21%). Twenty patients (83%) had no functional impairment; 4 reported impairment during unusual hand movements. Fifteen patients considered themselves cured (60%), 9 considered their status improved (36%) and one - the patient who required fusion - considered his status unchanged. Patients were very satisfied with the procedure in 15 cases (60%) and satisfied in 10 (40%). In all cases, features of dysplasia were present and associated with secondary osteoarthritis limited to the area of impingement. The single failure was most likely due to excessive bone resection. Simple exostosis resection is sufficient to effectively treat carpal boss. Fusion should be reserved for the rare cases of secondary metacarpal instability.

[The MEU classification system for distal radius fractures: Prognostic and therapeutic value of an independent assessment of various fracture parameters]. / Le système de classification MEU des fractures de l'extrémité distale du radius. Intérêts pronostique et thérapeutique d'une analyse indépendante des différents paramètres de la fracture.

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are often complex injuries that can impact the radial metaphysis (M), the radial epiphysis (E) and the distal ulna (U). Each of these parameters can influence the outcome. In a given injury, these three DRF components are involved to a varying degree and are variably associated. The MEU classification independently analyzes the three main bone components of the fracture; thus, all possible combinations and each specific injury can be described. It accurately depicts the type and severity of the DRF. Our results show that this classification is useful for both prognosis and treatment. The criteria are simple and easy to determine, making the system reliable and reproducible. The classification system uses rigorous and validated criteria to define fracture instability: any fracture for which M>2 and/or E>2 (severe fracture) is more likely to be associated with secondary displacement, DRUJ pain, and patient dissatisfaction. Furthermore, a metaphyseal fracture entering the DRUJ (M') and the presence of a displaced ulnar fracture (U>1) affect the functional outcome, thus these two features must also be included in the classification system.

Thoracic outlet syndromes. The so-called "neurogenic types".

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial pain syndromes of the upper limbs. The controversies revolve around both the diagnosis and treatment of the non-specific or subjective subtypes. Their diagnosis rests on a combination of history, suggestive symptoms and clinical examination. Proximal pain is primarily muscular in origin, while distal symptoms may be the result of intermittent nerve compression and/or myofascial pain syndrome. Stringent clinical criteria are required to confirm the diagnosis of subjective TOS. In reality, multiple factors can be entangled, with TOS being one element within a multifactorial pain disorder; any musculotendinous pathology of the upper limb and any peripheral nerve entrapment require screening for potential concomitant TOS. Surgery is indicated in most cases of true neurogenic TOS, whereas rehabilitation is the standard treatment for subjective TOS.

Lateral band translocation for swan-neck deformity: Outcomes of 41 digits after a mean follow-up of eight years.

BACKGROUND: Swan-neck deformity (SND) of the fingers can cause major functional impairment. The Zancolli-Tonkin procedure is a crossed dynamic tenodesis that prevents overextension of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and promotes extension of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. We assessed the outcomes of this procedure in patients with SND due to various causes. HYPOTHESIS: The Zancolli-Tonkin procedure provides effective and stable correction of SND due not only to RA, but also to other conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients managed at two centres between 2000 and 2013 were included. The causes of SND were inflammatory joint disease, trauma, iatrogenic events, and neurological disorders. The same operative technique was used in all patients. RESULTS: Forty-one fingers in 14 patients were evaluated. After a mean follow-up of 8 years, all patients could harmoniously flex the operated fingers and none had recurrence of the deformity. At the PIP joints, mean active flexion was 86° (range: 40°-90°) and mean loss of extension was 15° (range: 0°-40°). At the DIP joints, mean active flexion was 65° (range: 0°-70°) and mean extension lag was 4° (range: 0°-30°). The mean visual analogue scale pain score was 1/10 (range: 0/10-8/10) and the mean patient satisfaction score was 7.5/10 (range: 4/10-10/10). DISCUSSION: The SND was corrected and the results were stable after 8 years in all cases. Advantages of the Zancolli-Tonkin procedure include limited invasiveness, with no need to harvest a distant tendon, and rapid active postoperative rehabilitation. The moderate excessive PIP joint flexion has no adverse impact on the overall functional outcome. The high level of patient satisfaction reflects the improvements in function. CONCLUSION: The Zancolli-Tonkin procedure is a simple and reliable technique that provides lasting correction of an incapacitating deformity associated with impaired overall hand function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Isolated or predominant capitolunate osteoarthritis is the consequence of lunotriquetral dissociation. X-ray analysis of 22 consecutive cases.

Secondary osteoarthritis due to a scapholunate malalignment is well known, but is debatable in cases of lunotriquetral malalignment. It has been shown that lunotriquetral malalignment can lead to midcarpal osteoarthritis. The hypothesis of this retrospective study was that a relationship exists between the presence of midcarpal osteoarthritis and the presence of lunotriquetral malalignment. All patients with midcarpal osteoarthritis, isolated or predominant, treated between 1981 and 2013 were reviewed. Intracarpal angles were measured and the relative position of the carpal bones was analyzed by two examiners. Osteoarthritis of the wrist's joints was quantified in three stages. Diagnosis of static dissociative ligament lesion was made and correlated with the location of osteoarthritis. Twenty-two wrists in 20 patients (13 men and 7 women; mean age of 59 years) were included. The lunocapitate osteoarthritis was moderate in 6 cases and severe in 16 cases. The radioscaphoid osteoarthritis was moderate in 5 cases and severe in 1 case. Lunotriquetral malalignment was present in all cases; it was isolated in 8 cases and associated with scapholunate malalignment in 14 cases. In isolated lunotriquetral malalignment cases, midcarpal osteoarthritis was isolated or associated with degenerative lesions of lunotriquetral interval. Cases of perilunate instability in which the osteoarthritis is more severe in the midcarpal joint than in the radioscaphoid joint likely resulted from an injurying mechanism with ulnar beginning (ulnar-sided perilunate instability).

Surgical treatment of mucous cysts by subcutaneous excision and osteophyte resection: Results in 68 cases at a mean 6.63 years' follow-up.

The goal of this study was to assess the results of treatment of mucous cysts by subcutaneous excision and osteophyte resection without an associated skin procedure. From 1993 to 2013, 81 mucous cysts were operated on. In 27 cases, a nail deformity was present. Obvious osteoarthritis was present in 84% of cases. Among them, 67 patients (68 cysts) were subsequently assessed through a phone questionnaire after a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. Patients who reported a recurrence or suspected one were reassessed in consultation. Among the 68 evaluated cases, two developed an infection and one had delayed skin healing; these complications occurred on cysts with a previous fistula. In one case (1.5%), a recurrence was observed four months after excision of a subungual cyst. All nail deformities had resolved; 53 patients felt no discomfort and 65 were very satisfied or satisfied with the procedure and would undergo surgery again. The recurrence rate of 1.5% is consistent with that of other studies where the same procedure was used, without cutaneous grafting, ranging from 0 to 2%. This result is better than in studies where a graft or a flap was performed without systematic joint debridement. Our procedure is sufficient to effectively treat mucous cysts with less morbidity. Complications are rare and occur only in cysts associated with a fistula, justifying their early surgical treatment.

Lateral elbow ligamentoplasty by autologous tendon graft in posterolateral rotatory instability: Results in 18 cases at a mean 5 years' follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Posterolateral rotatory instability is the most frequent form of elbow instability. This clinical entity, described by O'Driscoll et al. in 1991, concerns young subjects following elbow trauma. Diagnosis is founded on symptomatology and positive posterolateral rotatory instability test. Treatment is based on reconstruction of the ulnar bundle of the lateral collateral ligament. The present study assessed medium-term clinical and radiological results in lateral ligamentoplasty for posterolateral elbow instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective continuous single-center series included 19 cases: 11 male, 8 female, operated on between 1995 and 2010; mean age was 37.8 years (range, 20-63 years). Surgery consisted in lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by autologous palmaris longus tendon graft following Nestor et al. (1992). RESULTS: Eighteen patients were assessed at a mean 61 months' follow-up. Mean time off work was 3.2 months (range, 2-7 months); all patients returned to work. No revision surgery was required. Mean range of motion in flexion, extension, pronation and supination was respectively 135°, 8°, 84° and 76°. Instability test was systematically negative at follow-up. Mean Mayo Clinic and Quick-DASH scores were respectively 90 (range, 60-100) and 21 (range, 0-63). All patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their result. CONCLUSION: Lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by autologous palmaris longus tendon graft provided reliable and lasting results. We consider it to be the reference treatment for chronic instability, and sometimes in acute post-traumatic instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Wrist osteoarthritis.

Painful wrist osteoarthritis can result in major functional impairment. Most cases are related to posttraumatic sequel, metabolic arthropathies, or inflammatory joint disease, although wrist osteoarthritis occurs as an idiopathic condition in a small minority of cases. Surgery is indicated only when conservative treatment fails. The main objective is to ensure pain relief while restoring strength. Motion-preserving procedures are usually preferred, although residual wrist mobility is not crucial to good function. The vast array of available surgical techniques includes excisional arthroplasty, limited and total fusion, total wrist denervation, partial and total arthroplasty, and rib-cartilage graft implantation. Surgical decisions rest on the cause and extent of the degenerative wrist lesions, degree of residual mobility, and patient's wishes and functional demand. Proximal row carpectomy and four-corner fusion with scaphoid bone excision are the most widely used surgical procedures for stage II wrist osteoarthritis secondary to scapho-lunate advanced collapse (SLAC) or scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist. Proximal row carpectomy is not indicated in patients with stage III disease. Total wrist denervation is a satisfactory treatment option in patients of any age who have good range of motion and low functional demands; furthermore, the low morbidity associated with this procedure makes it a good option for elderly patients regardless of their range of motion. Total wrist fusion can be used not only as a revision procedure, but also as the primary surgical treatment in heavy manual labourers with wrist stiffness or generalised wrist-joint involvement. The role for pyrocarbon implants, rib-cartilage graft implantation, and total wrist arthroplasty remains to be determined, given the short follow-ups in available studies.

Focal periosteal chondroma of the hand: a review of 24 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Periosteal chondroma is a benign cartilaginous tumour that is less common than enchondroma and rarely arises at the hand. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We report a retrospective review of 24 patients with focal periosteal chondroma of the hand and a mean follow-up of seven years and four months. The 13 females and 11 males had a mean age of 41 years and three months. RESULTS: Radiographs performed to investigate a hard lump on a finger established the diagnosis in 23 (95.8%) patients, and histological documentation was obtained consistently. The proximal and distal phalanges were the most common sites of involvement. The tumour recurred in a single patient, a 10-year-old child, 10 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: No other complications were recorded. Tumour excision and curettage of the lesion are the suggested treatments for periosteal chondroma. Most recurrences occur early after initial surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Contribution of static and dynamic ultrasound in cubital tunnel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Electroneuromyography (ENMG) is the gold standard examination in cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), but sheds no light on etiology. High-resolution ultrasound (HRU) analyzes the anatomic abnormalities and physical properties of the ulnar nerve (UN) and enables dynamic study. The present non-randomized prospective study compared HRU with clinical, ENMG and intraoperative findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients were included. The McGowan clinical classification as modified by Goldberg was employed, and ENMG lesions were ranked for severity. HRU screened for morphologic abnormalities of the ulnar nerve and cubital tunnel, measuring UN cross-sectional area (UNCSA) and flattening index (FI) in the cubital tunnel, in extension and flexion. UN stability was assessed. RESULTS: Ultrasound found 2 stenoses, 29 pseudoneuromas 25 dedifferentiations. There were 16 morphologic abnormalities. Mean cubital tunnel UNCSA (in cm(2)) and FI were respectively 0.112 and 1.549 in extension and 0.117 and 1.827 in flexion. Nineteen cases of UN instability were found on HRU, versus 17 intraoperatively. Only 8 patients showed no abnormality on HRU. Pseudoneuroma or dedifferentiation on HRU correlated with clinical stage (P=0.2579 and 0.2615, respectively). Dedifferentiation was associated with severe abnormality on ENMG (P<0.5). Thirty-two stenoses, 18 pseudoneuromas and 10 epitrochlearis anconeus muscles were found intraoperatively, matching HRU abnormalities. DISCUSSION: The present findings were comparable to those of the literature. Cubital tunnel UNCSA was elevated in case of CuTS, with cut-off at 0.112 cm(2). FI was elevated in flexion (P=0.0063). The rate of UN instability was 32%, compared to 21-60% in the literature. HRU findings matched the clinical and ENMG classifications. HRU proved to be an effective diagnostic tool for CuTS and its etiologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Isolated paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle: surgical release of the distal segment of the long thoracic nerve in 52 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated serratus anterior (SA) paralysis is a rare condition that is secondary to direct trauma or overuse. Patients complain of neuropathic pain and/or muscle pain secondary to overexertion of the other shoulder stabilizing muscles. As the long thoracic nerve (LTN) passes along the thorax, it can be compressed by blood vessels and/or fibrotic tissue. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the outcomes of surgical release of the distal segment of the LTN in cases of isolated SA paralysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 52 consecutive cases operated on between 1997 and 2012. The average patient age was 32 years (range 13-70). Patients had been suffering from paralysis for an average of 2 years (range 4-259 months); the paralysis was complete in 52% of cases. Every patient underwent a preoperative electroneuromyography (ENMG) assessment to confirm that only the SA was affected and there were no signs of re-innervation. RESULTS: Every patient had abnormal intraoperative findings. There were no complications. All patients showed at least partial improvement following the procedure. The improvement was excellent or good in 45 cases (86.7%), moderate in 4 cases (7.7%) and slight in 3 cases (5.6%). In 32 cases (61.5%), the winged scapula was completely corrected; it was less prominent in 19 cases and was unchanged in one case. The best outcomes following surgical release occurred in patients who presented without preoperative or neuropathic pain and were treated within 18 months of paralysis. DISCUSSION: Isolated SA paralysis due to mechanical injury resembles entrapment neuropathy. We discovered signs of LTN compression or restriction during surgery. Surgical release of the distal segment of the LTN is a simple, effective treatment for pain that provides complete motor recovery when performed within the first 12 months of the paralysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Cubital tunnel syndrome: comparative results of a multicenter study of 4 surgical techniques with a mean follow-up of 92 months.

BACKGROUND: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most frequent entrapment syndrome. Physiopathology is mixed, and treatment options are multiple, none having yet proved superior efficacy. OBJECTIVES: The present retrospective multicenter study compared results and rates of complications and recurrence between the 4 main cubital tunnel syndrome treatments, to identify trends and optimize outcome. MATERIALAND METHODS: Patients presenting with primary clinical cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed on electroneuromyography were included and operated on using 1 of the following 4 techniques: open or endoscopic in situ decompression, or subcutaneous or submuscular anterior transposition. Four specialized upper-limb surgery centers participated, each systematically performing 1 of the above procedures. Subjective and objective results and rates of complications and recurrence were compared at end of follow-up. RESULTS: Five hundred and two patients were included and 375 followed up for a mean 92 months (range, 9-144 months); 103 were lost to follow-up and 24 died. Whichever the procedure, more than 90% of patients were cured or showed improvement. There was a single case of scar pain at end of follow-up, managed by endoscopic decompression; there were no other long-term complications. None of the 4 techniques aggravated symptoms. There were 6 recurrences by end of follow-up: 1 associated with open in situ decompression and 5 with submuscular transposition. CONCLUSION: Surgery was effective in treating cubital tunnel syndrome. Submuscular anterior transposition was associated with recurrence. In contrast to literature reports, subcutaneous anterior transposition, which is a reliable and valid technique, was not associated with a higher complication rate than in situ decompression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Multicenter retrospective.

[Proximal median nerve compression. A series of 35 consecutive cases]. / Compressions du nerf médian dans la région du coude et de la partie proximale de l'avant-bras. À propos d'une série de 35 cas consécutifs.

Median nerve entrapment at the elbow and the proximal forearm represents 7 to 10 % of median nerve mononeuropathies. Literature distinguishes two distinct syndromes: the pronator syndrome and the anterior interosseous nerve syndrome. We report a retrospective series of 35 cases of proximal compression of the median nerve, including a previous study of 13 cases assessed in 2001. Thirty-four patients were operated on between 1994 and 2011. The series included 15 men and 19 women with a mean age of 57 years. Subjective complaints were the main reason of consulting with or without a deficit. All but one benefited from a preoperative electrical study. Neurography showed abnormalities in 18 cases and myography in 30 cases. At least one site of compression was found at surgery. Thirty-one cases, including nine of the 13 cases previously evaluated in 2001, were assessed with a mean follow-up of 69 months. Twenty-height considered them improved and all but one were objectively improved by surgery. The nine cases evaluated in 2001 had better results in 2011. Through this series and an exhaustive literature review, we concluded that there are no preoperative criteria that can differentiate a pronator teres syndrome from an anterior interosseous nerve syndrome. If no improvement occurs, surgical treatment should be proposed, one must then assess all potential sites of nerve entrapment. Patients must be informed that improvement can take several years.

Chronic pain after carpal tunnel surgery: epidemiology and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postoperative pain (CPOP) has been assessed after major orthopedic surgeries but not after carpal tunnel surgery (CTS). This study aimed at describing the evolution of nocturnal and diurnal pains during the year following CTS, and at looking for factors associated with CPOP. METHODS: Cohort of adult outpatients operated by one single surgeon, under regional anaesthesia (RA). Patients were questioned in the recovery room, and phoned 3 days and 12 months later. A multivariate analysis tested the association between CPOP and preoperative demographics, regional anaesthesia protocol, pain during RA, surgery and the first 3 postoperative days, postoperative complications. RESULTS: Between November 2006 and June 2010, 324 of 389 patients could be included. The nocturnal and diurnal pains disappeared on the evening of the procedure in 55% (180/324) and 50% (163/324) of patients respectively. At one year, 12% of patients (40/324) complained of pain which characteristic was similar to the preoperative one, and 22% (71/324) complained of a new pain (different from the preoperative one), which was therefore considered as CPOP. CPOP was associated with a decreased functional score (QuickDASH). After multivariate analysis, CPOP was associated with postoperative pain from D0 to D3 (p=0.02), minor postoperative complications (p<0.001) and absence of hypnotic approach during surgery (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: One year after CTS, 22% of patients have CPOP. This incidence is similar to the one observed after major surgeries. This study suggests for the first time that a hypnotic approach during the surgical procedure might decrease the CPOP incidence.