ABSTRACT
Instability of the distal ulna is a fairly common problem after acute distal radius fracture (DRF), distal radius malunion, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, and a host of other types of trauma. We present a new anatomic technique to stabilize the distal ulna with a tendon graft augmented with Mersilene tape, which has been used primarily to treat unidirectional (dorsal or volar) instability, but could be used for global instability as well. Of the 12 patients who underwent this procedure, 9 had stability fully restored and the remaining 3 had only mild instability after surgery. The procedure is an effective treatment for distal radioulnar joint instability and we believe that this surgical technique will be a valuable adjunct to the existing described procedures for hand surgeons. We present a retrospective single-surgeon case series with outcome measures.
Subject(s)
Joint Instability/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Radius Fractures/surgery , Wrist Joint/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Biomechanical Phenomena , Diagnostic Imaging , Female , Humans , Joint Instability/etiology , Ligaments, Articular/injuries , Ligaments, Articular/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Radius Fractures/complications , Retrospective Studies , Splints , Treatment Outcome , Triangular Fibrocartilage/injuries , Triangular Fibrocartilage/surgery , Ulna/injuries , Ulna/surgeryABSTRACT
Many surgical procedures have been described for the treatment of thumb basilar joint osteoarthritis. Augmentation of the standard ligament reconstruction tendon interposition procedure with the use of a Mersilene suture tape suspension-plasty, to recreate the stability provided by the anterior oblique ligament and increase pinch strength, will be described. Satisfaction with this procedure was evaluated through surveys completed by patients. In addition, independent physical assessments were performed to demonstrate stability, range of motion, and strength.
