Prospective study of 80 volar wounds of the hand and wrist: Correlations between clinical examination and intraoperative findings.

Hand and wrist volar wounds are a common cause of emergency room (ER) visits. These wounds are explored surgically in the operating room at most hospitals. The main objective of our study was to prospectively assess the correlation between clinical examination in the ER performed by a surgical resident and the tendon, vascular and/or nerve damage found during surgery in hand and wrist volar wounds. The second objective was to describe the lesions based on their mechanism, as well as their topography. Eighty patients from two hand surgery referral centers were included. Patients' past medical history was obtained, as well as records of their physical examination in the ER and description of lesions found during surgery. In 28% of wounds with a normal clinical examination, tendon, vascular or nerve damage was found on surgical exploration. Out of the cases that tested negative for tendon injury in the ER, 16% had partial tendon injury or digital tunnel wound discovered during surgery. Nerve damage was found during surgery in 12% of cases that had not been detected clinically preoperatively. Based on our findings, we recommend performing surgical exploration for all volar hand and wrist wounds in the operating room, as physical examination does not detect all tendons, vascular or nerve injuries.

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis versus radiolunate arthrodesis in rheumatoid wrist surgery: Clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Radiolunate arthrodesis is a validated surgical technique in rheumatoid wrist surgery. When the radioscaphoid joint is involved or when there is radiolunate instability, a radioscapholunate arthrodesis must be preferred. The objective was to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes for both types of arthrodesis. Patients were evaluated retrospectively at a minimal follow-up of 12 months after radiolunate arthrodesis (RL-A group) or radioscapholunate arthrodesis (RSL-A group). Mean follow-up was 10.7 years (1-25 years). One hundred and one patients were included in RL-A group and 26 in RSL-A group. At follow-up, pain level was significantly reduced by 3.7 points and by 2.9 points in RL-A and RSL-A groups, respectively. Mobility in flexion/extension was significantly reduced by 25° in both groups. DASH and PRWE scores were 42.9 and 41.4 in RL-A group, 41.8 and 20.6 in RSL-A group, respectively. Larsen stage for the midcarpal joint increased significantly in both groups (+0.8 in RL-A group; +0.9 in RSL-A group), carpal height index decreased (-0.03 in RL-A group (significant); -0.02 in RSL-A group (non-significant)), carpal ulnar translation index increased (+0.038 in RL-A group; +0.037 in RSL-A group), without significant difference between both groups. Nonunion rate was significantly higher in RSL-A group (62%) than in RL-A group (30%). A pain free and functional wrist can be obtained after radiolunate and radioscapholunate arthrodesis. However, arthritis lesions and carpal deformities increased with follow-up similarly with both surgical techniques. Our results have shown that radiolunate arthrodesis remains a reliable surgical procedure for advanced rheumatoid wrist.

Functional outcomes after surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis: Retrospective single-center 24-case series.

Isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) osteoarthritis has functional consequences on the wrist. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients managed surgically during the last 12 years at the Toulouse University Hospital, regardless of the surgical technique used, for isolated STT osteoarthritis. We performed a single-center retrospective observational study using the CCAM database. The inclusion criteria were patients treated surgically for isolated STT osteoarthritis who did not respond to conservative treatment, with at least 6 months of clinical and radiological follow-up. Twenty-four patients were treated between 2006 and 2018. Partial arthroplasty of the distal pole of the scaphoid with or without interposition and total trapeziectomy had been performed on these patients. The mean follow-up was 79±46.8 months. The wrist range of motion (ROM) and the Kapandji score were not significantly reduced postoperatively. The mean postoperative QuickDASH score was 29.15±8.46. The mean pain assessed using a visual analog scale was 6.6±1.17 preoperatively versus 1.25±1.51 postoperatively (P=0.003). Statistical subgroup analysis found no predictive factor for a better postoperative QuickDASH score, and no surgical technique was superior at halting the progression of intracarpal misalignment and postoperative ROM. Surgical treatment of isolated STT osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment leads to significant functional improvement, particularly in terms of pain, without altering the wrist's overall mobility.

Management of posttraumatic finger contractures in adults.

This lecture will focus on posttraumatic finger contractures affecting the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in adults. The pathophysiology, main causes and essential rehabilitation methods that can be used before resorting to surgical treatment are described, along with the clinical examination. The goal is to define the surgical indications, even though the literature shows the functional outcomes are disappointing. While there is little to no change in a joint's angular amplitude, the functional range of motion can be improved. There is practically no functional improvement except in cases of MCP extension contracture. For the PIP joint, the aim is to shift the range of motion into the functional range. Surgical approaches, surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols are described in detail.

Degenerative subtalar joints complicated by medial plantar intraneural cysts : cutting the cystic articular branch prevents recurrence.

AIMS: The pathogenesis of intraneural ganglion cysts is controversial. Recent reports in the literature described medial plantar intraneural ganglion cysts (mIGC) with articular branches to subtalar joints. The aim of the current study was to provide further support for the principles underlying the articular theory, and to explain the successes and failures of treatment of mICGs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, five patients with five mICGs were retrospectively reviewed. There were five men with a mean age of 50.2 years (33 to 68) and a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (0.8 to 6). Case history, physical examination, imaging, and intraoperative findings were reviewed. The outcomes of interest were ultrasound and/or MRI features of mICG, as well as the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The five intraneural cysts followed the principles of the unifying articular theory. Connection to the posterior subtalar joint (pSTJ) was identified or suspected in four patients. Re-evaluation of preoperative MRI demonstrated a degenerative pSTJ and denervation changes in the abductor hallucis in all patients. Cyst excision with resection of the articular branch (four), cyst incision and drainage (one), and percutaneous aspiration/steroid injection (two) were performed. Removing the connection to the pSTJ prevented recurrence of mIGC, whereas medial plantar nerves remained cystic and symptomatic when resection of the communicating articular branch was not performed. CONCLUSION: Our findings support a standardized treatment algorithm for mIGC in the presence of degenerative disease at the pSTJ. By understanding the pathoanatomic mechanism for every cyst, we can improve treatment that must address the articular branch to avoid the recurrence of intraneural ganglion cysts, as well as the degenerative pSTJ to avoid extraneural cyst formation or recurrence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:183-9.

Physical therapy under hypnosis for the treatment of patients with type 1 complex regional pain syndrome of the hand and wrist: Retrospective study of 20 cases.

Type 1 complex regional painful syndrome (CRPS-1) has a complex physiopathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy under hypnotherapy to treat this condition. Twenty patients with CRPS-1 at the wrist and hand were evaluated retrospectively: 13 women and 7 men with an average age of 56 years (34-75). Thirteen patients were in the inflammatory phase and 7 in the dystrophic phase. The main endpoints were pain (VAS, analgesic use), stiffness (wrist and finger range of motion), and strength (pinch and grasp). Secondary endpoints were functional scores (QuickDASH, PWRE), patient satisfaction, return to work, and side effects. Results were satisfactory in all cases after 5.4 sessions on average. VAS decreased by 4 points, PWRE-pain by 4.1 points, and analgesic use was limited to paracetamol upon request. Finger and wrist range of motion increased and the QuickDASH decreased by 34 points, PRWE-function by 3.8 points, pinch strength increased 4 points, and grasp strength by 10 points. Return to work was possible in 80% of the cases. All patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Physical therapy under hypnosis appears to be an effective treatment for CRPS-1 at the wrist and hand no matter the etiology.

Denervation of the wrist with two surgical incisions. Is it effective? A review of 33 patients with an average of 41months' follow-up.

The goal of wrist denervation is to decrease pain at the wrist, whether caused by an intra- or extra-articular problem or even when the reason for the pain is unknown. It is an alternative to partial or total arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy. Our hypothesis was that wrist denervation with a two-incision technique was a reliable and efficient way to treat painful degenerative wrists. Thirty-three patients, 48years old on average, were included in this study. Indications were scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) in 18 cases, scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) in 10, distal radius fracture sequelae with advanced radiocarpal osteoarthritis in 4, and post-traumatic ulnocarpal impingement in 1 case. At 41 months' follow-up (12-161), there was a 75% reduction in pain levels, decreasing from 7.1 to 1.8 on a visual analog scale (VAS). There were no modifications related to wrist range of motion or grip strength. The QuickDASH averaged 23 points (5 to 70). Radiographic evaluation showed progression of intracarpal degeneration in 6 patients. All but 2 patients returned to their previous work. Persistent dysesthesia was observed in 7 patients; it resolved in 3 cases and persisted in 4. One patient developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). A midcarpal arthrodesis with scaphoidectomy was performed in one patient because of disabling pain 5months after surgery. Wrist denervation with a two-incision technique for post-traumatic osteoarthritis led to satisfactory results in 75% of cases with reduction in pain, preservation of range of motion and grip strength. However, this technique does not stop the progression of osteoarthritis. It can be discussed as a therapeutic alternative to proximal row carpectomy or intracarpal arthrodesis to treat degenerative painful wrists. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

[Are there any indications for surgery of distal radius malunion in elderly patients?] / Y a-t-il des indications de chirurgie des cals vicieux de l'extrémité distale du radius chez le sujet âgé autonome ?

Malunions of the distal radius are associated most of the time with disturbances of the distal radioulnar (DRU) joint. While a corrective osteotomy of the distal radius is a well-known procedure in younger patients, manual workers and active patients, is it justified in independent elderly patients above 70 years of age? These techniques improve function, reorient the articular surfaces, protect against complications such as degenerative osteoarthritis and stiffness of the wrist, and they improve DRU balance. Osteotomies performed with bone or artificial grafts have comparable outcomes. Either a volar or dorsal approach can be used depending on the orientation of the carpal articular surface of the radius and the need to lengthen the radius. If the patient is active and independent, the clinical benefit is higher when an osteotomy is done for significant malunions; urgent treatment of these older patients brings about additional costs and unclear benefits.

[Is external or internal distraction useful for treating distal radial fractures?] / Place du traitement par distraction externe ou interne dans les fractures de l'extrémité distale du radius.

The use of external fixation or internal plating to bridge communitive fractures of the distal radius is discussed based on a review of prospective and meta-analysis studies. Distraction by an external fixator is not advised (ligamentotaxis) because of the high incidence of complex regional pain syndrome and the destabilization of bone and ligaments surrounding the intra-articular fracture site. The external fixator must be used as a neutralization device and supplemented with K-wire or volar plate fixation.

Proximal row carpectomy on manual workers: 17 patients followed for an average of 6 years.

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is indicated for the treatment of SNAC or SLAC wrist with preservation of the midcarpal joint. Our hypothesis was that PRC is not appropriate for treating advanced wrist osteoarthritis in patients who carry out heavy manual work. Twenty-three PRCs were performed on 21 patients, 5 women and 16 men with an average age of 54 years (33-77). All patients performed manual work; 11 of them performed heavy manual work. Etiologies were: SLAC wrist in 14 cases (2 stage III, 11 stage II, and 1 stage I) and SNAC wrist in 9 cases (6 stage IIIB and 3 stage IIB). At an average 75 months' follow-up (24-153), five patients were lost to follow-up. Radiocarpal arthrodesis was performed in one patient 10 years after the PRC. In the 17 remaining patients (18 wrists), pain (VAS) averaged 2.2, with residual pain of 5. Flexion-extension range was similar to preoperative levels (67% of contralateral wrist). Wrist strength was decreased by 34% compared to preoperative. The QuickDASH score averaged 26 points and the PRWE 20 points. Radiocapitate distance decreased by 0.3mm on average with joint line narrowing in 6 patients. The carpal translation index was 0.33mm, which was unchanged relative to preoperative values. Three patients had work-related limitations that required retraining and one patient had to be reassigned. PRC preserved the preoperative range of motion and reduced pain levels. However, significant loss of strength was observed, resulting in 23% of manual workers needing retraining or reassignment. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Distal radius fracture malunion: Importance of managing injuries of the distal radio-ulnar joint.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius malunion is a major complication of distal radius fractures, reported in 0 to 33% of cases. Corrective osteotomy to restore normal anatomy usually provides improved function and significant pain relief. We report the outcomes in a case-series with special attention to the potential influence of the initial management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study included 12 patients with a mean age of 35years (range, 14-60years) who were managed by different surgeons. There were 8 extra-articular fractures, including 3 with volar angulation, 2 anterior marginal fractures, and 2 intra-articular T-shaped fractures; the dominant side was involved in 7/12 patients. Initial fracture management was with an anterior plate in 2 patients, Kapandji intra-focal pinning in 5 patients, plate and pin fixation in 2 patients, and non-operative reduction in 3 patients. The malunion was anterior in 10 patients, including 2 with intra-articular malunion, and posterior in 2 patients. Corrective osteotomy of the radius was performed in all 12 patients between 2005 and 2012. In 11/12 patients, mean time from fracture to osteotomy was 168days (range, 45-180days). The defect was filled using an iliac bone graft in 7 patients and a bone substitute in 4 patients. No procedures on the distal radio-ulnar joint were performed. RESULTS: All 12 patients were evaluated 24months after the corrective osteotomy. They showed gains in ranges not only of flexion/extension, but also of pronation/supination. All patients reported improved wrist function. The flexion/extension arc increased by 40° (+21° of flexion and +19° of extension) and the pronation/supination arc by 46° (+13° of pronation and +15° of supination). Mean visual analogue scale score for pain was 1.7 (range, 0-3). Complications recorded within 2years after corrective osteotomy were complex regional pain syndrome type I (n=1), radio-carpal osteoarthritis (n=3), and restricted supination due to incongruity of the distal radio-ulnar joint surfaces (n=3). This last abnormality should therefore receive careful attention during the management of distal radius malunion. DISCUSSION: In our case-series study, 3 (25%) patients required revision surgery for persistent loss of supination. The main error in these patients was failure to perform a complementary procedure on the distal radio-ulnar joint despite postoperative joint incongruity. This finding and data from a literature review warrant a high level of awareness that distal radio-ulnar joint congruity governs the outcome of corrective osteotomy for distal radius malunion.

Peri-lunate dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the wrist: Retrospective evaluation of 65 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Peri-lunate wrist dislocations and fracture-dislocations are related to high-energy trauma. Prognosis is often compromised because of the complexity of the lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of acute peri-lunate injuries and correlate them with the type of lesion and management. MATERIEL AND METHODS: A monocenter retrospective study has been conducted. Sixty-five patients (65 wrists) were reviewed. According to Herzberg's classification, there were 18 isolated peri-lunate dislocations and 47 peri-lunate fracture-dislocations - 27 with a scaphoid fracture and 20 with an intact scaphoid. The displacement was dorsal in 62 cases. All patients were treated surgically. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 8 years (2-16) the average Cooney score was 66 points, quick-DASH score 21 points, and PRWE score 28 points. Pain score was 1.3 out of 10 points at rest and 4.3 out of 10 with effort. The flexion-extension arc was 96° with an average strength of 38kg (70±23% of opposite side). Radiographic analysis has shown decrease in carpal height, increase in ulnar translation, and DISI. Sign of wrist arthritis was found in 58.5% of the cases. The rate of osteonecrosis was 7.7%. Regional sympathetic painful syndrome was observed in 12%. In 26% of the cases a secondary surgery was needed. No influence has been found with the final results between fracture-dislocation and isolated dislocation, and delay of treatment. Osteochondral lesions observed at surgery (P=0.035), osteonecrosis at follow-up (P=0.017), and modification of the scapho-lunate angle (P=0.029) were correlated with the occurrence of osteoarthritis. DISCUSSION: Peri-lunate dislocation and fracture-dislocation represent severe wrist trauma with often numerous sequelae with follow-up: pain, stiffness, loss of strength, carpal instability and arthritis. Early diagnosis and anatomic reduction are prerequisite to a satisfactory functional result. Capsulo-ligamentous lesions must be repaired and fractures must be fixed. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

[Cross-hand replantation in bilateral upper limb amputation: An anatomical emergency]. / Réimplantation croisée de la main: urgence anatomique.

Bilateral amputations of upper limbs are excessively rare clinical situations. We report an exceptional clinical case of bilateral amputation of upper limbs at different levels: destruction of the right hand and left transhumeral amputation in a patient after an attempted suicide on train lines. This special situation led us to perform a cross-hand replantation of the left hand to the right forearm. Only 4 other similar cases have been published in the literature. Once the surgical indication had been formulated collectively, and taking into account all the ethical issues surrounding such a decision, we had to solve the issue of inverting anatomical structures in emergency. We have provided a detailed description of our surgical technique. The aim was to save at least one organ used for grasping. The result obtained is presented and reviewed.

Outcomes of bipolar radial head prosthesis to treat complex radial head fractures in 22 patients with a mean follow-up of 50 months.

BACKGROUND: Radial head replacement is indicated to treat complex proximal radial fractures that are not amenable to internal fixation. HYPOTHESIS: Implantation of a bipolar radial head prosthesis after radial head excision ensures stability of the elbow and forearm, thereby promoting ligament healing and restoring elbow function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients managed with implantation of a bipolar radial head prosthesis (Guepar(®)) were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 50 months. The procedure was performed in the acute setting in 16 patients, including 13 with associated injuries; and at the stage of sequelae in 6 patients. RESULTS: Prosthesis removal was required in 4 patients. Of the remaining 18 patients, 14 (77%) had satisfactory Mayo Elbow Performance Score values, 14 (77%) little or no functional impairment, and 11 (61%) little or no pain. Mean motion arcs were 100° in flexion-extension and 143° in pronation-supination. Mean elbow strength in flexion and mean wrist strength were 67% and 86%, respectively, of those on the contralateral normal side. Radio-lucent lines were visible around the prosthesis in 5 patients, radial neck osteolysis in 10 patients, and capitellar erosion in 7 patients. Seven patients each experienced a complication. Early revision surgery to treat elbow instability was required in 6 patients. DISCUSSION: Outcomes after Guepar(®) bipolar radial head prosthesis implantation were disappointing in patients with complex radial head fractures seen in the acute or chronic setting. The associated injuries to bones and ligaments and the measures taken to repair them influence the prognosis. The complication rate is non-negligible and seems to increase over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Case report: Double nerve transfer of the anterior and posterior interosseous nerves to treat a high ulnar nerve defect at the elbow.

Double neurotization of the deep branch of ulnar nerve (DBUN) and superficial branch of ulnar nerve using the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) and the recurrent (thenar) branch of the median nerve was first described by Battiston and Lanzetta. This article details the postoperative results after 18 months of a patient who underwent this technique using the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) instead of the recurrent branch of the median nerve for sensory reconstruction. A 35-year-old, right-handed man suffered major trauma to his right upper limb following a serious motor vehicle accident. One year later, a pseudocystic neuroma of the ulnar nerve was evident on ultrasound examination and MRI. After the neuroma had been resected, the nerve defect was estimated at 8 cm. One and a half years after the initial trauma, with the patient still at M0/S0, we transferred the AIN and PIN onto the deep and superficial branches of the ulnar nerve respectively. Nerve recovery was monitored clinically every month and by electromyography (EMG) every three months initially and then every six months. At 18 months postoperative, 5th digit abduction/adduction was 28 mm. Sensation was present at the base of the 5th digit. The patient was graded M3/S2. Clear re-innervation of the abductor digiti minimi was demonstrated by EMG (motor conduction velocity 50 m/s). Given that the ulnar nerve could not be excited at the elbow, this re-innervation had to be the result of the double nerve transfer. Neurotization of the DBUN using the AIN produces functional results as early as 1 year after surgery. Using PIN for sensory neurotization is easy to perform, has no negative consequences for the donor site, and leads to good recovery of sensation (graded as S2) after 18 months.

Mechanical failure of the Coonrad-Morrey linked total elbow arthroplasty: A case report.

Semiconstrained (linked design) total elbow arthroplasty is indicated in a wide variety of cases. Long-term survival is better than with non-linked prostheses. However, mechanical failure of the hinge mechanism is a complication that may occur during follow-up. We report a case of failure of the axle assembly of a Coonrad-Morrey elbow prosthesis 8 years after implantation for nonunion of a supracondylar distal humerus fracture. Initial revision surgery included changing the axle and the polyethylene bushings. Revision surgery was necessary 1 year later when the axle failed again. A custom-designed locking axle had to be used to stabilize the hinge mechanism. After 3 years follow-up, the hinge was intact, there was no loosening of the components and function of the elbow was good.

Improvement in quality of life after surgery for glomus tumors of the fingers.

Glomus tumors are benign and rare tumors that develop through a neuro-myo-arterial glomus. Complete surgical excision of the tumor remains the standard intervention. Due to the difficulty of diagnosis, management is often late, resulting in poor quality of life. This study aimed to assess improvement in quality of life after surgery in patients with glomus tumors. We performed a retrospective study from 1992 to 2011 to analyze 23 glomus tumors of the upper limbs in 22 patients. Pain was systematically the predominant symptom. Quality of life and disability were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using two questionnaires in 11 patients: the Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-36 French version) and the Cochin Hand Functional Disability Scale. An evaluation of the visual analog scale (VAS) completed the study. The average age of patients was 48 years with a sex ratio of 0.28. The location of the tumor was in the fingers in 20 (87%) cases. The average delay between onset of symptoms and surgery was 8.5 years. Patients consulted an average of 2.8 practitioners. The average preoperative VAS was 8.7, whereas it was 0.8 postoperatively. Eleven patients were evaluated using the assessment scales, a mean of 11 years after surgery. Pain disappeared in 10 patients (91% of cases). A limitation of physical effort before surgery was found in five (45%) patients, while one patient (9%) had such limitation for a long period after surgery (P=0.006). The improvement in fine motion was also significant (P=0.03). Surgery had a positive impact on the emotional life of three patients (27%). Discomfort arose in the social life of four (36%) patients before surgery vs. one (9%) after surgery. Glomus tumors are rarely diagnosed during the first visit, leading to misdiagnosis and deterioration in quality of life, a cause of chronic pain, and limitations in activity. The significant improvement in quality of life provided by surgery necessitates earlier diagnosis of this tumor.

The role of total elbow arthroplasty in traumatology.

UNLABELLED: Fractures of the distal humerus account for 5% of osteoporotic fractures in subjects older than 60 years. A history of osteoporosis, co-morbidities, and joint comminution make their management difficult. The therapeutic options are limited to functional treatments, osteosynthesis, or either partial or total arthroplasty. Functional treatment of distal humerus fractures in the elderly subject provide inconsistent results, often with persistence of pain with a stiff or unstable elbow. Osteosynthesis remains the reference treatment for these fractures, following the principle of stable and rigid osteosynthesis allowing early mobilization. However, joint comminution and a history of osteoporosis occasionally make it impossible to meet this objective, with a considerable rate of complications and surgical revisions. Total elbow arthroplasty remains an alternative to osteosynthesis with very satisfactory immediate results restoring a painless, stable, and functional elbow. These results seem reproducible and sustainable over time. The complication rate is not uncommon with an approximately 10% surgical revision rate. Elbow hemiarthroplasty remains to be validated in this indication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Stemmed hemiarthroplasty versus resurfacing in primary shoulder osteoarthritis: a single-center retrospective series of 78 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Resurfacing shoulder arthroplasty is proposed in primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder. The present study compared resurfacing versus 3rd generation stemmed hemiarthroplasty in terms of survival, functional results and implant positioning effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy eight patients underwent arthroplasty for primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder: 41 by resurfacing and 37 by stemmed hemiarthroplasty. The two populations were comparable on all baseline variables. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. The principal assessment criterion was survivorship with surgical revision as end-point. Secondary criteria were functional results on Constant, quick-DASH, Neer and SSV scores, and implant positioning effects assessed on radiology. RESULTS: At a mean 44 months' follow-up (range, 24-118 months), there were no significant differences in functional scores. Radiologic analysis found greater varus positioning and lateral offset of the humeral head in resurfacing compared with stemmed hemiarthroplasty (128° vs 138°, P<0.01; 6.5 ± 2 vs 4.6 ± 1.6mm, P<0.01). Survivorship without revision was significantly poorer in resurfacing, with 4 revision procedures for glenoid wear (9.8%), versus none in hemiarthroplasty (P=0.02). There was no correlation between humeral head size, positioning or lateral offset and revision. CONCLUSION: Revision-free survival was significantly lower in resurfacing than in hemiarthroplasty. Greater humeral head size may increase lateral offset, accelerating glenoid wear. Down-sizing the humeral head in resurfacing procedures might limit these complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; case-control study.

[Capitolunate arthrodesis: 12 patients followed-up an average of 10 years]. / Résultats cliniques et radiologiques à dix ans de recul moyen de l'arthrodèse capito-lunaire. Série monocentrique de 12 patients.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term results of capitolunate arthrodesis for the treatment of posttraumatic degenerative wrist disorders. A capitolunate arthrodesis was performed on 12 patients, three women and nine men, of 45 years on average (28-66). Ten patients were manual workers. Dominant side was involved in seven cases. Indications were nine scapholunate dissociations (SLAC) and three scaphoid non-unions (SNAC) with degenerative lesions. Fixation of the arthrodesis was performed with K-wires in seven, K-wires and staples in two, and only staples in three. Patients were reviewed at 118 months of average follow-up (72-168). One complete wrist arthrodesis was necessary one year after the capitolunate arthrodesis for an evolutive painful osteoarthritis. For the 11 remaining patients, pain on visual analogic scale (VAS) was 0.5. The flexion/extension arc was decreased of 25° and strength of 6kg compared to preoperative values. DASH score was equal to 33.7 points, Cooney score to 77.2 points and Mayo score to 82.8 points. Radiolunate and capitolunate angles were decreased of 4.9° and 6.2° respectively compared to preoperative values. Some complications occurred: evolutive osteoarthritis between triquetrum and lunate in two, non-union of the arthrodesis in one, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in two. Nine patients were able to return to their previous professional activities. Capitolunate arthrodesis allowed restoring a pain free and functional wrist in eight out of the 11 patients reviewed. Results were maintained with follow-up. It is a satisfactory therapeutic alternative to four corners fusion for chronic instability of the wrist with osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.