What is the Radiographic Factor Associated with Meniscus Injury in Tibial Plateau Factures? Multicenter Retrospective (TRON) Study.

Purpose: Tibial plateau fracture (TPF) is a complex intra-articular injury involving comminution and depression of the joint, which can be accompanied by meniscal tears. The aims of this study were (1) to demonstrate the rate at which surgical treatment for lateral meniscal injury and (2) to clarify the explanatory radiographic factors associated with meniscal injury in patients with TPF. Methods: We extracted the patients who received surgical treatment for TPF from our multicenter database (named TRON) included from 2011 to 2020. We analyzed 79 patients who were received surgical treatment for TPF with Schatzker type II and III and evaluation for meniscal injury on arthroscopy. We investigated the rate at which surgical treatment of the lateral meniscus was required in patients with TPF and the explanatory radiographic factors associated with meniscal injury. Radiographs and CT scans were evaluated to measure the following parameters: tibial plateau slope, distance from lateral edge of the articular surface to fracture line (DLE), articular step, and width of articular bone fragment (WDT). Meniscus tears were classified according to whether surgery was necessary. The results were analyzed by multivariate Logistic analyses. Results: We showed that 27.7% (22/79) of cases of TPF with Schatzker type II and III had lateral meniscal injury that required repair. WDT ≥ 10 mm (odds ratio 10.9; p = 0.005) and DLE ≥ 5 mm (odds ratio 5.7; p = 0.05) were independent explanatory factors for meniscal injury with TPF. Conclusion: Bone fragment size and the location of fracture line on radiographs in patients with TPF are associated with meniscus injuries requiring surgery. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00888-5.

Risk factors for rupture of extensor tendons in the rheumatoid wrist.

This study assessed the risk factors for spontaneous extensor tendon rupture in the rheumatoid wrist. The rupture group consisted of 25 wrists that had rupture of the extensor tendons and later received tendon reconstruction. The non-rupture group included 77 rheumatoid wrists without extensor tendon rupture. We assessed patients' pain at the distal radioulnar joint and swelling in the extensor tendon compartments clinically, matrix metalloproteinase-3 level in blood samples, and radiographic findings. We found that swelling in the extensor tendon compartments, the scallop sign, and severe dorsal subluxation are significantly associated with spontaneous extensor tendon rupture, but serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 level is not.Level of evidence: IV.

A magnetoencephalographic study of longitudinal brain function alterations following carpal tunnel release.

We investigate changes in brain function before and after carpal tunnel release. Magnetoencephalography (MEG), during which we recorded somatosensory evoked cortical magnetic fields (SEFs), and a clinical evaluation were performed before surgery and 6 months after. The distance on the vertical axis between the equivalent current dipoles (ECDs) for the first and third digits before surgery was significantly less than after surgery. There were no significant differences in values between the control participant and patients after surgery. In terms of distal motor latency, there was a negative correlation with the distance. The recovery function of the root mean square (RMS) before surgery for the N20m was less suppressed at 10 ms of ISI in patients, compared to controls. There were no significant differences in the RMS values for patients before and after surgery. Our results indicate that treating peripheral nerve lesions, such as in carpal tunnel release, positively modifies brain function.

Glomus Tumor Originating from a Digital Nerve.

Glomus tumors are relatively rare benign neoplasms that most commonly occur in the hand. They arise from the normal glomus body, which is an arteriovenous shunt related to thermoregulation. Glomus tumors in nerves are an extremely rare occurrence, as normal glomus bodies have not been found in nerves. We describe the case of a 30-year-old woman with a glomus tumor originating from a digital nerve that required excision along with a nerve segment. In this case, because the tumor was inseparable from both fascicles of the nerve, a segment of the ulnar digital nerve was resected with the tumor. After tumor resection, direct nerve repair was performed and the patient showed favorable outcomes.

Incomplete Ossification of the Scaphoid Mimicking Obvious Radiographic Scapholunate Dissociation: A Case Report.

We report a patient of Scapholunate (SL) injury in which radiography revealed obvious SL dissociation with dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity, but arthroscopy showed a SL gap of less than 2 mm. Radiographs of the uninjured wrist showed a SL interval of 3.0 mm and a SL angle of 80°. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed low signal intensity in the proximal portion of the scaphoid and a mild SL gap on T1-, T2-weighted, and T2-weighted fat-suppressed images. Midcarpal wrist arthrography revealed a small amount of contrast media leakage through the SL interval. It was considered that incomplete ossification of the scaphoid mimicked obvious radiographic SL dissociation.

Wrist Swelling in Kienböck's Disease.

Background and Purpose Wrist swelling is a frequent clinical manifestation of Kienböck's disease, but no study has reported the site and pathology of wrist swelling in this disease. The aim of this study is to elucidate the site and pathology of wrist swelling in Kienböck's disease. Materials and Methods Dorsal and palmar soft tissue thicknesses of the wrist were measured on standard lateral radiographs of the wrist in 26 patients with Kienböck's disease and 30 subjects without intra-articular lesion. Axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) views were examined to detect the site of swelling. The dorsal capsular ligament in three patients with Kienböck's disease underwent histological examination. Results Radiographic study confirmed dorsal wrist swelling in 24 of 26 (92%) patients examined compared with the contralateral unaffected wrists. MRI demonstrated thickening of the dorsal capsular ligament and extensor layer with synovial proliferation. Histological examination revealed nonspecific chronic inflammation. Conclusion Dorsal wrist swelling in Kienböck's disease is a common manifestation and constitutes a part of pathology of Kienböck's disease, although further study is required to clarify the relation between wrist swelling and etiology of Kienböck's disease. Level of Evidence This is a Level III study.

Distal radius nonunion after volar locking plate fixation of a distal radius fracture: a case report.

We describe a 59-year-old man who had nonunion of a right distal radius fracture after volar locking plate fixation. He underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a volar locking plate system for a dorsally displaced, unstable distal radius fracture at a previous hospital 5 months ago. Radiographs of the injured wrist showed nonunion of the distal radius with 1.5-mm ulnar minus variance. Radiographs of the unaffected wrist showed 3.5-mm ulnar plus variance. Intraoperative findings of surgical revision showed an unstable nonunion; thus, debridement of the nonunion, autogenous inlay bone grafting, and internal fixation using another type of volar locking plate system were performed. Healing of the re-operative site was confirmed radiographically 3 months postoperatively. We considered that volar locking plate fixation with excessive distraction of the fracture may lead to nonunion.

Anterior interosseous nerve palsy mimicking rupture of the index flexor digitorum profundus after volar locking plate fixation of a distal radius fracture.

We describe the case of a patient with distal radius fracture who became unable to flex the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger after internal fixation using a volar locking plate. There was palpable crepitus with active thumb motion, and wrist radiographs showed prominence of the volar plate at the watershed line. Therefore, our initial diagnosis was plate-induced closed rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the index finger. However, upon surgical removal of the plate, no tendon rupture was found. Magnetic resonance imaging after plate removal showed diffuse increased signal intensity in the index flexor digitorum profundus on T2-weighted fat-suppressed images, which indicated muscle denervation. Based on the above findings, we changed the diagnosis to anterior interosseous nerve palsy with isolated paralysis of the flexor digitorum profundus of the index finger. Finger flexion disability following volar plate fixation of distal radius fracture should always be investigated carefully..

Carpal tunnel syndrome associated with Kienböck disease.

We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients (3 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 72 years) who were surgically treated for carpal tunnel syndrome associated with Kienböck disease. All patients except 1 were incidentally diagnosed with Kienböck disease and had little or no wrist pain. Radiographic tests revealed advanced Kienböck disease in all patients. Intraoperative findings indicated that the site of maximum compression on the median nerve was located at the level of the carpal tunnel inlet in 11 patients, and the volar dislocated fragment of the lunate was located proximally adjacent to the floor of the carpal tunnel inlet. This disorder is most prevalent in elderly women, and even advanced Kienböck disease can present without wrist pain. Our findings suggest that palmar protrusion of the lunate may be the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome associated with Kienböck disease.

Clinical effects of internal fixation for ulnar styloid fractures associated with distal radius fractures: A matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar styloid fractures are often associated with distal radius fractures. However, controversy exists regarding whether to treat ulnar styloid fractures. This study aimed to evaluate clinical effects of internal fixation for ulnar styloid fractures after distal radius fractures were treated with the volar locking plate system. METHODS: We used prospectively collected data of distal radius fractures. 111 patients were enrolled in this study. A matched case-control study design was used. We selected patients who underwent fixation for ulnar styloid fractures (case group). Three control patients for each patient of the case group were matched on the basis of age, sex, and fracture type of distal radius fractures from among patients who did not undergo fixation for ulnar styloid fractures (control group). The case group included 16 patients (7 men, 9 women; mean age: 52.6 years; classification of ulnar styloid fractures: center, 3; base, 11; and proximal, 2). The control group included 48 patients (15 men, 33 women; mean age: 61.1 years; classification of ulnar styloid fractures: center, 10; base, 31; and proximal, 7). For radiographic examination, the volar tilt angle, radial inclination angle, and ulnar variance length were measured, and the union of ulnar styloid fractures was judged. For clinical examination, the range of motions, grip strength, Hand20 score, and Numeric Rating Scale score were evaluated. RESULTS: There was little correction loss for each radiological parameter of fracture reduction, and these parameters were not significantly different between the groups. The bone-healing rate of ulnar styloid fractures was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group, but the clinical results were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed that there was no need to fix ulnar styloid fractures when distal radius fractures were treated via open reduction and internal fixation with a volar locking plate system.

Mid- to long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head in children.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after surgical treatment of chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head in children. METHODS: Open reduction was performed in 16 children (mean age, 9.3 years [range, 2.6-13.6 years]) with chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head. Twelve patients had a history of preceding injuries, with a mean interval between injury and surgery of 24 months (range, 2-86 months); 4 patients did not have injuries. Eight patients who had undergone reduction within 16 months were treated by open reduction and ulnar osteotomy. The other 8 patients who had not sustained trauma or had been injured >2 years previously required either annular ligament reconstruction or radial shortening in addition to ulnar osteotomy. RESULTS: The average preoperative Kim's elbow performance score was 77.2 ± 10.5, which significantly improved to 97.5 ± 5.8 at the final follow-up. The radial head was maintained in a reduced position in 14 patients and was subluxed in 2. Slight osteoarthritic changes of the elbow were observed in 2 patients with good reduction. The functional results were excellent in 15 and were good in 1 patient with an average follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 2.6-15.1 years). CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical procedure provided good mid- to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Recovery function of somatosensory evoked brain response in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A magnetoencephalographic study.

OBJECTIVE: The recovery function of somatosensory evoked magnetic fields (SEFs) was recorded to investigate excitatory and inhibitory balance in the somatosensory cortex of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: SEFs were recorded in patients and controls. Recordings were taken following median nerve stimulation with single and double pulses with interstimulus intervals of 10-200ms. The root mean square for the N20m component following the second stimulation was analyzed. SEFs following stimulation of the first and middle digits were also recorded and the location for the equivalent current dipoles was estimated in three-dimensional planes. RESULTS: Distances on the vertical axis between the equivalent current dipoles for the first and third digits were shorter in patients than in control participants. The root mean square for the N20m recovered earlier in patients compared to controls; this was statistically significant at an interstimulus interval of 10ms. There was no relationship between N20m recovery and the equivalent current dipole location in the primary somatosensory cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Carpal tunnel syndrome was associated with functional disinhibition and destruction of the somatotopic organization in the primary somatosensory cortex. SIGNIFICANCE: Disinhibitory changes might induce a maladaptation of the central nervous system relating to pain.

Ulnar impaction syndrome: incidence of lunotriquetral ligament degeneration and outcome of ulnar-shortening osteotomy.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that most patients with ulnar impaction syndrome have degenerative changes of the proximal lunotriquetral (LT) membrane and that ulnar-shortening osteotomy is an effective procedure in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 50 wrists of 49 patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome who underwent an arthroscopic evaluation at the time of ulnar-shortening osteotomy, and subsequently at plate removal. Based on the Geissler classification, patients were divided into group A, normal, and group B, grades I to IV. The degree of degeneration of the proximal LT membrane at first-look arthroscopy was compared with that at second-look arthroscopy. RESULTS: After ulnar-shortening osteotomy, both groups improved significantly in wrist range of motion and grip strength. According to the Mayo wrist score, 29, 18, and 3 patients showed excellent, good, and fair results, respectively. Of the 50 wrists, 25 had degenerative changes (group B) in the proximal LT membrane at the time of first-look arthroscopy. Of the 25 wrists in group B, 11 wrists improved based on the Geissler grade, 9 wrists showed no changes, and 2 wrists became worse. Clinically, patients demonstrated improvement after ulnar-shortening osteotomy regardless of the degree of degenerative LT ligament changes. CONCLUSIONS: Degenerative LT membrane changes that were seen in about half of our patients were mostly of a mild nature, and the clinical outcomes of ulnar-shortening osteotomy were acceptable. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

A surface-based hemangioma of the radius which posed radiological diagnostic difficulties.

Surface-based bone hemangiomas are uncommon, mostly occurring in long bones of the lower extremities. Radiographic surface-based bone hemangioma images may present various features that provide a diagnostic challenge. We report a case of surface-based hemangioma of the radius that posed radiological diagnostic difficulties. The tumor size was small and the cortical reaction was subtle. MRI findings were nonspecific and angiography was useful in the assessment of painful but less obvious surface-based bone hemangioma. The patient's pain improved following surgery and no tumor recurrence was observed at 3 years after surgery.

Stabilizing incomplete reduction of the radial head using a hinged splint: conservative treatment for a Monteggia equivalent lesion.

Radial head dislocation associated with plastic bowing of the ulna is classified as a Monteggia equivalent lesion. This injury in children can be treated by closed reduction, but manipulative reduction may not completely correct plastic bowing of the ulna. We encountered two cases of incomplete reduction in which the radial head was reduced in a supination position, but redislocated during rotation from neutral to a pronation position. The patients were treated conservatively using an adjustable hinged elbow splint. Plain radiography at 6 weeks after incomplete closed reduction showed that the radial head was reduced in all positions from supination to pronation; thus, both patients had good outcomes. Our method is non-invasive and may be an option for treatment of incomplete reduction of radial head dislocation with acute plastic bowing of the ulna.

Arthroscopically assisted repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tears.

PURPOSE: To give a detailed clinical outcome analysis of a consecutive series of patients treated arthroscopically for traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal tears. METHODS: This study was a consecutive case series of 11 patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted repair for traumatic TFCC foveal lesions. The mean age at the time of surgery was 27 years. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range, 20-51 mo). All patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted foveal reattachment of the TFCC by means of a transosseous outside-in technique. The primary outcome measure was a self-administered upper limb disability questionnaire (Hand20 questionnaire) at the final follow-up. The Hand20 scores range from 0 to 100, with high scores indicating severe disability. Secondary outcome measures included pain, grip strength, range of motion, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and the Mayo Modified Wrist Score. We assessed postoperative complications for all patients. RESULTS: The mean preoperative Hand20 score was 29; it decreased significantly to 6 at final follow-up. Pain completely resolved in 7 patients, whereas mild pain during activity persisted in 4 patients. Grip strength improved significantly after surgery, from 84% to 98% of the unaffected side. Nine patients had no DRUJ instability and 2 had mild DRUJ instability at final follow-up. The Mayo Modified Wrist Score at final follow-up was 94 points; results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 3, and fair in 1. Skin irritation at the ulnar neck caused by the suture thread was recognized as a postoperative complication in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Transosseous arthroscopic repair for traumatic TFCC foveal tear can restore stability to the DRUJ and provide satisfactory subjective and objective results without serious complications after more than 20 months' follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic lunate morphology and wrist disorders.

PURPOSE: The lunate is classified into two types, one with a single distal facet and the other with two distal facets. The effect of lunate type on the incidence of wrist disease and trauma remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a potential association between lunate morphology and wrist disorders. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 637 patients who had undergone wrist arthroscopy for wrist disorders. Patient charts and arthroscopic video images were reviewed retrospectively. We defined lunate type based on the Viegas classifications, according to its distal facet from a midcarpal arthroscopic image. Patient wrist disorders were divided into four groups: fractures and dislocations, Kienböck's disease, ulnar wrist pain, and degenerative disease. RESULTS: A Viegas type 1 lunate was observed in 349 wrists and a type 2 lunate in 288 wrists. Incidence of the type 2 lunate was different between the groups and was significantly lower for the Kienböck's disease and ulnar wrist pain groups than for the trauma and degenerative groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a variable incidence of lunate type in wrist disorders. The proportion of type 2 lunates was lower in Kienböck's disease and ulnar wrist pain.

Favorable effects of explanatory illustrations attached to a self-administered questionnaire for upper extremity disorders.

PURPOSE: The Hand10 is a self-administered questionnaire for upper extremity disorders. This questionnaire consists of 10 short, easy-to-understand questions and explanatory illustrations. In the shortening and validation process, the Hand10 demonstrated high acceptability and reliability among elderly individuals, with the advantage of being compact. We hypothesized that attached illustrations may contribute to the ability to maintain the psychometric properties of a questionnaire and raise acceptability for the elderly. METHODS: A series of 106 elderly patients with upper extremity disorders, whose symptoms had been stable, completed the Hand10, the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand Version of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and the Revised Hasegawa's Dementia Scale. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either the illustrated Hand10 or the unillustrated Hand10. The potential advantages attributed to attached illustrations were investigated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in baseline demographic data between subjects who received the illustrated and unillustrated questionnaires. The average percentage of items that the elderly patients left unanswered was 0.5 % for the illustrated Hand10 and 3.8 % for the unillustrated Hand10. Instrument test-retest reliability assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.92 and 0.86, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of explanatory illustrations attached to the Hand10 contributed to raise acceptability for elderly patients and were suggested to improve the reproducibility.

Mechanical advantages of a truss-structure-based fracture fixation system--a novel fracture fixation device "PinFix".

A small, light, ball-joint device called PinFix, which can instantly convert a simple percutaneous cross pin fracture fixation system into a rigid external fracture fixation system based on truss structure, was developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical load and breaking strength of this truss-structure-based fixation system to that of the conventionally used external cantilever structure-based fixation system. Three types of mechanical loading tests, axial, bending, and torsion, were performed on an artificial fractured bone treated with either three-dimensional PinFix fixation, two-dimensional PinFix fixation, or conventional external fixation. The three- and two-dimensional PinFix fixations showed significantly more stiffness than conventional fixation on all three loading tests. Finite element analysis was next performed to calculate the stress distribution of the parts in PinFix and in the conventional fixator. The applied stress to the rod and connectors of PinFix was much less than that of the conventional external fixator. These results reflected the physical characteristic of truss structure in which applied load is converted to pure tension or compression forces along the members of the PinFix. In conclusion, PinFix is a simple fracture fixation system that has a truss-structure with a high rigidity.

Clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic outcomes after ulnar shortening osteotomy: a long-term follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) in the treatment of ulnocarpal abutment syndrome (UCA), but none have used arthroscopic assessments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of USO with patient-based, arthroscopic, and radiographic assessments. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with UCA after a minimum follow-up of 5 years, with arthroscopic evaluations at the time of both USO and plate removal. We confirmed the initial diagnosis of UCA by radiography and arthroscopy. Mean age at the time of index surgery was 37 years. Mean duration of follow-up was 11 years (range, 5-19 y). We obtained Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Hand20 self-assessments postoperatively for all patients. Bony spur formation was evaluated postoperatively from plain radiographs. RESULTS: We detected triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disc tear in 13 wrists arthroscopically at the time of USO. Of these, 10 showed no evidence of TFCC disc tear at second-look arthroscopy. The remaining 17 cases showed no TFCC disc tear at either first- or second-look arthroscopy. Follow-up radiography revealed that bony spurs at the distal radioulnar joint had progressed in 13 wrists. Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Hand20 scores did not significantly correlate with the presence of bony spurs or TFCC disc tears. Range of motion decreased significantly with age only. Lower grip strength correlated with bony spur and lower radial inclination. Triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, male sex, and advanced age were associated with lower Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Hand20 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar shortening osteotomy achieved excellent long-term results in most cases. Most TFCC disc tears identified at the initial surgery had healed by long-term arthroscopic follow-up. We suggest that UCA with a TFCC disc tear is a good indication for USO.