ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Comminuted, markedly displaced distal radius fractures can cause instability requiring advanced stabilization with dorsal bridge plating. However, published complication rates of bridge plating widely vary. We hypothesize that complications of bridge plating of distal radius fractures are more prevalent than published rates. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all patients at an academic level I trauma center treated with a bridge plate for a distal radius fracture from 2014 to 2022. RESULTS: Sixty-five wrists were included in the final analysis: average age 53 years, male 51%, average plate retention 4 months, and average follow-up 6 months. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) was performed at time of primary procedure in 7 (10%) cases. Radial height, radial inclination, dorsal tilt, and ulnar variance were all significantly improved (P < .001). Grip strength, flexion, extension, and supination were significantly limited (P < .03). Twenty-one patients (32%) developed 35 major complications requiring unplanned reoperation, including mechanical hardware-related complication (15%), deep infection (11%), nonunion/delayed union (9%), adhesions (6%), median neuropathy (6%), symptomatic arthritis (5%), and tendon rupture (2%). Plate breakage occurred in 3 patients (5%) and was always localized over the central drill holes of the bridge plate. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications for bridge plating of distal radius fractures were higher at our institution than previously published. Plate breakage should prompt reconsideration of plate design to avoid drill holes over the wrist joint. Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome should be carefully assessed at initial presentation, and consideration for concomitant CTR should be strongly considered.
ABSTRACT
CASE: A 64-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of right wrist pain and swelling 33 years after a silicone scaphoid arthroplasty for chronic scaphoid nonunion. Radiographs demonstrated a deformed scaphoid implant, carpal and distal radius cysts, and mild carpal collapse. He elected to undergo a wrist arthrodesis with a dorsal fusion plate after failing conservative management. CONCLUSION: Although carpal bone silicone implant arthroplasties of the wrist have long been abandoned, our patient was pain free and fully functional for 3 decades. He was pleased to undergo serial examinations with radiographs for 30 years without any therapeutic intervention.
Subject(s)
Scaphoid Bone , Silicones , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Scaphoid Bone/surgery , Scaphoid Bone/diagnostic imaging , Scaphoid Bone/injuries , Silicones/adverse effects , Arthroplasty, Replacement/adverse effects , Wrist Joint/surgery , Wrist Joint/diagnostic imaging , Joint Prosthesis/adverse effects , Arthrodesis/methods , Follow-Up StudiesABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Open A1 pulley release for trigger finger has generally been considered a minor procedure with infrequent complications. Most reported complications are minor, including scar pain and tenderness, mild extension lag, and recurrence of triggering. Rates of major complications, such as bowstringing, neurovascular bundle injury, and infection requiring reoperation, are less than 1% to 4%. We aimed to describe the potentially devastating sequelae of these major complications and the subsequent consequences. METHODS: Three patients underwent open trigger finger release, which were all complicated by severe postoperative surgical site infection requiring multiple subsequent procedures. We review our initial management, subsequent reconstructive options, and outcomes with up to 19 years follow-up. RESULTS: All 3 adult patients who underwent open A1 pulley release for trigger finger developed a surgical site infection, leading to flexor tenosynovitis requiring urgent operative debridement and multiple subsequent procedures. Two patients were poorly controlled diabetics, and the third patient was otherwise healthy. Each patient ultimately developed distinct consequences from their postoperative course-finger stiffness and contracture, disabling bowstringing requiring the use of a pulley ring, and flexor tendon rupture requiring staged tendon reconstruction, respectively. All 3 patients at final follow-up had a permanent functional deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications after trigger finger release are infrequent. However, if left untreated, particularly in diabetic patients, there can be disastrous consequences, resulting in permanent loss of function. This case series highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis of postoperative infections and expedient treatment thereafter.
ABSTRACT
Highlights from the Science family of journals.
