Arthroscopic Excision of Localized Nodular Tenosynovitis of Carpometacarpal Joint of Thumb: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Giant cell tumors of tendon sheath are classified according to their clinical presentation as localized or diffuse, and they may occur at intra-articular or extra-articular locations. Although magnetic resonance imaging is mandatory and sufficient for diagnosis in many cases, histological examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. Radiotherapy as adjuvant or after recurrence shows promising results. Though small joint arthroscopy, especially of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, is a relatively new technique and mainly used for the treatment of basal joint arthritis of the thumb, the indications are evolving. We report a rare case of nodular tenosynovitis of the CMC joint of the thumb managed with complete arthroscopic resection of the tumor, and no recurrence at a follow-up of 2.5 years. This is another addition to the list of indications for thumb CMC arthroscopy. Arthroscopic treatment provides the distinct advantage of thorough assessment of the articular cartilage, complete excision of the tumor via a minimally invasive technique, early return of function, and better cosmesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report of arthroscopic resection of nodular tenosynovitis of the thumb CMC joint.

Ulnar-Side Wrist Pain Management Guidelines: All That Hurts is Not the TFCC!

BACKGROUND: Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common clinical problem, most often misdiagnosed as triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury. It may be frustrating to the patient, as one may end up wearing a wrist splint for an unusually long period, disrupting their routine. PURPOSE: Because of the dilemmas in the diagnosing the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain, various algorithms have been suggested but it is an individual's choice to do a systematic assessment and follow in their routine clinical practice. We propose the 'storey concept' for examining the ulnar side of the wrist, with ulnar styloid as the reference point. The lower storey identifies the pathologies of the DRUJ, the intermediate storey identifies the pathologies of the radiocarpal joint and the upper storey identifies the pathologies of midcarpal and carpometacarpal joint. CONCLUSION: Also, it is important to ramify the cause of pain into stable or unstable wrist, with or without arthritis, as this will guide us in managing the pain arising from distal radioulnar joint. In addition to methodical clinical examination, ideal radiographs and high-resolution MRI are critical to diagnose wrist pathologies. The role of wrist arthroscopy has consistently increased, and complements in both diagnosis and treatment of wrist pain especially in ambiguous situations.

Pathways of translation: deep brain stimulation.

Electrical stimulation of the brain has a 2000 year history. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), one form of neurostimulation, is a functional neurosurgical approach in which a high-frequency electrical current stimulates targeted brain structures for therapeutic benefit. It is an effective treatment for certain neuropathologic movement disorders and an emerging therapy for psychiatric conditions and epilepsy. Its translational journey did not follow the typical bench-to-bedside path, but rather reversed the process. The shift from ancient and medieval folkloric remedy to accepted medical practice began with independent discoveries about electricity during the 19th century and was fostered by technological advances of the 20th. In this paper, we review that journey and discuss how the quest to expand its applications and improve outcomes is taking DBS from the bedside back to the bench.

A new approach to assess the gastrocnemius muscle volume in rodents using ultrasound; comparison with the gastrocnemius muscle index.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of a new non-invasive ultrasound technique to measure gastrocnemius muscle atrophy after nerve denervation in an animal model. METHODS: In sixteen rodents an eight mm sciatic nerve gap was created. In the following 8 weeks, each week, two rodents were euthanized and the gastrocnemius muscle was examined using two different ultrasound systems and two investigators. The standardized ultrasound measurement protocol consisted of identifying pre-defined anatomical landmarks: 1) the fibula, 2) the fibular nerve, and 3) the junction between the most distal point of the semitendinosus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle. Consequently, we measured the muscle thickness as the length of the line between the fibula and the junction between the two muscles, perpendicular to the fibular nerve. After the ultrasound recording, the muscle mass was determined. RESULTS: A steep decline of muscle weight of 24% was observed after one week. In the following weeks, the weight further decreased and then remained stable from 6 weeks onwards, resulting in a maximal muscle weight decrease of 82%. The correlation coefficient was >0.96 between muscle diameter and weight using both ultrasound systems. The inter-rater reliability was excellent for both devices on the operated side (ICC of 0.99 for both ultrasound systems) and good for the non-operated site (ICC's: 0.84 & 0.89). The difference between the muscle mass ratio and the muscle thickness ratio was not more than 5% with two outliers of approximately 13%. DISCUSSION: We have developed an innovative, highly reliable technique for quantifying muscle atrophy after nerve injury. This technique allows serial measurements in the same animal over time. This is a significant advantage compared to the conventional technique for quantifying muscle atrophy, which requires sacrificing the animal.

Arthroscopic dorsal capsulo-ligamentous repair in the treatment of chronic scapho-lunate ligament tears.

Introduction Scapholunate ligament injuries usually result due to a fall on the outstretched hand leading to scapholunate instability. The natural history of untreated scapholunate instability remains controversial and usually results in late arthritic changes- the so-called "SLAC" wrist. The advent of wrist arthroscopy helps in early diagnosis and treatment of these serious injuries. In selected cases with reducible scapholunate instability (Garcia-Elias stages 2, 3 and 4) we propose a new "all arthroscopic dorsal capsulo- ligamentous repair" with the added advantage of early rehabilitation and prevention of post-operative stiffness. Material and Methods We report the results of our series of 57 consecutive patients suffering from chronic wrist pain refractory to conservative measures. All patients underwent a thorough clinical examination in addition to a standard set of radiographs and MRI exam; and they were treated by an all-arthroscopic dorsal capsulo-ligamentous repair under loco-regional anesthesia on an ambulatory basis. All patients were available for follow-up at regular intervals during the post-operative period. At follow-up, the wrist ROM in all directions, the grip strength, DASH questionnaire and pain relief based on the VAS were recorded for both- the operated and contra-lateral sides. Results There were 34 males & 23 females with a mean age of 38.72 ± 11.33 years (range 17-63 years). The dominant side was involved in 52 cases. The mean time since injury was 9.42 ± 6.33 months (range 3-24 months) and the mean follow-up was 30.74 ± 7.05 months (range 18-43 months). The mean range of motion improved in all directions. The mean difference between the post- and pre-operative extension was 14.03° (SEM = 1.27°; p < 0.001); while the mean difference between the post-and pre-operative flexion was 11.14° (SEM = 1.3°; p < 0.0001) with flexion and radial deviation reaching 84.3% and 95.72% respectively of the unaffected wrist. The mean difference for the VAS score was -5.46 (SEM = 0.19; p < 0.0001). The mean post-operative grip strength of the affected side was 38.42 ± 10.27 kg (range 20-60 kg) as compared with mean pre-operative grip strength of 24.07 ± 10.51 kg (range 8-40 kg) (p < 0.0001). The mean post-operative grip strength of the operated side was 93.4% of the unaffected side. The DISI was corrected in all cases on post-operative radiographs. The mean difference between the post-and pre-operative SL angles was -8.95° (SEM = 1.28°; p < 0.0001). The mean post-operative DASH score was 8.3 ± 7.82 as compared with mean pre-operative DASH score of 46.04 ± 16.57 (p < 0.0001). There was a negative co-relation between the overall DASH score and the post-operative correction of the DISI deformity with a lower DASH score associated with increasing SL angles. Discussion The dorsal portion of the scapholunate ligament is critical for the stability scapholunate articulation, largely due to its attachment to the dorsal capsule. We have recently conducted a multi-centric anatomical study with international collaboration demonstrating the critical importance of this dorsal scapholunate complex. The all arthroscopic capsulo-ligamentous repair technique provides reliable results in addition to avoiding postoperative stiffness. The overall results at a mean follow-up period of more than 2 years in our series of young, active patients appear to be encouraging.

Dorsal wrist capsular tears in association with scapholunate instability: results of an arthroscopic dorsal capsuloplasty.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report the association of dorsal wrist capsular avulsion with scapholunate ligament instability and to evaluate the results of an arthroscopy-assisted repair. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients with a mean age of 39.1 years suffering from chronic dorsal wrist pain. They underwent a wrist arthroscopy with an evaluation of the scapholunate ligament complex from the radiocarpal and midcarpal compartments. An avulsion of the dorsal intercarpal ligament (DICL) from the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) was visible from the radiocarpal compartment in all cases, while the SLIL was intact. The DICL tear was repaired with an arthroscopy-assisted dorsal capsuloplasty. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by the QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) questionnaire, by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and by a clinical and radiological examination. Results Preoperatively, all patients had reduced flexion and radial deviation of the affected wrist. On the lateral radiograph, 5 of the 10 patients showed an increase of the scapholunate angle (60 to 85°). The scapholunate instability was graded as Messina-European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) II in five cases and as grade IIIB in five cases. A tear of the ulnar part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) was found in seven cases. At a mean followup of 16 months, the wrist range of motion (ROM), the grip strength, the QuickDASH, and the VAS of pain improved significatively. The scapholunate angle was normalized in all cases. Discussion Isolated tears of the DICL at its insertion from the dorsal part of the SLIL can be associated with scapholunate instability in the absence of an injury to the SLIL. The diagnosis is made arthroscopically. The arthroscopic dorsal capsuloplasty is a minimally invasive technique that provides short-term satisfactory results. Further studies are needed to determine whether repair of the DICL tear could prevent secondary destabilization of the scapholunate ligament complex. Level of evidence IV (case series) Diagnosis.

Treatment of Avascular Necrosis of the Proximal Pole of the Scaphoid by Arthroscopic Resection and Prosthetic Semireplacement Arthroplasty Using the Pyrocarbon Adaptive Proximal Scaphoid Implant (APSI): Long-Term Functional Outcomes.

Fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid with associated avascular necrosis and nonunion are well known to be problematic. Many techniques for fixation and reconstruction of the proximal pole of the scaphoid have been reported, often with poor results. One of the newer modalities of treatment for these difficult cases is excision of the proximal pole and replacement with a pyrocarbon implant. The ovoid shape of the implant acts as a spacer and repositions itself throughout the range of motion of the wrist. The procedure can be performed arthroscopically, thus reducing the morbidity and allowing the procedure to be a day case. Satisfactory results have been reported in elderly patients, but there is a paucity of literature regarding the outcomes in younger patients. This multicenter retrospective study evaluates the clinical, radiologic, and functional outcomes in patients under the age of 65 years with a minimum follow up of 5 years. There were 14 patients with scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) grade I, II, or III wrists, with a mean age of 53 years and mean follow up of 8.7 years. There were improvements in all of the patient related variables including VAS pain scores (7.5 to 0.7), extension (45° to 60°), flexion (32° to 53°), and grip strength (15.8 to 34.6 kg). Complications included volar subluxation of the implant, which was acutely surgically corrected (1), volar subluxation of the implant, with persistent pain that required a four-corner fusion (2), and secondary radial styloidectomy (3). This technique is an attractive, minimally invasive alternative for nonunion and avascular necrosis resulting from fractures of the proximal pole of the scaphoid. The authors provide details of the technique, including technical suggestions for performing the procedure.

Arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous repair in chronic scapholunate ligament tears.

This article discusses the preliminary results of treatment of chronic scapholunate lesions by arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous repair, which does not require open exposure of the wrist capsule. Thirty six patients underwent arthroscopically assisted dorsal capsuloplasties. Sixteen had percutaneous pinning. Mean follow-up was at 11.4 months. The average arc of motion was 105°preoperatively and 120°postoperatively. The average grip strength attained 92% of the contralateral side. Most of the results were excellent-to-good. Seven professional athletes returned to preinjury level. Arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous repair is a promising option, but a longer follow-up is necessary to confirm these results.

Revascularization of the lunate by a volar vascularized bone graft and an osteotomy of the radius in treatment of the Kienböck's disease.

Kienböck, a German radiologist, described avascular necrosis of the lunate (Kienböck's disease) in 1910. The epidemiology and etiology are not well-known and always has been debated. A negative ulnar variance is considered as a predisposing factor for Kienböck's disease by the majority of the authors. The treatment depends upon the stage of the disease at the time of presentation and diagnosis. Radial shortening and lengthening of the ulna are biomechanically satisfactory procedures because they increase the load sharing of the ulna and result in decompression of the lunate. Revascularization of the lunate by shortening of the radius may appear to be a very bold and ambitious technique. In very advanced cases, palliative procedures like wrist denervation, resection of the proximal carpal row, or wrist arthrodesis are the techniques resorted to. We report our experience of a series of 22 operated cases between 1994 and 2000 with a minimum follow up of 5 years. All cases were treated with an anterior vascularized bone graft based on the volar carpal artery associated to an osteotomy of the radius.

Importance of early passive mobilization following double free gracilis muscle transfer.

BACKGROUND: The tendinous portion of the transferred muscle following double free gracilis muscle transfer for reconstruction of prehensile function in complete paralysis of the brachial plexus has a tendency to adhere to the surrounding bed and thus impede active finger motion despite powerful contraction of the muscle per se. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of early postoperative passive mobilization of the tendon to prevent its adhesion and the need for tenolysis. METHODS: Of 34 patients who underwent double free gracilis muscle transfer technique, the initial 19 patients (group 1) underwent the conventional postoperative management consisting of 6 weeks of immobilization, and the following 15 patients (group 2) had early passive mobilization. Postoperative active range of motion of elbow and finger joints and the incidence of tenolysis were reviewed. RESULTS: Early passive mobilization technique in group 2 negated the need for tenolysis of the transferred muscle, whereas 10 of 38 transferred muscles in group 1 required tenolysis to improve finger motion. Before tenolysis, there was a significant difference of total active finger motion between group 1 and group 2, although there was no significant difference in the total active finger motion between group 1 and group 2 after tenolysis. CONCLUSION: Early passive mobilization in the postoperative period, consisting of tendon compression at the elbow and assisted resistance exercises of finger and wrist joints, can prevent postoperative adhesion and improve tendon excursion and motion of the free transferred muscle.

Surgical technique of pedicled bipolar pectoralis major transfer for reconstruction of elbow flexion in brachial plexus palsy.

In Erb (C5-C6) type of palsy due to traumatic brachial plexus injury, function is dependent upon the ability of the arm to maneuver and stabilize the hand for action. Complete loss of power of elbow flexion after brachial plexus injuries is a severe disability. If there is control of the shoulder, elbow flexion is of major importance. Various types of procedures have been described to recover or reanimate elbow flexion for chronic or failed upper type paralysis, including free muscle transfer, unipolar and bipolar pedicled muscle transfer, and various tendon transfers. In this article, we describe the surgical technique of bipolar pectoralis major transfer and our experience with this type of transfer, wherein we prefer to transfer all components of the pectoralis major muscle including the sternocostal and clavicular origins and humeral insertion without a fascial graft by the inclusion of a strip of the rectus abdominis fascia along with the flap.

Technique of osteochondral autograft transplantation mosaicplasty for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a localized condition affecting an articular surface that involves separation of a segment of cartilage and subchondral bone. It is found primarily in the knee, ankle, and elbow joints. Various theories about its etiology have been proposed, but the exact etiology of OCD still remains obscure. Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow is characterized by pain, swelling, and limitation of motion, usually in adolescence through early adulthood. An uncommon clinical entity, it occurs as a result of overuse injuries, especially throwing activities. The treatment of OCD has evolved from the removal of loose bodies to the resurfacing of defects with an osteochondral autogenous graft (mosaicplasty). Mosaicplasty is a relatively new and viable option for the treatment of advanced OCD of the capitellum. In this article, we describe the technique of mosaicplasty for OCD of the capitellum.

Technique of intercostal nerve harvest and transfer for various neurotization procedures in brachial plexus injuries.

Brachial plexus palsy caused by traction injury, especially spinal nerve-root avulsion, represents a severe handicap for the patient. Despite recent progress in diagnosis and microsurgical repair, the prognosis in such cases remains unfavorable. Neurotization is the only possibility for repair in cases of spinal nerve-root avulsion. Intercostal neurotization is a well-established technique in the treatment of some severe brachial plexus lesions in adults. In this article, we describe our experience and technique of intercostal nerve harvest for transfer in various neurotization strategies in posttraumatic brachial plexus reconstruction. Intercostal nerve harvest is a technique requiring meticulous technique and careful dissection along with proper hemostasis. It is also very important to preserve the serratus anterior muscle insertion and keep soft tissue stripping to a minimal. We do not osteotomize the ribs and believe that this adds to the morbidity and length of the procedure. Neurotization using intercostal nerves is a very viable procedure in avulsion injuries of the brachial plexus; however, there is some concern that in the presence of ipsilateral phrenic nerve palsy, it may lead to a significant compromise of respiratory function. In our experience, this is negligible with good long-term results.