Wound Complications with Multiple Wrist Incisions in Distal Radius Reconstruction.

Background Placement and spacing of skin incisions are important for maintaining soft tissue perfusion and viability, particularly in the setting of local trauma. Question/Purpose The aim of this article is to determine if multiple skin incisions in the surgical management of distal radius fractures result in an increased risk of postoperative wound complications, particularly in the setting of high-energy mechanisms of injury with substantial initial displacement and associated soft-tissue insult that require multiple incisions for distal radius reconstruction. Patients and Methods A multicenter, retrospective chart review was performed for all adult patients who underwent open reduction, internal fixation of a closed distal radius fracture with multiple (≥2) hand, and wrist incisions with minimum follow-up of 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures included wound healing complications such as partial or complete skin necrosis, dehiscence, delayed healing, and superficial or deep infections. Results For 118 wrists, a total of 305 incisions were utilized, averaging 2.6 incisions per patient (range: 2-6) with the flexor carpi radialis and dorsal distal radius approaches occurring in 86 and 78% of cases, respectively. One patient was identified as having a pyogenic granuloma along an incision. However, two patients were identified as having wound concerns, including fracture blisters ( n = 1) and wound margin epidermolysis ( n = 1) along the incision. There were no cases of skin bridge necrosis, delayed healing, wound dehiscence, or infection. Conclusions There is no increased risk of wound healing complications with the use of multiple skin incisions (≥2) in the surgical management of distal radius fractures, afforded by the abundant and robust angiosomes around the wrist. Surgeons should have the confidence to utilize the necessary number of skin incisions to effectively reconstruct distal radius fractures.

Single Incision, Dual Window Approach for a Comminuted Distal Radius Fracture.

Introduction Complex distal radius fractures often involve a fragment of the volar-ulnar articular surface and the radial styloid. The volar ulnar corner of the distal radius is an important constraint to volar translation of the carpus and thus requires stable fixation to prevent wrist displacement. The traditional volar Henry approach often requires undue tension on the median nerve while retracting for access to the ulnar aspect of the radius. To protect the median nerve from iatrogenic injury and to improve exposure of the surgical site, we propose a single incision, dual window approach to the distal radius for complex bi-columnar fractures. Methods This technique combines the trans-Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR) approach with a subcutaneous dissection to the ulnar aspect of the wrist. This window utilizes the interval between the ulnar neurovascular bundle and the carpal tunnel contents. Results This technique allows the surgeon to work through either window and thus visualize and directly fixate the various fracture fragments. We have treated complex articular distal radius fractures associated with ulnar communition with this novel technique and it has provided direct reduction with improved fragment access. The surgical technique, a case presentation and results are detailed in this report. Conclusion This case report has demonstrated that complex bi-columnar fractures of the distal radius can be effectively approached and fixated with a single incision dual window approach.

Effect of Trapeziectomy on Carpal Stability.

Background: The scaphoid-trapezoid-trapezium (STT) articulation stabilizes the scaphoid and links the proximal and distal carpal rows. The purpose of the study was to determine whether trapezium excision in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal (TM) arthritis affects carpal stability. Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed on all wrists that underwent trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty or ligament reconstruction, and tendon interposition for TM arthritis between 2004 and 2016. Radiographic outcome measures included the modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) and radioscaphoid (RS), radiolunate (RL), and scapholunate (SL) angles. Degenerative change at the TM and STT joints was classified according to the Eaton-Littler, and Knirk and Jupiter classification systems. Radiographic parameters were compared between preoperative and final follow-up time points. Results: A total of 122 wrists were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (range: 1.0-13.0 years). The mean RL (range: -2.2° ± 11.8° to -10.7° ± 16.5°) and RS angles (range: 52.6° ± 13.8° to 44.4° ± 17.8°) decreased significantly (<.001) without significant change in SL angle, indicating progressive lunate and scaphoid extension after trapeziectomy. The mean MCHR decreased significantly (range: 1.6 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.1) following trapeziectomy, indicating progressive carpal collapse. Progressive scaphoid-trapezoid arthrosis was observed following trapeziectomy. No other preoperative radiographic factors investigated were associated with significant differences in preoperative and postoperative values for radiographic outcome measures. Conclusions: Trapeziectomy can lead to loss of carpal height, coordinated extension of both the lunate and scaphoid, and progressive scaphotrapezoid arthrosis. As such, in wrists with dynamic or static carpal instability, trapeziectomy should be performed with caution due to the risk of carpal collapse with a nondissociative pattern of dorsal intercalated segment instability.

Biomechanical Comparison of Tendon Coaptation Methods With a Meshed Suture Construct.

PURPOSE: Tendon-to-tendon attachment constructs for tendon reconstructions or transfers need to be secure in order to allow early mobilization after surgery. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare 2 common constructs secured with a novel mesh suture versus a nonabsorbable braided suture. METHODS: We used 100 cadaveric tendons to create 5 different tendon coaptation constructs (a to e) (10 coaptations per group): (a) Pulvertaft weave with a braided suture (PTe); (b) mesh suture (PTm); (c) single-pass, side-to-side (SP-STS) coaptation with 30-mm overlap using a mesh suture (SP-STS-30m); (d) SP-STS 50-mm overlap with a mesh suture (SP-STS-50m); and (e) SP-STS with 30-mm tendon overlap using a braided suture (SP-STS-30e). The tensile strength, bulk, gliding resistance, and failure type were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference between the various tendon constructs and the suture type in terms of coaptation bulk. All SP-STS constructs with mesh suture had higher peak gliding resistance than any of the PT constructs regardless of suture type. Compared with the PT constructs, the SP-STS constructs with mesh or braided suture had a higher peak load, peak load normalized to repair length, and stiffness. Within each tendon coaptation construct group, Pulvertaft or SP-STS, the suture type did not affect any of the investigated parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The SP-STS constructs are significantly stronger and stiffer than the PT constructs. The SP-STS with mesh suture exhibited greater gliding resistance than the PT constructs and may result in greater gliding resistance through physiological tissue planes. However, the use of a mesh suture did not affect strength, bulk, gliding resistance, or failure type when compared within a construct group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of SP-STS constructs for tendon coaptations produces a stronger and stiffer construct than the PT weave; however, the use of a mesh suture may not provide any benefit over a braided suture.

Treatment for Acute Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fractures and Fracture-Dislocations: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) fractures and fracture-dislocations are common hand injuries and recognition of this injury pattern is essential in the management of these fractures. Although a variety of treatment options have been reported in the literature, the optimal treatment remains controversial. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library Database were screened for treatment strategies of PIPJ fracture and fracture-dislocation. Demographic data and outcome data were collected and recorded. A total of 37 studies including 471 patients and 480 fingers were reviewed. PIPJ range of motion (ROM) was greatest postoperatively in patients who underwent volar plate arthroplasty at 90.6 degrees. Dynamic external fixation resulted in the lowest PIP joint ROM with an average of 79.7 degrees. Recurrent pain and osteoarthritis were most often reported in extension block pinning at 38.5 and 46.2%, respectively. Open reduction and internal fixation had the highest rate of revision at 19.7%. Overall, the outcomes of PIP fractures and fracture-dislocations are based on the severity of injury, and the necessary treatment required. Closed reduction with percutaneous pinning and volar plate arthroplasty had good clinical and functional outcomes, with the lowest complication rates. Hemi-hamate arthroplasty and dynamic external fixation were utilized in more complex injuries and resulted in the lowest PIPJ ROM. This is a therapeutic, Level III study.