Rare Presentation of Pediatric Multiple Enchondromatosis Limited to Single Ray or Single Nerve Distribution in the Hand: A Multicenter Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Multiple enchondromas in the pediatric hand is a relatively rare occurrence and the literature regarding its incidence and treatment is sparse. Within this rare subset of patients, we identified a unique cohort in which lesions are confined to multiple bones in a single ray or adjacent rays within a single nerve distribution. We review the clinical and pathologic characteristics and describe the indications for and outcomes of treatment in this unique subset of patients as well as offer conjectures about its occurrence. METHODS: Institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective multicenter study between 2010 and 2018 identified subjects with isolated multiple enchondromas and minimum 2-year follow-up. Data analyzed included demographics, lesion quantification and localization, symptoms and/or fracture(s), treatment of lesion(s), complications, recurrence, and presence of malignant transformation. RESULTS: Ten patients were evaluated with average age at presentation of 9 years (range: 4 to 16) and mean clinical follow-up of 6 years (range: 2.8 to 8.6). Five subjects had multiple ray involvement in a single nerve distribution and 5 had single ray involvement with an average of 4 lesions noted per subject (range: 2 to 8). All children in the study had histopathologic-proven enchondromas and underwent operative curettage±bone grafting. Indications for surgical intervention included persistent pain, multiple prior pathologic fractures, impending fracture and deformity. During the study period three subjects experienced pathologic fracture treated successfully with immobilization. Recurrence was noted in 40% at an average of 105 weeks postoperatively (range: 24 to 260) and appears higher than that reported in the literature. No case of malignant transformation was observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: A rare subset of pediatric patients with multiple enchondromas of the hand is described with lesions limited to a single ray or single nerve distribution. Further awareness of this unique subset of patients may increase our understanding of the disease and improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic (case series).

Assessment of Distal Radioulnar Joint Stability After Reconstruction With the Brachioradialis Wrap.

BACKGROUND: The brachioradialis (BR) wrap technique is an option to restore the stability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The technique capitalizes on the BR's advantageous insertion point on the radial styloid and the ability of the BR to be harvested with minimal to no deficit. The tendon can then be wrapped around the radius and ulna, tunneling under the pronator quadratus and extensor compartments and secured back into its insertion to provide stability. In this cadaveric study, we used micro-computed tomography (CT) to assess the stability restored by this procedure. METHODS: Axial CT scans were taken of cadaveric specimens (n = 10) in 3 different positions (neutral, 60° pronation, and 60° supination) to establish the baseline measurements of each DRUJ. Surgical disruption of the dorsal and volar ligaments of each DRUJ then simulated a destabilizing injury and the specimens were scanned again. The specimens then underwent the BR wrap procedure and were scanned once more. Degree of ulnar subluxation with respect to the Sigmoid notch was determined using the modified radioulnar line method. RESULTS: The mean percentages of subluxation in the neutral position for the normal, injured, and reconstructed DRUJ were 22.4±4.9%, 56.2±12.9%, and 29.0±6.5%, respectively. In 60° pronation, these values were 15.4±4.7%, 53.5±15.0%, and 36.5±11.8%, respectively. In 60° supination, these values were 18.6±2.5%, 69.7±20.5%, and 31.9±8.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Values differed significantly between normal and injured conditions in all positions. No significant difference was noted between normal and reconstructed conditions, suggesting reconstruction improves DRUJ biomechanics and more closely approximates normal stability.

Distal ulna giant cell tumor resection with reconstruction using distal ulna prosthesis and brachioradialis wrap soft tissue stabilization.

This is a surgical technique report concerning the treatment of a 32-year-old male who had a giant cell tumor of distal ulna with suspected metastatic disease to the lungs. Three curettage procedures and a Darrach procedure were performed at an outlying facility. Upon the fourth reoccurrence, the patient was referred to our facility. It was established that the patient needed a distal ulna en bloc resection. To accommodate his activity requirements, reconstruction of the sigmoid notch and distal ulna was undertaken using a prosthesis. Soft tissue stabilization of the prosthesis was a challenge due to his previous procedures. This was accomplished using a brachioradialis tendon wrap.

Early Results of Scapular Fractures Treated Operatively at a Level One Trauma Center.

INTRODUCTION: Certain scapular fractures are best treated with open reduction to restore form and function to the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this study was to review the results of operative treatment of scapular fractures at a level one trauma center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one cases of operatively treated scapular fractures over a four-year period were identified after a database query. Nine patients had inadequate follow-up and one had a reinjury excluding a total of ten patients from our analysis. This left 11 patients (eight male and three female) with displaced scapular neck and glenoid fractures who were the subjects of this retrospective study. There were no ipsilateral clavicular fractures. The average age was 33.8 years (range, 22-49). Fixation was achieved using titanium 3.5 reconstruction plates and screws in all cases. Three plates were used in one patient and two in the other ten patients. Functional outcomes were assessed by the UCLA shoulder scoring scale at a mean follow-up of 24.0 months. RESULTS: At latest follow-up, nine of the patients had returned to work. Two patients had excellent results, six had good results, two had fair results, and one patient had a poor result. The poor result was associated with a suprascapular neuropathy diagnosed preoperatively. The average UCLA score was 29.1 out of 35 points. DISCUSSION: Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with anatomic reduction, a low complication rate, and satisfactory functional results at short-term follow-up.

Scapular thickness--implications for fracture fixation.

The purpose of this study was to measure and map scapula osseous thickness to identify the optimal areas for internal fixation. Eighteen (9 pairs) scapulae from 2 female and 7 male cadavers were used. After harvest and removal of all soft tissues, standardized measurement lines were made based on anatomic landmarks. For consistency among scapulae, measurements were taken at standard percentage intervals along each line approximating the distance between two consecutive reconstruction plate screw holes. Two-mm-diameter drill holes were made at each point, and a standard depth gauge was used to measure thickness. The glenoid fossa (25 mm) displayed the greatest mean osseous thickness, followed by the lateral scapular border (9.7 mm), the scapula spine (8.3 mm), and the central portion of the body of the scapula (3.0 mm). To optimize screw purchase and internal fixation strength, the lateral border, the lateral aspect of the base of the scapula spine, and the scapula spine itself should be used for anatomic sites of internal fixation of scapula fractures.