Reconstruction of essex-lopresti injury of the forearm: technical note.

Longitudinal instability of the forearm resulting from an Essex-Lopresti injury is a surgical challenge, and no technique has yet met universal success. A new technique is presented here consisting of reconstruction of the radial head, leveling of the distal radioulnar joint, reconstruction of the central band of the interosseous membrane by using a pronator teres rerouting technique, and finally repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. It is hoped that by addressing all of the contributing longitudinal stabilizing structures, the longitudinal instability of the forearm will be controlled. The technique is challenging and requires much surgical experience.

Arthroscopy in the treatment of fracture of the trapezium.

Fractures of the trapezium are rare and are usually treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The trapeziometacarpal joint is difficult to visualize with standard radiographic techniques; proper visualization of the joint surface of the scaphometacarpal and trapeziometacarpal joints is paramount. A 36-year-old male patient complained of isolated wrist pain and had limitation of wrist function after a motor vehicle accident. The injury was closed without obvious deformity. Radiographs showed a longitudinal shear fracture of the trapezium. Five days later, the patient was taken to surgery, and with standard wrist arthroscopy, a 1.9-mm arthroscope was inserted via the radial carpometacarpal (CMC) portal into the CMC joint. A probe was inserted via the ulnar CMC to manipulate and reduce the fragment. A bone clamp achieved reduction, and 0.035-inch K-wires provisionally stabilized the fragments. Compressive fixation was accomplished with a percutaneous mini Acutrak headless screw (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR). A thumb spica splint was placed for 3 weeks, and, subsequently, progressive mobilization and strengthening was provided. At 6 weeks, union, normal range of motion, and full strength were present, and at 18 months, the patient returned to his previous level of activity with an excellent outcome. Arthroscopy provides direct visualization and accurate restoration of articular congruity, yielding excellent results.

Arthroscopic management of distal radius fractures.

Arthroscopy has the advantage of providing a direct and accurate assessment of the articular surfaces and detecting the presence of injuries associated with distal radius fractures. Current indications, although numerous and potentially expanding, also are controversial. This report presents a global view of the current status of arthroscopy in the management of distal radius fractures. The rationale of arthroscopic treatment, the available evidence, and finally the diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Arthroscopic management of volar lunate facet fractures of the distal radius.

The clinical outcome of an intraarticular distal radius fracture is generally thought to be associated with the following factors: amount of radial deformity, joint congruity, and associated soft-tissue injuries. The proposed technique to manage this fracture pattern that involves a displaced volar lunate facet fragment uses wrist arthroscopy and pinning. Distraction of the fracture before arthroscopy is accomplished either by external fixation or by the arthroscopy tower. A freer elevator is introduced dorsally to disimpact the fragments, and next, a nerve hook is used to reduce the volar lunate facet, which is subsequently pinned to the radial styloid. The remaining fragments are reduced with interfragmentary pin fixation, and this anatomical articular construct is fixed to the radial metaphysis. The advantages of this technique are: (a) accurate assessment of articular congruency by direct visualization, (b) identification and repair of associated lesions, and (c) minimal soft tissue disruption. Potential disadvantages of external fixation supplemented by interfragmentary pins may be that it does not provide for rigid stable fixation, and therefore, does not allow for early motion compared to open reduction and internal fixation. Furthermore, it is technically challenging, and is therefore suggested as an alternative for the aforementioned fracture pattern.

Distal radioulnar joint instability in distal radius fractures: the role of sigmoid notch and triangular fibrocartilage complex revisited.

The stabilising effects of various structures of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) have been heavily debated. This biomechanical cadaveric study examined the effects of the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid notch and the volar and dorsal aspects of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) on DRUJ stability. Sequential fractures of the distal radius and sectioning of the TFCC were performed followed by measurements of ulnar translation with the forearm in pronation, neutral and supination. A dorsal lunate facet fracture created instability in pronation. Lunate facet fractures alone did not create instability in other forearm positions. Sectioning of the volar TFCC after loss of the dorsal TFCC by a dorsal lunate facet fracture caused DRUJ instability with the forearm in neutral position. Sectioning of the dorsal TFCC after loss of the volar TFCC due to a volar lunate facet fracture created instability in neutral and pronated positions.

Dorsal wrist ligament insertions stabilize the scapholunate interval: cadaver study.

This study examined sequential arthroscopic sectioning of volar, interosseous, and dorsal ligaments about the scapholunate complex in cadaver wrists. We attempted to clarify the contributions of the dorsal ligamentous complex to scapholunate instability and carpal collapse. We found that after sequential sectioning of volar ligaments and the scapholunate interosseous ligament, no scapholunate diastasis or excessive scaphoid flexion occurred. After dividing the dorsal intercarpal ligament, scapholunate instability occurred without carpal collapse. With sectioning of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament from the lunate, a dorsal intercalated scapholunate instability deformity ensued. This information may be of value in comprehending the pathogenesis of scapholunate instability and carpal collapse and in devising the rationales for conservative measures and surgical intervention.

Arthroscopic reduction versus fluoroscopic reduction in the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: Although arthroscopy offers an unparalleled view of intra-articular pathology, its use in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures remains controversial. This study was designed to compare functional and radiologic outcomes of arthroscopically assisted (AA) versus fluoroscopically assisted (FA) reduction and external fixation of distal radius fractures. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective, case-matched comparison of 2 different procedures. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1999, 15 patients with comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures underwent AA external fixation and percutaneous pinning. Fifteen patients underwent external fixation and FA reduction and pinning. Patients in both groups were matched for fracture pattern and age. RESULTS: Follow-up evaluation consisted of an evaluation of grip strength and range of motion as well as radiographic evaluation of palmar tilt, radial shortening, stepoff, and degenerative changes. Health-related quality of life outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Patients who underwent AA surgery had significantly improved supination compared with those who underwent FA surgery (88 degrees v 73 degrees; P =.02). AA reduction also resulted in improved wrist extension (mean, 77 degrees v 69 degrees; P =.01) and wrist flexion (mean, 78 degrees v 59 degrees; P =.02). Radial shortening, Knirk and Jupiter congruity grades, and DASH scores were similar for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: AA reduction and fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures permits a more thorough inspection of the ulnar-sided components of the injury. At follow-up evaluation, patients who underwent AA procedures had a greater degree of supination, flexion, and extension than patients undergoing FA surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II prospective cohort study.