Volar Capsulodesis With Early Active Motion for the Treatment of Chronic Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Hyperextension Deformity.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical outcomes of a series of patients with hyperextension deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint treated with volar capsulodesis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 16 patients with symptomatic locking of the proximal interphalangeal joint who underwent volar capsulodesis and were followed for at least 2 years. We excluded patients with severe, degenerative changes on plain radiographs. Clinical evaluation included the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; Catalano's scale for proximal interphalangeal joint hyperextension deformity correction; a visual analog scale for pain; range of motion; and grip strength. Hyperextension recurrence and residual flexion contracture were also recorded. RESULTS: There were 2 women and 14 men, with a mean age of 36 years (range, 22-60 years). The mean preoperative pain scores according to the visual analog scale were 3.6 (range,1-8) and 0.5 (range, 0-3) at the final follow-up. No patient had a recurrence of the hyperextension deformity. The average Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 5, and the mean grip strength was 87% of the contralateral side. Five patients were rated as having excellent results, 9 patients as having good results, and 2 patients as having fair results. Residual flexion contracture was less than 10° in 13 patients and more than 10° in 3 cases. All patients returned to unrestricted activities. CONCLUSION: Volar capsulodesis with early active motion demonstrated favorable results and could be considered as a surgical option for the treatment of chronic hyperextension deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Colgajo dorsolateral versus colgajo en isla mediopalmar radial para el tratamiento de lesiones traumáticas distales del pulgar. Evaluación clínica / Dorsolateral flap vs. radial midpalmar island flap in the treatment of traumatic distal thumb injuries. Clinical evaluation

Objetivo: Evaluar clínicamente a pacientes con lesiones distales combinadas del pulgar tratados mediante colgajo dorsolateral o colgajo en isla mediopalmar radial. Materiales y Métodos: Se comparó retrospectivamente a 20 pacientes (14 hombres y 6 mujeres; promedio de edad 35 años) con lesiones traumáticas combinadas distales del pulgar, operados por dos cirujanos, con técnicas diferentes. Los pacientes no tenían antecedentes quirúrgicos y el seguimiento mínimo fue de 24 meses. Se evaluaron el resultado subjetivo usando el índice de satisfacción, la escala analógica visual para dolor y el puntaje QuickDASH, y el resultado objetivo mediante el test de discriminación de 2 puntos, el tiempo quirúrgico promedio y la necesidad de reeducación espacial digital. Resultados: La media desde el ingreso hasta el alta laboral fue de 7 semanas (rango 6-8). Resultados promedio posoperatorios: escala analógica visual 01/10, ambos grupos. Grupo con colgajo dorsolateral: índice de satisfacción 97%, test de discriminación de 2 puntos 4 mm, puntaje QuickDASH 2,5; tiempo quirúrgico 45 min, sin necesidad de reeducación espacial digital. Grupo con colgajo en isla mediopalmar radial: índice de satisfacción 92%, test de discriminación de 2 puntos 6 mm, puntaje QuickDASH 8, tiempo quirúrgico 60 min; 4 pacientes requirieron reeducación espacial digital. Conclusión: Los colgajos dorsolateral y en isla mediopalmar radial resultaron eficaces en el tratamiento de lesiones traumáticas distales del pulgar, aunque el colgajo dorsolateral tuvo mejores puntajes de evaluación objetiva y requirió menos tiempo quirúrgico. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Objective: To clinically evaluate patients with combined distal thumb lesions treated by a dorsolateral flap or radial midpalmar island flap. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively compared 20 patients (14 males and 6 females, averaging 35 years) with combined distal thumb traumatic lesions, who were operated on by two surgeons using different techniques. Patients had no previous surgical history and a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. Subjective outcome was evaluated by satisfaction index (SI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and QuickDASH score. Objective outcome was evaluated by two-point discrimination test (TPDT), average surgical time (ST), and need for digital spatial reeducation (DSR). Results: Time from admission to medical discharge averaged 7 weeks (range, 6-8). Average postoperative results: VAS for pain, 01/10 (both groups); IS, 97% vs. 92% (dorsolateral flap group vs. radial midpalmar island flap); TPDT, 4 mm vs. 6 mm; QuickDASH, 2.5 vs. 8; ST, 45 minutes vs. 60 minutes; need for DSR, 0 vs. 4 cases. Conclusion: Both the dorsolateral flap and the radial midpalmar island flap techniques were effective in the treatment of distal thumb traumatic lesions, although the dorsolateral flap achieved better objective evaluation scores and required less ST. Level of Evidence: III

Innervation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: An Anatomical Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the innervation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers as well as the anatomical relations of the articular branches. METHODS: In this anatomical study, 52 fresh-frozen index, long, ring, and little fingers of 6 male and 4 female cadavers were dissected after injection of a colored latex composite. The anatomical dissections were performed under ×3.5 and ×6.0 magnifications. The numbers of articular nerve branches that penetrated the PIP joint on both sides of the fingers were quantified and patterns of innervation were established. We also measured the origin of the branches regarding the PIP articular line, the angle of emergence, and the diameter of the nerves. RESULTS: The PIP joint was innervated by one articular branch of the proper palmar digital nerve at each side of the finger (pattern 1). Less frequently, an additional distal branch from the same proper palmar digital nerve was found (pattern 2). Dorsal articular branches were identified innervating only the little finger. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that PIP joints of the fingers have a consistent articular nerve anatomy predominantly provided at the palmar aspect of the joint. These findings provide an anatomical basis for procedures to denervate the PIP joint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An accurate understanding of peripheral nerve anatomy of the PIP joint is essential to improve outcomes in denervation techniques.

Pedicled Vascularized Bone Graft of the Distal Radius for Recalcitrant Nonunion of the Distal Humerus.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients treated with a pedicled vascularized bone graft (VBG) of the distal radius for the treatment of recalcitrant atrophic nonunions of the distal humerus. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients with supracondylar humeral atrophic nonunions with at least 3 previous failed surgical interventions were included. INTERVENTION: Debridement of the distal humerus nonunion through a posterior elbow approach with provisional fixation was performed. Then, a pedicled VBG was harvested from the distal radius and tunneled back into the humeral bone defect. Iliac crest was used as needed, both for the nonunion and to stabilize the radius. Finally, definitive fixation with 2 locked plates was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiological results, complications, elbow range of motion, Mayo elbow performance score, and subjective pain were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 4 male and 11 female patients, with a mean age of 51 (range, 28-73) years. The mean follow-up period was 46 (range, 37-72) months with a minimum of 3 years. Radiological consolidation was achieved in all patients. Elbow range of motion was >100 degrees in 11 patients and between 50 and 100 degrees in 4 patients. Preoperative Mayo scores were poor in all patients. At final follow-up, Mayo scores were excellent in 3, good in 9, and fair in 3 patients. The mean postoperative visual analog scale score was 1.2 (range 0-3). CONCLUSIONS: Pedicled VBG of the distal radius was shown to be a reliable and effective alternative for the treatment of recalcitrant atrophic nonunions of the distal humerus, when other methods have failed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Innervation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb: anatomical study.

We dissected 30 cadaveric thumb interphalangeal joints to delineate the sensory nerve anatomy of its capsule. Four articular branches supplying the interphalangeal joint capsule of the thumb were found in all specimens. Ulnar and radial proper digital nerves provide one palmar capsular nerve branch on their respective sides. Of the two dorsal branches of the radial nerve at the dorsum of the thumb, we observed that each nerve provided one branch to the interphalangeal dorsal capsule. Our findings demonstrate a consistent pattern of innervation and may provide the anatomical basis to the treating surgeon for an effective and safe denervation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.

Injerto óseo vascularizado pediculado del radio distal para tratar la seudoartrosis recalcitrante del cúbito / Vascularized bone graft of the distal radius for recalcitrant ulnar pseudoarthrosis

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de una serie de pacientes tratados con injerto óseo vascularizado pediculado del radio distal para seudoartrosis recalcitrantes de cúbito diafisario o proximal. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes con seudoartrosis del cúbito diafisario o proximal con defectos <6 cm y, al menos, tres cirugías previas y un seguimiento mínimo de dos años tratados con injerto óseo vascularizado pediculado del radio distal. Se registró la cantidad de cirugías previas. Se evaluaron el rango de movilidad del codo y la muñeca, la fuerza de puño comparativa, el dolor mediante la escala analógica visual, el cuestionario QuickDASH y el puntaje de la Clínica Mayo para codo. Resultados: Se incluyó a siete pacientes. La edad media fue de 42 años (rango 26-64). El número promedio de cirugías previas fue 4 (rango 3-7). El seguimiento medio fue de 31 meses (rango 24-43). Todas las seudoartrosis consolidaron. El puntaje de la Clínica Mayo fue bueno en 4 pacientes, excelente en 2 pacientes y moderado en uno. El puntaje QuickDASH posoperatorio promedio fue de 13 (rango 0-29). El arco de flexo-extensión de la muñeca fue del 81% del contralateral. El rango de movilidad del codo fue >100° en 5 pacientes y de 50°-100° en 2 pacientes. Conclusión: El injerto óseo vascularizado pediculado del radio distal es una alternativa eficaz para el tratamiento de la seudoartrosis del cúbito. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients treated with pedicled distal radius vascularized bone graft for recalcitrant ulnar nonunions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed. The inclusion criteria were patients with diaphyseal or proximal ulnar nonunions with bone defects <6 cm, at least three previous surgeries and a minimum follow-up of 2 years, treated with pedicled vascularized bone graft of distal radius. The number of previous surgeries was recorded. Elbow and wrist range of motion, comparative grip strength, and pain using the Visual Analogue Scale, QuickDASH questionnaire and Mayo Clinic score for elbow were evaluated. Results: Seven patients were included. The mean age was 42 years (range 26-64). The average number of previous surgeries was 4 (range 3-7). The mean follow-up was 31 months (range 24-43). All pseudoarthrosis consolidated. The Mayo Clinic score was good in 4 patients, excellent in 2 patients and moderate in one patient. The mean postoperative Quick- DASH score was 13 (range 0-29). Flexion-extension arch of the wrist was 81% of the contralateral. The elbow range of motion was >100° in 5 patients and 50°- 100° in 2 patients. Conclusion: The pedicled vascularized bone graft of the distal radius is an effective alternative for the treatment of recalcitrant ulnar nonunions. Level of Evidence: IV

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas mediodiafisarias desplazadas de clavícula mediante placas precontorneadas con técnica mininvasiva / Surgical treatment of clavicle displaced midshaft fractures with pre-contoured plates using mini invasive technique (MIPO)

Introducción: Las fracturas mediodiafisarias de clavícula representan hasta el 10% de las fracturas del esqueleto. El tratamiento conservador brinda buenos resultados con baja incidencia de complicaciones. Sin embargo, en trazos desplazados, multifragmentarios o con deformidad significativa, se debe considerar la cirugía. El propósito de esta serie retrospectiva es exponer nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de fracturas cerradas, desplazadas y mediodiafisarias de clavícula con placas precontorneadas mediante la técnica MIPO, describir la técnica y los resultados funcionales preliminares. Materiales y Métodos: Serie retrospectiva de 13 pacientes (11 varones [84,6%] y 2 mujeres [15,4%]), media de la edad: 31 años, con fracturas diafisarias cerradas desplazadas de clavícula de tipo 2B de Robinson (Edimburgo), tratadas mediante reducción y osteosíntesis con placas precontorneadas con MIPO, entre abril de 2010 y noviembre de 2013. Seguimiento promedio: 13 meses (rango 11-25). Se realizaron controles radiográficos y tomografías computarizadas, valorando la funcionalidad mediante las escalas de Constant-Murley modificada, QuickDASH y el dolor con la escala analógica visual. Resultados: El tiempo promedio hasta la cirugía fue de 8 días; la cirugía duró 35 minutos y el tiempo de internación posoperatoria fue de 1.28 días. La consolidación clínico-radiológica se registró en una media de 15.2 semanas. El puntaje promedio de Constant-Murley modificado fue 88; el de QuickDASH, 26,9 y la escala analógica visual arrojó un valor de 0,3. No hubo complicaciones sistémicas ni cosméticas. Conclusión: La osteosíntesis mínimamente invasiva en fracturas cerradas mediodiafisarias desplazadas de clavícula representó una técnica reproducible con un tiempo quirúrgico reducido y puntajes funcionales aceptables, sin complicaciones de relevancia. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Midshaft clavicular fractures represent up to 10% of skeleton fractures. Conservative treatment usually provides good results with low incidence of complications. However, surgical treatment should be considered in displaced, multifragmentary fractures or cases with significant deformity. The purpose of this retrospective case series is to report our experience in the treatment of closed and displaced midshaft clavicular fractures with pre-contoured plates using MIPO technique, to describe the technique and report preliminary functional results. Methods: Retrospective series of 13 patients (11 males [84.6%] and 2 females [15.4%], mean age: 31 years), with closed and displaced midshaft clavicle fractures classified as type 2B according to Robinson (Edinburgh) treated by reduction and internal fixation with pre-contoured plates osteosynthesis using minimally invasive technique (MIPO) between April 2010 and November 2013. Mean follow-up: 13 months (range 11-25). Radiographic and tomographic controls were carried out to assess function using modified Constant-Murley scale, QuickDASH Questionnaire and the visual analogue scale to evaluate pain. Results: Average time to surgery was 8 days, surgical time: 35 minutes, days in hospital after surgery: 1.28. Clinical and radiological consolidation was recorded at 15.2 weeks on average. The average modified Constant-Murley score was 88, QuickDASH 26.9 and visual analogue scale 0.3. No systemic or cosmetic complications were recorded. Conclusion: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in displaced and closed midshaft clavicle fractures represented a reproducible technique with reduced surgical time and acceptable functional scores. Level of Evidence: IV

Extended Posterior Interosseous Artery Flap: Anatomical and Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: A reverse-flow pedicled flap from the posterior interosseous artery (PIA) has been used to cover defects on the dorsal and volar aspects of the hand. However, the original description of this flap does not reach further than the metacarpophalangeal joints of the 4 ulnar digits. In the present study, we describe a distal variant (type 2) of the PIA flap, which changes the pivot point of the classic variant (type 1) and which can provide full coverage of single or multiple digits in the entire dorsum and palmar surface of the fingers. METHODS: An anatomical study was performed on 26 cadaveric specimens to assess the presence of the anastomosis between the PIA and the dorsal intercarpal arch (DIA). In addition, the gain in pedicle length using the DIA anastomosis as a pivot point was compared with the classic pivot point at the anterior interosseous artery. A clinical study in 19 patients with soft tissue defects distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fingers was also performed to assess the viability and clinical outcomes of the new variant of the PIA flap. RESULTS: The PIA was identified reaching the dorsal carpal arch in all anatomical specimens. The mean pedicle length of the fifth extensor compartment artery was 4.8 cm (range, 4.1-5.3 cm). The mean arterial diameter was 0.8 mm (range, 0.6-1.2 mm). In the clinical study, 17 flap reconstructions were done for posttraumatic lesions and 2 postburn contractures. All extended PIA flap procedures were performed successfully without loss of the flap or significant partial necrosis. We had only 1 superficial infection. There was no need for revision of the flap in any case. CONCLUSIONS: By extending the pivot point of the PIA flap through the DIA, instead of the anastomosis with the anterior interosseous artery, the flap distance can be increased by about 8.5 cm, allowing complete coverage of the fingers. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Transferencia de dorsal ancho para el tratamiento de las lesiones masivas e irreparables del manguito rotador / Latissimus dorsi transfer for treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff injuries

Introducción: el objetivo del trabajo fue realizar una valoración clínico-radiológica de pacientes con rupturas masivas e irreparables posterosuperiores del manguito rotador tratadas con transferencia del dorsal ancho. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de observación. Se incluyeron pacientes <70 años con lesión masiva e irreparable posterosuperior del manguito rotador tratados con transferencia del dorsal ancho y un seguimiento mínimo de 2 años. Se valoró la movilidad y la fuerza en abducción. Se emplearon la escala analógica visual y la de Constant-Murley modificada. En las radiografías, se analizaron la distancia acromiohumeral y el grado de artropatía. Resultados: Se incluyeron 17 pacientes (12 hombres, 5 mujeres; edad promedio: 54 años [rango 34-65]). El seguimiento promedio fue 46 meses (rango 24-71). En el grupo de cirugía primaria, la ganancia de movilidad promedio en flexión anterior fue de 53º, en abducción de 50º y en rotación externa de 19º. La fuerza en abducción registró una ganancia promedio de 1,4 kg. La escala de Constant-Murley modificada fue de 75,6 (rango 63-80) al final del seguimiento. En las cirugías de revisión, la ganancia de movilidad activa en flexión anterior fue de 48º, en abducción de 30º y en rotación externa de 10º. La fuerza en abducción tuvo una ganancia promedio de 1,1 kg. La escala analógica visual posoperatoria mejoró 5,1 puntos en el grupo con cirugía primaria y 3,4 en el otro grupo. Conclusión: La transferencia del dorsal ancho para lesiones posterosuperiores del manguito rotador mejoró el rango de movilidad, la fuerza, la función del hombro y alivió el dolor.

Introduction: the aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients with massive ruptures of the rotator cuff treated with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and observational study was performed. Patients <70 years with massive and irreparable posterosuperior lesions of the rotator cuff were treated with latissimus dorsi transfer and with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Range of motion and strength in abduction were assessed. In addition, the visual analogue scale and modified Constant-Murley scale were recorded. Acromio-humeral distance and arthropathy stage were radiographically analyzed. Results: Seventeen patients were included (12 males, 5 females), mean age 54 years (range 34-65), with a mean followup of 46 months (range 24-71). In the primary surgery group, the average motion gain was 53º in anterior flexion, 50º in abduction and 19º in external rotation. The abduction strength recorded an average gain of 1.4 kg. Modified Constant-Murley scale of 75.6 (range 63-80) at the end of follow-up. In the revision surgery group, the gain of active motion was 48º in anterior flexion, 30º in abduction and 10º in external rotation. Abduction strength had an average gain of 1.1 kg. Postoperative visual analogue scale improved 5.1 points in the primary surgery group and 3.4 in the other group. Conclusion: Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for the treatment of massive posterosuperior rupture of the rotator cuff showed improvements in range of motion, strength, pain relief and shoulder function.