Radial osteotomy for the correction of forearm deformities in hereditary multiple osteochondroma.

Forearm deformities are often observed in patients with hereditary multiple osteochondroma, resulting in functional disability and cosmetic impairment. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and radiological outcomes after corrective osteotomy of the radius (COR). We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiologic data from patients with forearm deformities who underwent COR combined with osteochondroma resection between 1978 and 2015. Seventeen patients (17 forearms) were included. The mean (range) age at surgery was 11.8 years (3.2-14.4), and the mean interval between surgery and last follow-up was 8.2 years (2-34.2). Range of motion was moderately increased and postoperative radiological assessments found significant improvements in ulnar variance, radial articular angle, bowing of the radius, and carpal slip. At last follow-up, a loss of ulnar variance correction was noted in 11 cases (mean loss: 4mm). The mean score on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand self-administered questionnaire was 13.9. Our results show that a forearm deformity in a patient with hereditary multiple osteochondroma is an appropriate indication for COR combined with osteochondroma resection and should be performed at the end of growth. This simple, safe technique corrects bowing of the radius and radius-ulna length discrepancy and could limit the risk of radial head dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Physiolysis for correction of clinodactyly with delta phalanx: Early improvement.

Congenital clinodactyly known as "delta phalanx" is a congenital finger deviation caused by a middle phalanx abnormality. Progressive realignment can be achieved with normal growth through physiolysis according to Vickers. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the rate of correction in congenital clinodactyly following epiphyseal bar resection.We studied retrospectively 24 fingers in 14 patients aged from 14 months to 11 years old (y/o), operated on by two surgeons performing epiphyseal bar resection using a modified Vickers' method. Angle measurements were compared pre-operatively, at 1 year and at the final follow-up. The rate of correction was evaluated at each time point. The cohort was divided into two groups: surgery < 6 y/o and ≥ 6 y/o. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the patient groups.The mean deviation decreased from 33° pre-operatively (20°-80°) to 17.2° (0°-40°) at 1 year after surgery. The deviation at the last follow-up decreased to 10.6° (0°-40°). Seventy percent of the operated fingers were completely corrected (angle ≤ 10°) at the latest follow-up visit. No difference was found regarding the age at surgery. There were two cases of premature fusion of the epiphyseal plates. Regardless of the patient's age, Vickers' procedure is a simple and effective solution for treating delta phalanx with early correction. Our data suggest that physiolysis is a successful surgery in patients up to 11 years old. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Metacarpal lengthening in children: comparison of three different techniques in 15 consecutive cases.

Metacarpal lengthening is a useful procedure to address hand deficiencies in children. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of three different techniques from one consecutive clinical series of hand deficiencies. A total of 15 metacarpal lengthenings have been performed in 12 children aged from 9 to 14 years. The callotasis technique was used in seven cases, the two-stage distraction-graft technique in four cases and the single-stage lengthening in four cases. All the metacarpals healed with bone. The lengthening obtained was a mean of 13 mm (range 8-21 mm), a mean of 22 mm (range 13-32 mm) and a mean of 12 mm (range 9-15 mm), respectively, in the three different techniques. The healing index was longer for callotasis (81 days/cm) compared with the other techniques (41 days/cm and 46 days/cm, respectively). We observed one case of fracture after callotasis and one after distraction-graft. One patient underwent tenolysis of the extensor mechanism after single-stage lengthening. In conclusion, distraction graft and single-stage lengthening may be valuable alternatives to callotasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; therapeutic study; multi-case series.

[Radius reed osteotomy for supination deformity in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy]. / Ostéotomie en roseau du radius chez l'enfant dans la paralysie de la pronation du plexus brachial obstétrical.

We report our experience and results in the use of reed pronating osteotomy in supination deformities secondary to obstetrical brachial plexus injury. This retrospective study involved 11 patients with paralytic supination of the forearm due to a brachial plexus injury. Other causes of paralytic supination were excluded. The surgical technique consisted of a proximal osteotomy of the ulna fixed by an intramedullary nail and a stable elastic reed osteotomy of the radius. The minimum postoperative follow-up was 2 years. Four boys and seven girls mean aged 8 years (5-12) were operated on between 2000 and 2010. The mean preoperative supination was measured at 63°. The final position average pronation was 37°. Loss of pronation was measured at 15°. No complication was observed. With a mean follow-up of 4 years (2-12), the reed osteotomy of radius associated with a proximal transverse osteotomy of ulna has proven itself effective for correction of paralytic supination of the forearm without complication or reoperation.

[Three-phalangeal thumbs]. / Triphalangies du pouce.

Many teratogenic mechanisms converge to create a three-phalangeal thumb: duplication, fusion and deletion. Fine observation of the position of growth centres and of associated hand malformations suggests that the intermediate delta phalanx of the three-phalangeal thumb results of the fusion of a three-phalanx ray with a two-phalanx thumb. The ulnar or radial side of the deviation is determined by the radial or ulnar position of this three-phalangeal ray fusing with the thumb. An opposable three-phalangeal thumb ulnarly deviated with a radial intermediate delta phalanx is the result of the fusion of a duplicated Wassel VII type thumb composed by a radial three-phalangeal ray and an ulnar two-phalangeal ray. In split hands, the three-phalangeal thumb is most often radially deviated because it presumably results from the fusion of a radial two phalanx thumb with the index, deleted in this fusion. The aligned opposable three-phalangeal thumb is quite uncommon and is probably the result of a fusion of two Wassel VII-type duplicated three-phalangeal rays. Conversely, the five-fingered hand or non-opposable three-phalangeal thumb, usually has no deviation and could result of a thumb deletion associated to an index duplication. This understanding of three-phalangeal thumbs makes usual classifications obsolete, but explains the various pathologic associations found in literature and in our own series. Treatment varies with age and takes in account all fundamental aspects of this congenital hand anomaly: the extraphalanx, the clinodactyly due to a delta phalanx, the thumb duplication or the absence of opposable thumb.

Long-term review of five leg replantations: emergency strategy and examples of lengthening of the leg on nerve regeneration.

The success rate for leg replantation has improved with the development of shortening-lengthening protocols. We checked whether this success was maintained long term in five cases of emergency reimplantation. The significant initial shortening of 93 mm, on average, enabled direct internal osteosynthesis, secondary lengthening was initiated swiftly, in the proximal metaphyseal area, and average lengthening was 85 mm. Consolidation was achieved in all cases within normal time periods, with an average inequality in residual length of 8mm. The speed of nerve regeneration was on average 1.926 mm/day, twice faster than usual after simple nerve suturing. At average follow-up of more than 11 years, all patients were walking. We conclude that nerve lengthening stimulates nerve regeneration, and that the results of this protocol, involving extensive initial debridement compensated by secondary lengthening, have enabled the limitations on unilateral leg replantation to be reduced.

[Total replacement of a middle phalanx by free non-vascularized chondral graft, after failure of sclerotherapy for treatment of an aneurysmal bone cyst]. / Reconstruction d'une phalange totale par greffe chondrale libre non vascularisée après echec de sclèrothérapie d'un kyste anévrysmal.

We treated an eleven year-old boy for an aneurysmal bone cyst of the middle phalanx of the long finger. Diagnosis was established after total curettage. The tumor involved the whole phalanx and grew steadily after two attempts at sclerotherapy (with absolute alcohol and Ethibloc). After two years, en-bloc resection had to be performed, and raised the problem of reconstructing a complete finger phalanx with its proximal and distal epiphyses. A free cartilaginous graft from the non-ossified iliac crest was shaped to the exact dimensions of the phalanx and set in its place, with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues during dissection and fixation. By six months an almost normal range of motion was achieved in the PIP (10 to 90 degrees ) and DIP (5 to 30 degrees) joints and radiographs showed complete metaplasia of the chondral graft into an ossified phalanx at 20 months follow-up. The joint spaces also remodelled, and this was confirmed with MRI scanning. Reports on partial replacement of diaphysis or epiphyses in the digits are discussed, but the only valid comparison of total phalanx replacement is free toe phalanx grafting. We did not choose this solution in a normal hand because of the length discrepancy between finger and toe phalanges. This case shows that, in this particular paediatric situation, the free non-vascularised transfer of a chondral graft restored excellent function, with remodelling of the phalanx and joint spaces of the finger.

[Conservative surgery in Kienbock's disease with perilunate arthrosis: articular resurfacing using resected carpal bones]. / Chirurgie conservatrice dans la maladie de Kienböck avec arthrose périlunarienne: resurfaçage articulaire grâce au principe dit du "carpe banque".

We present 2 cases of Kienböck's disease in which peri-lunate chondral lesions contra-indicated classical procedures such as proximal row carpectomy or 4 corner arthrodesis. A partial carpectomy provided us with an osteochondral graft, used to resurface the areas of chondral damage over the capitate or on the radius. The clinical and radiological result was stable at a follow-up of 3 and 6 years. In the first case, degenerative changes over the head of the capitate contra-indicated proximal row carpectomy. The lunate was removed and the proximal 2/3 of the scaphoid were shifted medially and fused in a "four-corner"-like arthrodesis. In the second case, the lunate fossa on the radius was damaged. The proximal row was excised and an osteochondral graft was harvested from the triquetrum. This was used to replace the lunate fossa on the radius. This new concept of a "carpal bank" has enabled us to extend the classical indications for proximal row carpectomy and four-corner arthrodesis. It makes it possible to withdraw the limits of conservative wrist surgery in Kienböck's disease and we believe this concept could also be extended to similar situations of localized chondral damage in small joints.

Long-term follow-up of surgical correction of Madelung's deformity with conservation of the distal radioulnar joint in teenagers.

Eleven wrists with painful Madelung deformity in seven patients were corrected during adolescence by a closing wedge osteotomy of the radius and a shortening osteotomy of the ulna, with conservation of the distal radioulnar joint. At late follow-up (9.7 years) function was considerably improved. When the ulnar head was correctly relocated during operation, a new distal radioulnar space developed. Shortening of the ulna must be generous and combined with slight flexion at the osteotomy.

Reconstruction of the great toe in a child using the Y-V pedicle elongation technique for a medial plantar flap.

The authors report a case of reconstruction of a great toe in a young boy, following amputation proximal to the IP joint and exposure of the MP joint. A local flap was chosen for its lesser morbidity, and plantar skin was selected as optimal coverage for weight-bearing surfaces on the first ray. Very few local flaps fulfill these conditions. The Y-V technique of elongation of a vascular pedicle, first described by Martin in 1991, was used to bring a medial plantar flap to the toe, doubling its normal arc of rotation distally. Technical points are highlighted and outcome is reported at 18 months follow-up.

Syndactyly in Apert syndrome. Utility of a prognostic classification.

The authors report a series of 36 patients of Apert's Syndrome in whom a genetic analysis was performed. 2 major types of mutation were found (S252W and P253R). The correlation between the type of mutation and certain clinical abnormalities allowed validation of Upton's modification of Blauth's classification and also helped add a prognostic indicator for the intellectual development of the child. Thus, global treatment of the child should take into account not just the clinical abnormalities but also its intellectual prospects.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis. Study of a series of 37 children and adolescents.

The authors report a retrospective series of 37 patients (49 forearms) with congenital radioulnar synostosis followed and treated at Raymond Poincaré University Hospital. This disease is rare, but much more frequent than post-traumatic or humeroradial synostosis. A genetic factor was incriminated in 25% of patients. The clinical study was based on 31 files (40 forearms) with a subjective finding of hypermobility of the wrist in all patients. Shortening of the ipsilateral upper extremity < or = 2 cm was also observed in one third of patients, and a defect of elbow extension was observed in 35%. The radiological study, conducted on 30 files (38 forearms), confirmed the existence of several degrees of fusion within the synostosis and revealed an associated radiological abnormality in 92% of cases. The only valid correlation revealed was between the degree of fusion of the synostosis and the presence of a morphological abnormality of the radial head (r = 0.87), hence the proposal of a new radiological classification essentially based on this element. Functional adaptation was excellent in the majority of cases. The authors propose two main indications for surgery: hyperpronation > or = 90 degrees and bilateral synostosis; in both cases, the disability must be very severe. The operative technique used appeared to be very well adapted to this disease: "reed" radial osteotomy and transverse ulnar osteotomy. No complications or relapses were observed in six operated patients with a mean follow-up of 10 years, with a mean loss of derotation of only 5 degrees.

MR imaging of digital mucoid cysts.

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the diagnosis and clarification of the physiopathology of digital mucoid cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients (14 women, nine men; aged 52-75 years) with mucoid cysts underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T with a local surface gradient coil. The pixel size was 117 microns in one direction. T2 relaxation times were measured. Contrast material was intravenously administered in 15 patients. RESULTS: All mucoid cysts had high signal intensity and sharp borders on T2-weighted images. Intracystic septa were present in nine patients (39%). Most cysts were solitary (n = 13) and/or in the proximal nail fold (n = 16). Satellite cysts were present in five patients. Nineteen patients (83%) had cysts with pedicles that extended to the joint. Osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint was present in 16 patients (70%). Five patients (22%) had multiple flattened cysts that were usually independent of the joint. In seven patients (30%), MR images showed cysts beneath the nail plate. CONCLUSION: Digital mucoid cysts may be polymorphic. MR imaging is helpful when cysts are in the nail bed.

The by-pass extensor tendon transfer. A salvage technique for loss of substance of the extensor apparatus in long fingers.

A salvage technique for the treatment of substance loss of the extensor apparatus with some special features is presented. It uses the extensor indicis muscle prolonged with a tendon graft. The tendon is directly attached to the middle phalanx. After surgery, the wrist is immobilized in extension, allowing immediate active mobilization of the PIP joint. The results in five patients are satisfactory.

[Fibrolipoma of the median nerve. Review of 10 surgically treated cases with a mean recall of 8 years]. / Fibrolipomes du nerf médian. Revue de dix cas opérés avec un recul moyen de huit ans.

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve and its branches is rare, but is the most frequent lesion associated with digital hypertrophy in the upper limb. We present a pediatric series of 8 patients, two of whom had bilateral involvement. Digital enlargement or true macrodactyly was the presenting complaint. Fatty infiltration of the palm was a constant finding and is considered very suggestive of lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve, as confirmed by MRI in cases of uncertain diagnosis. No causal link between the nerve hamartoma and the enlargement of soft tissues in the territory of the nerve has yet been proven; it appears to be a regional disease related to unknown development factors, and other congenital anomalies may be associated in the same territory. Treatment was mostly symptomatic, with carpal tunnel release and superficial removal of epineural proliferation; no interfascicular dissection was performed and we never made any attempt to completely resect the lipofibromatous constituents; no median nerve resection was performed. Debulking of the palm and enlarged digits was associated with nerve decompression, but true macrodactyly required a separate operative procedure and is not the subject of this study. Mean follow-up is 8 years and 5 operated lipofibromas have been reviewed after 13 years. Two-point discrimination was often abnormal, but sensory impairment was stabilized, as well as soft tissue enlargement. However no objective argument can currently support more radical nerve surgery, and the superiority of nerve resection on the course of digital hypertrophy has not been proven.

Nerve transfer to biceps muscle using a part of ulnar nerve for C5-C6 avulsion of the brachial plexus: anatomical study and report of four cases.

Four patients with C5-C6 root avulsion after brachial plexus injury were treated with a transfer of part of a normal functioning nerve in the arm to the motor nerve of the biceps. Ten percent of the bulk of the ulnar nerve was harvested for a suture directly to the motor nerve of the biceps with no significant impairment of hand function.

[GUEPAR total trapeziometacarpal prosthesis in the treatment of arthritis of the thumb. 36 case reports]. / La prothèse totale trapézo-métacarpienne GUEPAR dans le traitement de la rhizarthrose. A propos d'une série de trente-six cas.

The authors review a series of 36 total GUEPAR trapezometacarpal arthroplasties, performed between 1981 and 1990 in 32 patients, with a Dell stage III or IV carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb (primary arthritis = 34 cases; secondary arthritis: 2 cases, 1 case of chondrocalcinosis, 1 case of osteochondromatosis). Scaphotrapezial arthritis present in 7 cases is not a contraindication to total arthroplasty. The mean follow-up period was 3 and a half years, with a range of 1 to 9 years. Functional results were considered to be good in 89%, without limitation of activity. X-ray study shows: 1) A radioclinical concordence in 64% of cases with good clinical and X-ray results, stable in the long term. 2) A radioclinical discordance in 22% of cases with good functional result but mobilisation of metacarpal stem. 3) Failure in 5 cases (14%) with unsealing and trapezial fracture. This radioclinical study yields two failure factors: preoperative destruction of trapezium in all the failures and these cases are now a contraindication to the prosthesis and inadaptation between stem arthroplasty and metacarpal cavity. This study supports total arthroplasty in trapezometacarpal arthritis of the thumb: III or IV Dell's stage, with preserved trapezium configuration.

[The plexal hand (involvement of the hand in traumatic lesions of the brachial plexus in adults)]. / La main plexique (l'atteinte de la main dans les lésions traumatiques du plexus brachial de l'adulte).

After spontaneous recovery following brachial plexus injuries, or after nerve regeneration following nervous surgery on traumatic brachial plexus, there usually is a variable residual distal deficit involving the hand and wrist. This deficit is defined by both a functional approach, and its anatomical nervous correspondence, in order to predict which motor muscles will be available for palliative surgery, and to establish the most reasonable therapeutic plan. Total palsy of the hand will only be mentioned, whereas three main presentations of the "plexic hand" are of a greater surgical interest and will be detailed: the "wrist drop", due to C5 C6 +/- C7 supra-clavicular lesions, the hand presenting with a deficit of digit flexion, pinch and intrinsic functions, due to C8 T1 +/- C7 supra-clavicular lesions, non-standardized deficits due to infra- and retro-clavicular lesions, whose therapeutic indications and prognosis are closer to more classical trunk palsies. The review of 44 "plexic hands" after distal palliative surgery indicates the need to modify the fundamental rules of tendinous transfer surgery, and suggests new principles properly adapted to the surgery of plexic hand palsies.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the carpus and its vasculature: an anatomic study.

Three-dimensional reconstructions of the carpus have been assembled from tomographic data of anatomic specimens after vascular injection with resin polymer of a density similar to that of bone. We have been able to produce three-dimensional reconstruction of the relationship between carpal bones and their vasculature. Fine tomographic slicing, on the order of 1 mm, has yielded sharp definition of bone structure, particularly of the entry points of nutrient vessels. The use of a very fluid synthetic resin has made possible the definition of vessels of fine caliber. A computerized program of three-dimensional reconstruction was used to obtain a series of views spaced at 10 to 20 degrees at predetermined right-angled axes. This has provided a precise matching of vessels with their corresponding points of bony penetration. This new method of imaging has enabled us to describe the entire vasculature of the bones of the carpus. The technique enjoys a number of advantages over conventional methods of study of carpal vasculature. In practice, the various known methods of arteriographic and digital angiographic examination do not have the same high definition and are unable to eliminate the effect of superimposition of views. In addition, the dissections are difficult and are likely to produce significant artifact. Corrosion techniques are elegant, but they are time-consuming, delicate procedures if selective isolation of bone and vasculature is required.