Comparison of opponensplasty techniques in isolated low median nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND: Thumb opposition is a critical operation of thumb. Median nerve palsy interferes with a large number of ordinary activities such as opposition. Opponensplasty for low median nerve injury is performed with various techniques. The purpose of this study is to compare tendon transfer techniques of Riordan and Burckhalter. METHODS: This study was a clinical trial performed on 120 patients who underwent Opponensplasty. Patients with traumatic low nerve palsy were divided into two equal groups of Riordan and Burckhalter operation. Demographic information, functional status, Kapandji score, and Pulp pinching method were recorded and compared for all patients 3 months and 8 months after surgery. FINDINGS: Performance status, Kapandji score and Pulp pinching tests showed significant improvements in both groups after surgeries. The changes in pressure between the thumb and fifth finger were significantly greater in the Burckhalter method compared with Riordan method (P<0.05). The incidence of complications was significantly higher in the Riordan group (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: According to the present study, there was no differences between Burckhalter and Riordan methods in terms of opposition recovery, although Burckhalter's opponensplasty had better therapeutic results. Postoperative complications were also less in the Burckhalter method.

Treatment of unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures using locked volar plating and percutaneous pinning without external fixation.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most common fractions is distal radius fracture, and various treatments have been suggested for this. The purpose of this study, is comparison of Open reduction and internal fixation by using a locked volar plating compared to percutaneous pinning by cast immobilization under the elbow in patients less than 60 years with good bone density that had unstable extra-articular distal radius fracture or UDRF. METHODS: This study was clinical trial. 88 patients with closed UDRF who were referred for surgical treatment entered the study. Patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 had open reduction and internal fixation by using a locked volar plating and the other group had percutaneous pinning by cast immobilization surgeries. Amount of pain [by using Visual analog scale or VAS] and functional results of two methods were compared 3 and 12 month after surgeries. FINDINGS: The intensity of pain was higher in the pinning group 3 and 12 month after treatment (P=0.001 and P=0.390 respectively). The range of motions in the plating group was significantly better (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in performing daily activities 3 month after treatment between the two groups, but a significant limitation in daily activities, observed 12 months after surgery in pinning group (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Bone fixation, using locked volar plating, can be a better modality with regard to postsurgical pain and also the wrist range of motion than percutaneous pinning with cast immobilization in patients younger than 60 years sustaining unstable, closed extra-articular, distal radius fracture.