Practical Method to Evaluate the Stiffness of Fractured Radius.

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are one of the most common fractures of the upper extremity system. To evaluate the performance of DRF treatments, the construct (i.e., a DRF fixed by an implant) was compressed at the distal radius in the axial direction to evaluate the compressive stiffness. In previous studies, various constructs of both cadaveric and synthetic radii have been proposed for biomechanical testing for DRF. Unfortunately, high deviations of the measured stiffness have been reported across the literature, which may relate to the inconsistency of applied mechanical actions (i.e., the tested radii may under various combinations including compression, bending, and shear). In the present study, a biomechanical apparatus and an experimental procedure were proposed for the biomechanical testing of radii under pure compression. After the biomechanical tests of synthetic radii, it was found that the standard deviation of stiffness was significantly lower than that in previous studies. Thus, the biomechanical apparatus and the experimental procedure were proven to be a practical method for the evaluation of radii stiffness.

Relevant landmarks to navigate the suture locations for the arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal reattachment.

INTRODUCTION: Key step of arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal reattachment is to suture dorsal and palmar deep components of radioulnar ligaments (RULs) to the fovea of ulnar head to ensure distal radioulnar joint stability. However, the deep components are covered and cannot be identified arthroscopically from standard radiocarpal joint view. Suturing sites described in previous studies have not been proved gasping of the deep components. The purpose of this study was to investigate our TFCC suture locations using relevant landmarks on securing the RULs' deep components for arthroscopic TFCC foveal reattachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wrist arthroscopy and horizontal mattress suture was performed in 20 fresh-frozen cadaver wrists. Based on close proximity of the ulnocarpal ligaments to the palmar RUL and fovea, palmar suture location was designated at the junction between ulnolunate, ulnotriquetral ligaments and palmar border of TFCC disc, whereas dorsal suture location was at dorsal border of TFCC disc, opposite the palmar location, at same distance between prestyloid recess and palmar location. The radiocarpal and ulnocarpal joint was subsequently opened to evaluate grasping of RULs' deep components and evaluate the relevant landmarks. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 40 (97%) RULs' deep components were successfully grasped by the sutures. With 0.98-0.99 interobserver agreement for the measurements, mean distance between sigmoid notch to suture and suture to ulnar capsule were 5.6 ± 1.1 and 4.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. Whereas, the dissecting point of deep component from the superficial component of the RULs was detected immediately radial to the midpoint between the sigmoid notch and the ulnar capsule (4.5 ± 0.9 mm from sigmoid notch). CONCLUSIONS: We determined the relevant anatomical landmarks to navigate the TFCC suture locations, which reliably secure the deep components of the radioulnar ligaments for the arthroscopic TFCC foveal reattachment.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion With Olecranon Bone Graft and Screw Fixation Leads to Union and Improved Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunion using olecranon bone graft and screw fixation and to analyze the outcomes in accordance with variations in the chronicity, location, and severity of nonunion. METHODS: Between March 2012 and December 2020, patients with diagnoses of scaphoid delayed nonunion and nonunion with substantial bone resorption (Slade and Dodds grade IV-VI) underwent arthroscopic-assisted olecranon bone graft and screw fixation. Preoperative and postoperative measurements included the visual analog scale score for pain; range of motion; grip strength; the Modified Mayo Wrist Score; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; and the minimal clinically important difference for the DASH score. Union rate and duration were also evaluated. The outcomes between groups of patients with different conditions were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included. The average follow-up period was 32.5 months. The visual analog scale pain score, range of motion, grip strength, Modified Mayo Wrist Score, and DASH score were significantly improved after surgery (P < .001). The minimal clinically important difference threshold for the DASH score was reached by 100% of patients. At final follow-up, all patients had united scaphoid with no complications. The average time to union was 15.3 weeks. Group analysis showed significant improvements in mean grip strength between patients with delayed union (3-6 months) and those with chronic nonunion (> 1 year) (17.75 kg vs 12.25 kg, P = .032), between grade IV nonunion and grade V nonunion (14.86 kg vs 10.43 kg, P = .035), and between grade V nonunion and grade VI nonunion (10.43 kg vs 15.63 kg, P = .013). Patients with grade VI nonunion achieved union at 17.8 weeks postoperatively, a significantly longer period than that for patients with grade IV nonunion (11.4 weeks, P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid nonunion using olecranon bone graft and screw fixation provided satisfactory outcomes regardless of the chronicity, location, and severity of nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Inside-Out Foveal Reattachment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex.

The dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments are the deep components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), which provides stability to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). In patients with DRUJ instability, arthroscopic procedures are currently focused on reattachment of the deep components of the TFCC to the fovea of the ulnar head. TFCC-foveal reattachment can be performed either by using the transosseous technique with creation of a bone tunnel or by suturing to a bone anchor. Most previous studies of the TFCC suture method have used an outside-in technique. We herein present an arthroscopic inside-out TFCC-foveal reattachment technique with a bony anchor for the treatment of DRUJ instability. This technique has novel advantages, including less exposure, less soft-tissue dissection, and greater ease of TFCC suturing. This procedure may thus be considered another good option for the treatment of TFCC injury with DRUJ instability.

Approach to the Perpendicular Fixation of a Scaphoid Waist Fracture-A Computer Analyzed Cadaver Model.

PURPOSE: In scaphoid fracture screw fixation, the screw is commonly placed along the long axis of the bone, without consideration of the fracture plane. This position is not perpendicular to transverse waist fractures or to the more common horizontal oblique fractures. Our aim was to examine the feasibility and describe possible approaches to, placing a screw perpendicular and in the center of the scaphoid waist fracture. METHODS: Computed tomography of 12 cadaver wrists was performed in 3 positions to examine possible approaches in flexion, neutral, and extension of the wrist. The scans were evaluated using a 3-dimensional model that simulated horizontal oblique (60°) and transverse (90°) fractures. We examined all possible approaches for screw positioning and their deviation from the axis perpendicular to the fracture and in the center of its plane. RESULTS: The preferred approaches for a perpendicular screw in a horizontal oblique fracture were found to be proximal-dorsal in flexion or transtrapezial in the extended or neutral positions (through the volar-radial trapezium). In transverse fractures, the possible approaches were proximal-dorsal or transtrapezial in the flexed or neutral positions and distal in the extended position (volar to volar-radial trapezium). In these approaches, the screw could be placed perpendicularly (deviating by < 10°) and in the center of the fracture in all specimens. CONCLUSIONS: According to this model, it appears feasible to place a perpendicular screw in the center of a horizontal oblique waist fracture using a proximal-dorsal approach in flexion or a transtrapezial approach in neutral or extension positions of the wrist. Palpable landmarks may be used as additional guides to direct these approaches according to the clinical setting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Perpendicular screw fixation of horizontal oblique or transverse scaphoid waist fractures is a possible option, if chosen for its biomechanical advantages.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release With Ring Finger Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Opponensplasty in Severe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic CTR with ring finger flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) opponensplasty for the treatment of patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: We prospectively studied 52 patients who were graded as having severe CTS by physical examination and electrodiagnostic studies and who underwent endoscopic CTR-ring finger FDS opponensplasty. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected for active perpendicular thumb abduction; Kapandji score for thumb opposition; grip, key, and tip pinch strength; Medical Research Council score on sensory and motor recovery; Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing; thenar muscle bulk recovery; and work status. RESULTS: Follow-up was 17.5 months on average (range, 7-34 months). Thumb abduction improved significantly from 13.2° (±4.6°) before surgery to 61.7° (±6.4°) afterward. Mean thumb opposition (as measured by Kapandji score) improved significantly from grade 1.5 to 8.7. Tip pinch strength significantly improved from 38.9% to 72.9% of the contralateral side. Medical Research Council scores improved to S3+ and S4 in 85% of patients and to M4 and M5 in 96% of patients. Sensory threshold recovery to 3.61 and 4.31 monofilament occurred in 85% of patients. We observed thenar muscle bulk recovery in 51.9% of patients. Time to return to work was 5 weeks after surgery, on average. Two patients reported scar pain, 2 reported pillar pain, and we found ring finger proximal interphalangeal joint contracture in 3. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic CTR with FDS opponensplasty provides satisfactory outcomes of improved thumb abduction and opposition, sensory and motor recovery, and early return to work in patients with severe CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Metacarpal Locked Intramedullary Nail: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Outcome Report.

In surgically indicated metacarpal fractures, the ideal fixation should provide an ample stability for early rehabilitation. Damage to surrounding tissue should be minimized as well, to prevent stiffness which determine the outcomes. We have created the metacarpal locked intramedullary nail (MCLN) that allows immediate motion even in unstable fractures. This preliminary report is objected to demonstrate the surgical technique and outcomes of novel metacarpal fixation. Three surgical indicated metacarpal fractures were treated by MCLN. Unlimited motion was started a day after surgery without external immobilization. Clinical and radiographic control were performed up to two years after the surgery. All of patients returned to previous level of daily activities within six weeks with minimal scar. All fractures were united. The total active motions were above 260° in every patient. Complications were not observed. With this encouraged clinical results, the MCLN could be the promising alternative surgical fixation for metacarpal shaft fractures.

A novel therapy to promote axonal fusion in human digital nerves.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury can have a devastating impact on our military and veteran population. Current strategies for peripheral nerve repair include techniques such as nerve tubes, nerve grafts, tissue matrices, and nerve growth guides to enhance the number of regenerating axons. Even with such advanced techniques, it takes months to regain function. In animal models, polyethylene glycol (PEG) therapy has shown to improve both physiologic and behavioral outcomes after nerve transection by fusion of a portion of the proximal axons to the distal axon stumps. The objective of this study was to show the efficacy of PEG fusion in humans and to retrospectively compare PEG fusion to standard nerve repair. METHODS: Patients with traumatic lacerations involving digital nerves were treated with PEG after standard microsurgical neurorrhaphy. Sensory assessment after injury was performed at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months using static two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing. The Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC) for Sensory Recovery Scale was used to evaluate the level of injury. The PEG fusion group was compared to patient-matched controls whose data were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Four PEG fusions were performed on four nerve transections in two patients. Polyethylene glycol therapy improves functional outcomes and speed of nerve recovery in clinical setting assessed by average MRCC score in week 1 (2.8 vs 1.0, p = 0.03). At 4 weeks, MRCC remained superior in the PEG fusion group (3.8 vs 1.3, p = 0.01). At 8 weeks, there was improvement in both groups with the PEG fusion cohort remaining statistically better (4.0 vs 1.7, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Polyethylene glycol fusion is a novel therapy for peripheral nerve repair with proven effectiveness in animal models. Clinical studies are still in early stages but have had encouraging results. Polyethylene glycol fusion is a potential revolutionary therapy in peripheral nerve repair but needs further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

Evaluation of FiberLoop sutures in locking and nonlocking tendon repair.

UNLABELLED: The FiberLoop suture has been developed as a double stranded, double-armed suture of FiberWire, but has not been previously studied. This is a comparison study of FiberLoop, FiberWire, and Ethibond. METHODS: Six groups of bovine tendons were randomly sorted for testing. They were cut and repaired using FiberWire, FiberLoop, and Ethibond with modified Kessler and modified Krackow repair techniques. A 4-0 core suture was used and tested to failure. RESULTS: Both FiberLoop and FiberWire were significantly stronger than Ethibond regardless of the repair technique used. There was no difference between the nonlocking and locking repair technique in any of the suture groups. However, the nonlocking technique failed by tissue pull through while the locking technique failed by suture breakage. CONCLUSIONS: The FiberLoop suture and the FiberWire suture were significantly stronger than the Ethibond suture. Additionally, this study shows that the 4-0 suture is of adequate strength to repair a tendon injury. The double-armed Fiberloop may translate into quicker tendon repairs without sacrificing strength.

Scaphoidectomy and Capsulodesis for SNAC or SLAC Stage II.

Two common types of wrist arthritis are scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC). In stage II SLAC or SNAC, there is arthritis between the scaphoid and the radius, sparing the cartilage between the capitate and the lunate and between the lunate and the radius. When nonsurgical treatment failed, scaphoidectomy plus capsulorrhaphy was used in 8 patients to provide pain relief without requiring an arthrodesis or compromising the radiolunate articulation. After surgery the pain scores improved from 8.5 preoperatively to 2.4 postoperatively. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score averaged 21, and the grip strength improved from 18 to 28 kg (81% of the contralateral side).

Closed traumatic rupture of both extensor tendons of the index finger in zone VI: a case report.

The patient with closed traumatic rupture of both extensor tendons of the index finger in zone VI was described.

Glatiramer acetate immune system augmentation for peripheral nerve regeneration in rat crushed sciatic nerve model.

BACKGROUND: Protective antiself response to nervous system injury has been reported to be mediated by a T-cell subpopulation that can recognize self-antigens. Immune cells have been shown to play a role in the regulation of motor neuron survival after a peripheral nerve injury. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of immune system augmentation with use of the antigen glatiramer acetate, which is known to affect T-cell immunity, on peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS: Wild-type and nude-type (T-cell-deficient) rats underwent crush injury of the sciatic nerve. Three and six weeks after the injury, the sciatic nerve was examined, both functionally (on the basis of footprint analysis and the tibialis anterior muscle response and weight) and histologically (on the basis of axon count). RESULTS: Significantly greater muscle responses were measured after three weeks in the group of wild-type rats that were treated with glatiramer acetate (control limb:injured limb ratio, 0.05 for the glatiramer acetate group [n = 9], compared with 0.51 for the saline solution group [n = 8]; p < 0.05). Higher axon counts were also found in this group (control limb:injured limb ratio, -0.07 for the glatiramer acetate group [n = 10], compared with 0.29 for the saline solution group [n = 8]; p < 0.05). The nude-type rats showed no response to the intervention after three weeks but showed a delayed response after six weeks. A second dose of glatiramer acetate, delivered forty-eight hours after the injury, did not result in an improved response as compared with the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a single treatment with glatiramer acetate resulted in accelerated functional and histological recovery after sciatic nerve crush injury. The role of T-cell immunity in the mechanism of glatiramer acetate was suggested by the partial and late response found in the T-cell-deficient rats.

Management of scaphoid nonunions.

Scaphoid nonunions can exist with or without avascular necrosis of the proximal pole, and waist fractures may have an associated humpback deformity. CT best shows the deformity and bone loss, whereas MRI will show avascular necrosis. Operative treatment should be directed at correcting the deformity with open reduction and internal fixation and bone grafting. Vascularized bone grafts should be used in cases of avascular necrosis.

Outcome after vascularized bone grafting of scaphoid nonunions with avascular necrosis.

PURPOSE: Vascularized bone grafting has been proposed as a treatment for scaphoid nonunions with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole. The purpose of this investigation is to report the results of vascularized bone graft and internal fixation for established scaphoid nonunions with proximal pole avascular necrosis as measured by validated outcome instruments. METHODS: From 1996 to 2004, 30 consecutive patients with established scaphoid nonunion, proximal pole avascular necrosis, and no prior surgery were treated with open reduction and internal fixation in addition to a vascularized bone graft based on 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery. A total of 19 patients had nonunions of the scaphoid waist and 11 had nonunions of the proximal pole of the scaphoid. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included measurement of clinical (grip strength and range of motion), radiographic (scapholunate angle, scaphoid height-to-length ratio, and radioscaphoid arthritis), function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire) and satisfaction parameters. We recorded union and return to activity and analyzed data both in the aggregate and stratified by nonunion location. RESULTS: Union rate was 28 of 30 (93%) and time to union was 5.1 months (+/-2.4). Significant improvements were found for grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, satisfaction score, and scaphoid height-to-length ratio (p < .01). No significant difference was found for composite wrist range of motion. Two patients experienced complications and required a second procedure to achieve union. A total of 28 of 30 (93%) of patients returned to work or sports activity at their preinjury level. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation support the use of a vascularized bone graft for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole.

Dose effectiveness of transthecal digital block.

PURPOSE: The optimal volume of local anesthetic for transthecal digital block has not yet been identified. The goal of this study was to understand the effect of different volumes of local anesthetic using a modified transthecal digital block. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study with normal volunteers. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups receiving 1, 2, or 3 mL of 1% lidocaine using a modified transthecal digital block. An investigator blinded to the assignment of subjects and dosages evaluated the onset, progression, and duration of anesthesia. Threshold sensory testing was performed every minute in the first 10-minute period and then at 15-minute intervals up to 85 minutes. Pain was assessed after infiltration using the visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 45 blocks (15 subjects for each dosage) were performed. None of the volunteers who received 1-mL of block had adequate anesthesia. Mean onset of anesthesia with the 2-mL blocks was >6 minutes, whereas those of the 3-mL blocks took only 1.5 minutes. The mean progression and duration of anesthesia were quicker and longer, respectively, in the 3-mL blocks than the 2-mL ones. Pain associated with injection and discomfort after injection in the 2- and 3-mL blocks was not different, but was significantly higher than the 1-mL block. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the 3-mL modified transthecal digital block is greater than the 1- and 2-mL blocks in terms of rapidity of onset, completeness, and duration of anesthesia.

Arthroscopic loose body removal after hip fracture dislocation: experiences in 7 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to describe the technique of hip arthroscopy for osteochondral loose body removal after posterior hip dislocation and report its preliminary results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reported consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for osteochondral fragment after sustaining fracture-dislocations. Seven patients who sustained traumatic hip dislocation with incarcerated osteochondral were included in this study. All patients had standard AP pelvis x-rays and 3D-CT scans. After closed reduction, all patients underwent hip arthroscopy in which loose bodies were removed and labral pathology debrided. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 15.7 months. The average Harris Hip Score was 89.8. No patient developed any of the complications commonly associated with arthrotomy including avascular necrosis, heterotopic ossification, and nerve injury. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular loose bodies after hip fracture-dislocations allows excellent visualization of the joint and facilitated straightforward removal of the fragment.

Distal tunnel placement improves scaphoid flexion with the Brunelli tenodesis procedure for scapholunate dissociation.

PURPOSE: Treatment of scapholunate dissociation remains difficult. The modified Brunelli procedure, a flexor carpi radialis tenodesis through the scaphoid and secured with dorsal wrist ligaments, has shown promising results. This study compares the biomechanical effects on scaphoid flexion and scapholunate gap between proximal and distal tunnel placement in the modified Brunelli procedure. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric forearms were used. A dorsal approach to the wrist through the floor of the fourth compartment was used. Metallic markers were implanted into the scaphoid and lunate. Tunnels were drilled through the proximal and distal poles of the scaphoid. Wrists were positioned in neutral and loaded to 100 N through the wrist flexor and extensor tendons. Posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were taken with the scapholunate interval intact, with the scapholunate interval sectioned, and after the modified Brunelli tenodesis was performed through the proximal and then distal tunnels using Mersilene tape. Radiographs were analyzed for change in scapholunate angle and scapholunate gap. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess statistical significance for each state compared with the intact wrist. RESULTS: In the intact wrist, the mean scapholunate gap was 1.6 mm +/- 0.1. With the scapholunate interval sectioned, the scapholunate angle increased by 26 degrees +/- 12 and gap increased to 4.2 mm +/- 1.2. With a proximal tunnel for the modified Brunelli procedure, the change in scapholunate angle decreased to 15 degrees +/- 10 and gap decreased to 1.8 mm +/- 0.3. With a distal tunnel for the modified Brunelli procedure, the change in scapholunate angle decreased to 4 degrees +/- 7 and gap decreased to 1.3 mm +/- 0.2. CONCLUSIONS: These biomechanical data suggest that a tunnel exiting in the distal pole of the scaphoid results in better correction of scaphoid flexion when performing the modified Brunelli procedure.

Capitate shortening osteotomy with vascularized bone grafting for the treatment of Kienböck's disease in the ulnar positive wrist.

PURPOSE: Decompression surgery combined with revascularization surgery may provide better results than either alone in the treatment of Kienböck's disease. This study describes our experience with capitate shortening combined with vascularized bone grafting for the treatment of Kienböck's disease in ulnar neutral and ulnar positive variant patients. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2004, patients diagnosed with Lichtman stage II or stage IIIA Kienböck's disease with ulnar neutral or ulnar positive wrists were enrolled in this prospective study and had capitate shortening osteotomy with concurrent vascularized bone grafting. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation included wrist arc of motion, grip strength, and overall satisfaction score. Preoperative and postoperative wrist radiographs and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Radiographic measurements of preoperative and postoperative ulnar variance and carpal height ratio were also evaluated. The average follow-up period was 41 months (range, 26-65 months). RESULTS: Fourteen patients with an average age of 25 years (range, 16-39 years) were studied. The results show significant improvement in grip strength (58% to 78% of the normal side), satisfaction score, and satisfactory arc of motion. The average carpal height ratio was maintained. Average time to osteotomy healing was 48 days. CONCLUSIONS: Capitate shortening osteotomy combined with vascularized bone graft is effective in the treatment of ulnar-positive Kienböck's disease prior to the onset of radiocarpal arthrosis.

Comparative biomechanic study of flexor tendon repair using FiberWire.

PURPOSE: FiberWire, an increasingly popular suture material, allows for strong flexor tendon repair that may allow early mobilization. This study was designed to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of FiberWire for flexor tendon repair and to identify the most effective repair technique using this material. METHODS: Forty-nine human cadaver flexor tendons were randomized and tested biomechanically using one of the following techniques of flexor tendon repair performed with 3-0 FiberWire: (1) modified Kessler, (2) modified Pennington, (3) 2-strand multiple grasping, (4) 2-strand multiple locking, (5) 2-strand double cross-locks, (6) Massachusetts General Hospital, and (7) 4-strand locked cruciate. The ultimate tensile strength, 2-mm gap resistance, and failure mode of the repairs were evaluated. RESULTS: Knot unraveling was the most common failure mode of FiberWire repair in 4 of the 7 techniques. Four-strand repairs and locking repairs provided significantly more strength than 2-strand repairs and grasping repairs. Multiple grasping and multiple locking repairs with 2 knots were significantly weaker than single grasping and locking repairs with a single knot. Four-strand locked cruciate repairs were significantly stronger than the other techniques (mean ultimate tensile strength 107 N, 2-mm gap force 96 N). Two-strand double cross-locks repairs were stronger than the other 2-strand repairs (mean ultimate tensile strength 69 N, 2-mm gap force 53 N). CONCLUSIONS: The strength of the FiberWire repairs increased with locking repair and with increased number of strands but was not influenced by increased number of locking and grasping stitches. Four-strand locked cruciate and 2-strand double cross-locks provided the greatest strength and likely are appropriate for future clinical use in, respectively, 4-strand and 2-strand repairs. However, the poor knot-holding characteristics of FiberWire with the need of a greater number of knot throws may be of concern for surgeons using this product for flexor tendon repairs.

Scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction: results with a modified Brunelli technique versus four-bone weave.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with chronic scapholunate dissociation treated with a modified Brunelli technique versus a 4-bone tendon weave. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Twenty-three patients presented with chronic scapholunate dissociation and were treated with the 4-bone tendon weave technique as described by Almquist and colleagues. A separate group of 21 patients were subsequently treated with a modified Brunelli plus reduction-assisted scapholunate ligament technique. All patients had preoperative radiographs demonstrating scapholunate ligament disruption and positive magnetic resonance arthrograms. All were treated by the senior surgeon (T.E.T.), who initially performed the 4-bone tendon weave and later the modified Brunelli procedure plus temporary screw fixation. Evaluation included radiographic changes, pain and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, grip strength, and range of motion. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test for preoperative-to-postoperative comparisons and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for comparison between the 2 treatment groups. RESULTS: The scapholunate angle decreased in both groups (mean 15 degrees +/- 5 decrease for the Brunelli group; 10 degrees +/- 4 decrease in the 4-bone tendon weave group). Mean pain and DASH scores preoperatively and postoperatively demonstrated greater improvement for the modified Brunelli group (pain scores rated on a visual analog scale of 1 to 10: mean difference Brunelli group = 4.8 cm; 4-bone tendon weave group = 3.2 cm; mean difference 1.6 cm; DASH scores: mean difference Brunelli group = 31.5 points; 4-bone tendon weave group = 14.2 points). The Brunelli group also experienced greater postoperative motion as a percentage of preoperative motion (mean 86% +/- 7 vs 60% +/- 12) and significant increases in postoperative versus preoperative grip strength (mean 2 kg vs 1 kg; increase of 1 kg). CONCLUSIONS: The modified Brunelli technique for scapholunate interosseous ligament reconstruction compared with the 4-bone tendon weave technique has improved outcomes in pain relief, DASH scores, range of motion, and grip strength at 2.5 years follow-up. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.