Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocations: Management and Long-Term Outcomes at a Specialized Hand Surgery Center in Latin America.

Carpometacarpal joint dislocations are uncommon hand injuries. These dislocations are usually misdiagnosed due to their non-specific clinical signs and tend to be difficult to identify in simple X-rays. We report our experience in the management of carpometacarpal bone dislocations at a specialized hand surgery center. Patients with carpometacarpal dislocations seen at the emergency department between 2013 and 2017 were included. All patients were treated with either closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Postoperative functional assessment was performed at 6 and 18 months using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Eleven patients were included, 8 (72%) were managed with CRPP and the rest required ORIF (28%). For the functional outcome, we found an average DASH score of 27.9 at the 6 months threshold and of 1.5 at the 18 months threshold. Carpometacarpal dislocations are uncommon and easy to misdiagnose; the hand surgeon should have a high clinical suspicion in patients who sustained high-energy trauma, and imaging studies should be thoroughly evaluated. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a safe and effective treatment option, with long-term good functional results.

Les dislocations des articulations carpométacarpiennes sont des blessures peu courantes de la main. Elles sont généralement mal diagnostiquées en raison de leurs signes cliniques non spécifiques et ont tendance à être difficiles à dépister au moyen d'une simple radiographie. Les auteurs rendent compte de leur expérience dans la prise en charge des dislocations des os carpométacarpiens dans un centre spécialisé de chirurgie de la main. Les patients atteints d'une dislocation carpométacarpienne vus à l'urgence entre 2013 et 2017 étaient inclus dans l'étude. Tous les patients ont subi une réduction fermée et un embrochage percutané (RFEP) ou une réduction ouverte et une fixation interne (ROFI). L'évaluation fonctionnelle postopératoire a eu lieu au bout de six et 18 mois au moyen du score d'incapacité du bras, de l'épaule et de la main (DASH). Onze patients ont participé : huit (72 %) ont subi une RFEP et les autres ont dû subir une ROFI (28 %). Le score DASH moyen du résultat fonctionnel s'établissait à 27,9 au seuil de six mois et à 1,5 à celui de 18 mois. Puisque les dislocations carpométacarpiennes sont rares et faciles à mal diagnostiquer, le chirurgien de la main devrait en présumer la possibilité chez les patients victimes d'un traumatisme de forte énergie, et les études d'imagerie devraient faire l'objet d'une évaluation approfondie. La RFEP est une possibilité de traitement sécuritaire et efficace qui donne de bons résultats fonctionnels à long terme.

Description and Clinical Assessment of the Bone Block Tendon Interposition Technique for the Management of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Pellegrini's surgical technique is the most useful for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of a modified version using a bone block in the tunnel through which the flexor carpi radialis tendon is passed (BBTI). METHODS: Case series of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, in stage II or higher based on Eaton's classification, that were intervened using the BBTI technique for a 2-year period. Grip and pinch strength, range of motion, and 1-2 metacarpal angle were evaluated. Pain and function were measured using the visual analogue scale and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale. RESULTS: The study included 16 cases in 14 patients (11 women and 3 men), with an average age of 55.7 ± 7.1 years. Encouraging results were obtained, with an average DASH score of 24.3 ± 17.9 and a minimum VAS pain score. A total of 58% showed a grip strength of over 80% and the postoperative movement was equivalent to the contralateral limb. No cases of infection were reported, and only two minor complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The BBTI technique is a surgical option that incorporates an interference screw, offering good functional results for managing osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, with a similar complication rate to that of the original technique.

Orthotic use for CMC osteoarthritis: Variations among different health professionals in Brazil.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disease in the adult and older adult populations. The use of orthoses to stabilize the thumb's articular complex is one of the most common conservative management strategies. Despite substantial research about this topic, there is insufficient evidence about the optimal use of orthoses to inform clinical practice, contributing to practice variations within and across health professionals. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To identify the prescription patterns, design preferences, and barriers for the use of orthotic devices among Brazilian health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with OA of the basal thumb joint. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was sent to occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and rheumatologists across Brazil through professional association mailing lists. Survey included questions about orthosis design, materials, and barriers to the use of orthotic interventions. Respondents indicated their use based on photographs of 25 orthoses models that were selected through bibliographic review and expert consultation. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test for independence, and the Fisher exact test were used to compare differences among orthotic prescription preferences, barriers, and challenges observed amidst the 3 participants' professional classes. RESULTS: There was no consensus about orthotic prescription among 275 professionals who answered the survey. About 69% of participants reported the use of multiple orthosis during treatment of patients with thumb OA. Results suggest significant variations in the number of joints included and stabilization strategies adopted, with a preference for orthotics made in rigid materials and involving the wrist, carpometacarpal, and metacarpophalangeal joints (P < .001). The lack of knowledge about orthotic options, institutional regulations, and policies were the major barriers reported by respondents (P < .01). CONCLUSION: A plentiful variety of different orthoses designs were observed in this study, and the prescriptions made by 3 professional classes showed differences regarding types of stabilization, joint involvement, and positioning. Despite the existence of clinical trials suggesting benefits for specific custom-made design models, our results indicated widespread clinical variation in practices and preferences. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

WRIST ARTHRODESIS WITH MINIMAL FIXATION PRESERVING THE CARPOMETACARPAL JOINTS.

OBJECTIVE: Wrist arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that should always be considered in cases of pathological conditions in which anatomical and functional structures are altered. In general, the results are very satisfactory, particularly for pain relief, and in the majority of cases, there is considerable functional improvement. Various techniques have been described, with different methods of internal fixation, most of which include the carpometacarpal joints in the fusion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results from wrist arthrodesis using a technique that is simpler, more biological, less expensive, and does not involve the carpometacarpal joints. METHODS: Fifteen patients with wrist arthrodesis were evaluated (six with sequelae from trauma, four with rheumatoid arthritis, three with Kienbock grade IV, one with Preiser and one with panarthrosis). The technique consisted of using an iliac bone plate and internal fixation with Kirschner wires, avoiding the carpometacarpal joints. RESULTS: The evaluation was based on consolidation time (93% in seven weeks); movements of the fingers and pronosupination; pinch and grasp strength; functional evaluation through the DASH, pain and patient satisfaction questionnaires. In general, the results were similar to those of other, more aggressive techniques, and the non-inclusion of the carpometacarpal joints did not affect the final result. CONCLUSION: Wrist arthrodesis with fixation using Kirschner wires and an iliac bone plate, preserving the carpometacarpal joints, gives good or excellent results that are not inferior to those of other techniques that have been described. However, it presents major advantages over other methods: it is less aggressive and cheaper, and does not have the inconvenience and complications associated with the use of plates and screws.

Artrodese do punho com fixação mínima preservando as articulações carpometacarpianas / Wrist arthrodesis with minimal internal fixation preserving the carpometacarpal joints

OBJETIVO: Artrodese do punho é uma cirurgia que deve ser sempre considerada em casos de patologias que alteram sua estrutura anatômica e funcional. Em geral os resultados são muito satisfatórios, principalmente no alívio da dor e na maioria das vezes a melhora funcional é considerável. Existem várias técnicas descritas, com variações no método de fixação interna e a maioria delas incluindo as articulações carpometacarpianas na fusão. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os resultados da artrodese do punho com uma técnica mais simples, mais biológica, menos dispendiosa e que não inclui as articulações carpometacarpianas. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 15 pacientes (seis sequelas de traumatismo, quatro de artrite reumatoide, três de Kienbock grau IV, um de Preiser e um de pan-artrose). A técnica consistiu no uso de placa óssea do ilíaco e fixação com fios de Kirschner, sem incluir as articulações carpometacarpianas. RESULTADOS: A avaliação foi feita conforme o tempo de consolidação (93 por cento em sete semanas); movimentos dos dedos e de pronossupinação; da força de pinça e preensão; avaliação funcional pelo questionário DASH, da dor e satisfação dos pacientes. Em geral, os resultados foram semelhantes aos das outras técnicas mais agressivas e a não inclusão das articulações carpometacarpianas na artrodese não afetou o resultado final. CONCLUSÃO: A artrodese do punho com fixação através de fios de Kirschner e uso de placa óssea do ilíaco preservando as articulações carpometacarpianas dá resultado bom ou excelente, não inferior ao de outras técnicas descritas. Apresenta, porém uma grande vantagem sobre as demais: é menos agressiva, mais barata e não apresenta os inconvenientes do uso de placas e parafusos sujeitos a maiores complicações

OBJECTIVE: Wrist arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that should always be considered in pathologies where there is alteration of the anatomical and functional structures. In general, the results are very satisfactory, particularly for pain relief, and in the majority of cases, there is considerable functional improvement. Various techniques are described, with different methods of internal fixation, most of which include the carpometacarpal joints (CMJ) in the fusion. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of wrist arthrodesis through a technique which is simpler, more biological, more inexpensive, and does not involve the carpometacarpal joints. METHODS: 15 patients with wrist arthrodesis were evaluated (6 with sequelae of trauma, 4 Rheumatoid Arthritis, 3 Kienbock's grade IV, 1 Preiser and 1 panarthrosis). The technique consisted of the use of an iliac bone plate and internal fixation with Kirschner wires, avoiding the carpometacarpal joints. RESULTS: The evaluation was based on consolidation time (93 percent in 7 weeks); movements of the fingers and pronosupination; pinch and grasp strength; functional evaluation through the DASH questionnaire, pain and patient satisfaction. In general, the results were similar to those of other, more aggressive techniques, and the non-inclusion of the carpometacarpal joints did not affect the final result. CONCLUSION: wrist arthrodesis with fixation using Kirschner wires and the use of an iliac bone plate, preserving the carpometacarpal joints, gives good or excellent results which are similar to those of other techniques described. However it presents major advantages over other methods: it is less aggressive, less expensive, and does not have the inconvenience and complications associated the use of plates and screws.