De Quervain's tendinitis after trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: De Quervain's tendinitis is frequently observed after placement of a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between De Quervain's tendinitis, osteoarthritis of the thumb and placement of a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis. The second aim was a critical analysis of the literature in search of a cause for this postoperative event after arthroplasty or trapeziectomy. METHODS: We reviewed a series of 331 trapeziometacarpal prostheses. RESULTS: There were no differences in thumb column length, gender, type of neck (straight or angled), or surgical approach between patients who developed De Quervain's tendinitis and those who did not. However, the frequency of De Quervain's tendinitis was much higher after arthroplasty than trapeziectomy. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the preoperative frequency of De Quervain's tendinitis in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is underestimated, being part of a more general pain symptomatology. More precise and specific examination is needed for a better preoperative diagnosis. Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis should be considered within a more global framework of peri-trapeziometacarpal pathology, including the trapeziometacarpal and triscaphoid levels, the articular ligaments and the abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis longus, and flexor carpi radialis tendons.

Isolated Trapeziometacarpal Joint Dislocation With Five Years of Follow-up: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Isolated trapezio-metacarpal joint dislocation is a rare injury. Despite being simple to reduce, there is not yet a consensus regarding how to secure the reduction, the type of immobilization, and the postoperative protocol. Herein, we present a rare case of pure trapezio-metacarpal joint dislocation without any associated fractures that was treated with closed reduction and intermetacarpal fixation, six weeks of immobilization, and an early rehabilitation protocol.

New Trends in Injection-Based Therapy for Thumb-Base Osteoarthritis: Where Are We and where Are We Going?

Thumb-base osteoarthritis (TBOA) is a common condition, mostly affecting post-menopausal women, often inducing a significant impact on quality of life and hand functionality. Despite its high prevalence and disability, the therapeutic options in TBOA are still limited and few have been investigated. Among the pharmacological strategies for TBOA management, it would be worthwhile to mention the injection-based therapy. Unfortunately, its efficacy is still the subject of debate. Indeed, the 2018 update of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis (OA) stated that intra-articular (IA) injections of glucocorticoids should not generally be used, but may be considered in patients with painful interphalangeal joints, without any specific mention to the TBOA localization and to other widely used injections agents, such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Even American College of Rheumatology (ACR) experts conditionally recommended against IA HA injections in patients with TBOA, while they conditionally encouraged IA glucocorticoids. However, the recommendations from international scientific societies don't often reflect the clinical practice of physicians who routinely take care of TBOA patients; indeed, corticosteroid injections are a mainstay of therapy in OA, especially for patients with pain refractory to oral treatments and HA is considered as a safe and effective treatment. The discrepancy with the literature data is due to the great heterogeneity of the clinical trials published in this field: indeed, the studies differ for methodology and protocol design, outcome measures, treatment (different formulations of HA, steroids, PRP, and schedules) and times of follow-up. For these reasons, the current review will provide deep insight into the injection-based therapy for TBOA, with particular attention to the different employed agents, the variety of the schedule treatments, the most common injection techniques, and the obtained results in terms of efficacy and safety. In depth, we will discuss the available literature on corticosteroids and HA injections for TBOA and the emerging role of PRP and other injection agents for this condition. We will consider in our analysis not only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) but also recent pilot or retrospective studies trying to step forward to identify satisfactory management strategies for TBOA.

Scaphometacarpal arthroplasty: a report of ten cases of trapeziometacarpal prosthesis and trapeziectomy revision.

Loosening of the trapezial component is a main cause of failure of trapeziometacarpal prostheses. This report presents the preliminary results of scaphometacarpal prostheses used for revision of trapeziometacarpal prostheses and failed trapeziectomies. A retrospective multicentre study was conducted on ten patients. Four had revision surgery after failure of trapeziometacarpal prostheses, five after trapeziectomy and one after a trapezial silicone implant. Pain, mobility, strength, QuickDASH, satisfaction score and radiographs were assessed. Nine patients were assessed (one was lost to follow-up), with a mean follow-up of 34 months. The mean pain score was 1.2/10, Quick-DASH was 39 and opposition according to the Kapandji score was 8.6. Strength was 3 kg for key pinch and 13.6 kg for power grip. One failure was observed, with early loosening of the scaphoid cup. Scaphometacarpal arthroplasty is a reliable medium-term solution for revision of the loosening of a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis with trapezial damage and for failed trapeziectomy. Level of evidence: IV.

Scaphoid Motion of the Wrist with Scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal Osteoarthritis-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate scaphoid motion within the scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joint during wrist motion in the presence of STT joint osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: We studied 11 wrists with STT OA and 5 normal wrists. Computed tomography (CT) images were acquired in five wrist positions (maximum active flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, and neutral position). The 3-dimensional surface models of the radius and scaphoid were constructed and the motion of scaphoid relative to the radius was calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: During wrist flexion/extension motion, the scaphoid rotated mostly in the flexion/extension plane. The angle tended to be smaller in STT OA than in normal. During wrist radioulnar deviation, the scaphoid was in an extended position in neutral wrist in STT OA. The motion of scaphoid in STT OA was divided into two types: a rigid type and mobile type. The mobile type rotated closer to the flexion/extension plane than the rigid type. Taking into account scaphoid motion during wrist movement before surgery may provide better results in the treatment of STT OA.

Lower Trapezius Muscle Transfer for Elbow Extension Reconstruction After Failed Nerve Transfer for Tetraplegia.

Reconstruction of elbow extension is a first priority in the surgical management of patients with tetraplegia. Traditionally, posterior deltoid and biceps to triceps muscle transfers were used, but in recent years, nerve transfers have become the preferred choice of a few surgeons. However, nerve transfer reconstruction failures exist, often related to poor donor nerves, prolonged intervals between the injury and surgery, and advanced patient age. As a valid surgical alternative in such cases, we propose transferring the lower trapezius muscle to reconstruct elbow extension, because this procedure is already being performed successfully in patients with brachial plexus injury. We report 2 patients in whom a lower trapezius transfer was employed as a successful salvage procedure after failed nerve transfer surgery.

Surgical treatment of primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition. Long-term results of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: Primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis can be painful and disabling. Surgical treatment is used when conservative treatment, such as splinting or oral analgesics, fails. The purpose of this study was to report the long-term outcomes obtained in 40 patients (50 thumbs) surgically treated for thumb osteoarthritis by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients (50 thumbs), with severe trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis, surgically treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition were reviewed after an average follow-up of 8 years. All patients were women. At follow-up, clinical results were evaluated on the basis of the DASH score, possible presence of pain and the following criteria: palmar abduction of the thumb, carpometacarpal joint opposition of the thumb (Kapandji), extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint and strength of the hand. RESULTS: The DASH score improved from 42.65 (preoperatively) to 16 (at follow-up), and most patients were asymptomatic. Palmar abduction of the thumb averaged 57 mm. Carpometacarpal joint opposition averaged 8.8. Metacarpophalangeal extension was abnormally increased in 86% of the cases. The strength of the operated hand was comparable to the contralateral side in 46 cases. Radiographic examinations showed a slight proximal migration of the first metacarpal bone (< 3 mm) in all cases but mild signs of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis in only 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the reported experience, we believe that primary trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis surgically treated by trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition allows good long-term results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Safety and Predictive Factors of Short-Term Efficacy of a Single Injection of Mannitol-Modified Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid in Patients with Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis. Results of a Multicentre Prospective Open-Label Pilot Study (INSTINCT Trial).

PURPOSE: To assess safety and search predictive factors of efficacy of a single intra-articular injection of a mannitol-modified hyaluronic acid (HA) viscosupplement, in patients having trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Patients with symptomatic TMC OA, not adequately relieved by analgesic therapy and/or by the use of a thumb splint, were included in a 3-month prospective multicentre open-label trial. All underwent plain radiographs with the Kapandji incidences allowing the Dell radiological grade assessment (1-4). Primary end point was the variation between injection (D0) and day 90 (D90) of the thumb pain (11-point Likert scale). Treatment consisted in a single injection of 0.6 to 1 mL of a viscosupplement made of a cross-linked HA combined with mannitol. All injections were performed under imaging guidance. Predictive factors of pain decrease were studied in univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients (76% women, mean age 60, mean disease duration 36 months) were included and 120 (98%) were assessed at 3 months. The TMC OA was of Dell's grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 in 23%, 36.8%, 36.8%, and 3.5% of cases, respectively. At D0, the average (SD) pain level was 6.5 ± 1.6 without significant difference between Dell groups (P = .21). At day 90, pain decreased from 6.5 ± 1.6 to 3.9 ± 2.5 (difference -2.7 ± 2.5; -42%; P < .0001) without significant difference between Dell grade (P = .055), despite a seemingly smaller number of responders in stage 2 patients. The average analgesic consumption decreased in more than 1 out of 2 patients. In multivariate analysis, no predictor of response was identified. There was no safety issue. All adverse events (11%) were transient increase in pain during or following HA administration and resolved without sequel within 1 to 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a single course of HANOX-M-XL injection is effective in relieving pain in patients with TMC OA, without safety concern. Patients with advanced stage of OA benefit the treatment as much as those with mild or moderate OA.

Pulse-dose radiofrequency can reduce chronic pain in trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis: A mini-invasive therapeutic approach.

AIM: To assess the efficiency of pulse-dose radiofrequency (PDRF) in the management of chronic pain in patients with trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Seventy-five patients with trapezio-metacarpal OA were treated with the PDRF between October 2011 and September 2013. A 22-gauge cannula with a 5-cm length was introduced with percutaneous access in the lateral region of the affected trapezio-metacarpal joint. The PDRF procedure was performed with 1200 pulses at 45 V and 20 msec duration, followed by a 480 msec silent phase. The follow-up visits were performed at 1 month, 3 and 6 months after the PDRF procedure. All patients underwent a second treatment between 7 and 9 months after the first PDRF procedure with a new follow-up scheme at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. RESULTS: Mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores before the procedures was 8.5 ± 1.1. A great reduction in pain intensity was reported at 3 months after the PDRF procedure (mean VAS scores 3.1 ± 0.9, P < 0.05). Pain intensity began to increase back to pre-procedural values after 4 months (mean VAS scores at 6 months was 7.9 ± 1.3, P < 0.05). After the second PDRF treatment the mean VAS scores decreased to 3.3 ± 0.8 at 3 months, but increased to 8.1 ± 1.6 at 9 months. (P < 0.05). No complications after the procedures were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The PDRF may be a safe, repeatable and effective short-term pain management technique in patients with trapezio-metacarpal OA. Larger, randomized controlled studies are indicated to better clarify the efficacy and utility of the PDRF.

Measurement of quality of life among patient undergoing arthroplasty of the thumb to treat CMC arthritis / Mensuração da qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos a artroplastia do polegar no tratamento da rizartrose

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical and functional results, including measurement of quality of life, of patients undergoing trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty. METHOD: This was a prospective evaluation on 45 patients (53 thumbs) with a diagnosis of idiopathic rhizarthrosis who underwent resection arthroplasty and interposition of an uncemented Ascension(r) implant, made of pyrocarbon. The clinical and functional results were analyzed through radiography, range of motion (ROM) in degrees (°), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire for quality of life. In the group analyzed, 38 were women and seven were men, and their mean age was 63.17 years (range: 50-78). Eight patients were treated bilaterally. RESULTS: After 42.08 months of follow-up (range: 8-73), the subjective pain evaluation (VAS) score was 1.37 (range: 1-4). The complete ROM of the thumb increased to 95.75% (range: 75-100%) in relation to the contralateral side. The mean DASH questionnaire score was 9.98 (range: 1-18). The complication rate (negative events) was 11.32%. Five patients presented dislocation of the thumb prosthesis. All of them were reoperated by means of dorsal capsuloplasty using a portion of the retinaculum of the extensors as a graft, and good clinical evolution was achieved in these cases. One patient presented fracturing of the metacarpal and was treated by means of osteosynthesis using Kirschner wires. CONCLUSION: This method is effective for treating rhizarthrosis, according to the measurements made on the clinical and functional results, even after taking the complication rate into consideration. Moreover, it provides an improvement of quality of life for these patients.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados clínico-funcionais e a mensuração da qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia trapézio-metacárpica. MÉTODO: Avaliação prospectiva de 45 pacientes e 53 polegares acometidos, com diagnóstico de rizartrose idiopática submetidos à artroplastia de ressecção e interposição, com o implante Ascension(r), não cimentado, de pirocarbono. Foram analisados os resultados clínico-funcionais: análise radiográfica, o arco de movimento (ADM) em graus (°), dor (VAS: visual analogue score), qualidade de vida (Dash: disability shoulder, arm, and hand questionnaire). No grupo analisado, 38 são mulheres e sete são homens e a idade média é de 63,17 anos (50-78). Foram operados oito pacientes com acometimento bilateral dos polegares. RESULTADOS: Após 42,08 meses (8-73) de seguimento, a avaliação subjetiva da dor (VAS) foi de 1,37 (1-4). O arco do movimento completo do polegar teve um aumento de 95,75% (75-100) do lado contralateral. O questionário Dash foi em média de 9,98 (1-18). A taxa de complicações ou eventos negativos foi de 11,32%. Observamos cinco pacientes com luxações das próteses de polegares. Todos foram reoperados e fez-se a capsuloplastia dorsal, com o uso como enxerto de uma porção da retinácula dos extensores, obteve-se uma boa evolução clínica nesses casos. Um paciente apresentou fratura do metacarpo e foi tratado com osteossíntese com fio de Kirschner. CONCLUSÃO: O método é eficaz no tratamento da rizartrose de acordo com os valores apurados dos resultados clínico-funcionais, mesmo considerando-se as taxas de complicações. Além disso, proporciona a melhoria da qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

Consensus statement on viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid for the management of osteoarthritis.

Viscosupplementation (VS) with hyaluronic acid is currently used by physicians to treat osteoarthritis. However, many aspects of this treatment remain questionable and subject of controversy. A group of 8 experts in this field, from European countries, met to debate on 24 statements previously listed by the group members. Based on an extensive research of the literature and expert opinion, a consensus position has been proposed for each statement. Agreement was achieved on some recommendations. In particular, the expert achieved unanimous agreement in favor of the following statements: VS is an effective treatment for mild to moderate knee OA; VS is not an alternative to surgery in advanced hip OA; VS is a well-tolerated treatment of knee and other joints OA; VS should not be used only in patients who have failed to respond adequately to analgesics and NSAIDs; VS is a "positive" indication but not a "lack of anything better" indication; the dosing regimen must be supported by evidence-based medicine; cross-linking is a proven means for prolonging IA residence time of HA; the best approach to inject accurately knee joint is the lateral mid-patellar one; when VS is performed under fluoroscopy, the amount of radiopaque contrast agent must be as low as possible to avoid viscosupplement dilution. These clear recommendations have been established to help practitioners in the use of viscosupplementation.

Trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis: is bone union necessary for a good outcome?

We present a retrospective study of 107 cases of thumb carpometacarpl joint arthrodesis. The aim of our study was to analyse our population and to compare the outcomes of patients who obtained bone union with the patients who did not. There were no statistical differences in most of the clinical outcomes (DASH score, visual analogue scale, Kapandji test, grip, and key pinch) between the two groups of patients; there were fewer cases of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthritis in the group that did not obtain bone union. We conclude that the bone union is not necessary for a good outcome. Level IV of evidence.

Avaliação funcional do tratamento da rizartrose com o uso de órtese / Functional evaluation of rizartrose treatment with an orthosis

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia de uma órtese funcional para o polegar nos pacientes com grau I, II,III e IV de OA da articulação TMC. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma órtese funcional para o polegar nos pacientes com grau I, II,III e IV de OA da articulação TMC. Métodos: Vinte e oito pacientes com diagnóstico de OA da articulação TMC foram randomizados em 2 grupos de 14 indivíduos. A elegibilidade dos critérios foram: diagnóstico clínico e radiológico, foi confeccionada uma órtese termoplástica funcional para os participantes do grupo órtese (GO), cujo objetivo era estabilizar a articulação TMC, mantendo a polpa da falange distal do polegar livre para o movimento de pinça, deixando o polegar em uma posição funcional. Resultados Observou-se uma redução na escala de EVAS para dor no GO, enquanto que a dor permaneceu constante no GC. Não houve diferença estatística sobre os demais parâmetros. Conclusão: O uso de uma órtese durante as atividades de vida diária para pacientes com OA da articulação da TCM nos diversos estágios, reduz a dor, tanto a curto, quanto à longo prazo (AU)

Retalho miocutâneo inferior pediculado do músculo trapézio nas reconstruções após cirurgias oncológicas de cabeça e pescoço, e tórax / Lower trapezius myocutaneous pedicle flap in head, neck, and chest reconstructions after cancer surgeries

INTRODUÇÃO: Revisão da literatura sobre o retalho miocutâneo inferior do músculo trapézio, apresentando suas vantagens, técnica cirúrgica e complicações. MÉTODOS: Estudo de 19 casos tratados no INCA, através de técnica específica, e comparação dos dados com a literatura internacional. RESULTADOS: Todas as reconstruções atingiram seus objetivos, com correção dos defeitos em partes moles e pele. O efeito estético foi considerado bom pelos pacientes e pela equipe médica. Foi observada uma taxa de 21% de complicações. Não houve necrose ou infecção nos retalhos. Em relação às funções, 89,5% apresentaram função motora preservada e 10,5%, déficit funcional por acometimento tumoral do nervo acessório. CONCLUSÃO: A despeito do aprimoramento contínuo das técnicas microcirúrgicas, os retalhos miocutâneos pediculados ainda encontram indicações nas reconstruções após ressecções oncológicas alargadas. O retalho miocutâneo inferior do músculo trapézio é uma alternativa segura e aplicável para as reconstruções de partes moles das regiões cervicais lateral e posterior, da região lateral da cabeça, da região do ombro e para as regiões paraespinhal superior e paraescapulares.

INTRODUCTION: In this article, we present a literature review on the lower myocutaneous trapezius flap, and report its advantages, surgical technique, and complications. METHODS: We studied 19 patients treated at INCA with a specific technique, and compared the outcomes with those reported in the international literature. RESULTS: All reconstructions achieved the procedural objectives, and the defects of soft tissues and skin were repaired. The aesthetic outcome was considered satisfactory by the patients and medical staff. The rate of complications was 21%. No necrosis or signs of infection were detected in the flaps. Concerning the functions, 89.5% of patients preserved their motor function, whereas reduced functional movements were observed in 10.5% of the patients due to tumor invasion to the accessory nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the continuous advancements in microsurgical techniques, pedicle myocutaneous flaps are still indicated for reconstruction procedures after extended cancer resections. The use of the lower trapezius myocutaneous flap is safe and represents a suitable option for the reconstruction of soft tissues of the lateral and posterior cervical regions, side of the head, shoulder, and upper paravertebral and parascapular regions.

Tratamento do estresse psicológico pela acupuntura, avaliado pela eletromiografia do músculo trapézio / Psychological stress treated by acupuncture and evaluated by trapezius muscle electromyography

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O estresse é considerado um fenômeno da vida moderna, que pode estar presente na vida de todas as pessoas, independente de idade, sexo, classe social ou profissão. Esta pesquisa foi realizada visando propor um tratamento alternativo para o estresse, pelo tratamento com acupuntura, avaliando eletromiograficamente o músculo trapézio, direito e esquerdo, de indivíduos portadores de estresse psicológico, uma semana antes das avaliações e após a acupuntura. MÉTODO: Para a realização deste estudo foram selecionados 10 voluntários, submetidos a um questionário que avaliou os sinais de estresse psicológico. O músculo estudado foi o trapézio por refletir melhor os sinais de estresse. Este foi estudado bilateralmente e a ação muscular foi captada no repouso e durante atividade isométrica, realizando-se movimentos de elevação e abaixamento. Em cada uma das 10 sessões de acupuntura foi realizado o agulhamento do ponto C7; pontos obtidos a partir de um pentagrama e pontuar pontos de confluência do meridiano distinto afetado no pentagrama. RESULTADOS: Os valores de RMS, quando comparados antes e após o tratamento com acupuntura, no repouso e em elevação da escápula foram estatisticamente significativos (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Os músculos apresentaram menor atividade eletromiográfica após o tratamento, mostrando assim a eficácia da acupuntura em indivíduos portadores de estresse psicológico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stress is a modern life phenomenon and may be present in the lives of anyone, regardless of age, gender, social class or profession. This research aimed at proposing an alternative treatment for stress with acupuncture, evaluating by electromyography right and left trapezius muscles of patients under psychological stress one week before evaluations and after acupuncture. METHOD: Participated in this study 10 volunteers submitted to a questionnaire to evaluate signs of psychological stress. The trapezius muscle was selected for best reflecting stress signs. The study was bilateral and muscle action was captured at rest and during isometric activities with raising and lowering movements. The following points were needled during each one of the 10 acupuncture sessions: C7 point, points obtained as from a pentagram and confluence points of the distinct meridian affected on the pentagram. RESULTS: RMS values, compared before and after acupuncture treatment, at rest and with elevation of the scapula were statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Muscles have shown less electromyographic activity after treatment, thus showing the efficacy of acupuncture for patients under psychological stress.

Trapezio-metacarpal arthritis: The price of an opposable thumb!

Trapezio-metacarpal arthritis is the most common arthritic problem of the hand for which patients seek surgical treatment. The current article reviews the etio-pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification and management of this widespread problem. The anatomy and unique biomechanics of this joint are also reviewed. In addition, the article provides a detailed description of our preferred method of trapezio-metacarpal arthroplasty.

Artroplastia de excisão do trapézio e interposição tendinosa na rizartrose: estudo prospectivo / Arthroplasty for trapezium excision and tendon interposition in rhizarthrosis cases: prospective study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar prospectivamente os resultados de uma série de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da rizartrose, com a técnica de ressecção do trapézio associada à interposição de um novelo do tendão abdutor longo do polegar. MÉTODOS: De maio a agosto de 2005, 10 pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da rizartrose. Foram incluídos pacientes com osteoartrose primária da articulação trapézio-metacárpica, estágios II, III, IV da classificação de Eaton, com dor persistente refratária ao tratamento clínico. Para avaliação funcional foi utilizada a escala visual analógica, questionário DASH e o escore de Buck-Gramcko. Na avaliação global do paciente foram mensuradas as forças de preensão palmar, pinça polpa a polpa, pinça lateral, pinça de três pontos, oponência e abduções radial e palmar. Realizou-se, ainda, o índice de migração do primeiro metacarpal na radiografia de repouso e sob estresse. RESULTADOS: Foram considerados bons, no alívio da dor (p = 0,005), com melhora da função na avaliação pelo DASH módulos 2 (p = 0,02) e 3 (p = 0,022) O escore de Buck-Gramcko apresentou um resultado excelente e três ótimos. Houve melhora em quase toda avaliação global, sendo não significante apenas na pinça lateral e abdução. Em todos pacientes houve migração do primeiro metacarpal. CONCLUSÃO: A trapeziectomia associada à interposição de um novelo do tendão abdutor longo do polegar mostrou-se uma técnica de execução relativamente simples e eficaz no alívio da dor e na melhora funcional.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the results from a series of patients who underwent surgical treatment for rhizarthrosis using the technique of trapezium resection associated with interposition of yarn from the long abductor tendon of the thumb. METHODS: From May to August 2005, ten patients underwent surgical treatment for rhizarthrosis. Patients with primary osteoarthrosis of the trapezium-metacarpal joint, in stages II, III and IV of the Eaton classification, with persistent pain that was refractory to clinical treatment, were included. For the functional assessment, the visual analogue scale, DASH questionnaire and Buck-Gramcko score were used. For the overall assessment on the patients, strength measurements were made for palm grip, pulp to pulp pinch, lateral pinch, three-point pinch, opposition and radial and palmar abductions. The migration index for the first metacarpal was also determined on radiographs at rest and under stress. RESULTS: The pain relief was considered to be good (p = 0.005), with functional improvements in modules 2 (p = 0.02) and 3 (p = 0.022) of DASH. The Buck-Gramcko score showed one excellent and three very good results. There was an improvement in almost all of the overall assessment and was only non-significant regarding lateral pinch and abduction. For all patients, there was migration of the first metacarpal. CONCLUSION: Trapeziectomy associated with interposition of yarn from the long abductor tendon of the thumb was shown to be a relatively simple and effective technique for pain relief and functional improvement.

Tratamento cirúrgico da rizartrose: trapezectomia com ou sem ligamentoplastia versus prótese total / Surgical treatment of rhizarthrosis: trapeziectomy with or without ligamentoplasty versus total prosthesis

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo consiste em rever os casos submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico por duas técnicas: trapezectomia com ou sem ligamentoplastia e artroplastia com implante. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 52 mãos tratadas cirurgicamente por rizartrose entre 1995 a 2008: 32 trapezectomias com ou sem ligamentoplastia (grupo A) e 20 artroplastias com implante (grupo B). Follow-up médio: grupo A - 72 meses, grupo B - 23 meses. Não houve resultados significativamente diferentes quanto à dor, atividades da vida diária, mobilidade e força. No estudo radiográfico, a altura escafometacarpiana foi mais preservada no grupo B. O tempo médio de recuperação foi de 10 semanas no grupo A e de 4,5 no grupo B. Foram registradas quatro complicações: um caso de algoneurodistrofia no grupo A e 2 casos de luxação e um caso de fratura do trapézio no grupo B. RESULTADOS: O resultado das próteses superam o tratamento tradicional da rizartrose com trapezectomia com ou sem ligamentoplastia pela rápida recuperação que proporcionam. CONCLUSÃO: Contudo, a sua aplicação deve ser criteriosa, pois existe potencial de complicações relacionadas com os implantes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review cases that underwent surgical treatment using two techniques: trapeziectomy with or without ligamentoplasty and arthroplasty with implant. METHODS: Fifty-two hands that were surgically treated for rhizarthrosis between 1995 and 2008 were evaluated: 32 cases of trapeziectomy with or without ligamentoplasty (group A) and 20 with implant arthroplasty (group B). The mean follow-up for group A was 72 months and for group B, 23 months. There were no significantly different results with regard to pain, activities of daily living, mobility or strength. In the radiographic evaluation, it was found that the scaphometacarpal height was better preserved in group B. The mean time taken to achieve recovery was 10 weeks in group A and 4.5 in group B. Four cases with complications were recorded: one case of algoneurodystrophy in group A and two cases of dislocation and one case of fracture of the trapezium in group B. RESULTS: The results from prostheses were better than the results from the traditional treatment for rhizarthrosis using trapeziectomy with or without ligamentoplasty because of the rapid recovery that prostheses provide. CONCLUSION: However, prostheses should be applied carefully, because there is a potential for complications relating to the implants.

Análise eletromiográfica do músculo trapézio descendente durante a oclusão cêntrica forçada / Electromyographic analyses of the upper trapezius muscle during maximal clenching effort

Introdução: A alteração da oclusão e a posição da mandíbula podem afetar os músculos do pescoço, devido à relaçãoexistente entre os sistemas mastigatório e cervical. Assim, realizamos um estudo do comportamento da atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) do músculo trapézio descendente em indivíduos com oclusão clinicamente normal, durante a mordida em esforço máximo com posicionamento de dois parafilmes de algodão (10 mm de espessura). Método: Fizeramparte do estudo, 19 indivíduos normais sendo 14 mulheres (média de idade: 25,4 ± 4,14 anos) e 5 homens (média de idade: 24,11± 3,28 anos). Para a análise da amplitude do sinal EMG foi utilizado 40% e 60% da contração voluntária máxima (CVM) do músculo trapézio descendente. O sinal EMG foi coletado com freqüência de amostragem de 2 kHz e o valor em RMS (root mean square) foi obtido por janela móvel de 200 ms. Para comparar a amplitude do sinal em RMS nas condições pré e pós oclusão cêntrica forçada, foi utilizado o teste-t de Student, com nível de significânciaadotado de p < 0.05. Resultados: A comparação entre os valores em RMS nas condições pré e pós a oclusão cêntrica forçada, não alteram a amplitude do sinal EMG do músculo trapézio descendente com 40% (t=1.1, p=O,36) e 60% (t=0.91, p=O,ll) da CVM. Conclusão: Nesse estudo foi possível concluir que a oclusão cêntrica forçada não exerce influência sobre a atividade do músculo trapézio descendente em indivíduos com oclusão clinicamente normais.

Introduction: Alteration of the occlusion and the position of the jaw can affect the muscles of the neck, due to a relationship between the masticatory and cervical systems. This study evaluated the performance of theelectromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper trapezius muscle in individuais displaying clinically normal occlusionduring a bite at maximum effort, with positioning of two cotton parafilm (10 mm thick). Method: A total of nineteennormal individuais participated in the study, 14 of which were women (average age of 25.4 ± 4.14 years), and 5 were men (average age of 24.11 ± 3.28 years). The root mean square (RMS) amplitude of the upper trapezium muscle with 40% and 60% of maximal voluntary contraction were analyzed under pre- and post-maximal clenching effort conditions in centric occlusion. The EMG signal was collected with a sampling frequency of 2 kHz and the value in RMS (root mean square) was obtained by a moving window of 200 ms. The paired Student's t-test was used to compare RMS under pre and post-maximal c1enching effort conditions. In this exploratory study, the levei of significance of each eomparison was set to p < 0.05. Results: The values obtained in RMS demonstrated that a post-maximal elenehing effort, as eontrasted with a pre-maximal clenching effort, as contrasted with a pre-maximal clenching effort, does not alter the amplitude of EMG signal of upper trapezius muscle under conditions with 40% (t=1.1, p=O,36) and 60% (t=0.91, p=O,l1) of maximal voluntary contraction as demonstrated. Conclusion: This study concluded that the forced centric occlusion does not affect the activity of the upper trapezius muscle in normal individuals.

O efeito da eletroacupuntura no tratamento da dor muscular / The electroacupunture effect for the treatment of muscular pain

A eletroacupuntura é um recurso bastante utilizado na prática clínica para alívio da dor muscular, apesar do restrito número de pesquisas avaliando sua efetividade. Desta forma, este trabalho inclui dois capítulos, sendo o primeiro intitulado Electroacupuncture and the muscle pain threshold: a review, no qual foi realizada a revisão crítica da literatura, com o objetivo de verificar a efetividade da eletroacupuntura no tratamento da dor muscular. As bases de dados pesquisadas foram ISI, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Cochrane, Bireme de 1977 a Janeiro de 2010 para artigos contendo as palavras chave electroacupuncture AND muscle AND pain. Apesar dos estudos avaliados apresentarem diferenças metodológicas, o que dificultou a comparação entre os resultados, todos consideraram que a EA é eficaz no tratamento da dor miofascial. Nenhum dos estudos considerou a influência do ciclo menstrual na avaliação do limiar de dor, nem mesmo o efeito obtido durante o tratamento, apresentando-o apenas antes e após todas as sessões. O segundo capítulo intitula-se Electroacupuncture for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle, que teve como objetivo avaliar longitudinalmente os efeitos da EA no tratamento da dor miofascial da parte superior do músculo trapézio, por meio da Escala Visual Analógica, da algometria digital, da eletromiografia de superfície e do questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36. Os resultados mostraram que a EA foi efetiva no alívio da dor miofascial do músculo trapézio. Foi observado tanto efeito imediato após cada aplicação da EA como também efeito cumulativo especialmente a partir da terceira sessão. A fase pré-menstrual e menstrual parece estar relacionada ao aumento no limiar de dor observado na sexta. Concluiu-se que a EA foi eficaz no alívio da dor miofascial na amostra avaliada.(AU)

The electroacupuncture is a commonly used resource for pain relieving, despite the restrict number of studies evaluating its effectiveness. This work includes two chapters, the first Electroacupuncture and the muscle pain threshold: a review, consisted of a literature critical review regarding the effectiveness of electroacupunture on the muscular pain treatment. The electronic database researched was ISI, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Cochrane, Bireme from 1977 to January 2010, for articles containing the key words electroacupuncture AND muscle AND pain. Although the methodological differences raise difficulties to the analysis of their results, all the evaluated articles considered the method as efficient. Neither regarded the menstrual cycle influence at the pain threshold, nor the effect obtained along the treatment, presenting only the before and after the entire treatment effect. The second chapter, Electroacupuncture for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle, purposed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture as a treatment to the upper trapezius myofascial pain on a longitudinal study. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated in terms of pain intensity using the visual analog scale (VAS), the pressure pain threshold (PPT) by algometry, electromyography (EMG) and the SF-36 questionnaire. The occurrence of influencing factors in the sessions was monitored as was the menstrual cycle of each participant. It was observed both immediate and cumulative effect specially after the third session. The menstrual phase seems to be related to the increase of pain threshold observed on the sixth session. The EA was shown to be a reliable method for pain relief in the trapezius muscle at the evaluated sample.(AU)