The One-Bone Forearm in Children: Surgical Technique and a Retrospective Review of Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a technique of end-to-end rigid fixation of the distal radius to the proximal ulna. The shortening and radioulnar overlap in this technique yield a high union rate, large corrections, and few complications. METHODS: This retrospective chart review from 2 centers was undertaken in 39 patients (40 forearms) who underwent one-bone forearm operations between 2005 and 2019. There were 25 male and 14 female patients, with a mean age at surgery of 9.7 years (range 3 to 19 years; SD, 4.5 years). The diagnoses included brachial plexus birth injury, spinal cord injury, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, cerebral palsy, ulnar deficiency with focal indentation, multiple hereditary exostosis, acute flaccid myelitis, and tumor. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 33.5 months (1.2-110.1 months; SD, 27.1 months). The 36 forearms in supination had an average supination contracture of 93° (range, 15° to 120°; SD, 15.4°). The 4 pronated arms had an average pronation contracture of 80° (range, 50° to 120°; SD, 29.2°). The average postoperative position was 22.8° of pronation (range, -15° to 45°; SD, 12.9°). The average correction obtained with our technique was 113° (range, 20° to 145°; SD, 22.9°). Radiographic union was demonstrated in 32 (80%) of the one-bone forearms by 10 weeks, 39 (97.5%) by 16 weeks, and 40 (100%) by 24 weeks. One patient had peri-implant fractures prior to union. No forearms required reoperation for nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: One-bone forearm performed with this technique allows reliable healing and a large degree of correction. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Ulnar Lengthening in the Treatment of Masada Type I Forearm Deformities in Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas.

PURPOSE: Forearm deformity is common in hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO). The results of ulnar lengthening and osteochondroma excision are generally favorable, both clinically and radiographically. This study aimed to assess the clinical, radiographic, and functional results of forearm reconstruction in patients with Masada type I deformity (osteochondroma in the distal ulna with radial bowing, without radial head dislocation). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients with HMO who underwent surgical reconstruction for a Masada type I forearm deformity over a 10-year period. Eleven forearms in 10 patients underwent gradual ulnar lengthening with an external fixator. Age at the time of surgery was 5 to 12 years. Radiographic evaluation included ulnar shortening, radial articular angle, and carpal slip. Clinical evaluation included range of motion of the elbow and wrist. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Short Form-36 survey. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 37.5 months, significant improvement was observed in ulnar shortening, the radial articular angle, and carpal slip. Preoperative average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 24.2 improved to 17.3. Significant improvement was observed in 3 measures of the Short Form-36 survey: general health, social functioning, and health change. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with the literature, surgical reconstruction yielded favorable clinical and radiographic results in Masada type I forearm deformities. The main functional improvement was observed in scales of mental health. The baseline physical impairment was minimal in the absence of radial head dislocation, but although it improved with treatment, it was not necessarily clinically relevant. This study can assist surgeons and families in setting realistic goals and expectations for surgery. There may also be additional long-term benefits to forearm lengthening in HMO, including prevention of radial head dislocation, improved range of motion, and better cosmesis, which future research may help to clarify. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Reconstruction of Radioscaphocapitate Ligament in Treatment of Ulnar Translation.

Background This article measures the life quality, clinical, and functional outcomes of a patient who had undergone reconstruction of the radioscaphocapitate ligament (RSL), using brachioradialis tendon in the treatment of ulnar translation of the carpus. Case Description We present a 36-year-old man with ulnar translation in his left, nondominant wrist, after fall accident. Reconstruction of the RSL was performed. One year later, the patient experienced good evaluation. Wrist flexion was 70 degrees, extension was 60 degrees, radial deviation was 20 degrees, and ulnar deviation was 30 degrees. Forearm pronation was 85 degrees and supination was 90 degrees and digit motion was full. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 5, Visual Analog Scale of 0, and grip strength of 82% were obtained compared with the unaffected side. Wrist radiographic aspects showed radiocarpal joint congruency. The period of fixator treatment was 8 weeks. Good stability and joint congruency of the radiocarpal joint were obtained. Good radiographic, clinical, and functional results were obtained improving the quality of life of the patient. Literature Review The treatment of ulnar translation is difficult and complicated. There is no consensus to the overall management. As there is still a lack of long-term results, the indications for surgery, various surgical options, and the type of intervention have been a matter of controversy in the literature. Would radiocarpal joint be stable when reconstruction of the RSL using brachioradialis tendon was obtained? Is it possible to reduce an ulnar translation with this technique? Clinical Relevance We would like to suggest that the radiocarpal ligament reconstruction will improve the outcome. We believe that this technique will make the wrist more stable and functional. We agree that the best time to perform the corrections is early. The authors prefer to first reconstruct the RSL and then the radiocarpal ligament suture or radioscapholunate arthrodesis.

Ulnar Lengthening/Reconstruction of Interosseous Membrane in Treatment of Osteochondroma.

BACKGROUND: We aim to measure the quality of life and clinical and functional outcomes of a patient who had undergone ligament reconstruction of the forearm interosseous membrane, using brachioradialis tendon more ulna distraction osteogenesis in treatment with multiple cartilaginous exostosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a 11-year-old boy with congenital deformity in his right, dominant forearm,Type IIb by Masada classification. Distraction of the ulna, resection of exostosis, and reconstruction of the distal part of the interosseous membrane was performed. One year later, the patient experienced good evaluation. Wrist flexion was 70 degrees, extension was 60 degrees, radial deviation was 20 degrees, and ulnar deviation was 30 degrees. Forearm pronation was 60 degrees and supination was 90 degrees. Elbow flexion was 120 degrees, extension was -5 degrees, and digit motion was full. DASH score of 5, VAS of 0, and grip strength of 92% compared to the unaffected side were obtained. Forearm radiographic aspects showed healing of the distraction, articular congruency, the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), and radiocapitellum joint. The distraction distance was 28 mm, the distraction period was 67 days, the consolidation period was 96 days, and the period of fixator treatment was 92 days. The distraction speed was 0.5 mm/day. Good stability and joint congruency of the DRUJ and elbow were obtained. Good radiographic, clinical, and functional results were obtained improving the life quality of that patient. LITERATURE REVIEW: The treatment of forearm deformities is difficult and complicated. There is no consensus to the overall management. As there is still a lack of long-term results, the indications for surgery, various surgical options, and the timing of the intervention have been a matter of controversy in the literature. Would DRUJ be stable when ulnar lengthening is combined with excision of exostosis? Is it possible to reduce the radial head with this technique? CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We would like to suggest an interosseous membrane (distal oblique band) reconstruction to improve this treatment. We believe this suggestion could maintain DRUJ and elbow more stable and functional. We agree that the best time to perform the corrections is early and gradually. We prefer to correct the ulna, radius, DRUJ and elbow in many steps than in only one procedure.