Arthroscopy of the trapeziometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints

Indications for small joint arthroscopy in the hand remain poorly understood. This is due to a paucity of papers discussing this technique in the literature, as well as inadequate hands on training in the pearls and pitfalls regarding this application within the commonly used "scope" of arthroscopy. Despite the fact that small joint arthroscopes have been available for over a decade, hand surgeons have been slow to adopt this technique within their treatment armamentarium for the treatment of both traumatic and degenerative conditions involving the thumb and the digital metacarpophalangeal joints. A proposed arthroscopic classification for basal joint osteoarthritis provides additional clinical information and can direct further treatment depending on the stage of disease. This chapter will also review the brief history of trapeziometacarpal arthroscopy and provide insight as to how this technique can be incorporated into a treatment algorithm in managing this common affliction. Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroscopy is even less commonly used, while traumatic and overuse injuries are frequently seen in the thumb, and present an ideal indication in certain scenarios. Painful conditions affecting the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers are less commonly seen, yet the small joint arthroscope presents a much clearer picture of the present pathology compared to other imaging techniques or even open, and potentially deleterious, surgery. The application of this technology to the smaller joints will soon make the treating surgeon realize that a myriad of pathologies are readily visible and can augment treatment, as well as diagnosis. Similar to the wrist, small joint arthroscopy may one day supplant imaging techniques such as MRI or CT in establishing an accurate diagnosis.     

Surgical treatment for a congenitally stiff metacarpophalangeal joint of the small finger: report of four cases

We report 4 cases of a congenitally stiff metacarpophalangeal joint of the small finger that were treated satisfactorily with surgical release.     

Outcome of uncemented trapeziometacarpal prosthesis for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis

Background:

Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of thumb occurs frequently and can be very disabling. Numerous surgical techniques including trapeziectomy with or without tendon interposition arthrodesis and partial or total joint arthroplasty with cemented and noncemented prosthesis have been described for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Initial problems of osteolysis and implant loosening have been substantially reduced with improvement in implant design. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb can be effectively treated with uncemented total joint replacement prosthesis.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively collected data for 16 trapeziometacarpal joint replacements in 14 patients. One patient was excluded as they required revision with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction following fracture of Trapezium. The trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis was used in all cases and all operations were carried out by one surgeon. Clinical outcome was determined by a pre and postoperative patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and Michigan Hand Questionnaire Score. Range of motion, grip, tip pinch and key pinch strength were measured and compared with the unoperated hand. Radiological assessment was carried out by plain radiographs for preoperative staging of arthritis and postoperative radiographs at latest followup for evaluation of osteolysis and implant loosening. Average followup period was 26 months.

Results:

There was an improvement in hand function and pain level based on PRWE and Mischigan Hand outcome Questionnaire Score. One patient had intraoperative fracture of Trapezium and subsequent radiographs at 14 months followup showed loosening of the trapezial component due to nonunion of the fracture and complete disintegration of the trapezium. There were no cases of dislocation or implant loosening for the remaining 15 CMC joints at the latest followup.

Conclusion:

The use of uncemented prosthesis in treatment of Questionnaire Score. Range of motion joint osteoarthritis gives excellent short term results in improving hand function in terms of strength and stability and achieving pain relief.     

外伤性掌指关节僵硬的手术治疗

目的探讨手部机器压伤后第2～5指掌指关节僵硬的手术方法及疗效。方法 2006年1月-2009年6月,收治7例第2～5指掌指关节僵硬患者。男6例,女1例;年龄18～56岁,平均32岁。优势手5例,非优势手2例。7例均为机器压伤,6例为伴多发掌骨骨折或脱位术后;1例为手掌中远段平面完全离断再植术后。手术切口愈合后至该次入院时间为3～15个月。患手夹纸试验均呈阳性;X线片示骨折均愈合。先物理治疗软化手部瘢痕1个月,再采用一期掌指关节松解术及蚓状肌功能重建术治疗,外固定6周后行物理治疗和功能锻炼。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患手掌指关节屈伸活动稳定,无伸肌腱侧方滑脱,手指抓、握功能接近正常。术后6例获随访,随访时间6个月～3年。手指掌指关节伸直0°,主动屈曲67～90°。优势手握力达健侧的86.70%,非优势手达健侧的66.70%;优势手拇指捏力达健侧的83.52%,非优势手达健侧的61.30%。按照中华医学会手外科学分会全指关节活动度(TAM)系统评定:获优4例,良1例,可1例,优良率为83.33%。结论对于外伤性掌指关节僵硬患者,给予瘢痕软化后一期行掌指关节松解术及蚓状肌功能重建术,可恢复掌指关节功能,获得较好疗效。     

Results of the cemented SR trapeziometacarpal prosthesis in the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis with a cemented surface replacement arthroplasty. METHODS: We did a retrospective study of 19 patients with 20 hands operated on with this technique, with a follow-up evaluation of 33 months. We analyzed the preoperative stage, the postoperative clinical results, measured the radiographic changes found at the end of the study, and correlated all these data with a statistical study. For statistical analysis chi(2) test and Student t-test were used. The level of significance was set at a p value of.05 or less. RESULTS: With an average follow-up period of 33 months (range, 24-45 mo) the following rates were obtained: 55% loosenings and 15% ankylosis owing to periprosthetic calcifications (70% of failures of the technique). Four patients (20%) needed a revision surgery (a salvage procedure with a dynamic ligament reconstruction arthroplasty). In the subjective functional evaluation only 8 cases of 19 patients (40%) maintained an excellent/good result at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In our group of patients the cemented surface replacement TMC prosthesis was not an adequate surgical option for the treatment of TMC osteoarthritis. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of this surgical technique in this pathology.     

Effects of the deep anterior oblique and dorsoradial ligaments on trapeziometacarpal joint stability

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint of the thumb affects as many as 25% of postmenopausal women and 5% of middle-aged men. This study investigated the relative contribution of the dorsoradial ligament (DRL) and the deep anterior oblique ligament (dAOL) to the stability of the TMC joint. This knowledge will improve our understanding of the pathomechanics of osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb and may help to design novel reconstructive surgical procedures. METHODS: Seventeen intact cadaver hands were dissected to reveal the DRL and dAOL. Either the DRL or dAOL was transected randomly, physiologic muscle loads were applied to simulate lateral key pinch or thumb opposition, or a 3-dimensional magnetic tracking system was used to record the position of the thumb metacarpal relative to the trapezium. The differences in the 3-dimensional positions between the control and transected states were determined. RESULTS: In lateral pinch, transection of the DRL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 1.3 mm, whereas transection of the dAOL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 0.6 mm. Statistically significant 2-dimensional findings in lateral pinch after transecting the DRL or dAOL included an increased palmar subluxation of 0.3 mm and 0.2 mm, an increased radial (1.0 mm) and ulnar (0.3 mm) translation, and an increased pronation of 4.1 degrees and 2.4 degrees, respectively. In thumb opposition, transection of the DRL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 1.0 mm, whereas transection of the dAOL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 0.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In most degrees of freedom of metacarpal movement relative to the trapezium, the DRL is relatively more important than the dAOL in providing stability to the TMC joint.     

关节镜辅助治疗掌指关节内骨折

目的探讨掌指关节镜辅助治疗掌指关节内骨折的临床疗效。方法对5例患者进行回顾性研究,男4例,女1例;年龄17～53岁,平均23.5岁;均为直接暴力致伤,从受伤到手术间隔5d～3周。掌骨头骨折1例,近节指骨基底骨折4例;累及示指3例,中指2例;单纯骨折2例,粉碎性骨折3例,无关节面缺损。采用关节镜下骨折闭合复位、克氏针内固定治疗,根据术中关节镜所见、骨折愈合情况以及术后掌指关节功能进行疗效分析。结果应用掌指关节镜观察到4例患者存在骨折线;另1例患者为掌骨头骨折,由于骨折线位于掌侧,在镜下未见到骨折线,改行切开复位内固定。1例患者合并桡侧侧副韧带损伤,表现为侧副韧带指骨侧止点部分撕脱,韧带松弛;1例患者合并掌板损伤,表现为掌板在指骨基底的附着点部分撕裂。术后随访3~6个月,平均4.8个月,骨折均愈合良好。X线片示关节面平整。4例行关节镜治疗的患者中,3例掌指关节的主动活动范围基本恢复正常,无疼痛、弹响和关节侧向不稳定,且都恢复原工作;1例近节指骨干和指骨基底较为广泛的粉碎性骨折,石膏固定5周,术后5个月随访时掌指关节的主动活动范围为屈曲90°,伸直-56°。结论掌指关节镜辅助治疗掌指关节内骨折创伤小、疗效可靠,适用于部分新鲜的掌指关节内骨折。     

肩关节镜对肩部疾病的辅助诊断和治疗

目的：对肩关节镜技术作为肩关节疾病的辅助诊断和治疗手段进行初步探讨。材料和方法：总结近年作者开展肩关节镜２５例，２６个肩关节，１６例同时行肩峰下滑囊镜检。其中冻结肩３例，肩袖撕裂６例，肩袖间隙撕裂２例，复发性肩关节脱位５例，肩关节后下方半脱位１例，肩峰撞击征（Ⅱ期）３例。肩关节类风湿性关节炎１例，肩盂或肱骨头粉碎骨折４例。镜下手术操作７例，其中镜下肩峰外侧端成形手术３例，复发性肩关节脱位和肩袖撕裂患者合并肩胛盂唇舌瓣样撕裂各１例行镜下切除，１例肩关节镜下滑膜切除，１例关节内游离骨片摘除术。结果：７例镜下手术，术后平均随访１６个月，优４例，良２例，进步１例。结论：辅助性肩关节镜的优点在于可直接观察和处理肩肱关节和肩峰下关节内病变，明确诊断，指导手术方法选择，镜下手术创伤小，术后康复快。     

Costochondral autograft as a salvage procedure after failed trapeziectomy in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb is a common problem, especially in women. Among the many surgical procedures aimed at restoring the function of the trapeziometacarpal joint, total trapeziectomy has been shown to provide good long-term results in most patients. But in some patients continued pain may lead the surgeon to consider a revision procedure. We report the use of costochondral autograft as an interposition material in revision of trapeziectomy in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis and to study its usefulness. METHODS: The study design was retrospective. All of the patients had a costochondral autograft as a revision procedure after a failed trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction. Patients were clinically assessed before and after surgery. The follow-up period was 24 months. Results were assessed as follows: good, complete relief of pain; fair, persistent mild pain and stiffness; poor, no relief of pain or any improvement with revision surgery. RESULTS: Four patients were included; there were 2 good results, 2 fair results, and no poor result. Pain relief was obtained in all patients. Thumb opposition showed a slight improvement in 1 patient and no change in the other 3 patients. Pinch strength showed no change. One case of iatrogenic injury of the sensory branch of the radial nerve was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Costochondral autograft as a revision procedure after failed trapeziectomy is a reliable procedure. These preliminary outcomes showed that the result did not compare favorably with soft-tissue interposition. Nevertheless, in case of an iterative procedure, the lack of available soft-tissue material to interpose may lead the surgeon to consider a costochondral autograft. This procedure should be considered a salvage procedure.     

Current concepts of the anatomy of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint

This review article describes the anatomy of the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint. In the final phase of opposition screw home torque rotation of the volar beak of the thumb metacarpal in the pivot area of the trapezium recess and tension on the dorsal ligament complex create stability for power pinch and power grip. The resulting compressive shear forces can lead over time to trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.     

Survival and complications are similar after Swanson and Sutter implant replacement of metacarpophalangeal joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

We compared the survival, fracture, and deformation rates of Swanson and Sutter implants in a prospective series of 53 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fifty-eight hands were operated on with 215 silastic implants. The Swanson group comprised 25 hands and 89 implants, and the Sutter group 33 and 126, respectively. Follow up was 58 (37–80) months. During a period of 48 months the survival of Swanson and Sutter prostheses did not differ significantly: 92% (95% CI 84% to 96%) and 97% (95% CI 92% to 99%), respectively. The fracture rate was high in both groups: 26 (34%) in the Swanson and 25 (26%) in the Sutter group. There was no significant difference between the groups in definite fracture rates of implants. The Sutter prosthesis appears to be at least as durable an implant in rheumatoid patients’ metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty as the Swanson.     

拇指单纯掌板损伤致掌指关节交锁的诊治

目的介绍拇指单纯掌板损伤致掌指关节交锁的诊治方法。方法对11例拇指掌指关节有过伸受伤和体征的患者,结合X线片和掌指关节造影的辅助诊断,采用局部麻醉进行闭合复位,2例获得成功,9例失败而行切开复位。结果术后11例获得4～28个月的随访．平均13个月。治疗后拇指掌指关节交锁无复发,掌指关节屈曲35°～60°,平均400(少于健侧10°)。2例持重物时略有疼痛。结论根据外伤、手部体征,结合影像学检查,掌板损伤不难做出诊断。可先在局麻下手法复位。若不成功,则手术松解,可以取得满意的疗效。     

Rupture of the radial collateral ligament of the index metacarpophalangeal joint: diagnosis and surgical treatment

PURPOSE: To report the diagnosis and results of 12 surgically treated cases of isolated radial collateral ligament (RCL) tears of the index finger (IF) metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2002, there were 12 patients who were diagnosed with a tear of the index RCL based on clinical evaluation, had surgical treatment, and were followed up for a minimum of 23 months. All 12 patients sustained complete, full-thickness tears. Three patients chose immediate surgical treatment, and 9 patients failed an initial trial of conservative treatment. Surgical repair was performed because of pain, swelling, tenderness, and instability, and a suture anchor was used in all repairs. Intraoperative findings correlated with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging regarding to the site of the tear and the presence of associated injuries. Range of motion, grip strength, and lateral pinch strength were recorded. Patients were questioned regarding satisfaction with their treatment and with their ability to return to work and/or sporting activities. RESULTS: The RCL was avulsed more commonly from the metacarpal (7 patients) than from the proximal phalanx (5 patients). There were no midsubstance tears. All patients reported resolution of pain, ability to return to activities of daily living or sporting activities, and satisfaction with treatment. The mean IF MCP joint arc of motion was 80 degrees , with a mean extension and flexion of 0 degrees and 80 degrees , respectively. There was no extensor lag and no laxity to stress in any of the repaired ligaments. The mean grip strength expressed as a percentage of the injured/noninjured side was 111%. The mean lateral pinch expressed as a percentage of the injured/noninjured side was 112%. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study, IF RCL ruptures can be treated successfully with surgical repair.     

Trapeziectomy or revision into a cemented polyethylene cup in failed trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty

Objectives: Total joint replacement as treatment of osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint may lead to excellent short-term results, but also with a high risk of failure of the trapezium component. The aim of this study was to compare revision using trapeziectomy with a revision into a cemented trapezium cup. Methods: Thirty-four patients with a mean follow-up time of 47 months were included in a case control study with 17 hands revised with a cemented cup and 21 trapeziectomy. Results: At follow-up, no significant difference was found in self-reported outcome, with pain at rest or activity and in grip strength comparing patients revised using trapeziectomy with patients revised with insertion of a new cup. There was, however, a high risk of re-revision in patients treated with insertion of a new cup and at the follow-up 4/17 cups had been re-revised and 5/17 cups had radiological signs of implant loosening. Conclusion: IT was found that trapeziectomy should be the standard salvage procedure after a failed trapezium implant and revision of cup loosening with a cemented cup has an unacceptable failure rate.     

掌指关节置换术治疗类风湿关节炎尺偏畸形的疗效

目的总结掌指关节置换术治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)尺偏畸形的临床疗效。方法对40例RA尺偏畸形患者采用Swanson假体掌指关节置换术。评价患者术后尺偏角度、握力、关节活动度及关节功能等指标。结果患者切口均一期愈合,无感染或坏死等早期并发症。患者均获得随访,时间4~6个月。术后3个月,尺偏角度明显纠正,掌指关节活动度及握力明显增加,MHQ评分、AIMS2评分明显改善,各项指标与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。无假体断裂、脱位及假体周围骨折等并发症。结论掌指关节置换术治疗RA尺偏畸形安全有效,可有效改善手的外观,减轻疼痛,改善关节功能。     

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: case report

We report a case of rupture of the EPL tendon that occurred in a patient with trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. We assume that the rupture was secondary to attrition caused by a bony protrusion of advanced trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.     

Vertical locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint in young adults

Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joints has been occasionally reported in older adults, but reports of this problem are rare in younger individuals. We report 8 young adult patients with a metacarpophalangeal joint locked in 90° flexion after minor trauma. The cases included 6 little fingers and 2 thumbs in 1 male and 7 female patients aged 16 to 39 years. All were easily reduced closed. We postulate the mechanism of injury.