Outcomes following cheilectomy and interpositional arthroplasty in hallux rigidus

Surgical management of hallux rigidus remains controversial. Arthrodesis is considered the gold standard. However, many patients are reluctant to undergo fusion. This paper reviews two commonly used procedures that are reasonable alternatives. A retrospective review of 19 patients (24 feet) with grade 2 osteoarthritis and 11 patients (11 feet) with grade 3 osteoarthritis was performed. The patients with grade 2 osteoarthritis were managed with a cheilectomy and the patients with grade 3 osteoarthritis with an interpositional arthroplasty. All patients were individually assessed with a subjective questionnaire, physical exam, AOFAS hallux scale, SF-36 and pedobarographic analysis. Cheilectomy patients (51.9 years) were younger than interpositional arthroplasty (59 years). Follow up between the interpositional arthroplasties (2.0 years) and cheilectomies (2.1 years) were comparable. Postoperative motion, visual analogue pain scale and SF-36 scores were comparable between groups. Cheilectomies had a higher mean AOFAS score (77.3) than interpositional arthroplasties (71.6). Weakness of the great toe was reported in 72.7% of interpositional arthroplasty patients compared to only 16.7% of patients with a cheilectomy. Patient satisfaction was 87.5% in cheilectomies and 72.7% in interpositional arthroplasties. Pedobarographic analysis demonstrated a decreased load under the great toe with increased weight transfer to the lesser metatarsal heads in all patients. The weight transfer to the lesser metatarsal heads was greatest in patients with interpositional arthroplasty. Management of moderate hallux rigidus with a cheilectomy and phalangeal osteotomy is a reliable method of relieving pain and improving function. Management of severe osteoarthritis of the joint with an interpositional arthroplasty should be considered a salvage procedure with less reliable results.     

Closed tendon injuries of the hand

Cases of subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the hand were compiled over a period of 10 years; the lesions were all traumatic rather than due to degenerative illness. The 914 injuries fall into two categories: 867 extensor and 47 flexor tendon ruptures. The localisation of the lesions is most often distal. The extensor tendon lesion is accompanied more often by a ruptured bony fragment; the distal flexor tendon is mostly torn-off bony fragment. The extensor tendon ruptures can be subdivided as follows: distal injuries of the extensor aponeurosis in the DIP joint (751 cases), IP joint (31), tractus intermedius (27), ext. carpi radialis longus (5) and brevis (1), ext. carpi ulnaris (6); proximal ruptures of the ext. pollicis longus (42), ext. digitorum communis II and indicis (1 each) and ext. carpi radialis longus and brevis (1 each). The flexor tendon lesions are as follows: distal injuries to flex. digitorum profundus (32 cases), flex. pollicis longus (9), and the opponens pollicis, which is classified under this heading (2). Proximal lesions to flex. pollicis longus (2) and flex. digitorum profundus and superficialis (1 each).     

Swanson人工跖趾关节置换治疗Freiberg病近期疗效观察

目的:观察Swanson人工跖趾关节置换治疗晚期Freiberg病近期疗效.方法:2006年7月至2007年12月应用Swanson人工关节假体实施跖趾关节置换手术治疗晚期Freiberg病13例(18足),其中男1例(1足),女12例(17足).合并蹲外翻12例(17足),创伤性关节炎1例(1足).病变均为第2跖趾关节.X线参照Smillie分期,所有惠足均为晚期,其中4期11足,5期7足.采用美国足踝外科协会AOFAS评分系统对手术前后疼痛、行走、穿鞋及跖趾关节活动度等进行临床评价.随访时间3～17个月,平均11.3个月.结果:所有病例术后关节疼痛明显改善,活动度改善.术前AOFAS评分平均为(50.06±9.59)分,术后平均为(77.50±4.99)分,术后与术前AOFAS评分相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论:Swanson人工跖趾关节置换术治疗晚期Freiberg痛近期疗效满意,能明显改善关节活动度及疼痛,是一种较为可行的术式.     

A loop-tendon suture for tendon transfer or graft surgery

PURPOSE: We present a loop-tendon suture technique that was designed for easy tension adjustment and early postoperative rehabilitation in tendon transfer or graft surgeries. This study tested the biomechanical strength of the loop-tendon suture by using chicken flexor tendons and we report the preliminary clinical results. METHODS: We tested the ultimate strength of the loop-tendon suture against the end-weave suture technique in chicken flexor tendons. Forty flexor digitorum longus tendons of chickens were divided into 2 groups according to the suture technique, loop-tendon suture and end-weave suture groups, and then were subjected to linear loading in a tensile load testing machine. From 2000 to 2002 we performed 27 tendon transfer surgeries clinically, including 4 interpositional tendon grafts in 15 patients, using this technique followed by immediate passive motion exercise after surgery. The mean follow-up time was 20 months. RESULTS: The ultimate tensile load of chicken flexor tendons was 31 +/- 6 N for the loop-tendon suture group and 23 +/- 8 N for the end-weave suture group, and the difference was statistically significant. Clinically, 6 patients with an extensor indicis proprius to an extensor pollicis longus transfer showed more than good results in the Geldmacher scheme. Three patients with an extensor indicis proprius to a central tendon transfer achieved proximal interphalangeal extension of less than 15 degrees of extension lag. One patient with a flexor digitorum profundus reconstruction obtained total active motion of 210 degrees. The 5 patients with triple transfers for radial nerve palsy showed more than neutral extension of the wrist and metacarpal joint. There were no tendon ruptures. CONCLUSIONS: The loop-tendon suture method has greater strength than the conventional end-weave technique, and can be used for secondary tendon reconstruction surgery with favorable clinical outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.     

Results of flexor-to-extensor and extensor brevis tendon transfer for correction of the crossover second toe deformity

Between 1990 and 1995, 38 patients (42 feet) underwent repair for crossover toe deformity, 31 (35 feet) of whom returned for final examination at an average of 51.6 months (range, 24-81 months). Causes included trauma, iatrogenic, and unknown. Presenting complaints included dorsal pain with either metatarsalgia or joint pain, isolated metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint pain, metatarsalgia, painful plantar callus, metatarsalgia and joint pain, and painful dorsal callus. All patients were treated with one of two operative techniques, either the flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer or the extensor brevis tendon transfer. Choice of procedure depended on the stage of preoperative deformity. Twenty-four patients were completely satisfied with the surgical correction, 6 were satisfied with reservations, and 1 was dissatisfied. The average postoperative AOFAS score for all patients was 85 points (range, 54-100 points), which correlated strongly with patient satisfaction. Twenty-two patients stated that they had no postoperative pain, 8 reported some pain, and 1 had frequent pain at the corrected toe. In 30 feet, there was no recurrence; three patients had mild residual crossover toe deformity, and two patients had recurrent deformity, although all MP joints were stable. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated substantial reduction in MP joint angles in both the AP (from 7 degrees to -1 degree) and lateral (from 45 degrees to 25 degrees) projections. This article reviews the surgical technique of both procedures, proposes specific indications for each, and presents outcomes. Based on our findings, the extensor brevis tendon transfer is appropriate for stage 1, stage 2, and flexible stage 3 deformities. Flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer is appropriate for rigid stage 3 and stage 4 deformities and for all patients with a symptomatic neuroma of the second web space (where the extensor brevis transfer is not possible). Stiffness of the MP joint is a potential problem with the flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer.     

Calcaneonavicular coalition resection with extensor digitorum brevis interposition in adults

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, pediatric patients with symptomatic calcaneonavicular coalitions have been treated with resection of the coalition and interposition of the origin of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle. Despite the success of calcaneonavicular coalition resection in children, many surgeons are reluctant to perform this procedure in adults or in patients with osseous coalitions, and joint sacrificing arthrodesis often is done instead. METHODS: Seven adult patients (eight feet) had calcaneonavicular coalition resection with extensor digitorum brevis interposition. The average patient age was 41 years, and all patients displayed isolated, symptomatic calcaneonavicular coalitions without any radiographic evidence of degenerative arthritis. At followup, physical and radiographic evaluations were performed, and an American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was recorded. Charts were reviewed for complications and patients were questioned with regards to their overall satisfaction with the surgery. RESULTS: At a mean postoperative followup of 56.5 months, the average AOFAS score was 87. Review of most recent radiographs revealed no degenerative changes or recurrence of the coalition. All patients responded that they would have this surgery again and that they would recommend this procedure to a friend. Complications included one superficial infection and one dysesthesia involving the sural nerve. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that resection combined with muscular interposition can be successful in patients over the age of 18 in whom conservative management of their symptomatic coalitions has failed. This procedure offers an excellent alternative to arthrodesis and has a very low complication rate.     

Bilateral extensor digitorum brevis manus

Dorsal wrist pain and swelling is commonly attributed to a dorsal wrist ganglion. However, based on the authors' experience, a cautious surgeon should keep the uncommonly symptomatic diagnosis of an extensor digitorum brevis manus in their differential despite classic ganglion presentation and suggestive advanced imaging.This article describes a case of a young patient who presented with bilateral symptomatic extensor digitorum brevis manus anomalies that required surgical intervention. An extensor digitorum brevis manus is present in 3% of the population in a classic anatomy study from Japan and is most commonly symptomatic with heavy activity and extremes of wrist extension. Anatomically, the extensor digitorum brevis manus is located in the fourth wrist compartment and most commonly inserts on the index finger extensor mechanism. Examination often reveals a spindle-shaped mass that is palpable distal to the extensor mechanism and moves with extensor tendon motion. Magnetic resonance imaging shows a typical dorsal mass distal to the common extensors with a similar signal as muscle with all image sequencing. Treatment includes activity alterations to relieve symptoms or surgical excision of the muscle belly for refractory cases with care taken to preserve the index extensor mechanism.     

Swanson人工跖趾关节置换治疗疗效观察Freiberg病近期

目的：观察Swanson人工跖趾关节置换治疗晚期Freiberg病近期疗效。方法：2006年7月至2007年12月应用Swanson人工关节假体实施跖趾关节置换手术治疗晚期Freiberg病13例（18足）,其中男1例（1足）,女12例（17足）。合并蹿外翻12例（17足）,创伤性关节炎1例（1足）。病变均为第2跖趾关节。X线参照Smillie分期,所有患足均为晚期,其中4期11足,5期7足。采用美国足踝外科协会AOFAS评分系统对手术前后疼痛、行走、穿鞋及跖趾关节活动度等进行临床评价。随访时间3-17个月,平均11.3个月。结果：所有病例术后关节疼痛明显改善,活动度改善。术前AOFAS评分平均为（50．06±9．59）分,术后平均为（77．50±4．99）分,术后与术前AOFAS评分相比,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：Swanson人工跖趾关节置换术治疗晚期Freiberg病近期疗效满意,能明显改善关节活动度及疼痛,是一种较为可行的术式。     

Incidence of Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus Muscle

The extensor digitorum brevis manus, a supernumerary muscle in the fourth extensor compartment of the dorsum of the wrist, is a relatively rare anomalous muscle. Extensor digitorum brevis should be included in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses on the dorsal aspect of the hand as it may mimic cystic, neoplastic, inflammatory, and infectious masses arising in the dorsum of the wrist. Seventy-two upper limbs of male and female cadavers were dissected and examined to study the pattern of extensor tendons of the index finger. In the present study, we observed three cases (4.2%) of the extensor digitorum brevis manus on the left side. In one cadaver (0.72%), there was an additional tendon arising from the extensor indices which was inserted to the radial side of the dorsal digital expansion of the index finger. The extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle (EDBM), an anatomic variant of the extensor muscle of the dorsum of the hand, is found in approximately 2% to 3% of the population. This variation is, therefore, clinically and surgically relevant because the EDBM may be the only muscle responsible for the independent extension of the second digit. The aim of the present study is to report the incidences of this muscle thereby creating awareness of its existence and of its characteristic appearance to surgeons.     

Surgical correction of extensor tendon subluxation and ulnar drift in the rheumatoid hand: long-term results

Subluxation of the extensor digitorum communis tendons in the rheumatoid hand causes ulnar digital drift. If passively correctable, the digit may be realigned by soft tissue rebalancing and extensor centralization, which may preserve a more functional arc of motion than achieved with arthroplasty. A total of 71 centralization procedures were done in 15 rheumatoid patients with a mean age of 55 years and an average follow-up of 9 years. A distally based central-third strip of extensor tendon was used. Correction of ulnar drift deformity was from an average of 47 degrees preoperatively to 7.9 degrees postoperatively, and correction of active range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joints was from an average of 38 degrees to 56.2 degrees. Reoperation and complication rates were low. This technique corrects and maintains ulnar drift in the rheumatoid hand. Range of motion at the metacarpophalangeal joint level is improved and converted to a more functional one by decreasing the extensor lag.     

Treatment of lateral ankle instability with transfer of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle

Ankle sprains are the most common injuries sustained during sports and physical exercise. Treatment is usually conservative because most of these injuries heal without consequence. However, some injuries may be followed by chronic lateral pain and instability, and surgical stabilization is sometimes necessary. In select cases, there is little or no residual ligament or scar tissue remaining for late reconstruction. Proximal transfer of the origin of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle as a substitute for deficient ligament tissue can be used in these difficult cases. During the years 1971 to 1992, 13 ankles in 10 patients underwent surgery using the proximal extensor digitorum brevis muscle transfer method. At follow-up, all the ankles manifested functional stability and were stable with no clinical drawer sign. All had a normal range of motion in the ankle joint but showed a desired decreased supination range of motion throughout the hindfoot and ankle. The functional Karlsson scores were 84.5 +/- 18.8 before injury, 26.4 +/- 18.7 before surgery, and 83.6 +/- 18.7 at follow-up. Thus, the extensor digitorum brevis muscle transfer seems to be a useful alternative method of long-term ankle stabilization in these difficult chronic case; the results correlate well with a few other studies using this method.     

The role of supinator in the pathogenesis of chronic lateral elbow pain: a biomechanical study

The relative contributions of the forearm extensors to the tensile force at the lateral epicondyle were examined by implanting a force transducer in the common extensor tendon of four soft fixed cadaver elbows and sequentially stretching each muscle arising from the lateral epicondye. Extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis produced the largest increases while the superficial head of supinator produced a moderate increase in tensile force in the common extensor tendon. Extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi ulnaris had no significant effect. Radial tunnel pressure was measured using a balloon catheter in a separate study of five cadaver elbows. Radial tunnel pressure increased on moving the wrist from neutral to a flexion-pronation position. This positional rise in pressure was reduced by supinator musculotendinous lengthening (77%) while lengthening of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis had no effect. This study demonstrates a biomechanical basis for the superficial head of supinator in the aetiology of both lateral epicondylitis and radial tunnel syndrome.     

Freiberg's disease and dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint: etiology and treatment

Surgical and conservative treatments, based on historic and current concepts, are presented for management of Freiberg's disease and dislocation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint. A preliminary review of the interpositional arthroplasty used at the University of Texas Health Science Center is presented.     

Intraoperative patellar tendon strain: predicting the range of knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty

Background  The preoperative range of motion is an important factor that influences the range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. Because the length and tightness of the extensor mechanism are extracapsular elements with an influence on knee flexion, it is reasonable to assume that the tension of the knee extensor mechanism during surgery has a considerable impact on the postoperative range of motion. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the tightness of knee extensor mechanism on postoperative knee flexion. Methods  In 18 knees undergoing posterior-stabilized type total knee arthroplasty, we measured the longitudinal strain on the patellar tendon with all the components in position during passive knee flexion up to 135°. The patellar tendon strains measured during surgery were compared with the preoperative maximum knee flexion angle and postoperative maximum knee flexion angle at 1 year. Results  There was a significant inverse correlation between the patellar tendon strain during surgery at 60° (r = -0.54, P < 0.05), 90° (r = -0.55, P < 0.05), or 135° of flexion (r = -0.65, P < 0.05) and postoperative knee flexion. Conclusions  The results indicated that subjects with high intraoperative patellar tendon strain during passive flexion of the knee had more restricted postoperative knee flexion. Therefore, the tightness of the knee extensor mechanism measured at total knee arthroplasty is a good predictor of maximum postoperative range of flexion.     

Sehnenrupturen in der Folge distaler Radiusfrakturen

After distal radial fractures, closed ruptures of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon may be caused by protruding screws of a volar plate but also occur after conservative fracture treatment. The time interval between accident and rupture is a few weeks to a few months. Tendon transfer of the extensor indicis tendon or a tendon interposition graft are good options for reconstruction. Fusion of the IP joint is not a solution, as the second function of the EPL tendon is to withdraw the thumb ray out of volar abduction. Closed ruptures of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon exclusively occur after volar plate ORIF, the time interval being years to more than a decade. Volar plates of the distal radius should generally be removed after bone healing and urgently when the patient reports tendon crepitation or pain. A ruptured FPL tendon may be reconstructed by tendon interpositional graft or by tendon transfer but IP joint fusion is a good alternative as the flexor pollicis brevis muscle shows a good thumb metacarpophalangeal joint flexion.     

Treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of surgical correction of stage II tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular, the authors retrospectively reviewed results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency in 129 patients for whom surgery was performed between 1990 and 1997. METHODS: The indication for surgery included tendon weakness, flexible deformity, and foot pain refractory to nonsurgical treatment. All patients had a painful flexible flatfoot without fixed forefoot supination deformity (stage II). A medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the navicular were done. The patients were examined, radiographs were obtained, and isokinetic evaluation of both feet was performed at a mean of 5.2 years postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Scale and Short Form Health Surgery (SF-36) were used to evaluate patients postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 79 points (range, 54-93). There were seven significant complications in six patients. Isokinetic inversion and plantarflexion power and strength were symmetric with the contralateral limb in 95 patients, mildly weak in 18 patients, and moderately weak in eight patients. Subtalar joint motion was normal in 56 (44%), slightly decreased in 66 (51%), and moderately decreased in seven patients (5%). Correction was significant (p < .05) in all four radiographic parameters evaluated. Patients were entirely satisfied (118 patients), partially satisfied (seven patients), or dissatisfied (four patients). Further, 125 (97%) experienced pain relief, 121 (94%) showed improvement of function, 112 (87%) experienced improvement in the arch of the foot, and 108 (84%) were able to wear shoes comfortably without shoe modifications or orthotic arch support. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular yielded excellent results with minimal complications and a high patient satisfaction rate.     

Closed treatment of nonrheumatoid extensor tendon dislocations at the metacarpophalangeal joint

PURPOSE: Acute sagittal band injuries at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint resulting in subluxation or dislocation of the extensor tendons may cause pain and swelling at the MCP joint and limit active extension of the MCP joint. These injuries often are treated with surgical repair or reconstruction. This article outlines a nonsurgical treatment protocol that uses a customized splint for acute, nonrheumatoid extensor tendon dislocations caused by injury to the sagittal bands. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients with 11 acute sagittal band injuries who were treated with a splint of thermally molded plastic that differentially holds the injured MCP joint in 25 degrees to 35 degrees of hyperextension relative to the adjacent MCP joints. All the sagittal band ruptures resulted in complete dislocation of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon-Rayan and Murray type III injuries. Active proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal motion was begun immediately at the time of initial splinting. The average follow-up period was 14 months. RESULTS: At the time of final evaluation all patients had full range of motion in flexion and extension. Eight patients had no pain and 3 had moderate pain. Four patients (5 digits) had no extensor tendon subluxations and 3 had barely discernable subluxations. Three patients had moderate subluxation of the EDC tendon and their treatments were considered failures. One of these patients had subsequent sagittal band reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show acute sagittal band injuries in nonrheumatoid patients resulting in dislocation of the EDC tendon can be managed nonsurgically in many patients with a customized splint called the sagittal band bridge. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Outcome Following Autogenous Soft Tissue Interpositional Arthroplasty for End-Stage Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review

Autogenous soft tissue interpositional arthroplasty has been proposed as an alternative to arthrodesis and other forms of arthroplasty for treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus because of the perceived safety and efficacy. The author undertook a systematic review of electronic databases and other relevant sources to identify material relating to the outcomes following autogenous soft tissue interpositional arthroplasty for end-stage hallux rigidus. Information from peer-reviewed journals, as well as from non–peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and posters, textbooks, and unpublished works, were also considered. In an effort to procure the highest quality studies available, studies were eligible for inclusion only if they involved consecutively enrolled patients undergoing isolated autogenous soft tissue interpositional arthroplasty for the treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus, evaluated patients at mean follow-up of 12-months' duration or longer, included pre- and postoperative range of motion of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint, determined pre- and postoperative outcomes using a scoring system, and documented any complications. Two studies involving a total of 28 autogenous soft tissue interpositional arthroplasties for end-stage hallux rigidus were identified that met the inclusion criteria. There were 12 men (52%) and 11 women (48%) with a mean age of 58.2 years followed for a mean of 21.6 months. Both studies used the AOFAS First Metatarsal-Phalangeal-Hallux Scoring System, which had a mean of 26.0 preoperatively rising to 89.4 postoperatively. First metatarsal-phalangeal joint dorsiflexion had a mean of 16.7° preoperatively rising to 51.1° postoperatively. Complications occurred in 4 (14.3%) feet and no feet required surgical revision. The results of this systematic review demonstrate improvement in patient outcomes and first metatarsal-phalangeal joint dorsiflexion, as well as few complications following autogenous soft tissue interpositional arthroplasty for end-stage hallux rigidus. However, there is still a need for methodologically sound prospective cohort studies that compare autogenous soft tissue interpositional arthroplasty with other forms of arthroplasty and arthrodesis for end-stage hallux rigidus.     

Biomechanical influence of the vincula tendinum on digital motion after isolated flexor tendon injury: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE: The vincula are specialized mesotendinous structures attaching to the flexor tendons of the hand. In addition to providing vascular supply to the tendons, the vincula can be mechanically important. The purpose of this study was to quantify the influence of intact vincula on digital flexion after flexor tendon laceration and to assess the ultimate strength and stiffness of the vincula. METHODS: The index, middle, and ring fingers of 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric fingers were dissected free at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint, preserving at least 10 cm of the flexor and extensor tendons. A 9.8-N load was applied to each flexor tendon, and using digital photography and image analysis software, the degree of flexion at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints and excursion of tendons proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint was recorded before and after division of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons at their insertions. Load to failure and stiffness of the vincula were measured via a uniaxial material testing apparatus. Analysis of means was performed with a paired t-test. RESULTS: After division of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, proximal interphalangeal joint flexion secondary to the influence of the intact vincula was 93% of that compared with the uninjured digit. Distal interphalangeal joint flexion after flexor digitorum profundus transection was 69% of normal. The increased excursion of transected tendons compared with testing before division was 4 mm for flexor digitorum superficialis and 2 mm for flexor digitorum profundus. Load to failure was 27 N, and stiffness was 6 N/mm. CONCLUSIONS: The vincula breve can facilitate digital flexion after distal tendon transection, allowing tendons to act indirectly across the interphalangeal joints. The intact vincula breve can facilitate an almost normal range of motion across the interphalangeal joints, making the diagnosis of a flexor tendon injury difficult. In the immediate postinjury period, the vincula breve can hold a divided tendon within a few millimeters of its insertion. Testing against resistance is important to avoid missing the diagnosis of a tendon injury.     

Bilateral subluxation of the base of the thumb secondary to an unusual abductor pollicis longus insertion: a case report

Bilateral subluxation of the trapeziometacarpal joint was related to abnormal insertion of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon and an atrophic extensor pollicis brevis tendon. The APL tendon had four slips, all of which inserted into the fascia of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle distal and palmar to the trapeziometacarpal joint. Active pinch of the thumb resulted in subluxation of the trapeziometacarpal joint. To prevent reciprocal distal deformity, the proximal thumb was held in dynamic balance by attaching two slips of the APL tendon to the radiodorsal base of the first metacarpal. One tendon slip supplemented the tendon of the extensor pollicis brevis muscle. The lax capsule of the trapeziometacarpal joint was reinforced with the remaining tendon slip. The patient retains excellent bilateral function without subjective weakness after surgery.