Evaluation and functional assessment of flexor tendon repair in the hand

Seventeen patients with 28 flexor tendon injuries were examined after tendon repair. The current most frequently used evaluation systems, including grip and pinch strength, were compared with functional outcome as assessed by a questionnaire, evaluating Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Good correlation was found between Total Active Motion (TAM) and the Original Strickland test (kappa = 0.85), however with reduced categories. Only limited correlation was found between the DASH-score and TAM (r = -0.33) as well as between the DASH-score and pinch strength (r = -0.35). We suggest reporting the average Range of Motion (ROM) of the complete finger as a percentage of the contralateral finger, instead of reporting the classified result, and to include assessment of pinch strength. It would be very useful to have an accurate functional outcome assessment, but DASH proves to be insufficiently sensitive.     

Evaluation and Functional Assessment of Flexor Tendon Repair in the Hand

Seventeen patients with 28 flexor tendon injuries were examined after tendon repair. The current most frequently used evaluation systems, including grip and pinch strength, were compared with functional outcome as assessed by a questionnaire, evaluating Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Good correlation was found between Total Active Motion (TAM) and the Original Strickland test (kappa = 0.85), however with reduced categories. Only limited correlation was found between the DASH-score and TAM (r =-0.33) as well as between the DASH-score and pinch strength (r =-0.35). We suggest reporting the average Range of Motion (ROM) of the complete finger as a percentage of the contralateral finger, instead of reporting the classified result, and to include assessment of pinch strength. It would be very useful to have an accurate functional outcome assessment, but DASH proves to be insufficiently sensitive.     

Nerve decompression for complex regional pain syndrome type II following upper extremity surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of nerve decompression for the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome that developed after upper-extremity surgery. METHODS: Eight patients (5 men, 3 women) developed worsening severe pain, swelling, and loss of range of motion after an upper-extremity surgery. The diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome was made at an average of 6 weeks (range, 1-10 weeks) after the surgical procedure. A clinical diagnosis of either median or combined median and ulnar nerve compression at the wrist was confirmed in all patients with electrophysiologic testing. Nerve decompression was performed at a mean of 13 weeks after the procedure. Subjective (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; visual analog pain scale) and objective (forearm, wrist, and finger range of motion; grip strength) data from before and after nerve decompression were reviewed. RESULTS: The average score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire decreased from 71 to 30 (p < .05). The mean visual analog pain score decreased from 7.5 to 1.8. (p < .05) There was immediate and near-complete resolution of all somatic complaints including hypersensitivity to touch, hyperhydrosis, swelling, and cold sensitivity. Range of motion and grip strength improved. CONCLUSIONS: Traditionally surgical treatment has been avoided in patients with complex regional pain syndrome; however, in the setting of clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of nerve compression surgical intervention may hasten recovery in these patients.     

The outcome of intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with fragment-specific fixation

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcome of treating intra-articular distal radius fractures with fragment-specific fixation. METHODS: A retrospective review of 81 patients with 85 intra-articular distal radius fractures who were treated with fragment-specific fixation was performed. Minimum time to follow-up evaluation was 1 year, with a mean time of 32 months. The immediate postoperative films were compared with those taken at the final follow-up evaluation. Radiographs of the uninjured wrist were also obtained at the final follow-up evaluation for comparison. Patients were examined for wrist and finger range of motion, deformity, and grip strength, and they completed a standard Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome survey. RESULTS: According to Gartland and Werley scoring there were 61 excellent and 24 good results. Flexion and extension of the surgically treated wrist at the final follow-up evaluation averaged 85% and 91%, respectively, of the uninjured wrist; grip strength averaged 92% compared with the uninjured side. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome score for the injured wrist was 9. Sixty-two percent of patients achieved a 100 degrees arc of flexion and extension and normal forearm rotation by postoperative week 6. Radiographic alignment was maintained between immediate postoperative and final follow-up films, and there were no cases of symptomatic arthritis at the final follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Fragment-specific fixation is a reasonable alternative for treating intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. At final follow-up evaluations, patients had good to excellent results with respect to range of motion, grip strength, radiographic alignment, and satisfaction scores. Stable fixation allowed starting active and passive motion of the wrist without compromising postoperative alignment. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.     

Treatment of malignant tumors of the proximal humerus with allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction

Malignant tumors of the proximal humerus are challenging to treat. Reconstruction with a metallic implant or allograft is the most common method, but each has known risks and frequent complications. Allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction has not been widely used and may avoid problems posed by metal prostheses or allografts used alone. Six patients with malignant tumors of the proximal humerus were treated with allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction after excision of the intra-articular tumor. Outcomes were assessed by use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey; and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment Form. Preoperative and postoperative scores at a mean of 55 months were compared. Disability increased after surgery based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and SF-36, although disability appeared to decrease with time. The mean mental component score on the SF-36 showed continued improvement with time after surgery. One asymptomatic nonunion was repaired, and painful loosening developed in one patient, requiring revision at 45 months. Allograft-prosthesis composite reconstruction is a safe method for treating some malignant tumors of the proximal humerus, providing stable reconstruction and preserving function of the shoulder joint.     

Elbow capsulectomy for posttraumatic elbow stiffness

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with diminished elbow function and upper-extremity-specific health status after elbow capsulectomy for posttraumatic stiffness. METHODS: Forty-six adult patients with posttraumatic elbow stiffness were evaluated an average of 48 months after open capsular excision. A second capsular excision was performed in 9 patients (29%). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Score, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores after all procedures. RESULTS: The average improvement in ulnohumeral motion after the index surgery for capsular release was 53 degrees . (The average flexion was 98 degrees .) The 9 patients who had subsequent repeat elbow contracture release gained an additional 24 degrees , leading to a final average flexion arc for the entire cohort of 103 degrees . Multiple linear regression identified the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons pain score, persistent ulnar nerve dysfunction, and duration of follow-up evaluation after the initial capsular release as independent predictors of a higher Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score; flexion arc and pain score as independent predictors of the Mayo Elbow Performance Index; and flexion arc, forearm arc, pain score, and persistent ulnar neuropathy as independent predictors of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. CONCLUSIONS: Open elbow capsulectomy for posttraumatic elbow stiffness restores a near-100 degrees flexion arc on average. Second elbow releases provide limited additional motion in most patients. Final motion influences physician-based rating scales but not patient-specific health status (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire), which is dominated by pain and persistent ulnar neuropathy. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.     

Anterior and Posterior Interosseous Neurectomy for the Treatment of Chronic Dynamic Instability of the Wrist

The purpose of this study was to determine the results of combined anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomy (AIN/PIN) in patients with chronic wrist pain secondary to dynamic instability, and to determine the predictability of selective AIN/PIN blocks with respect to pain relief, grip strength, and outcome of the neurectomy. A prospectively accrued chronic wrist pain registry was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were patients with arthroscopically confirmed dynamic wrist instability who had undergone a diagnostic AIN/PIN injection, followed by a single dorsal incision neurectomy. All patients completed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand outcome questionnaires preoperatively and at intervals postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative range of motion, grip strength, and percentage pain relief were recorded. Over a 3-year period, 50 wrists (48 patients) were enrolled: average follow-up was 28 months (range: 24–42 months). The average improvement in grip strength after denervation was 16% (p = 0.076), the average improvement in subjective pain rating was 51% (p < 0.0001), and the average improvement in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores was 15 points (p = 0.0039). Improvement of pain from diagnostic injections was not predictive of final improvement of pain; however, improvement in grip strength after diagnostic injections did correlate with improved grip strength after surgery. Lack of improvement in subjective pain rating or grip strength after diagnostic injection approached statistical significance. There was no decrease in range of motion postoperatively. Fourteen patients (16 wrists) failed as defined by need for subsequent surgery. The results of AIN/PIN neurectomy demonstrate that it may be an effective alternative to wrist salvage or reconstructive procedures within the first few years of follow-up.The Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Department, Washington, DC, Clinical Investigation Program, sponsored this report #S94-140 as required by NSHSBETHINST 6000.41B. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.     

Short- to mid-term results of metallic press-fit radial head arthroplasty in unstable injuries of the elbow

We assessed the short- to mid-term survival of metallic press-fit radial head prostheses in patients with radial head fractures and acute traumatic instability of the elbow. The medical records of 42 patients (16 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 56 years (23 to 85) with acute unstable elbow injuries, including a fracture of the radial head requiring metallic replacement of the radial head, were reviewed retrospectively. Survival of the prosthesis was assessed from the radiographs of 37 patients after a mean follow-up of 50 months (12 to 107). The functional results of 31 patients were assessed using range-of-movement, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the RAND 36-item health survey. At the most recent follow-up 25 prostheses were still well fixed, nine had been removed because of loosening, and three remained implanted but were loose. The mean time from implantation to loosening was 11 months (2 to 24). Radiolucent lines that developed around the prosthesis before removal were mild in three patients, moderate in one and severe in five. Range of movement parameters and mass grip strength were significantly lower in the affected elbow than in the unaffected side. The mean MEPS score was 86 (40 to 100) and the mean DASH score was 23 (0 to 81). According to RAND-36 scores, patients had more pain and lower physical function scores than normal population values. Loosening of press-fit radial head prostheses is common, occurs early, often leads to severe osteolysis of the proximal radius, and commonly requires removal of the prosthesis.     

Health status after total wrist arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis

PURPOSE: Total wrist arthrodesis is regarded as the most predictable way to relieve the pain of posttraumatic wrist arthritis. Wrist arthrodesis also is believed to be compatible with a high level of upper-extremity function. This study evaluated the effect of total wrist arthrodesis on both general and upper-extremity-specific health status in patients treated for posttraumatic wrist arthritis. METHODS: By using an institutional review board-approved protocol 22 patients were evaluated an average of 6 years after total wrist arthrodesis for posttraumatic arthritis. Upper-extremity-specific and general health status were measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) instruments, respectively. Patient satisfaction and interest in pursuing a wrist-mobilizing procedure should one become available also were assessed. Objective assessment included grip strength, digit range of motion, and radiographic fusion. RESULTS: Grip strength averaged 79% of the uninvolved wrist. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 25. The average physical component score of the Short-Form 36 was 39 and the average mental component score was 52. Fourteen patients complained of wrist pain, including severe pain in 4 patients. Fifteen patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the result of the fusion, 5 patients were neutral, and 2 patients were mildly dissatisfied. Twenty patients would elect to have a procedure that could make their wrist move again if one were available. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial dysfunction was noted on both upper-extremity-specific and general health status measures after total wrist arthrodesis for posttraumatic conditions. Pain was improved but not eliminated.     

Long-term outcome of nonsurgically managed Kienböck's disease

PURPOSE: To analyze the natural history of patients with Kienb?ck's disease who did not have any surgical treatment-in effect, to map the pattern of the disease process. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (33 wrists) with conservatively treated Kienb?ck's disease had a full clinical and radiologic review. The review involved an assessment of pain, range of motion, function, grip strength, and patient satisfaction, as well as a detailed radiologic evaluation. RESULTS: Analysis of the results shows reduction in the range of motion of the wrist, particularly flexion, with progression of the disease process. In addition grip strength deteriorated by 40% between stages 2 and 4. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand evaluation system also showed deterioration between stages 2 and 4. Radiologic progression was best measured by the radioscaphoid angle. CONCLUSIONS: Kienb?ck's disease is progressive and does pass through the various stages described by Lichtman. Progression can be monitored clinically by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and the loss of flexion of the wrist. Radiologic progression is best measured by the radioscaphoid angle.     

The outcome of wrist surgery: what factors are important and how should they be reported?

A prospective longitudinal study was carried out on a cohort of 86 patients who had undergone surgery for diverse wrist conditions. Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, a pain assessment, a wrist functional score, range of movement and grip strength measures were completed. The Mayo Clinic wrist score was also calculated. The World Health Organization International Classification of Function was used as a framework for analysis. The responsiveness of each outcome measure was calculated in terms of distribution- and anchor-based methods. Pain was the most important factor in determining outcome. Changes in objective measures were less important. The responsiveness of the various measures was similar except for the Mayo Clinic wrist score, which was less responsive than the others. Patient-completed measures currently in use are multidimensional. Classifying the content according to the International Classification of Function would clarify the effects of wrist surgery on the different aspects of health.     

Surgical correction of dorsally angulated distal radius malunions with fixed angle volar plating: a case series

PURPOSE: To report our experience using a fixed-angle volar plate in conjunction with a corrective osteotomy and cancellous bone graft for the treatment of distal radius malunions with dorsal angulation in 4 patients. METHODS: Four consecutive patients had a volarly based opening wedge osteotomy with a fixed angle volar plate and cancellous bone grafting for the treatment of a dorsally angulated distal radius malunion. Data collected retrospectively included a visual analog pain scale, grip strength, range of motion, radiographic parameters, and each patient's subjective functional outcomes as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Motion, strength, and radiographic values were compared with the contralateral arm for each patient. RESULTS: The average time from initial fracture to corrective osteotomy was 346 days. The average length of follow-up evaluation was 13.5 months. The flexion-extension arc of motion increased an average of 21 degrees to a value of 84% of the contralateral side; the pronation-supination arc of motion increased an average of 20 degrees to a value of 98% of the contralateral side. The average tilt of the radius improved from 26 degrees extension to 2 degrees extension; the average radial inclination improved from 22 degrees to 24 degrees; the average ulnar variance excluding the 1 patient who had a distal ulna resection improved from 5 mm to 1 mm. The average retrospective Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 30 to 7; the average retrospective visual analog pain scale score improved from 4.5 to 1. The average grip strength increased from 20 to 29 kg, which corresponded to 73% of the contralateral extremity. CONCLUSIONS: The rigid characteristics of fixed angle volar plates can provide an alternative to the traditional techniques of distal radius osteotomy including structural bone grafting and dorsal plate fixation or external fixation. In addition these plates are strong enough to allow for early postoperative motion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Low-profile dorsal plating for dorsally angulated distal radius fractures: an outcomes study

PURPOSE: Controversy exists surrounding the effectiveness and complications associated with dorsal plating for distal radius fractures. This study evaluated the functional outcome of dorsal plating for dorsally angulated distal radius fractures at a single institution. METHODS: Thirty patients formed the study cohort. All plates were low profile and stainless steel. Radiographic parameters, range of motion, and strength compared with the uninjured side were recorded. The functional outcome was evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Gartland and Werley scoring system. RESULTS: The median patient age at surgery was 59 years. The median follow-up period was 18 months. According to the AO classification system, there were 4 type A fractures, 5 type B fractures, and 21 type C fractures. The median preoperative dorsal angulation was 30 degrees, and the median postoperative angulation was -4 degrees volar. Sixteen patients with fractures had an intra-articular step-off or gap, which were all corrected to neutral by the procedure. Seven patients with the fractures showed positive ulnar variance, all corrected to neutral at time of follow-up evaluation. Compared with the contralateral side, the mean extension and flexion were 88% and 81%, respectively; pronation and supination were 89% and 87%, respectively; and grip strength and thumb pinch were 78% and 94%, respectively. The mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 15 points, and 28 patients had Gartland and Werley scores of good or excellent. No patients needed to have their plates removed, and no extensor tendon rupture was reported. One patient lost reduction, 1 patient needed a tenolysis of the extensor pollicis longus tendon, and 2 patients required the removal of a single metaphyseal screw. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study show that patients can expect to have 80% of their range of motion and strength after dorsal plating for distal radius fractures. Moreover, 93% of the patients will have good to excellent functional outcomes. Complications from dorsal plating may be caused by the specific plate used, rather than by the technique itself, supporting a dorsal approach for dorsally angulated distal radius fractures.     

Suspension arthroplasty using the palmaris longus tendon with a suture button for thumb trapeziometacarpal arthritis: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundThis study was performed to assess the clinical and radiographic results at a minimum of 2 years after ligament reconstruction suspension arthroplasty (LRSA) that comprised full trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty using the palmaris longus tendon and the Mini TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for advanced thumb carpometacarpal arthritis.MethodsWe clinically and radiographically evaluated 26 thumbs in 26 patients who had undergone LRSA at least 2 years previously. The mean follow-up period was 35.9 months. We evaluated the subjective clinical outcomes (visual analogue scale and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores) and objective clinical outcomes (range of motion, pinch strength, grip strength, and trapezial space height ratio).ResultsAt the final follow-up evaluation, the mean visual analogue scale score was 11.1 (standard deviation (SD) 13.4) and the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 9.39 (SD 10.1). The mean palmar and radial abduction were 62.3° (SD 11.8°) and 63.8° (SD 9.09°), respectively. The mean key pinch and grip strength were 3.92 (SD 1.07) kg and 19.7 (SD 7.77) kg, respectively. The mean trapezial space ratio was 0.21 (SD 0.10). The subjective clinical outcomes, range of motion, and pinch strength were significantly improved compared with preoperatively.ConclusionsLRSA for advanced-stage thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis relieves pain, improves range of motion and strength, and obtains favourable subjective patient-reported clinical outcomes.     

Treatment of chronic,traumatic hyperextension deformities of the proximal interphalangeal joint with flexor digitorum superficialis tenodesis

PURPOSE: To our knowledge, there are no reports in the literature regarding treatment of chronic, posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint hyperextension deformities with flexor digitorum superficialis tenodesis. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical treatment and results of flexor digitorum superficialis tenodesis for the treatment of chronic, posttraumatic PIP joint hyperextension deformities. METHODS: Twelve patients were reviewed retrospectively and re-examined at a mean follow-up period of 35 months (range, 6-108 mo). Evaluation included completion of a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and range of motion (ROM) measurements. RESULTS: There were 5 excellent, 5 good, and 2 fair results. Five patients had a residual flexion contracture at the PIP joint of 5 degrees to 15 degrees, although this did not create any functional impairment as determined by responses to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire at follow-up evaluation. The 2 patients with fair results had postoperative PIP flexion contractures of 30 degrees and 60 degrees. All 12 patients returned to their previous occupations and recreational activities. CONCLUSIONS: Flexor digitorum superficialis tenodesis is an effective method with predictable results for the treatment of chronic, traumatic hyperextension deformities of the PIP joint.     

Functional outcome after the Moberg advancement flap in the thumb.

A Moberg palmar advancement flap was performed for pulp reconstruction of the thumb in 36 cases. No flap was lost. Eighty-three percent of the defects were closed without additional iatrogenic bony shortening of the thumb. Sensory testing showed normal sensitivity in 74% of the 25 patients studied at a mean of 27 months. Minor restrictions in the active range of motion in the interphalangeal joint were mainly attributable to a loss of hyperextension. No thumb showed a permanent flexion contracture. The flap alone did not result in a reduction in grip strength, but an additional bony amputation resulted in decreased strength of 3-point pinch grip. Seventy-two percent of the patients had no or only mild subjective complaints. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, which was used for the first time as a standardized measure to assess functional outcome after this procedure, showed only minor impairment levels (12.4 +/-). Based on these data, the Moberg advancement flap remains the procedure of choice for covering defects of the distal palmar thumb.     

The use of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire in rehabilitation after acute traumatic hand injuries.

This longitudinal observational prospective study evaluates the use of a self-reported measure Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) in assessing traumatic hand injury patients. A total of 146 subjects were invited to fill out a validated questionnaire (DASH) during their first consultation and at discharge from therapy. The findings revealed a significant improvement in DASH scores upon discharge from therapy. The use of Quick DASH, an 11-question shortened version of the full 30-question DASH, also generated similar results with the psychometric properties maintained. Despite the low correlation between DASH and the therapists' measures of recovery of power grip, the results of this study confirmed the effectiveness of using the DASH in assessing traumatic hand injury patients. Clinical implications suggest that the DASH can be used to assess the improvement in the functional status of traumatic hand injury subjects, as well as to enhance therapists' understanding of the subjects' perspective regarding their disability, and to assist in effective treatment planning. Further study on the application of the Quick DASH in larger population, and its association with functional status is suggested.     

Complications and outcome of four-corner arthrodesis: circular plate fixation versus traditional techniques

PURPOSE: To review the clinical and radiographic results of scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis using a circular plate and screws compared with traditional fusion techniques (wires, staples, screws). METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with four-corner arthrodesis (plate fixation, n = 27; traditional fixation, n = 31) were evaluated for radiographic and clinical success using wrist radiographs and functional assays. Patients were subjectively surveyed using the standardized Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and classification scales for pain and satisfaction. Objective measurements included grip-strength and range-of-motion measurements. RESULTS: Radiographic analysis showed 26% nonunion with loose hardware in the plate group compared with 3% in the traditional group and 22% hardware impingement in the plate group compared with 3% in the traditional group. Clinical evaluation yielded a mean grip strength of 31 kg (70% of opposite side) for plate fixation and 33 kg (79% of opposite side) for traditional fixation. The mean flexion-extension arc was 48% and 50% of the opposite wrist for plate and traditional patients, respectively. The mean adjusted Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire scores were 27 out of 100 for plate patients and 8 out of 100 for traditional patients. Pain classification scores showed that only 2 patients in the plate group were pain free whereas there were 8 patients in the traditional group who were pain free. Overall patient satisfaction was 60% for the plate group whereas the traditional patient group reported 100% satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of major complications (nonunion or impingement) was much greater with circular plate fixation (48%) versus traditional fixation techniques (6%). With the plate procedure the grip strength and arc of motion decreased approximately 30% and 52%, respectively, compared with decreases of 21% and 50%, respectively, for traditional fusion methods. Additionally, subjective patient dissatisfaction was 40% in the plate group compared with 0% in the traditional group. We postulate that the increased complication and dissatisfaction rates associated with plate fixation may be attributable to possible biomechanical imperfections or increased technical demands with this fusion system.     

Early results of the Universal total wrist arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

Early results of 2 surgeons involved in a prospective study of the Universal total wrist prosthesis (KMI, San Diego, CA) are reported. Twenty-two prostheses were implanted in 19 patients for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis. Two-year follow-up results of 8 wrists and 1-year follow-up results of 14 wrists were reviewed. Total arcs of motion (flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, and pronation-supination) all improved significantly after arthroplasty. Individual motions that were most limited before surgery (extension, radial deviation, and supination) improved the most. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome scores improved 14 points at 1 year and 24 points at 2 years. Three prostheses (14%) were unstable and required further treatment; all 3 were in patients with highly active disease and severe wrist laxity. The Universal prosthesis provides a good early outcome in rheumatoid patients without severe preoperative wrist laxity.     

Treatment of isolated perilunate and lunate dislocations with combined dorsal and volar approach and intraosseous cerclage wire

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical outcome of patients with perilunate and lunate dislocations treated with a combined dorsal and volar approach and intraosseous cerclage wire. METHODS: A combined dorsal and volar approach with an intraosseous wiring technique was used to treat 22 isolated perilunate and lunate dislocations. The mean interval between injury and surgery was 3 days. Outcome was assessed after an average of 49 months. Patients were assessed subjectively with a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and were asked to rate their overall satisfaction, pain relief, problems with activities of daily living, and return to work and previous activity status. Results were assessed objectively by range of motion and grip-strength measurements and initial postsurgical radiographs were compared with final radiographs with regard to scapholunate angle and gap. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction was high in 15 of 22 patients. Seven patients stated they had problems with activities of daily living after their injury. Only 10 patients returned to the same job they had before their injury; however, all 22 patients were able to return to some type of work. Sixteen of the patients stated they were able to return to their previous level of activity. The wrist flexion-extension arc and grip strength averaged 80% and 77%, respectively, compared with the opposite side. Follow-up radiographs showed no significant change in scapholunate angle or gap with time. As expected the scapholunate cerclage wire broke frequently. The cerclage wire was removed in 16 patients, 12 because of broken hardware and 4 because of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that a combined dorsal and volar approach with an intraosseous wiring technique can restore effectively normal intercarpal relationships, providing acceptable pain relief, functional motion, and grip strength.