Capitolunate arthrodesis with scaphoid and triquetrum excision

A retrospective two-center outcome study was designed to evaluate the results of capitolunate arthrodesis with scaphoid and triquetrum excision mainly for scapholunate advanced collapse patterns of arthritis. Fourteen wrists in 14 patients were evaluated objectively by standard parameters and subjectively by the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment at an average of 28 months after surgery (range, 14-51 months). All patients were men between the ages of 20 and 70 years (average, 49 years). Two patients had a painful nonunion and one had persistent pain despite conversion to a solid wrist arthrodesis. One patient had x-ray evidence of progressive radiolunate narrowing, but only occasional pain. Postoperative wrist flexion-extension arc was 53 degrees and radioulnar deviation arc was 18 degrees. Grip and pinch strengths were 71% and 75%, respectively, of the normal contralateral wrist. The results of our study indicate that capitolunate arthrodesis with scaphoid and triquetrum excision is comparable to other motion-preserving operative procedures for scapholunate advance collapse.     

Soft tissue stabilization in the management of chronic scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis. A 15-year series

Management of chronic scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis remains controversial. Some surgeons favor partial wrist arthrodesis; others, soft tissue stabilization. Many techniques for soft tissue repair have been described but with few or unpredictable results. We reviewed all our cases of scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis treated by soft tissue stabilization. Since 1979, 37 soft tissue stabilization procedures have been performed to correct dynamic (25) or static (12) scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis. The average time from injury to surgical treatment was 7.2 mos. (range 0.25 to 36 mos.). Three cases were treated within the first month of injury. The choice of repair was determined intraoperatively. The scaphoid shift must be easily reducible to make the case eligible for soft tissue repair. The scapholunate ligament was usually disrupted from palmar to dorsal, and the average amount of disruption was 74%. When scapholunate ligament remnants were of sufficient quality, secondary repair was performed; but if not, ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts or capsulodesis was performed. The procedures used were secondary ligamentous repair in 16 (by direct suture, reinsertion using anchor and/or transosseous reattachment), ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts in 6, capsulodesis in 7 and a combination of these procedures in 8. The mean follow-up was 27 mos. (range 2 to 62 mos.). Postoperatively, there was an 83% decrease in pain. The average wrist motion was 60 degrees extension, 47 degrees flexion, 18 degrees radial deviation and 28 degrees ulnar deviation (92%, 84%, 106% and 88% of preoperative values and 88%, 75%, 78% and 76% of the uninvolved wrists, respectively), and the grip strength was 28 kg (117% of preoperative value and 78% of the uninvolved wrists). On roentgenograms, the mean static scapholunate distance was 4.2 mm (a 26% loss of reduction compared to the early postoperative gap), but scapholunate and radiolunate angles were within normal values (58 degrees and 9 degrees, respectively). At follow-up, one patient presenting a small zone of chondromalacia on the scaphoid at the time of secondary ligamentous repair developed severe radioscaphoid arthritis 15 months postoperatively. The results were further assessed according to the form of instability, delay before surgery, severity of disruption and type of repair. Patients with static instability showed worse clinical and radiological findings than those with dynamic instability. Surgical delay did not influence the outcome. The more severe the ligament disruption was, the poorer were the results. All types of repair had a comparable outcome except those treated by ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts. The results in the latter group were unsatisfactory in terms of motion, grip strength and radiological findings. This technique has been abandoned by the group. In conclusion, soft tissue stabilization is part of the armamentarium in the management of reducible chronic scapholunate instability without osteoarthritis. Ligament reconstruction using tendon grafts gave, in our hands, unsatisfactory results. Otherwise, all types of repair achieved a relatively pain-free wrist, with acceptable motion, grip strength, scapholunate and radiolunate angles but with a wider than normal static scapholunate distance. A longer follow-up is needed to assess the effect of this abnormal gap. Factors that favorably affected the outcome were: dynamic type of instability and partial disruption of the ligament.     

Resection of the distal pole of the scaphoid for scaphoid nonunion with radioscaphoid and intercarpal arthritis

PURPOSE: The treatment of scaphoid nonunion with degenerative arthritis poses a clinical problem that is particularly challenging in cases of associated dorsal intercalated segmental instability collapse, radiocarpal and intercarpal degenerative changes, and poor scaphoid bone quality. The purpose of this study was to report our clinical experience performing a distal scaphoid resection for symptomatic scaphoid nonunion in patients with either radioscaphoid or intercarpal arthritis who have had multiple surgeries. METHODS: Nine patients with recalcitrant scaphoid nonunion and associated degenerative arthritis treated by resection of the distal scaphoid fragment were evaluated both clinically and radiographically. Eight patients were male and one patient was female; the average follow-up period was 28.6 months (range, 12-52 mo). RESULTS: Seven patients reported pain with daily use and the remaining 2 patients reported mild pain with light work before surgery, whereas after surgery 4 of the 9 patients had no wrist pain and the remaining 5 patients had only mild pain with strenuous activity. The wrist range of motion improved from 70 degrees (51.4% of the opposite wrist) to 140 degrees (94% of the opposite wrist) and grip strength improved from 18 kg (40% of the opposite wrist) to 30 kg (77% of the opposite wrist). Clinical results were excellent in 6 patients and good in 3 patients based on a modified Mayo wrist-scoring chart. Radiographically neither additional degeneration nor progress of degenerative changes was noted after surgery in 8 patients. Newly developed degenerative arthritis occurred at the proximal scapholunate capitate articulation in the remaining patient who has a type II lunate, which had a facet (medial facet) articulation with the hamate. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that distal scaphoid resection produces a satisfactory clinical outcome, requires only a short period of immobilization, and should be considered one of the surgical options for long-standing scaphoid nonunion with either radioscaphoid or intercarpal degenerative arthritis. Nevertheless care must be taken in performing this procedure on patients whose preoperative radiograph show a type II lunate.     

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.     

Long-term outcomes of dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis for chronic scapholunate dissociation

PURPOSE: Chronic scapholunate dissociation is the most common cause of symptomatic wrist instability. In an attempt to restore normal carpal mechanics and prevent wrist arthrosis, we developed and tested biomechanically the dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis (DILC). Previously, we reported good early clinical results for this procedure at an average follow-up period of 25 months. Here, we report on the functional and radiographic outcomes at a longer follow-up period of a minimum of 5 years. METHODS: Records of patients undergoing the DILC for chronic (greater than 6 weeks), flexible, static scapholunate dissociation were reviewed. Only patients with follow-up evaluation of greater than 60 months were included. Physical examination, radiographs, and validated outcome instruments were used to evaluate the patients. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (22 wrists) met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen of 21 patients (16 wrists) were available for follow-up evaluation. Average follow-up period was 86 months. Physical examination revealed average wrist flexion and extension of 50 degrees and 55 degrees , respectively, radial and ulnar deviation of 17 degrees and 36 degrees , respectively, and grip strength of 43 kgf. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Short Form-12, and Mayo wrist scores averaged 19, 78, and 78, respectively. Radiographs revealed an average scapholunate angle and gap of 62 degrees and 3.5 mm, respectively. Eight of the 16 wrists in our study demonstrated arthritic changes on radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: The DILC does not consistently prevent radiographic deterioration and the development of arthrosis in the long-term; however, the level of functionality and patient satisfaction remained relatively high in 58% of our patients, suggesting a lack of correlation between the radiographic findings and development of arthrosis and the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. We believe that the DILC is still a reasonable option for treating flexible static scapholunate dissociation in patients without radiographic signs of arthritis presenting with wrist pain despite conservative treatment. Prevention of radiographic deterioration and arthrosis remains an unsolved problem.     

Tibiocalcaneal fusion after talectomy in arthrogrypotic patients

The authors evaluated the results of five arthrogrypotic patients who had tibiocalcaneal fusion after previous talectomy. The average follow-up was 5 years (range 2-12 years) after fusion, and seven feet were available for evaluation in terms of function, pain, and radiologic changes. Using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical rating score, the five patients scored an average rating of fair after the arthrodesis compared with a rating of poor prior to the fusion. Four patients noted a subjective improvement with regard to their function and ankle pain after the fusion. Two patients still reported pain over the ankle but not enough to affect their activities. All the patients had residual leg length discrepancies ranging from 1 to 2 cm, but none of them required shoe lifts to correct the deformity. All the feet examined showed a plantigrade foot with an average tibia-floor angle of 91 degrees in the sagittal plane and an average hindfoot valgus of 2.75 degrees in the coronal plane. Radiographic examination showed that two patients already showed signs of mild degenerative arthritis over the knee and midtarsal joints that were not present before the tibiocalcaneal fusion. Tibiocalcaneal fusion may improve the function and the pain symptoms of arthrogrypotic patients, but it can lead to early degenerative arthritis of the adjacent joints.     

Partial scapholunate ligament injuries treated with arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage

PURPOSE: To present the early results of arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage using radiofrequency probes for partial (Geissler grades I and II) scapholunate (SL) interosseous ligament injuries of the wrist. METHODS: Sixteen patients with a mean age of 34 years (range, 18-54 y) presenting with chronic dorsoradial wrist pain unresponsive to initial conservative treatment for a mean period of 12 weeks were included in this study. No patient showed radiologic signs of static dissociation (SL interval, <3.5 mm; mean SL angle, 49 degrees ) before surgery. Diagnostic arthroscopy showed a partial SL tear in 14 patients and redundancy of the ligament in 2. Partial SL tears involved the membranous (proximal) and volar part of the ligament. All lesions were debrided and treated with thermal shrinkage using a bipolar radiofrequency probe. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range, 9-34 mo). Fourteen patients experienced substantial pain relief whereas in 2 the pain remained unchanged. Eight patients were completely pain free. The mean flexion-extension arc was 142 degrees and the mean grip strength was 78% that of the unaffected side. No patient showed radiologic signs of arthritis or static or dynamic instability after surgery (SL interval remained <3.5 mm; mean SL angle, 53 degrees ). Based on the modified Mayo wrist score there were 8 excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor result. CONCLUSIONS: Partial SL ligament tears can be a source of radial-sided wrist pain. Scapholunate ligament debridement and thermal shrinkage effectively provided pain relief for most of the patients treated. Stability was maintained radiographically. No complications were noted from the use of radiofrequency probes. These reasonably favorable short-term results should be viewed cautiously. A longer follow-up study is necessary to determine the ultimate efficacy of this procedure.     

Scaphoid nonunion treated by open reduction, anterior inlay bone grafting, and Kirschner-wire fixation

Forty-three patients with ununited fractures of the scaphoid were treated by open reduction, anterior inlay bone grafting and Kirschner wire fixation. All but one achieved bone union. The one failure was successfully treated with a second anterior inlay bone grafting procedure. The average period of cast immobilization was 7 weeks. The presence of an unstable nonunion did not adversely affect the results. In cases with carpal instability, we used a longer corticocancellous graft to restore a more normal alignment of the scaphoid by opening up the volar cortex. Preoperatively, carpal instability was present in 25 patients. In these cases, carpal alignment demonstrated by the radiolunate and scapholunate angle was improved significantly after surgery: the radiolunate angle from 15 degrees before surgery to 2 degrees after surgery, and the scapholunate angle from 67 degrees to 54 degrees, respectively. Pain, restricted motion of the wrist, and the grip strength were improved after surgery.     

Keller resection arthroplasty for treatment of hallux valgus deformity: increased correction with fibular sesamoidectomy

Thirty-eight patients (50 feet) were treated with Keller resection arthroplasties combined with fibular sesamoidectomies. Thirty-six patients were females (48 feet) and two were males (two feet). Their ages ranged from 55 to 87 years and averaged 68.4 years. Preoperative metatarsophalangeal (MTP) angles averaged 34 degrees (range, 10 to 55 degrees) and intermetatarsal (IM) angles averaged 15 degrees (range, 8 to 27 degrees). All patients were evaluated at an average of three years after surgery. An average correction of 18 degrees in the MTP angle and 6 degrees in the IM angle were obtained. At follow-up, 76% of patients had no pain, 14% had mild pain, and 10% had moderate pain; 76% had no activity limitations, 22% had recreational limitations, and 2% had daily limitations. Ninety-five percent of patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery.     

The natural history of an untreated isolated scapholunate interosseus ligament injury

The natural history of an untreated isolated scapholunate interosseus ligament injury remains unclear, although it is commonly assumed that patients continue to suffer with pain, stiffness and weakness of the wrist and ultimately develop secondary osteoarthritis (SLAC wrist). In this study, we evaluated the clinical condition of 11 patients with an arthroscopically proven interosseus scapholunate ligament injury, but without any radiological signs of either DISI deformity or scapholunate gapping, who had declined further treatment at an average follow-up of 7 years. Whilst there was on going pain and functional limitation in all cases, there was no rapid progression to degenerative change (SLAC wrist).     

Lunotriquetral arthrodesis, a procedure with a high failure rate.

The authors retrospectively reviewed 29 patients with chronic lunotriquetral ligament tears who were treated with lunotriquentral arthrodesis. Arthrography confirmed the diagnosis in 17 cases, arthroscopy in 18. Associated lesions included 13 TFCC tears and 8 scapholunate ligament tears. The fusion was carried out with staples in 5 cases, a Herbert screw in 17, a Kirschner wire in 6. Bone grafts were used in 24 cases. In 15 cases additional procedures were performed. As for the subjective outcome, 5 patients were fully satisfied, 10 had reservations and 14 were not satisfied; 17 patients would repeat the procedure. The average Pellenberg wrist score for pain and function was 59/80 (0 no symptoms, 80 maximal pain). Mean grip force was 69% of the contralateral side and lateral pinch force was 79%. Flexion loss averaged 24 degrees, and extension loss 21 degrees. Fusion was achieved in 16 cases; nonunion persisted in 13. Twelve important complications were noted. In 17 cases the wrist remained painful; in 19 patients an average of two additional surgical procedures were required. Fusion was obtained in two of seven revision cases; five remained painful. Three patients went on to complete wrist arthrodesis. In the light of these results the effectiveness of this procedure has to be reconsidered compared to other alternatives, such as ligamentoplasty and extended arthrodesis (4 corner).     

Arthroscopic electrothermal collagen shrinkage for symptomatic laxity of the scapholunate interosseous ligament

The medical records, radiographs and operative reports of ten consecutive patients of average age 37 (range 19-67) years with wrist pain secondary to structural disruption of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (Geissler Type 2 injuries) who were treated with wrist arthroscopy and electrothermal collagen shrinkage of the scapholunate interosseous ligament were reviewed. Functional outcomes were assessed using the DASH scoring system at an average follow-up of 28 (range 12-44) months. At latest follow-up, nine patients (90%) were asymptomatic and had returned to their pre-injury functional level. The mean score on the DASH questionnaire was 20 (range 11-48). One patient developed wrist discomfort and mechanical symptoms 7 months postoperatively and required revision surgery. Our preliminary findings suggest that this may be a viable treatment option in the management of patients with symptomatic scapholunate interosseous ligament laxity without complete ligament disruption. Additional study is needed to better understand the role of this treatment modality.     

可活动的铰链外固定架在肘部创伤治疗中的应用

目的　介绍一种治疗肘部僵硬和肘部不稳定损伤的新方法 ,并总结其治疗效果。方法用可活动的铰链式外固定架治疗肘部创伤 30例 ,2 6例获完整随访。男 15例 ,女 11例 ;平均年龄 32 6岁 (16～ 6 8岁 ) ;左侧 12例 ,右侧 14例 ;主力侧 16例 ,非主力侧 10例 ;肘关节松解 16例 ,桡骨头骨折合并肘后脱位 5例 ,Monteggia′s骨折脱位 3例 ,陈旧性肘后脱位 2例。结果　平均随访时间 6个月 ,外固定架平均使用 8 5周。肘关节松解术 16例 :术前肘关节平均ROM(37 5± 0 8)°,术后 (96 5± 0 6 )° ,两者比较差异有显著性意义 (P <0 0 5 ) ;术前Mayo肘关节评分 (6 9 5± 1 7)分 ,术后 (82 8± 1 6 )分 ,两者比较差异有显著性意义 (P <0 0 5 )。其余 10例 (桡骨头骨折合并肘后脱位 5例、向后Monteggia′s骨折脱位 3例、陈旧性肘后脱位 2例 ) ,肘部ROM平均 95°;屈肘平均 117°,屈曲挛缩平均 2 2°;平均旋前76° ,旋后 75°。 9例经临床和X线检查证实获得了肘关节的同心圆性复位。Mayo肘关节评分平均 84分 (4 9～ 96分 ) ,优 3例 ,良 4例 ,可 2例 ,差 1例 ;9例无痛或微痛 ,8例恢复了伤前工作。 5例出现了并发症。结论　可活动的肘部外固定架可对关节面进行牵开 (使其分开 ) ,以允许间隔组织与肱骨或尺骨获得愈合 ;     

Attempted scapholunate arthrodesis for chronic scapholunate dissociation

We report a retrospective review of seven patients with chronic scapholunate dissociation treated with attempted scapholunate arthrodesis. All procedures were done between 1978 to 1983 by one surgeon. Seven patients with follow-up of nine months or greater were available for review. Follow-up for the four patients with successful operations averaged seventy-seven months. Average age was 34 years (range from 19 to 46). Only one patient demonstrated radiographic fusion. Of the remaining six patients, three had no further wrist pain. The other three operations were total failures requiring other procedures for pain relief. For all patients, flexion-extension are decreased an average of 4 degrees. Grip strength averaged 88% of the unaffected side. Lateral scapholunate angle improved from an average preoperative angle of 70 degrees to a postoperative angle of 59 degrees. We conclude that this procedure is not a predictable method to treat scapholunate dissociation.     

Injuries of the scapholunate ligament in children

Wrist arthroscopy was performed in three children (9, 11 and 12 years old) after persisting pain over the dorsal scapholunate region and revealed intraligamentous tear of the scapholunate ligament in two cases and its avulsion from the scaphoid border in one case. Open surgical repair of all lesions was performed after arthroscopy during the same session. After an average follow-up of 2.4 years all patients were pain free and resumed all sports activities. This study shows that different kind of injuries can occur to the scapholunate ligament in the skeletally immature carpus. Surgical repair leads to good results.     

Surgical treatment of nonunion and avascular necrosis of the proximal part of the scaphoid in adolescents

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the clinical and radiographic results of treatment of proximal scaphoid nonunion and avascular necrosis with vascularized bone graft from the distal part of the radius in adolescent patients. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1996, three adolescents with a proximal scaphoid nonunion and avascular necrosis underwent vascularized bone-grafting and internal fixation. The mean age at the time of the fracture was 14.8 years (14.4, 14.6, and 15.3 years), and the mean time interval between the fracture and the surgery was 19.3 months (six, seventeen, and thirty-five months). We retrospectively reviewed all available clinical and radiographic data from the time of fracture to the time of the last follow-up. All patients were examined clinically and radiographically at the time of the review, at a mean of 5.5 years (five, five, and 6.5 years) after surgery. RESULTS: All fractures healed at a mean of 3.4 months (2.75, 3.0, and 4.5 months) postoperatively. Final follow-up radiographs showed union and revascularization of the proximal part of the scaphoid with no evidence of degeneration of the radiocarpal joint. None of the patients had limiting pain or scapholunate instability demonstrated on physical or radiographic examination. Dorsiflexion and radial deviation of the affected wrist were decreased by a mean of 22 degrees (10 degrees, 22 degrees, and 35 degrees ) and 15 degrees (5 degrees, 20 degrees, and 20 degrees ), respectively, compared with those of the normal wrist. CONCLUSION: Grafting with vascularized radial bone is an effective treatment, leading to union and good function, for nonunion and avascular necrosis of the proximal part of the scaphoid in adolescents.     

The clinical implications of scaphotrapezium-trapezoidal arthritis with associated carpal instability

PURPOSE: Common causes of dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) include scapholunate dissociations and scaphoid fracture nonunions. Although less common than these, scaphotrapezium-trapezoidal (STT) osteoarthritis (OA) may also be associated with the development of a DISI deformity. The clinical implications of this form of carpal instability in cases of STT arthritis are still unknown. To study the radiographic progression and incidence of this entity, we reviewed our patients and report on 24 wrists with DISI in the presence of STT arthritis. METHODS: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed on all patients seen between 1994 and 2004, with the diagnosis of STT arthritis to identify a subgroup of patients with DISI deformity on the presenting radiographs. Patients' clinical and surgical courses were noted. Postoperative radiographic changes were recorded, as were clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with 24 wrists having STT arthritis and DISI deformity on presenting radiographs were identified. The median STT arthritis grade was 3.0 based on a modified Eaton and Glickel grading system. The median radiolunate angle was -21 degrees of dorsal tilt. All patients had normal scapholunate angles. Abnormal scaphoid extension was seen in 19 of 24 wrists as measured by the radioscaphoid angle. Concomitant carpometacarpal arthritis was seen in 67% (n = 16) of the wrists, and midcarpal arthritis was identified in 50% (n = 8) of patients. Fifteen wrists required surgery for the symptoms and were followed up for a mean of 29 months after surgery. In the surgical group the radiolunate angles increased by mean of 6 degrees after surgery. Four of the 15 wrists required revisional surgery for persistent pain. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with STT arthritis may present with carpal instability that is not related to radiographic scapholunate instability. This instability is characterized by a normal scapholunate angle with an extension stance of the scaphoid and lunate. Midcarpal arthritis may be present. Surgical intervention for patients with STT arthritis and DISI deformity may lead to radiographic progression of midcarpal instability.     

Anterior knee pain and thigh muscle strength after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture: an 8-year follow-up of 28 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVES: Chronic anterior knee pain is a common complication after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture. The source of pain is often not known, although it correlates with a simultaneous decrease in thigh muscle strength. No long-term follow-up study has assessed whether weakness of the thigh muscles is associated with anterior knee pain after the procedure in question. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University Hospital of Tampere, University of Tampere. PATIENTS: The muscular performance of 40 consecutive patients with a nailed tibial shaft fracture was tested isokinetically in a follow-up examination an average of 3.2 +/- 0.4 (SD) years after the initial surgery. An 8-year follow-up was possible in 28 of these cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Isokinetic muscle strength measurements were made in 28 patients at an average 8.1 +/- 0.3 (SD) years after nail insertion and an average 6.6 +/- 0.3 (SD) years after nail extraction. All nails were extracted at an average 1.6 +/- 0.2 years after the nailing. RESULTS:: Seven patients were painless initially and still were at final follow-up (never pain, or NP). In 13 patients, the previous symptom of anterior knee pain was no longer present at final follow-up [pain, no pain (PNP)], and the remaining 8 had anterior knee pain initially and at final follow-up [always pain group (AP)]. With reference to the hamstring muscles, the mean peak torque difference between the injured and uninjured limb was -2.2% +/- 12% in the NP group, 1.6% +/- 15% in the PNP group, and 10.3% +/- 30% in the AP group at a speed of 60 degrees/second (Kruskal-Wallis test; chi(2) = 1.0; P = 0.593). At a speed of 180 degrees/second, the corresponding differences were -2.9% +/- 23% and 7.0% +/- 19% and 4.4% +/- 16% (Kruskal-Wallis test; chi = 1.7; P = 0.429). With reference to the quadriceps muscles, the mean peak torque difference was -2.8% +/- 9% in the NP group, 5.9% +/- 15% in the PNP group, and -13.0% +/- 16% in the AP group at a speed of 60 degrees/second (Kruskal-Wallis test; chi(2) = 7.9; P = 0.019). At 180 degrees/second, the corresponding differences were -9.4% +/- 13% and 4.9% +/- 16% and -1.9% +/- 9%, respectively (Kruskal-Wallis test; chi(2) = 4.8; P = 0.092). CONCLUSION: Based on this prospective long-term follow-up study, it appears that the anterior knee pain symptoms that are present after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture disappear in a number of patients 3 to 8 years after surgery. Quadriceps, but not hamstring weakness, and lower functional knee scores are associated with anterior knee pain at 8 years.     

Total knee replacement in patients with genu recurvatum.

Between June 1987 and March 1997, 57 total knee replacements were done in 53 patients with at least 5 degrees hyperextension deformity as measured on physical examination. The average recurvatum measured 11 degrees (range, 5 degrees-20 degrees). No cases of major ligamentous instability, neuromuscular disease, or inflammatory arthropathy were identified before surgery. Before surgery, Knee Society knee, function, and pain scores averaged 41 points, 41 points, and 13 points, respectively. A posterior cruciate-retaining prosthesis was implanted in all patients. The followup averaged 4.5 years (range, 3-10 years). Knee, function, and pain scores improved to 81 points, 78 points, and 43 points, respectively. Postoperative extension averaged 0 degrees (neutral) (range, 10 degrees hyperextension-10 degrees contracture). Only two (3.5%) knees had a hyperextension deformity after surgery. Both deformities measured 10 degrees and were in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of osteoarthritis. At final followup, no knee replacement was revised for any reason. In addition, only one case of a progressive radiolucent line greater than 1 mm (tibial Zone 7) was observed. Although the etiology of a hyperextension deformity should be elucidated before surgery, its presence does not preclude a well-functioning total knee replacement.     

Treatment of Gustilo grade III B supracondylar fractures of the femur with Ilizarov external fixation

Twenty patients who had been treated with Ilizarov external fixation for a Gustilo grade IIIB supracondylar fracture of the femur were functionally assessed 12 to 52 months after treatment. Fourteen fractures were type C3 and 6 were type C2 according to the AO classification. Fractures were united at an average of 39 +/- 9 weeks. There was a final knee extension deficit of 5 degrees to 10 degrees (12.2 degrees +/- 3.5 degrees) and flexion reached 110 degrees +/- 10 degrees in type C2 and 73 degrees +/- 36 degrees in C3 supracondylar fractures. Forty percent of the supracondylar fractures had 4cm shortening and 40% had 1.5 cm. Pin-track infection occurred in 21%. Half of the C3 fracture cases had problems with pain on walking, needed support and had pain at rest, whereas no patients had difficulty getting out of a chair, going up and down stairs. However, all C2 type fractures had problems with all types of function.