Adjacent tissue involvement of acute inflammatory ankle arthritis on magnetic resonance imaging findings

Purpose

The ankle joint and surrounding subtalar joint have several tendons in close proximity. This study was performed to investigate the concurrent adjacent tissue involvement on MRI findings when the surgical treatment is considered for an acute inflammatory arthritis of the ankle joint.

Methods

Consecutive patients with acute inflammatory ankle arthritis who visited the emergency room and underwent MRI were included. After interobserver reliability testing of MRI findings, adjacent tissue involvement in the acute inflammatory ankle arthritis were evaluated including flexor hallucis longus (FHL), flexor digitorum longus (FDL), tibialis posterior (TP), peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), tibialis anterior (Tib Ant), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), subtalar joint, talus, tibia, and calcaneus.

Results

Twenty-five patients (mean age 57.8 years; 16 males and nine females) were included. Of the 25 patients, 23 showed FHL involvement, 21 FDL, 21 TP, 15 PL, 15 PB, three EDL, 21 subtalar joint, six talus, six tibia, and five calcaneus on MR images. No Tib Ant or EHL involvement was observed on MR findings in acute inflammatory ankle arthritis.

Conclusions

Patients with acute inflammatory ankle arthritis showed frequent concomitant surrounding tissue involvement on MRI, which included FHL, FDL, TP, and subtalar joint. This needs to be considered when surgical drainage is planned for acute inflammatory ankle arthritis.     

Preoperative predictors for allogenic blood transfusion in hip and knee arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction

To identify the preoperative predictors of requirement for postoperative allogenic blood transfusion following hip and knee joint arthroplasty.

Materials and methods

We analysed the retrospective data on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone either total hip or knee arthroplasty at a single university teaching hospital. Factors of age, sex, procedure type, preoperative haemoglobin, blood transfusion data, comorbidities and body mass index were investigated for association with postoperative allogenic blood after hip or knee arthroplasty.

Results

Three hundred and forty nine cases of patients with rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed. 21 % (n = 72) required allogenic blood transfusion. The only significant predictive preoperative factors associated with postoperative blood transfusion were a low preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level (p < 0.001), procedure of total hip arthroplasty (p = 0.008), a previous history of myocardial infarction (p = 0.038) and previous allogenic blood transfusion (p = 0.03). A preoperative haemoglobin <120 g/l was associated with a tenfold increase in transfusion requirement. All patients with a preoperative Hb level <90 g/l were transfused.

Conclusions

The ability to identify those within this high-risk group who are likely to receive blood transfusion allows for an informed, appropriate and cost effective approach to blood management strategies.     

Efficacy of a new instrument for dural defect repair in anterior skull base reconstruction: a technical note

Background

The anterior skull base is a deep and narrow area, which makes dural repair technically challenging. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of a new instrument for anterior skull base dural repair.

Methods

Ten patients underwent surgery via the transbasal approach, combined with either a transfacial or a transnasal endoscopic resection. The dural repair was performed prior to tumor resection, and the new instrument was used to suture the fascia lata in an underlay fashion. The repaired dural defect was then covered with a pericranial flap.

Results

The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 18 months, with an average follow-up time of 8.7 months. During this period, none of the patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, tension pneumocephalus, abscess formation, or flap necrosis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the use of this instrument combined with the technique of suturing the fascia lata in an underlay fashion and covering it with a pericranial flap, may be an effective alternative approach to anterior skull base reconstruction.     

Endoscopic access to fascia lata for use in static facial reanimation—a cadaveric and clinical study

Background

Current methods of autogenous fascia lata harvest for the static surgical treatment of longstanding facial paralysis often result in a high level of donor site morbidity and unsightly visual scarring on the patient’s lateral thigh due to the open technique traditionally used. With endoscopic access already being widely used in other areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, it was hypothesised that it would be feasible to retrieve sufficient amounts of fascia lata endoscopically to achieve satisfactory static facial reanimation.

Methods

In the first instance, we used an 85-year-old female cadaver selected from the regular stock at the University of Glasgow to establish if retrieval of fascia lata endoscopically was feasible. Through two small incisions on the lateral aspect of the thigh (proximally and distally), we successfully retrieved a strip of fascia lata measuring 9?×?2.5 cm. Due to the ease of access, one of the authors then performed endoscopic retrieval of the fascia lata for five patients requiring static facial reanimation.

Results

It was shown that in all cases it was feasible to retrieve sufficient amounts of fascia lata to perform static facial reanimation with a similar operating time compared to the open technique which is currently used. In addition, there were no complications related to donor site morbidity.

Conclusions

We have shown that endoscopic access to the fascia lata for use in static facial reanimation is perfectly feasible, with no complications, minimal scarring and no significant increase in operating time compared to the traditional open technique currently used. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.     

Basal joint osteoarthritis of the thumb: trapeziectomy, with or without tendon interposition, or total joint arthroplasty? A prospective study

Background

There is no consensus in the literature concerning the choice of surgical procedure for thumb basal joint—trapeziometacarpal joint—osteoarthritis.

Method

Three treatments for osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb were compared: trapeziectomy (N = 22), trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) (N = 34) and a total cemented joint arthroplasty (N = 40). The mean follow-up was, respectively, 34, 26 and 26 months.

Results

There were no differences in outcome concerning pain, function and patient’s satisfaction. The DASH score demonstrated less disability in arthroplasties, but statistical significance was not reached. All patients improved in force and range of motion. The keypinch force correlated with the loss of height of the thumb. In the arthroplasty group, 40% of radiological loosening was seen.

Conclusion

Although the outcome of the three procedures was not significantly different, trapeziectomy scored the lowest in all parameters when compared with the LRTI patients. Arthroplasties were better but the high incidence of loosening is frightening for the future.     

Osteosynthese dislozierter intraartikulärer Kalkaneusfrakturen

Objective

Anatomic reduction of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with restoration of height, length, and axial alignment and reconstruction of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints.

Indications

Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with incongruity of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint, loss of height, and axial malalignment.

Contraindications

High perioperative risk, soft tissue infection, advanced peripheral arterial disease (stage III), neurogenic osteoarthropathy, poor patient compliance (e. g., substance abuse).

Surgical technique

Extended lateral approach with the patient placed on the uninjured side. Reduction of the anatomic shape and joint surfaces according to the preoperative CT-based planning. Reduction of the medial wall and step-wise reconstruction of the posterior facet from medial to lateral. Reduction of the tuberosity and anterior process fragments to the posterior joint block and temporary fixation with Kirschner wires. Internal fixation with an anatomic lateral plate in a locking or nonlocking mode. Alternatively less invasive internal fixation with a calcaneus nail over a sinus tarsi approach for less severe fracture types.

Postoperative management

The lower leg is immobilized in a brace until the wound is healed. Range of motion exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints are initiated on the second postoperative day. Patients are mobilized in their own shoe with partial weight bearing of 20 kg for 6–12 weeks depending on fracture severity and bone quality.

Results

Over a 4-year period, 163 patients with 184 displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated with a lateral plate via an extended approach. In all, 102 patients with 116 fractures were followed for a mean of 8 years. A surgical revision was necessary in 4 cases (3.4?%) of postoperative hematoma, 2 (1.7?%) superficial and 5 (4.3?%) deep infections. Of the latter, 2 patients needed a free flap for definite wound coverage, no calcanectomy or amputation was needed. Secondary subtalar fusion for symptomatic posttraumatic arthritis was performed in 9 cases (7.8?%). At follow-up, the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot Score averaged 70.2, the Zwipp Score averaged 76.0, the German versions of the Foot Function Index and SF-36 physical component averaged 32.8 and 42.2, respectively. Scores were significantly lower with increasing fracture severity according to the Sanders and Zwipp classifications, bilateral fractures, open fractures, and with work-related injuries. With less invasive fixation using a calcaneal nail, superficial wound edge necrosis was seen in 2 of 75 cases (2.7%).     

UKA in combination with PFR at average 12-year follow-up

Introduction

Safety and efficacy of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been shown in large patient series. Patellofemoral replacement (PFR) is known to be a viable solution to end-stage patellofemoral arthritis. Bicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA) affecting the medial tibio-femoral and the patello-femoral compartment (medio-patellofemoral OA) is often treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It was hypothesized that medio-patellofemoral OA can successfully be treated with bicompartmental arthroplasty.

Method

In a retrospective approach nine patients who had received UKA in combination with PFR were included into the study. Intact ACL and lateral compartment were conditions for the indication. Patients were clinically examined including clinical scores (KSS and WOMAC) and radiographies were evaluated. Satisfaction of patients was recorded under four categories.

Results

Average follow-up after bicompartmental arthroplasty was 11.8 ± 5.4 years (4–17 years). Among the nine patients there were eight females and one male at an average age at operation of 64 ± 5 years. No surgical revisions were required following bicompartmental arthroplasty. The KSS score increased from a preoperative 68.8 ± 26.2 to 175.5 ± 22.9 at latest follow-up (p = 0.002). WOMAC was 18.3 ± 8.6 at latest follow-up. All patients included were satisfied (n = 3) or very satisfied (n = 6) with the outcome of this surgical procedure.

Conclusion

This small case series shows that a bicompartmental arthroplasty can be a successful approach to prevent or postpone TKA. However, this intervention is technically demanding and requires experience in both UKA and PFR.     

Gelenkerhaltende Korrektur fehlverheilter Kalkaneusfrakturen

Background

Calcaneal malunions lead to a considerable loss of global foot function through the loss of the physiological hindfoot lever arm, bony and soft tissue impingement, and involvement of the subtalar joint. In the majority of cases correction of the malunion has to be combined with subtalar fusion because of a rapid development of posttraumatic subtalar arthritis.

Methods

Joint-preserving corrective osteotomy may be considered in carefully selected patients with intact joint cartilage, sufficient bone quality, and good patient compliance. This is the case in extra-articular malunion and intra-articular malunion with displacement of the complete posterior facet of the subtalar joint.

Results

While respecting the criteria for indications, overall good functional results could be achieved in two clinical studies on this subject. Only 1 of the 26 reported patients required a secondary subtalar fusion. In case of development of subtalar arthritis a secondary in situ fusion of the subtalar joint can be performed on a corrected hindfoot with good prospects.

Conclusion

In carefully selected cases of malunited intra-articular calcaneal fractures, joint-preserving osteotomy is an alternative to corrective subtalar fusion.     

Hypertrophy of the tensor fascia lata muscle as a complication of total hip arthroplasty

Introduction

Hypertrophy of the tensor fascia lata muscle (HTFLM) is a rare complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is a potential source of pain, palpable mass, or both.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1285 primary THAs and 482 THA revisions (THAR) performed at our center from 2008 to 2014. Among these, five patients had HTFLM (average age 68.8 years). The type of surgery and symptoms were evaluated, as were imaging studies (CT or MRI) of both hips (10 hips), and functional outcomes with the Merle d’Aubigné score.

Results

The suspected diagnosis was established at an average of 30.2 months after surgery. Four cases occurred after THA and one case after THAR. A modified Hardinge approach was used in four cases and a Röttinger approach in one case. Two cases had pain and palpable mass in the trochanteric region and three cases only pain. The asymmetric HTFLM of the THA side against the nonsurgical side was confirmed by measuring the cross section of the tensor fascia lata muscle on imaging. The sartorius muscle was measured for reference in each case. The Merle d’Aubigne scale had a mean value of 16.6 (range 13–18) at 38 months after the procedure.

Conclusions

HTFLM after THA is a benign condition that could be mistaken for a tumor when presenting as a palpable mass. We propose that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain in the lateral aspect of hips that have previously undergone THA.

     

Die Arthrodese des Subtalargelenks

Objective

Realignment and stabilization of the hindfoot by subtalar joint arthrodesis.

Indications

Idiopathic/posttraumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis of the subtalar joint with/without hindfoot malalignment. Optional flatfoot/cavovarus foot reconstruction.

Contraindications

Inflammation, vascular disturbances, nicotine abuse.

Surgical technique

Approach dependent on assessment. Lateral approach: Supine position. Incision above the sinus tarsi. Exposure of subtalar joint. Removal of cartilage and breakage of the subchondral sclerosis. In valgus malalignment, interposition of corticocancellous bone segment; in varus malalignment resection of bone segment from the calcaneus. Reposition and temporarily stabilization with Kirschner wires. Imaging of hindfoot alignment. Stabilization with cannulated screws. Posterolateral approach: Prone position. Incision parallel to the lateral Achilles tendon border. Removal of cartilage and breakage of subchondral sclerosis. Medial approach: Supine position. Incision just above and parallel to the posterior tibial tendon. Removal of cartilage and breakage of subchondral sclerosis. Stabilization with screws.

Postoperative management

Lower leg walker with partial weightbearing. Active exercises of the ankle. After a 6?week X?ray, increase of weightbearing. Full weightbearing not before 8 weeks; with interpositioning bone grafts not before 10–12 weeks. Stable walking shoes. Active mobilization of the ankle.

Results

Of 43 isolated subtalar arthrodesis procedures, 5 wound healing disorders and no infections developed. Significantly improved AOFAS hindfood score. Well-aligned heel observed in 34 patients; 5 varus and 2 valgus malalignments. Sensory disturbances in 8 patients; minor ankle flexion limitations. Full bone healing in 36 subtalar joints, pseudarthrosis in 4 patients.

     

Joint gap measurement in total knee arthroplasty using a tensor device with the same articulating surface as the prosthesis

Background

We developed a new tensor to measure the joint gap throughout knee flexion during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This tensor has the same articular shape as that of the tibial liner, including the post structure and the curvature of femorotibial articular surface, to measure the gap intraoperatively under the same conditions as after TKA. The present study aimed to examine the precision of the new tensor for gap measurement after implantation.

Methods

We performed TKA using the modified gap technique in four cadaveric knees and measured the gaps using the new tensor. The intra-observer and inter-observer error of the tensor was analyzed using 168 measurements of the gaps as determined at least twice by two surgeons. In addition, the gaps in rotating-platform posterior-stabilized TKA were measured at seven positions with the knee bending from extension to full flexion.

Results

The inter-observer and intra-observer errors were 0.8 and 0.3 mm, respectively, indicating precise and reproducible gap measurement. The gaps before implantation in reduced patellar position were 12.1 mm at extension and 12.5 mm at 90° flexion. The gaps after implantation were 9.1, 12.9, 13.1, 13.5, 13.8, 13.3, and 10.1 mm at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and full flexion, respectively.

Conclusions

The new tensor provides precise and reproducible measurements. Although the joint gap before implantation was parallel and equal at extension and 90° flexion, the joint gap after implantation was variable throughout knee flexion. This feature of the gap should be considered during the operation.     

The use of circular fine wire frames for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Background

The treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is still controversial.

Materials and methods

Sixteen consecutive patients admitted at University Hospital with intra-articular fractures were treated with fine wire circular frames and followed up at an average of 160 days from their injuries. We focused on radiological outcome and functional outcome using a patient-based questionnaire.

Results

We had no secondary reconstruction procedures. With the numbers available, the difference between the preoperative values and the follow-up measurements for Böhler’s angle, Gissane’s angle and posterior subtalar joint space was not statistically significant (P = 0.8, P = 0.2, and P = 0.4, respectively). The standardized AAOS FAS ranged from 42 to 96, with a mean of 80 and a standard deviation of 19.

Conclusions

Fine wire circular frame is a good alternative to ORIF in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, yielding good patient function, a high return-to-work rate and a low complication rate.     

Clinical experience using a tensor fascia lata flap in oncology patients

Purpose

The tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap is used to reconstruct various anatomical structures in different regions of the body. We herein describe the use of TFL flaps for a variety of indications, and discuss the results of such procedures with respect to postoperative complications in oncology patients.

Methods

We reviewed 15 oncology patients who were treated with TFL flaps.

Results

The lesions were located in the groin in five patients, the lower abdomen in five, and the buttocks, ischium, shoulder, thigh and upper abdomen in one patient each. Abdominal wall reconstruction was performed in nine patients. Three patients underwent resection of femoral vessels and the tumor in the groin, followed by a vascular graft implant. In these patients, the combined flaps were transferred to reconstruct the defects. Nine patients developed complications. No total flap loss occurred in any patient.

Conclusions

Postoperative complications, such as necrosis in the distal part of the flap (33 %) and ventral hernias (11 %) were seen, but these percentages were comparable to those seen in previous reports. Our review shows that the TFL flap is useful to reconstruct the defects in various anatomical sites in oncology patients.     

Arthrodese (mit/ohne Korrektur) des oberen und unteren Sprunggelenks

Objective

Restoration of a stable and plantigrade foot in deformities of the ankle and/or hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the ankle and subtalar joints.

Indications

Deformities at the ankle and/or hindfoot and concomitant degenerative changes at the ankle and subtalar joint. Failed (corrective) arthrodesis of the ankle and subtalar joints. Fused ankle and degeneration of the subtalar joint. Failed total ankle replacement with insufficient substance of talar body and/or degeneration of subtalar joint. Massive hindfoot instability.

Contraindications

Active local infection or relevant vascular insufficiency, possible preservation of the ankle or subtalar joint (relative contraindication).

Surgical technique

Prone position and posterolateral approach to ankle and subtalar joints (alternative supine position/anterior approach; lateral position/lateral approach). Exposition of ankle and subtalar joints and removal of remaining cartilage. Optional corrective osteotomies and/or bone grafting. Correction and optional fixation of the corrected position with 2.0 mm K-wires. Mechanically navigated insertion of a retrograde guide wire in projection of the tibial axis and insertion of a second guide wire through the entry point of the nail lateral and dorsal to the tibial axis. Reaming and insertion of the A3 nail with a distal double bend; one posterior and one lateral, and a proximal bend corresponding to a slight recurvatum. Insertion of locking screws into the calcaneus, talus and tibia (twice with optional static or dynamic locking). Optional compression between calcaneus and talus, and between tibia and talus. Insertion of a drainage and layer-wise closure.

Postoperative management

For the first 6 weeks 15 kg partial weight bearing in an orthosis, followed by full weight bearing in a stable standard shoe.

Results

In October 2010 (n?=?2) and from 15 October 2011 to 13 April 2012 (n?=?26) 28 arthrodeses (with/without correction) with A3 fixation were performed. In all cases, exact nail placement was achieved. Thirteen cases completed follow-up (3–11 months) and showed timely fusion and full mobilization.     

Fractures of the sustentaculum tali

Objective

Anatomical reconstruction of displaced sustentaculum tali fractures via a direct medial approach.

Indications

Displaced fractures of the sustentaculum tali with incongruity or depression of the medial facet of the subtalar joint, entrapment of the flexor hallucis longus or flexor digitorum longus tendons, fracture line extending into the posterior facet of the subtalar joint.

Contraindications

Infected or grossly contaminated soft tissue, severely restricted vascular supply to the foot, high perioperative risk.

Surgical technique

Direct medial approach over the sustentaculum tali, retraction of the tendons, joint exploration, fracture reduction using the medial facet and cortical outline as guidelines, fracture fixation with two small fragment screws from medial to lateral directed slightly plantarly and posteriorly. Fractures with depression of the medial facet as a whole can alternatively be reduced and fixed percutaneously.

Postoperative management

Lower leg splint for 5–7 days, partial weight-bearing with 20 kg for 6–8 weeks (until radiographic signs of consolidation) in the patient’s own shoewear, early range of motion exercises of the ankle, subtalar and mid-tarsal joints.

Results

Over a course of 15 years, 31 patients were treated operatively for sustentacular fractures. In all, 27 patients (87?%) had additional fractures to the same foot and ankle. Eighteen patients with a mean age of 41 years treated at our institution with screw fixation for a unilateral fracture of the sustentaculum tali could be followed for a mean of 80 months (range 15–151 months). No wound healing problems or infections were seen with the medial approach. At the time of follow-up, 15 sustentaculum tali fractures had an average Foot Function Index of 21.6 and an average AOFAS Ankle–Hindfoot Score of 83.6. Patients with isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali had significantly better scores than those with additional injuries. In 1 patient, an additional lateral process fracture of the talus required subtalar fusion due to persistent pain. Care must be taken not to overlook these atypical calcaneal fractures and accompanying injuries to the mid-tarsal joint and the lateral talar process as seen in 45% and 23%, respectively, in the present series.     

Osteosynthese zentraler Talusfrakturen

Objective

Anatomic reduction of talar neck and body fractures with axial realignment and restoration of the articular surfaces of the talus.

Indications

Displaced talar neck and body fractures.

Contraindications

High perioperative risk, soft tissue infection, neurogenic osteoarthropathy.

Surgical technique

Reduction of the axial alignment of the talus and its joints via bilateral approaches according to the preoperative CT-based planning. A medial malleolar osteotomy may be necessary to approach the talar dome. The blood supply via the deltoid ligament and the sinus tarsi has to be respected. Manipulation of the main fragments with K-wires introduced temporarily; a mini-distractor is helpful in restoring the length. Internal fixation is tailored to the individual fracture pattern, including conventional and headless screws, bioresorbable pins, lost K-wires, and/or minifragment plates. Joint transfixation for 6 weeks to ensure ligamentous healing if instability persists after internal fixation. With severe soft tissue damage, temporary tibiometatarsal external fixation is applied until soft tissue consolidation.

Postoperative management

Range of motion exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints starting postoperative day 2 except for cases with joint transfixation. Partial weight bearing of 20 kg for 10–12 weeks. Use of a cast or walker for 6 weeks followed by intensive active and passive range of motion exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints.

Results

Over 8 years 79 fractures of the talar neck and body were treated. In all, 43 patients with 45 talar neck (n?=?30) and body (n?=?15) fractures were re-examined clinically and radiologically (mean follow-up 3 years). Definite treatment consisted of open reduction and screw fixation of the talus in 41 cases and small plate fixation in 2 cases supplemented by temporary external fixation for 1–3 weeks in 12 cases. At follow-up, the Maryland Foot Score averaged 86.1 and the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot Score averaged 78.9. The Hawkins classification was of prognostic value in talar neck fractures. The functional results and the rate of avascular necrosis (AVN) were unaffected by the time to definite internal fixation. AVN was observed in 11 cases (24?%); with only partial AVN involving less than one third of the talar body in 8 of these patients. Due to complete AVN with collapse of the talar dome, 3 patients (6.7?%) required fusion. Signs of posttraumatic arthritis of the tibiotalar or subtalar joint were seen in 21 cases (47?%). The rate of symptomatic posttraumatic arthritis correlated with the occurrence of total AVN, but not with partial AVN.     

Four-corner arthrodesis with a radiolucent locking dorsal circular plate: technique and outcomes

Background

Scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis (FCA) is an acceptable motion sparing procedure used to treat wrist arthritis. Recently, a locking dorsal circular plate composed of polyether-ether-ketone has been introduced (Xpode®; TriMed Inc.). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of this specific plate design with regard to FCA.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent FCA with an Xpode® between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 was conducted. Patients were contacted and asked to return to clinic for clinical and radiographic follow-up. Patient demographics, range of motion, grip strength, and complications were collected from medical records. Patients completed a patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE). A paired t test was used to compare means, and p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Twenty-six procedures (24 patients) were identified. One patient required full wrist fusion following the initial procedure. Of the 25 remaining wrists, arthrodesis was successfully achieved in 20 (80 %). Eleven patients (13 wrists, 52 %) returned to clinic for an average follow-up of 28 months. Mean wrist extension improved from 30 to 47°, and flexion decreased from 33 to 23°. Average grip strength was 77 % of the uninjured side. The mean PRWE scores for pain and function were 19.7 and 17.1, respectively. Five patients underwent additional operations (two hardware removals, two contracture releases, and one distal radial ulnar joint arthroplasty).

Conclusions

FCA with the Xpode® yielded reasonable results for pain and function and demonstrated a fusion rate of 80 %.