Gradual joint distraction of post-traumatic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint by a mini-external fixator

We present the outcome of the treatment of chronic post-traumatic contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint by gradual distraction correction using an external fixator. A total of 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 34 years (17 to 54) had distraction for a mean of 16 days (10 to 22). The fixator was removed after a mean of 29 days (16 to 40). Assessment at a mean of 34 months (18 to 54) after completion of treatment showed that the mean active range of movement had significantly increased by 63 degrees (30 degrees to 90 degrees ; p<0.001). The mean active extension gained was 47 degrees (30 degrees to 75 degrees ). Patients aged less than 40 years fared slightly better with a mean gain in active range of movement of 65 degrees (30 degrees to 90 degrees ) compared with those aged more than 40 years, who had a mean gain in active range of movement of 55 degrees (30 degrees to 70 degrees ) but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.148). The use of joint distraction to correct chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a minimally-invasive and effective method of treatment.     

Surgical correction of post-traumatic extension contracture of the proximal joint of the finger

Summary This paper discusses the problem of surgical correction of post-traumatic extension contracture of the proximal joint of the finger. Different causes that create the extension contracture are listed. Only patients whose injuries were caused by trauma are included in this study. Conservative treatment is outlined and the surgical technique explained. In 50 patients treated by operation, movement of the proximal interphalangeal joint is excellent in 25, fair in 15, and poor in 10.

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Résumé Cet article discute de la correction chirurgicale de la raideur en extension, d'origine traumatique, des articulations interphalangiennes proximales. Les différentes étiologies de cette raideur en extension sont énumérées. Seuls les sujets dont la lésion était d'origine traumatique sont inclus dans ce travail.Après un rappel du traitement conservateur, la technique chirurgicale est précisée. Dans 50 cas traités chirurgicalement, la mobilité de l'interphalangienne proximale est excellente 25 fois, bonne 15 fois et mauvaise 10 fois.

     

外伤性近指间关节伸直僵硬的治疗

目的 探讨外伤后近指间关节伸直僵硬的治疗方法.方法 2007年8月至2012年6月,对26例(31指)保守治疗无效的近指间关节伸直僵硬,采取手术松解.术后早期在镇痛药物辅助下行功能锻炼.结果 术后26例(31指)获得3～ 12个月的随访,平均8个月.术后关节屈曲功能均有明显改善,屈度失能角度(F)明显减小,失能值降低,未发现肌腱滑脱及关节不稳者.结论 对于各种外伤后非骨性因素导致的近指间关节伸直僵硬,手指背侧松解结合术后镇痛药物和系统康复锻炼是手术成功的必要条件.     

近节指间关节严重屈曲挛缩畸形的显微外科治疗

目的探讨应用邻指皮瓣联合同指侧方带蒂皮瓣治疗手指近节指间关节严重屈曲挛缩畸形的临床疗效。方法 2008年10月-2011年2月,收治11例11指手指近节指间关节严重屈曲挛缩患者。男7例,女4例;年龄20～63岁,平均32.6岁。挤压伤及电锯伤7例,烧伤及爆炸伤3例,电击伤1例。指别:示指4例,中指2例,环指2例,小指3例。病程6～24个月,平均12.4个月。按照Stern等手指近节指间关节挛缩分型标准,均为Ⅲ型。术中切除瘢痕后,手指伸直掌侧皮肤软组织缺损范围3.0 cm×1.5 cm～5.0 cm×2.5 cm,均伴肌腱、神经、血管或指骨外露。采用大小为2.2 cm×1.8 cm～3.8 cm×2.5 cm的邻指皮瓣联合大小为1.5 cm×1.2 cm～2.5 cm×2.0 cm的患指侧方带蒂皮瓣移位修复,其中3例采用2个指侧方带蒂皮瓣。供区植皮或直接拉拢缝合。结果术后皮瓣及植皮均成活,创面Ⅰ期愈合。患者均获随访,随访时间6～18个月,平均11.3个月。患指外形恢复满意,皮瓣质地柔软,无明显色素沉着及瘢痕挛缩。患指均可完全伸直,患指主、被动屈伸活动恢复满意。末次随访时,近节指间关节最大伸直角度范围10～15°,按照中华医学会近节指间关节活动范围标准评定:优6例,良4例,可1例,优良率为90.9%。结论邻指皮瓣联合同指侧方带蒂皮瓣具有操作简便、修复面积大、术后外观及功能恢复满意的优点,是治疗手指近节指间关节严重屈曲挛缩畸形较理想方法之一。     

Lateral stability of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Current diagnostic criteria and therapeutic guidelines for injuries to the collateral ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are imprecise and vague. Laxity determinations, failure analysis, radiographic stress testing, and microscopic dissections were performed on 112 PIP joints. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is the primary restraint to varus and valgus angulation of the PIP joint. Its palmar fibers are tight in joint extension and provide the first line of resistance to lateral angulation. Failure of the LCL almost always occurs proximally in a sequential fashion that begins with the palmar fibers and progresses to the more dorsal bundles. Proximal LCL disruption is followed by separation of the accessory collateral-LCL junction and finally by failure of the distal palmar plate. Midsubstance tears of the LCL are rare. If the lateral stress test shows more than 20 degrees of varus or valgus angulation, the LCL can be presumed to be completely disrupted. Angulation of less than 20 degrees is associated with a 53% chance of partial LCL failure and a 47% chance of complete disruption, but the proper position of the LCL will be maintained by the overlying connective tissues. A clinical investigation will be necessary to define the criteria for surgical intervention.     

Experiences with pins and rubber band traction in the treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint contracture

BACKGROUND:

Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) contracture is a difficult problem to treat regardless of etiology. Although numerous interventions have been recommended, published results are mediocre at best.

OBJECTIVE:

The authors describe their experience and results of using a modification of pins and rubber band traction (PRBT) – applying a dynamic extension apparatus to a contracted PIPJ using the constant traction force in a stretched rubber (elastic) band.

METHOD:

A retrospective review of patients treated with this method was performed, and the results are presented. The technique itself is described, and clinical photographs illustrate the method.

RESULTS:

Mean PIPJ flexion contracture before PRBT was 82° (range 60° to 110°). The full correction of eight contracted PIPJs in seven patients was achieved, in a mean of 17.8 days (range 14 to 31 days). At one month postremoval of PRBT, the mean PIPJ flexion contracture was 22.8° (range 0° to 46°).

DISCUSSION:

The method is compared with previously described methods of PIPJ contracture correction, whether surgical or splinting; the latter may be static, dynamic or a combination of the two. The results of previously published studies are discussed and compared with the method described.

CONCLUSION:

The present method is a powerful and effective simplification of a previously described method of correcting PIPJ contractures. This technique is simple, ‘low-tech’ and can be applied under local anesthetic; the authors believe it offers a useful adjunct to surgical release.     

Percutaneous accessory collateral ligament release in the treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture

A percutaneous release or capsulo-ligamentous proximal interphalangeal joint contracture is described, the indications are outlined and the advantage over open releases are discussed. The results of a small pilot study are reported which we feel are comparable to the results of open techniques. The procedure in itself, however, merely allows operative correction to be achieved. Its maintenance depends upon a stringent post-operative rehabilitation regime.     

Lateral approach to proximal interphalangeal joint implant arthroplasty

Arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint is indicated for arthritic conditions that fail to respond to conservative treatment. This article describes the lateral approach for the insertion of a proximal interphalangeal joint implant arthroplasty. Clinical experience has confirmed good results in the nonlaborer with arthroplasty of all the digits. Ten surgeries have averaged 68 degrees of motion with a range from 50 degrees to 80 degrees . No patient has required a revision 3 years after surgery.     

Long-term results of surgical management of proximal interphalangeal joint contracture

To evaluate the long-term results of surgical treatment of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures, 68 PIP joints were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. Preoperative and intraoperative factors were studied for outcomes and subjected to statistical analysis. Among the total group the average improvement was 7.5 degrees. When grouped by diagnosis into simple (less severe diagnoses) and complex (more severe diagnoses) the average degrees gained were 17.2 degrees and 0.5 degrees, respectively. The statistically significant factors that were identified that affected results were age, number of prior procedures, preoperative flexion, removal of an exostosis, number of structures addressed, and preoperative arc of motion. The second surgery (joints requiring repeat release or salvage procedure) rates were 35% overall, 29% simple, and 39% complex; the difference was not significant. The best surgical candidate is a patient younger than 28 years with a less severe diagnosis and who has preoperative maximum flexion measurement < 43 degrees.     

Prosthetic hemi-arthroplasty for post-traumatic articular cartilage loss in the proximal interphalangeal joint

This article discusses the indications, contra-indications, and technique for proximal interphalangeal joint prosthetic hemi-arthroplasty in the setting of sub-acute or chronic post-traumatic articular cartilage loss. Two case examples are provided: one for replacement of the head of the proximal phalanx, the other for replacement of the base of the middle phalanx.This procedure serves as a recently available alternative to fusion, silicone total joint replacement, total joint arthroplasty with unlinked surface replacements, volar plate arthroplasty, hemi-condylar osteochondral autograft reconstruction, or free vascularized joint transfer.     

Snapping of the proximal interphalangeal joint due to the lateral band

An unusual case is reported of snapping of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the right little finger in a 14-year-old girl. The lateral band of the radial side slipped over the peak of the condyle of the proximal phalanx at 40 deg of flexion. The lateral band was cut and sutured to the central slip. At follow-up examination 4 months later, there had been no recurrence. Received: 12 January 1999     

小指近侧指间关节掌腱膜挛缩症的治疗

目的探讨小指近侧指间关节掌腱膜挛缩症的治疗方法。方法2000年以来，我院共治疗9例（15侧）小指近侧指间关节掌腱膜挛缩症的患者，采用指掌侧挛缩皮肤“Z”字成形，并在扩大切除掌腱膜的同时，切除受累小指的中央索、螺旋索、侧方指膜、小鱼际肌向小指近侧指间关节移行的尺侧腱膜及小指近侧指间关节处骨化的腱膜。结果术后14侧切口Ⅰ期愈合；1侧皮肤部分坏死，换药后愈合。术后随访时间8个月～2年，平均1．6年，小指能完全伸直，皮肤无挛缩，手指屈伸活动基本正常，术后无其他并发症，无1例复发。结论小指掌腱膜切除的同时，应将受累指的中央索、螺旋索、侧方指膜、小鱼际肌向小指近侧指间关节移行的尺侧腱膜及小指近侧指间关节处骨化的腱膜一并切除。     

关节松解术联合弹性牵引治疗外伤性近指间关节僵硬

目的 探讨外伤性近指间关节僵硬的治疗方法.方法 2008年2月至2011年9月,对11例外伤性近指间关节僵硬的患者,先行关节松解术,术后结合弹性牵引支具进行有规律的训练活动.结果 2例失访,9例随访时间为3个月至3年,按照手指关节总活动度(TAM)系统评定:优5例,良3例,可1例,优良率为88.9％.结论 关节松解术联合弹性牵引是治疗外伤性近指间关节僵硬的有效方法.     

Severe Dupuytren's contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint: treatment by two-stage technique

Thirty-four patients with a Dupuytren's contracture in excess of 70 degrees of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint were treated by preliminary palmar fasciotomy, release of the accessory collateral ligaments and PIP joint distraction using the S-Quattro for 6 weeks. A formal fasciectomy with full thickness skin graft was then performed 2 weeks after removal of the fixator.There was a mean residual flexion deformity of the PIP joint of 22 degrees (mean correction of 67 degrees) at an average follow-up of 30 months. There were no infections or amputations. We recommend this technique for the management of severe Dupuytren's contracture of the PIP joint.     

Osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Most patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint should be managed nonoperatively. When operative intervention becomes necessary, therapeutic options include joint fusion or flexible implant arthroplasty. Both relieve pain; however, an implant, while preserving mobility, is subject to fatigue and ultimate failure.