Classification and Surgical Treatment of Symphalangism in Interphalangeal Joints of the Hand

Background

Symphalangism is a rare congenital difference characterized by ankylosis of interphalangeal (IP) joints of the fingers and toes. In adults, there were several attempts to restore the stiff joints into mobile ones, but these treatment options resulted in poor outcomes and could not be applied to growing children. Here, we report our experiences on surgical treatment for children who had symphalangism of the hand.

Methods

We treated 36 joints in 17 children with symphalangism of the hand using dorsal capsulotomy and collateral ligament release. The diagnoses were based on history, physical examination, and simple radiographs. Affected fingers were classified according to our grading system. Simple compressive dressing was applied using Coban after surgery. Passive range of motion (ROM) exercise was started on day one or 2 postoperative, with the help of a hand therapist and patients'' parents. The patients were prescribed passive ROM exercises for at least 2 hours a day over a period of 6 months.

Results

A single surgeon operated on 30 proximal IP joints, 3 distal IP joints, and 3 IP joints of the thumb. Twenty six joints were classified as grade I, and 10 as grade II. The ROM of affected joints, which was 7.8 ± 8.1 (mean ± SD) degrees preoperatively, increased to 46.8 ± 18.6 degrees at final follow-up. The final ROM was significantly better in grade I joints, especially when the children had operations at ages 24 months or younger.

Conclusions

Symphalangism of the hand in children, can be restored into a mobile joint by release of the collateral ligament, a dorsal capsulotomy, and postoperative physical therapy.     

Flexor tendon repair in no-man's-land: results of primary repair with controlled mobilization

Fifty-three patients with 60 injuries within the digital sheath, which were treated with primary tendon repair by the Kleinert technique, had follow-up of 6 to 36 months after operation. Seventeen digits had isolated lesions of the profundus tendon and regained an average 38 degrees range of motion (ROM) in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Forty-three digits had injuries to both the profundus and superficialis tendons, 35 of which flexed within 2 cm from the distal palmar crease (81%), and 21 had a total active motion of at least 200 degrees (49%). The average active ROM in the DIP joint was 30 degrees. The results were superior to our own results with primary repair by the Verdan technique. Comparison with our own results after secondary tendon repair by the Kleinert technique showed that repair of isolated profundus lesions could be done primarily or secondarily within 1 month of injury with equally good results. Primary repair of double tendon lesions gave better results than secondary repair.     

Septic arthritis of the small joints of the hand

Twenty-five patients with sepsis of 26 hand joints were treated by urgent debridement, antibiotics and early hand therapy. We reviewed 15 patients (16 joints) in a clinic and three patients by postal questionnaire after a mean follow-up of 54 (range 10-94) months. Of the 26 involved joints, 14 had restricted motion at discharge. Stiffness increased with increase in delay between onset and treatment. At final review, one joint with painful degenerative changes had been fused. Seven patients had regained full movements. The remaining six had some stiffness but, nevertheless, had undergone significant improvement in the ranges of movement. There were two cases with radiological joint degeneration in this group of six patients. Three patients had mild, intermittent pain. No patient had significant disability. While there is significant loss of motion after this joint pathology in the early recovery period, overall motion and function appears to improve over the longer term.     

Motion and morphology of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint

PURPOSE: To determine the variability in the flexion/extension motion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in a normal volunteer population and to determine any correlation between the shape of the thumb metacarpal head, gender, age, thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint range of motion (ROM), and thumb MCP joint ROM in a population of fresh-frozen cadaver arms. METHODS: The ROM of the thumb MCP joints of 100 volunteers (200 thumbs) was measured. The thumb MCP joints of 70 fresh-frozen cadaver arms were examined. Posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were taken of 64 MCP joints. Passive flexion and extension at the MCP and IP joints were measured with a standard goniometer starting at neutral (0 degrees ) with the metacarpal, proximal, and distal phalanges axially aligned. The distance from the volar to the dorsal edge of the articular surface (A) and the radius of curvature of the articular surface (r) of the metacarpal head were measured on the lateral view. The shape of the metacarpal head was given a value using the A/r ratio. Regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between the head shape and joint motion. The thumbs were categorized into a round group (A/r ratio > 1.7) or a flat group (A/r ratio of < 1.7) to facilitate statistical analysis. RESULTS: The volunteer population mean thumb MCP maximum flexion was 77 degrees range, 40 degrees -126 degrees ). Range of motion in hyperextension varied from 0 degrees to 72 degrees, with a mean of 35 degrees. Total ROM was from 55 degrees to 176 degrees, with a mean of 110 degrees. In the cadaver population studied the average MCP joint ROM was 94 degrees (mean flexion, 70 degrees; mean extension, 24 degrees ). The A/r ratio had a range of 1.1 to 2.2. There were 37 round and 27 flat thumb metacarpal heads. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation between metacarpal head shape and ROM; MCP joints with rounder metacarpal heads had greater motion. Round and flat metacarpal heads had significantly different motion arcs averaging 106 degrees and 77 degrees, respectively. Female gender was associated both with significantly greater MCP joint ROM (99 degrees women/87 degrees men) and a significantly higher incidence of round metacarpal heads (66% of women/36% of men). No significant correlation existed between specimen age, MCP, and/or IP joint ROM. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide range in the magnitude of the thumb MCP joint ROM and the normal shape (round vs flat) of the thumb metacarpal head. A rounder thumb metacarpal head has greater thumb MCP joint ROM than a flatter thumb metacarpal head. Clinically we have found this information helpful in predicting posttraumatic recovery of thumb MCP joint ROM and selecting candidates for and predicting patient satisfaction with thumb MCP joint arthrodesis.     

Resurfacing arthroplasty versus silicone arthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of silicone proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthroplasties to pyrolytic carbon implants in patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 41 arthroplasties in 22 patients with severe PIPJ osteoarthritis performed by a single surgeon. There were 13 patients and 22 joints in the silicone group with an average follow-up of 45 months. There were 9 patients and 19 joints in the pyrolytic carbon group with an average follow-up of 19 months. Clinical assessment included range of motion, grip strength, and deformity. Radiographs were evaluated for alignment, subsidence, and implant fracture. Patients filled out a subjective questionnaire with respect to pain, appearance of the finger, and satisfaction. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: In the silicone group, the average preoperative PIPJ range of motion (ROM) was 11 degrees /64 degrees (extension/flexion) and the average postoperative ROM was 13 degrees /62 degrees . In the pyrolytic carbon group, the average preoperative PIPJ ROM was 11 degrees /63 degrees and the average postoperative ROM was 13 degrees /66 degrees . Eleven of 20 joints in the silicone group and 4 of 19 joints in the pyrolytic carbon group had a coronal plane deformity as defined by angulation of the PIPJ > or =10 degrees . The average coronal plane deformity was 12 degrees in the silicone group and 2 degrees in the pyrolytic carbon group. The difference was statistically significant. In the silicone group, 3 of 22 joints required additional surgery. Two implants in one patient were removed and the PIPJ fused, and one implant was permanently removed for sepsis. In the pyrolytic carbon group, 8 of 19 joints squeaked, and there were 2 early postoperative dislocations and 2 implants with radiographic loosening. To date, there has been no revision surgery. Both groups had good pain relief. Patients were generally satisfied with the appearance of their joints in the pyrolytic carbon arm; however, satisfaction with appearance was variable in the silicone group. Nine of 13 patients in the silicone group and 6 of 7 patients in the pyrolytic carbon group would have the procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: Both implants provide excellent pain relief and comparable postoperative ROM. Complications were implant specific. The results of this series show promise for the pyrolytic carbon PIPJ resurfacing arthroplasty but did not clearly demonstrate superiority compared with the silicone implant.     

Management of a patient with a forearm fracture and median nerve injury

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: Patients with peripheral nerve injury may demonstrate long-lasting impairments and functional limitations. In this case report, we describe the diagnosis of a patient with a peripheral nerve injury and a conventional plan of care, along with the novel intervention of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). We feel that the additional NMES intervention was instrumental in achieving more rapid functional improvements than the more traditional interventions that are reported in the literature. BACKGROUND: The patient was a 21-year-old male who sustained a forearm fracture that was complicated by injury to the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve. He was unable to flex the interphalangeal (IP) joint of his thumb, had decreased strength of thenar eminence musculature, and was unable to perform fine motor activities with his hand. METHODS AND MEASURES: Electrophysiological tests revealed partial denervation of the flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus muscles. In the fifth physical therapy session, NMES to the flexor pollicis longus and thenar muscles was added to the patient's conventional plan of care. RESULTS: With a conventional ROM and strengthening plan of care, no improvement was seen in thumb IP joint flexion over a period of 2 weeks. After 3 sessions of NMES and conventional interventions, gains in active ROM were made in thumb IP joint flexion. After 9 sessions of NMES and conventional interventions, force of thumb IP flexion was registered on a pinch dynamometer. Twenty weeks after initial examination, strength and ROM measures had improved and the patient reported no functional deficits. CONCLUSIONS: The patient showed gains in strength of the thumb IP joint after a few NMES sessions, which suggests that NMES was a helpful adjunct to the plan of care, even though the precise mechanism underlying the functional gains are not known.     

Tibiofibular synostosis procedure in the management of complex tibia fractures

Complex tibia nonunions and defects caused by tumor, trauma, and congenital abnormality are difficult to treat. The tibiofibular synostosis procedure is a treatment option. Fifteen patients with complex diaphyseal tibia fractures (4 segmental, 11 comminuted; 10 open, 5 closed) were managed with this procedure. Mean time between injury and procedure was 20.3 weeks. Mean healing time was 16 weeks (acceptable); 14 of 15 cases showed healing by final follow-up (36 months). At final follow-up, each patient's knee range of motion (ROM) and ankle ROM were acceptable. Knee ROM varied from full extension to 150 degrees of flexion for 13 patients and from full extension to 120 degrees of flexion for 2 patients. Ankle dorsiflexion ranged from 0 degrees to 40 degrees for 10 patients, from 0 degrees to 30 degrees for 3 patients, and from 0 degrees to 20 degrees for 2 patients. There were no radiographic arthritic changes in any case. The tibiofibular synostosis procedure is effective in treating complex nonunions and defects.     

Hy-Flex II total knee system and range of motion

We developed the Hy-Flex II total knee and ligament balancing system (Hy-Flex II total knee) which provides (1) a flexion angle of at least 120 degrees or more, (2) a range of motion (ROM) comparable to or greater than that before surgery, and (3) occasional full flexion. The system design has several features: small posterior femoral condyle radius, a 4 degrees posterior tilting of the tibial joint surface, and equal tension of the bilateral soft tissues obtained by using a ligament tensor. From September 1997 to June 1999, Hy-Flex II total knee arthroplasty was carried out on 114 joints of 84 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. One year after surgery, the average flexion in our series was 122.1 degrees +/-15.0 degrees. The number of knees operated on which had a flexion angle of 120 degrees or greater was 82 (71.9%) 1 year after surgery among the total of 114 knees. In total, 94 (82.5%) joints obtained the same level or better than the preoperative flexion; 26 (22.8%) attained full flexion 4 weeks after the operation and 15 (13.1%), 1 year after the operation. These results suggest that this system will be able to achieve our aims in almost all rheumatoid knees.     

术前活动度对人工全膝关节置换术后功能影响的观察

目的回顾性分析患者手术前的活动度对人工全膝关节置换(TKA)术后功能的影响。方法随访2000年1月—2003年12月在我科行TKA的患者65例(97膝),年龄64．8±9．9岁(35～85岁)。其中骨性关节炎55例(81膝),类风湿关节炎10例(16膝)。单膝置换33例,双膝同时置换32例。所有患者按术前膝关节活动度数(ROM)分成两组,≤90°(5°～90°)49膝,>90°(95°～140°)48膝。对两组患者进行疗效(最大屈膝度、活动度、KSS评分及功能评分)对比。所有患者均采用Scorpio后稳定型骨水泥固定的假体,均为初期置换,全部手术由同一组医师完成。术后3 d在同一康复师指导下行患肢CPM及主动功能锻炼至出院。结果平均随访时间29个月(10～44个月)。所有膝关节的活动度从术前的平均84．2°(5°～140°)提高到术后的平均101．6°(40°～140°) (P=0．000);而最大屈膝度数术前的平均103．5°(25°～140°)与术后的平均101．6°(40°～140°)无显著差异(P=0．439);KSS膝关节评分从术前平均19．5分(-24～62分)提高到术后平均78．8分(50～95分)(P=0．000)。所有患者的总满意度为93．8％(61／65)。两个分组比较,ROM≤90°的膝关节ROM及最大屈膝度术后均较术前有提高,而ROM>90°的膝关节平均最大屈膝度术后反而下降。没有翻修及深部感染。结论(1)在影响TKA术后膝关节功能的多种因素中,手术技术是关键因素。(2)在其他因素相同的情况下,术前膝关节的活动度对TKA术后的功能也有很大的影响,术前活动度大的膝关节比那些术前活动度小的膝关节术后能获得更好的功能。     

The early treatment of motion complications after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

The use of active and passive knee motion in the immediate postoperative period and a treatment plan for early postoperative limitations in knee motion has proven highly effective in restoring motion after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Of 207 knees, 189 (91%) regained a full range of motion of 0 degrees-135 degrees. The remaining 18 knees (9%) did not regain motion as rapidly as the others and were placed in an early postoperative phased treatment program. Six knees had serial extension casts, nine had early gentle manipulation under anesthesia, and three had arthroscopic lysis of intraarticular adhesions and scar tissue. Fourteen of these 18 knees regained a full range of knee motion. Two of the remaining four knees lacked 5 degrees of full extension, whereas the other two, in patients who had failed to follow medical advice and the rehabilitation program, had permanent and significant limitation of motion. The incidence of postoperative motion problems was related to the extent of the surgical procedure. The incidence was 4% in patients who had only ACL reconstruction, 10% in cases in which added lateral extraarticular procedure had been done, 12% where a meniscus repair had been done, and 23% where a medial collateral ligament repair was done.     

Pyrolytic carbon proximal interphalangeal joint resurfacing arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of a pyrolytic carbon resurfacing proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS: A retrospective review of 18 PIPJ arthroplasties in 8 women with severe osteoarthritis performed by a single surgeon was completed with an average follow-up period of 13 months. Clinical assessment included range of motion (ROM), stability, and deformity. Radiographs were reviewed for evidence of loosening, subsidence, fracture, and osseointegration. Six patients, representing 16 joints, answered a questionnaire regarding pain relief, appearance, and overall satisfaction with the arthroplasty. Complications also were recorded. RESULTS: The average preoperative ROM was 10 degrees to 63 degrees, and the average postoperative ROM was 18 degrees to 71 degrees. Although the average arc of motion was unchanged, 9 joints had an increase in ROM and 9 joints had a decrease in ROM. All joints were stable laterally. Radiographic review indicated 2 joints with loosening at 4 months after surgery. Complications included 8 squeaky joints, 5 joint contractures, and 2 dislocations. Pain was relieved completely in 8 joints, and the pain rating on a visual analog scale was 3.6 out of 10 for the 8 patients who had residual pain. Patients were satisfied completely with the results of 9 joints. Although there was residual deformity in 4 joints, patients believed that 15 of 16 joints had improved in appearance. Five of 6 patients responded that they would have the surgery again. There have been no secondary procedures performed by us. CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of pyrolytic carbon implants for PIPJ arthroplasty is a technically demanding procedure, but it has the potential to achieve pain relief, stability, satisfactory ROM, and correction of the deformity; however, the results in this review were unpredictable and may not be superior to those achieved with other methods of arthroplasty. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Use of pulsed shortwave diathermy and joint mobilization to increase ankle range of motion in the presence of surgical implanted metal: A case series

STUDY DESIGN: Case series. BACKGROUND: Traditionally, all forms of diathermy have been contraindicated over metal implants. There is a lack of research-based evidence for harm regarding the use of pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) over orthopedic metal implants. Because PSWD is an effective modality for deep heating, we investigated whether ankle range of motion (ROM) could improve with the cautious use of PSWD and joint mobilizations, despite orthopedic metal implants being in the treatment field. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Four subjects presented with decreased ankle ROM due to extensive fractures from traumatic injuries. All subjects were postsurgical, with several internal fixation devices. Subjects previously received rehabilitation therapy involving joint mobilizations, therapeutic exercises, moist heat, and ice, but continued to lack 15 degrees to 23 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion. The Human Subjects Review Board of Brigham Young University approved the methods of this case series. Subjects gave written informed consent. Initial dorsiflexion active ROM for each patient was -3 degrees, 0 degrees, 8 degrees, and 5 degrees, respectively. Treatment regime consisted of PSWD to the ankle for 20 minutes at 27.12 MHz, 800 pps, 400 microseconds (48 W). Immediately after PSWD, mobilizations were administered to the joints of the ankle and foot. Ice was applied posttreatment. OUTCOMES: Dorsiflexion improved 15 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, and 14 degrees, respectively, after 8 or 13 visits. All patients returned to normal activities with functional ROM in all planes. Follow-up 4 to 6 weeks later indicated that the subjects maintained 78% to 100% of their dorsiflexion. No discomfort, pain, or burning was reported during or after treatment. No negative effects were reported during the short-term follow-up. DISCUSSION: When applied with appropriate caution, we propose PSWD (48 W) may be an appropriate adjunct to joint mobilizations to increase ROM in peripheral joints, despite implanted metal. We continue to advise caution when applying diathermy with machines other than the Megapulse II. Further research is needed to determine the safety parameters of other diathermy machines. As a final caution, we advise that diathermy not be used in the presence of a cardiac pacemaker or neurostimulator.     

Intra-articular mechanical blocks and full extension in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture frequently present with a lack of full extension. Current literature is unclear whether arthroscopic debridement is necessary before reconstruction to achieve full extension postoperatively. This study examined the postoperative extension achieved in 153 knees that underwent ACL reconstruction within 12 weeks of index injury. All patients performed preoperative physical therapy to increase range of motion and control pain/swelling, regardless of presenting range of motion without prior aspiration or arthroscopy. Of the 153 knees, 103 had meniscal pathology, of which 73 were peripheral vertical tears; 96 of the 153 knees lacked >/=3 degrees extension preoperatively. Five of 96 knees had an intra-articular mechanical block to extension and all regained full extension after ACL reconstruction. This study documented that a true intra-articular mechanical block is unusual in primary ACL ruptures. Lack of full extension can be adequately dealt with during surgical reconstruction without a detrimental effect on knee extension postoperatively.     

Clinical analysis of interstitial pneumonia after surgery for lung cancer

Objective: The postoperative development or exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia (IP) in lung cancer patients often affects prognoses. We analyzed the patients who suffered from IP after surgery, to determine treatment and prevention of IP. Methods: One hundred and one consecutive patients who underwent resection were enrolled in the study. Clinical background and post-, perioperative course were compared between patients who developed IP and those who did not. Results: If IP developed or was exacerbated, steroid pulse (SP) therapy, immunosuppressant (IS) therapy or nitric oxide (NO) inhalation therapy was employed. Of 101 patients, 20 had suffered from IP before surgery. In four of these 20 (20%), postoperative exacerbation was observed. SP therapy was given to all patients. To one patient, IS and NO therapy were added. Three of the four patients died. 81 patients did not have IP; three of them (3.7%) developed IP after the operation and were treated with SP therapy. To one patient, IS and NO therapy were added. Two of the three patients died. IP development or exacerbation after surgery was observed in seven of 101 patients, and five of them died. It was significantly more frequent in patients with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, restrictive change in pulmonary function tests, and a low percentage diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide. Postoperative development or exacerbation was observed in patients who had undergone lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Conclusions: Postoperative IP is a serious complication. Further studies are needed to determine definitive therapeutic options. For the patients with the aforementioned risk factors, limited surgery must be considered.     

A hinged external fixator for treatment of complex elbow joint injuries

BACKGROUND: The treatment of complex injuries of the elbow joint by a hinged fixator is a new concept of external transfixation with guided movement in a defined monocentric axis. Biomechanical investigations using cadaver specimens showed that the monocentric guidance ensures additional stability in these unstable osteoligamentous injuries, allows early functional treatment, and can be used in primary but also in revision surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 2004, 23 patients with complex fractures of the elbow joint were treated with a hinged monocentric external fixator after open reduction and internal fixation. The early functional treatment started 6.4 days (mean) postoperatively; the average range of motion (ROM) was 58 degrees. RESULTS: The early functional treatment using a hinged fixator resulted in a mean increase in the range of motion of up to 71 degrees within an average time course of 34.7 days. In 18 patients a significant increase in the ROM was seen; in 4 patients no improvement in the ROM could be achieved. Only one patient showed a decrease in ROM (5 degrees). Follow-up examinations after 10 months revealed a mean ROM of 88 degrees. CONCLUSION: In agreement with the literature, our results provide evidence that the use of a hinged monocentric external fixator in combination with early functional therapy results in an increase in the ROM and represents a beneficial device and concept in the treatment of complex injuries of the elbow joint.     

Functional and cosmetic results of fingertip replantation: anastomosing only the digital artery

In fingertip amputations, conventional stump plasty provides an almost acceptable functional result. However, replanting fingertips can preserve the nail and minimize loss of function. We investigated the functional and cosmetic results of fingertip replantation at the terminal branch of the digital artery. Outcomes were nailbed width and distal-segment length; sensory recovery; and range of motion (ROM) of thumb-interphalangeal (IP) or finger-distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, and total active motion (TAM) of the replanted finger. Of 15 fingertips replanted after only arterial anastomosis, 13 were successful, and 12 were studied. After a median of 1.3 years, mean nailbed widths and distal-segment lengths were 95.4% and 93.0%, respectively, of the contralateral finger. Average TAM and ROM of the thumb-IP or finger-DIP joints were 92.0% and 83.0% of normal, respectively. Semmes-Weinstein results were blue (3.22 to 3.61) in 4 fingers and purple (3.84 to 4.31) in 8; the mean result from the 2-point discrimination test was 5.9 mm (range, 3 to 11 mm). Thus, amputated fingertips should be aggressively replanted.     

Tibial shaft fractures treated by rigid internal fixation: the early results in a 4-year series.

Ninety-nine fractures of the shaft of the tibia in 98 patients were treated by rigid internal fixation over 4 years. One patient died after operation from myocardial infarction; and one patient went abroad. The healing course of the remaining 97 fractures is described, classified according to the type of fracture and the accuracy of operative reduction. Seventy-five fractures had a normal time to union, defined as the lasting achievement of full weight-bearing within 4 months. In 7 fractures the healing period was moderately delayed (full weight-bearing being achieved in 4-6 months) and in 5 it was seriously delayed, requiring 6-11 months after injury. Nonunion occurred in 4 cases and refracture in 6 cases. Osteitis developed in 2 cases and was successfully treated with antibiotics within 6 weeks. A second internal fixation was necessary in 12 patients. In 5 patients a plaster cast was applied to treat delayed union. Amputation was necessary in a 75-year-old man with senile dementia who developed infection after a second operation for refracture. One patient still has a pseudarthrosis after 2 years and 2 further operations. In the other 95 fractures union was the end-result. Of the 21 comminuted and open fractures only 13 healed within 4 months. We recommend a different approach in the treatment of badly comminuted and open 'high-energy' fractures. With this reservation, we find that the method of rigid internal fixation which we employ has given satisfactory early results. The frequency of both delayed healing and infection is reasonably low compared to the results in similar series.     

Osseointegrated proximal interphalangeal joint prostheses with a replaceable flexible joint spacer--long-term results.

Osseointegrated proximal interphalangeal joint prostheses with a replaceable joint spacer were used in 25 joints in 19 patients (five men and 14 women) aged 45 (16-67) years. Indications for surgery were post-traumatic arthrosis (nine joints in eight patients), primary osteoarthrosis (10 joints in eight patients), and rheumatoid arthritis (six joints in three patients). A silicone joint spacer was attached to titanium fixtures by short titanium stems that extended from the spacer and fitted into a central canal in the screws. The arthroplasty was done in one stage, which included resection of the joint followed by grafting of marrow and cancellous bone from the iliac crest into adjacent medullary cavities before insertion of the titanium fixture. Follow up at 8.5 (5-11) years showed that 47 out of 50 fixtures (94%) had successfully osseointegrated while 17 of 25 joint spacers (68%) had fractured. However, because of the design of the prostheses fractured joint spacers could easily be replaced and a new spacer could be connected to already osseointegrated screws. The joint spacer was replaced in 11 fingers once or several times. Range of movement (ROM) in the whole series (four fusions excluded) was 41 (0-85) degrees with an extension defect of 15 (0-55) degrees. In eight joints with permanently intact joint spacers the ROM was 39 (0-60) degrees with extension defects of 16 (0-40) degrees. In six joints in which the spacer was replaced once the ROM was 43 (0-85) degrees with an extension defect of 16 (0-55) degrees. Our data confirm good long-term osseointegration of titanium fixtures and that a joint spacer, if needed, can be replaced by a new spacer that can be attached to already osseointegrated screws without jeopardizing the ROM.     

The degree of joint range of motion limitations after burn injuries during recovery

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the degree of ROM limitations of extremities, joints and planes of motion after burns and its prevalence over time.MethodThe database of a longitudinal multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands (2011–2012) was used. From patients with acute burns involving the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle joints that had surgery, ROM of 17 planes of motion was assessed by goniometry at 3, 6 weeks, 3–6–9 and 12 months after burns and at discharge.ResultsAt 12 months after injury, 12 out of 17 planes of motion demonstrated persistent joint limitations. The five unlimited planes of motion were all of the lower extremity. The most severely limited joints at 12 months were the neck, ankle, wrist and shoulder. The lower extremity was more severely limited in the early phase of recovery whereas at 12 months the upper extremity was more severely limited.ConclusionThe degree of ROM limitations and prevalence varied over time between extremities, joints and planes of motion. This study showed which joints and planes of motion should be watched specifically concerning the development of scar contracture.     

Exercise handout and one-on-one hand therapy for management of stiffness after plaster cast immobilization of simple phalangeal and metacarpal fractures in children: A randomized,noninferiority trial

Study DesignThis is a noninferior, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.IntroductionJoint stiffness is common after plaster cast immobilization for simple phalanx and metacarpal fractures in children. The limited literature suggests this joint stiffness in children resolves without one-on-one therapy; however, without robust studies confirming that there is no detrimental effect from withdrawing treatment, many children are still referred.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of this study was to determine if an educational handout for self-management of stiffness is noninferior to one-on-one hand therapy for achieving full range of motion (ROM).MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to group one who received the handout or group two who received hand therapy in addition to the handout. The ROM was measured by composite flexion and total active motion (TAM). The noninferiority margin was 10% difference between the two groups in the proportion of participants who achieved full ROM at two weeks after cast removal.ResultsSixty participants in each group completed the study. Group difference for composite flexion was 1.7% (95% CI: −3.9% to 7.2%), demonstrating noninferiority. Group difference for TAM was inconclusive at 8.3% (95% CI: −2.1% to 18.7%). Sensitivity analysis adjusting for participants with full composite flexion at the baseline resulted in the group difference for composite flexion of 3.1% (95% CI: −3.6% to 9.8%), maintaining noninferiority, but group difference for TAM at 10.4% (95% CI: 0.0% to 20.9%), was inconclusive with the handout group significantly worse.ConclusionAn educational handout is noninferior to hand therapy for achieving full ROM in composite flexion but not TAM. This needs to be taken into consideration for changing clinical practise.