Der posttraumatische karpale Kollaps Verlauf und Therapiekonzept

Significant progress has been made in the understanding of carpal kinematics and posttraumatic disorders of the wrist. The importance of stabilization of the scaphoid is well known. More and more ligament injuries of the proximal carpal row have been diagnosed in cases of severe arthrotic changes. Long-standing scaphoid nounion or scapholunate ligament injuries can lead to progressive carpal collapse due to a break of the continuity of the proximal carpal row. SLAC-wrist (scapholunate advanced collapse) and SNAC-wrist (scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse) after missed fusion of scaphoid fractures should be differentiated. Severity of degenerative changes is classified into three stages. Salvage procedures preserving wrist mobility, like midcarpal fusion, are preferable to total wrist fusion because of the functional benefit. With complete excision of the scaphoid and fusion of the midcarpal joint, all arthritic joint surfaces are eliminated and motion is preserved in the radiolunate joint which is usually spared of degenerative changes.     

Midcarpal arthrodesis with complete scaphoid excision and interposition bone graft in the treatment of advanced carpal collapse (SNAC/SLAC wrist): operative technique and outcome assessment

Thirty-six patients with stage II or III SNAC and SLAC wrists were treated by midcarpal arthrodesis and complete scaphoid excision. When assessed at a mean follow-up of 25 months, pain was significantly reduced both under resting and stress conditions. The active range of motion was 54% of the contralateral wrist and grip strength was 65% of the non-operated hand. The mean DASH score was 28 points, the Mayo wrist score was 63 points, and the Krimmer wrist score was 68. Correlation of the wrist scores with the DASH values demonstrated a significant correlation. Our data demonstrate that midcarpal fusion with complete excision of the scaphoid is a reliable procedure for treating advanced carpal collapse.     

Operative Behandlungsmöglichkeiten bei fortgeschrittenem karpalen Kollaps (SNAC/SLAC wrist)

Longstanding and untreated scaphoid fractures and scapholunate dissociations lead to painful destruction of the wrist with carpal collapse. The severity of degenerative arthrosis is classified in three stages and can be treated adequate operatively. SNAC wrist (scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse) after failed fusion of the scaphoid and SLAC wrist (scapholunate advanced collapse) after scapholunate dissociation should be differentiated. The reconstruction of the scaphoid or scapholunate ligament in stage II and III is no reasonable option. Motion preserving procedures such as proximal row carpectomy or midcarpal arthrodesis are preferable in this situation. Thirty-one male patients (average 41 years) were treated for SNAC or SLAC wrist with midcarpal arthrodesis. All patients were reexamined, the mean follow-up was 15 months. Grip strength was measured with the Dexter-System, pain was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100). Patients' daily activities and general quality of life were estimated with the DASH-questionnaire. Pain was reduced to 50% compared to the preoperative situation. Grip strength improved to 60% of the opposite side. Active range of motion reached 50% of the contralateral wrist. Total DASH-score reached 39.0. Nonunion at the fusion site necessitated additional surgery in four patients resulting in total wrist arthrodesis. 80% of the patients returned to their original occupation. Midcarpal fusion is a reliable procedure for treating the difficult condition of advanced carpal collapse if proper realignment of the carpus is performed. The DASH-score reflects the subjective impressions of the patients in daily life and justifies the choice of a salvage procedure preserving wrist mobility. Total wrist fusion represents the last line of defense.     

Stabile mediokarpale Teilarthrodese bei fortgeschrittenem karpalen Kollaps (SNAC-Wrist und SLAC-Wrist)

In a retrospective study, the indications and results after miniplate and spider plate osteosynthesis for stable midcarpal arthrodesis of the wrist after ?scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse“ (SNAC) wrist and ?scapho-lunate advanced collapse“ (SLAC) wrist were evaluated. The diagnosis was confirmed by conventional X-rays as well as magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography and/or arthroscopy of the wrist. The principle of a stable midcarpal arthrodesis lies in the reduction of pain in the wrist by elimination of the arthrosis in the damaged joint, stabilization of the carpus, and sustainment and improvement of the movement of the wrist. From 1998 until 2007, 83 patients were stably treated with spider plates or other plates, and autogenous spongiosa graft. In 76 cases, a clinical and radiological follow-up examination was performed on average 48 months after operation. Within 6–8 weeks, the fusion was completed without external fixation. Three weeks after operation, physiotherapy was started. In the follow-up examination, the average range of motion from extension to flexion was 75°; the average grip strength about 85% compared with the other hand. Pain was reduced to 28 points on the visual analogue scale (VAS 1–100). The mean DASH score postoperatively was 22.1 points. Only two patients received a full arthrodesis two years after the first operation. All the other patients showed clinically good or excellent results, arthodesis was radiographically stable, and function was clinically convincing. In only one case was an arthrosis of the radiolunate joint with a slight ulnar translocation found in the X-ray. However, this X-ray pathology had no influence on the movement or pain of the wrist. Stable arthodesis guarantees early functional movement without pain in case of correct diagnosis and exact implementation of the steps of this challenging operation.     

Spider plate fixation: no significant improvement in limited wrist arthrodesis

Using the Spider plate fixation device, limited wrist arthrodesis was performed on 30 patients over a 2-year period. Developed as an alternative to Kirschner wires and compression bone screws in limited intercarpal fusions, its rigid fixation was expected to yield better results. Five hand surgeons treated 24 men and 6 women with an average age of 45 years. Diagnosis included the following: scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, scapholunate advanced collapse, scapholunate dissociation, midcarpal arthrosis, and Kienb?ck disease. The 8-hole regular Spider and 6-hole mini-Spider plates were applied dorsally, and patients were immobilized for 4 weeks. In a blinded study, data results showed no significant improvement when compared with bone screws and Kirschner wires. Preliminary results showed that the Spider plate yielded higher nonunion rates and less wrist motion.     

Radioscapholunate Fusion Following Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Radius

Radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis must be considered an appropriate procedure in painful radiocarpal arthrosis following comminuted fractures of the distal radius. Despite total wrist fusion, it offers the possibility to exclusively eliminate the destroyed articulation preserving a certain degree of motion in the midcarpal joint. Accordingly, 22 patients with painful posttraumatic arthrosis of the radiocarpal joint underwent RSL fusion between 1992 and 1998. Average follow-up was 18.7 months. Postoperatively, total range of wrist motion decreased by an average of 21° E-F and 6° U-R deviation. Average grip strength of the affected wrist improved from 31.9 to 51.1 kPa. There was a considerable decrease of pain during activity and at rest. Using the DASH questionnaire, an average of 25.7 points was reached. Radiologic examination revealed no major signs of arthritis at the midcarpal joint. In one patient, nonunion as well as reactivation of deep infection secondary to an infection sustained during surgical stabilization of the initial radial fracture were recorded. In our opinion, however, RSL fusion represents a good alternative to total wrist fusion, since valuable wrist motion is preserved.     

Salvage procedures for degenerative osteoarthritis of the wrist due to advanced carpal collapse

Arthrodesis of the wrist has been considered as the gold standard for osteoarthritis of the wrist. In 1984 Watson and Ballet identified a specific pattern of carpal collapse (scapholunate advanced collapse = SLAC) with progressive osteoarthritis. In order to preserve some motion, other alternative procedures have been proposed: proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and scaphoidectomy combined with a four-corner arthrodesis (4CA). In this cohort of 63 patients, three types of surgical treatment were performed (arthrodesis in 19, PRC in 26 and scaphoidectomy with 4CA in 18). The DASH questionnaire was used to evaluate the residual disability. PRC had a significantly better outcome (DASH=16), while there were no significant differences between full arthrodesis (DASH=45) and four corner arthrodesis (DASH=39). In PRC and in four corner arthrodesis a functional range of motion could be preserved (resepectively 44 degrees and 52 degrees flexion/extension arc). Gripping force remained inferior to the non operated side. There was a significant increase in gripping force in the PRC group, but not in the others. The final gripping force was not significantly different in the three treatment regimes.     

Special aspects of wrist arthritis management for SLAC and SNAC wrists using midcarpal arthrodesis: results of bilateral operations and conversion to total arthrodesis

Although midcarpal wrist arthrodesis is recognized as a standard procedure to treat scapholuate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) of the wrist, little has been reported about patients with bilateral involvement and the number, cause, and results of failed cases requiring conversion to total wrist arthrodesis. This study investigated the results of 20 patients with bilateral procedures and of 22 patients who underwent total wrist fusion after failed midcarpal arthrodesis out of an overall group of 907 patients treated by this method during a 12-year period. Of these, 16 bilateral and 20 converted cases were reexamined after an average of 48 months and 42 months, respectively. Patients after bilateral midcarpal arthrodesis experienced a pain reduction by an average of 54% of the preoperative pain values at rest and by 56% at stress on the visual analog scale (scale range: 0 to 100) and from intolerable (3.7) to pain only during stress (1.9) on the verbal scale (scale range: I to 4). A mean arc of wrist extension and flexion of 53 degrees on the right and 49 of the left wrist was preserved. The mean DASH score was 45 points and 70% of the patients felt impaired only during certain activities. Total arthrodesis reduced pain in 18 of 20 reexamined wrists by 67% of the previous values after the failed partial arthrodesis at rest and by 46% at stress on the visual analog scale andfrom intolerable pain (3.7) to pain only during stress (2.1) on the verbal scale. Seven of the 20 reexamined patients noted complete pain relief at rest and two also under stress conditions. The DASH score averaged 39 points. A mean Krimmer score of 46 points and a mean Buck-Gramcko and Lohman evaluation of 6 points represented a satisfactory result. Grip strength of the operated hand averaged 53% of the opposite side. Subjectively, 30% felt impaired only during certain activities, 55%felt considerably and 15% strongly limited in daily life. However, all but two patients were satisfied with the secondary total wrist fusion as pain was considerably reduced. Midcarpal arthrodesis reliably reduced pain and preserved valuable wrist mobility thus improving daily activity and quality of life also in bilateral carpal collapse. In the rare cases when midcarpal arthrodesis failed, total wrist arthrodesis markedly improved the complaints in most patients, but in contrast to other studies complete pain was seldom.     

Scapholunate advanced collapse and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse arthritis--update on evaluation and treatment

Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse are common patterns of wrist arthritis. Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse is caused by trauma, whereas SLAC wrist may also result from chronic pseudogout and can appear bilaterally without a clear history of injury. Surgical treatment for SLAC wrist includes 4-corner arthrodesis, capitolunate arthrodesis, complete wrist arthrodesis, proximal row carpectomy (PRC), denervation, and radial styloidectomy. Scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrist has the additional surgical option of excision of the distal ununited scaphoid fragment. Controversy persists over the relative merits of PRC versus 4-corner arthrodesis and whether PRC may be performed in the setting of capitate arthritis.     

Outcome of proximal row carpectomy.

Fifty-one patients who had had proximal row carpectomy between 1992 and 2002 with a minimum follow-up of one year were followed up clinically and radiologically retrospectively. Their diagnoses included Kienb?ck disease (n=21), avascular necrosis of the scaphoid (n=4), nonunion of the scaphoid with osteoarthritis (n=9), and scapholunate advanced collapse (n=17). The mean follow-up was 5 years, 8 months. The mean "disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand" (DASH) score was 18. The mean patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score list was 25% of maximum disability for the function and pain score. Thirty-four patients (87%) were able to return to work a mean of six months after operation (range 3 weeks - 35 months). Nine patients (11%) required arthrodesis of the wrist and are considered as failures. Mean flexion of the wrist was 66%, extension 73%, radial deviation 74%, ulnar deviation 76%, and grip force 70% of the opposite side. Excision of the proximal row provided predictable and durable pain relief, restored functional movement and grip strength, and allowed returned to gainful employment in most of the patients.     

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.     

Klinisch-funktionelle Nachuntersuchung verschiedener handchirurgischer Versteifungsmethoden

Background

Total and partial arthrodesis of the wrist are currently sophisticated treatment options for many advanced pathological changes of the wrist. This retrospective study analyzed the subjective and objective outcome of different wrist arthrodesis techniques, e.g. total wrist arthrodesis, scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) bone fusion and midcarpal arthrodesis.

Materials and methods

Subjective physical and mental quality of life of 98 patients (total wrist arthrodesis n?=?43, STT fusion n?=?30 and midcarpal arthrodesis n?=?25) was measured using the DASH questionnaire. The range of motion and grip strength were analyzed in 48 patients (total wrist arthrodesis n?=?21, STT fusion n?=?17 and midcarpal arthrodesis n?=?10).

Results

Patients with partial wrist arthrodesis achieved a significantly better DASH score than patients with total wrist arthrodesis. Grip strength did not show any statistically significant differences between the two groups. Patients with STT fusion showed the best range of motion of the wrist.

Conclusion

Partial arthrodesis seems to be superior to total wrist arthrodesis. Patients profit from a higher physical and mental quality of life.     

Proximal row carpectomy: Long-term results

ObjectivesTo evaluate long-term clinical outcome of proximal carpectomy. Our assumption was that this intervention should result in long-term benefit, making a wrist painless, mobile, and functional, compatible with social and professional life, whatever the initial etiology of the degenerative wrist.MethodsWe report a continuous single centre retrospective series of 24 patients. Objective (mobility, strength, radiographic evaluation) and subjective (pain, subjective wrist value, functional scores) functions were assessed by an independent observer. Surgery was performed mainly for Kienbock's disease, scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrists.ResultsThe follow-up lasted 116 months in average, during which pain was improved in all cases; 83% of the patients were satisfied with a mean score of 1.2 on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and 76% subjective wrist value (SWV) (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand [DASH]: 31). Wrist flexion–extension arc averaged 76°, and the grip strength equivalent to 78% of the contralateral limb. Radiographic modification developed in 52% without any clinical impact. Three patients required arthrodesis and never felt comfortable with their carpectomy.ConclusionsOur study shows a long-term efficacy of proximal row carpectomy. This treatment must be considered in the therapeutic arsenal for a degenerative and painful wrist, and it should no longer be regarded as a salvage procedure. Advantages of this intervention are obvious: technical simplicity, short rehabilitation, immediate functionality of the wrist and few complications.     

Long-term results after mediocarpal and total arthrodesis of the wrist--a matched paired study

AIM: Indications for total wrist arthrodesis are still a matter of discussion. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term results (mean 118 +/- 49.5 months) of total wrist arthrodesis (TA) in comparison to mediocarpal arthrodesis (MA). METHOD: A paired study of the TA group and the MA group was performed including 22 patients after posttraumatic wrist arthrosis in each group. Subjective, objective and radiological parameters were assessed. In addition, the modified Mayo wrist score, the DASH score and the SF-36 were utilized. RESULTS: Mean pain did not differ significantly in both groups. Mean wrist function (DASH) was assessed better by MA patients (25.3 +/- 25.8) compared to TA patients (35.5 +/- 25.9; p > 0.1). Mean total wrist motion in the MA group was 66.1 % of the opposite side. The average grip strength of the TA group was 85.5 % +/- 58.4 % and of the MA group 79.9 % +/- 25.4 % of the uninvolved wrist. The Mayo score of the MA group (56.4 +/- 12.4) was significantly higher than in the TA group (65.9 +/- 16.3; p = 0.04). The SF-36 showed no significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSION: In self-assessment, pain was of higher importance then wrist motion. According to our findings the type of arthrodesis did not influence patient satisfaction. Total wrist arthrodesis should not be excluded categorically as a possible alternative to mediocarpal arthrodesis.     

Scapholunate advanced collapse pattern of arthritis in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease of the wrist

Chondrocalcinosis is a well-described radiographic finding in patients with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the wrist and other joints. The medical records and x-ray films of 12 patients evaluated over an 18-month period for chondrocalcinosis of the wrist were examined for symptoms and physical and x-ray film findings. Thirteen wrists were affected. All wrists were noted to have calcification of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Twelve of 13 wrists had the characteristic features of the scapholunate advanced collapse pattern of arthritis. In addition, there was a correlation in our series between chondrocalcinosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Destruction of the interosseous soft tissues caused by crystalline deposition could alter the biomechanics of the wrist in a similar fashion to that of the post-traumatic scapholunate advanced collapse wrist leading to arthritic symptoms.     

Perilunate dislocation and perilunate fracture-dislocation

Perilunate dislocations and perilunate fracture-dislocations usually result from high-energy traumatic injuries to the wrist and are associated with a characteristic spectrum of bony and ligamentous damage. Radiographic evaluation of the wrist reveals loss of normal radiocarpal and intercarpal colinearity and bony insult, which may be overlooked at the initial presentation. Prompt recognition is important to optimize outcomes. Closed reduction is performed acutely, followed by open reduction and ligamentous and bony repair with internal fixation. Complications include posttraumatic arthrosis, median nerve dysfunction, complex regional pain syndrome, tendon problems, and carpal instability. Despite appropriate treatment, loss of wrist motion and grip strength, as well as persistent pain, is common. Medium- and long-term studies demonstrate radiographic evidence of midcarpal and radiocarpal arthrosis, although this does not correlate with functional outcomes.     

Internal headless compression screw method for 4-corner fusion

Midcarpal fusion and scaphoidectomy, also referred to as 4 corner fusion, is a common treatment for post-traumatic wrist arthritis, either scapholunate advanced collapse or scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse. Historically fixation for the fusion mass was performed with Kirschner wires. Bone graft was sometimes taken from the discarded scaphoid. More recently, articles have focused on the method of fixation and its potential role in causing high nonunion rates or specific complications. This article offers readers a reliable technique for midcarpal fusion designed to minimize both nonunion and hardware related complications.     

Total wrist arthroplasty with Destot prostheses in patients with posttraumatic arthritis

PURPOSE: To analyze the functional and radiologic results after Destot arthroplasty, a wrist prosthesis designed for posttraumatic arthritis, and to define the indications for the use of the implant. METHODS: Using the Meuli point score system, 28 Destot total-wrist arthroplasties in 25 patients with stage 2 or 3 scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse and scapholunate advanced collapse were evaluated for 12 to 96 months after surgery. RESULTS: The overall ratings of the study group were excellent in 17 cases, good in 6, fair in 1, and poor in 4. Eighty-four percent showed improved range of motion and grip strength. Four patients experienced postoperative complications. No imbalance or dislocation was noted after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The Destot implant seems to be a good solution to restore functional range of motion after posttraumatic wrist arthritis when arthrodesis is required by nonmanual laborers older than 50 years of age.     

Radiolunate arthrodesis in the rheumatoid wrist: a retrospective clinical and radiological longterm follow-up

A retrospective study was performed to investigate the clinical and radiological results of radiolunate arthrodesis in the rheumatoid wrist. Ninety-one wrists in 78 patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 60 months. Most patients were pain-free and content with the overall result. In 68 wrists the carpus had been repositioned or maintained in neutral or slightly ulnar alignment and no further translation occurred. Midcarpal dislocation occured in ten and midcarpal rotation in 13 wrists. The midcarpal joint underwent further arthritic destruction in 34 wrists and secondary arthrosis in 32 wrists. In 25 wrists the midcarpal joint space remained unchanged. Radiolunate arthrodesis can successfully be performed in wrists even with advanced destruction. In cases with fixed carpal collapse, anatomical repositioning of the lunate and restoration of carpal height should not be attempted as this causes midcarpal dislocation or rotation or precipitates secondary arthrosis.     

Functional results after proximal row carpectomy to salvage a wrist

Proximal row carpectomy is a movement-preserving procedure in the treatment of arthrosis of the wrist. We have retrospectively assessed the objective and subjective functional results after proximal row carpectomy. Assessment of outcome included measurement of range of movement (ROM), grip strength and self-assessment of pain relief with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results were graded using the Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores. Fourty-five patients (mean age 48 (30–67) years) were evaluated with a follow-up of 32 (8–115) months. Underlying conditions included: degenerative arthritis secondary to scapholunate advanced collapse deformity, or chronic scaphoid non-union (n=35), Kienböck disease stage III (n=4), chronic perilunate dislocation and fracture-dislocation (n=4), avascular necrosis of the scaphoid (n=1), and severe radiocarpal arthrosis secondary to distal radial fracture (n=1). Active ROM for wrist extension and flexion was 70° and mean radial and ulnar deviation 30.8°. Grip strength was 51% of the unaffected side. The average DASH score was 26. The intensity of the pain, measured by VAS, was reduced by 44% after strenuous activities and by 71% at rest. The Mayo and Krimmer wrist scores were 55 and 62 points indicating good results; 32 patients returned to work and 25 patients to their former occupation. Our results show that proximal row carpectomy is a technically easy operation that preserves a satisfying ROM and pain relief, and is recommended when the head of the capitate and the lunate fossa are not affected by arthrosis.