应用带蒂肱桡肌肌瓣修复前臂近端热压伤创面

Objective To explore the clinical effects of pedicled muscular flaps of brachioradialis in repairing wounds at proximal forearm resulted from hot crush injury. Methods From February 2003 to December 2008, 5 wounds at proximal forearm resulted from hot crush injury were repaired with pedicled muscular flaps of brachioradialis. The size of muscular flaps ranged from 6 cm×4 cm～9 cm×5 cm. The wounds at donor sites were closed directly or by free skin grafts. Results All the muscular flaps of brachioradialis were survived completely. 4 patients were followed up for 3 to 36 months. The cosmetic and functional results were satisfactory both in recipient areas and in donor sites. Conclusions Pedicled muscular flap of brachioradialis can not only repair wounds at proximal forearm resulted from hot crush injury, but also repair extensor muscle defects. It is an ideal method and is very practical.     

尺神经神经束膜瘤二例

Objective To summariariae the diagnosis and treatmentof 2 cases of intraneuml perineurioma involving the ulnar nerve and review the relevant fiterature. Methods Case one was a female patient who had a mass of her right.upper arm for 3 years.Preoperatively the sensadon was normal.however the hand movement was impaired.Intraoperatively a 4 cm×2 cm fusiform enlargement of the ulnar nerve above elbow was seen.The mass was reseeted and sural nerve graft was done one week later to repair the nerve.Case two was B male patient who had a mass around his right ellbow for 3 months.Preoperatively there was diminished sensatiln of the right little finger and decreased strength of the hand intrinsic muscles.Intraoperadvely a 9 cm×4 cm fusiform enlargement of the ulnar nerve at the elbow was seen.A neve biopsy was carried out for pathology.Results Pathology for both cases was intraneural perineurioma of the ulnar nerve.Case one was followed for 3 months with no sign of tumor recurrence Hand functions innervated by the ulnar nerve were unchanged .Case two was followed for 9 months and the mass didn't become bigger.Hard function was the same comparing to the preoperative level.Conclusion Intraneural perineurioma is a rare benign tumor.Surgical resection and nerve repair is the treatment option for those with pathologically confirmed cases.Nerve biopsy and regular follow up is 5nother option.     

部分背阔肌皮瓣游离移植修复前臂背侧组织缺损并重建伸指功能

Objective To report the operative methods and clinical effects of free transfer of part of the latissinus dorsi flap for coverage of dorsal forearm composite tissue defects and reconstruction of extensor function. Methods Eleven cases of large-scale composite tissue defects of the dorsal forearm as a result of trauma were treated with partial latissimus dorsi flap The medial portion of the myoeutaneou flap containing the medial thoracodorsal nerve branch Was transferred to the defect on dorsal forearm.The thoracodorsal nerve in the flap was sutured either to the radial nerve deep branch or to the extensor comnunis muscle branch.The distal aponeurosis of the latissimus dorsi woven to the tendons of the 2nd to 4th digit extertsors.The size of the harvested flaps ranged from 21 cm×9 cm to 27 cm×13 cm. Results Postoperatively all 11 myocutaneous flaps survived.Three cases underwent trimming of the cutaneous flap or myocutaneous flap due to bulkiness.Two cases had tendon tighteing procedures due to laxity of the extensor tendon.Nine eases were followed up for 6 months to 3 years,while 2 cases were lost to follow up.The extensor strength returned grade Ⅲ in 2 cases,grade Ⅳ in 6 cases grade Ⅴ in 1 case.The limb function was mostly restored and the appearance was satisfactory.According to the upper extremity functional evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association the results were rated as excellent in 2 cases,good in 5 cases,and fair in 2 cases.The overall excellent and good rate was 77.8%. Conclusion Partial transfer of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for coverage of dorearm forearm composite tissue defects and reconstruction of extensor function can not only achieve good treatment outcomes,but retain some of the latissimus dorsi function as well.     

肌电图辅助定位小切口尺神经松解术治疗肘管综合征

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of in situ ulnar nerve decompression at the cubital tunnel via a small incision assisted with electromyography localization and discuss the surgical indications.Methods Twelve patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) without intrinsic muscle atrophy and elbow deformity were involved in the study.Before the operation, short-segment nerve conduction test (SSCT) was carried out.The exact compression site was determined by the ＞ 50%reduction in amplitude or ＞ 0.5 ms lengthening in latency of action potentials recorded upon stimulation of the ulnar nerve around the elbow at 1 cm intervals.An in situ ulnar nerve release at the compression site was performed.Compression of the ulnar nerve was observed and documented to verify the accuracy of pre-operative SSCT localization.Results Intraoperative findings confirmed that lesions were located from 3 cm above to 1 cm below the medial epicondyle, which coincided with the compression sites determined by SSCT.All the patients reported alleviation of hand discomfort postoperatively.Follow-up at 3 months postoperatively showed that paresthesia in the distribution of the ulnar nerve in the hand disappeared.Pinprick sensation recovered.There was no subjective or measurable weakness in pinch or grip strength and no clumsiness or loss of coordination.Claw deformity disappeared.Six months after the surgery, the strength of abductor digiti minimi returned to normal.Two-point discrimination of the little finger was 5.0 mm on average.Nerve conduction velocity returned to ＞ 45.0 m/s.Action potential amplitude increased and SSCT yielded no positive findings.Mild atrophy was reversed one year postoperatively.Elbow flexion test, Tinel' s sign and Froment' s test were all negative.Conclusion In situ ulnar nerve decompression via a small incision assisted with electromyography localization is a suitable procedure for certain CuTS cases.     

肌电图辅助定位小切口尺神经松解术治疗肘管综合征

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of in situ ulnar nerve decompression at the cubital tunnel via a small incision assisted with electromyography localization and discuss the surgical indications.Methods Twelve patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) without intrinsic muscle atrophy and elbow deformity were involved in the study.Before the operation, short-segment nerve conduction test (SSCT) was carried out.The exact compression site was determined by the ＞ 50%reduction in amplitude or ＞ 0.5 ms lengthening in latency of action potentials recorded upon stimulation of the ulnar nerve around the elbow at 1 cm intervals.An in situ ulnar nerve release at the compression site was performed.Compression of the ulnar nerve was observed and documented to verify the accuracy of pre-operative SSCT localization.Results Intraoperative findings confirmed that lesions were located from 3 cm above to 1 cm below the medial epicondyle, which coincided with the compression sites determined by SSCT.All the patients reported alleviation of hand discomfort postoperatively.Follow-up at 3 months postoperatively showed that paresthesia in the distribution of the ulnar nerve in the hand disappeared.Pinprick sensation recovered.There was no subjective or measurable weakness in pinch or grip strength and no clumsiness or loss of coordination.Claw deformity disappeared.Six months after the surgery, the strength of abductor digiti minimi returned to normal.Two-point discrimination of the little finger was 5.0 mm on average.Nerve conduction velocity returned to ＞ 45.0 m/s.Action potential amplitude increased and SSCT yielded no positive findings.Mild atrophy was reversed one year postoperatively.Elbow flexion test, Tinel' s sign and Froment' s test were all negative.Conclusion In situ ulnar nerve decompression via a small incision assisted with electromyography localization is a suitable procedure for certain CuTS cases.     

Biomechanical principle of arcus plantaris and its clinical application

Objective:To analyze the principle mechanism of the arcus plantaris and its clinical application.Methods:The states of forces sustained by the arcus plantaris were analyzed and calculated according to the mechanism of the quadratic parabolic arch.Results:The aponeurosis plantaris corresponded to the pull rod of the arcus plantaris.The medial and lateral longitudinal arches formed by the pedal bones were stable with the rod,but unstable without the rod.In the latter condition,on loading,the force sustainged by the parabolic arch became a force sustained by a simple beam,and the arcus plantaris tended to disappear5 and to be flattened.clinically,240 feet with talipes equinus were treated with triple arthrodesis.In 34 out of the reexamined 156 feet,the aponeurosis plantaris was cut in addition to the triple arthrodesis and was immobilized with cast for 3 months.One or two years later,their arcus plantaris disappeared,pain developed when walking,and some of them walked with the midtarsal joint against the ground.Then,the triple arthrodesis and shortening of the aponeurosis plantaris were applied on 18 cases,and osteotomy of the calcaneus and reconstruction of the aponeurosis plantaris were made on 10 cases and satisfactory effects were obtained.Conclusions:In order to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects of the triple arthrodesis,we should reestablish the arcus plantaris and accurately treat the aponeurosis plantaris for the balance of the surrounding muscle force.     

游离足底内侧皮瓣修复腕掌尺侧皮肤神经缺损

目的 探讨修复腕掌尺侧皮肤神经同时缺损的新方法.方法 2000年4月至2009年8月,应用游离足底内侧皮瓣修复腕掌尺侧皮肤并神经缺损5例.足拇趾胫侧趾底固有神经修复小指尺掌侧固有神经缺损1例;桡神经浅支修复尺神经及其深浅支缺损2例,修复尺神经浅支、第4指掌侧总神经及小指尺掌侧固有神经缺损1例;尺神经手背支修复尺神经浅支、第4指掌侧总神经及小指尺掌侧固有神经缺损1例.足底内侧血管与尺血管吻合.供区取同侧大腿皮片移植修复.结果 术后皮瓣及移植皮片全部成活.5例获得6个月至4年的随访,皮瓣质地好、外观满意,无手内肌萎缩和爪形手畸形,皮瓣和手指感觉恢复达S3～S3+,皮瓣两点辨距觉为7～10 mm.尺神经深浅支缺损病例术后综合评价均为优.结论 游离足底内侧皮瓣是修复腕掌尺侧皮肤神经缺损的有效方法.

Abstract：

Objective To explore a new method for repair of concurrent skin and nerve defect at palm and carpal on ulnar side. Methods From April 2000 to August 2009, five cases with concurrent skin and nerve defect at palm and carpal on ulnar side were reconstructed with free medial plantar flaps.Palmar nervous proprii defect at ulnar side of little finger was repaired by the first toe tibia nervous proprii in one case. The superficial branch of radial nerve was applied to repair the defect of ulnar nerve, as well as its deep or superficial branch in two cases. The superficial branch of radial nerve was also used to repair the defect of superficial branch of ulnar nerve, common palmar digital nerve of the fourth finger, Little finger ulnar palmar nervous proprii in one case. The dorsal branch of ulnar nerve was applied to repair the defect of superficial branch of ulnar nerve, common palmar digital nerve of the fourth finger, little finger ulnar palmar nervous proprii in one case. The vascular bundle of medial plantar flap was anastomozised with ulnar vascular bundle. The wounds at donor sites were covered with free skin grafts which were obtained from upper leg. Results All the flaps and skin grafts were survived completely. The five patients were followed up for six months to four years with no muscular atrophy or claw hand deformity. The esthetic result was satisfied. The Sensory of flaps and fingers recovered to S3 to S3+. The two-point discrimination distance on flaps was range from 7 mm to 10 mm. The postoperative comprehensive evaluation was excellent in the cases whose superficial and deep branches of ulnar nerve were repaired.Conclusions Free medial plantar flap is an effective method to repair concurrent skin and nerve defect at palm and carpal on the ulnar side.     

手部挤压伤后虎口挛缩的早期防治

Objective To introduce the therapeutic measure of preventing the first web contracture after hand crush injury in early stage. Methods Three types were divided according to the traumatic condition in 57 cases: closed injury, open injury and with blood vessel of thumb or fingers injury, and used different method such as closing injury postpone, opening the first web by kischner wire or mini-external fixation splint and covered by local or island flap to cure each type in primary and early stage, after 6 months, measured the width and angle of the first web. Results Forty-one cases were followed-up after 3 months - 2 years,abduction and opposition of the thumbs were fine, the average of width and angle of the first web were (5.89 ± 0.58)cm and (87.85 ± 6.03)°. Conclusion The key points of preventing the first web contracture after crush injury are opening the first web that being covered by local flap and to use splint in primary stage.     

手部挤压伤后虎口挛缩的早期防治

Objective To introduce the therapeutic measure of preventing the first web contracture after hand crush injury in early stage. Methods Three types were divided according to the traumatic condition in 57 cases: closed injury, open injury and with blood vessel of thumb or fingers injury, and used different method such as closing injury postpone, opening the first web by kischner wire or mini-external fixation splint and covered by local or island flap to cure each type in primary and early stage, after 6 months, measured the width and angle of the first web. Results Forty-one cases were followed-up after 3 months - 2 years,abduction and opposition of the thumbs were fine, the average of width and angle of the first web were (5.89 ± 0.58)cm and (87.85 ± 6.03)°. Conclusion The key points of preventing the first web contracture after crush injury are opening the first web that being covered by local flap and to use splint in primary stage.     

肌电图辅助定位小切口尺神经松解术治疗肘管综合征

目的 评价肌电图辅助定位小切口尺神经松解术治疗肘管综合征的疗效及手术适应证.方法 选取无明显手内在肌萎缩及肘关节畸形,具有典型临床症状和体征的肘管综合征患者12例,术前通过神经短节段传导(short-segment nerve conduction test,SSCT)检测的方法,以相邻两次动作电位波幅下降＞50%或潜伏期差＞0.5ms为定位标准,对上述患者进行卡压点定位,采用小切口局部尺神经松解术式,并观察卡压点术中与术前定位比较.结果 术中观测结果证明尺神经损害部位位于肱骨内上髁上方3 cm到肱骨内上髁下方1cm之间,与术前SSCT法检测卡压部位相符.12例术后均主诉手部有明显轻松感;术后3个月感觉异常全部恢复,刺痛觉及爪形指恢复,捏力和抓握力恢复;术后6个月时小指展肌肌力已完全恢复至正常,两点分辨觉平均为5.0 mm,神经传导速度(NCV)均＞45.0 m/s,波幅开始增加,SSCT无阳性发现;术后1年肌肉萎缩基本恢复,屈肘试验、肘部Tinel征、夹纸试验阴性,7例肌电图无阳性发现,1例NCV仍低于正常标准,但无临床症状及体征.术中观察神经卡压位置与术前肌电图定位相符.结论 肌电图辅助定位小切口尺神经松解术治疗肘管综合征是一种有效的方法.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of in situ ulnar nerve decompression at the cubital tunnel via a small incision assisted with electromyography localization and discuss the surgical indications.Methods Twelve patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) without intrinsic muscle atrophy and elbow deformity were involved in the study.Before the operation, short-segment nerve conduction test (SSCT) was carried out.The exact compression site was determined by the ＞ 50%reduction in amplitude or ＞ 0.5 ms lengthening in latency of action potentials recorded upon stimulation of the ulnar nerve around the elbow at 1 cm intervals.An in situ ulnar nerve release at the compression site was performed.Compression of the ulnar nerve was observed and documented to verify the accuracy of pre-operative SSCT localization.Results Intraoperative findings confirmed that lesions were located from 3 cm above to 1 cm below the medial epicondyle, which coincided with the compression sites determined by SSCT.All the patients reported alleviation of hand discomfort postoperatively.Follow-up at 3 months postoperatively showed that paresthesia in the distribution of the ulnar nerve in the hand disappeared.Pinprick sensation recovered.There was no subjective or measurable weakness in pinch or grip strength and no clumsiness or loss of coordination.Claw deformity disappeared.Six months after the surgery, the strength of abductor digiti minimi returned to normal.Two-point discrimination of the little finger was 5.0 mm on average.Nerve conduction velocity returned to ＞ 45.0 m/s.Action potential amplitude increased and SSCT yielded no positive findings.Mild atrophy was reversed one year postoperatively.Elbow flexion test, Tinel' s sign and Froment' s test were all negative.Conclusion In situ ulnar nerve decompression via a small incision assisted with electromyography localization is a suitable procedure for certain CuTS cases.     

尺神经损伤后的功能重建

目的 比较应用不同方法矫正尺神经损伤后环、小指爪形指畸形及重建示指外展功能。方法 对34例尺神经损伤后的手内在肌麻痹行不同术式的功能重建，其中环、小指爪形指畸形矫正26例中行掌指关节囊紧缩、滑车前移术22例，环指浅屈肌键移位重建划状肌功能4例；示指外展功能重建13例中行示指固有伸肌键代第一背侧合间肌10例，掌长肌—掌腱膜代第一背侧骨间肌3例。结果 环、小指爪形指略形的矫正：行关节囊紧缩、滑车前移术，优良率95％；指浅屈肌键代内在肌，优良率75％。两种示指外展功能重建术优良率均为100％。结论 环、小指爪形指畸形的矫正行关节囊紧缩、滑车前移术，方法简单，疗效肯定；而示指外展功能重建的两种方法均可。     

Extensor tendon dislocation in cerebral palsy.

An 18-year-old man with cerebral palsy presented with a flexion deformity of the middle finger particularly at the metacarpophalangeal joint and ulnar dislocation of the extensor tendon. Releasing the tight ulnar sagittal band and imbricating the attenuated radial sagittal band allowed centralization of the extensor tendon. For complete correction of other deformities intrinsic release and extrinsic flexor muscle lengthening were done. Extensor tendon instability in this case was due to the combined forces of the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles on the retinacular system of the extensor mechanism.     

Clinical features of paralytic claw fingers.

A study of 221 claw fingers of fifty-one leprosy patients with ulnar or combined ulnar and median-nerve paralysis showed that the severity of the deformity was determined mostly by the completeness of paralysis of intrinsci muscles, and to a lesser extent by the duration of paralysis. There was no predilection for severe deformity in any one finger. Recurrent dislocation of the extensor tendon from the knuckle of the metacarpophalangeal joint was observed mostly in fingers that were completely deprived of all intrinsic muscles. No satisfactory explanation could be found for this. Flexing the wrist facilitated opening of the claw finger, but the effect was more evident at the metacarphophalangeal joint than at the proximal interphalangeal joint.     

Tendon transfers for radial, median, and ulnar nerve injuries: current surgical techniques

Tendon transfers are performed predominantly to restore hand function or balance due to injuries of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves. Current surgical techniques for the most common tendon transfers for reconstruction of radial, median, and ulnar nerve palsies are demonstrated. These techniques can also be applied to restore flexion and extension of the fingers and thumb after injuries to the extrinsic flexor and extensor muscles and tendons of the forearm or intrinsic muscles of the hand.     

Congenital flexion deformity of the middle finger and sagittal band hypoplasia

PURPOSE: To report a congenital anomaly of the middle finger. METHOD: Nine patients (16 digits) are reported with congenital flexion deformity of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the middle finger. Three patients (4 digits) had isolated deformities to the middle finger and in 6 the deformity was part of congenital ulnar drift (CUD) of the hand. Three patients had Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, 2 had nonsyndromic CUD, and 1 had arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. In CUD patients the middle finger had substantially greater flexion deformity of the MCP joint in comparison with other digits. Seven patients were treated surgically and 2 were treated nonsurgically. Five of the surgical patients had bilateral middle finger involvement. RESULTS: During surgery on 12 digits sagittal band hypoplasia of varying degrees was encountered in all patients and in all patients the extensor tendon of the middle finger was underdeveloped and often ulnarly displaced. Longitudinal imbrication of the remnants of the extensor tendon and centralizing the tendon if necessary by radial sagittal band reefing improved MCP joint flexion deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital middle finger-in-palm deformity in our patients was caused by sagittal band and extensor tendon hypoplasia.     

The application of an external wrist extension force reduces electromyographic activity of wrist extensor muscles during gripping

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental repeated-measures study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different extension forces applied to the palm of the hand on electromyographic (EMG) activity of the wrist extensor muscles during hand gripping. BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is usually caused by repetitive wrist extension that leads to an overuse injury. The current theory is that the process of lateral epicondylitis begins with an overuse injury that leads to microtearing of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and occasionally the extensor digitorum communis muscle. Use of an external wrist extension force might reduce muscle activity during gripping. METHODS: Muscle activity was measured using surface EMG while subjects gripped at an intensity of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction force without, and with, an applied external wrist extension force of 1%, 2%, and 3% of maximum voluntary contraction. RESULTS: Applying an extension force to the palm of the hand reduced EMG activity of the extensor muscles at the same strength generation during hand gripping. The muscles with the most significant reduction in EMG level, the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis, are those muscles that are most often involved with lateral epicondylitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that an external extension force reduces EMG activity of the wrist extensor muscles during gripping in healthy volunteers. As the extension force increased, a greater reduction in muscle activity was noted.     

Cubitus valgus and tardy ulnar nerve palsy due to an intracapsular ulnar nerve

Background

We describe a patient with tardy ulnar neuropathy and cubitus valgus deformity found to have an intracapsular ulnar nerve.

Methods

An 89-year-old woman presented with severe neuropathic pain in the ulnar digits of the hand, advanced degenerative arthritis of the elbow, and tardy ulnar nerve palsy. Her pain was exacerbated with elbow movement, particularly flexion. She had paralysis of ulnar nerve innervated muscles, hypersensitivity with absence of two-point discrimination in her ulnar 1–1/2 digits, and a fixed ulnar claw deformity. She also had a grossly unstable elbow.

Results

Plain films revealed a cubitus valgus deformity (38°), an absent radial head, a dislocated proximal radioulnar joint and advanced arthritic changes. Ultrasonography revealed an indistinct ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel which penetrated the joint. Electrophysiological studies revealed evidence of a severe ulnar neuropathy at the level of the elbow. Intraoperatively, an attenuated 2 cm length of the retrocondylar ulnar nerve was observed to be incorporated into the joint capsule tethered by a fibrous/synovial band which was released. A large effusion was drained. The ulnar nerve was transposed subcutaneously. The capsular rent was repaired in layers. She noted immediate and sustained (2 year follow-up) pain relief and regained moderate function in her interossei.

Conclusions

We believe that the chronic cubitus valgus deformity and secondary degenerative elbow joint changes led to an altered course of the nerve and attenuation of the medial joint capsule such that the ulnar nerve spontaneously buttonholed itself intra-articularly.     

Distal anterior interosseous nerve transfer to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve for reconstruction of high ulnar nerve injuries

Proximal ulnar nerve injuries can result in loss of intrinsic muscle function of the hand, and distal nerve transfers provide nerve coaptation close to the target muscle. This retrospective chart review evaluated patient outcome following a distal nerve transfer of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve. There were eight patient charts reviewed, three women, and five men. The mean patient age was 38 years (standard deviation: 22 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 3 months (standard deviation: 3 months), and mean postoperative follow-up time was 18 months (standard deviation: 11 months). All patients had reinnervation of the ulnar nerve intrinsic hand muscles with improved postoperative lateral pinch and grip strength. One patient had a secondary tendon transfer. No functional deficit in performing tasks in pronation was reported. The distal nerve transfer of the AIN to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve provides good reinnervation of the ulnar-nerve-innervated intrinsic muscles of the hand.     

Reconstruction of the rheumatoid thumb.

Most rheumatoid patients will present with one or more thumb deformities at some stage of their clinical history. The goal of treatment is restoration and maintenance of stable and painless motion. Treatment is based on the type and stage of the deformity. The boutonniere thumb is the most common deformity. Metacarpophalangeal arthrodesis is preferred for isolated metacarpophalangeal involvement. For advanced cases in a low-demand patient, metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty with interphalangeal arthrodesis is performed. In the higher demand hand with an uninvolved carpometacarpal joint, arthrodesis of both metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints may be considered. The less common swan neck is approached by treating the carpometacarpal joint with a hemiarthroplasty or a total resection with capsulodesis or arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Adduction contracture is treated by Z-plasty of the skin of the first web space and release of the adductor aponeurosis. Gamekeeper's deformity is treated with reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament. Arthrodesis is recommended for those patients with articular erosion of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Flexor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures are common in rheumatoid patients. Extensor pollicis longus ruptures are usually treated with EIP transfer or observation. Flexor pollicis longus ruptures are more disabling and usually require a tendon transfer, tendon graft, or an interphalangeal joint fusion in patients with radiographic destruction of that joint.     

The pathogenesis of the rheumatoid swan neck deformity.

Disappointment with the late results of intrinsic release for the rheumatoid "intrinsic-plus" hand has led to a re-appraisal of the role of intrinsic muscle contracture in the pathogenesis of the rheumatoid swan neck deformity. In cadaveric fingers, a properly placed suture typing the lateral band to the middle slip insertion causes a swan neck deformity. It is suggested that the usual "intrinsic-plus" hand and the fixed swan neck deformity of rheumatoid arthritis is caused by adhesions between the extensor tendons on the dorsum of the proximal interphalangeal joint, rather than by intrinsic muscle contracture and/or metacarpo-phalangeal dislocation.