Multidisciplinary validation study of the da Vinci Skills Simulator: educational tool and assessment device

Despite the increased dexterity and precision of robotic surgery, like any new surgical technology it is still associated with a learning curve that can impact patient outcomes. The use of surgical simulators outside of the operating room, in a low-stakes environment, has been shown to shorten such learning curves. We present a multidisciplinary validation study of a robotic surgery simulator, the da Vinci^® Skills Simulator (dVSS). Trainees and attending faculty from the University of Toronto, Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn), were recruited to participate in this validation study. All participants completed seven different exercises on the dVSS (Camera Targeting 1, Peg Board 1, Peg Board 2, Ring Walk 2, Match Board 1, Thread the Rings, Suture Sponge 1) and, using the da Vinci S Robot (dVR), completed two standardized skill tasks (Ring Transfer, Needle Passing). Participants were categorized as novice robotic surgeon (NRS) and experienced robotic surgeon (ERS) based on the number of robotic cases performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent T test and non-parametric Spearman’s correlation. A total of 53 participants were included in the study: 27 urology, 13 ObGyn, and 13 thoracic surgery (Table 1). Most participants (89 %) either had no prior console experience or had performed <10 robotic cases, while one (2 %) had performed 10–20 cases and five (9 %) had performed ≥20 robotic surgeries. The dVSS demonstrated excellent face and content validity and 97 and 86 % of participants agreed that it was useful for residency training and post-graduate training, respectively. The dVSS also demonstrated construct validity, with NRS performing significantly worse than ERS on most exercises with respect to overall score, time to completion, economy of motion, and errors (Table 2). Excellent concurrent validity was also demonstrated as dVSS scores for most exercises correlated with performance of the two standardized skill tasks using the dVR (Table 3). This multidisciplinary validation study of the dVSS provides excellent face, content, construct, and concurrent validity evidence, which supports its integrated use in a comprehensive robotic surgery training program, both as an educational tool and potentially as an assessment device.

Reconstruction of a chronic patellar tendon rupture with semitendinosus autograft

Introduction

Successful outcome following patellar tendon rupture requires robust restoration of the extensor mechanism continuity. Rupture of the patellar tendon occurs most commonly in patients younger than 40 years and is the result of an indirect large force generated by contraction of the quadriceps, which is estimated to be at least 17.5 times of body weight.

Patients and methods

Seventeen patients suffered from chronic rupture of the patellar tendon, underwent reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and were enrolled in this prospective study. Average age at time of surgery was 30 years (range, 22–36 years). Average follow-up period was 21 months (range, 12–30 months). Patients underwent regular follow-up after clinical and radiographic preoperative and postoperative evaluation.

Results

Analytical results showed satisfactory function after patellar tendon reconstruction with the use of hamstring tendon autografts.

Conclusion

We suggest that the hamstring tendon autograft is a safe, effective, and acceptable choice for patellar tendon reconstruction, and that it affords good ligament reconstruction.     

Neglected patellar tendon ruptures—a simple modified reconstruction using hamstrings tendon graft

Purpose

We hereby describe a cost effective and simple anatomical reconstruction without requirement for allograft or implants for neglected chronic patellar tendon injuries. This has been validated in seven patients with an average follow up of greater than three years resulting in good outcome.

Methods

Seven patients (six males, one female) of mean age 41.8 years (range up to 57 years) presented with neglected patellar tendon injury. The time since injury ranged between three months and three years (average nine months). Active extension was not possible in three patients, and four patients had an extensor lag between 40° and 80° (average 62.5°). Four patients had quadriceps strength of grade 2/5 and three patients had grade 3/5. All patients had severe functional limitation with an average IKDC score of 46.8 (range 39–57). They all underwent patellar tendon reconstruction using hamstrings tendon autograft.

Results

Postoperatively with a mean follow up of 40.7 months (range 31–52 months), all patients had a stable knee with mean flexion of 125° (range 120°–130°) and without any extension lag. Quadriceps power was regained in five cases to 5/5 and in two cases to 4/5. With an improvement in the IKDC score to 86.8 (range 80–92), excellent outcome was noted in five patients and good outcome in two patients. The average postoperative Lysholm score was 92.4 (range 89–95) and the average Kujala score was 94.5 (range 92–97).

Conclusion

Patellar tendon reconstruction using hamstrings autograft for neglected patellar tendon injuries provides good stability and excellent outcome. Compared to previous techniques described, our technique is unique in being cost effective and a simple anatomical reconstruction without the requirement for allograft or implants.     

Proceedings of the 48th Annual Pancreas Club Meeting

The 48th annual Pancreas Club meeting was held on May 2 and 3, 2014, at the Westin Lombard in Lombard, IL. Two hundred sixty attendees included pancreatologists from 17 countries. Two hundred eleven abstracts were submitted; from these, a record number (64) oral presentations and 136 posters were selected. Table 1 documents oral abstract titles with institutional affiliation. Full abstracts for all oral presentations and posters are available at the Pancreas Club website, http://pancreasclub.com. Representative abstracts from each of the eight sessions are summarized below.

Isolated reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with autologous quadriceps tendon

Background

Since the role of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) as the primary soft-tissue restraint against lateral patellar translation has been recognized, several different reconstruction procedures for the treatment of patellar instability have been proposed over recent years. Many of these techniques require bony procedures and hardware fixation at the patellar and femoral side, leading to complications as described previously in the literature. The purpose of the present study is to describe the technique of isolated MPFL reconstruction using the quadriceps tendon and report the results at a mean follow-up of 38 months. The hypothesis is that this technique, not requiring drilling of bone tunnels on the patellar and femoral side, may be a "simple and safe" mean to manage patellar instability, giving good clinical results with low complication rate in selected patients with normal osseous anatomy.

Materials and methods

Sixteen consecutive patients (9 male, 7 female; mean age 22 years) with chronic patellar instability underwent medial patellofemoral reconstruction with the superficial layer of the quadriceps tendon. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by physical examination and subjectively with Kujala and Lysholm scores.

Results

The average follow-up was 38 months (range 28–48 months). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation and no complications occurred. The mean Kujala score increased from 35.8 preoperatively to 88.8 postoperatively and the Lysholm score improved from 43.3 preoperatively to 89.3 postoperatively.

Conclusions

Isolated MPFL reconstruction using an autologous quadriceps tendon and not requiring bone tunnels, may be a safe, simple and effective procedure for the treatment of patellar instability without complications such as patellar fracture as reported by clinical studies using hamstring grafts. For the same reason it may also be indicated in skeletally immature patients.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

     

Anatomische Ersatzplastik des vorderen Kreuzbandes mit der autologen Quadrizepssehne

Objective

Restore function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Indications

Chronic functional instability with rupture of the ACL, giving way phenomena, acute rupture of the ACL with concomitant meniscus repair, rerupture of ACL graft with anatomical tunnels.

Contraindications

Local infection of the skin at the knee joint, local soft tissue damage, after rupture of the quadriceps tendon, enthesopathia of the quadriceps tendon, lack of patient compliance.

Surgical technique

Harvest quadriceps tendon graft with a bone block via a 4–5 cm long incision, starting from the middle third of the proximal patella pole without damaging the tendon fibers. Drill the femoral tunnel via a deep anteromedial portal with the knee flexed of more than 110° (tunnel diameter 0.5–1 mm smaller in diameter than bone block). Gentle tunnel preparation using dilators. In absence of an ACL stump the lateral meniscus anterior horn serves as tibial landmark. In case of revision surgery, remove graft material and implants from the tunnel. Graft fixation using press fit method in the femoral tunnel. Tibial graft fixation archieved with a resorbable interference screw and a button.

Postoperative management

Goal of the inflammatory phase (weeks 1–2) is pain and inflammation control (20 kg partial weight bearing). During the proliferative phase (weeks 2–6), load and mobility slowly increased (closed-chain exercises). During the remodeling phase (>?6 weeks), strength and coordination exercises are performed. In revision cases and in case of concomitant injuries, longer partial weight-bearing period might be necessary. Athletes should not return to competitive sports before 6–8 months.

Results

In a prospective study, 33 patients (age 16–48 years) were examined after replacement of the ACL with a quadriceps tendon graft after a minimum follow-up (FU) of 2 years (12 revision; 21 primary surgery). No post- or perioperative complications. Postoperative radiographs showed an anatomical tunnel location and no dislocation of the bone block. After 2 years the difference of a-p translation compared to the other leg was assessed by the use of KT 1000. The revision group improved from an average of 7.2 mm (pre-op) to 2.2 mm (FU). The group with primary surgery improved from 6.4 mm (pre-op) to 1.7 mm (FU). A sliding pivot shift phenomenon was detected in 2 patients in the revision group and 1 patient in the primary surgery group.     

Arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon graft compared with hamstring tendon graft

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic transtibial single-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous patellar tendon and hamstring tendon grafts.

Methods

From 1998 to 2007, 59 patients with symptomatic isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury were included in this retrospective study. Twenty-five knees were reconstructed using bone-patellar tendon-bone graft, and 34 knees were reconstructed using hamstring graft. In both groups, surgical techniques were similar, except material of fixation screws. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at the latest follow-up with several parameters, including symptoms, physical examination, outcome satisfaction, functional scores, radiography and complications.

Results

Average follow-up period was 51.6 months in patellar tendon group and 51.1 months in hamstring tendon group. Significantly more kneeling pain (32 vs. 3 %), squatting pain (24 vs. 3 %), anterior knee pain (36 vs. 3 %), posterior drawer laxity and osteoarthritic change were shown in patellar tendon group than in hamstring tendon group post-operatively. No significant differences were found in other parameters between both groups.

Conclusions

Several shortcomings, including anterior knee pain, squatting pain, kneeling pain and osteoarthritic change, have to be concerned when using patellar tendon autograft. In conclusion, hamstring tendon autograft may be a better choice for transtibial tunnel PCL reconstruction.     

New modified Achilles tendon allograft for treatment of chronic patellar tendon ruptures following total knee arthroplasty

Introduction

Patellar tendon rupture is an infrequent but debilitating lesion. Several surgical repairs have been suggested for patellar tendon rupture. Our aim is to propose a modified technique from the classic Achilles allograft procedure.

Materials and methods

Five consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic patellar tendon rupture following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included in the presented study. All patients were operated with a modified Achilles allograft technique, dividing the Achilles tendon into two bundles and overcrossing these through the distal part of the quadricipital tendon.

Results

All patients regained their extension mechanism and have discontinued using crutches. No complications were observed.

Conclusions

The modified Achilles allograft has shown to be a safe, time-reducing repair for chronic patellar tendon ruptures following TKA, and should be considered as an alternative surgical repair.     

Efficacy and complications of open and minimally invasive surgery in acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective randomised clinical study—preliminary report

Purpose

Surgical treatment of an acute Achilles tendon rupture can effectively reduce the risk of re-rupture, but it increases the probability of surgical complications. We postulated that a minimally invasive surgical treatment might reduce the number of complications related to open surgery and improve the functional results.

Method

We enrolled 47 patients with acute Achilles tendon ruptures in a prospective, randomised trial to compare clinical results and complications between a minimally invasive procedure with the Achillon® device and traditional open surgery with Krackow-type sutures. The average patient age was 46 years. The follow up time was 24 months.

Results

No Achilles tendon re-rupture or nerve injury occurred in treated patients. There were two cases of wound infections in the open surgery group, and one superficial wound infection occurred in the minimally invasive group. The groups were not significantly different in the amount of pain, range of ankle movements, the single heel-rise test, calf circumference, or time to return to work and sports.

Conclusion

After a two year follow-up period, we found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between groups treated with traditional open surgery or minimally invasive surgery.     

An operative approach to address severe genu valgum deformity in the Ellis-van Creveld syndrome

Background

The genu valgum deformity seen in the Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is one of the most severe angular deformities seen in any orthopaedic condition. It is likely a combination of a primary genetic-based dysplasia of the lateral portion of the tibial plateau combined with severe soft-tissue contractures that tether the tibia into valgus deformations. Progressive weight-bearing induces changes, accumulating with growth, acting on the initially distorted and valgus-angulated proximal tibia, worsening the deformity with skeletal maturation. The purpose of this study is to present a relatively large case series of a very rare condition that describes a surgical technique to correct the severe valgus deformity in the Ellis-van Creveld syndrome by combining extensive soft-tissue release with bony realignment.

Methods

A retrospective review examined 23 limbs in 13 patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome that were surgically corrected by two different surgeons from 1982 to 2011. Seven additional patients were identified, but excluded due to insufficient chart or radiographic data. A successful correction was defined as 10° or less of genu valgum at the time of surgical correction. Although not an outcomes study, maintenance of 20° or less of genu valgum was considered desirable. Average age at surgery was 14.7 years (range 7–25 years). Clinical follow-up is still ongoing, but averages 5.0 years (range 2 months to 18 years). Charts and radiographs were reviewed for complications, radiographic alignment, and surgical technique. The surgical procedure was customized to each patient’s deformity, consisting of the following steps:

1. Complete proximal to distal surgical decompression of the peroneal nerve
2. Radical release and mobilization of the severe quadriceps contracture and iliotibial band contracture
3. Distal lateral hamstring lengthening/tenotomy and lateral collateral ligament release
4. Proximal and distal realignment of the subluxed/dislocated patella, medial and lateral retinacular release, vastus medialis advancement, patellar chondroplasty, medial patellofemoral ligament plication, and distal patellar realignment by Roux-Goldthwait technique or patellar tendon transfer with tibial tubercle relocation
5. Proximal tibial varus osteotomy with partial fibulectomy and anterior compartment release
6. Occasionally, distal femoral osteotomy

Results

In all cases, the combination of radical soft-tissue release, patellar realignment and bony osteotomy resulted in 10° or less of genu valgum at the time of surgical correction. Complications of surgery included three patients (five limbs) with knee stiffness that was successfully manipulated, one peroneal nerve palsy, one wound slough and hematoma requiring a skin graft, and one pseudoarthrosis requiring removal of hardware and repeat fixation. At last follow-up, radiographic correction of no more than 20° of genu valgum was maintained in all but four patients (four limbs). Two patients (three limbs) had or currently require revision surgery due to recurrence of the deformity.

Conclusion

The operative approach presented in this study has resulted in correction of the severe genu valgum deformity in Ellis-van Creveld syndrome to 10° or less of genu valgum at the time of surgery. Although not an outcomes study, a correction of no more than 20° genu valgum has been maintained in many of the cases included in the study. Further clinical follow-up is still warranted.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Patellar dislocation due to iatrogenic quadriceps fibrosis: results of operative treatment in 54 cases

Objective

To evaluate the clinical and functional results of a surgical treatment of patellar dislocation whose etiology was iatrogenic quadriceps fibrosis in children.

Materials and methods

A prospective study was undertaken from February 2004 to December 2009. The study included 54 pediatric patients (56 knees) that had developed dislocation of the patella after repeated intramuscular injections of antibiotic(s) into the quadriceps muscle. There were 11 males (20.4 %) and 43 females (79.6 %). The patients’ mean age at surgery was 7 years, 9 months (range 6 years, 4 months to 12 years, 6 months). A complete history of each patient was recorded. The affected knees were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively on the basis of the symptoms, signs, and roentgenographic findings. Patellar dislocation was classified according Bensahel’s criteria. All patients had a three-part surgical procedure that combined capsulorrhaphy, quadricepsplasty, and transfer of the vastus medialis oblique to the superior border of the patella.

Results

There has been no poor postsurgical result or recurrence so far; we have noted an ugly scar in nine knees (16.1 %), limitation of the knee flexion in five knees (8.9 %), and loss of extension of 5 °–20 ° in four knees (7.1 %). Overall, we attained excellent results in 39 knees (69.7 %), good results in 13 knees (23.2 %), and fair results in four knees (7.1 %).

Conclusion

In our cases of pediatric dislocation of the patella caused by iatrogenic quadriceps fibrosis, the introduced three-part surgical procedure has shown great success in restoring the realignment mechanism of the patella. The technique is simple, safe, and effective in skeletally immature children.     

Acute quadriceps tendon rupture: a pragmatic approach to diagnostic imaging

Introduction

Quadriceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries, occurring most frequently in males over 40 years and associated with obesity, renal failure and steroids. Literature states that ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging have a role in diagnosis. We discuss the contrasting advantages and disadvantages of each imaging modality and establish their diagnostic value.

Materials and methods

A closed loop audit cycle was performed over 68 months by reviewing all patients presenting with a suspected acute quadriceps tendon ruptures to a Teaching Hospital.

Results

Sixty-six patients were included in the study; 4/47 patients in the initial audit period were inaccurately diagnosed, either clinically or by ultrasonography, leading to surgical exploration identifying an intact quadriceps tendon. This highlighted the need for improved pre-operative diagnosis and a recommendation to increase the use of magnetic resonance imaging. In the second cycle, the use of magnetic resonance imaging increased from 4 to 42 % (p = 0.0004) and misdiagnosis fell from 4/47 (9 %) to 1/19 (5 %). Ultrasonography was shown to be highly sensitive (1.0) but the specificity of this modality was only 0.67 with a positive predictive value of 0.88. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed a sensitivity of 1.0, a specificity of 1.0 and a positive predictive value of 1.0.

Conclusion

We propose that all patients who have a suspected quadriceps tendon rupture after clinical examination and radiography should either proceed directly to magnetic resonance imaging or be initially assessed by ultrasound, and in those with positive findings, a supplementary magnetic resonance imaging to eliminate false positive diagnoses.     

Totally Laparoscopic Anatomical Hepatectomy Exposing the Major Hepatic Veins from the Root Side: a Case of the Right Anterior Sectorectomy (with Video)

Laparoscopic hepatectomy has rapidly evolved recently; 1–5 however, laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy has yet to become widely used, although anatomical hepatectomy is ideal, especially for curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, and is widely accepted via open approach. 6–10 This is because good-experienced skills, for example, exposing Glissonean pedicles and hepatic veins on the cutting plane, are required in order to perform anatomical hepatectomy via a pure laparoscopic approach. We obtained good results for various totally laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomies using the standardized techniques. We exposed the major hepatic veins from the root side by utilizing the unique view from the caudal side in the laparoscopic approach, and moved CUSA from the root side toward the peripheral side to avoid splitting the bifurcation of the hepatic vein. 11–13 We performed totally laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy for 47 patients from August, 2008, to December, 2012 (Table 1). In most types of anatomical hepatectomy, the mean blood loss was <500 ml. Conversion to open surgery was required in two patients. Postoperative complications were prolonged ascites in two, peroneal palsy in two, and biloma in one. Mortality was zero. The embedded video demonstrates totally laparoscopic right anterior sectorectomy. In conclusion, our standardized techniques make laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy more feasible.

Tourniquet time affects postoperative complications after knee arthroplasty

Purpose

Pneumatic tourniquets are frequently used in knee arthroplasty surgery. However, there is a lack of evidence to define safe tourniquet time in lower limb surgery. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether tourniquet time influences the risk of postoperative complications after primary and secondary knee arthroplasty.

Methods

This study was a prospective register study. Since we wanted dispersion in tourniquet time, we included a consecutive series of 577 primary knee arthroplasties, 46 revision knee arthroplasties, and 18 patellar supplementing knee arthroplasties from a clinical audit database over a period of five years. The following postoperative complications were recorded: superficial wound infections, deep wound infections, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, nerve injuries, compartment syndrome, cuff pressure injuries, and bandage injuries.

Results

Tourniquet time over 100 minutes was associated with an increased risk of complications after knee arthroplasty surgery (OR 2.2, CI 1.5–3.1). This increase in risk remained after adjusting for cuff pressure, sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, smoking, diabetes, and surgery indication (OR 2.4, CI 1.6–3.6).

Conclusions

Tourniquet time over 100 minutes increases the risk of complications after knee arthroplasty surgery and special attention is advocated to reduce the tourniquet time.     

Three-dimensional transfer of the tibial tuberosity for patellar instability with patella alta

Background

Although patellar instability can be treated with several surgical procedures, the appropriate surgical treatment for patellar instability with patella alta has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study is to find out whether three-dimensional transfer of the tibial tuberosity elicits good knee functionality with improved patella alta and prevents further patellar dislocation.

Methods

Twelve knees (10 patients) underwent surgery for patellar instability with patella alta from 2007 to 2011. The surgery performed was a three-dimensional transfer for the anteromedial distalization of the tibial tuberosity. Predisposing anatomical factors for patellar instability were evaluated preoperatively; femorotibial angle (FTA), patella alta (IS ratio), trochlear dysplasia (sulcus angle) and tilting angle (lateral tilt). The function of the knee was assessed before and after surgery by Lysholm and Kujala score.

Results

Before surgery, the IS ratio was 1.34 ± 0.13, lateral tilt was 22.4° ± 6.5°, and the sulcus angle was 151.7° ± 8.3°, indicating patella alta, laterality, and trochlear dysplasia. After surgery, the IS ratio and lateral tilt significantly improved to 0.95 ± 0.13, and 10.6° ± 3.4°, respectively. FTA and sulcus angle were not altered. Lysholm and Kujala score improved from 63.8 to 94.7 and 67.0 to 94.1 points, respectively. Most patients displayed good outcomes except for one patient who suffered re-dislocation by hitting their knee on the floor, 2.5 years after surgery.

Conclusion

Three-dimensional tibial tuberosity transfer was shown to correct the patella position and result in a good clinical outcome. This method is introduced as an alternative surgery for patellar instability with patella alta.     

Lateral approach is advantageous in total knee arthroplasty for valgus deformed knee

Introduction

For the total knee arthroplasty in valgus deformed knee, superiority of the medial or lateral approach is still controversial. We compared the short-term result of two approach groups.

Materials and methods

Forty-seven knees in rheumatoid arthritis with valgus deformity from 6° to 24° were randomly divided into two group; medial approach (24 knees) and lateral approach (24 knees). We used Scorpio NRG PS for all knees. Median postoperative periods were 43 months in both groups. We compared the surgical time, and alignment on standing radiograph, range of motion (ROM) pre/postoperatively, and degrees of soft-tissue release procedure, and lateral laxity measured by stress radiograph immediately after operation and at final follow-up.

Result

Pre/postoperative alignment, surgical time, lateral laxity, and preoperative ROM had no significant in two groups; however, postoperative flexion was superior in lateral approach group 123.8°, 109° in medial approach group. All cases required iliotibial band (ITB) release at Gerdy’s tubercle, 83 % ITB at joint level, 21 % lateral collateral ligament (LCL), 17 % popliteus tendon (PT) in medial approach group, and 88 % ITB at Gerdy’s tubercle, 46 % ITB at joint level, 13 % LCL, 4 % PT in lateral approach group.

Discussion

In the valgus knee, lateral structures are tight. Lateral approach can directly adjust the tight structure, and also less vascular compromise to the patella than medial approach with lateral patellar release. Less invasiveness to the quadriceps muscle in lateral approach could result into better range of motion after the surgery.     

Therapiestandards nach Beugesehnen- und Nervenverletzungen der Hand

Background

There is little evidence for the ideal aftercare of combined nerve and flexor tendon injuries of the hand. The aim of this study was to elicit whether concomitant nerve injuries are changing the individual treatment plans after flexor tendon repair in a survey of German centres for hand surgery.

Methods

A questionnaire about aftercare of isolated and combined nerve and flexor tendon injuries of the hand was distributed to members of three German Societies of hand, trauma and plastic surgery.

Results

Isolated flexor tendon injuries in zones II to IV are treated by early mobilization in all centres, whereas isolated digital nerve repair is usually followed by immobilization (10% no immobilization, 22.5% up to 1 week, 52.5% for 2 weeks and 15% for 3 weeks). The duration of immobilization increases with lesions of the median or ulnar nerves by about 1 week. In 55% of cases concomitant nerve injury does not influence the early onset of dynamic splinting and mobilization after flexor tendon injuries.

Conclusion

There seem to be no uniform treatment guidelines for flexor tendon repair if concomitant nerve injury is present. Against the background of the current literature early controlled mobilization after tendon and nerve repair seems to be justified.     

The utility of botulinum toxin A in the repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures

Purpose

The purpose of our study is to report the outcomes and complications in patients who underwent distal biceps tendon repair with the use of Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) as an adjunct to surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent 15 distal biceps tendon repairs was performed. All repaired tendons had their correlating muscle bellies injected intraoperatively with a mixture of 100U of BoNT-A and 10 ml of normal saline. Each patient was evaluated for surgical and post-operative complications and followed with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Disability Scores.

Results

The cohort was exclusively male, 14/14 (100%). The mean age at procedure was 52.1 years (range: 29–65 years). Types of injuries repaired included: 12 acute biceps tendon ruptures, one chronic partial (> 50% of tendon) biceps tear, and two chronic biceps ruptures. Average final follow-up was 32.9 months (SD: 19.6; range: 7.07–61.72). Average time to repair of chronic injury was 5.75 months (range: 2–12 months). There were no intraoperative complications, and all patients were discharged home on the day of surgery. Average DASH score at latest follow-up was 4.9 (range: 0.0–12.5). All patients had return of function of paralyzed muscle prior to final follow-up. One patient required an incision and drainage for a deep infection 1 week post-operatively, without any further complications. Another patient required operative removal of heterotopic ossification located around the tendon fixation site, which was the result of a superficial infection treated with antibiotics 2 weeks post-operatively. This patient later healed with improvement in supination/pronation range-of-motion and no further complications.

Conclusions

Injection of BoNT-A is safe and effective to protect distal biceps tendon repair during the early phases of bone-tendon healing.

Clinical relevance

BoNT-A may is safe and effective to protect distal biceps tendon repair. The utility of BoNT-A as an adjunct to surgical repair may be applicable to acute or chronic tears as well as repairs in the non-compliant patient without decreases in functional scores after return of function of the biceps muscle.

Level of evidence

Level 4.