Correction of rheumatoid swan-neck deformity by lateral band mobilization

Fifty-seven digits in 18 hands of 14 patients with rheumatoid disease were retrospectively evaluated after surgical correction of swan-neck deformity. Release of each hyperextension deformity was done via a previously described lateral band mobilization technique with temporary pin fixation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and primary skin closure. Extension block splinting was used for 1 month after pin removal. Follow-up averaged 24 months. Twenty-two percent of the patients were enthusiastic about their results, 56% were satisfied, 22% were equivocal, and none were dissatisfied. Maximum active flexion at the PIP joint averaged 55 degrees, and maximum extension averaged--10 degrees. The average distance from fingertip to distal palmar crease was 32 mm. Average grip strength was 10 kg of force in men and 4 kg in women. Step-cut lengthening of the central slip was associated with the development of a boutonniere deformity and an unsatisfactory result in three digits. Even with narrowing of the PIP joint or articular erosions, which were found on 91% of roentgenograms, lateral band mobilization to correct swan-neck deformity can predictably improve the function and cosmesis of rheumatoid hands.     

Shortening osteotomy for treatment of metacarpophalangeal joint deformity.

The results of a new subcapital shortening osteotomy for correction of metacarpophalangeal joint deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the hands are presented. Seven patients (16 joints) were followed up for a mean of 33.5 months. The mean shortening of the metacarpal bone was 4.6 mm (range, 4-8 mm), and seven joints had additional intrinsic release. Only four (25%) joints held the correction of the deformity; all other joints had recurrence of palmar subluxation with or without additional ulnar drift. The range of motion of the joints with preserved correction after surgery was 80 degrees compared with 28 degrees of the joints with recurrent deformity. The possible mechanism of failure was analyzed. The results of the current series suggest that subcapital shortening osteotomy may not be indicated for treatment of severe metacarpophalangeal joint deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.     

A unique fracture pattern of the proximal phalanx in children: fractures through the phalangeal neck with an attached dorsal bony flange

This paper describes a unique fracture pattern of the proximal phalanx in children that has not been specifically studied in the literature. Volarly, the fracture line passes through the phalangeal neck and then the fracture line passes dorsally to include a dorsal flange of the metaphysis. Fractures were classified into three types: type I fractures were undisplaced with no finger deformity; type II fractures were mildly displaced in the antero-posterior plane without lateral angulation or scissoring; while type III fractures were severely displaced or had associated lateral angulation or scissoring deformity. Over a 6-year-period, nine cases were seen by the authors. The mechanism of injury was by entrapping the digit in a closing door in all cases. The mean age of patients was 5 years. Types I and II fractures were seen in five children and all were treated by splinting with an excellent outcome. Two children with type III fractures were treated with closed reduction and either splinting (one case) or k-wire (one case), and both had a poor initial outcome. The remaining two children with type III fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with an excellent outcome. Differences between these fractures and the classic phalangeal neck fractures are discussed.     

Capacity to participate in sports after injuries of the acromioclavicular joint

In 79 patients athletic activities were evaluated retrospectively 32 months after grade II and grade III sprains of the acromioclavicular joint. Group I consisted of 29 patients with grade II sprains according to Tossy and group II consisted of 50 patients with grade III sprains according to Tossy. In group Ia 14 patients underwent surgery, and in group Ib 15 patients were treated nonsurgically. In group IIa 41 patients were treated surgically, and in group IIb 9 patients were treated conservatively. Forty-seven patients were injured during participation in sports. Among these 16 were injured during participation in their specific sport. In group I patients had to curtail sports activities more frequently after surgery than after conservative treatment (p < 0.05). In group II the reduction of sports activities was not different for the two treatment groups. Of a total of 79 patients, 23 had to reduce their sports activities. Among these, 7 patients had to give up sports. All patients had performed overhead athletic activities. Climbers and patients performing strength training had to reduce their activities or give up sports. Additionally, sprains of the acromi-oclavicular joint adversely affected athletic activities in overhead ball sports, bicycling, and skiing irrespective of treatment.     

Splinting in the treatment of arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint

Although much has been written about surgical treatment of arthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint, no literature exists on splinting as a conservative treatment. One hundred fourteen patients (130 thumbs) were retrospectively reviewed to determine the efficacy of splinting. Patients were grouped according to their stage of disease and whether they had carpometacarpal joint surgery. Seventy-six percent of patients with stage I and II disease and 54% of patients with stage III and IV disease had improvement in their symptoms with splinting. There was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the 2 groups. All patients who had initial improvement in their symptoms with splinting had between 54% and 61% average improvement in symptom severity 6 months after splinting. All groups were found to be equally tolerant of the splinting protocol and no group had a significantly higher rate of activity modification. Overall, splinting was found to be a well-tolerated and effective conservative treatment to diminish, but not completely eliminate, the symptoms of carpometacarpal joint arthritis and inflammation.     

Trapezial tilt: a radiographic correlation with advanced trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis

Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis is a common and debilitating condition of the hand. We defined a radiographic measure of trapezial inclination (trapezial tilt) and found a positive correlation between an increased trapezial tilt and severity of TMC joint arthritis. Radiographs (Robert's views) were obtained from 50 pairs of normal hands to evaluate the trapezial tilt to assess radial inclination of the trapezium with respect to the second metacarpal. The trapezial tilt was also measured in 65 hands from 43 patients with various stages of TMC joint arthritis and compared with the normal value. The trapezial tilt for hands without arthritis was 42 degrees +/- 4 degrees, Eaton stages I and II was 42 degrees +/- 4 degrees, and Eaton stages III and IV was 50 degrees +/- 4 degrees. Trapezial tilt angles from the Eaton III and IV group were significantly greater than those of the normal and Eaton I and II groups. Advanced TMC joint arthritis (Eaton III and IV) is associated with an increased trapezial tilt. Mild TMC joint arthritis with an increased trapezial tilt may be treated surgically. We speculate that a trapezio-trapezoid and trapezio-II metacarpal arthrodesis, or an opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium might arrest the progression of TMC joint arthritis by resetting the slope of the trapezium and decreasing the shear stress within the TMC joint.     

Palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Fifteen patients with palmar dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint were reviewed 6 to 49 months after treatment (average 17.8 months). Disruption of the extensor mechanism, palmar plate, and one collateral ligament was found in all patients. The loss of static and dynamic joint support caused palmar subluxation, malrotation, and a boutonnière deformity. Two dislocations were irreducible, and three were associated with dorsal avulsion fractures from the middle phalanx. The serious nature of the injuries from this dislocation was initially unrecognized, and most patients were casually treated; delay from injury to referral averaged more than 11 weeks. Twelve of the 15 required surgery for joint reduction and tendon and ligament repair; three treated earlier were managed by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Joint alignment, comfort, and stability were restored, and all returned to full activities including heavy labor. However, a full range of PIP motion was not recovered in any case.     

Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Long-term results after fasciotomy and fascial excision.

Of 359 hands treated surgically for Dupuytren's contracture, 135 were available for study after two years or more, often because of recurrence. Of the sixty-five hands treated by excision of the involved fascia (subtotal fasciectomy), 63 per cent had recurrences in the area operated on but only 15 per cent had sufficient deformity to warrant another operation. Of the forty-one hands treated by palmar fasciotomy, 43 per cent had recurrent deformities severe enough to warrant further surgical treatment. After palmar fasciotomy, improvement at the metacarpohalangeal joint persisted; but, as expected, the deformity at the proximal interphalangeal joint progressed just as it did in an untreated control group. The average postoperative period of disability was fifty-nine days after fasciectomy and twenty-one days after fasciotomy. Stiffness and hematoma occurred after fasciectomy but were not observed after fasciotomy. A digital nerve was severed during one fasciotomy and one fasciectomy. Excision of the involved fascia, therefore, gave the best long-term results but was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications.     

Conservative treatment of reducible palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the little finger: a case report

Palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is a rare injury, irreducible type being the usual pattern, and the treatment of choice is by surgery. We report a case of a complete palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the little finger occurring in a 40-year-old male. There is no mention in literature about reducible palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint. This article describes a case of reducible palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) little finger treated conservatively. The long-term results of hand and finger function after 4 years were excellent without residual deformity.     

系统康复治疗手烧伤的效果及成本评价

目的 了解手烧伤后系统康复治疗的效果,并从经济学角度评价康复治疗的成本.方法 将62例烧伤患者98只患手分为康复组(32例,48只患手)和对照组(30例,50只患手),康复组在烧伤后早期进行系统康复冶疗,对照组给予指导性教育.于治疗前及治疗5个月后采用Carroll 上肢功能评定标准,对2组患者上肢及手的整体功能包括从粗大到精细的抓、握、捏、夹,前臂旋前、旋后,取物、放物及写字等进行定量评定,比较系统康复治疗前后功能恢复情况.统计2组患者5个月内的相关医疗费用,进行成本效果分析. 结果 康复组:37只手的对指、对掌、握、捏功能恢复良好,患者能够独立完成进食、穿衣、如厕、整理个人卫生等日常活动;7只手的对指、对掌、握、捏功能恢复过半,掌指关节恢复较好,而指间关节相对较差,患者可完成手的抓握等粗大动作.精细动作相对较差.灵活、协调性动作较差;4只手困残余肉芽创面,未严格按处方要求坚持治疗,手各关节活动度差,功能受限.对照组:23只手进行了修复手术,14只手功能恢复较好,多数精细动作相对较差.灵活、协调性动作较差,13只手出现严重的爪形手.康复组患者总成本平均值与甲均功能增量值的比值为181±11,明显低于对照组(298±30,P<0.01). 结论 系统康复治疗对手烧伤后畸形有良好的预防和治疗作用,可促进手功能的恢复,改善手部外观.从经济学角度分析,手烧伤后早期进行规范的系统康复治疗是经济、有效的.     

Capsular injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Although capsular injuries of the PIP joints are common, their management is frequently complicated. Successful treatment must begin with a detailed history because reviewing the mechanism of injury may provide information relevant to the pathomechanics of the capsular disruption and facilitate making an accurate diagnosis. Grades I and II volar plate and collateral ligament sprains represent the vast majority of PIP joint injuries. They are best treated with a short period of dorsal splinting followed by supervised mobilization. Although splinting is also applicable for grade II sprains associated with instability and most grade III sprains, the initial period of immobilization should be longer. The prognosis for recovery is generally good, although some residual tenderness or joint stiffness are common complications. Dorsal capsular injuries, if unrecognized, result in deformity rather than instability. The majority of these injuries can also be treated by closed means, but they require more prolonged immobilization and more commonly result in reduced mobility than volar plate and collateral ligament injuries. Capsular injuries that are compound, irreducible, or associated with a large intraarticular fracture can result in serious problems. Frequently, these injuries require primary surgical treatment, particularly in the case of the irreducible dislocation, which always requires surgery. An exception to the generally poor prognosis of these injuries is the irreducible volar dislocation because the central tendon remains intact permitting early postoperative joint mobilization. A chronic dislocation or late instability are fortunately not common sequela of capsular injuries; however, when they do occur, surgery is required.     

Nonsurgical treatment of closed mallet finger fractures

PURPOSE: Surgical repair of closed mallet finger fractures has been favored for displaced injuries involving more than one third of the articular surface and for injuries with palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx. This study analyzed the results of nonsurgical treatment for closed and displaced mallet finger fractures with greater than one-third articular surface damage, comparing cases with and without concomitant terminal joint subluxation. METHODS: Twenty-two closed mallet finger fractures in 21 patients who were treated nonsurgically and involving more than one third of the articular surface were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were treated by continuous extension splinting of the distal interphalangeal joint for a mean of 5.5 weeks. The average patient age at the time of injury was 35.2 years, with a mean delay to treatment of 21 days. Nine cases showed a reduced distal interphalangeal joint at presentation (type IB) and 13 cases showed palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx (type IIB). Complications from splinting were limited to 2 cases of transient skin irritation. All patients returned for new finger radiographs and completed a survey to assess pain, function, and satisfaction at an average of 24.5 months after injury. RESULTS: Patients expressed negligible pain, minimal difficulties with activities of daily living and work, relatively high satisfaction with finger function and treatment outcome, but only marginal satisfaction with finger appearance. The differences between type IB and type IIB cases were not significant. The resultant terminal joint extensor lag improved in both groups. Moderate and large joint prominences, swan-neck deformities, and moderate arthritis were seen more commonly in type IIB cases but the differences between groups were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the rationale for nonsurgical treatment of closed and displaced mallet finger fractures with greater than one-third articular surface involvement. Pain likely will be negligible and patient satisfaction with finger function and treatment outcome is projected to be relatively high at 2-year follow-up evaluation. A dorsal joint prominence, terminal joint extensor lag, swan-neck deformity, and degenerative joint changes, however, may develop, particularly in cases with palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx.     

The role of multimodal therapy in patients with local and regional neuroblastoma

The records of 49 patients with local and regional neuroblastoma treated at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia between 1972-1981 were reviewed to determine the contribution of radiation therapy and chemotherapy to their management. All 11 state I patients were treated with surgery alone and 10 (91%) survived for periods ranging from 3 to 10 years. Half of the 24 stage II patients received radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy and 8/12 (67%) survive. Ten of the 12 remaining stage II patients survive (83%) following surgery alone. All stage II patients had residual disease and 13 had involvement in lymph nodes. 7 in the combined treatment group and 6 in the surgery alone group. All 14 stage III patients received postoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) and 7 or 50% remain disease free. We conclude that surgery alone is sufficient for patients with stage I NBL, that RT and chemotherapy do not appear to alter the outcome in stage II patients, and better methods of therapy are needed for patients with stage III disease.     

Congenital central ray deficiency in the hand- a survey of 59 cases and subclassification

Eighty-nine hands were studied in 59 patients with central ray deficiency. A subclassification into two subgroups was established based on the clinical and radiological findings-subgroup I: typical type and subgroup II: (atypical type) with type a, syndactylous type, and type b, polydactylous type. In subgroup I, the sequential severity of deficiency ranged from a partial defect of phalanges of the middle finger to a monodigit hand. The central digital elements were fused to adjacent digital rays in subgroup II-type a. Supernumerary bony elements were seen in subgroup II-type b. The close relationship between central ray deficiency, syndactyly, and polydactyly was discussed from the standpoint of development of the hand. The classification of central ray deficiency into the longitudinal deficiency category of the International Classification of Congenital Limb Malformations was recommended.     

Results of surgical repair versus splinting of experimentally transected muscle

Complete muscle tears or transections can be treated by splinting or surgical repair. Although repair is often advocated in the young and athletic population, no well-controlled studies compare the results of splinting and surgical repair. I studied the effects of surgical repair versus splinting only of transected muscles in an experimental model. In group I (n = 14), a unilateral transection of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of the Sprague-Dawley rat was treated with splinting only. In group II (n = 14), the muscle was surgically repaired as well. Active and passive strength measurements at day 7 and 14 showed an earlier return of passive strength in group II at day 7. No statistically significant differences at day 14 were noted. In this model, earlier return of active and passive strength occurred in surgically repaired muscle disruption as compared with nonrepaired muscles.     

烧伤后爪形手畸形的整复

目的 探讨烧伤后爪形手畸形的整复方法. 方法 1992年5月-2007年5月,笔者对97例(136只患手)烧伤后爪形手畸形患者进行手术整复,患手中,轻度畸形21只、中度92只、重度23只;手背创面植皮修复104只患手,皮瓣转移修复32只患手.掌指关节复位在手背部瘢痕组织充分松解后主要采用手法拔伸牵引复位,必要时松解侧副韧带、背侧关节囊和分离关节内粘连,肌腱挛缩明显者行肌腱延长术.手背瘢痕松解整复后根据情况行手指屈曲畸形整复、指蹼和虎口粘连松解植皮、指伸肌腱中央腱修复或指间关节融合术.31例患者因手指屈曲畸形严重,阻碍掌指关节复位,先行手指掌侧瘢痕松解植皮,再行手背瘢痕松解、掌指关节复位、皮瓣转移或植皮.术后采取综合康复治疗措施. 结果术后皮片全部成活;4只患手皮瓣远端边缘因瘢痕组织部分坏死,换药后愈合,其余皮瓣完全成活.患手绝大部分关节畸形完全或基本纠正,对掌、握拳功能恢复或部分恢复,效果较为满意. 结论个性化、系统全面地进行皮片移植和皮瓣转移是整复烧伤后爪形手的关键.     

Treatment of tracheomalacia: eight years' experience

Between 1978 and 1985, 21 patients were treated for tracheomalacia, (group I) and 4 for tracheobronchomalacia (group II). The median age at treatment was 7 months (range 1 to 96 months). Indications for surgery in group I were, "dying spells" (n = 12), recurrent pneumonia (n = 4), intermittent respiratory obstruction (n = 3) and inability to extubate airway (n = 2). 18 had esophageal atresia repair. Treatment in group I was aortopexy (n = 19), three of whom also required an external airway splint; two had an airway splint only. Airway obstruction was relieved in all. Group II patients required surgery because they could not be extubated; none had esophageal atresia. Aortopexy in all and splinting in one failed in 3 of 4 patients. Aortopexy is the primary treatment of tracheomalacia. External airway splinting may be used where aortopexy is inadequate. A satisfactory treatment for tracheobronchomalacia has not yet been devised.     

Fractures of the sesamoid bones of the thumb

Sesamoid fractures of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb may be classified into two types: (1) with palmar plate intact, and (2) with palmar plate ruptured. In type 1, the patient maintains a normal flexion posture of the metacarpophalangeal joint as well as the ability to flex the metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint. In type 2, the metacarpophalangeal joint assumes a hyperextension posture and the patient is unable to flex the metacarpophalangeal joint. Three cases are described to illustrate the two types of the injury. An open fracture of a thumb sesamoid associated with laceration of the palmar plate in a child was treated by reapproximating the palmar plate and the fracture fragments with sutures. Two additional closed fractures of the thumb sesamoid were treated by splinting the metacarpophalangeal joint in comfortable flexion for 2 to 3 weeks. Normal hand function was restored in all the three patients.     

Transabdominal modified devascularization procedure with or without esophageal stapler transection--an operation adequate for effective control of a variceal bleed. Is esophageal stapler transection necessary?

BACKGROUND: In Japan, the original Sugiura procedure reported favorable results in non-cirrhotic patients but in the West, the modified Sugiura procedure is not widely accepted because of high rebleeding, morbidity, and mortality in cirrhotics. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of our modified Sugiura procedure i.e., devascularization with/without esophageal transection combined with salvage endotherapy and pharmacotherapy for control of a variceal bleed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2004, 912 patients with variceal bleeding were treated. Of these, 66 (7.2%) patients were subjected to surgery after failed endotherapy/propranolol. Among these 66 patients, 52 had transabdominal devascularization (16 emergency, 36 elective); 14 patients underwent devascularization with esophageal stapler transection (group I), and 38 patients had devascularization without esophageal stapler transection (group II). Another 14 patients underwent elective end-to-side proximal splenorenal shunt surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality was 7.1% in group I, 10.5% in group II (P>0.05). Mortality for emergency surgery was 31.2% (5/16) but there were no deaths in the elective surgery group. Overall morbidity was 57.1% in group I and 21.0% in group II (P<0.05). The rates of variceal rebleeding were 7.1% and 7.8%; residual varices were 30.7% and 32.3%; recurrent varices were 7.6% and 5.8% following the group I and group II procedures, respectively, over a mean follow-up period of 39.9 (7-2) months. Esophageal transection-related morbidity (leak, stricture, and bleeding) was 21.4% (3/14) in group I. CONCLUSIONS: Devascularization without esophageal stapler transection is a safe and effective procedure for adequate (urgent and long-term) control of variceal bleeding with similar results and less morbidity when compared to devascularization with esophageal transection in cirrhotic patients, as well as non-cirrhotic patients.     

The value of radial collateral ligament reconstruction and abductor digiti minimi release in metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by destructive synovitis commonly involving the hand. Ulnar drift deformity has been reported in up to 30% of these patients. Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthroplasty with soft-tissue reconstruction was described to correct this deformity, but recurrence is a common problem. This is a retrospective study of 18 patients who underwent 96 primary index to little finger MCP joint arthroplasties in Montreal General Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups. In group I, 60 MCP joints in 15 hands had silastic arthroplasty with radial collateral ligament reconstruction and abductor digiti minimi release. In group II, 36 MCP joints in 9 hands had silastic arthroplasty without soft-tissue reconstruction. All patients had the same postoperative rehabilitation, with a follow-up mean time of 63 months. Postoperative clinical and radiologic comparison was performed. Group I was found to have more severe wrist disease. No significant difference was seen between the 2 groups for ulnar drift (D2, P < 0.79; D3, P < 0.11; D4, P < 0.49; D5, P < 0.31), active range of motion, power grip, incidence of MCP subluxation, or functional ability. MCP arthroplasty with radial collateral ligament reconstruction and abductor digiti minimi release may recreate a short-term balance of forces around the MCP joint but does not prevent late postoperative deformity. This is a preliminary study with a small sample size but supported previous reports on MCP arthroplasty with soft-tissue reconstruction.