Rigid versus semi-rigid orthotic use following TMC arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThe trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint of the human thumb is the second most common joint in the hand affected by osteoarthritis. TMC arthroplasty is a common procedure used to alleviate symptoms. No randomized controlled trials have been published on the efficacy of different post-operative orthotic regimes.MethodFifty six participants who underwent TMC arthroplasty were allocated to either rigid orthotic or semi-rigid orthotic groups. Both groups started an identical exercise program at two weeks following surgery. Outcome measures were assessed by an assessor blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome was the Patient Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) and secondary outcomes included the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), thumb palmar abduction, first metacarpophalangeal extension and three point pinch grip. Measures were taken pre-operatively, at six weeks, three months and one year post-operatively. Between-group differences were analyzed with linear regression.ResultsBoth groups performed equally well. There was no significant between-group difference for PRWHE scores (0.47, CI −11.5 to 12.4), including subscales for pain and function, or for any of the secondary outcomes at one year follow-up.ConclusionWe found no difference in outcomes between using a rigid or semi-rigid orthosis after TMC arthroplasty. Patient comfort, cost and availability may determine choice between orthoses in clinical practice.Level of evidence1b RCT.     

不同内固定在舟大小多角骨融合术中稳定性的比较研究

目的 比较舟骨和大、小多角骨(scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid,STT)融合器与克氏针在STT融合术中内固定强度的差异.方法 12侧新鲜冷冻尸体前臂标本,随机分为融合器组(使用STT融合器)和克氏针组(使用克氏针)2组,模拟进行STT融合术,术后以夹具固定于腕动力测试仪上模拟腕关节主要活动.活动前后均拍摄腕关节标准正侧位X线片,测量桡舟角、桡舟间距、舟骨长度及STT融合体稳定角.结果 融合器组:当腕关节运动范围增加到屈曲45°、背伸40°、尺偏30°、桡偏15°时,客观指标与初始状态相比较变化差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).克氏针组:当腕关节运动范围增加到屈曲35°、背伸30°、桡偏10°时,客观指标与初始状态相比较变化差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).尺偏30°运动后融合体稳定角与初始状态相比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 STT融合器在舟骨和大、小多角骨融合术中内固定强度大于传统内固定物中的克氏针.     

Excisional arthroplasty for scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis

Symptomatic scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal (STT) joint osteoarthritis may occasionally require surgery. In the absence of dorsal midcarpal instability, acceptable results may be obtained by an excisional STT joint arthroplasty. After distal scaphoid resection, however, forces are no longer transmitted along the radial column of the wrist. This often results in slight malrotation of the proximal row into extension. To mitigate this problem, different strategies have been proposed (dorsal midcarpal capsulodesis, palmar radioscaphoid capsulodesis, tendon interposition, or pyrocarbon implant interposition). As compared to STT fusion, excisional arthroplasty is less technically demanding, requires less prolonged immobilization, and has fewer complications.     

Ideal scaphoid angle for intercarpal arthrodesis.

This experimental study was conducted to determine the best scaphoid position, measured as the radioscaphoid (RS) angle for optimum wrist motion after scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) and scaphocapitate (SC) fusion and to assess the implications of radial styloidectomy on motion after STT fusion. STT and SC fusions were simulated in six fresh cadaver hands with the scaphoid in horizontal, neutral, and vertical positions with respect to the long axis of the radius seen on lateral x-rays. RS angle and wrist motion were measured on x-ray films before and after each simulated arthrodesis. Radial deviation and wrist extension increased as the RS angle increased (i.e., increased as the scaphoid became more nearly vertical). Ulnar deviation and flexion decreased as the scaphoid became more nearly horizontal. We found no statistically significant differences in RS angle between SST and SC fusions with respect to ulnar deviation, flexion, or extension. However, radial deviation was more sensitive to RS angle after STT fusion than after SC fusion, but the differences were not statistically significant. The ideal radioscaphoid angle (range) for maximal wrist motion when STT fusion is performed is 41 to 60 degrees; when SC fusion is performed, it is 30 to 57 degrees. Motion is not improved by radial styloidectomy after simulated STT fusion.     

In vivo kinematics of the thumb during flexion and adduction motion: Evidence for a screw‐home mechanism

The thumb plays a crucial role in basic hand function. However, the kinematics of its entire articular chain have not yet been quantified. Such investigation is essential to improve our understanding of thumb function and to develop better strategies to treat thumb joint pathologies. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the in vivo kinematics of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) and scaphotrapezial (ST) joints during flexion and adduction of the thumb. In addition, we want to evaluate the potential coupling between the TMC and ST joints during these tasks. The hand of 16 asymptomatic women without signs of thumb osteoarthritis were CT scanned in positions of maximal thumb extension, flexion, abduction, and adduction. The CT images were segmented and three‐dimensional surface models of the radius, scaphoid, trapezium, and the first metacarpal were created for each thumb motion. The corresponding rotations angles, translations, and helical axes were calculated for each sequence. The analysis shows that flexion and adduction of the thumb result in a three‐dimensional rotation and translation of the entire articular chain, including the trapezium and scaphoid. A wider range of motion is observed for the first metacarpal, which displays a clear axial rotation. The coupling of axial rotation of the first metacarpal with flexion and abduction during thumb flexion supports the existence of a screw‐home mechanism in the TMC joint. In addition, our results point to a potential motion coupling between the TMC and ST joints and underline the complexity of thumb kinematics. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1556–1564, 2017.

     

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis for the treatment of Lichtman stage 3B Kienb?ck disease.

We evaluated the results clinically and radiologically of 10 cases of Lichtman stage 3B Kienb?ck disease treated by scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis alone. We retrospectively reviewed pain, range of movement, grip strength, and physical examination of the wrist as well as subjective satisfaction. We measured carpal height ratio and radioscaphoid angle. The median follow-up period was 53 months (range 10-109). At final evaluation, eight patients reported no pain and two had mild pain. Median range of movement was 60degrees(range 45-70degrees) in extension, 33degrees (range 20-45degrees) in flexion without appreciable loss. Grip strength had improved considerably. Employed patients went back to work within four months. The median final radioscaphoid angle was 67degrees (range 55-81degrees). STT arthrodesis done properly for the right indications for Lichtman stage 3B Kienb?ck disease achieves quick relief of pain and excellent function of the wrist.     

Creating a custom fabricated neoprene orthosis for optimal thumb positioning

Neoprene orthoses are used extensively in treating conditions of the hand when flexibility and support are sought. Devices such as these may be prefabricated from Neoprene alone or may include a thermoplastic or metal stay. Neoprene devices can also be custom fabricated by a practitioner in a time effective manner and at low cost. The custom fabricated orthosis described in this article is designed to support the thumb in a position of palmar abduction and opposition while maintaining CMC extension and an adequately open web space to prevent soft tissue contracture.     

Biomechanical effect of increasing or decreasing degrees of freedom for surgery of trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis: A simulation study

Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint can be treated by arthrodesis and arthroplasty, which potentially decreases or increases the degrees of freedom (DoF) of the joint, respectively. The aim of our study was to bring novel biomechanical insights into these joint surgery procedures by investigating the influence of DoF at the TMC joint on muscle and joint forces in the thumb. A musculoskeletal model of the thumb was developed to equilibrate a 1 N external force in various directions while the thumb assumed key and pulp pinch postures. Muscle and joint forces were computed with an optimization method. In comparison to that of the 2‐DoF (intact joint) condition, muscle forces slightly decreased in the 0‐DoF (arthrodesis) condition, but drastically increased in the 3‐DoF (arthroplasty) condition. TMC joint forces in the 3‐DoF condition were 12 times larger than the 2‐DoF joint. This study contributes to a further understanding of the biomechanics of the intact and surgically repaired TMC joint and addresses the biomechanical consequences of changing a joint's DoF by surgery. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1675–1681, 2011     

Comparison of plantar pressure distribution in CAD–CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses in patients with flexible flatfeet

BackgroundsThe effect of foot orthoses on plantar pressure distribution has been proven by researchers but there are some controversies about advantages of custom-made foot orthoses to less expensive prefabricated foot orthoses.MethodsNineteen flatfeet adults between 18 and 45 participated in this study. CAD–CAM foot orthoses were made for these patients according to their foot scan. Prefabricated foot orthoses were prepared according to their foot size. Plantar pressure, force and contact area were measured using pedar^®-x in-shoe system wearing shoe alone, wearing CAD–CAM foot orthoses and wearing prefabricated foot orthoses. Repeated measures ANOVA model with post-hoc, Bonferroni comparison were used to test differences.ResultsCAD–CAM and prefabricated foot orthoses both decreased pressure and force under 2nd, 3–5 metatarsal and heel regions comparing to shoe alone condition. CAD–CAM foot orthosis increased pressure under lateral toe region in comparison to shoe alone and prefabricated foot orthosis. Both foot orthoses increased pressure and contact area in medial midfoot region comparing to shoe alone condition. Increased forces were seen at hallux and lateral toes by prefabricated foot orthoses in comparison with CAD–CAM foot orthoses and control condition, respectively.ConclusionAccording to the results, both foot orthoses could decrease the pressure under heel and metatarsal area. It seems that the special design of CAD–CAM foot orthoses could not make great differences in plantar pressure distribution in this sample. Further research is required to determine whether these results are associated with different scan systems or design software.     

The use of stock orthoses to assist gait in neuromuscular disorders: a pilot study

This pilot study compares the effect on walking speed, in eight subjects with neuromuscular conditions, of wearing Ligaflex ankle-foot orthoses (AFO), Leafspring orthoses and shoes or with shoes alone. Range of motion, muscle strength and sensation were tested in the lower leg. Subjects underwent a standardized timed 10-m walking test five times in each of the orthoses and shoes as a measure of gait efficiency. A self-administered questionnaire was used to seek the subjects' perceptions of their functional difficulties and their opinions about the relative comfort and stability of these orthoses. Subjects had reduced ranges and strength of dorsiflexion and eversion. Some had proprioceptive deficiencies. Mean walking speed was 0.99 m/s (Leafspring) and 1.1 m/s (Ligaflex or shoes) compared to about 1.3 m/s for a normal population. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that subjects were significantly slower in Leafspring compared to Ligaflex or to shoes. Questionnaire results rated the Leafspring as least comfortable and the Ligaflex most stable. Providing stability may be more important than assisting foot clearance when weakness is restricted to distal muscles. Further research is required to evaluate the comfort and effectiveness of orthoses to compensate for ankle instability in people with neuromuscular conditions.     

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis for the treatment of Lichtman stage 3B Kienböck disease

We evaluated the results clinically and radiologically of 10 cases of Lichtman stage 3B Kienböck disease treated by scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis alone. We retrospectively reviewed pain, range of movement, grip strength, and physical examination of the wrist as well as subjective satisfaction. We measured carpal height ratio and radioscaphoid angle. The median follow-up period was 53 months (range 10–109). At final evaluation, eight patients reported no pain and two had mild pain. Median range of movement was 60° (range 45–70°) in extension, 33° (range 20–45°) in flexion without appreciable loss. Grip strength had improved considerably. Employed patients went back to work within four months. The median final radioscaphoid angle was 67° (range 55–81°). STT arthrodesis done properly for the right indications for Lichtman stage 3B Kienböck disease achieves quick relief of pain and excellent function of the wrist.     

Traumatic dislocations and instability of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb

The surgeon treating traumatic injuries to the TMC joint should be aware of the fundamental misconceptions and pervasive axiomatic myths perpetuated in the medical literature: namely that the volar beak ligament is the prime stabilizer, that the dorsal ligament complex plays no significant role in TMC joint function, and that the APL is a deforming force in Bennett fractures. On the contrary, stability of the TMC joint in power pinch and power grasp depends on the TMC joint's two prime stabilizers, the volar beak of the thumb metacarpal and the dorsal radial ligament complex; and the APL is not a deforming force in a Bennett fracture. Screw-home-torque occurs in the final phase of opposition; the acute Bennett fracture can be treated closed and percutaneously fixed if the screw-home-torque technique is used to anatomically reduce the fracture. After soft tissue interposition, if a semi-acute Bennett fracture is diagnosed late, it should be treated open with a volar approach, the screw-home-torque reduction technique, and screw or pin fixation. Rolando multipart fractures of the thumb metacarpal into the TMC joint are best treated closed, with traction in opposition with pin fixation; pure dislocations of the TMC joint that tear the dorsal ligament complex and Bennett fractures with an associated dorsal ligament complex tear (as diagnosed by the screw-home-torque technique) require open reduction and dorsal ligament complex repair. The current literature is so replete with myths and folklore regarding the anatomy that a conscientious surgeon treating a traumatic dislocation or in-stability of the TMC joint should return to the cadaver room and carefully review and understand TMC joint anatomy.     

Distribution of pressures and forces on the wrist after simulated intercarpal fusion and Kienb?ck's disease.

Limited intercarpal fusion has been recommended for the treatment of Kienb?ck's disease. The effects of a simulated scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) fusion and simulated Kienb?ck's disease on the biomechanics of the radio-ulno-carpal joint were investigated. The percent force, the centroid of the force, and the percent contact area in each fossa were determined. It was found that a STT fusion with the scaphoid in a neutral or extended position unloads the lunate fossa. STT fusion in flexion does not affect lunate load. It is concluded from this biomechanical experiment that STT fusion with the scaphoid in a neutral or extended position unloads the radiolunate joint regardless of the condition of the lunate. This load is shifted to the radioscaphoid articulation.     

Ultrasound for the early diagnosis of clinically suspected scaphoid fracture

PURPOSE: To test the ability of ultrasound to diagnose clinically suspected occult scaphoid fractures. METHODS: Eighteen wrists in 18 patients with an average age of 35 years (range, 10-77 years) were seen in the emergency room, each with a single traumatic wrist injury, snuffbox tenderness, swelling, and a negative wrist x-ray result. They were evaluated in this prospective, blind, controlled study by physical examination, x-ray, and high-resolution ultrasound. One hand surgeon performed the examination, and ultrasounds were read by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Patients were immobilized in a thumb spica splint and then seen in the office 1 to 14 days after the emergency room visit, at which time a repeat physical examination, wrist x-ray, and the single investigative ultrasound were done using the opposite wrist as a control. All patients were immobilized and evaluated until symptoms resolved or x-ray showed scaphoid fracture site resorption or callus, in which case they were kept immobilized until healed. RESULTS: Ultrasound identified correctly 7 of 9 cases that were eventually positive for scaphoid fracture on plain x-ray. Ultrasound was read correctly as negative in 8 of 9 x-ray-negative cases; this was statistically significant. The 1 false-positive case had radioscaphoid arthrosis and radial wrist swelling. Sensitivity was 78% and specificity was 89%. The positive predictive value was 88% and negative predictive value was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that high-frequency ultrasound be used to investigate occult suspected scaphoid fractures because of its ability to allow early diagnosis and to eliminate the need for a more invasive or expensive diagnostic test in most cases.     

Comparison of range-of-motion constraints provided by prefabricated splints used in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot study.

Nocturnal splinting of the wrist is commonly used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Rationales for overnight wrist splinting are based on several research studies, which suggest that passively and actively sustained positions of the wrist and digits during sleep contribute to elevated carpal tunnel pressures. The types of splints used for carpal tunnel syndrome include custom and prefabricated orthoses of many variations. The purpose of this paper is to assess the resting and passive range-of-motion position restrictions and parameters provided by four prefabricated orthoses commonly prescribed for or used by patients at the authors' treatment facility. A literature review provides information that supports optimal wrist and finger positioning to minimize resting carpal tunnel pressures. This information may be useful in determining the most effective splint design choices.     

A quantitative method to measure maximal workspace of the trapeziometacarpal joint--normal model development.

INTRODUCTION: A reliable and quantitative method for measuring motion of the thumb is lacking. In particular, review of the previous methods of motion analysis of the thumb joints shows that there is no objective method for clinicians to assess the impairment of the thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. Based on the concept of the three-dimensional (3-D) space within which the first metacarpal can move relative to the trapezium (a concept of defining and measuring the workspace of the TMC motion), we present a quantitative method for measuring motion and impairment (loss of function) of the TMC joint. METHODS: Twenty normal subjects were recruited in this study. An electromagnetic device was placed over the thumb metacarpal and long finger metacarpal, the 3-D relationship between them previously established. We measured the position and orientation of the TMC motion in space. Maximum movements of the thumb TMC joint in circumduction, flexion-extension and abduction-adduction were used to construct the 3-D maximal workspace of the TMC joint. Mathematical methods were used to verify the model and calculate the maximal workspace. RESULTS: The results of this study demonstrate accurate and repeatable measurement of 3-D TMC motion with high statistical reliability and low variability of the maximal TMC workspace. A statistically significant linear correlation between the maximal surface area and the square of the first metacarpal length was obtained. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a quantitatively comparative measurement of the range of motion of the TMC joint can be obtained with potential to measure motion in joints affected by arthritis or trauma and measured in both dynamic and static positions of the thumb.     

Early osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is not associated with joint instability during typical isometric loading

The saddle‐shaped trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint contributes importantly to the function of the human thumb. A balance between mobility and stability is essential in this joint, which experiences high loads and is prone to osteoarthritis (OA). Since instability is considered a risk factor for TMC OA, we assessed TMC joint instability during the execution of three isometric functional tasks (key pinch, jar grasp, and jar twist) in 76 patients with early TMC OA and 44 asymptomatic controls. Computed tomography images were acquired while subjects held their hands relaxed and while they applied 80% of their maximum effort for each task. Six degree‐of‐freedom rigid body kinematics of the metacarpal with respect to the trapezium from the unloaded to the loaded task positions were computed in terms of a TMC joint coordinate system. Joint instability was expressed as a function of the metacarpal translation and the applied force. We found that the TMC joint was more unstable during a key pinch task than during a jar grasp or a jar twist task. Sex, age, and early OA did not have an effect on TMC joint instability, suggesting that instability during these three tasks is not a predisposing factor in TMC OA. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1639–1645, 2015.     

Longitudinal radiographic analysis of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand and wrist

PURPOSE: To assess the longitudinal radiographic osseous changes of the wrist and hand other than interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid disease. METHODS: Serial wrist and hand x-rays in 96 patients with long-standing rheumatoid disease were reviewed. The average number of years between initial and most recent x-rays was 15.1. The Larsen scoring system was used to assess the degree and severity of joint involvement. We identified patterns of involvement in the wrist, thumb, and finger metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. RESULTS: The radioscaphoid and radiolunate joints had the earliest and most severe progression of all joints studied. Scaphoid erosions often were seen early (27%) and their presence was a predictor of progressive involvement. Ulnar styloid erosions commonly were seen as early isolated findings (25%). The distal radioulnar joint showed a rapid increase in Larsen score and was involved in 78% of patients on late x-rays. The thumb showed considerable late MCP joint disease that often led to boutonniere deformity and the trapeziometacarpal joint had the least rate of progression of all joints studied. The most severely and frequently involved MCP joints were the radial (index and middle), which also had the greatest increase in score over the span of the study. Finger MCP joint disease was observed to progress temporally in a predictable pattern: first radial MCP joints of the dominant hand, followed by the nondominant radial MCP joints, and last the ulnar MCP joints of the nondominant hand with small finger involvement preceding that of the ring finger. Of all MCP joints, the ring finger was least affected. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarified the longitudinal osseous radiographic changes of the wrist and hand (excluding interphalangeal joint) in rheumatoid disease.     

Wrist arthrodesis with intercalated iliac crest graft in mutilans rheumatoid arthritis

In mutilans rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with major wrist destruction, wrist arthrodesis is recommended. This type of arthrodesis needs carpal reconstruction and stable fixation. The goal of this study was to assess the functional and anatomical outcomes of an iliac crest graft and internal fixation with two medullary pins. Six wrists in three patients suffering from RA were reviewed clinically and radiologically at an average follow-up of 25 months. We assessed the fusion of the iliac graft with the radius and the metacarpus, the preoperative and postoperative carpal height, and the bone stock in front of the thumb. All the patients had improved functionally. The iliac graft fused with the radius in all cases and fused with the metacarpus in 5 out of 6 cases; the non-union occurred in the wrist where only one pin was used. Restoration of carpal height was associated with improvements in hand function. The bone stock was sufficient to allow implantation of a trapezial cup during a total arthroplasty of the thumb trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. No major complications occurred. An iliac graft and two pins through the 2nd and 3rd metacarpals were used to reconstruct the carpal height and to obtain wrist fusion. Internal fixation with only one pin is not recommended. Functional improvement can be attributed to the normal tension within the extrinsic flexors and extensors of fingers and thumb being restored because the carpal height was restored. A secondary TMC arthroplasty is theoretically possible.