Revascularization procedures for Kienböck disease

The goals of treatment in Kienb?ck disease include preservation of wrist function, maintaining normal wrist kinematics, and revascularization of the necrotic lunate when and if possible. A variety of pedicled vascularized bone graft options exist and include but are not limited to pedicled grafts from the volar radius, dorsal radius, metacarpal heads or bases, and pisiform. Of the various treatment options, pedicled vascularized bone grafts from the dorsal distal radius based on the fourth and fifth extensor compartment arteries has been successful in the revascularization of the necrotic lunate at our institution. Vascularized bone grafting is an attractive alternative to conventional bone grafting by improving the local biological environment and thereby promoting revascularization. Recent advances in the anatomy and physiology of vascularized pedicled bone grafts have increased our ability to apply them to the treatment of Kienb?ck disease. The purpose of this article is to describe the various types of pedicled vascularized bone graft available, to detail the vascular anatomy of the dorsal distal radius, and to describe the surgical technique of our preferred vascularized bone graft (the fourth+fifth extensor compartment artery graft). In addition, the indications, contraindications, and outcomes are described.     

The use of the 4 + 5 extensor compartmental vascularized bone graft for the treatment of Kienböck's disease

PURPOSE: The use of vascularized bone grafts for the treatment of Kienb?ck's disease may prevent ongoing lunate collapse and provide relief of wrist symptomatology. This study examines our experience with the use of the 4 + 5 extensor compartmental artery (ECA) bone graft for the treatment of Kienb?ck's disease. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients having pedicled vascularized bone grafts for Kienb?ck's disease between 1991 and 2002. Only those patients who had reconstruction with a 4 + 5 ECA graft were included in the study. Presurgical and postsurgical measurements included range of motion, grip strength, and pain evaluation. Measurements of the radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, Stahl's index, and carpal height ratio were taken from presurgical and final follow-up radiographs. Postsurgical magnetic resonance imaging scans were also examined to verify revascularization of the lunate. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the effects of lunate revascularization on radiographic progression of disease. Twenty-six 4 + 5 ECA vascularized bone grafts were performed as treatment for Kienb?ck's disease. The average patient age was 32 years. At the time of surgery 12 patients were graded as stage II, 10 as IIIA, and 4 as IIIB. Mean follow-up time was 31 months. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 3 months, motion improved from 68% to 71% of the unaffected side, grip strength improved from 50% to 89% of the unaffected side, and 92% of patients had significant improvement in their pain. Satisfactory results were seen in 85% of patients based on the Lichtman outcome score. Seventy-seven percent of patients showed no further collapse on postsurgical radiographs. Sixty-five percent of patients had follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scans at a mean of 20 months after surgery. Seventy-one percent of patients showed evidence of revascularization with improvement in the T2 and/or T1 signal. CONCLUSIONS: The 4 + 5 ECA bone graft provides a reliable alternative for the treatment of Kienb?ck's disease and may aid in lunate revascularization.     

Vascularized bone grafts from the palmar radius for the treatment of waist nonunions of the scaphoid

PURPOSE: With their intrinsic vascularity vascularized bone grafts provide an alternative solution to the challenging problem of scaphoid nonunions. The union rate (after imaging evaluation including magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and functional outcome of using vascularized bone grafts pedicled on the palmar carpal epiphyseal artery for waist nonunions of the scaphoid are reported in this prospective case series. METHODS: The technique was applied to 9 waist nonunions resulting from fractures. The mean time elapsed from the initial injury to the procedure was 22 months and the mean follow-up time was 24 months. The graft was pedicled on the artery running at the distal edge of the pronator quadratus and was inserted in the nonunion as an intercalary graft. Six patients had postoperative MRIs to evaluate fracture healing and graft incorporation. RESULTS: Union was accomplished in all cases between 6 and 12 weeks. Postoperative MRI showed the viability of the graft (contrast-enhanced images) and confirmed union and graft incorporation. Complete absence of pain was noted in all patients. The Mayo modified wrist score increased from 63 to 92 after surgery and according to this score results were excellent in 5 patients and good in 4. CONCLUSIONS: Vascularized bone grafts from the anterior radius lead to rapid union and consolidation in cases of waist nonunion. Postoperative MRI confirms viability of the graft, union, and graft incorporation. The approach is limited to the distal radius and wrist and lacks donor site morbidity. The interposition of the graft from the palmar side allows correction of the humpback deformity and patients regain carpal height, grip strength, and painless motion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Scaphoid nonunions treated by Kuhlmann's vascularized bone graft: radiographic outcomes and complications

During the last few years, several types of vascularized bone grafts have been described for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions reporting rates of union often higher than 90%. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results, complications and failures of Kuhlmann's vascularized bone graft. Thirty patients who had benefited from this graft between 2000 and 2005 were reexamined. The average age was 27 years (15-66 years). Seventeen patients were smokers. There were two cases of proximal pole necrosis. The average follow-up was 28 months (eight to 60 months). Osteosynthesis was carried out in 23 cases using a Herbert screw, in seven times with pins alone. Average immobilization time was six weeks. Twenty-two nonunions healed, that is to say a 73% union rate. Neither of the two cases of proximal pole necrosis cases united. Two articular radius fractures occurred during the harvesting of the graft. Five patients underwent a second intervention after this vascularized bone graft: four proximal row carpectomies and one conventional bone graft. Our union rate is disappointing, particularly compared to nonvascularized bone grafts for which the success rate is usually higher than 80%. This technique has many advantages thanks to its unique volar approach, but its realization requires a learning curve and important complications can occur at the beginning of experiment.     

以第一、二伸肌腱鞘支持带上动脉为血管蒂的桡骨瓣治疗舟骨骨不连

目的 探讨以第一、二伸肌腱鞘支持带上动脉(1,2 ICSRA)为血管蒂的桡骨瓣带蒂逆行转移治疗舟骨骨不连的手术指征、技术和疗效.方法 2007年2月至2010年10月,我科对15例舟骨骨不连患者,应用以1,2 ICSRA为血管蒂的桡骨瓣远端蒂转移植骨内固定进行治疗.其中腰部骨不连9例,近端骨不连6例.9例伴有近端骨折块缺血性坏死;3例伴有舟状骨弓背畸形及嵌入体背伸不稳(DISI);2例伴有桡骨茎突关节炎表现.所有病例均采用腕桡侧纵形切口,13例予以交叉克氏针内固定,2例行单枚Herbert螺钉附加1枚克氏针固定.12例将带血管蒂植骨块从舟骨背侧嵌插植入,3例将植骨块楔形修整后自舟骨掌侧植入.术后随访骨折愈合时间、腕痛、腕关节活动度及握力等情况.结果 术后随访时间为6～ 21个月,平均13个月,2例失访.所有随访病例X线片显示舟骨均获得骨性愈合,平均愈合时间为14.2周.所有患者腕痛消失,腕关节屈曲(59.92±4.82)°,背伸(49.73±4.58)°.根据改良的Mayo腕关节功能评分标准评定:优9例,良2例,可2例;优良率为84.6％.结论 以1,2 ICSRA为血管蒂的桡骨瓣逆行转移植骨手术,能促进舟骨骨不连的愈合,特别对有近端骨块缺血性坏死的患者疗效显著.     

Reconstruction of large posttraumatic skeletal defects of the forearm by vascularized free fibular graft

Vascularized bone graft is most commonly applied for reconstruction of the lower extremity; indications for its use in the reconstruction of the upper extremity have expanded in recent years. Between 1993-2000, 12 patients with segmental bone defects following forearm trauma were managed with vascularized fibular grafts: 6 males and 6 females, aged 39 years on average (range, 16-65 years). The reconstructed site was the radius in 8 patients and the ulna in 4. The length of bone defect ranged from 6-13 cm. In 4 cases, the fibular graft was harvested and used as a vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap. To achieve fixation of the grafted fibula, plates were used in 10 cases, and screws and Kirschner wires in 2. In the latter 2 cases, an external skeletal fixator was applied to ensure immobilization of the extremity. The follow-up period ranged from 10-93 months. Eleven grafts were successful. The mean period to obtain radiographic bone union was 4.8 months (range, 2.5-8 months). Fibular grafts allow the use of a segment of diaphyseal bone which is structurally similar to the radius and ulna and of sufficient length to reconstruct most skeletal defects of the forearm. The vascularized fibular graft is indicated in patients with intractable nonunions where conventional bone grafting has failed or large bone defects, exceeding 6 cm, are observed in the radius or ulna.     

Vascularized bone graft from the index metacarpal for Kienb?ck's disease: a case report.

A vascularized bone graft from the head and neck of the index metacarpal bone was used for the treatment of stage IIIA Kienb?ck's disease in a 20-year-old woman. Three months after surgery pain had disappeared and wrist range of motion improved. Postoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging revealed revascularization and fracture healing of the lunate bone. This technique has not been used in the treatment of Kienb?ck's disease; it may be useful in selected cases.     

Stage 3 Kienböck's disease: reconstruction of the fractured lunate using a free vascularized iliac bone graft and external fixation

Eighteen patients with stage 3 Kienb?ck's disease were treated by débridement of the necrotic core of the lunate and implantation of a free vascularized corticocancellous iliac bone. The wrist was stabilized with an external fixator during healing. The efficiency of the procedure for restoring the structure of the fractured lunate, preventing carpal collapse and improving the clinical outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 5 years. The graft became incorporated in the lunate in 16 of the 18 patients and no fracture of the reconstructed lunate or carpal collapse occurred in these cases. The graft did not integrate and was resorbed in the other two patients.     

带血管蒂豌豆骨瓣移位治疗月骨缺血性坏死的中长期疗效评估

目的 评估带血管蒂豌豆骨移位治疗月骨缺血性坏死的中长期疗效.方法 1993年7月至2005年6月,采用月骨切除带血管蒂豌豆骨移位治疗月骨缺血性坏死患者11例,男6例,女5例;年龄20～67岁,平均(41.0±14.3)岁.Lichtman月骨缺血性坏死分期:Ⅲa期4例,Ⅲb期5例,Ⅳ期2例.末次随访时评估腕痛主观感受、视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)、患侧腕关节活动度(range of motion,ROM)、握力、Cooney腕关节功能评分及影像学变化.结果 患者随访61～202个月,平均(104.1±48.4)个月.10例患者腕痛缓解,7例达到基本无痛.疼痛VAS评分(2.2±1.9)分.患侧腕ROM为健侧的65.3%,握力为健侧的84.3%.Cooney腕关节功能评分优1例、良7例、可2例、差1例,优良率72.7%.X线片显示8例豌豆骨植入位置正常,2例向掌侧移位,1例向尺侧移位,舟豌豆间隙增宽;6例豌豆骨有正常骨小梁结构,3例萎缩变扁,2例有硬化改变;3例有骨关节炎改变.腕高比值、Nattrass指数较术前明显降低,桡舟角较术前增大,差异有统计学意义.结论 采用月骨切除带血管蒂豌豆骨移位是治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ期月骨缺血性坏死的一种有效方法.术后虽可出现腕骨塌陷,但患者主观满意度高,握力好.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy of vascularized pisiform transfer for patients with Kienb(o)ck's disease in Lichtman stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Methods Eleven patients were reviewed to analyze results after lunate resection and vascularized pisiform transfer for Lichtman stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ. There were six men and five women. Age ranged from 20 to 67 years with a average of 41.0±14.3 years. According to Lichtman stage. There were 4 cases in stage Ⅲa, 5 cases in stage Ⅲb, and 2 cases in stage Ⅳ. Assessment criteria included subjective assessment of pain, visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM), grip power,Cooney wrist score and radiographic changes on each follow-up visit. The radiographic changes including pis iform bone location, shape, sclerosis change, osteoarthritis, carpal height ratio, Nattrass index, Radioscaphoid angle and ulnar variance were recorded. Results The follow-up periods of all of cases were 61-202 months,with an average of 104.1 months. Pain had improved in 10 patients and disappeared in 7 cases. The VAS score was 2.2±1.9 at follow-up visit. Range of motion of injured wristw as only 65.3% of opposite side. Grip power was 84.3% of the contralateral hand. According to Cooney score, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 7cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 case, with the excellent and good rate of 72.7%. Radiologically, 8 cases had normal position of the pisiform bone, 2 had volar displacement and 1 had ulnar displacement which leaded to widen scaphopisiform space. Six pisiform bones had normal trabecular structure, three had degenerative changes. Bone sclerosis was seen in 2 cases and osteoarthritis was found in 3 patients. Compared with radiographic parameter before surgery, carpal height ratio and Nattrass index significantly lowered and radioscaphoid angle significantly increased. Conclusion Lunate resection and vascularized pisiform transfer is an effective method for Kienb(o)k′s disease in stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Although carpal collapse appeared postoperatively,the results show high patient satisfaction and good function after vascularized bone transplantation.     

Osteonecrosis of the trapezium treated with a vascularized distal radius bone graft

A 20-year-old man presented with early stage osteonecrosis of the trapezium, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. A vascularized distal radius bone graft was performed, with good clinical and radiologic results over a 1-year follow-up period. The authors believe that a vascularized distal radius bone graft is an ideal treatment for early stage carpal bone necrosis.     

Intraosseous ganglia of the scaphoid and lunate bones: report of 15 cases in 13 patients.

Thirteen patients with 15 intraosseous carpal ganglia (6 scaphoid and 9 lunate cases) are reported. Eleven cases had cortical defects communicating the bone cysts either with the joint space or a coexisting soft tissue ganglion. Nine cysts were primary or idiopathic; soft tissue ganglia were found in 6 secondary cases and anatomic continuity of the intraosseous and extraosseous components through cortical defects was present. Treatment consisted of curettage of the cyst wall and cancellous bone grafting. Approaching lunate cysts through a small opening in the scapholunate interosseous ligament is described. Results were analyzed in 12 cases with at least 1 year of follow-up; the average follow-up period in these cases was 47 months (range, 12-119 months). Results were very good in all but 1 patient, who suffered a partial lunate collapse, which resulted in mild lunocapitate osteoarthritis. No graft reabsorption or recurrence was seen in the control radiographs obtained throughout the follow-up period.     

Microsurgical reconstruction of the scaphoid and lunate bones with small, free vascularized iliac crest bone grafts

The primary surgical goal in repairing a scaphoid nonunion, particularly one associated with avascular fragments, or reconstructing the lunate is to prevent progressive carpal collapse. In patients with persistent nonunion of the scaphoid and progressive aseptic necrosis of the lunate bone, reconstruction can be managed with a small microvascular iliac crest bone transfer. This retrospective study reports on the anatomical fundamentals, the operative procedure (particularly the harvesting of the bone flap and microsurgery), the assessment of the viability of the bone graft and the postoperative results in 80 out of a total of 210 patients on whom the surgery had been performed. From 1985 until 1998, 210 carpal bone reconstructions (134 scaphoid bones and 76 lunate bones) were performed using small, free vascularized iliac crest bone grafts. Of these, 80 patients were preoperatively evaluated and postoperatively followed up clinically and by means of conventional radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The total rate of viability and bony union was 91.2%. This means a bone flap loss-rate and, consequently, a progressive arthrosis/necrosis/persistent nonunion of 8.8%. The patients who had vital reconstructed carpal bones did not report pain, but motion and grip strength were decreased as compared with the uninvolved side. This procedure offers stability and vascularity to treat avascular scaphoid nonunion and has proved beneficial in achieving union in avascular scaphoid pseudoarthrosis and lunate necrosis. It can be considered to be the definitive alternative technique. The high rate of union and the absence of progressive carpal arthrosis are the best evidence for the vascularity of the bone graft.     

Anomalous supratendinous course of the fifth extensor compartment artery: a case report

Vascularized bone grafts have been successfully used in the treatment of carpal bone nonunion and avascular necrosis. The 4 + 5 extensor compartmental vascularized bone graft based on the fourth extensor compartment artery with retrograde blood flow through the fifth extensor compartment artery is the pedicle of choice for vascularized bone grafting of the lunate. This case report describes an anomalous supratendinous course of the fifth extensor compartment artery. The recognition of this anatomic variant is important for the safe dissection of the fifth extensor compartment artery.     

第一、二伸肌室间支持带上动脉为血管蒂的楔形骨瓣转移治疗舟骨骨不连

目的 探讨以第1,2伸肌室间支持带上动脉(1,2 ICSRA)为血管蒂的楔形骨瓣转移治疗舟骨骨不连伴背侧镶嵌不稳定(DISI)的技术和疗效.方法 对12例舟骨骨不连伴背侧镶嵌不稳定的患者,设计并应用1,2 ICSRA为血管蒂的楔形骨瓣进行治疗,采用腕背侧单一切口同时完成畸形矫正和骨瓣转移.术后随访骨折愈合时间、腕痛状况,比较手术前后腕关节活动度、握力、腕骨排列情况.结果 术后随访时间为6～24个月,平均12个月.X线片显示舟骨骨折均获得骨性愈合,愈合率为100%,平均愈合时间为11.3周.11例患者腕痛消失;1例腕痛持续,经行桡骨茎突切除后好转.12例术后头月骨间角、舟月骨间角、腕高指数恢复正常;腕关节屈伸、桡尺偏活动度接近术前的2倍,握力为术前的3.5倍.结论 1,2 ICSRA为血管蒂的楔形骨瓣转移能促进舟骨愈合,矫正骨折成角,有利于腕部生理力学的重建,是治疗舟骨骨不连伴DISI的有效方法.     

吻合血管的腓骨近端移植修复桡骨远端骨肿瘤切除术后骨缺损

目的 评价吻合血管的腓骨近端移植修复桡骨远端骨肿瘤切除术后骨缺损的方法及治疗效果.方法 对12例桡骨远端骨肿瘤患者行桡骨远端切除,应用吻合血管的腓骨近端移植修复骨缺损并重建桡腕关节.术后对肢体功能及影像学进行评价.结果 12例患者均获随访,时间1～9年.腕关节平均活动度:掌屈30.3°±6.5°,背伸 52.1°±8.7°,尺偏 19.2°±3.6°,桡偏 12.3°±2.1°,旋前 32.1°±4.2°,旋后 21.2°±3.9°.按Enneking标准评价肢体功能:优4例,良6例,一般2例.移植腓骨均在3～6个月达到骨性愈合.5例出现不同程度的下尺桡关节分离,3例出现桡腕关节半脱位.肿瘤无复发.结论 吻合血管的腓骨近端移植是治疗桡骨远端骨肿瘤切除术后骨缺损的有效方法.     

Vascularized bone grafting and mini-acutrak fixation of scaphoid non-unions with avascular proximal pole

Objectives

We studied the use of vascularized bone graft as described by Zaidemberg et al. in combination with a fixation as described by Carter et al. in patients with scaphoid non-union and avascular proximal poles. We modified this method using a cannulated mini-acutrak screw.

Methods

Between January 2006 and June 2010, we treated 12 male patients with symptomatic scaphoid non-union with avascular proximal poles. Their average age was 26 years (range 18–47 years). The average follow-up was 16 months (range 6–52 months). All the patients were assessed for any persistent pain including grade of pain, any restriction of daily activities, and osteoarthritis.

Results

All patients achieved union within an average of 15 weeks (range 6–32 weeks). In all cases we encountered the 1, 2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1, 2 ICSRA) intraoperative. X-rays and CT showed a complete osseous union in all patients.

Conclusions

We have found that the technique described which combines vascularized bone graft with cannulated mini-acutrak screw, is reliable and successful in treating patients with scaphoid non-unions with avascular poles. We prefer to use the vessel described by Zaidemberg et al. as the 1, 2 ICSRA. If this vessel is occasionally absent (present in 94%), as noted by Sheetz et al., other pedicles may be used.     

桡骨远端骨瓣转移治疗晚期月骨无菌性坏死

目的 报告以桡动脉腕背分支为蒂的桡骨远端骨瓣转移治疗晚期月骨无菌性坏死的手术方法及初步疗效.方法 对2例晚期(Ⅳ期)月骨无菌性坏死患者,采用桡动脉腕背分支为蒂的桡骨远端骨瓣转移治疗.术后随访患者症状、腕关节活动度和腕关节影像学的改变,并用Krimmer 评分表和DASH评分表进行功能评定.结果 2例患者随访时间分别为3年和6个月,静息时疼痛均已消失,活动时疼痛程度减低.影像学表现:例1患者X线片月骨可见高密度坏死骨质已吸收,有新骨质形成;例2患者MRI显示坏死骨和腕骨塌陷无进一步进展.2例腕关节功能按Krimmer评分、DASH评分均较术前有明显的改善.结论 桡动脉腕背分支为蒂的桡骨远端骨瓣转移术治疗晚期月骨无菌性坏死.初步疗效良好.