Optimal position for the one-bone forearm. An analysis using a hinged brace in normal subjects

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is an optimal position for fixation of the one-bone forearm. Eight normal individuals were fitted with a hinged brace which fixed the position of pronation and supination and underwent functional hand testing using the tests of Jebsen et al. Our results indicate that a one-bone forearm in a position of 30 degrees of pronation will provide the best function for writing and working with small objects using the dominant arm.     

Knee arthrodesis with the Sheffield external ring fixator: fusion in 6 of 10 consecutive patients

Background Knee arthrodesis with external fixation (XF) is a possible salvage procedure for infected total knee arthroplasties (TKA). We report the outcome in 10 patients who underwent arthrodesis with the Sheffield Ring Fixator.

Patients and methods The patients had primary arthrosis in 8 cases; 2 cases were due to rheumatoid arthritis and sclerodermia. The mean time between the primary TKA and arthrodesis was 6 (0.5-14) years. The average age at arthrodesis was 69 years. The average follow-up period was 10 months.

Results Stable fusion was obtained in 6 patients after a mean XF time of 3.6 (2-4) months. 1 patient was referred to another hospital because of nonunion. This patient showed fusion with intramedullary nailing after 7 months. 3 nonunion patients required permanent bracing. 7 patients had pin tract infections. Infections healed in all patients.

Interpretation The Sheffield Ring Fixator gives an acceptable fusion rate for arthrodesis in the infected TKA, with limited complications.     

Forearm supination deformity after obstetric paralysis

We retrospectively evaluated 66 patients who had radius osteotomies (44 patients; average age, 79.9 months) or soft tissue procedures (22 patients; average age, 57.4 months) to improve persistent supination at rest secondary to obstetric brachial plexus lesions and select the optimal treatment indication for each patient. Followups averaged 64.3 months and 72.57 months, respectively. In the osteotomy group there was a significant difference when preoperative supination at rest (average 31 degrees), intraoperative pronation obtained (average 114 degrees), and position of the forearm at last followup (average 92 degrees), were compared, whereas in the soft tissue procedures group there was not a significant difference between intraoperative pronation obtained (average 116 degrees) and forearm position at rest at last followup (average 108 degrees). Shoulder function was not affected by any of these interventions. Elbow extension was decreased at the last followup in both groups. Wrist and finger extension were improved in both groups. Complications included two delayed unions, one nonunion, and nine recurrences, all secondary to radius osteotomies. The procedure of choice for each patient must be based on preoperative forearm motion, condition of the proximal and distal radioulnar joints, triceps function, deformities of the shoulder and elbow, and hand function.     

A surgical technique for pediatric forearm pronation: brachioradialis rerouting with interosseous membrane release

PURPOSE: In this study we used a tendon transfer technique (consisting of rerouting of the brachioradialis with interosseous membrane release) to restore active forearm pronation in patients with supination deformity secondary to brachial plexus birth palsy. METHODS: Four children (3 with flexible supination deformities, 1 with a fixed supination deformity) whose ages ranged between 5 and 9 years had brachioradialis rerouting with interosseous membrane release. RESULTS: Mean active forearm rotation was improved from 28 degrees supination before surgery to 49 degrees pronation after surgery. No patient developed elbow contracture during a minimum of 12 months of follow-up evaluation (40 months in 2 patients, 14 months in 1 patient, 12 months in 1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that brachioradialis rerouting combined with interosseous membrane release may be a successful means to correct supination deformity of the forearm.     

Knee arthrodesis with the Sheffield external ring fixator: Fusion in 6 of 10 consecutive patients

Background?Knee arthrodesis with external fixation (XF) is a possible salvage procedure for infected total knee arthroplasties (TKA). We report the outcome in 10 patients who underwent arthrodesis with the Sheffield Ring Fixator.

Patients and methods?The patients had primary arthrosis in 8 cases; 2 cases were due to rheumatoid arthritis and sclerodermia. The mean time between the primary TKA and arthrodesis was 6 (0.5–14) years. The average age at arthrodesis was 69 years. The average follow-up period was 10 months.

Results?Stable fusion was obtained in 6 patients after a mean XF time of 3.6 (2–4) months. 1 patient was referred to another hospital because of nonunion. This patient showed fusion with intramedullary nailing after 7 months. 3 nonunion patients required permanent bracing. 7 patients had pin tract infections. Infections healed in all patients.

Interpretation?The Sheffield Ring Fixator gives an acceptable fusion rate for arthrodesis in the infected TKA, with limited complications.     

Nonunion rate of first metatarsal-phalangeal joint arthrodesis for end-stage hallux rigidus with crossed titanium flexible intramedullary nails and dorsal static staple with immediate weight-bearing

Myriad forms of fixation have been proposed for arthrodesis of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MTPJ). Regardless of the fixation type, nonunion of the arthrodesis site has been purported to be a common complication. We performed a retrospective review of all patients undergoing arthrodesis of the first MTPJ for end-stage hallux rigidus with 2 crossed flexible titanium intramedullary nails and a dorsal static 10-mm titanium staple followed by immediate protected weight-bearing. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the exact internal fixation technique described was employed for end-stage hallux rigidus of the first MTPJ only; preoperative and at least 6 weeks of postoperative weight-bearing radiographs were available; weight-bearing was initiated on the operative foot immediately in a protective shoe; the patient was followed for at least 6 months postoperatively; any complication was documented; and bilateral surgery was not done in the same setting. A total of 42 female patients (51 feet) with a mean age ± SD of 69.4 ± 9.2 years met the inclusion criteria. Complications resulting from technical error during insertion of the crossed titanium flexible intramedullary nails occurred in 3 feet (5.9%), but none led to nonunion or revision surgery. One delayed union (2%) occurred but it ultimately united. The incidence of nonunion after arthrodesis of the first MTPJ consisting of 2 crossed flexible titanium intramedullary nails and a dorsal static 10-mm titanium staple for end-stage hallux rigidus in an exclusively female population was lower than the historic mean for most other fixation techniques. However, methodologically sound prospective cohort studies that focus on the use of isolated arthrodesis of the first MTPJ for end-stage hallux rigidus in both male and female patients are still needed, as are comparisons of the presented technique with other modern osteosynthesis techniques.     

Bone transport for the treatment of infected forearm nonunion

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of infected forearm nonunion by bone transport.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with infected forearm nonunion treated by bone transport. Our study included 10 males and 6 females with a mean of age 38.25 years. The site of bone defects involved 9 radius and 7 ulna. The average length of the bone defects after radical debridement was 3.81 cm (range 2.2–7.5 cm).ResultsThe mean follow-up after removal of the frame was 39.63 months (range 26–55 months). No patient was lost to follow-up. All the patients had bone union and no recurrence of infection was observed. The mean external fixation time was 6.19 months (range 3–10 months), and the mean external fixation index was 1.63 months/cm (range 1.14–2.00 months/cm). The mean degrees of wrist flexion were 49.69° (range 45–55°), and the mean degrees of wrist extension were 50.63° (range 40–60°). The mean degrees of elbow flexion were 143.12° (range 135–150°), and the mean degrees of elbow extension were 4.69° (range 0–20°). The mean degrees of forearm pronation were 82.50° (range 70–90°), and the mean degrees of forearm supination were 83.75° (range 75–90°).ConclusionOur study suggested that bone transport in the treatment of infected forearm nonunion acquired satisfied functional results. Radical debridement is the key step to control bone infection.     

Comparison of pronator tenotomy and pronator rerouting in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Forty-one patients with cerebral palsy and pronation contracture of the forearm were treated with pronator teres rerouting compared with 16 patients who were treated with pronator teres tenotomy. The mean age of patients with pronator tenotomy was 4 years 3 months compared with 7 years 3 months for patients with rerouting. Follow-up averaged 94 months for tenotomy and 21 months for rerouting. Average gain in supination was 78 degrees for rerouting and 54 degrees for tenotomy. No patient lost active range of motion during follow-up. Although pronator teres tenotomy increased active supination of the forearm, greater active supination of the forearm was afforded patients treated with pronator teres rerouting.     

Infected total knee arthroplasty treated with arthrodesis using a modular nail.

Failed treatment of infected total knee replacement presents few attractive surgical options. Knee arthrodesis is challenging surgically and can be complicated by nonunion, malunion, or recurrent infection. Recently, a modular titanium intramedullary nail has been used in an attempt to reduce the incidence of nonunion and the rate of complications. In the present study, a review of the results of knee arthrodesis after infected total knee arthroplasty in 21 patients at three large academic institutions was performed. All patients were followed up for a mean of 2.4 years (range, 2-7.5 years). The mean age of the patients was 64 years. The mean number of previous operations was four (range, 2-9 operations). A solid arthrodesis was achieved without additional surgical treatment in 20 of 21 patients (95%). The mean time to fusion was 6.3 months. The one patient who suffered a nonunion achieved fusion after a subsequent bone grafting procedure. Based on the present study, intramedullary arthrodesis with a coupled titanium nail, is a reliable, effective method of achieving fusion after infection of a total knee arthroplasty. This procedure resulted in a high rate of fusion and a lower rate of complications when compared with traditional methods of arthrodesis.     

Selection of fusion position during forearm arthrodesis

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal position for forearm arthrodesis. We attempted to determine functional difficulties associated with different positions of simulated fusion and whether there was a difference between men and women in their preference for fusion position. The forearms of 30 subjects were immobilized in neutral, 45 degrees supination, and 45 degrees pronation. The subjects performed 2 functional tests in each splint: the Jebsen hand function test and a subjective evaluation of the difficulty of activities of daily living. Each subject was asked to choose a preferred position for forearm fusion. Overall, subjects found the supinated position the most difficult to adapt to; the majority (63.3%) preferred neutral. Based on the results of our study we recommend forearm fusion in neutral or slight pronation. A thorough preoperative activity history and functional assessment may assist in determining the desired forearm arthrodesis position in a given individual.     

External compression of forearm nonunion: A report on 6 cases

We treated 6 patients with 7 cases of aseptic nonunion of the forearm with external fixation and compression (Orthofix®) without open reduction and bone grafting. By turning a screw on the side of the bar, compression was carried out until the nonunion gap was radiographically obliterated, usually within 2 weeks. After compression had stopped, the external fixator was retained during the following period of healing and bone remodeling. Healing of the nonunions was seen after 7 (4-11) weeks. 5 patients obtained normal mobility, while 1 had slightly restricted supination and pronation.     

Use of an intramedullary rod in knee arthrodesis following failed total knee arthroplasty

A retrospective review was conducted of 20 consecutive patients (10 men and 10 women) with failed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) who underwent arthrodesis using an intramedullary rod. Average patient age was 70.5 years. One patient was lost to follow-up, and the remaining 19 patients were evaluated an average of 4.5 years postoperatively (range: 1-24 years). Three patients without infections achieved a solid arthrodesis without complications. In 16 patients, the indication for fusion was an infection, and 12 of these patients had an uncomplicated postoperative course and achieved a solid arthrodesis. Of the remaining 4 patients, 1 required revision for a nonunion, 1 a skin graft, and 2 had recurrence of their infections in the postoperative period. Both patients had positive cultures at attempted arthrodesis. One patient underwent debridement at 3 months, and a solid fusion was obtained. The other patient required rod removal and currently has a nonunion, uses a brace, and is on suppressive antibiotic treatment. An intramedullary rod is the ideal fixation choice for knee arthrodesis in patients with a failed, noninfected TKA; however, in patients with an infection, the infection must be eradicated prior to rod use.     

外固定器结合植骨治疗尺桡骨骨折内固定术后骨不连

目的:探讨单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗尺桡骨骨折内固定术后骨不连的方法及疗效。方法:应用单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗29例尺桡骨骨折钢板和三棱针内固定术后骨不连,其中男19例,女10例;年龄18-60岁,平均28岁。尺骨14例,其中近段4例,中段7例,远段3例;桡骨15例,其中近段4例,中段6例,远段5例。开放性骨折8例,闭合性骨折21例。粉碎性骨折14例,斜形骨折6例,横形骨折9例。结果:全部病例随访6-23个月,平均手术后16周(13-24周)骨折愈合。肘关节活动度均超过屈130°、伸0°,腕关节活动度均达掌屈60°、背伸50°以上;22例前臂旋转功能旋前、旋后均达80°以上,1例旋前40°,1例旋后50°,2例旋前、旋后均受限,总活动度仅80°。术后无尺、桡骨间骨性融合。结论:单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗前臂骨折内固定术后骨不连是一种操作简便,创伤小,固定牢固并发症少的有效方法,治疗期间可早期功能活动。     

Revisionsarthrodesen des oberen Sprunggelenks

OBJECTIVE: Ankle arthrodesis with the foot at 90 degrees with minimal as possible leg shortening. Regain of a pain-free use of the limb. INDICATIONS: Failure of arthrodesis, septic or aseptic in origin, accompanied by pain interfering with weight bearing. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General surgical or anesthesiologic risks. Acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Significant arterial circulatory disturbances or extensive neurologic deficits. Extensive bone or soft-tissue defects after previous surgeries. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Approach using existing scars. Resection of nonunion making allowance for the planned position of arthrodesis. Removal of all necrotic bony and soft tissue. Posterior translation of talus by 1 cm. Autogenous bone grafting of major defects. Temporary fixation with a Kirschner wire with the foot at 90 degrees in the sagittal plane, in 0 degrees in the frontal plane, and 10-20 degrees of external rotation. Application of an external fixator, removal of Kirschner wire and compression of resection surfaces. If needed, apposition of cancellous bone harvested from iliac crest. Suction drain. Wound closure. RESULTS: Revision of arthrodesis in 13 men and three women (average age 48 years [27-76 years]). Average follow-up 10.8 months (3-26 months). In spite of problematic preoperative conditions (local infection eight times, malposition five times) a bony consolidation occurred in 15 of 16 patients, 14 times in a perfect position. Average leg shortening 2.8 cm (1-8.5 cm). Satisfactory soft-tissue healing in twelve patients. Superficial ulceration in two patients, fistula in one. Successful repeat revision of arthrodesis in one patient on account of persisting nonunion and infection.     

Results of calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis

BackgroundOne powerful method of reconstructing an adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis. We performed a retrospective review of a small series of patients who underwent a calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis with a femoral head allograft.Materials and methodsSixteen feet (14 patients) were identified with an average follow up of 23 months (8–39 months) and an average age of 43 years (16–60 years). A calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis was performed with a femoral head allograft, secured with a 3 hole 1/3 tubular plate with 7 of the grafts being supplemented with platelet rich plasma (PRP). Patients were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks with an additional 6 weeks in a walking cast or boot. Plain radiographs and if necessary a CT or MRI were used to evaluate for union.ResultsSeven of the 16 feet developed a nonunion. Five of 9 patients without PRP developed a nonunion vs 2 of 7 patients where PRP was used.ConclusionDue to the unacceptably high complication rate with this procedure, the authors have abandoned this procedure. If an allograft is to be used for a calcaneocuboid arthrodesis, the authors strongly recommend using rigid locking fixation with a longer period of protected immobilization.     

Biomechanic comparison of 3 tendon transfers for supination of the forearm

PURPOSE: Flexion-pronation of the hand and the forearm is a common deformity when the upper extremity is affected by cerebral palsy. Solutions used to improve the pronation deformity and increase supination include transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor carpi radialis brevis, pronator teres rerouting, and brachioradialis rerouting. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanic efficacy of these 3 tendon transfers in simulated supination in cadaveric forearms. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen adult cadaveric above-elbow upper extremities were used. In each specimen the 3 tendon transfers were performed sequentially in random order and were loaded in increments of 4 N (1 lb) to a maximum of 36 N (8 lb). Measurements were recorded from the starting point of 90 degrees of pronation. Statistical analysis of the data included the Student t test with the Bonferoni correction. RESULTS: For all transfers, supination increased in a nonlinear manner as the load was increased in a nonlinear manner. For the flexor carpi ulnaris transfer, the forearm reached its neutral position at a load of 9 N (2 lb). The forearm continued to rotate to up to 84 degrees of supination with 36 N (8 lb) of load. With the brachioradialis transfer, the forearm reached its neutral position at 13 N (3 lb) of load and continued to rotate to up to 33 degrees of supination with 36 N of load. With the pronator teres transfer, the forearm never reached the neutral position. Under a maximum load of 36 N, only 55 degrees of rotation from full pronation was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensor carpi radialis brevis proved to be the most effective transfer for producing supination in cadavers. The brachioradialis transfer was second best. The pronator teres rerouting was the least effective transfer in effecting simulated supination in this experiment.     

Long-term follow-up of the one-bone forearm procedure

The one-bone forearm procedure can be a successful salvage option for forearm stability in selected patients and is indicated if instability and bone loss are irreparable by other means. We report a case of a dysfunctional arm secondary to radical débridement of the ulna after osteomyelitis treated successfully with a one-bone forearm procedure and followed up for 8 years.     

Surgical treatment of aseptic nonunion in long bones: review of 193 cases

The surgical treatment of aseptic nonunion often represents a more challenging situation for the orthopaedic surgeon than treatment of the primary fracture. In fact, it may be necessary not only to "rivitalize" the nonunion area, but also to exchange the bone fixation devices and to place some refill material in the bone gap. Several surgical techniques and different kinds of bone gap refills have been reported in the literature for the treatment of long bone nonunion. We present the results of 193 cases of long bone nonunion that have been treated in a period of 11 years (1992–2003) by a mostly open approach to the nonunion site with or without autologous bone graft interposition. The site (27 humerus, 44 forearm, 48 femur, 74 tibia) and the type of nonunion (179 atrophic, 19 hypertrophic) were considered in the surgical planning as were the mechanic and biological problems. New osteosynthesis was performed in 139 cases: with plate and screws in 82 cases, with intramedullary nails in 31 cases, with external fixators in 15 cases and with other devices in 11 cases (e.g. interfragmentary screws, k-wires). Cancellous or corticocancellous bone graft, always autologous from the iliac crest or from the anterior tibial tuberosity, was used in 183 cases (94.8%). Healing of the nonunion was successful in 179 cases (92.7%) in a mean time of 5.8 months. 14 patients (7.2%), all atrophic nonunion, healed with further surgery in a mean time of 19.2 months. Best results were obtained by the use of the intramedullary nail (31 cases): 99% healed in 5.2 months for the lower limb and 100% healed in 7.4 months for the upper limb. Good results have been achieved by plate (82 cases): 89.5% healed in 4.5 months for the lower limb and 94.1% in 6 months for the upper one. The worst results were observed with external fixation (15 cases). However, this device was used in the most complex situations, when severe soft tissue sufference was present. In this group, the mean healing time was 7.1 months (69.2% of cases) in the lower limb and 8 months (50%) in the upper one. Bone graft alone (54 cases) led to healing in 34 of 35 cases (97%) in the lower limb in 6 months and in 17 of 19 cases (89.4%) in 6.4 months in the upper limb.     

Corrective osteotomies of the radius and ulna for supination contracture of the pediatric and adolescent forearm secondary to neurologic injury

PURPOSE: To present the authors' experience with internal fixation of the radius and ulna as a surgical option for correction of supination contracture of the forearm. METHODS: Twelve patients (13 limbs) had an osteotomy of the radius and ulna for a supination deformity secondary to a residual brachial plexus or spinal cord injury. Surgery consisted of proximal ulna and distal radius osteotomies combined with plate fixation. RESULTS: The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11 years. Five limbs had fixed supination deformities and 8 limbs lacked pronation beyond neutral. The average preoperative supination deformity (either fixed or measured at midarc) was 76 degrees. The average intraoperative correction was 86 degrees. The average follow-up period was 16 months. The average midrange resting position maintained at final follow-up evaluation was 2 degrees of pronation. All limbs ultimately obtained radiographic and clinical union of the osteotomy sites. Complications included 6 plate fractures; however, only 1 patient required revision internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a proximal ulna and distal radius osteotomy with internal fixation can provide excellent correction, but the implant must be strong enough to hold the osteotomies rigidly in the corrected position during the time needed for union. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Massive allograft replacement of hemiarticular traumatic defects of the elbow

Four elbow osteoarticular allografts were done for four patients as salvage procedures for unreconstructable elbow fracture malunions. With a mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 12 to 72 months) all elbows were stable, free of pain, and had mean motion of 130 degrees active flexion and 27 degrees of flexion deformity, 67 degrees pronation and 62 degrees supination (preoperative mean: 104 degrees flexion, 42 degrees flexion contracture, 20 degrees pronation, and 34 degrees supination). Complications occurred in two elbows. One had a deep infection necessitating graft removal and subsequent regrafting. The second had an olecranon osteotomy nonunion. Elbow allografting is recommended as a salvage procedure for massive posttraumatic articular defects, bone loss, or malunion when neither arthrodesis nor conventional arthroplasty is indicated.