Surgical treatment of the boutonniere rheumatoid thumb deformity

The boutonniere deformity is the most common rheumatoid thumb deformity. Its treatment is based on the type or stage of the deformity. We have reviewed our recent cases which are the basis for our current recommendations. MP joint synovectomy and EPL rerouting have a high recurrence rate of 64 per cent. MP joint fusion is the procedure of choice for the moderate type with isolated MP joint involvement. There is a low incidence of later IP joint collapse. MP joint arthroplasty is best suited for the low-demand, older patient with borderline proximal and distal joints. IP joint releases have a high degree of recurrence and are not recommended. In a low-demand patient with an advanced thumb, MP joint arthroplasty and IP joint fusion are the procedures of choice.     

The boutonniere deformity.

Understanding the pathophysiology of the boutonniere deformity requires a complete understanding of the anatomy of the dorsal tendon apparatus. This unique tendon mechanism often becomes unbalanced, requiring correction of its components. Splinting is the cornerstone of treatment for the boutonniere deformity. In the acute stage, splinting ensures that the continuity of the central tendon to its insertion into the middle phalanx is maintained, and in the chronic stage, its function is to correct the flexion contracture of the PIP joint and stretch the retinacular ligaments. Splinting is also important postoperatively because it permits healing of the central tendon and lateral bands in their correct anatomic positions. Without proper splinting, the patient with the boutonniere deformity could not be successfully treated. Frequently, surgery is necessary, and the choice of procedure depends on the stage of the condition and the extent of the defect in the extensor tendon mechanism. The procedure also depends on the success of the splinting program and stretching of the tight retinacular structures. If passive joint mobility can be restored and if tendon imbalance and retinacular tightness persist, rebalancing is necessary. This rebalancing can be accomplished by a tenotomy of the terminal extensor tendon, a lysis or release of the retinacular structures, or release of the insertion of the extensor tendon at the base of the proximal phalanx. Reconstituting the defect in the central tendon over the PIP joint is accomplished by using a variety of procedures, including mobilization and advancement of the more proximal portion of the central tendon, shifting the lateral bands, or a tendon graft.     

Treatment of boutonniere finger deformity in rheumatoid arthritis

Boutonniere finger deformities occur frequently in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The deformity consists of flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint and hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint. Treatment decisions are based on the degree of joint deformity, joint motion, passive joint correctability, and the status of the articular surface. Treatment options can then be based on the classification of the deformity; options consist of corrective splinting, injections, synovectomy, terminal tenotomy, extensor reconstruction, or salvage surgery (arthrodesis or arthroplasty).     

A staged technique for the repair of the traumatic boutonniere deformity

A step-by-step approach to the systematic management of chronic boutonniere deformity due to trauma is presented. If surgical intervention is necessary, the problem should be approached one step at a time. The following stages are described: stage I, tendolysis of the extensor tendon and freeing of the transverse retinacular ligament; stage II, sectioning of the transverse retinacular ligament; stage III, tendon lengthening of the lateral bands over the middle phalanx; and stage IV, repair of the central extensor tendon. After managing 23 patients according to this plan, we have concluded that it is frequently unnecessary to automatically go through all four stages in treating chronic traumatic boutonniere deformity. We found that 17 patients were successfully managed by some combination of stages I, II, and III, and six patients received adequate treatment with stages I, II, and IV.     

Treatment of bony boutonniere deformity with a loop wire

Boutonniere deformity associated with a dorsal avulsion fracture of the central slip overlying the proximal interphalangeal joint results in loss of extension of the joint and hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal joint. This article reports a surgical technique for treatment of the injury in 21 digits, which involves application of loop stainless steel wire. We also present the long-term results using the technique on the digits. Loop wire fixation is a successful surgical technique for the treatment of displaced central slip avulsion fracture.     

Boutonniere rheumatoid thumb deformity

The boutonniere deformity is the most common rheumatoid thumb deformity. It can be classified into early, moderate, and advanced types, depending on whether the deformity is passively correctable. Fifty-three patients with 74 procedures form the basis of these recommendations. The early type treated with metacarpophalangeal joint synovectomy and extensor pollicis longus rerouting have a high recurrence rate of 64%. Metacarpophalangeal joint fusion is the procedure of choice for the moderate type with isolated metacarpophalangeal joint involvement. Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty is best suited for the low-demand, older patients with borderline proximal and distal joints. Interphalangeal joint releases done with metacarpophalangeal joint fusions have a high recurrence rate and are not recommended. In advanced cases metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty and interphalangeal joint fusion is our procedure of choice.     

钮扣状畸形的手术治疗

目的：介绍一种矫正钮扣状畸形的新方法。作者称之为“折叠还原法”。方法：将断裂后由纤维组织相连而延长的中央腱束，游离后折叠缝合；用细克氏针将近侧指间关节固定于充分伸展位，在远侧指间关节处于 ４５度时，将两侧腱束还原到正常解剖位置缝合。结果：本组共 １９例，按 Ｃａｒｏｌｉ［１］的评定标准，优１２例，良４例，可３例，总优良率为８４％（１６／１９）。结论：该术式能恢复伸肌装置的正常解剖关系，手术简便，是矫正创伤后钮扣状畸形的一种有效方法。在选择该术式时，伤指指关节被动活动必须正常。     

Traumatic thumb carpometacarpal joint dislocations

Isolated traumatic dislocation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, also called the trapeziometacarpal joint, is a rare injury. Controversy still exists concerning which ligaments are the true key stabilizers for the joint and therefore need to be damaged to result in dislocation, and optimal treatment strategies for thumb carpometacarpal joint dislocations are the subject of continuing debate. We give a review of the literature concerning traumatic dislocations of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb and propose a treatment algorithm.     

Surgical treatment for boutonniere deformity of the fingers. Retrospective study of 47 patients]

Disruption or laceration of the central slip of the extensor tendon at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint with volar displacement of the lateral bands can result in the so-called boutonniere deformity which includes loss of extension at the PIP joint and compensatory hyperextension of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Many procedures has been described in the literature and no standard treatment can be recommended. The authors reports a series of 47 cases of posttraumatic boutonniere deformity. The mean follow-up was five years. Majority of patients were males (38 males). The mean age was 41 years-old (17-82 y.o.). The etiology was in 23 cases a missed subcutaneous disruption of the central slip of the extensor tendon and in 24 cases an inappropriate treatment of laceration of the extensor apparatus at the dorsal aspect of the PIP joint. The involved digit was in seven cases the index finger, in 14 cases the long finger, in 14 cases the ring finger and in 12 cases the little finger. It is essential to distinguish the supple boutonniere deformity without or after physical therapy (34 cases) and the stiff boutonniere deformity even after a hand physical therapy program (13 cases). Results were assessed on pain and active range of motion of the PIP joint as well as the range of motion of the DIP joint. Supple boutonniere deformities, except one treated by an isolated distal tenotomy of the extensor tendon (1/34), was treated by a procedure of reconstruction of the extensor apparatus including resection-suture of the central slip and redorsalisation of the lateral bands when there was a DIP hyperextension with a moderate flexion deformity of the PIP joint, and (33/34) with 90% of excellent and good results. Poor results (4/33) were due in two cases to the absence of physical therapy, in one case to septic osteoarthritis and in one to secondary rupture of the suture. For the 13 stiff boutonniere deformities, when the PIP flexion deformity was moderate, a distal tenotomy performed to correct the DIP hyperextension was satisfactory in three cases with a useful result (20 degrees-70 degrees). For destroyed PIP joint (osteoarthritis), two silicone spacers were implanted with also a satisfactory result (30 degrees-70 degrees). In the eight remaining cases, a teno-arthrolysis was performed combined with a reconstruction of the extensor apparatus as described. Six poor results were obtained with arthritic PIP joints (which should have required initially silicone implants), and two fair results (30 degrees-60 degrees) with non-destroyed PIP joints. Supple boutonniere deformity must always be treated by initial physical therapy. Surgical procedure with reconstruction of the extensor apparatus is satisfactory if the PIP joint is normal. When there is PIP osteoarthritis, it may be beneficial to perform a two-stage technique with tenoarthrolysis followed hand therapy and a secondary reconstruction of the extensor apparatus as these last procedure give satisfactory results on a supple boutonniere deformity.     

Classification of congenital thumb hypoplasia and deformity

BackgroundCongenital thumb deformities account for one-third or more of all cases of congenital hand deformity. However, the current classification schemes of congenital thumb hypoplasia are no longer adequate due to their lack of adaptability to increasing knowledge in the field. Hence, a modified system with the potential to adapt to ongoing advances in knowledge and understanding is desperately needed.MethodsBased on the photographs collected from thousands of cases of congenital deformities of the hand and upper limb over multiple decades in our department, we subdivided thumb hypoplasia according to the variables of morphological characteristics, anatomical structures, functional status, the relationship between thumb deformity and hand deformity, the relationship between congenital hand deformity syndrome and thumb hypoplasia, and the selection of treatment methods.ResultsA total of 10 types were presented, which were elucidated with nomenclatures as well as pathological feature and symptoms.ConclusionThis modified system may shed additional light on the classification of congenital thumb anomalies, which will assist in a more effective selection of treatment modalities and offers significant benefits to both patients and practice.     

复拇指畸形矫治术后的继发性畸形

目的探讨先天性复拇指畸形手术后的继发性畸形和处理方法。方法．对12例先天性复拇指畸形经矫治术后出现拇指侧偏、内收、虎口狭窄、骨骺残留等继发性畸形的患者，进行拇指指间关节融合、掌骨截骨、骨骺切除、虎口成型、拇短展肌止点重建等手术；以纠正畸形、改善拇指的外形及功能。结果术后随访3至6个月，除1例较术前稍有改善外，11例拇指的外形明显改善，拇指对掌、对指功能基本恢复。结论先天性复拇指畸形单纯手术切除后又出现继发性畸形，和过早(2岁以前)手术有关。患儿手指细小，组织结构辨认不清，可导致畸形矫治不彻底而出现继发性畸形。作者认为复拇指畸形的手术时机在2—6岁为好，畸形复杂者在学龄前手术为佳。