Isolated comminuted trapezium fracture: A case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceTrapezium, as a carpal bone positioned at the distal row, is often associated with other wrist injuries such as distal radius fracture. Isolated trapezium fracture, especially in a comminuted form, rarely occurs. There are only six reports of isolated comminuted trapezium fractures in the literature to the best of our knowledge.Case presentationWe present a case with an isolated comminuted trapezium fracture presenting pain in his thenar eminence and thumb motion limitation. He was treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with the K wire pin.Clinical discussionWe searched the published related studies and summarized the signs and symptoms of patients presented with trapezium fracture. The most common presentation of trapezial fracture include pain/tenderness at the base of the first metacarpal bone, pain/tenderness at the snuffbox area and 1st digit motion limitation. The treatment options described in the literature for isolated comminuted trapezium fracture are also presented. Open reduction and fixation with pin is the most common treatment mentioned in the literature. The priority is restoring the scaphotrapezial and trapeziometacarpal joint congruency to save the 1st digit range of motion.ConclusionComminuted trapezial fracture may happen following either low energy (like our patient) or high energy trauma. This paper highlights the fact that even a comminuted trapezium fracture can be easily missed. Regardless of the trauma mechanism (high energy versus low energy trauma), a high index of suspicion and delicate work up would be necessary in order not to miss this type of fracture.     

Results of Abductor Pollicis Longus Suspension Ligamentoplasty for Treatment of Advanced First Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Background

Suspension ligamentoplasty using abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon without bone tunneling, was introduced as one of the techniques for treatment of advanced first carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of APL suspension ligamentoplasty.

Methods

The medical records of 19 patients who underwent APL suspension ligamentoplasty for advanced first CMC arthritis between January 2008 and May 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 13 female and 6 male patients, whose mean age was 62 years (range, 43 to 82 years). For clinical evaluation, we assessed the grip and pinch power, radial and volar abduction angle, thumb adduction (modified Kapandji index), including visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Radiologic evaluation was performed using simple radiographs.

Results

The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 19 to 73.7 months). Mean power improved from 18.3 to 27 kg for grip power, from 2.8 to 3.5 kg for tip pinch, and from 4.3 to 5.4 kg for power pinch. All patients showed decreased VAS from 7.2 to 1.7. Radial abduction improved from 71° preoperatively to 82° postoperatively. The modified Kapandji index showed improvement from 6 to 7.3, and mean DASH was improved from 41 to 17.8. The height of the space decreased from 10.8 to 7.1 mm. Only one case had a complication involving temporary sensory loss of the first dorsal web space, which resolved spontaneously.

Conclusions

The APL suspension ligamentoplasty for treatment of advanced first CMC arthritis yielded satisfactory functional results.     

Carpometacarpal Joint Fracture Dislocation of Second to Fifth Finger

Background

Carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation of the second to fifth finger is a rare hand injury associated with high energy trauma. Due to severe swelling and overlapping of bones on the radiograph of wrist-hand, dislocations are missed. We reported a series of six patients with rare carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation treated with open reduction.

Methods

We retrospectively studied six cases of carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire. Functional assessment was done with Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (Quick DASH score) at regular intervals.

Results

Average Quick DASH score was improved from 75.76 to 1.9 from 6 weeks to 18 months of duration. Of the six patients, three patients had a Quick DASH score of 0 at the end of 18 months.

Conclusions

Careful hand examination and radiographic assessment is necessary to avoid missed diagnosis of carpometacarpal joint fracture dislocation. Early open reduction and internal fixation lead to excellent recovery of hand function.     

Exercise Therapy in Addition to an Orthosis Reduces Pain More Than an Orthosis Alone in Patients With Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: A Propensity Score Matching Study

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of exercises and orthotics with orthotics alone on pain and hand function in patients with first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA) and to predict outcomes on pain and hand function of exercises and orthotics.DesignProspective cohort study with propensity score matching.SettingData collection took place in 13 outpatient clinics for hand surgery and hand therapy in The Netherlands.ParticipantsA consecutive, population-based sample of patients with CMC-1 OA (N=173) was included in this study, of which 84 were matched on baseline demographics and baseline primary outcomes.InterventionsExercises and orthotics versus orthotics alone.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes included pain and hand function at 3 months, measured using visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100) and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ, 0-100).ResultsA larger decrease in VAS pain at rest (11.1 points difference; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-20.3; P=.002) and during physical load (22.7 points difference; 95% confidence interval, 13.6-31.0; P<.001) was found in the exercise + orthotic group compared to the orthotic group. In addition, larger improvement was found for the MHQ subscales pain, work performance, aesthetics, and satisfaction in the exercise + orthotic group. No differences were found on other outcomes. Baseline scores of metacarpophalangeal flexion, presence of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid OA, VAS pain at rest, heavy physical labor, and MHQ total predicted primary outcomes for the total exercise + orthotic group (N=131).ConclusionsNon-surgical treatment of patients with CMC-1 OA should include exercises, since there is a relatively large treatment effect compared to using an orthosis alone. Future research should study exercises and predictors in a more standardized setting to confirm this finding.     

Outcome of uncemented trapeziometacarpal prosthesis for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis

Background:

Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint of thumb occurs frequently and can be very disabling. Numerous surgical techniques including trapeziectomy with or without tendon interposition arthrodesis and partial or total joint arthroplasty with cemented and noncemented prosthesis have been described for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Initial problems of osteolysis and implant loosening have been substantially reduced with improvement in implant design. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb can be effectively treated with uncemented total joint replacement prosthesis.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively collected data for 16 trapeziometacarpal joint replacements in 14 patients. One patient was excluded as they required revision with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction following fracture of Trapezium. The trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis was used in all cases and all operations were carried out by one surgeon. Clinical outcome was determined by a pre and postoperative patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and Michigan Hand Questionnaire Score. Range of motion, grip, tip pinch and key pinch strength were measured and compared with the unoperated hand. Radiological assessment was carried out by plain radiographs for preoperative staging of arthritis and postoperative radiographs at latest followup for evaluation of osteolysis and implant loosening. Average followup period was 26 months.

Results:

There was an improvement in hand function and pain level based on PRWE and Mischigan Hand outcome Questionnaire Score. One patient had intraoperative fracture of Trapezium and subsequent radiographs at 14 months followup showed loosening of the trapezial component due to nonunion of the fracture and complete disintegration of the trapezium. There were no cases of dislocation or implant loosening for the remaining 15 CMC joints at the latest followup.

Conclusion:

The use of uncemented prosthesis in treatment of Questionnaire Score. Range of motion joint osteoarthritis gives excellent short term results in improving hand function in terms of strength and stability and achieving pain relief.