Salvage procedure for failed Bowers' hemiresection interposition technique in the distal radioulnar joint

Three patients who continued to have distal radioulnar joint pain following Bowers' hemiresection interposition technique were treated by converting the resection arthroplasty into a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. The resected 10 mm segment from the distal ulnar metaphysis was used as an interposition bone graft in the arthrodesis site, placed between the sigmoid notch of the radius and distal end of the ulna. After a minimum follow-up of 3 years, all three patients were satisfied with the procedure, were pain-free, and the preoperative range of wrist and forearm motion had increased. All three returned to their previous working activities.     

Malignancies of the mouth cavity, pharynx and larynx--symptoms, diagnosis and therapy

The authors report the application of the flow-through concept to a distally-pedicled radial forearm flap for simultaneous thumb revascularization and soft-tissue coverage. A distally-pedicled radial forearm flap was used to cover a skin defect at the base of thumb and thenar area. The flap artery (reversed radial artery) was anastomosed to the distal ends of the defective digital arteries. The flap survived completely, and the thumb was well-vascularized.     

Atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle: MR findings

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the MRI appearance in atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle (AODC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated MRI, medical records, ancillary diagnostic imaging studies and clinical course in five men and two women (mean age, 39 years) in whom the final clinical diagnosis of AODC was established. None of the patients had significant shoulder injury, but all participated in activities involving repetitive strain of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. In three of these patients, we performed follow-up MRI (ranging from 5 1/2 to 15 months after the initial MRI). RESULTS: In all seven patients, signal intensity changes within the intramedullary portion of the distal clavicle on MRI were consistent with diffuse bone marrow edema. Marrow edema was most conspicuous on STIR imaging and occasionally could be misinterpreted as normal marrow signal patterns on spin-echo imaging. Cortical thinning or irregularity of the distal clavicle was seen in six cases and tiny subchondral cysts were seen in three, corresponding to subtle cystic changes on shoulder radiography. Limited bone scans obtained in two patients showed markedly increased uptake of radiotracer at the distal clavicle and AC joint. Histologic examination in one case showed disruption of articular cartilage, subchondral cysts, and metaplastic bone formation with increased osteoclastic activity. Follow-up MRI in three patients who were asymptomatic following conservative therapy showed normalization of marrow signal intensity. CONCLUSION: Atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle is a relatively uncommon but important cause of shoulder pain. Particularly when the clinical history is suggestive of repetitive AC joint stress, MRI of the distal clavicle should be examined closely for marrow edema, cortical irregularity, and cystic changes. Such abnormalities may be especially conspicuous when STIR imaging techniques are used.     

Extension osteotomy in malunited clavicular fractures

The association of a malunited clavicular fracture with a pattern of disability that includes not only pain but also impairment of shoulder function is rare. But in cases where such an association exists, correction of the clavicular deformity should be considered. We report on 4 patients with a malunited fracture of the clavicle after nonoperative treatment. In all 4 patients fracture union had occurred with shortening associated with pain and ipsilateral glenohumeral dysfunction. The deformity was not associated with neurovascular dysfunction. On preoperative radiographs the shortening of the malunited clavicle was between 0.9 and 2.2 cm compared with the contralateral clavicle. all patients underwent an extension osteotomy of the clavicle with interposition of an autogenous iliac crestbone graft secured with a plate and screws. The length of follow-up was 1 to 4 years in 3 cases and 6 weeks in 1 case. The functional outcome was evaluated with the Constant-Murley and University of California-Los Angeles scales. All patients had immediate pain relief after osteotomy and correction of the deformity. Shoulder function rapidly improved and functional outcome was good in 3 of the 4 patients. In cases of shoulder function impairment associated with malunited clavicular fractures, extension osteotomy combined with autogenous bone grafting is likely to produce good results.     

Dynamic radio-ulnar convergence after the Darrach procedure

We reviewed 23 patients who had had 25 Darrach procedures for traumatic or post-traumatic disorders of the wrist at a mean follow-up of 75.5 months (36 to 121). The mean age at the time of operation was 61.1 years (34 to 82). All patients were reviewed in person. Assessment included a history, a questionnaire on patient satisfaction and a detailed physical examination. Standardised radiographs of both wrists were taken with the patient's hands in a resting position and during maximal grip. Convergence of the distal ulnar stump towards the distal radius during maximal grip (dynamic radio-ulnar convergence) was seen in 14 wrists including five with actual contact (dynamic radio-ulnar impingement), but this produced symptoms in only two cases. The presence of dynamic radio-ulnar convergence did not correlate with grip strength, pinch strength, range of movement or wrist score, but was associated with increased length of excision of the distal ulna. Nineteen of the 23 patients were satisfied with the procedure. Dynamic radio-ulnar convergence is common after the Darrach procedure, but is rarely symptomatic; resection of the distal ulna remains a reliable procedure in the older patient with pain and loss of movement. Excision of the lower end of the ulna should be restricted to the least required to restore full rotation.     

Response to treatment of chronic daily headache with analgesic abuse

The incidence of right aneurysms of the innominate or subclavian arteries is not very high. The majority of these aneurysms is placed in the distal segment of subclavian arteries. These aneurysms are involved in the complex of the thoracic outlet compressive neurovascular syndrome, especially in occurrence of the cervical rib. All aneurysms in this region can rupture and embolize. This is the main purpose of surgical management of this clinical entity. The aim of this study is to refer an interesting case history of a relatively young patient with a right aneurysm of the middle portion of left subclavian artery. The patient had no known vascular risks and the aneurysm was asymptomatic, the only sign was the visible and palpable pulsating mass over the left clavicle. The aneurysms of the middle and central portion of the left subclavian artery are usually explored through the left high posterolateral thoracotomy. The authors refer their experience with the use of a modified technique of exposure--supraclavicular (or transclavicular) incision with the subperiostal resection of the medial portion of the clavicle. This approach affords excellent exposure and a safe surgical procedure. This approach has been described in 1988 by H. Machleder. The advantage of this approach is a diminished risk of surgery in comparison with the transthoracic approach. The authors suppose, however, that it can be useful in traumatic or occlusive lesions, as well.     

Imaging of huge lingual thyroid gland with goitre

One year after a nonspecific trauma and with a history of pain of four weeks only, an osteoid osteoma of the first phalanx of the left thumb was diagnosed in a 31-year-old man. The radiologic appearance as well as a bone scan were suggestive for an osteoid osteoma. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically after resection of the tumor. As indicated in the literature, osteoid osteoma of the hand is relatively rare. The symptoms and radiologic features (osteolytic nidus and sclerosis) of osteoid osteomas are independent of the tumor location. Surgery with resection of the nidus is the only known curative therapy. The etiological role of trauma is discussed and a review of the literature is done with 15 other cases of posttraumatic osteoid osteoma having been reported.     

Traumatic forearm amputation with avulsions of the ulnar and median nerves from the brachial plexus

A case of a traumatic forearm amputation and associated complete avulsions of the ulnar and median nerves from the brachial plexus due to a crush-traction injury of the distal part of the right forearm is reported. The patient also suffered a traumatic head injury. The injury of the upper limb and the general condition of the patient were so serious that an amputation at the 1/3 middle part of the forearm had to be performed.     

The prognostic importance of calcitonin screening in familial medullary thyroid carcinoma

A prospective study of 20 patients with traumatic amputations of the fingers and a thumb was carried out during a six week period at Mpilo Central Hospital, Bulawayo. Most of the adult injuries (17 patients) resulted from industrial accidents (76.5 pc) while two out the three children sustained their injury from domestic accidents. Inadequate safety precaution, ignorance and human error contributed significantly to the injuries. Safety education and preventive measures both at home and in industry should be inoculated into the daily life of individuals.     

Morphogenesis of the epithelial cell transporting phenotype: synthesis and distribution of ion channels

Open partial trapeziectomy and interpositional arthroplasty have proven to be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of carpometacarpal joint arthritis of the thumb. Surgical technique of arthroscopic partial resection of the trapezium and interpositional arthroplasty is described. Thirty-three interpositional arthroplasties were carried out arthroscopically. Autogenous tendon graft. Gortex (WL Gore & Associates, Inc. Flagstaff, AZ) and fascia lata allograft were used as interpositional material; 87.8% of patients got relief from pain. Average postoperative pinch strength was 11 lbs. No ligament reconstruction was required because the capsule was left intact. The procedures were done on an outpatient basis and all patients were discharged the same day. There were no complications associated with radial sensory nerve.     

Surgical management of the substernal thyroid gland

Compartment syndromes occurring in the forearm and leg are not infrequent. However, reports of compartment syndrome of the upper arm are conspicuously rare. Inferior dislocation of the shoulder combined with compartment syndrome has rarely been reported in the literature. We report our experience with a patient with inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint combined with compartment syndrome of the upper arm. A 29-year-old man had traumatic inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint combined with severe swelling of the shoulder and upper arm. After close reduction, the shoulder and upper arm were still tensely swollen. Compartment pressure of the upper arm was measured using a digital manometer (Quick Pressure Monitor 295-1, Stryker) and remained very high, thus, fasciotomy was performed. After debridement and skin graft, the arm healed without sequelae. When a patient has a fracture dislocation of the shoulder joint associated with a swollen arm, compartment syndrome of the upper arm should be included as a differential diagnosis. Detecting the compartment pressure can confirm the diagnosis of compartment syndrome objectively.     

Reconstruction of chronic symptomatic acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood III-V) using the modified Weaver-Dunn method. 24 operated patients (1988-95), surgical technique, results

In literature there is a great controversy about the treatment of acute acromio-clavicular (AC) joint dislocations. Nevertheless some patients continue to suffer from chronic pain due to the persistent instability of the AC-joint. This can even lead to an impingement syndrome, going as far as tearing the rotator cuff. In 1972 Weaver and Dunn described a new procedure for the treatment of instable AC-joints. From 1988 to 1995 we used a modified version of this technique on 24 patients suffering from chronic AC-joint dislocation (Rockwood III-V). After the resection of the AC-joint and the preparation of the coraco-acromial ligament, we transposed the acromial end of this ligament together with a small piece of bone from the acromion tip to the lateral end of the clavicle. The results of this modified method were excellent. All patients had no pain anymore, regained a full shoulder movement, could participate in sport again and returned to work after an average of 3.3 months. This new procedure seems to be the treatment of choice for chronically instable AC-joint dislocations.     

Results of the modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure in the treatment of chronic posttraumatic derangement of the distal radioulnar joint

We reviewed the results of a modified Sauvé-Kapandji procedure with tenodesis of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the carpus in eighteen patients who had chronic derangement of the distal radioulnar joint. There were fourteen men and four women. The mean supination of the forearm had improved from 16 degrees (range, 0 to 75 degrees) preoperatively to 76 degrees (range, 40 to 90 degrees) at the time of the latest follow-up, and the mean pronation had improved from 42 degrees (range, 0 to 80 degrees) preoperatively to 81 degrees (range, 60 to 90 degrees) at the time of follow-up. Pain relief was satisfactory, and the mean grip strength had improved from 36 percent of that on the unaffected side preoperatively to 73 percent at the time of follow-up. One patient had moderate pain over the ulnar stump associated with residual volar instability of the proximal ulnar segment, and he had a tenodesis of the extensor carpi ulnaris as a second procedure. Another patient had mild instability of the stump only after he had a second operation, which was an excision of a bone mass (ossification) in the resected area. The ulnar stump was stable in sixteen patients. Eight of the eleven patients who had performed heavy manual labor before the injury were able to return to work full-time without restrictions. According to a modification of the wrist-scoring system of the Mayo Clinic, at a mean of four years and two months (range, two years to eight years and four months), six patients had an excellent result; seven, a good result; four, a fair result; and one, a poor result. On the basis of our findings, we believe that the index operation is an excellent salvage procedure for the treatment of chronic posttraumatic derangement of the distal radioulnar joint, especially when nonoperative treatment has been unsuccessful and rotation of the forearm is severely limited.     

Closed treatment of displaced middle-third fractures of the clavicle gives poor results

We evaluated 242 consecutive fractures of the clavicle in adults which had been treated conservatively. Of these, 66 (27%) were originally in the middle third of the clavicle and had been completely displaced. We reviewed 52 of these patients at a mean of 38 months after injury. Eight of the 52 fractures (15%) had developed nonunion, and 16 patients (31%) reported unsatisfactory results. Thirteen patients had mild to moderate residual pain and 15 had some evidence of brachial plexus irritation. Of the 28 who had cosmetic complaints, only 11 considered accepting corrective surgery. No patient had significant impairment of range of movement or shoulder strength as a result of the injury. We found that initial shortening at the fracture of > or = 20 mm had a highly significant association with nonunion (p < 0.0001) and the chance of an unsatisfactory result. Final shortening of 20 mm or more was associated with an unsatisfactory result, but not with nonunion. No other patient variable, treatment factor, or fracture characteristic had a significant effect on outcome. We now recommend open reduction and internal fixation of severely displaced fractures of the middle third of the clavicle in adult patients.     

Posteroinferior acromioclavicular dislocation with supraspinatus tear. A case report

A 20-year-old man was treated for posteroinferior acromioclavicular dislocation. The diagnosis was based on standard radiographs and intraoperative findings. The distal end of the clavicle had impaled the supraspinatus muscle. Open reduction was performed 2 weeks after injury, followed by wire fixation of the acromioclavicular joint and repair of the torn superior acromioclavicular ligament and coracoclavicular ligaments. Two years after the procedure, standard radiographs revealed normal anatomic alignment of the acromioclavicular joint, with pain free range of motion. Active elevation in the scapular plane was 180 degrees, active external rotation was 80 degrees in the anatomic position, and passive internal rotation was to the T5 vertebra. The patient returned to playing baseball and tennis and was satisfied with the postoperative result.     

Status of total shoulder arthroplasty

Some patients with degenerative, rheumatoid, and traumatic diseases of the glenohumeral joint require treatment primarily to relieve pain. In the absence of complete knowledge of basic mechanical requirements, clinical trials with both constrained and resurfacing prosthesis were initiated. Three types of constrained prostheses were placed in 23 patients. Pain relief was satisfactory, but six reoperations were necessary and motion greater than 90 degrees was rarely achieved. Twenty-five prostheses that were used to replace the glenohumeral articulation, but were not stable by virtue of design, were implanted. Again, pain relief was excellent; mechanical problems were not present, and motion was almost always greater than 90 degrees. Achieving stability by capsular-muscle cuff repair has not been as great a problem as anticipated. These results suggest that more emphasis should be placed on repair of the glenohumeral stabilizing structures than on their replacement.     

Simple excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb

We have reviewed the results in 34 patients (39 operations) following simple excision of the trapezium for osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb. The average age at operation was 57 years and the average follow-up was 6 years. All the patients were graded clinically and radiologically and were asked their opinion of the procedure. There was dramatic relief of pain following this procedure. Stability of the thumb was not compromised. When compared to the unoperated side, thumb length, thumb abduction and first web span were similar. There was a reduction in pinch strength (operated 8.1 k.p.a., non-operated 9.6 k.p.a.) and grip strength (operated 15.5 k.p.a., non-operated 19.5 k.p.a.) and an increase in MIP extension (operated 5.4 degrees, non-operated 2.9 degrees) following this procedure but the differences were not statistically significant. 11 patients (32%) had scar hyperaesthesia on testing but this was a clinical problem in two patients only (5%). Simple excision of the trapezium is a satisfactory procedure for the majority of patients with this disorder, but has a long post-operative rehabilitation period.     

Suprascapular neuropathy after distal clavicle excision

Two cases of suprascapular neuropathy after excision of the distal clavicle are reported. Both patients were treated successfully with neurolysis of the suprascapular nerve starting at the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. Anatomic dissections revealed that the suprascapular nerve is quite close (<1.4 cm) to the posterior aspect of the distal clavicle, within 2 to 3 cm of the acromioclavicular joint. To avoid the complication of suprascapular neuropathy that could be associated with this close relationship, it is recommended that no more than 1 cm of the distal clavicle be removed posteriorly. It is also recommended that minimal periosteal elevation should be performed on the posteroinferior border of the distal clavicle.     

Prognostic significance of cytoplasmic p53 overexpression in colorectal cancer. An immunohistochemical analysis

Early reconstruction of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint after traumatic dislocation, when instability is present, may decrease the incidence of recurrent instability and post-traumatic joint degeneration. We report two retrospective cohort groups of patients who had sustained a traumatic thumb CMC joint dislocation. The first 8 patients, group A, were treated with closed reduction and pinning. Because the results were unsatisfactory with 4 patients, requiring revision surgery for recurrent instability in 3 and degenerative arthritis in 1, the treatment plan was changed to open reduction with a flexor carpi radialis weave, group B. The 9 patients in group B underwent early (an average of 7 days after injury) ligamentous reconstruction to decrease the incidence of joint damage from recurrent instability and improve long-term functional results. For patients in group B with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years, pain was not a major problem, and range of motion and grip strength were essentially preserved. The functional variables affected most in both groups were thumb abduction, which was decreased by 10%, and pinch strength, which was decreased by 13%, in group B, as compared to 20% and 19%, respectively, for the patients in group A. Radiographically, the joint space was slightly narrowed (Eaton stage II) in 3 cases in group B; however, these were asymptomatic. In group A, 5 patients demonstrated degenerative changes of the CMC joint (3 Eaton stage II, 2 stage III), and 3 patients were symptomatic after treatment.     

Pediatric forearm fractures. Diagnosis, therapy and possible complications

Nonoperative management of forearm fractures in children has a good outcome in over 90% of all cases. In our own series (n = 102) there were only six children (6.1%) with significant limitation (> 25 degrees) of forearm rotation. In these cases two out of four (50%) were located in the proximal third but only two out of 68 in the distal third. Indications for operative stabilization are the following: compound fractures, fractures associated with vessel and nerve injuries, joint fractures, dislocated fractures of the middle and proximal third, and Monteggia/Galeazzi injuries. As implants intramedullary devices are preferred. Twenty children were managed with elastic IM rods between 1994 and 1995 at our institution. At final follow-up all had a free ROM and a maximal axial malalignment of less than 5 degrees. In the region of the distal forearm K-wires are useful. Plates play a dominant role for corrections and nonunions; external skeletal stabilization is indicated for temporary fixation in compound fractures.