Chronic Boutonniere Deformity Research Articles

The relative motion concept in acute and chronic boutonniere deformity: Invited commentary

Study designRetrospective. IntroductionBoutonniere deformity (BD) is a troublesome injury occurring from rupture of tissue connecting the extrinsic to intrinsic tendon systems. This causes loss of interphalangeal joint balance, and immobilization often results in adherence and difficulty restoring balance. PurposesReview of relative motion flexion (RMF) orthotic use for safe healing during functional activity in 23 patients, and explanation of the rationale. MethodsAnatomic rationale and clinical experience is reviewed in 8 acute BD patients utilizing RMF orthoses for 6 weeks, and for chronic BD patients, 3 months after serial casting. ResultsAll patients met the Strickland and Steichen criteria for “excellent” results following treatment, with an average of 35° increase in ROM. DiscussionThe anatomic rationale for relative motion recognizes that altering relative positioning between adjacent metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints produces a protective favorable impact on interphalangeal forces during hand function using 15°-20° greater MCP joint flexion. This provides dorsal and volar protective benefits because the extensor digitorum communis (EDC), a single-muscle-four-tendon system, attaches to the intrinsic lateral band (LB) tendons. With greater MCP flexion, dorsal EDC force is increased, pulling lateral bands medially, while on the volar surface the downward pull of the lumbrical on LB is relaxed due to origin from the flexor digitorum profundus tendon of the injured digit, also a single-muscle-four-tendon system. The RMF orthosis permits protected active motion during functional activity with acute BD. In patients with chronic BD and adequate passive extension, an RMF orthosis for 3 months also produced encouraging results. ConclusionManagement of acute BD with RMF orthoses provided earlier recovery of motion and hand function. Similar results occurred for chronic BD using serial casting for adequate extension followed by 3 months of RMF orthotic use and should be attempted prior to surgical intervention, with surgery remaining an alternative.

Reconstruction of Chronic Boutonniere Deformity with Wide Awake Local Anesthesia and No Tourniquet in a Patient with Upper Type Brachial Plexus Injury: A Case Report

Reconstruction of chronic boutonniere deformity remains to be a challenging procedure especially when combined with other debilitating injuries in the same extremity. The balance to properly tension the reconstruction with active motion is often prevented by the need to perform the procedure under sedation of block to tolerate the use of tourniquet. We present a case of a young patient who successfully underwent restoration of active proximal interphalangeal (PIP) extension with a Palmaris longus graft while wide awake under local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) before subsequently having nerve transfers for upper type brachial plexus injury.

The Use of Relative Motion Flexion Orthoses for Chronic Boutonniere Deformity

This study investigated the effectiveness of a relative motion flexion orthosis (RMFO) for increasing the range of motion for boutonniere deformity. We included 28 patients aged 13-62 years with chronic boutonniere deformity who could complete 0° proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint extension with the pencil test and were stage 1 according to the Burton classification of boutonniere deformity. At the initial hand therapy appointment, the RMFO was made. The duration of the orthosis usage at the initial therapy session, after stopping the use of the orthosis (posttreatment), and at the follow-up period were noted. The mean time for orthosis usage of all patients was 11.7 weeks (6-40 weeks). The mean initial active distal interphalangeal joint flexion was 47° (0° to 90°) and improved to 66.8° (5° to 110°). The mean initial extension lag of the PIP joint was 22.5° (5° to 55°) and improved to 12° (0° to 30°). This did not change between discontinuation of the orthosis and final follow-up. The use of RMFO is effective in increasing active distal interphalangeal joint flexion and improving PIP extension in patients with Burton stage 1 chronic boutonniere deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVıDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Y-Shaped Tendon Graft—A Technique in the Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Chronic Boutonniere Deformity

Current reconstruction strategies for chronic posttraumatic boutonniere deformities have variable outcomes and are prone to complications. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of a Y-shaped tendon graft technique. In this retrospective case study, we reviewed the files of 18 patients treated with the Y-shaped tendon graft between January 2010 and January 2017. The technique involves release of the central slip, lateral bands, and transverse retinacular ligaments at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, total excision of scar tissue in the central slip and at the insertion site, and construction of 3 1.5-mm unicortical holes at the base of the middle phalanx, through which a Y-shaped graft of the palmaris longus is inserted to reconstruct the central slip and stabilize the lateral bands in a dorsal position. Clinical evaluations included measuring the active range of motion in the PIP joint and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, grip strength, Souter score, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score. The mean age of patients was 36.1 years, and 12 of the 18 patients were men. The average follow-up period was 23 months (range, 13-38 months). The preoperative PIP joint extension deficit was 48.0° ± 5.0° compared with 10.9° ± 9.3° after surgery. The preoperative DIP joint active flexion was 34.4° ± 8.0° compared with 71.4° ± 8.6° after surgery The outcomes based on the Souter score were 11 excellent, 5 good, and 2 poor. The QuickDASH score was 17.7 ± 6.4 before surgery and 11.2 ± 7.2 after surgery. The Y-shaped tendon graft can be a useful procedure for the correction of chronic boutonniere deformity; in our patient series, this provided good or excellent results in 16 of 18 patients. Therapeutic IV.

Anatomic Repair of the Central Slip with Anchor Suture Augmentation for Treatment of Established Boutonniere Deformity

BackgroudThe rupture of the central slip of an extensor tendon of a finger causes a boutonniere (or buttonhole) deformity, characterized by pathologic flexion at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and hyperextension at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint. Currently, there are no standard treatment guidelines for this deformity. This study aimed to report clinical results of surgery to correct chronic boutonniere deformity.MethodsThis retrospective case series was conducted between January 2010 and December 2018 and only 13 patients with trauma-induced chronic deformity were included. After excision of elongated scar tissue, a direct anatomic end-to-end repair using a loop suture technique with supplemental suture anchor augmentation was conducted. Total active motion was assessed before and after surgery and self-satisfaction scores were collected from phone surveys.ResultsAll patients presented with Burton stage I deformities defined as supple and passively correctable joints. The initial mean extension lag of the PIP joint (43.5°) was improved by an average of 21.9° at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean hyperextension of the DIP joint averaged 19.2° and improved by 0.8° flexion contracture (p < 0.001). The average total active motion was 220.4° (range, 160°–260°). Based on the Souter's criteria, 69.2% (9/13) of the patients had good results. Only 1 patient reported fair outcome and 23.1% (3/13) reported poor outcome. The average Strickland formula score was 70 (range, 28.6–97.1). In total, 10 patients (77%) had excellent or good results. Of 10 patients contacted by phone, self-reported satisfaction score was very satisfied in 2, satisfied in 3, average in 3, poor in 1, and very poor in 1. Three patients reported a relapse of the deformity during range of motion exercises, 1 of whom underwent revision surgery. One patient complained of PIP joint flexion limitation, and 2 complained of DIP joint flexion limitation at final follow-up.ConclusionsIn chronic boutonniere deformity, central slip reconstruction with anchor suture augmentation can be an easily applicable surgical option, which offers fair to excellent outcome in 77% of the cases. The risk of residual extension lag and recurrence of deformity should be discussed prior to surgery.

A Paradigm Shift in Managing Acute and Chronic Boutonniere Deformity: Anatomic Rationale and Early Clinical Results for the Relative Motion Concept Permitting Immediate Active Motion and Hand Use.

We have utilized relative motion splinting for early motion following acute repair of boutonniere injuries, and we have developed nonoperative orthosis-based therapy for the treatment of chronic injuries. We offer our early clinical experience using relative motion flexion splinting for boutonniere deformities and explain the anatomic rationale that permits immediate active motion and hand use following acute injury or repair. For chronic boutonniere deformity, we offer a nonsurgical management method with low morbidity as a safe alternative to surgery. Our understanding of the extrinsic-intrinsic anatomic interrelationship in boutonniere deformity offers rationale for relative motion flexion splinting, which is confirmed by cadaver study. Our early clinical results in 5 closed and 3 open acute and 15 chronic cases have encouraged recommending this management technique. For repaired open and closed acutely injured digits, we utilize relative motion flexion orthoses that place the injured digits in 15° to 20° greater metacarpophalangeal flexion than its neighboring digits and otherwise permit full active range of motion and functional hand use maintaining the 15° to 20° greater metacarpophalangeal flexion for 6 weeks. In fixed chronic boutonniere cases, serial casting is utilized to obtain as much proximal interphalangeal extension as possible (at least -20°), and then relative motion flexion splinting and hand use is instituted for 12 weeks. Our acute cases obtained as good as, or better range of motion than, conventional management techniques, with early full flexion and maintenance of extension without any recurrences. The most significant difference is morbidity, with ability to preserve hand function during healing and the absence of further therapy after 6 weeks of splinting. Patients with chronic boutonniere deformity presented from 8 weeks to 3 years following injury (averaging 31 weeks) and were 15 to 99 years of age (averaging 42 years). All were serially casted to less than -20° (averaging -4°) and maintained that level of extension after 3 months of relative motion flexion splinting. All achieved flexion to their palm, and all met the Steichen-Strickland chronic boutonniere classification of "excellent." There were no recurrent progressive boutonniere deformities in either acute or chronic cases and no instances of reflex sympathetic dystrophy/chronic regional pain syndrome (RSD/CRPS). Relative motion flexion splinting affords early active motion and hand use with excellent range of motion achieved following acute open boutonniere repair or closed boutonniere rupture with less morbidity than conventional management. Chronic boutonniere deformity will respond to relative motion flexion splinting if serial casting can place the proximal interphalangeal joint in less than -20° extension, and the patient actively uses the hand in a relative motion flexion orthosis for 3 months, recovering flexion. No further therapy was needed in our cases. We believe this management technique should be attempted for chronic boutonniere deformity as a preferable alternative to surgery, which remains an option if needed.

Reconstruction of Chronic Boutonniere Deformity of the Thumb in a Golf Player

We present the case of a professional golf player who gradually developed a boutonniere deformity of the thumb due to chronic repetitive injury to the thumb and was treated with reconstruction of its insertion onto the proximal phalangeal base. The athlete showed an insertion variation of the extensor pollicis brevis, where some slips attached onto the extensor hood and the other slips ran along with the extensor pollicis longus to the distal phalanx, providing no slip to the proximal phalanx. The slips inserting to the distal phalanx were transferred to the base of the proximal phalanx and sagittal band reconstruction. As a result, the boutonniere deformity of the thumb fully recovered with satisfactory outcomes.Level of Evidence: Level V.

Chronic Boutonniere Deformity: Cross-Lateral Band Technique Using Palmaris Longus Autograft

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of treatment of chronic boutonniere deformity with a reconstruction technique using palmaris longus autograft. Seven patients with chronic, posttraumatic, flexible boutonniere deformities referred to our clinic between January 2010 and September 2014 were included in the study. In all 7 patients, the lateral bands were deficient or damaged beyond repair. A novel reconstruction technique for chronic boutonniere deformity utilizing palmaris longus autograft was used. The 2 lateral bands were reconstructed by attaching the palmaris longus tendon grafts from the lateral part of the central slip proximally to the volar aspect of the distal phalanx distally using pull-out sutures. The grafts were positioned so that they crossed over one another at the level of the middle phalanx. The patients were followed for a mean of 14 months (range, 12-16 months). The principal outcome measure was the range of motion of the proximal (PIP) and distal (DIP) interphalangeal joints. Before surgery, the average PIP joint active flexion was 69° (range, 60°-85°). After surgery, the average PIP joint active flexion increased to 92° (range, 90°-100°). Before surgery, the average PIP joint extension deficit was 54° (range, 40°-60°); after surgery, the average deficit was reduced to 7° (range, 5°-15°). Before surgery, the average DIP posture was 9° of hyperextension (range, 5°-12°); after surgery, DIP hyperextension was reduced to 2° (range, 0°-5°). Before surgery, the average DIP active flexion was 40° (range, 35°-55°); after surgery, this increased to 55° (range, 43°-72°). No patients developed a DIP flexion contracture. In the chronic boutonniere deformity, when the lateral bands are deficient or damaged, our cross-lateral band reconstruction technique using palmaris longus autograft is a treatment option with satisfactory results. Therapeutic V.

Hand Surgery and the Crack-Cocaine User. A Case Report

Keywords Crackhands.Fingertipburns.Handsurgery.CrackuserIntroductionCocaine comes in two forms, hydrochloride (white power)and freebase (crack). “Crack” is the street name given tococaine made by the combination of the hydrochloride andalkali (sodium bicarbonate or ammonium) [1]. Some crack-cocaine users develop changes in the appearance of theirhands caused by the heat of the glass cocaine pipe [2]. Thepresence of burns and blackened hyperkeratotic lesions,mostly on the dominant hand or digits, have led to the term“crack hands” [3]. We present a case report of a patient witha chronic boutonniere deformity in the fifth finger andsuperficial burns on the tips of the thumb, second and thirdfingers.Case ReportA 21-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for surgeryto correct chronic botounniere deformity of the fifth fingerof the right hand.During the entrance exam, burns on the tips of the thumbindex and middle fingers (Fig. 1) were observed. Immedi-ately, it was thought that those were thermal burns fromlighting a crack cocaine pipe. The patient was asked if hewas using crack and he denied it. As the lesions were notacute, the surgery was performed without complicationsduring anaesthesia.During the surgical repair, the central band of the exten-sor hood was reattached in to the base of the media phalanxwith a mini-anchor. The PIP joint was fixed in full extensionwith a transarticular Kirschner wire. The patient wasinformedoftheimportanceofmaintainingthePIPinapropersplint for the designated amount of time following repair.During the second week after the operation, a pin tract infec-tionappeared.Itwastreatedwithoralantibioticsandremotionof the Kirschner wire. The splint was sustained for 6 weeks.The patient performed hand therapy irregularly. After 1 year,the finger was painful and with loss of digital motion in aflexion deformity.DiscussionCocaine is a central nervous system stimulant extracted fromErythroxylumcocaleaves.Free-basecocaineispreparedfrom

Treatment of chronic extensor tendons lesions of the fingers

Chronic finger extensor apparatus injuries are the result of the initial acute treatment having failed or being flawed. Because of their chronic nature, these injuries present various amounts of tendon retraction, tendon callus lengthening, peritendinous scar adhesions, static and dynamic imbalances with the flexor apparatus and intrinsic muscles, and joint contractures. This article will review the anatomy of the extensor mechanism and then will outline by location, the various clinical pictures that are secondary to chronic tendon injury. The clinical presentation of these injuries can be highly variable but their symptomatology and treatment are very specific. Of the possible therapeutic strategies for chronic mallet finger with or without associated swan-neck deformity, chronic boutonniere deformity, chronic sagittal band injuries, old ruptures on the dorsum of the wrist and traumatic defects in multiple tissues, conservative treatment is often the main element. Secondary surgical repair is not free of complications, and the results are often lacking. Rehabilitation and orthotic bracing are an integral part of the management of these injuries, no matter which treatment method is being considered.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC BOUTONNIERE DEFORMITY

Boutonniere deformity is caused by damage to the central slip of the extensor tendon hood with secondary palmer migration of the lateral bands. Accordingly, patients complain of disfigurement and impairment of function due to hyperextension of their DIP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of chronic boutonniere deformity by using a modified technique. Twelve patients with posttraumatic boutonniere deformity were available for follow up as a retrospective study. They were treated by release of the extensor expansion proximal to the distal insertion of the oblique retinacular ligaments with proximal recession of the extensor tendon and lifting the lateral bands dorsally onto the PIP joint after separation of the transverse retinacular ligaments from their insertion volarly. All patients had closed injury. The mean age was 32 years (range: 16-48 years). The average follow-up period was 33 months (range: 26-38 months). We included only cases with deformities that were totally correctable passively with or without joint osteoarthritic changes. Preoperatively the average PIP joint extension deficit was 60° and postoperatively the average is reduced to 7°, preoperative the average DIP motion was 10° of hyperextension, post-surgery the average DIP active flexion was 75°. The final outcomes were 58.3% excellent, 33.3% good, and 8.3% poor. This modified technique gave (91.6%) excellent and good results. The extensor tendon acted mainly on the PIP joint and allowing the DIP joint to flex freely. The procedure is simple and provides long-term good results. Therapeutic case series, level 1V.

Pediatric Boutonniere Deformity After Blunt Closed Traumatic Injury

The boutonniere deformity (BD) is a well-described condition in hand surgery. Treatment of acute traumatic BD includes splinting of the proximal interphalangeal joint in extension for 4 to 5 weeks, which often leads to acceptable results. However, the chronic BD is more problematic and often requires surgical intervention with poor functional outcomes. Boutonniere deformity is extremely rare in the pediatric population. We present the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department with an acute traumatic BD after a fall. Being an uncommon entity in this patient population, the patient was referred to the plastic surgery clinic and was subsequently treated appropriately with splinting, resulting in favorable results as early as 4 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of BD in the pediatric patient population. Recognition and timely management of BD in a pediatric patient should not be overlooked to obtain favorable results.

TREATMENT OF THE CHRONIC BOUTONNIERE DEFORMITY BY EXTENSOR TENOTOMY

A patient with a chronic boutonniere deformity often experiences more difficulty because of the hyperextension deformity at the distal joint, rather than the lack of extension at the proximal interphalangeal joint. It is in these cases that restoration of flexion at the terminal joint by tenotomy of the terminal extensor tendon is of most value.

Surgical treatment of boutonniere deformity

The boutonniere deformity is characterized by proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint hyperextension. There are a multitude of causes, and all cause attenuation, attrition, or discontinuity of the extensor mechanism over the PIP joint. Loss of the central slip alters the balance between flexion and extension forces and the PIP joint assumes a flexed posture. Initial disruption or gradual attenuation of the triangular ligament allows migration of the lateral bands volar to the PIP joint axis and propagates PIP joint flexion. Reciprocal DIP joint hyperextension occurs as the retracted central slip increases the lateral band pull via interconnections. Treatment of the acute closed boutonniere deformity involves early recognition and PIP extension splinting. Open injuries require meticulous surgical repair using loupe magnification and tourniquet hemostasis. Appropriate management of acute central slip injuries will lead to good results. Treatment of the chronic boutonniere deformity is more problematic as secondary soft tissue contracture makes correction more difficult. Restoration of full motion is often an unrealistic goal. Management must be individualized to the patient. Prolonged therapy is often necessary to obtain optimum result. Restoration of passive mobility is a prerequisite to central slip repair or reconstruction. After obtaining supple PIP and DIP joints, surgical correction of the extensor mechanism can be performed. We favor an anatomic repair technique with restoration of tendon excursion, balance, and central slip insertion.

Extensor Tendon Injuries at the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

From the prior discussion, it should be apparent that the multitude of operative procedures reflects the complexity inherent in the extensor mechanism and the often unpredictable outcome of operative intervention. Large studies with detailed analysis of data are few. Despite this, several themes are apparent and need to be respected. The chronic boutonniere deformity reflects long-term derangement with secondary compensation of the extensor mechanism. The surgeons rendering treatment must have a thorough appreciation of normal anatomy as well as an understanding of the evolving pathomechanics. Both physician and patient must be committed to the need for long-term treatment of this disability. The literature leaves no doubt that surgical intervention is best initiated after the attainment of full passive PIP extension. Finally, even in the chronic situation, long-term splinting and exercises may be successful and both obviate surgery and result in a superior outcome.

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.

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.

Chronic boutonniere deformity—An anatomic reconstruction.

Restoration of motion and appearance of the chronic boutonniere deformity is often accomplished by splinting. If the deformity persists following appropriate splinting, and if a full passive range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint is present, surgery may be recommended. Thirteen patients had surgical reconstruction over a 10-year period, with satisfactory improvement in all but one. This operation involves release of the transverse retinacular ligaments and reconstruction of the damaged central slip by using the local joint capsule and synovium attached to the base of the proximal phalanx.

Chronic boutonniere deformity—An anatomic reconstruction

Restoration of motion and appearance of the chronic boutonniere deformity is often accomplished by splinting. If the deformity persists following appropriate splinting, and if a full passive range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint is present, surgery may be recommended. Thirteen patients had surgical reconstruction over a 10-year period, with satisfactory improvement in all but one. This operation involves release of the transverse retinacular ligaments and reconstruction of the damaged central slip by using the local joint capsule and synovium attached to the base of the proximal phalanx.

Redistribution of Forces in the Correction of the Boutonnière Deformity

Secondary reconstructive procedures to correct chronic boutonniere deformity involving reparative or additive techniques frequently fail to restore the necessary full excursion of the extensor aponeurosis. A simple release procedure based on precise anatomy, which redistributes the forces acting on the interphalangeal joints, has been successful in restoring full interphalangeal extension and flexion in a limited number of patients.