Loss Of Flexion Research Articles

Steindler flexorplasty to restore elbow flexion in C5-C6-C7 brachial plexus palsy type

BackgroundLoss of elbow flexion due to traumatic palsy of the brachial plexus represents a major functional handicap.Then, the first goal in the treatment of the flail arm is to restore the elbow flexion by primary direct nerve surgery or secondary reconstructive surgery.There are various methods to restore elbow flexion which are well documented in the medical literature but the most known and used is Steindler flexorplasty.This review is intended to detail the author's experience with Steindler flexorplasty to restore elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus palsy C5-C6-C7 where wrist extensors are paralyzed or weakened.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective follow-up study of 12 patients with absent or extremely weak elbow flexion (motor grade 2 or less), wrist/finger extensor and triceps palsy associated; who had undergone surgical reconstruction of the flail upper limb by tendon transfer (Steindler flexorplasty) and wrist arthrodesis to restore elbow flexion. The aetiology of elbow weakness was in all patients brachial plexus palsy (C5-C6-C7 deficit). Data were collected from medical records and from the information obtained during follow-up visits.Age, sex, preoperative strength (rated on a 0 to 5 scale for the flexors of the elbow, wrist flexors, pronator and triceps), previous surgery, length of follow-up, other associated operative procedures, results and complications were recorded.ResultsThe results are the follows: Eleven patients were found to have very good or good function of the transferred muscles. One patient had mild active flexion of the elbow despite the reconstructive procedure.There were no major intraoperative complications. Two patients experienced transient, intermittent nocturnal ulnar paresthesias postoperatively. In both patients these symptoms subsided without further surgery.ConclusionOur study suggests that in patients with C5-C6-C7 palsy where the wrist and finger extensors are paralyzed or weaked, the flexor-pronators muscles of the forearm are strong but the triceps is not available for transfer; Steindler flexorplasty to restore elbow flexion should be complemented with wrist arthrodesis.

Delayed rupture of all finger flexor tendons (excluding thumb) following nonoperative treatment of Colles' fracture: A case report and literature review

AimsWe report a case of delayed all digital flexor tendon ruptures after nonoperative management of distal radius fracture. MethodsAn 84-year-old woman, noted loss of flexion of your fingers. She had a history of Colles' fracture 40 years before, which had been left untreated. Darrach procedure were carried and a tendon transfers for the flexor tendon ruptures. ResultsDespite attempts of early active mobilisation, a poor operative outcome was observed. ConclusionTendon rupture can occur several months or years after the injury, and prompt recognition and treatment can minimize disability.

Long-term followup of surgically treated knee dislocations: stability restored, but arthritis is common.

Surgical treatment of knee dislocations is intended to correct the anatomic injury and restore knee stability and patient function. Several studies have shown successful results with surgical treatment of knee dislocations with up to 10 years of followup, but longer-term studies are uncommon. We evaluated patients treated surgically for knee dislocations at 10-year followup to assess (1) knee stability; (2) return to preinjury level of function; (3) development of arthrosis; and (4) range of motion (ROM) loss. This study was a retrospective review of 127 combined PCL, ACL, and medial and/or lateral side reconstructions performed by a single surgeon (GCF) between 1990 and 2008. Of these, 44 were available for clinical and functional evaluation (35%) at a minimum 5-year followup. Inclusion criteria were combined PCL/ACL plus medial and/or lateral side reconstruction. Evaluation methods included arthrometer measurements, stress radiography, knee ligament rating and activity scales (Lysholm and Tegner), plain radiographs with osteoarthritic assessment, and physical examination. Of the 44 patients, there were nine ACL/PCL medial, 22 ACL/PCL lateral, and 13 ACL/PCL mediolateral reconstructions. Followup was at a minimum of 5 years (mean, 10 years; range, 5-22 years). The mean age at the time of injury was 31 years with a range of 13 to 65 years. The mean arthrometer-measured side-to-side differences were as follows: PCL screen, 1.9 mm; corrected posterior, 2.4 mm; corrected anterior, 0.8 mm; and anterior displacement at 30° of knee flexion, 1.7 mm. Stress radiographic measurements at 90° of knee flexion revealed a mean side-to-side difference of 1.9 mm. Mean Lysholm, and Tegner scores were 84 of 100 and 4.1 of 9, respectively. Ninety-three percent (41 of 44) of patients returned to their preinjury level of activity or one Tegner grade lower. Ten of the 44 knees (23%) developed degenerative joint disease. The mean flexion loss was 12.5°, and flexion contractures were not seen in any of the patients. We found that a high proportion of patients treated for these severe injuries achieved static and functional stability, allowing the return to physically demanding work and recreational activities, but that nearly one-fourth of them will develop arthritis at a mean of 10 years. We cannot extrapolate our results to an elite athlete population, but our results probably apply well to working class populations. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon Graft

To review the results of scapholunate ligament reconstruction using a flexor carpi radialis tendon graft. We performed a retrospective review of 22 patients with post-traumatic scapholunate instability who were treated with a modification of the Brunelli, a flexor carpi radialis tendon graft. The mean follow-up was 61 months. The average age was 40 years. The average loss of flexion was 23° and of extension was 22° compared with the contralateral side. Grip strength averaged 67% of the nonoperated side. All patients except 2 returned to work. Degenerative changes were seen in 3 patients at the time of revision. Complications occurred in 2 patients and included avascular necrosis of the scaphoid. Perfect biomechanical reconstruction might not be possible for scapholunate dissociation. Our results show, however, that ligament reconstruction led to satisfactory results from the patient's point of view. Therapeutic IV.

Surgical Treatment of Knee Dislocations: 5 to 22 Year Results

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of surgical treatment of knee dislocations with 5 to 22 year follow up in 44 patients in this retrospective case series. Inclusion criteria are a combined PCL ACL plus medial and or lateral side reconstruction in patients with 5 to 22 year follow up. The surgery was performed by one surgeon for all patients. The mean follow up was 9.8 years with a range of 5 to 22 years. The patient age at the time of surgery was 30.9 years, with an age range of 13 to 65 years. The diagnosis were 9 ACL PCL medial (20.5%), 22 ACL PCL lateral (50.0%), and 13 ACL PCL medial lateral (29.5%). Mechanisms of injury included 26 motor vehicle related (59.1%), 9 sports injuries (20.5%), 6 industrial/farming (13.6%), and 3 pedestrian automobile encounters (6.8%). Evaluation methods included KT 1000 arthrometer measurements, stress radiography, knee ligament rating scales, physical examination, and plain radiographs. The KT 1000 arthrometer mean side to side difference measured in millimeters are: PCL screen 1.9 mm, corrected posterior 2.4 mm, corrected anterior 0.8 mm, and the anterior displacement at 30 degrees of knee flexion 1.7 mm. The combined mean side to side difference measurement for all parameters was 1.7 mm. Stress radiographic measurements at 90 degrees of knee flexion to evaluate the PCL reconstruction revealed a mean 1.9 mm side to side difference. Mean Lysholm knee ligament score was 84.4/100. Mean Hospital for Special Surgery score was 82.8/100. Mean Tegner score was 4.1/9. 65.1% of patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity, and 92.8% of postoperative patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity or one Tegner grade lower level of function. Post reconstruction physical examination for the PCL revealed 97.8% of knees had symmetrical or less than grade one posterior drawer (43 of 44 knees). Post ACL reconstruction 39 knees had symmetrical Lachman test (86.6%) and 40 knees had symmetrical (negative) pivot shift (90.9%). Symmetrical varus was present in 41 knees (93.2%), and symmetrical valgus was present in 43 knees (97.7%). Axial rotation was symmetrical to the normal knee in 38 knees (86.4%) and tighter than the normal knee in 6 (13.6%). There were 10 of the 44 knees developed degenerative joint disease (22.7%), and 3 of the 44 knees required total knee replacement (6.8%). There was no loss of terminal extension in any of the knees, but the mean flexion loss was 12.5 degrees compared to the normal knee. Static stability is achieved and documented with KT 1000 arthrometer measurements (mean 1.7 mm side to side difference), and stress radiography (1.9 mm side to side difference), and these results do not deteriorate with time. Functional stability is achieved with 92.8% of patients returning to physically demanding work and/or recreational activities. Post traumatic degenerative joint disease occurs in 22.7% of the knees in this series, and the incidence increases as the time from injury increases.

Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament

Background: Recent studies have shown that medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using a standardized technique provides significant improvements in all outcome scoring systems, with low complication rates and good patient satisfaction. Although numerous studies have assessed clinical results, there is little published literature investigating return to sporting activities after reconstruction of the MPFL. Purpose: To demonstrate postoperative outcomes and the return-to-sports rate a minimum of 2 years after isolated MPFL reconstruction in a young patient cohort. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between 2007 and 2010, a total of 72 isolated MPFL reconstructions (in 68 patients) were performed for recurrent patellar dislocation. Pre- and postoperative knee assessment included a thorough history of symptoms and a clinical examination consisting of crepitus, range of motion, patellofemoral pain, and patellar apprehension. Knee function was assessed using the Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner activity score, visual analog scale (VAS), and Activity Rating Scale (ARS). Results: Of patients who participated in sports preoperatively (62/68 patients), 100% returned to sports after MPFL reconstruction; 53% returned at equal or higher levels, whereas 47% returned at lower levels. Fifty-four of 68 patients (79.4%) rated themselves as very satisfied or satisfied with the results. The median Kujala score improved significantly from 66 to 87.5 and the median International Knee Documentation Committee score from 60 to 79.8. The median VAS for pain score illustrated significant preoperative to postoperative improvement, from 4 to 2. Conversely, patients’ activity levels according to the Tegner activity score dropped from 4.5 to 4, and the median Activity Rating Scale score dropped from 6 to 3. There was also a persistent instability rate of 10% as well as a slight loss of knee flexion in 24 of 72 knees. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the MPFL is a safe and effective treatment for patellofemoral instability without severe trochlear dysplasia and allows most patients to engage in regular sports activities 2 years postoperatively, at least at a recreational level. However, potential complications, such as persistent instability, pain, and loss of flexion, must be considered.

Combined effects of body composition and ageing on joint torque, muscle activation and co-contraction in sedentary women.

This study aimed to establish the interplay between body mass, adiposity, ageing and determinants of skeletal muscle strength. One hundred and two untrained healthy women categorised by age into young (Y) (mean ± SD, 26.7 ± 9.4 years) vs. old (O) (65.1 ± 7.2 years) were assessed for body fat, lean mass, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque, muscle activation capacity and antagonist muscle co-contraction. MVC torque normalised to body mass in the obese group was 35 and 29 % lower (p < 0.05) in Y and 34 and 31 % lower (p < 0.05) in O, compared with underweight and normal weight individuals, respectively. Y with ≥40 % body fat had significantly lower activation than Y with <40 % body fat (88.3 vs. 94.4 %, p < 0.05), but O did not exhibit this effect. Co-contraction was affected by ageing (16.1 % in O vs. 13.8 % in Y, p < 0.05) but not body composition. There were significant associations between markers of body composition, age, strength and activation capacity, with the strongest correlation between muscle strength and total body mass (r 2 = 0.508 in Y, p < 0.001, vs. r 2 = 0.204 in O, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the age-related loss in plantar flexion (PF) MVC torque was exacerbated in obese compared to underweight, normal weight and overweight individuals (−0.96 vs. −0.54, −0.57 and −0.57 % per year, p < 0.05). The negative impact of adiposity on muscle performance is associated with not only muscular but also neural factors. Overall, the effects of ageing and obesity on this system are somewhat cumulative.

Primary ulnar superficial slip resection in complicated trigger finger

Long standing trigger finger, often present for 6 months to years before consulting, can result in a lack of extension, which is often painful and may persist after section of the A1 pulley. The ulnar superficial slip resection (USSR) was introduced by Le Viet to address this problem. It is hypothesised that primary section of the A1 pulley with USSR resolves both extension lack and pain in longstanding trigger fingers with a painful extension lack. This retrospective studye reviewed the results of primary USSR for longstanding trigger fingers (6 months or more) with painful extension lack in 18 patients. Locking was resolved and full extension was acquired in all cases (100%). Satisfaction rate was high (89%) and disability returned to normal after surgery. In two patients, satisfaction was low due to residual loss of flexion as a result of osteoarthritis and cold intolerance in another. It is concluded that the USSR procedure is a valuable primary surgical option in complicated trigger finger with painful extension lack caused by flexor tendon tendinosis.

Outcome of anatomical double-bundle ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendons via an outside-in approach

To evaluate the clinical outcome of anatomical double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using multistranded hamstring tendons via an outside-in approach. One hundred and twenty-one patients (mean age 28±10years) who underwent ACL reconstruction were examined. Using an outside-in femoral drill guide, an upper femoral tunnel for the anteromedial (AM) graft was created just below the superior articular cartilage margin of the medial wall of the lateral condyle through a small incision. A lower femoral tunnel for the posterolateral (PL) graft was drilled in the centre of the inferior-posterior half of the attachment area behind the resident's ridge in the same manner. Two tibial tunnels were created at the centre of the AM and PL bundle footprints of a normal ACL. Patients were evaluated at 24months postoperatively. According to the IKDC form, 52 knees (43%) were graded as normal, 64 (53%) as nearly normal, 1 (1%) as abnormal and 4 (3%) as graft rupture due to re-injury. Loss of knee extension of <5° was observed in one patient (1%). Among 111 patients who were directly evaluated, none showed loss of flexion of <5°. Lachman sign was negative in 103 patients (93%), while the pivot shift test result was negative or equivalent to that of the contralateral healthy knee in 103 patients (93%). The mean side-to-side difference in anterior laxity at manual maximum force with the KT-2000 arthrometer(®) was 0.9±1.1mm, and 94% of patients showed a range between -1 and +2mm. The anatomical double-bundle outside-in ACL reconstruction provided a satisfactory short-term outcome. Case series, Level IV.

Leg Strength Declines With Advancing Age Despite Habitual Endurance Exercise in Active Older Adults

Age-associated loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and strength (dynapenia) is associated with a loss of independence that contributes to falls, fractures, and nursing home admissions, whereas regular physical activity has been suggested to offset these losses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of habitual endurance exercise on muscle mass and strength in active older adults. A longitudinal analysis of muscle strength (≈4.8 years apart) was performed on 59 men (age at start of study: 58.6 ± 7.3 years) and 35 women (56.9 ± 8.2 years) who used endurance running as their primary mode of exercise. There were no changes in fat-free mass although body fat increased minimally (1.0-1.5%). Training volume (km·wk, d·wk) decreased in both the men and women. There was a significant loss of both isometric knee extension (≈5% per year) and knee flexion (≈3.6% per year) strength in both the men and women. However, there was no significant change in either isokinetic concentric or eccentric torque of the knee extensors. Our data demonstrated a significant decline in isometric knee extensor and knee flexor strength although there were no changes in body mass in this group of very active older men and women. Our data support newer exercise guidelines for older Americans suggesting resistance training be an integral component of a fitness program and that running alone was not sufficient to prevent the loss in muscle strength (dynapenia) with aging.

Extension Type Locked Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Little Finger due to Hyperextension Injury

The extension type locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger is an extremely rare condition characterized by loss of flexion with little or no loss of extension. The most common cause for locking is entrapment of a strap of the ruptured palmar plate. We treated a locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger due to a hyperextension injury. The mechanism of locking was a torn part of the palmar ligament that forcefully rides across the prominence of the radial condyle of the metacarpal bone together with the accessory collateral ligament. These dislocated parts of the ligament formed a constricting bundle that prevented closed reduction. Locking was released successfully by an open reduction using the dorsal approach of the metacarpophalangeal joint without complication.

휠체어 사용자를 위한 한국어판 WUSPI의 신뢰도와 타당도

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), which was translated into Korean for long-term wheelchair users. This index measured 15 functional activities, including transfer, self-care, wheelchair mobility and general activities. METHODS: To assess test-retest reliability, 23 long-term wheelchair users completed this self-administered index twice within the same day. Reliability was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Cronbach's alpha was used to measure internal consistency. To examine concurrent validity, 21 long-term wheelchair users completed the questionnaire, and we examined the correlation between the index score and the shoulder range of motion measurements. RESULT: The results showed that the intraclass correlation for test-retest reliability of the total index score ranging from .88 to .99 was good to excellent. Additionally, Cronbach's alpha was .96. The internal consistency indicated excellent. Concurrent validity showed negative correlations of total index score to range of motion measurements of shoulder flexion (rho=-.58), extension (rho=-.09), abduction (rho=-.59), external rotation (rho=-.07) and internal rotation (rho=-.3), suggesting a relationship of total index score to loss of shoulder range of motion. CONCLUSION: The Korean WUSPI shows not only high reliability and internal consistency, but also concurrent validity with loss of shoulder flexion and abduction.

Long-Term Results Following Surgical Treatment of Elbow Deformity in Patients With Cerebral Palsy

To evaluate the long-term results of surgical intervention for elbow flexion deformity in cerebral palsy. We hypothesized that improvements in elbow extension and flexion posture angle at ambulation would be maintained over time with preservation of active flexion. A total of 23 patients (23 elbows) were available for long-term follow-up. Patients had fixed elbow contractures less than 45° and were treated with partial elbow muscle lengthening. Active and passive range of motion and elbow flexion posture during ambulation were measured at each follow-up, and longitudinal results were compared. Active extension and flexion posture angle during ambulation improved 12° and 63°, respectively, with an 8° loss of active flexion. Soft tissue lengthening of the anterior elbow can provide statistically significant lasting improvements in active extension and flexion posture during ambulation in patients with cerebral palsy. Our long-term findings substantiate previously reported short-term results. Therapeutic IV.

Distal quadricepsplasty in children: 88 cases of retractile fibrosis following intramuscular injections treated in Benin

Retractile fibrosis of the quadriceps (RFQ) is a physical and social handicap in children, and often results from a past history of quadriceps intramuscular injection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic results of RFQ treated by distal quadricepsplasty using a modified Thompson-Payr procedure (DQPMTP). Functional recovery will be good with DQPMTP. This is a descriptive retrospective 10-year study from 2002 to 2011, including 74 children (88 knees) less than 15 years old, admitted for RFQ and treated in Benin. The types of RFQ were: knee flexion loss of motion 16 cases (18.2%), lag of extension 54 cases (61.4%) and associated genu recurvatum, 18 cases (20.5%). Wasting of the thigh was found in all cases. An associated distal femoral osteotomy was performed to correct a bone deformity in 18 cases (20.5%). There were 16 cases (18.2%) of poorly looking postoperative scars and 2 cases (2.3%) of fracture during physical therapy. Mean flexion ROM after surgery was 77.7°. Mean flexion increased from 77.7° to 108.5° following postoperative rehabilitation or a mean gain of 30.7°. The quadriceps muscle testing scores were at least 3/5. Results of DQPMTP were good in 80.7% of cases, as shown by mean active knee flexion of 108.5° with normal active extension. The results were satisfactory in 17 cases (19.3%). DQPMTP has the advantage of cutting a minimum of blood vessels, thus limiting the risk of hematoma. Laterally placed incisions create less tension reducing the risk of skin necrosis. The clinical and radiological results of this series confirm those in the literature. Treatment of RFQ by DQPMTP provides satisfactory functional rehabilitation in patients, which confirms our hypothesis. Level IV, retrospective study without comparison.

Can Ulnar Variance Be Used to Detect Overstuffing After Radial Head Arthroplasty?

Overstuffing of the radiocapitellar joint during metallic radial head arthroplasty has been reported to cause loss of elbow flexion, capitellar erosion, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Although this is known, there is no agreed-on measurement approach to determine whether overstuffing has occurred. We therefore hypothesized that overlengthening the radial head during radial head arthroplasty changes the ulnar variance in the wrist. Seven cadaveric radii were implanted with radial head prostheses of increasing thickness. Each specimen was implanted successively with increasingly thick radial head prostheses measuring 2, 4, and 6 mm thicker than the native radial head, and radiographs were taken after implantation of each prosthesis. The ulnar variance with each prosthesis was measured using the method of perpendiculars. The ulnar variance of the native and 2-mm (p = 0.04), 4-mm (p = 0.008), and 6-mm (p = 0.008) overly thick radial head prosthesis-implanted states decreased significantly with each incremental increase in prosthetic head thickness. Implantation of thicker radial head prostheses decreased the ulnar variance. Our results indicate ulnar variance could be used to detect overstuffing of radial head prostheses. The simplicity and reliability of ulnar variance make it a potentially useful indicator of overlengthening after radial head arthroplasty.

Wiederherstellung der Daumenendgelenkbeugung durch Transposition der oberflächlichen Beugesehne des Ringfingers

Restoration of active thumb flexion at the distal joint. Loss of active flexion of the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb if there is a transection of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon at the tendon channel of the thumb or thenar and direct suture is not possible but the tendon channel is intact, as alternative procedure to a free tendon graft if the transection is proximal to the tendon channel and the muscle of the FPL is contracted/injured or the FPL tendon is unharmed but the FPL muscle is partially or complete paralyzed. Insufficiency of the FPL tendon channel, impairment of the superficial or deep flexor tendon of the ring finger, limited passive motion of the proximal and distal thumb joints, acute local general infection and non-compliance or incapacity of the patient. The surgical technique depends on the necessity of transosseous refixation of the FDS IV at the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb or the possibility of woven sutures through the FPL proximal to the tendon channel. If the tendon channel is intact the distal part of the FPL tendon is shortened to 1cm, the FDS IV tendon is cut distal to the chiasma of Camper, pulled through the carpal tunnel and moved into the channel of the FPL tendon and fixed transosseously through the base of the distal phalanx of the thumb. If the transection of the FPL tendon is located proximal to the tendon channel and muscle of the FPL is injured, FDS IV tendon will be woven using the Pulvertaft technique through the FPL tendon at the distal forearm. Postoperative 6weeks motion of thumb flexion without resistance in relieved position of the thumb through a thermoplast splint and 6weeks of functional use of the hand with increasing weight bearing. In this study 10patients with FDS IV transposition to reconstruct an isolated rupture of the FPL tendon could be followed for an average of 4.1years postoperatively. The active range of motion of the IP joint of the thumb averaged 65° (10-100°), 8/10patients achieved an equal active and passive range of motion of the IP joint of the thumb, in 2patients some flexion insufficiency remained, 9 patients could reach the fingertip of the small finger with the thumb and 1patient lacked 3mm. Contracture of the proximal thumb joint developed in two patients. After removal of the FDSIV tendon two patients developed contracture of the PIP joint of the ring finger. The grip force was reduced to 81 %, lateral grip to 83 % and pinch grip to 77 %. The DASH score averaged 18 (0-31) and 8/10patients would choose to undergo this surgery again.

Flexor Pollicis Longus Dysfunction After Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

To evaluate the natural history and etiology of decreased thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint flexion after volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. A total of 46 patients who underwent volar plating of 48 distal radius fractures by a single surgeon were retrospectively studied. Of those patients, 24 (24 wrists) exhibited loss of thumb IP joint flexion (group 1) and 22 (24 wrists) retained thumb IP joint flexion (group 2) with attempted thumb opposition to the small finger after surgery. All patients were seen at regular intervals until IP joint flexion returned and fracture healing was confirmed radiographically. Patient demographics, fracture patterns, surgical variables, and final radiographs were compared between groups. Twenty patients in group 1 were seen after a mean of 6.5 months (range, 5-12 mo) for specific outcome measurements. Eight cadaveric specimens were used to replicate the flexor carpi radialis approach to the distal radius and evaluate flexor pollicis longus tendon excursion. There were no significant differences in fracture pattern, patient age or sex, injured extremity dominance, time to surgery, incision length, plate composition, plate length, tourniquet time, or final wrist radiographs between groups. In group 1, active thumb IP joint flexion returned on average 52 days (range, 19-143 d) postoperatively. At final evaluation in this group, mean IP joint flexion was 11° less than the contralateral thumb IP joint; however, patient-determined outcomes were favorable in most cases. In the cadaveric specimens, excursion of the flexor pollicis longus tendon decreased with sequential soft tissue dissection and retraction. Loss of thumb IP joint flexion after volar plating of distal radius fractures was common, and motion returned to near normal in most cases within 2 months. Partial stripping of the flexor pollicis longus muscle from investing fascia and bone and retraction of soft tissues are likely etiological factors.

Effect of Patellar Thickness on Knee Flexion in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Biomechanical and Experimental Study

A biomechanical computer-based model was developed to simulate the influence of patellar thickness on passive knee flexion after arthroplasty. Using the computer model of a single-radius, PCL-sacrificing knee prosthesis, a range of patella-implant composite thicknesses was simulated. The biomechanical model was then replicated using two cadaveric knees. A patellar-thickness range of 15 mm was applied to each of the knees. Knee flexion was found to decrease exponentially with increased patellar thickness in both the biomechanical and experimental studies. Importantly, this flexion loss followed an exponential pattern with higher patellar thicknesses in both studies. In order to avoid adverse biomechanical and functional consequences, it is recommended to restore patellar thickness to that of the native knee during total knee arthroplasty.

Treatment of Blocked Elbow Flexion in Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis With Radial Head Excision

Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) causes a spectrum of presentations, most commonly a restriction of forearm rotation. Because most of these children are not treated operatively, many are not followed clinically after the diagnosis has been made. This report describes that a subset of the Cleary and Omer type IV synostoses (anterior dislocation of the radial head) can present with a progressive block to elbow flexion that worsens with growth. The location of this synostosis allows the physis of the radial head to grow untethered. The enlarged radial head can impinge upon the capitellum, blocking elbow flexion and snapping on the annular ligament. We propose excision of the radial head as a method of treating the anteriorly dislocated radial head in type IV synostoses. We evaluated 4 patients with Cleary and Omer type IV synostoses who presented with an anteriorly dislocated radial head impinging on elbow flexion with snapping of the annular ligament. Each patient was treated with excision of the radial head. In 4 patients excision of the radial head was performed through a lateral Kocher approach. At follow-up, all patients showed relief from their pain and mechanical symptoms, with return of baseline range of motion. One complication which occurred was transient radial nerve neuropraxia. Although surgery is rarely needed for CRUS, excision of the radial head may be indicated if progressive loss of elbow flexion occurs secondary to impingement of the anteriorly dislocated radial head with the distal humerus in patients with type IV synostosis. We report that excision of the radial head can successfully treat this condition. Patients with type IV CRUS should be educated about the potential for loss of elbow flexion and/or followed until skeletal maturity to evaluate for this potential condition. Case series consistent with level IV evidence; therapeutic study.

The “Double Wrist Flexor” Tendon Transfer for Radial Nerve Palsy

In isolated high radial nerve palsy, it is traditionally taught that one should not use both wrist flexors for tendon transfers. Over the last 17 years, the author has encountered 4 unusual cases of high radial nerve palsy with concurrent direct injury to the pronator teres, flexor digitorum superficialis, and the palmaris longus in the proximal forearm. In these cases, the author used both wrist flexors, namely, the flexor carpi radialis to restore wrist extension and the flexor carpi ulnaris to restore finger/thumb extension as well as thumb radial abduction. Despite the major loss of wrist flexion, all patients had a good overall function as per the modified Bincaz scale. It was concluded that this "double wrist flexor" transfer remains to be an acceptable option for high radial nerve palsy when the pronator teres, flexor digitorum superficialis, and the palmaris longus tendons are not available.