Postoperative DASH Score Research Articles

Extracapsular subcutaneous endoscopic treatment for refractory lateral epicondylalgia: technique, retrospective results, and prognostic factors.

BackgroundThe extracapsular subcutaneous endoscopic treatment is a new and under-researched approach to the endoscopic treatment of refractory lateral epicondylalgia. We aimed to introduce the techniques of the method and the mid-long term clinical effects. Furthermore, we intended to identify demographic and surgical-related factors correlated with prognosis of extracapsular subcutaneous method.MethodsPatients with a minimum of 6 months of conservative treatment for lateral epicondylalgia were recruited from March 2012 to July 2018. Key surgical techniques including microfracture and endoscopic suture were used. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Disability of Arm (Shoulder and Hand, DASH) scores were used to evaluate clinical results. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze effects of demographic characteristics and treatment techniques on prognosis.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were treated with modified subcutaneous extracapsular surgery. No serious complications such as neurovascular injury or infection occurred. Postoperative VAS, MEPS, and DASH scores significantly improved (P<0.001). Age was associated with prognosis regarding VAS score (P=0.023). Older age was an independent relevant factor for poor prognosis regarding VAS score (OR =0.914, 95% CI: 0.842–0.993, P=0.033), and microfracture during surgery related to poor prognosis for DASH score (OR =0.056, 95% CI: 0.004–0.783, P=0.032). Plaster fixation was an independent factor related to good prognosis regarding DASH score (OR =11.156, 95% CI: 1.009–123.363, P=0.049).ConclusionsExtracapsular subcutaneous method of refractory lateral epicondylalgia has satisfactory and stable clinical results with high safety. Techniques of extracapsular method include debridement, microfracture, and tendon suture under endoscope. Young age, no microfracture, and postoperative plaster fixation were associated with good long-term prognosis.

Beyond the Cubital Tunnel: Use of Adjunctive Procedures in the Management of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Our management of cubital tunnel syndrome has expanded to involve multiple adjunctive procedures, including supercharged end-to-side anterior interosseous to ulnar nerve transfer, cross-palm nerve grafts from the median to ulnar nerve, and profundus tenodesis. We also perform intraoperative brief electrical stimulation in patients with severe disease. The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of adjunctive procedures and electrical stimulation on patient outcomes. We performed a retrospective review of 136 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome who underwent operative management from 2013 to 2018. A total of 38 patients underwent adjunctive procedure(s), and 33 received electrical stimulation. A historical cohort of patients who underwent cubital tunnel surgery from 2009 to 2011 (n = 87) was used to evaluate the impact of adjunctive procedures. Study outcomes were postoperative improvements in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, pinch strength, and patient-reported pain and quality of life. In propensity score-matched samples, patients who underwent adjunctive procedures had an 11.3-point greater improvement in DASH scores than their matched controls (P = .0342). In addition, patients who received electrical stimulation had significantly improved DASH scores relative to baseline (11.7-point improvement, P < .0001), whereas their control group did not. However, when compared between treatment arms, there were no significant differences for any study outcome. Patients who underwent adjunctive procedures experienced greater improvement in postoperative DASH scores than their matched pairs. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effects of brief electrical stimulation in compression neuropathy.

Corrective Procedure for Flexion Contracture of the Elbow in Neonatal Palsy Sequelae: Long-term Follow-up.

Aim of this paper is to validate a procedure for correcting elbow flexion contracture in patients suffering from brachial plexus neonatal palsy sequelae during their teens. Elbow flexion contracture represents an unsolved problem in the natural history of obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) because of the consistent deformity recurrence. Following a previous paper, in which an original technique was proposed in a small sample of patients, the authors show the possible correction of the deformity in a larger group of patients. The procedure includes a combination of a posterior approach to the elbow with olecranon tip section and an anterior one with capsulotomy and soft tissue release to improve elbow range of motion. A series of 26 patients, who underwent the procedure, were checked out in medium and long term. Collected data were age, type of brachial plexus palsy, length of hospitalization, duration of surgery, preoperative and postoperative elbow range of motion, preoperative and postoperative DASH scores and satisfaction scores. Explaining further details about the procedure, the Authors report their results, including a statistical analysis. At the final follow-up, the mean increase of elbow extension was about 22°. Functional outcomes were successful as well, with a mean increase of 10 points of DASH score. Over 75% of patients were fully satisfied with their outcome. The outcome has confirmed the good efficacy of the procedure in increasing elbow extension but also in improving cosmetic appearance in adolescents suffering from flexed elbow in OBPP sequelae.

Endoscopic Assisted Transaxially Approach for First Rib Resection in Thoracic Outlet Syndromes

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex of signs and symptoms resulting from compression of the nerves and vessels supplying the upper limb. Previous articles described that physicians who do not regularly treat patients with TOS may not have an accurate view of this disorder, its treatment, or the possible success rate of treatment. Roos reported that TOS is underdiagnosed. Difficulty in diagnosis of TOS correctly may cause unexplained various symptoms and less objective diagnostic criteria. Moreover, surgical management for TOS remains more challenging. Transaxillary first rib resection is a well-established surgical treatment for patients with symptomatic TOS. However, it does not allow an adequate exposure of the insertion of the scalene muscle to the first rib. Because surgery for TOS involves many complex and intimately related structures, theoretical complications are numerous and may be severe. There were reported complications including brachial plexus dysfunction and fatal subclavian artery or vein injury. Recent articles showed that with the help of the endoscope, more safety and less invasive surgery has been achieved. The purpose of this study is to access the feasibility of endoscopic assisted transaxially approach for first rib resection in TOS. Forty-eight cases of TOS (21 women and 27 men; mean age, 28.1 years; range, 13-57 years) who underwent endoscopic assisted first rib partial resection were reviewed retrospectively. Conventional transaxially approach described by Roos was underwent before identification of the first rib. A 4.0 mm 30°arthroscope was introduced with an additional small port placed anterior latissimus dorsi. The scope allowed for visual identification and confirmation of the first rib and the contents of the thoracic outlet. Endoscopic classification of neurovascular bundle patterns (NVB), that is, alignment of the nerve, artery, and vein were evaluated intraoperatively. In addition, distance between anterior and middle scalene muscle at the edge of the first clavicle was measured. The first rib was transected anteriorly near the costochondral junction and posteriorly as close to the transverse process as possible in a piece by piece fashion under good visualization with great care to avoid injury to the subclavian vein immediately anterior to the anterior scalene muscles. Roos and Wood score and DASH score was obtained postoperatively. Intraoperative endoscopic findings revealed 3 classifications of NVB patterns based on alignment of scalene muscles, nerve, and artery: parallel type (9 cases) in which the artery and nerve travel parallelly; oblique type (24 cases), in which the nerve was behind the artery; vertical type (15 cases), in which the nerve were totally behind the middle scalene muscle or abnormal band. Abnormal NVB patterns (24 oblique and 15 vertical type) were found in 39 cases (81.3%). In many patients, the interscalene distance was narrow (4.9 mm, range 0-13 mm). Of the congenital abnormal fibrous bands that were identified, 26 of 31 selectively were compressing the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. The insertion of the anterior or middle scalene exceeded the scalene tubercle and extended onto the superior surface of the rib in 13 cases and this was through to narrow the interscalene interval. Postoperative clinical findings showed that excellent or good results by Roos score were obtained in 38 cases (79.2%) and fair to poor results were recorded in 10 cases (20.8%). Pre- and postoperative mean DASH scores were, 35.1 (range 2-77) and 19 (0-72), respectively. No major complication was reported except one pneumothorax. Although transaxillary first rib resection is a well-established surgical treatment for patients with symptomatic TOS, this procedure requires meticulous technique with special attention to fine details to achieve the best results with the least complications. Therefore, many physicians may hesitate to diagnose and treatment TOS.

Long-term donor site morbidity after radial forearm flap elevation for tongue reconstruction: Prospective observational study.

To assess long-term donor site morbidity after radial forearm free (RFF) flap harvesting. Enrolled patients were asked to complete the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and undergo wrist motion and hand strength examinations at different time points. The data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The postoperative DASH score did not return to normal until 24 months after the operation. The mean postoperative wrist motion degree of flexion was significantly decreased compared to the preoperative level and returned to normal at 12 months after the operation. Similar trends were noted regarding extension, radial abduction, and ulnar abduction. The mean postoperative grip strength was significantly decreased compared to the preoperative level and remained dysfunctional at 24 months after the operation. A similar trend was also noted with regard to tip pinch and key pinch. The long-term negative effect on hand strength is sustained.

The treatment of onychogryphosis of hand nails by total matricectomy and dorsal V-Y advancement flap.

Objectives This study aims to report the outcomes of dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique used for the reconstruction of surgical defects following total matricectomy performed for the onychogryphosis of hand nails.Patients and methods A total of 18 consecutive patients (10 males, 8 females; mean age 38.4 years; range, 24 to 41 years) with 20 onychogryphotic hand nails who underwent total matricectomy and dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique were analyzed retrospectively between June 2015 and March 2018. The Mann- Whitney U test was used to compare the pre- and postoperative Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire scores while postoperative satisfaction rate was also evaluated.Results The mean follow-up period of the patients was 15.3 months. The etiology was finger trauma in eight and surgical complication of recurrent paronychia drainage in four cases, while the remaining six were idiopathic. The mean time to return to work was 5.2 weeks, and the mean pre- and postoperative Quick DASH scores were 0.97 and 3.45, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. The postoperative satisfaction was rated as excellent in 16, good in one, and moderate in one case.ConclusionThe dorsal V-Y advancement flap technique can be performed reliably due to its good soft tissue coverage, satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes, and allowing a short time to return to work.

Higher preoperative pain catastrophizing increases the risk of low patient reported satisfaction after carpal tunnel release: a prospective study

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome is a common upper-limb nerve compression disease. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to several symptoms such as tingling or numbness, pain in the hand or wrist, and reduced grip strength. Based on demographic characteristics, patient reported outcome measures, and with special attention to pain catastrophizing, the purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for low patient-reported satisfaction following surgical treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.MethodsA total of 417 hands from 417 patients (64. 5% females) with a mean age of 58. 0 years were included in this 1-year prospective follow-up study. We collected preoperative data on disability using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH), quality of life using the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), pain catastrophizing using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and distal motor latency. Data on DASH score, EQ-5D, and patient satisfaction was collected 12 months postoperatively. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used to test for difference in preoperative and postoperative DASH and EQ-5D score. Risk factors for low postoperative patient reported satisfaction was examined using stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found a general improvement in patients’ DASH scores (12.29 [95% CI: 10.65–13.90], p < 0.001) and EQ-5D (0.14 [95% CI: 0.13–0.16], p < 0.001) from preoperative to 12 months postoperative. In the fully adjusted multiple regression analysis we found a statistically significant effect of preoperative PCS on patient reported satisfaction with OR = 1.05 (p = 0.022), for a one unit increase in preoperative PCS. There was no statistically significant predictive effect of preoperative EQ-5D (p = 0.869), DASH (p = 0.076), distal motor latency (p = 0.067), age (p = 0.505) or gender (p = 0.222).ConclusionsPatients improved in both DASH and EQ-5D from preoperative to 12 months postoperative. Higher preoperative PCS seems to have a negative effect on postoperative patient reported satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.

A Modified Suture Suspension Arthroplasty Technique for the Treatment of Basal Joint Arthritis: Short- to Intermediate-Term Outcomes.

Background: To present a retrospective study on the outcomes of a modified version of suture suspension arthroplasty with trapeziectomy on patients with thumb basal joint arthritis and to evaluate the relationship between the degree of subsidence and functional outcome. Methods: We performed a chart review on 67 patients (75 thumbs) who were surgically treated for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis with trapeziectomy and suture suspension arthroplasty from May 2010 to May 2016. Outcome measures included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), grip strength, lateral/precision pinch strength, range of motion, and return to work/resumption of usual activities. Radiographic images were used to measure first metacarpal subsidence into the trapezial space. Results: Clinical outcomes were satisfactory, showing an initial postoperative DASH score of 45.94, which decreased to 27.93 at 6 months postoperatively and to 19.69 at 1 year postoperatively. Radiographic images revealed a mean first metacarpal subsidence of 39% compared with the preoperative images. Grip and pinch strengths showed steady improvement from initial postoperative to final follow-up visits, resulting in 90% recovery of gross grasp, 77% recovery of lateral pinch, and 79% recovery of precision pinch compared with the contralateral side. Conclusions: Our study has found that suture suspension arthroplasty with trapeziectomy is an effective treatment for thumb basal joint arthritis. Suture suspension arthroplasty allows for short immobilization time, avoids tendon sacrifice, avoids anchor use, and leaves a cosmetically appealing scar. Furthermore, a relationship of any significance between postoperative first metacarpal subsidence and functional outcomes does not appear.

Evaluation of Functional Outcome of Elbows after Resection Arthroplasty of Failed Total Elbow Replacement.

Background:Recovery of elbow function is a challenging problem following resection arthroplasty after failure of total elbow prosthesis. The objective of this study is to evaluate long term functional outcome in a series of such patients.Materials and Methods:Nineteen patients with twenty elbows who had failed total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) following the use of Baksi total elbow prosthesis needed removal of prosthesis during the period from 1978 to 2003. As two patients were lost to followup, 17 patients with 18 elbows (bilateral in one) were included in this study with a mean age of 44.3 years. Nine cases had uncontrolled infection, seven cases of aseptic loosening including one occurred after TEA for bilateral postburns ankylosis, and two had broken humeral stems. After removal of the prosthesis and its adjacent surrounding bone cement, the cut ends of humerus and ulna were approximated with number 5 Ethibond suture. Postoperatively, the elbow was immobilized in a plaster slab in 110° elbow flexion for 6 weeks followed by physiotherapy. The patients were evaluated for 15–19.4 (mean 16.3) years where functional results were compared at 10 years and 15 years following resection arthroplasty.Results:The resected elbow initially remained flail but gradually regained stability, especially in the sagittal plane. Both the groups showed overall improvement from preoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) 26.5 to postoperative mean MEPS at 10 years (69.6) and at 15 years (70) (P = 0.001). Postoperative mean DASH score was 36.62 at 10 years’ and 36.38 at 15 years’ followup, suggesting persistence of function of resected elbow in the passage of time. The results were good in 9 (50%), fair in 7 (38.8%), and poor in 2 (11.1%) patients. None had recurrence of infection. Transient ulnar nerve palsy was seen in three patients. Postoperatively, power of Biceps recovered up to Medical Research Council grade 4 and Triceps 2–3.Conclusion:Resection arthroplasty of elbow provided acceptable functional recovery in our series of patients with failed elbow prosthesis.

Évaluation fonctionnelle de la prise en charge chirurgicale de l’arthrose scapho-trapézo-trapézoïdienne isolée : série rétrospective monocentrique de 24 patients

Isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis results in a functional impact of the wrist. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the functional results of patients managed surgically at our University Hospital, regardless of the surgical technique used, during the last twelve years, for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis. We performed a monocentric retrospective observational study, using the CCAM database. The inclusion criteria were: surgically treated patient for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis resistant to medical treatment, with clinical and radiological follow-up of more than 6 months. Twenty-four patients were cared for between 2006 and 2018. Partial arthroplasty of the distal pole of the scaphoid with or without interposition techniques and total trapeziectomy techniques were found. The mean follow-up was 79 ± 46.8 months. The joint mobilities of the wrist and the Kapandji score were not significantly reduced postoperatively. The mean postoperative Quick DASH score was 29.15 ± 8.46. The mean VAS was 6.6 ± 1.17 preoperatively versus 1.25 ± 1.51 postoperative (P = 0.003). A statistical subgroup analysis did not reveal any predictive factors for a better postoperative Quick DASH score, nor the superiority of a surgical technique on the evolution of intra-carpal misalignment and postoperative mobilities. Our results are similar to those found in the literature. There was a statistically significant improvement in pain after surgical management, with an improvement of 5.35 points of average on the EVA scale (P = 0.003). This represents a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life. Moreover, concerning the global mobilities of the wrist, we did not demonstrate a significant decrease postoperatively. Indeed, we observed a non-significant mean decrease in flexion (−1.09°) and extension (−4.38°) postoperatively. In addition, the Kapandji score for the mobility of the thumb column is unchanged (loss of 0.17 point not significant). Finally, the surgical management does not result in statistically significant radiological carpal bones offsets with an average postoperative capito-lunar angle of 14.34° ± 6.1 (P = 0.131) which remains below 15°. However, a mean postoperative Quick DASH score of 29.15 out of 100 still means that patients remain functionally impaired in daily life despite surgical management. The surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis resistant to medical treatment provides a significant functional improvement, particularly in terms of pain without altering the overall mobility of the wrist.

Scaphoid nonunions in adolescents: Treatment with vascularized bone grafts

IntroductionScaphoid nonunions (SN) are rare in adolescents. The use of vascularized bone grafts (VBG) from the distal radius as an alternative to conventional grafting for the treatment of established SN in adolescents is described. Patients and MethodsThe technique was applied in 13 patients with symptomatic SN resulting from fractures. All patients were male with average age of 16.5 years (15–17.5). The average period from injury to surgery was 8.3 months (4–13). Patients underwent vascularized bone grafting and internal fixation with K-wires. In 6 patients with proximal pole nonunion a VBG from the dorsal distal radius was used, and in 7 with a waist nonunion a VBG from the palmar distal radius was used. The valuation was clinical (grip strength, range of motion, VAS pain score, DASH) and radiographic. The time to return to activity was also recorded. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 9.8 years (range, 4–16). The union rate was 100% (11/11 cases). Union was achieved in a mean period of 7.2 weeks (range, 6–10), without growth disturbance or other complications from the epiphyseal plate of the distal radius. The range of motion and grip strength was 89% and 92% of the contralateral respectively. The mean postoperative DASH score was 8 and the VAS score was 1. All patients returned to daily activities and sports in a mean period of 4.5 months. ConclusionsThe use of VBG from the distal radius provided a permanent solution in the rare case of SN in adolescents, without donor site morbidity or epiphyseal plate disturbance. The deformity and carpal height were corrected resulting in painless motion and grip strength.

Outcome of arthroscopy-assisted treatment for distal clavicle fractures.

The purpose of the present study was described as the arthroscopically assisted procedure that uses a synthetic conoid ligament reconstruction using Zip Tight (Zimmer biomet, Warsaw, USA) and fracture-site fixation with K-wire. Our hypothesis was that this technique provided a satisfactory functional outcome with minimum complication. 45 patients underwent operation to treat fractures of the distal clavicle between January 2014 and May 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) there is an episode of trauma and it is the first fracture (2) distal clavicle fracture of Neer type IIb with dislocation in image findings. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Neer type I, IIa and III of distal clavicle fracture (2) existing injury of rotator cuff, biceps tendon and labral during the arthroscopic procedure. Based on these criteria, 23 patients were included in this study. Clinical outcome assessments were performed using 1-year postoperative Quick DASH score, Constant-Murley score, ASES score. Radiological outcome consisted of antero-posterior and axillary radiographs. Mean clinical outcomes were as follows: Quick DASH score was 3.8 ± 2.8, ASES score was 92.3 ± 3.2 and Constant-Murley score was 94.1 ± 3.0. It was a highly satisfactory result in all of the score at 1-year follow-up. All patients had achieved radiographic union at a minimum 1-year follow-up. There were no cases of nonunion or osteolysis. This study demonstrated that the arthroscopy-assisted treatment using Zip Tight and K-wire provided a satisfactory functional outcome with minimum complication with Neer type IIb fractures of the distal clavicle. IV, Case series, Treatment study.

Preoperative MRI Shoulder Findings Associated with Clinical Outcome 1 Year after Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background Investigation of the use of preoperative MRI for providing prognostic information regarding clinical outcome following rotator cuff repair has been limited. Purpose To determine whether patients with more severe rotator cuff tears of the shoulder at preoperative MRI have a greater degree of residual pain and disability after rotator cuff repair. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included a cohort of 141 patients who underwent surgical repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear at a single institution between April 16, 2012, and September 3, 2015. The mean patient age was 56.8 years, and there were 100 men (mean age, 56.1 years) and 41 women (mean age, 56.3 years). Patients completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) survey (lower score indicates less pain and disability) before and 1 year after surgery. One musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to the DASH scores measured the maximal anterior-posterior width and medial-lateral retraction of the rotator cuff tear on the preoperative MRI and assessed tendon degeneration and composite muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration using categorical grading scales (grade 0 indicates no tendon degeneration or muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration, and higher grades indicate incrementally more severe tendon degeneration or muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration). Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the association between preoperative MRI findings and the postoperative DASH score. Results There was a significant positive association (P < .05) between the measured tear width (estimate, 2.05), measured tear retraction (estimate, 3.52), and tendon degeneration grade (estimate, 1.59) and the postoperative DASH score. There was no significant association (P = .49) between the composite muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration grade (estimate, 0.31) and the postoperative DASH score. Conclusion Patients with larger rotator cuff tears, more tendon retraction, and more severe tendon degeneration have worse clinical outcome scores 1 year after rotator cuff repair. © RSNA, 2019.

Surgical treatment for severe cubital tunnel syndrome with absent sensory nerve conduction.

For severe cubital tunnel syndrome, patients with absent sensory nerve action potential tend to have more severe nerve damage than those without. Thus, it is speculated that such patients generally have a poor prognosis. How absent sensory nerve action potential affects surgical outcomes remains uncertain owing to a scarcity of reports and conflicting results. This retrospective study recruited one hundred and fourteen cases (88 patients with absent sensory nerve action potential and 26 patients with present sensory nerve action potential) undergoing either subcutaneous transposition or in situ decompression. The minimum follow-up was set at 2 years. Primary outcome measures of overall hand function included their McGowan grade, modified Bishop score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score. For patients with absent sensory nerve action potential, 71 cases (80.7%) achieved at least one McGowan grade improvement, 76 hands (86.4%) got good or excellent results according to the Bishop score, and the average DASH score improved 49.5 points preoperatively to 13.1 points postoperatively. When compared with the present sensory nerve action potential group, they showed higher postoperative McGowan grades and DASH scores, but there was no statistical difference between the modified Bishop scores of the two groups. Following in situ decompression or subcutaneous transposition, great improvement in hand function was achieved for severe cubital tunnel syndrome patients with absent sensory nerve action potential. The functional outcomes after surgery for severe cubital tunnel syndrome are worse in patients with absent sensory nerve action potential than those without. This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, China (approval No. 2017142).

Four-corner fusion: Comparing outcomes of conventional K-wire-, locking plate-, and retrograde headless compression screw fixations

Several operative approaches and various implants for osseous fixation have been described to achieve four-corner fusion of the wrist. Given the discordance and to aid in further standardizing the technique, this study directly compares the outcomes of K-wire, fusion plate, and headless retrograde compressive screw fixations to achieve four-corner arthrodesis. Sixty-four patients underwent four-corner fusion over a period of 5 years and were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-one patients underwent bone fixation with conventional K-wires, 26 with locking plates, and 17 patients were treated by headless retrograde compressive screw fixations. Patients of the different groups were comparable regarding age, sex, hand dominance, and stage of disease. All study groups showed significant improvements in grip strength, decrease in pain (NRS) at rest and with activity, range-of-motion of the wrist, and wrist function (measured by the DASH-score). When evaluating the three groups amongst each other, overall complication and nonunion rates were low and revealed no significant differences between the groups of patients. However, regarding postoperative NRS at activity, dorsal flexion, and DASH-scores, the "screw" group showed significantly better results than the "wire" group. The results show that all examined techniques of four-corner fusion can improve wrist function when compared to preoperative baseline (NRS at rest and activity, postoperative DASH-scores). However, headless retrograde compressive screw fixation had significant better results regarding pain relief (NRS) at activity and postoperative DASH-scores.

Functional Outcome of Neurotization to The Musculocutaneous Nerve in Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury

Introduction: Neurotization procedures to the elbow flexors are commonly done in traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the recovery of elbow flexors in patients who underwent neurotization procedure to musculocutaneous nerve in the panplexus and upper trunk BPI. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 70 patients who underwent neurotization to elbow flexor. A total of 31 patients (44%) had panplexus injury and 39 (56%) had upper trunk BPI. Elbow flexor motor power and post-operative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 22.7 years. Patients with panplexus BPI underwent neurotization to the elbow flexor using spinal accessory nerve as a donor and patients with upper trunk BPI used either ulnar or median nerve as a donor. The results of elbow flexors recovery in panplexus BPI were good (MRC grade 4 and 5) in 11 patients (35.5%) and poor in 20 patients (64.5%). Conversely, the recovery of elbow flexors in upper trunk BPI were better with 28 patients (71.8%). Good post-operative DASH score (score &lt;50 points) were noted in 29 patients (74.4%) with upper trunk BPI. Only seven patients (22.6%) with panplexus BPI showed good post-operative DASH score. Majority of patients with panplexus BPI demonstrated poor recovery of elbow flexor and post-operative DASH score as compare to upper trunk BPI (p= 0.002). Conclusion: Overall, this study showed significantly better functional outcome of neurotization procedure to elbow flexor in upper trunk BPI than in panplexus BPI.

Clavicular non-union treated with fixation using locking compression plate without bone graft

BackgroundThe articles that have reported on the size at which a segmental defect of clavicular non-union requires bone grafting are scarce. This study evaluated the functional and radiologic results of fixation by locking compression plate (LCP) without bone graft when the defect size is less than 2 cm following bone sclerosis removal for the treatment of clavicular non-union.MethodsThe study included 17 patients with mid-shaft clavicular non-union. All patients underwent bone sclerosis resection and fixation using LCP without bone graft. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, and after a minimum of 24 months (mean, 44.47 months; range, 24 to 60 months) postoperatively in terms of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, the Constant-Murley score, and radiography.ResultsIn this study, no patients were lost to follow-up. The mean DASH score improved from 38.76 ± 7.76 (31.00–46.52) points preoperatively to 19.88 ± 7.18 (12.70–27.06) points 2 years postoperatively (P < 0.01). The mean Constant-Murley score improved from 41.59 ± 8.81 (32.78–50.40) points preoperatively to 75.47 ± 13.50 (61.97–88.97) points 2 years postoperatively (P < 0.01). Radiographs revealed fracture union in all patients. No correlations between the defect size and the postoperative Constant-Murley score or between the defect size and the postoperative DASH score were found based on Pearson tests. No complications, particularly acromioclavicular joint complications and sternoclavicular joint complications, were observed.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we can suggest, from the findings of our study, that bone sclerosis resection and fixation using LCP without bone graft is effective for the treatment of clavicular non-union involving a gap of less than 2 cm and has a low rate of complications.

Improved functional outcome in NTOS patients following resection of the subclavius muscle with radiological signs of nerve impingement: indication of participation of the subclavius in brachial plexus compression.

Both clinical and radiological reports have suggested that the subclavius, a muscle in the costoclavicular space of the thoracic outlet, participates in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) in some instances, especially during movements narrowing the costoclavicular space. Magnetic resonance imaging can identify subclavius muscles with signs of nerve impingement, yet the impact of the subclavius in such situations remains unclear. Therefore, the authors investigated whether dividing or sparing the subclavius characterized by nerve impingement on MRI would affect surgical outcomes. In this retrospective nonrandomized study, authors analyzed all NTOS patients with a subclavius muscle characterized by nerve impingement on MRI (loss of normal fat planes surrounding the brachial plexus) in the period between March 2010 and November 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: the sparing group, in which patients had undergone conventional supraclavicular scalenectomy and first rib resection (FRR), and the dividing group, in which patients had undergone scalenectomy, FRR, and subclavius dividing using a modified supraclavicular incision. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a shoulder range of motion subscale (DASH items 6, 12-15, and 19) concerning overhead activities that can significantly narrow the costoclavicular space, postoperative MRI studies, and patient self-assessments were used to assess surgical outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent factors associated with subscale scores. From a total of 261 patients screened, 71 were eligible for study inclusion. Compared with the sparing group (33 patients), the dividing group (38 patients) had similar postoperative DASH scores and self-assessments but better subscale scores (9.50 ± 2.76 vs 11.94 ± 2.87, p = 0.0005). Postoperative MRI on hyperabduction showed that the brachial plexus became surrounded by normal fat tissue in the costoclavicular space in the diving group but still had signs of impingement from the untreated subclavius muscle in the sparing group. This observation agreed with a better functional recovery in terms of overhead activities in the dividing group, which was reflected by better subscale scores. Multivariate analyses indicated that the type of treatment and symptom duration prior to surgery influenced the subscale scores independently. This study revealed that an untreated radiological nerve-compressing subclavius muscle could lead to a relatively lower degree of recovery in the ability to perform overhead activities for NTOS patients postoperatively, suggesting that such subclavius muscles may participate in positional brachial plexus compression during movements narrowing the costoclavicular space. Dividing the muscles could decompress the costoclavicular space more effectively and may lead to better functional recovery.

Outcomes of shoulder abduction after nerve surgery in patients over 50 years following traumatic brachial plexus injury

There is controversy regarding the effectiveness of brachial plexus reconstruction in older patients, as outcomes are thought to be poor. The aim of this study is to determine the outcomes of shoulder abduction obtained after nerve reconstruction in patients over the age of 50 years and factors related to success. Forty patients over the age of 50 years underwent nerve surgery to improve shoulder function after a traumatic brachial plexus injury. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for shoulder abduction strength and range of motion (ROM); Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores; pain; age bracket; gender; body mass index (BMI); delay from injury to operation; concomitant trauma; severity of trauma; and type of reconstruction. The average age was 58.2 years (range 50-77 years) with an average follow-up of 18.8 months. The average modified British Medical Research Council (BMRC) shoulder abduction grade improved significantly from 0.23 to 2.03 (p < 0.005). Fourteen patients achieved functional shoulder abduction of ≥ M3 postoperatively. There was no correlation between age or age range stratification and BMRC grade or those obtaining useful shoulder abduction ≥ M3. Active shoulder abduction improved significantly from 18.25° to 40.64°, with no difference on the basis of age or age stratification. There were improved modified BMRC grades with nerve transfers versus nerve grafts. Less patients achieved ≥ M3 function if surgery was delayed > 6 months. The mean DASH score decreased from 45.3 to 40.7 postoperatively, and the average pain score decreased from 3.7 to 3.0. Patients with a higher postoperative BMRC grade for shoulder abduction had improved postoperative DASH scores and VAS for pain (p = 0.011 and 0.005, respectively). Brachial plexus nerve reconstruction for shoulder abduction in patients over the age of 50 years can yield useful BMRC scores and ROM, and age should not be used to exclude nerve reconstruction in these patients.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of the Matti-Russe Technique for Scaphoid Nonunions in Pediatric Patients.

Scaphoid fractures are a common injury, and a known complication is nonunion. One option to treat this nonunion is with the Matti-Russe technique, which takes a corticocancellous graft and fits it into the defect without internal fixation. The advent of modern methods of fixation has led the classic Matti-Russe technique to fall out of favor. In this study, we describe the classic technique and evaluate the results of the Matti-Russe method for treatment of scaphoid nonunions specifically for the pediatric population. Our purpose was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes after surgery for scaphoid nonunion using the Matti-Russe technique in the pediatric population. A retrospective review was performed of patients less than 17 years of age, with a scaphoid nonunion that was treated with the Matti-Russe technique. This technique consisted of open reduction with intercalated bone graft and no internal fixation with hardware. Union was determined by radiographic evaluation. Computed tomography was obtained in 7 of 10 patients in this series and showed bony bridging in more than 50% of the scaphoid width in 3 different views. Intrascaphoid, scapholunate, and radiolunate angles were calculated. We reviewed wrist range of motion and complications. We obtained postoperative Mayo and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. There were 10 patients who underwent the Matti-Russe technique. The average age was 14.7 years old (±1.34, range: 13-17). All 10 of these patients had a scaphoid waist nonunion. There were 9 males and 1 female with an average follow-up of 13 months. The average amount of time to surgery from the date of injury was 12.3 months. All 10 patients went on to radiographic union at or before 6 months from surgery. Preoperative intrascaphoid, scapholunate, and radiolunate angles were 29° (±5.38), 62° (±18.28), and 20° (±9.22). Postoperative intrascaphoid, scapholunate, and radiolunate angles improved to 16° (±6.89), 38° (±8.50), and 10° (±4.69), which was significant. Seven out of 10 patients completed postoperative outcomes measures. The average postoperative Mayo wrist score was 87.9 (±14.10, range: 60-100). The average postoperative DASH score was 1.9 (±2.03, range: 0-4.5). There were no associated complications nor reoperations. The Matti-Russe technique is a safe and effective treatment for scaphoid nonunion in the pediatric population. It facilitates scaphoid union without the need for screw fixation and avoiding potential complications with hardware.