Total Active Range Of Motion Research Articles

Cerclage-Wiring-Assisted Fixation of Difficult Hand Fractures

Difficult hand fractures with multiple butterfly fragments, multiple cortical splits or intraarticular extension continue to pose a challenge for optimal stable fixation that allows early postoperative mobilisation. In this study, we describe the use of cerclage-wire-assisted fixation of 17 difficult hand fractures in 16 patients. The cerclage wires helped to maintain the reduction, so providing sufficient initial stability for placement of a plate and screws. Stable fixation of the fracture was then accomplished without losing the reduction. One to three cerclages of stainless-steel wires were used for the preliminary fixation. Stable fixation was then accomplished by a bridging or neutralising plate technique. Postoperatively, the fixation was sufficiently stable to allow immediate mobilisation. With an average follow up of 44.5 months, all 17 fractures united without loss of reduction. At final follow-up, the average total active range of motion was 247 degrees (range 220-260 degrees ).

Immediate Partial Great Toe Transfer for the Reconstruction of Composite Defects of the Distal Thumb

Thumb defects distal to the interphalangeal joint do not cause any disability; therefore, any consideration to reconstruct the thumb is governed by the lifestyle and cultural background of the patient. This study presents the excellent results achieved by immediate partial great toe-to-hand transfer to reconstruct acute composite defects of the distal thumb. Fifty-three patients with amputation or crush injury of the distal thumb who underwent partial great toe-to-hand transfer at the authors' institute over an 11-year period were reviewed. Based on the amputation level of the distal thumb, the authors classified the injuries into three groups. Operative techniques used were osteo-onychocutaneous flap with partial or whole toenail from the great toe and partial great toe transfer with arthrodesis of the interphalangeal joint. Overall results were evaluated in terms of success rate, incidence of emergency reexploration, and number and type of secondary operation. Static two-point discrimination, range of motion, pinch strength, and subjective satisfaction were also evaluated. The success rate of immediate partial great toe-to-hand transfer was 100 percent. The incidence of inflammation and the reexploration rate were not significantly different from those in previously reported articles. In 35 cases where postoperative follow-up was possible, static two-point discrimination, total active range of motion, and pinch strength were generally excellent and the majority of the patients were satisfied with the final outcome. Immediate reconstruction with partial great toe transfer is an excellent option for reconstruction of composite defects of the distal thumb, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for functional purposes.

CLOSED RUPTURE OF THE FLEXOR TENDONS OF THE LITTLE FINGER SECONDARY TO NON-UNION OF FRACTURES OF THE HOOK OF THE HAMATE

We report six patients with closed flexor tendon rupture affecting the little finger, occurring secondarily to non-union of the hook of the hamate bone. The ununited fragments were separated from the basal part of the hook by more than 1mm. The fragments were also rounded and showed marginal sclerosis. Non-union was located in the middle part of the hook in three patients, the tip in two, and the base in one. At operation, the fragments were removed in all patients. Five patients were treated by free tendon grafts using three palmaris and two plantaris grafts and one underwent tendon transfer. Postoperative total range of active motion of the little finger averaged 218 degrees (range 185-265 degrees ). All patients returned to their original employment. This series would suggest that flexor tendon rupture can occur after fracture of the hook of the hamate bone, even when the ununited fragment is small and/or rounded.

Finger-level avulsion-type injuries

Fifty-nine avulsed fingers were managed between May 1986-December 2004. Of 59 cases, 39 (66%) were treated with microsurgical techniques, and the remaining 20 cases (34%) were treated in the conventional manner. Follow-up time varied between 9-18 years. All cases were classified according to the Kay-Wolff classification. Replantation was done in 26 fingers, and revascularization in 13 fingers. The survival rate was 100% in the revascularization cases, and 80.7% in the replantation cases. The total active range of motion was more than 90 degrees in the interphalangeal joints in 48% of cases, and sensory recovery was good in 38% of cases (between 4-10 mm, static two-point discrimination test). Although the data show that avulsion injuries can be treated successfully by microsurgical techniques, functional results are not as successful. However, the decision for surgery at times is determined by nonmedical factors such as the patient's age, occupation, economic situation, and level of motivation.

Cosmetic reconstruction of distal finger absence with partial second toe transfer

The authors successfully performed a series of 32 distal finger reconstructions using partial second toe-to-finger transfers solely for aesthetic indications. The resulting hand function shows an average static 2-point discrimination of 8 mm. Total active range of motion was 205 degrees. Key-pinch strength and grip strength averaged 65 and 90% of the normal contralateral side, respectively. Patient satisfaction, as reflected by the average subjective satisfaction scores for aesthetic appearance and function (SSSAF) of the reconstructed distal finger, was high at 82 and 78, respectively. The SSSAF for the donor site averaged 88 for function and 75-80 for aesthetic appearance, which is statistically significant (p<0.05). The authors modified the technique of distal finger reconstruction using second toe transfers in three ways. One is to skeletonize the neurovascular bundle of the harvested toe and pass it through a subcutaneous tunnel between the distal finger incision and the web space incision to avoid lengthy and unsightly scars on the reconstructed finger. Another is to defat the skin flaps developed at the amputated stump and to use a zigzag incision on the toe flap to create a smoother skin junction between the stump and the transferred toe. The third refinement is to perform the arterial microanastomosis at the level of the web space to take advantage of the larger diameter of the vessels in this area. Cosmetic reconstruction of the distal finger with a partial second toe-to-hand transfer provides a high degree of patient satisfaction, both aesthetically and functionally.

Functional Outcome for Children with Thumb Aplasia Undergoing Pollicization

Hand function is difficult to evaluate in young patients. It is helpful to assess young children after surgery for trauma or congenital anomaly to see how they cope as they progress through their developmental milestones. Functional outcome in 10 children (12 upper extremities) who had previous pollicization for a congenitally absent or severely hypoplastic thumb were evaluated by standard radiographs, thumb total active range of motion, grip and pinch strength, parent questionnaire, modified Jebsen functional testing, and a pegboard Functional Dexterity Test. Grip strength was significantly less (p = 0.008) in the hands that had been operated on (mean, 2 kg) compared with the hands that had not been operated on (mean, 5.6 kg). Pinch strength was also significantly less (p = 0.008) in the hands that had been operated on (mean, 1.0 kg) compared with those that had not been operated on (mean, 2.1 kg). In most, hands that had been operated on and those that had not been operated on tested outside the 2-SD range of age-matched normals for pinch and grip strength and also for the Functional Dexterity Test. In contrast, total Jebsen Hand Function Test time was not significantly different from hands that had not been operated on, except that some subtests were significantly different, such as checker stacking (p = 0.016; mean difference, 7.2 seconds) and page turning (p = 0.031; mean difference, -10 seconds). The total active range of motion in hands that had been operated on and those that had not been operated on was also not significantly different. All children used their reconstructed thumbs in a normal pattern. Parent questionnaires revealed satisfaction with appearance and good social interactions. Functional activities showed greatest difficulty handling small objects, especially when simultaneous pinch strength was required, such as fastening buttons and small snaps. This study demonstrates the importance of evaluating multiple aspects of functional outcome for congenital hand problems and of using comparative age-appropriate validated norms. Pollicization is a rewarding procedure for children with thumb aplasia.

Restoration of Prehension Using Double Free Muscle Technique After Complete Avulsion of Brachial Plexus in Children: A Report of Three Cases

Brachial plexus injury in children, excluding birth palsy, is relatively rare and seldom reported. We report our technique, the results of this procedure, and problems we encountered in treating children with brachial plexus injury. From 1999 through 2002, we treated 3 children with complete avulsion of the brachial plexus due to trauma by using double free muscle technique (DFMT) with a nerve transfer procedure using the contralateral seventh cervical nerve root transfer to reconstruct prehensile function. There were 2 boys aged 5 and 11 years and a girl aged 4 years. All patients were followed up for at least 3 years after the surgery. All the transferred muscles survived without any vascular complications and were reinnervated successfully. The average active range of elbow flexion was 125 degrees (range, 90 degrees - 145 degrees ). The average total active range of motion of the fingers was 69 degrees (range, 40 degrees -102 degrees ). All patients obtained voluntary prehensile function and could use the reconstructed hand for activities of daily living. They were able to lift and carry light objects with the reconstructed hand and heavy objects with both hands. The results of DFMT for reconstruction of BPI in children were encouraging. Appropriate postoperative rehabilitation under close supervision is important to obtain useful prehensile function.

Internal fixation of unstable fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint

We report a group of 14 patients with fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint with fracture fragments of adequate size to allow reduction of the proximal interphalangeal joint and internal mini screw fixation of the bone fragment attached to the palmar plate to the base of the middle phalanx. Three years after surgery, (range 25-52 months) the average total active range of motion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 100 degrees (range 65-115 degrees) for the acute group (operation within 14 days of injury, n=7) and 86 degrees (range 60-110 degrees) for the chronic group (operation on average 46 days after injury, range 21-120 days, n=7). Longer delay from injury was associated with a decreased total range of motion (P=0.028). Further subluxation occurred in three chronic group patients, one required further surgery. The key to successful treatment of this injury is the re-establishment of joint congruity and early mobilization. With appropriate patient selection, pain free, satisfactory range of motion can be achieved. There is a risk of persistent subluxation or dislocation, particularly if treatment is delayed.

Zone I Flexor Tendon Rehabilitation with Limited Extension and Active Flexion

This article describes an immediate active motion protocol for primary repair of zone I flexor tendons treated with tendon to tendon, or tendon to bone repair, and reviews clinical results. A rehabilitation protocol is proposed that will limit excursion of the zone I repair by blocking full distal interphalangeal (DIP) extension and by applying controlled active tension to both the unrepaired flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and the repaired flexor digitorum profundus (FDP). The rehabilitation technique utilized a dorsal protective splint with a relaxed position of immobilization with 30 degrees of wrist flexion, 40 degrees of metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint flexion, and a neutral position for the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints without dynamic traction. In addition, within the confines of the dorsal splint, the involved DIP joint was splinted at 40-45 degrees to prevent DIP joint extension during the early wound healing phases. Relaxed composite flexion was used to apply active tension to both the uninjured FDS, and the repaired FDP. This technique applies excursion of approximately 3mm to the zone I tendon in a limited arc (45–75 degrees). The modified position of active flexion applies low loads of force (< 500 g), even with drag considered. This technique is supported by previous mathematical studies of excursion and internal tendon force, and clinical experience. Forty nine cases treated over a 10-year period were reviewed, and eight were excluded for incomplete follow-up. The use of this protocol for 41 zone I flexor digitorum profundus repairs by 12 different surgeons using varied surgical techniques was evaluated. None of the tendon to tendon repairs used more than two suture strands for the core repairs. Mean total active range of motion was 142 degrees (PIP 95 degrees plus DIP 47 degrees), or 81% of normal. Three tendons ruptured in non–protocol-related incidents and were excluded from the study. Results from this clinical study support the use of limited DIP extension combined with active tension with conventional repair in zone I.

Case Report: Whiplash-Associated Disorder From a Low-Velocity Bumper Car Collision: History, Evaluation, and Surgery

Case report of a patient with a whiplash-associated disorder following a bumper car collision. Imaging studies failed to provide an anatomic explanation for the debilitating symptoms. To report a chronic, debilitating pain syndrome after a low-velocity bumper car collision while using complex range-of-motion data for the diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical indication in whiplash-associated disorder. The controversy of whiplash-associated disorder mainly concerns pathophysiology and collision dynamics. Although many investigations attempt to define a universal lesion or determine a threshold of force that may cause permanent injury, no consensus has been reached. Eight years after a low-velocity collision, the patient underwent surgical excision of multiple painful trigger points in the posterior neck. Computerized motion analysis was used for pre- and postoperative evaluations. Surgical treatment resulted in an increase in total active range of motion by 20%, reduced intake of pain medication, doubled the number of work hours, and generally led to a dramatic improvement in quality of life. This case of whiplash-associated disorder after a low-velocity collision highlights the difficulty in defining threshold of injury in regard to velocity. It also illustrates the value of computerized motion analysis in confirming the diagnosis of whiplash-associated disorder and in the evaluation of prognosis and treatment.

Use of the Functional Dexterity Test for outcomes with thumb aplasia

Use of the Functional Dexterity Test for outcomes with thumb aplasia

Osteosynthesis with resorbable hemi-cerclage in metacarpal fractures

The use and results of biodegradable hemicerclages for metacarpal fracture fixation were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 92 metacarpal fractures in 78 patients were treated with polyglycolic or polydioxanon sutures. Study parameters included time for bony union, duration of immobilisation, total active range of motion, and complications. The hemicerclage achieved rigid fracture fixation and permitted early mobilisation exercises without jeopardizing bony union. Immobilization of metacarpals was performed for a median of 3.4 (1.5 to 6) weeks. There were no complications of wound healing. Adequate bony union was achieved after a median of 4.5 weeks (3.5 to 7 weeks). In one case, premature loading of the fracture led to displacement and delayed union. At the end of treatment (6.1 [4 to 7.5] weeks), total active range of motion was 98 (85 to 100)%. Ideal indications are oblique or torsion fractures of the metacarpals. In these cases, immobilisation up to wound healing is sufficient.

Transmetacarpal intramedullary K-wire fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures.

The management of unstable phalangeal fractures has been associated with significant morbidity. Percutaneous transmetacarpal intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation of proximal phalangeal fractures has been described as a useful technique. We present a retrospective review of 35 digits in 24 patients with unstable fractures of the proximal phalanx treated using this technique between 1985 and 1995. Outcome measures, including radiological adequacy of reduction, total active range of motion, development of joint contracture, grip strength, and digital grip strength, were assessed. Good or excellent results were obtained in 76% of fractures (19 of 25) that were treated and followed. Thirty-two percent of digits (8 of 25) treated developed a proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture. Flexion contracture averaged 18.1 deg at the involved joints. Seven secondary procedures were required in 6 patients. Major complications noted during the study included loss of reduction with rotational deformity in four digits, and one nonunion. The use of skeletal traction devices was associated with three of the major complications observed. These devices should not be used concurrently on or adjacent to any digit treated by intramedullary pinning. We conclude that transmetacarpal axial Kirschner wire fixation is a technically simple method of treating unstable proximal phalangeal fractures, and good or excellent results can be obtained in the majority of appropriately selected patients.

Corrective osteotomy for scaphoid malunion: Technique and long-term follow-up evaluation

Five patients with dorsal intercalated segment instability underwent corrective osteotomy for symptomatic scaphoid malunion. Follow-up examination at an average of nearly 9 years after the procedure (range, 1.5-19 years) revealed that all had improvement in range of motion (ROM). Total active ROM improved from a mean of 127 degrees (range, 95 degrees-165 degrees) to a mean of 156 degrees (range, 95 degrees-214 degrees). Grip strength increased from a mean of 16 kg (range, 14-35 kg) to a mean of 32 kg (range, 24-48 kg). The wrist score improved from an average of 19 to 75. The preoperative intrascaphoid and carpal malalignments were reduced, as demonstrated by trispiral tomography. Symptomatically, all patients reported improvement. All osteotomies healed within 5.5 months of the procedure. No case of avascular necrosis was noted. Mild radioscaphoid arthrosis is apparent in four patients and a preexisting midcarpal arthrosis persists in one patient. Corrective osteotomy for scaphoid malunion may have a role in the prevention or slowing of the onset of premature arthritis in young patients with high functional demands. A technique is described.

Training of Muscle Excursion after Tendon Transfer

In tendon transfer (TT) surgery there is usually a discrepancy in excursion between the muscle(s) to be replaced and the transferred muscle(s). For example, in patients with radial palsy the pronator terres (PT) muscle is frequently used to replace the wrist extensors. However, the excursion of the PT is less than the extensor of the wrist and therefore needs to double its length to allow for full wrist movement. Questions arise about whether or not the PT will increase its fiber length after transfer for wrist extension and how therapy can positively influence usable excursion of the transferred muscle-tendon unit. Most classifications of results accept the flexion of the wrist will remain limited after TT of the PT. This article presents a patient with TT of the PT who accomplished a wrist total active range of motion (TAM) of 125 degrees (wrist extension 0-60 degrees, flexion 0-65 degrees). Based on this observation, the authors assume that the PT muscle has indeed increased its excursion after TT. The authors conclude that limited wrist excursion should not be accepted too soon, but therapists have to familiarize themselves with methods for "excursion training" and possibly change the existing methods of evaluating the results of TT of the PT.

Effects of Delayed Therapeutic Intervention following Zone II Flexor Tendon Repair

The importance of the timing of therapeutic intervention to the results of zone II flexor tendon repairs was retrospectively studied. Twenty-two patients were categorized as having had either early intervention (referral within the first postoperative week) or delayed intervention (referral between 1 and 3 weeks postoperatively). Patients followed a combined Kleinert/Duran program. Patients' results were calculated according to Strickland's formula for total active range of motion. In the early intervention group, 60% of the results were excellent and 40% were good; there were no fair or poor results. In the delayed intervention group, 50% of the results were excellent, 25% were good, 17% were fair, and 8% were poor. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. However, these results are clinically significant because a fair or poor result would reduce the patient's use of the affected digit and could lead to further surgical intervention.

Influence of joint injury on motor and functional recovery of finger replantation.

A series of 82 consecutive cases were studied concentrating on the influence of joint injury on the final motor and functional recovery of the successfully replanted or revascularized finger. In this series a 32.0% (41/128) incidence of joint injury was found. When the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint was injured and preservation was not possible, arthrodesis was done. This would cause a significantly lower Tamai's score (70.9), total active range of motion (TAM; 99.4 degrees) and TAM-minus the metacarpophalangeal joint TAM-MP; (15.6 degrees). The influence of arthrodesis on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was relatively minor. When preservation of the joint was possible, the PIP arthroplasty group had a significantly higher Tamai's score (83.7, P < 0.01), TAM (157.9 degrees, P < 0.05), and TAM-MP (70.0 degrees, P < 0.001). Preservation of the DIP joint also significantly increased the TAM and TAM-MP degrees, yet with no significant improvement in Tamai's score. Our study proves what most hand surgeons would expect, in that sacrifices of the PIP and MP joint would cause a significantly detrimental effect on the functional recovery of a finger. We also recommend joint preservation during replantation surgery whenever possible, especially for the PIP and MP joints, in order to achieve better functional recovery of the finger.

Long-term functional results after pollicization for the congenitally deficient thumb

This study objectively investigated the functional results of 28 index finger pollicizations for correction of congenital deficiency of the thumb. The results indicate that the average total active range of motion at the pollicized digit was 98 degrees, or approximately 50% that of a normal thumb. The average grip strength was 21% of standard values; lateral, tripod, and tip pinch strength values ranged from 22% to 26% of standard values. The pollicized digit was used in the manner of a normal thumb or in modified fashion in 84% of 14 defined activities, with increased use for handling large objects (92%) and less use for small objects (77%). The time required to perform activities averaged 22% longer than the standard for a normal hand. Patients with a radial club hand, a five-finger hand, or a mirror hand on the affected extremity had significantly poorer results; however, patients without one of these associated conditions had near normal use of the pollicized digit, except for reduced strength. These results were not influenced by the age of the patient at the time of operation. This information should be helpful in counseling parents with children who are candidates for pollicization as to what functional results they might anticipate.

Tendon Transfers for Ulnar Nerve Palsy

Tendon transfers for correction of clawing deformity in ulnar nerve palsy are only consistently successful in young ligamentously lax individuals. Correction of deformity is most inconsistent in the intrinsically stiff hands of older individuals. Correction of clawing is more difficult in the little finger than in the ring finger. While use of the flexor digitorum superficialis for intrinsic transfer simply corrects clawing deformity and restores synchronous finger flexion, grip strength will be further decreased by approximately 21 percent, and total active range of motion by 7 percent. Correction is best achieved by transfer of a wrist motor with tendon graft into index, middle, ring, and little digits, despite limitation of clawing to the ring and little digits. Pinch should be augmented by metacarpophalangeal joint fusion rather than by interphalangeal joint fusion. When combined with extensor carpi radialis brevis adductor plasty, pinch strength can be doubled.

Ｚｏｎｅ １，２における深指屈筋けん単独損傷に対するけん修復例の検討

Twenty-one fingers in 19 cases of the isolated rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon were analyzed.The age of patients ranged from 2 to 60 years (average; 33 years). Concerning the preoperative conditions, 21 fingers were classified into four degrees by the criteria of Tubiana & Pulvertaft (1983) and the results were as follows:Degree I: 11 casesII: 3III: 2IV: 5Methods of tendon repair were direct suture on 11 fingers, advancement on 4 fingers and tendon graft on 5 fingers.About these cases, a total active range of motion (TAM), an extension lag and a range of motion of DIP joint were measured in each repair group, and concerning the method of tendon repair, there were no meaningful differences between each group, except for the extention lag of DIP joint in the case of advancement, which was relatively more than those of direct suture or tendon graft.Postoperative results partly correlated with the preoperative condition, and in the cases with bone or joint injury (Deg. III), or skin defect (Deg. IV), their prognosis tended to be lowered.Direct suture is the first choice, concerned with the selection of tendon repair, but advancement could be indicated when tendon rupture occurs within 1cm from its insertion, and tendon graft could be indicated in the case with severe scar formation or with long preoperative period.