Treatment Of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis Research Articles

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis in Children: Systematic Review

Background. Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) may have a negative impact on the function of the upper limb and cause disability. The main aim of the surgical treatment is to correct the forearm position for diminishing functional limitations.
 The study aimed to analyze the variety of surgical methods for correction of the pronation forearm deformity in children with congenital radioulnar synostosis based on the literature data.
 Methods. We have searched publications in eLIBRARY, PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar databases. The analysis has included the age at surgery, indications for surgery, the target functional forearm position, the time of consolidation of the forearm bones, the frequency of neurovascular complications.
 Results. Most authors considered subjective complaints as the main indication for surgical treatment, while some researchers recommended taking into account the forearm hyperpronation position. The median age of the surgical treatment was 5.17 years (3.25-9.46). The medians of the recommended forearm positions for unilateral CRUS were 0-10 of pronation for the dominant, and 0-12.5 of supination for the non-dominant limb; with bilateral cases 0-17.5 pronation for the dominant and 0-12 supination for the non-dominant limb. Median of the osteotomy consolidation time varied from 6 to 8 weeks. The maximal time of forearm bone consolidation was significantly higher (p = 0.024) in the group with osteotomies through the synostosis site. Though the target forearm position was achieved in all cases, the number of complications in the proximal osteotomy group was statistically significantly different (p0.01). The chances of neurovascular complications were 20.5 times higher in the group of patients who underwent osteotomy through the synostosis (95% CI: 2.7-155.6).
 Conclusions. The problem of surgical treatment of children with CRUS in the world medical practice remains relevant despite the wide range of proposed methods. The development of an algorithm regarding the need for surgical treatment and its methodology requires further high-quality research.

Double-level Intraperiosteal Derotational Osteotomy for Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis.

Many operative methods have been reported for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) and their indications remain controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, radiologic, and functional results of the 2-stage derotational osteotomy with periosteal preservation for CRUS in children. From a total of 102 children with CRUS, a retrospective evaluation of 14 consecutive patients (18 forearms) who underwent 2-stage derotational osteotomy of the distal third radius and proximal third ulna with periosteal preservation, bone segment removal, morselization and grafting and cast immobilization was performed. Children with bilateral involvement and/or pronation (>60 degrees), and substantial functional limitations in daily activities were considered candidates for surgery to obtain the desired position of 0 to 20 degrees of pronation. Electronic medical records, preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic examinations were reviewed. Also, functional results and parental satisfaction were assessed and statistically analyzed. The median age at the time of surgery was 6.87 (5.02 to 11.22) years. The median follow-up was 38.62 (24.79 to 81.20) months. The median preoperative pronation deformity was 80 (70 to 90) degrees, while the final position was 0 (0 to 10) degrees of pronation ( P <0.01). Elbow flexion and extension showed no changes after surgery. All patients successfully achieved union at 8 (6 to 10) weeks. No complications were observed, and no patient required revision surgeries. The ability to perform daily activities improved markedly, and all patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Two-stage double-level intraperiosteal derotational osteotomy is a safe, simple, and effective procedure in children with CRUS with severe deformity and limitation in performing basic daily living activities. Functional improvement and patient satisfaction are total, and so far no complications have been reported. Level III-treatment study, retrospective comparative study.

Letter regarding 'Results after treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis: a systematic review and pooled data analysis'.

Letter regarding 'Results after treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis: a systematic review and pooled data analysis'.

Derotational osteotomy in the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis: A report of 11 cases

Introduction: Congenital proximal radio-ulnar synostosis is a rare congenital anomaly of the upper extremity which is severely disabling as it causes severe pronation deformity. So the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of proximal radioulnar derotational osteotomy followed by internal fixation for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis.Materials and Method: Between June 2018 and April 2020, 11 patients with CRUS who underwent derotational osteotomy at the proximal radioulnar synostosis site were evaluated. There were 7 boys and 4 girls. The mean age at the time of surgery was 10.5 years (range, 2 to 13) years. The forearm was derotated to the goal position (20 degrees of supination to 10 degrees of pronation) using plates for internal fixation and plaster splints for external immobilization. Pre- and postoperative positions of the forearm were recorded; forearm function was evaluated based on the classification system proposed by Failla et al.Results: The mean follow-up duration was 6 months. The mean initial pronation deformity was 65.0 ± 5.2 (55 to 80) degrees. The mean correction achieved was 75.27 ± 5.25 (50 to 90) degrees, resulting in a mean final position of 9.45 ± 3.25 degrees of supination (20 degrees of supination to 10 degrees of pronation). Based on the Failla classification system, 7 forearms were rated as good, 4 were rated as fair preoperatively. At the final follow-up, 9 forearms were rated as excellent and 2 were rated as good. All patients achieved bone union after 10 weeks. Post-operative period was uneventful and no complications were seen.Conclusion: Proximal radioulnar derotational osteotomy followed by plate fixation is a safe and feasible procedure with a low complication rate. The technique can effectively improve the function of the forearm.

Results after treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis: a systematic review and pooled data analysis.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) is one of the most common congenital disorders affecting the elbow and forearm, with the forearm being fixed in a range of positions usually varying from neutral rotation to severe pronation. The aim of this study, apart from a systematic review of all surgical procedures described for CRUS, is to derive any correlation between various influencing factors, outcomes and complications. This review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format by an electronic literature search of Ovid, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library databases. Grading was according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Demographic data, surgical procedures, outcomes and complications were analyzed. Outcome data were pooled to establish means and ranges across all studies. Spearman correlations were performed. A total of 23 articles, showing a poor overall study quality (all Level of Evidence IV), met the inclusion criteria. A total of 374 forearms with a mean age of 6.7 years (2.0–18.8) were analyzed. Derotational surgeries were more commonly performed (91%) than motion-preserving surgeries (9%). The mean deformity improved from 64.8° pronation (−75° to 110°) to a mean of 2.8° pronation (−50° to 80°). In total, 17.9% of patients presented with complications. A significant correlation was noted between age and major complications, proximal osteotomies and complications, and postoperative loss of reduction and double level osteotomies as the primary treatment modality. Most of the complications occurred above the threshold of 65–70° of correction and in children 7 years and above. Surgery is essential to improve the quality of life of children with CRUS. However, each type of surgery is associated with complications, along with the respective hardware being used in rotation osteotomies. Caution is, nevertheless, warranted in interpreting these results in view of the inherent limitations of the included studies.

Treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis with radial derotational osteotomy and local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling in fusion area

To investigate the effectiveness of local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling and separation of the synostosis area associated with radial shortening osteotomy and plate internal fixation for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis. Between February 2014 and June 2018, 36 patients (41 sides) with congenital radioulnar synostosis were analyzed retrospectively, including 21 males and 15 females, aged 2.5-4.5 years with an average of 3.1 years. The fixed pronation deformity of the forearm ranged from 30° to 90° with an average of 71.6°, and the range of motion of the elbow flexion was 120°-135° with an average of 128.2°. According to the Cleary-Omer classification, there were 8 sides of type Ⅱ, 17 sides of type Ⅲ, and 16 sides of type Ⅳ. All patients were treated by local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling and separation of the synostosis area associated with radial shortening osteotomy and plate internal fixation. The range of motion of the elbow, muscle strength, joint stability, and patient discomfort were evaluated by using the Broberg and Morrey elbow scoring system preoperatively and postoperatively. In addition, the ability for daily living of the affected limb was evaluated by using the Failla grading standard. Radial nerve palsy occurred in 3 cases, and nerve function recovered at 2-4 weeks after operation. All the 36 cases were followed up 6-52 months, with an average of 38 months. All osteotomy sites healed, the healing time was 5-12 weeks (mean, 6.3 weeks), and the pedicled fat flap between the radius and ulna survived when the internal fixation was taken. At last follow-up, the flexion range of motion of elbow joint was not decreased, and the pronation and supination range of motion of forearm were improved. The elbow flexion range of motion was 125°-135° with an average of 132.4°. The pronation range of motion of forearm was 15°-45° with an average of 30.1°, and the supination range of motion of forearm was 10°-40° with an average of 22.6°. At last follow-up, the Broberg and Morrey elbow scores increased from the preoperative 85.6±1.0 to 91.8±1.8, showing significant difference ( t=25.593, P=0.000). Moreover, the results were good in 3 sides, fair in 9 sides, and poor in 29 sides according to the Failla grading standard before operation, with an excellent and good rate of 7.3%. At last follow-up, the results were excellent in 6 sides, good in 28 sides, and fair in 7 sides, with an excellent and good rate of 82.9%, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value ( Z=-5.781, P=0.000). The application of local subcutaneous pedicled fat flap filling and separation of the synostosis area associated with radial shortening osteotomy and plate internal fixation is an effective surgical method for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis. It can restore the partial rotation function of the forearm and improve the quality of life of children.

Efficacy and feasibility of proximal radioulnar derotational osteotomy and internal fixation for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of proximal radioulnar derotational osteotomy followed by internal fixation for the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS).MethodsBetween May 2008 and August 2016, 31 patients (36 forearms) with CRUS who underwent derotational osteotomy at the proximal radioulnar synostosis site were evaluated. There were 20 boys and 11 girls. The mean age at the time of surgery was 4.87 ± 3.06 (range, 2 to 13) years. The forearm was derotated to the goal position (20 degrees of supination to 10 degrees of pronation) using plates for internal fixation and plaster splints for external immobilization. Pre- and postoperative positions of the forearm were recorded; forearm function was evaluated based on the classification system proposed by Failla et al.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 55.19 ± 27.10 (24 to 123) months. The mean initial pronation deformity was 62.92 ± 7.11 (55 to 80) degrees. The mean correction achieved was 70.86 ± 9.58 (50 to 90) degrees, resulting in a mean final position of 7.94 ± 7.25 degrees of supination (20 degrees of supination to 10 degrees of pronation). Based on the Failla classification system, 2 forearms were rated as good, 30 were rated as fair, and 4 were rated as poor preoperatively. At the final follow-up, 34 forearms were rated as excellent and 2 were rated as good. All patients achieved bone union after 2 months. Complications occurred in three patients (two transient nerve palsies and one compartment syndrome), and the overall complication rate was 9.7%.ConclusionsProximal radioulnar derotational osteotomy followed by plate fixation is a safe and feasible procedure with a low complication rate. The technique can effectively improve the function of the forearm.Level of evidence IVRetrospective case series

Rotational and shortening osteotomy at the conjoined mass in the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis in children

Objective To investigate effect of rotational and shortening osteotomy at the conjoined mass in the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis.Methods Fourteen cases of radioulnar synostosis in 13 patients were treated by rotational and shortening osteotomy at the conjoined mass of radius and ulna.There were 10 males and 3 females,aged from 2 to 7 years (average,3.5 years).The pronation deformity of the forearm ranged from 50° to 90° (average,82.1°).The affected limbs could not perform some activities of daily living such as eating by holding a bowl,cleaning genitals and buttocks,turning on the global door knob,turning a key in a keyhole,and accepting objects in the palm.The operation was done through Boyd approach,and the proximal interosseous membrane of forearm was identified and released.The conjoined mass of radius and ulna was cut and shortened about 0.5 cm,then the distal part of forearm was rotated to neutral position or 10° to 20° of supination.Finally two parts of osteotomy were closed and fixed by crossing Kirschner wires which were removed 8 to 16 weeks after operation when reunion had been achieved.Results The average correction of pronation deformity of the forearm was 90.7°.No ischemic contracture of the forearm and incision infection occurred.And bone union was achieved in all patients.The parents and children were satisfied with improvement of deformity and function of the affected limbs.All patients were followed up for 14 to 88 months (average,35.7 months),and there was no loss of correction.Conclusion Rotational and shortening osteotomy at the conjoined mass of radius and ulna is an effective method for treating congenital radioulnar synostosis,which can significantly improve deformity and function of the affected limbs,and decrease risk of ischemic contracture of the forearm after operation. Key words: Upper extremity deformities, congenital; Synostosis; Ulna; Radius; Osteotomy

Derotational osteotomy of the proximal radius and the distal ulna for congenital radioulnar synostosis

To evaluate the clinical and functional results of a technical procedure in the surgical treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis in children. A prospective study had been undertaken from January 1992 to December 2004. Thirty-four patients with congenital radioulnar synostosis that are fixed in pronation were recruited. Congenital radioulnar synostosis was classified for two types according to Tachdjian's criteria. All patients were treated by resection of the proximal radius and the distal ulna to remove a segmental bone of both parts of the forearm. After K-wires are inserted intramedullarly into both bones, the forearm is derotated manually, followed by cast immobilization. There were 34 patients (52 forearms) with congenital radioulnar synostosis, whom the average age at surgery was 6 years and 3 months. There were two types of congenital radioulnar synostosis: Type 1 in six forearms (11.6%) and Type 2 in 46 forearms (88.4%). The preoperative forearm rotation ranged from 65 degrees to 85 degrees pronation. The postoperative forearm rotation angle was corrected from 0 degrees to 30 degrees ; the best end position appears to be 70-100% of pronation. Of the patients, 78.8% had good or excellent results. All patients were operated on without complications; five patients had loss of correction during cast immobilization. Overall, the patient's ability to perform daily activities showed a marked improvement after surgery. This method is a simple and safe technique to derotate the forearms of patients with congenital radioulnar synostosis that are fixed in pronation.

Rotational Osteotomy at the Diaphysis of the Radius in the Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis

Four cases of congenital radioulnar synostosis in three patients were treated by rotational osteotomy of the distal radius. The diaphysis of the radius was osteotomized transversely, and then the forearm was supinated manually. Following surgery, the palm was immobilized in a fully supinated position by a long-arm cast. The average age at surgery was 4 years 5 months old (range 3 years 11 months to 4 years 11 months), and the average follow-up was 21 months (range 12-36 months). Bone union was obtained in all patients without any complications or correction loss. Functional improvements were achieved in all patients. This procedure is simple and safe in the treatment of congenital radioulnar synostosis.

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis

Osteotomy of the synostosis mass for the treatment of congenital radio-ulnar synostosis.

Our experience with the surgical treatment of radio-ulnar synostosis in the period from 1985 to 1992 is reviewed. Operative procedures were performed in eight patients with radio-ulnar synostosis. In five patients bilateral, and in three patients unilateral, synostosis was present. The results were better in patients in whom synostosis mass osteotomy perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the forearm was performed. Usually, treatment attempts to achieve a neutral position for the forearm. This position is more suited to unilateral synostosis than to bilateral synostosis. Vascular and/or neurological complications did not arise during the operation or during the follow-up period. All patients were satisfied with the operative outcome.

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis

Surgical Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis

CONGENITAL PROXIMAL RADIO-ULNAR SYNOSTOSIS. NATURAL HISTORY AND FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT

We evaluated the cases of twenty-three patients with thirty-six congenital proximal radio-ulnar synostoses who had been followed between 1938 and 1984. None of the patients had had any attempt at surgical correction or any ipsilateral congenital anomalies. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the natural history of the lesion in these patients who had not been operated on, and on determining the effect of a fixed position of the forearm on function. Ten patients had unilateral and thirteen, bilateral synostosis. Their mean age when last examined was twenty-two years (range, three to fifty years). Eight patients were female and fifteen, male. The forearms were fixed in an average of 30 degrees of pronation. The position of the forearm was not found to be related to subjective functional limitations, employment status, or the results of the hand-function test of Jebsen et al. Most patients had few or no functional limitations, and were employed in jobs that demanded extensive use of the forearm. Contrary to the findings of other studies, we observed four distinct radiographic patterns based on the presence of an osseous synostosis and the position of the radial head. However, we noted no relationship between any of these patterns and function. We concluded that operative treatment of congenital radio-ulnar synostosis is rarely indicated, that less emphasis should be placed on the single factor of the position of the forearm, and that objective functional tests should be included in the assessment of these patients.

Congenital proximal radio-ulnar synostosis. Natural history and functional assessment.

We evaluated the cases of twenty-three patients with thirty-six congenital proximal radio-ulnar synostoses who had been followed between 1938 and 1984. None of the patients had had any attempt at surgical correction or any ipsilateral congenital anomalies. Emphasis was placed on analyzing the natural history of the lesion in these patients who had not been operated on, and on determining the effect of a fixed position of the forearm on function. Ten patients had unilateral and thirteen, bilateral synostosis. Their mean age when last examined was twenty-two years (range, three to fifty years). Eight patients were female and fifteen, male. The forearms were fixed in an average of 30 degrees of pronation. The position of the forearm was not found to be related to subjective functional limitations, employment status, or the results of the hand-function test of Jebsen et al. Most patients had few or no functional limitations, and were employed in jobs that demanded extensive use of the forearm. Contrary to the findings of other studies, we observed four distinct radiographic patterns based on the presence of an osseous synostosis and the position of the radial head. However, we noted no relationship between any of these patterns and function. We concluded that operative treatment of congenital radio-ulnar synostosis is rarely indicated, that less emphasis should be placed on the single factor of the position of the forearm, and that objective functional tests should be included in the assessment of these patients.