Ulnar Position Research Articles

Extensor Tendon Rupture After Osteoarthrosis of the Wrist Associated With Nonrheumatoid Positive Ulnar Variance

Rupture of the extensor tendon after osteoarthrosis of the wrist associated with nonrheumatoid, positive ulnar variance is uncommon. Eight cases were seen in the last five years. They included five men and three women, whose ages ranged from 54 to 82 years (average, 70 years). In all the cases, roentgenograms revealed osteoarthrotic changes in the wrist and dorsal subluxation or dislocation of the ulnar heads. Seven cases had operations. Friction with the dorsally subluxated or dislocated ulnar head and the osteophytes surrounding it caused these tendons to rupture. It was impossible to use end-to-end sutures, so tendon transfers or tendon grafts were performed. The patients were evaluated one to four years after surgery. Three patients complained of some disability in their daily lives, notably, limited flexion of their fingers. It is important that during surgery the reconstructed tendons should not be strained excessively.

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<h3>Denouement and Discussion</h3><h3>Pseudoachondroplasia (Pseudoachondroplastic Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia)</h3><h3>Manifestations</h3> Pseudoachondroplasia is probably the second most common chondrodystrophy next to true achondroplasia. Individuals with pseudoachondroplasia resemble achondroplastic dwarfs in having long trunks and short limbs, hence the name pseudoachondroplasia. However, in contrast to classical achondroplasia, they have normal craniofacies and are not recognizable at birth. Instead of the clearly defined roentgenographic changes present at birth in achondroplasia, vertebral and epiphyseal abnormalities evolve with time. Patients with pseudoachondroplasia are usually considered normal until 18 months to 2 years of age when they are either late to walk or have a waddling gait. They have short limbs with limitation of extension of the elbows, contractures of the hips and knees occasionally, and hyperextensibility of many other joints. This loose-jointedness increases with age, and the hands are usually held in an ulnar position. The legs are frequently bowed, but knockknee also occurs. Mild to moderate