Meaike, Joshua J.

Background: Proximal pole scaphoid fracture nonunions are challenging conditions to treat. When significant comminution of the proximal pole and avascular necrosis is present, scaphoid proximal pole reconstructive options are considered. The proximal pole of the hamate is a local autograft option; however, little has been described on the outcomes of this procedure. Methods: Patients who underwent proximal pole scaphoid reconstruction using proximal hamate autograft at 3 tertiary care centers were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic union was classified by greater than 50% bony trabeculae across the reconstruction site on computed tomography scan. Results: Ten patients were included. Average age at the time of surgery was 27.9 years, and 60% were men. Average length of proximal hamate autograft harvested was 10 mm. All patients healed at an average of 14.3 weeks following surgery. At final follow-up, 3 patients reported no pain, 3 reported mild occasional pain, 2 reported moderate tolerable pain (1 at the hamate graft site), and 2 had no reports on their pain level. Conclusions: In small proximal pole scaphoid nonunions with fragmentation and avascular necrosis, ipsilateral proximal hamate autograft reconstruction of the scaphoid proximal pole is a viable and reproducible option with high rates of union and patient satisfaction.

Abstract Background We sought to evaluate the intermediate term outcomes of trapeziectomy with double Mini TightRope suture suspensionplasty and flexor carpi radialis to abductor pollicis longus imbrication for the treatment of basilar thumb joint arthritis. Case Description We performed a retrospective review of patients from 2012 to 2021 at a single institution within a standardized protocol. Thirty-nine patients (46 thumbs) with a mean age of 61 years and clinical follow-up of 2.8 years met our inclusion criteria. Grip strength increased from 13.8 kg preoperatively to 20.3 kg postoperatively. Appositional pinch strength increased from 3.7 to 5.7 kg, while oppositional pinch strength also increased from 2.8 to 4.4 kg. Trapezial space ratio was well maintained at 0.36 postoperatively compared with 0.46 preoperatively at a mean radiographic follow-up of 2.2 years. Literature Review and Clinical Relevance Results from our series demonstrate predictable outcomes with reduced pain levels, increased grip and pinch strengths, improved function, and preserved range of motion with few complications. Level of Evidence III therapeutic. Trial Registration Not applicable.

Abstract Background Salvage procedures for failed total wrist arthroplasty have variable results and limitations such as donor site morbidity, malunion, delayed or nonunion. We present a case of substantial bone loss after failed wrist arthroplasty and a surgical technique in which the distal ulna is transferred and intussuscepted to achieve union between the residual distal radius and metacarpals. Case Description A 48-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis presented with wrist prosthetic joint infection 16 years after total wrist arthroplasty. With extensive bone loss following implant removal and multiple debridements, the remaining distal ulna was resected and intussuscepted between the residual radius and second and third metacarpals. The patient achieved incorporation of the graft at 12 weeks and fusion at 20 weeks, with resolution of pain and restoration of digit function at 2 years. Literature Review Standard means of wrist arthrodesis utilizing iliac crest autograft and femoral head allograft may be limited to address substantial bone loss following total wrist implant removal. Intussusception has been utilized in the elbow, hip, and diaphysis to optimize graft–host bone contact and achieve union. While ulna-utilizing procedures have been described for oncologic and traumatic indications, to our knowledge, double intussusception has not been described for salvage procedures after failed wrist arthroplasty. Clinical Relevance Intussuscepting the distal ulna within the distal radius and metacarpals as an interpositional arthrodesis provides autologous graft, increased surface contact, and length restoration in cases of poor bone quality and significant bone loss following revision of a total wrist implant.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine and evaluate the distal forearm and wrist's cutaneous blood supply and vascular territories. Methods: Four cadaveric upper extremities were injected with a radiopaque, lead-based contrast agent through the brachial artery. After the lead-based contrast agent set, the cadaveric limbs underwent computed tomographic (CT) scanning to assess the perforators to the cutaneous skin of the distal forearm and wrist. High-resolution axial CT and three-dimensional reconstructions were generated to highlight perforating vessels stemming from their parent arteries. Subsequently, anatomic microdissections were performed to identify and trace the perforating vessels identified on CT. Results: CT analysis and anatomic microdissection demonstrated that the dorsal surface of the distal forearm and wrist are supplied by numerous perforators stemming predominantly from the anterior interosseous artery with some anastomotic contribution from the posterior interosseous, radial, and ulnar arteries. Perforators from the radial and ulnar arteries supply the volar surface. There are large anastomotic networks formed between the perforating vessels. Conclusions: The distal forearm and wrist have a robust anastomotic blood supply that has contributions from the anterior interosseous, posterior interosseous, radial, and ulnar arteries. Clinical relevance: The extensive perforator-derived blood supply to the skin likely accounts for the excellent soft tissue healing potential of the wrist following surgery utilizing multiple incisions. Highlights Distal radius fractures may require multiple incisions for anatomic reduction and fixation.Multiple incisions about the wrist are thought to predispose to wound complications and/or skin breakdown.The distal forearm and wrist have a robust anastomotic blood supply from the anterior interosseous, posterior interosseous, radial, and ulnar arteries.Multiple incisions do not necessarily predispose to wound complications given robust anastamosis.

AimsThe benefit of MRI in the preoperative assessment of scaphoid proximal fragment vascularity remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare preoperative MRI findings to intraoperative bleeding of the proximal scaphoid.MethodsA retrospective review of 102 patients who underwent surgery for scaphoid nonunion between January 2000 and December 2020 at a single institution were identified. Inclusion criteria were: isolated scaphoid nonunion; preoperative MRI assessing the proximal fragment vascularity; and operative details of the vascularity of the proximal fragment with the tourniquet deflated. MRI results and intraoperative findings were dichotomized as either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for the presence of vascularity. A four-fold contingency table was used to analyze the utility of preoperative MRI with 95% confidence intervals. Relative risk was calculated for subgroups to analyze the association between variables and MRI accuracy.ResultsPreoperative MRI identified 55 proximal scaphoid fragments with ischaemia and 47 with vascularized proximal fragments. After the proximal fragment was prepared, the tourniquet was deflated and assessed for bleeding; 63 proximal fragments had no bleeding and 39 demonstrated bleeding. MRI was not reliable or accurate in the assessment of proximal fragment vascularity when compared with intraoperative assessment of bleeding. No patient or MRI factors were identified to have a statistical impact on MRI accuracy.ConclusionCurrent preoperative MRI protocols and diagnostic criteria do not provide a high degree of correlation with observed intraoperative assessment of proximal fragment bleeding. While preoperative MRI may assist in surgical planning, intraoperative assessment remains the best means for assessing proximal fragment vascularity in scaphoid nonunion. Future efforts should focus on the development of objective measures of osseous blood flow that may be performed intraoperatively.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):657–662.

Background: The purpose of this study was to quantify the in vivo displacement of bilateral distal radioulnar joints (DRUJs) in resisted pronosupination. We hypothesize that this will demonstrate no appreciable difference between the left and right DRUJ, thus validating the concept of using the uninjured wrist as a control for physical examination as well as dynamic imaging studies. Methods: Thirty-two participants without a history of wrist pathology underwent a dynamic computed tomography (CT) protocol evaluating bilateral forearm rotation in neutral forearm rotation, 60° pronation, and 60° supination, including maximal isometric muscle loading. The DRUJ alignment, specifically the absolute degree and direction of subluxation of the ulna relative to the sigmoid notch, was then assessed using a modification of the radioulnar line method. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean displacement when comparing the right and left sides in neutral, pronation, or supination. The mean displacement was also compared between male and female patients, and there was no statistically significant difference in absolute displacement in neutral (male 0.99 mm vs female 1.38 mm) or supination (male −0.57 mm vs female −0.23 mm). However, the difference in pronation was statistically significant (male 2.69 mm vs female 3.26 mm). Of the 192 sequences, the measurements of displacement of the authors were within 1 mm 86% of the time (166 of 192). Conclusions: Dynamic CT of bilateral DRUJs in resisted pronation, supination, and neutral demonstrated symmetry between the right and left DRUJ, supporting the concept of using the contralateral side as a control to identify instability in an injured wrist.

Abstract Background Placement and spacing of skin incisions are important for maintaining soft tissue perfusion and viability, particularly in the setting of local trauma. Question/Purpose The aim of this article is to determine if multiple skin incisions in the surgical management of distal radius fractures result in an increased risk of postoperative wound complications, particularly in the setting of high-energy mechanisms of injury with substantial initial displacement and associated soft-tissue insult that require multiple incisions for distal radius reconstruction. Patients and Methods A multicenter, retrospective chart review was performed for all adult patients who underwent open reduction, internal fixation of a closed distal radius fracture with multiple (≥2) hand, and wrist incisions with minimum follow-up of 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures included wound healing complications such as partial or complete skin necrosis, dehiscence, delayed healing, and superficial or deep infections. Results For 118 wrists, a total of 305 incisions were utilized, averaging 2.6 incisions per patient (range: 2–6) with the flexor carpi radialis and dorsal distal radius approaches occurring in 86 and 78% of cases, respectively. One patient was identified as having a pyogenic granuloma along an incision. However, two patients were identified as having wound concerns, including fracture blisters (n = 1) and wound margin epidermolysis (n = 1) along the incision. There were no cases of skin bridge necrosis, delayed healing, wound dehiscence, or infection. Conclusions There is no increased risk of wound healing complications with the use of multiple skin incisions (≥2) in the surgical management of distal radius fractures, afforded by the abundant and robust angiosomes around the wrist. Surgeons should have the confidence to utilize the necessary number of skin incisions to effectively reconstruct distal radius fractures.

Background: An institutional review board–approved study of the functional outcomes of patients after surgical treatment of hamate arthrosis lunotriquetral ligament tear (HALT) lesions was conducted. Methods: In all, 21 wrists in 19 patients underwent arthroscopic, open, or combined treatment of HALT lesions. Seven patients underwent isolated hamate debridement and 14 had concomitant procedures to address lunotriquetral pathology. Nineteen wrists underwent procedures to address additional pathology, including triangular fibrocartilage complex, ulnotriquetral ligament split, and scapholunate ligament injuries. Results: Mayo wrist scores increased from 54 to 71. Sixteen patients had no or mild pain postoperatively, compared with none preoperatively. When stratified by lunotriquetral interosseous ligament management, 75% of the limited treatment group (none or debridement) and 78% of the additional treatment group reported improved pain. Three patients underwent additional surgeries for persistent pain. Conclusion: Resection of the proximal pole of the hamate can improve pain and function for patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain secondary to a HALT lesion. Concomitant wrist pathologies should be considered when determining treatment plans.

» Distal radius fractures occur in a bimodal age and sex distribution. Their incidence continues to rise with an increasingly active aging population. » The current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guidelines for operative intervention are radial shortening of >3 mm, dorsal tilt of >10°, or intra-articular displacement or step-off of >2 mm. » The method of reduction and fixation should be selected on a case-by-case basis with a focus on patient factors, fracture behavior, surgical proficiency, and functional outcomes.