A total of 26 adolescent patients were treated for scaphoid nonunion with a vascularized bone graft from either the medial femoral condyle or dorsal distal radius. There was an 85% union incidence, improved carpal alignment and a low incidence of complications.
Wrist Motion Assessment in Tennis Players using Three-Dimensional Motion Capture and Dynamic Electromyography
Abstract Background Tennis players often present with ulnar-sided wrist pain, which may reflect repetitive stress and/or faulty mechanics. There is a role for investigating the biomechanics of tennis strokes and how they may relate to wrist pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether three-dimensional motion capture technology and dynamic electromyography (EMG), when used to study groundstrokes in elite junior tennis players, reveals patterns of upper extremity motion that may correlate with the development of clinically relevant pathology. Case Description Three-dimensional kinematic and EMG data were collected from two United States Tennis Association-ranked adolescent tennis players during groundstrokes. There were several observed differences in the two players' degree and timing of pronation/supination, ulnar/radial deviation, and flexion/extension during their strokes. Clinical Significance Advanced motion capture technology facilitates a nuanced understanding of complex movements involved in groundstroke production. This methodology may be useful for identifying athletes who are at risk for injury and guiding rehabilitation for players experiencing pain. Level of Evidence IV
Abductor Pollicis Longus Tendon Abnormalities and Release in Children With Congenital Clasped Thumb
Background: Congenital clasped thumb is associated with deficient thumb extensor tendons. Reconstruction includes tendon transfer. Here, we describe a variant of the abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon, not previously reported, contributing to the flexion deformity. The purpose of this study is to report examples of and offer surgical repair techniques for APL variants identified in patients with clasped thumb. Methods: We reviewed records of 11 consecutive patients undergoing reconstruction for clasped thumb. Surgical anatomy of the APL tendon was evaluated in all patients, followed by release of aberrant APL attachments. Participants were invited to return for an in-person assessment with a certified hand therapist. Data were collected regarding intraoperative findings, surgical techniques for reconstruction, postoperative thumb motion, and patient and caregiver satisfaction. Results: Eleven children (12 thumbs) underwent aberrant APL release and rerouting between 2019 and 2021. Preoperatively, all thumbs were passively correctible to 0° of extension. In all patients, the APL was found to terminate palmar to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, creating an MCP flexion moment when tensioned. The average age at surgery was 7 years (range: 1-15 years), and the average follow-up was 14.2 months (range: 1-21 months). The mean postoperative thumb radial abduction was 55° (range: 20°-75°). Conclusions: When reconstructing clasped thumbs, surgeons should explore the presence of APL abnormalities. Release and centralization of the APL can improve thumb position and function. This technique may avoid the need for extra-anatomical tendon transfer in patients with clasped thumb.