Pino, Paula A.

Abstract To present our clinical experience with a volar scapholunate (SL) ligament reconstruction using a strip of the long radiolunate ligament. This was a single-institution observational study (2004–2022) of SL ligament injuries with evidence of a torn volar component on arthroscopy that received volar capsulodesis with/without a dorsal repair. The postoperative range of motion (ROM), grip strength, complications, and secondary surgery (e.g., four-corner fusion or total wrist fusion), and radiographic changes were reported. Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand/patient-rated wrist evaluation (DASH/PRWE) scores were prospectively collected. Patients were stratified by static versus dynamic/predynamic SL diastasis and by isolated volar versus volar and dorsal ligament injury. Twenty-eight patients (15 females and 13 males) with a mean age of 35.1 years (± 15.7) met the inclusion criteria. The follow-up was 86.3 months (± 53.4; minimum 11 months). Most (26/28) patients were right-handed. The majority (20/28) of the patients presented ≥ 6 weeks postinjury. Few (4/28) used tobacco. Most (20/28) patients had dynamic/predynamic injuries. Postoperatively, the mean pronation/supination was 83 degrees/83 degrees, flexion/extension was 56 degrees/61 degrees, ulnar deviation was 30 degrees, and radial deviation (RD) was 19 degrees (n = 13). The mean grip strength was 78.8% (± 30.4) of the contralateral normal side (n = 14). Except for increased RD in patients with dynamic/predynamic injuries (p = 0.02), there were no other ROM differences. SL widening (>3 mm) postoperatively was observed in 33.3% (2/6) of static versus none of the dynamic/predynamic injuries (p = 0.165). There were only two postoperative complications, both surgical site infections. Two patients had persistent pain and required secondary surgery at a median of 48 months. At 86.9 months, patients reported a mean DASH of 16.4 (± 17.8) and a PRWE of 24.6 (± 23.6), and 78.9% (15/19) returned to prior work. We report long-term functional outcomes after a volar capsulodesis for volar SL injuries. This appears to be a safe procedure with an acceptable complication rate and low disability after 7 years. Most (approximately 79%) patients returned to their previous employment. A larger comparative study will be required to prove superiority to other types of repairs. Level IV, Case series.

Background: Patients with spastic equinus, equinovarus, and claw toe deformities can experience marked pain and functional limitations in the ability to weight-bear comfortably, ambulate efficiently, or mobilize independently. Seen in 80% of patients with cerebral palsy and 18% of patients with stroke (1, 2), the spastic foot and ankle deformities, and its secondary sequelae of static joint contractures, osseous changes, and chronic pain, are unfortunately common. Methods: Adult and pediatric patients undergoing combined hyperselective and selective partial motor neurectomies for varus or claw toe deformities were reviewed. Patient demographics and complications were recorded. Pre- and postoperative Modified Ashworth Scale scores were compared. Results: Twenty-three patients (16 adults and seven pediatric) met inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. At early 6-month follow-up, the mean preoperative Modified Ashworth Score of 2.8 in adult patients and 3.0 in pediatric patients decreased to 0.6 postoperatively. Complications in three adult patients included one patient with temporary dysesthesias to the plantar foot, one with a popliteal abscess requiring incision and drainage, and one superficial wound dehiscence that was managed conservatively. Conclusions: A combined technique of hyperselective and partial motor neurectomies are effective in decreasing tone in the correction of spastic foot and ankle deformities in both adult and pediatric patients in short-term 6-month follow-up.

The intrinsic force production capability of human muscle can be expressed as “Specific Tension,” or, the maximum force generated per cross-sectional area of muscle fibers. This value can be used to determine, for example, whether muscle quality changes during exercise, atrophy, disease, or hypertrophy. A value of 22.5 N/cm 2 for mammalian muscle has generally become accepted based on detailed studies of small mammals. Determining the specific tension of human muscle is much more challenging as almost all determinations are indirect. Calculation of human muscle specific tension requires an understanding of that muscle’s contribution to joint torque, its activation magnitude, tendon compliance, and joint moment arm. Determining any of these parameters is technically challenging in humans and thus, it is no surprise that human specific tension values reported vary from 2 to 73 N/cm 2 . In this systematic review, we screened 1,506 published papers and identified the 30 studies published between 1983 and 2023 that used appropriate methods and which reported 96 human specific tension values. We weighted each parameter based on whether it was directly measured, estimated, or calculated based on the literature, with decreasing weighting used, the more indirect the methods. Based on this exhaustive review of the relevant human literature, we suggest that the most accurate value that should be used for human muscle specific tension is 26.8 N/cm 2 .

Spastic wrist flexion deformities both limit the functional use of the hand for grasp and pinch producing a stigmatizing appearance. Tendon transfers and total wrist arthrodesis are treatment options for this condition depending on the patient’s characteristics, the latter the most commonly used in patients with severe wrist flexion deformities. Tendon transfers alone in this scenario have the tendency for recurrent deformity due to tenorrhaphy failure or soft tissue creep and resultant loss of tension. Total wrist arthrodesis is a more invasive procedure, which can have hardware or fusion problems and that is irreversible. We propose a novel technique that incorporates a distally based wrist extensor tendon slip and suture tape tenodesis to the distal radius. The rationale of this technique is to act as a protective, internal splint to prevent recurrent deformity after primary or revision tendon transfer for moderate to severe spastic flexed wrist deformities, avoiding the need to perform a total wrist arthrodesis.

Paediatric trigger finger is rare compared to adult trigger finger or paediatric trigger thumb, and the aetiology is unclear. Proposed causes include local trauma, anatomical anomalies and systemic conditions. The aim of the present study was to detail the anatomical causes of surgically treated paediatric trigger fingers and provide an operative algorithm based on the anatomical findings. A total of 76 trigger fingers in 38 patients were identified retrospectively at our institution between 1975 and 2022. In total, 41 fingers in 26 patients had anatomical variations. A nodular thickening on the tendon, similar to Notta’s nodule in trigger thumbs, was the most common anatomical cause. Abnormal decussation of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon was the second most common variation. The recurrence rate was significantly lower after resection of one slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon compared to other surgical techniques in these patients. We recommend that surgeons assess for possible anatomical variation during surgery for the trigger finger. Level of evidence: IV

Triceps spasticity can occur in patients with upper motor neuron syndrome. It is often undetected when there is predominant elbow flexion spasticity and/or contracture. This condition can become apparent after surgery for elbow flexor spasticity, leading to impaired active elbow. Although triceps muscle-tendon lengthening procedures can be performed, these techniques do not directly address the issue of spasticity which is neurally mediated. This article presents a surgical technique for addressing triceps spasticity with a combined approach of hyperselective neurectomy of the medial head of the triceps and muscle-tendon lengthening of the long and lateral heads.

In the last decade there has been incredible interest and advancement in the surgical care of adult patients with upper motor neuron (UMN) injuries. Spasticity represents a prevalent and debilitating feature of UMN syndrome, which can result from cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, cerebrovascular accident and traumatic or anoxic brain injury. While several diagnostic tools and management strategies have been described for upper limb spasticity, evidence-based practice guidelines do not currently exist due to low patient volume and a paucity of surgeons routinely performing surgeries in UMN syndrome patients. As such, expert consensus may help provide guidance for patients, therapists and clinicians alike. In this article an expert panel was assembled, and the Delphi method was utilized to present diagnostic considerations, define operative indications, discuss surgical treatment modalities and encourage a standard set of outcome measures for patients with upper extremity spasticity.