ResumenLa tabaquera anatómica, una región triangular en la porción dorso-radial de la muñeca, es un punto de referencia anatómico clave. Está delimitada por los tendones del extensor largo del pulgar, extensor corto del pulgar y abductor largo del pulgar, y alberga la arteria radial y ramas nerviosas. Patologías como quistes sinoviales, fracturas y osteofitos pueden alterar su apariencia. Estudios sobre lesiones del ligamento escafolunar (SLL) muestran que el daño crónico provoca el desplazamiento dorso-radial del escafoides, iniciando un proceso degenerativo conocido como colapso avanzado escafolunar (SLAC). Esto a menudo resulta en la "desaparición" de la tabaquera anatómica, lo que facilita la identificación de pacientes con muñeca SLAC junto con síntomas como dolor y rigidez. La afección es impulsada por la formación de osteofitos, subluxación del escafoides y sinovitis, lo que conduce a inestabilidad articular y deformidad. Los tratamientos tradicionales, como la estiloidectomía, pueden no resolver completamente la inestabilidad. Nuevos enfoques que consideran la dinámica tridimensional de la muñeca podrían ser más efectivos para manejar el SLAC. Estudios biomecánicos sugieren que las lesiones del SLL, junto con la pérdida de estabilizadores secundarios, provocan que el escafoides se pronuncie y flexione, resultando en una proyección dorso-radial dentro de la fosa del escafoides. Sin tratamiento, esto puede progresar a SLAC, frecuentemente caracterizado por el "bulto dorso-radial de la muñeca".
Treatment Options for Coronal Plane Fractures of the Lunate in Kienböck Disease
Background: The treatment for Kienböck disease varies widely based on the status of the lunate. To date, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for patients with coronal plane fractures of the lunate, or Lichtman Stage IIIC. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess whether coronal plane fractures of the lunate in Kienböck disease healed after surgical intervention, and to determine the outcomes after surgical fixation of the lunate compared with treatment with salvage procedures. Methods: A retrospective review of 36 patients with Lichtman IIIC Kienböck disease was conducted. Patients were classified into lunate reconstruction (vascularized bone graft [VBG] or non-VBG) or salvage procedures (proximal row carpectomy [PRC] or limited fusion). Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, range of motion, grip strength, and Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) were analyzed. Radiographs and computed tomographic scans were reviewed for Lichtman stage, fracture location, union, modified carpal height ratio, Stahl index, and radioscaphoid angle. Results: Thirteen patients underwent lunate reconstruction, 13 underwent limited fusion, and 10 underwent PRC. The overall union rate was 45% after lunate reconstruction, with average time to union of 7 months. There were no differences in union rates between VBG and non-VBG. All 3 groups experienced improvement in their postoperative grip strength and MWS. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative to postoperative changes in clinical outcome measures between the 3 cohorts; however, when we compared lunate reconstruction with all patients who underwent salvage procedures (limited carpal fusion and PRC), we noted the latter had improved functional outcomes ( P = .019). Four patients (31%) in the reconstruction cohort and 2 patients (8%) in the limited carpal fusion group required reoperation at latest follow-up. Conclusions: Union rate of coronal plane fractures in Kienböck disease remains variable. While the proportion of patients requiring reoperation was higher in the reconstruction group, all groups of patients experienced improvement in their clinical outcomes, without a significant difference between cohorts.
Outcomes of Proximal Row Carpectomy With Interposition Arthroplasty for Advanced Wrist Arthritis
Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of proximal row carpectomy (PRC) with interposition arthroplasty using dorsal wrist capsule interposition, lateral meniscus allograft, or dermal allograft in patients with lunate facet/capitate degeneration. Methods: Patients who underwent PRC with interposition arthroplasty between 2010 and 2022 at a single institution were identified. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, functional outcomes, and complications were recorded. Results: Twenty-one patients (11 dorsal capsule, 6 meniscus, 4 dermal matrix) were identified with a mean follow-up of 65.8 months. Postoperative pain and functional outcome scores significantly improved. The mean postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 20.3. In total, 89.5% of patients returned to work, including 75% of manual laborers. Conclusions: No significant differences were found between dorsal capsular flap versus allograft groups. Proximal row carpectomy with interposition arthroplasty is an effective motion-sparing procedure for patients with proximal capitate and/or lunate fossa arthritis, improving pain and function.
Abstract In patients with lunate fossa and proximal capitate degeneration, or failed scaphoid excision and partial wrist arthrodesis, double allograft interposition arthroplasty may allow patients to maintain wrist motion and improve pain. Following dorsal exposure of the carpus, a completion proximal row carpectomy is performed. Suture anchors are placed evenly along the perimeter of the distal radius and used to secure a precut sheet of allograft. Additional suture anchors are placed at the proximal aspect of the distal carpal row, securing a second piece of allograft to the proximal capitate and hamate. We present the case of a female with osteogenesis imperfecta who failed prior partial wrist fusion for treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse. She declined wrist arthrodesis and was not a candidate for total wrist arthroplasty. Proximal row carpectomy with double interposition arthroplasty provided resolution of her pain and preserved her wrist range of motion. Double interposition arthroplasty may provide reliable pain relief and wrist range of motion for patients with advanced wrist arthritis in whom traditional salvage procedures are contraindicated or have failed. Use of this technique offers benefits that may minimize complications and improve longevity compared with previously described allograft interposition techniques.
Abstract Background A retrospective review was performed of 15 adult patients who underwent arthroscopic suture anchor scapholunate capsuloligamentous repair between 2021 and 2023. Materials and Methods There were 12 male and 3 female patients, with a mean age of 44.9 years. Eight patients had European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) II (Geissler II), four patients had EWAS IIIC (Geissler III), and three patients had EWAS IV (Geissler IV). After a follow-up of 12 months (12–26), the mean grip strength significantly improved by 131% compared with presurgery. There was a significant improvement in the visual analog scale score from 6 to 1.2, the Mayo Wrist Score from 43.5 to 86.5, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score from 65.9 to 6.5. Two EWAS IV patients had recurrent symptomatic scapholunate diastasis requiring scapholunate ligamentoplasty. Conclusion The arthroscopic dorsal scapholunate capsuloligamentous repair with suture anchors is a reliable and safe technique with minimal complications. It is recommended for reducible acute or chronic injury to the scapholunate ligament complex with suspected avulsion injury. Level of Evidence Level IV
Double Mini TightRope Suture Suspensionplasty with FCR to APL Imbrication for Thumb Basilar Joint Arthritis: Intermediate Outcomes
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.
Wrist Arthrodesis with Double Ulna Intussusception for Failed Wrist Arthroplasty
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.
Proximal Scaphoid Reconstruction Techniques Comparison of Three Techniques for Proximal Scaphoid Recontruction
Abstract Introduction The costo-osteochondral autograft, vascularized medial femoral trochlear osteochondral autograft, and proximal hamate autograft have been used for the reconstruction of unsalvageable proximal pole scaphoid nonunions. Our hypothesis is that there is no difference in carpal kinematics after the proximal pole of the scaphoid is reconstructed with these three graft options. Methods Wireless sensors were mounted to the carpus that was loaded through cyclical motion. Each specimen was tested under a series of the three reconstructed conditions and their kinematics compared. Results No significant differences were found in scapholunate and lunocapitate joint motion during wrist flexion-extension and wrist radioulnar deviation between the three reconstructed conditions (p > 0.05). Discussion and Conclusion There are minimal differences in carpal kinematics when comparing reconstruction of the proximal pole of the scaphoid with the costoosteochondral, medial femoral trochlear, and proximal hamate grafts.
Biomechanical Stability of Diaphyseal Ulnar Shaft Fractures and Ulnar Shortening Osteotomies After Fixation
Background: To determine the amount of micromotion during forearm rotation after diaphyseal ulnar shaft fracture or osteotomy. Methods: This was a biomechanical study using 7 paired-matched cadavers. The upper extremity was mounted in a custom rig and the forearm brought through full pronation and supination. A Hall effect sensor was placed at the fracture ends to measure micromotion for all tested conditions. There were 4 conditions tested: (1) intact ulnar shaft with plate to act as a control; (2) transverse fracture/osteotomy without stabilization; (3) fracture/osteotomy with cortical apposition stabilized with plate fixation; and (4) 50% comminuted fracture stabilized with plate. Results: There was a significantly greater amount of fracture site motion in the fracture/osteotomy model without stabilization compared with all other tested conditions ( P < .001, .0001, .0003, respectively). The fracture/osteotomy site with cortical apposition and the comminuted fracture models showed no statistically significant differences in the amount of micromotion compared with each another ( P = .952) or compared with the intact ulnar shaft ( P = .997, .889, respectively). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the amount of motion between an intact ulnar shaft, an ulnar shaft fracture with cortical apposition stabilized with a plate, and a plated comminuted fracture. These findings may help surgeons decide on their type of postoperative immobilization in the setting of isolated ulnar shaft fractures or ulnar shaft osteotomies stabilized with plate fixation.