Adams, Julie E

The use of arthroscopy of the hand and wrist has recently increased sharply in the elective setting and this, not surprisingly, has been followed by an increasing use in the trauma setting. Advocates for the use of arthroscopy in these patients cite the improved assessment of the displacement and reduction of fractures and the early diagnosis of associated injuries, while others temper this with concerns about increased operating time and possible complications. The data relating to patient-reported benefits and costs are limited. The aim of this review was to discuss the current available literature for the use of arthroscopy in the management of injuries of the hand and wrist.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(3):291–295.

Background: The purpose of this study was to report our long-term outcomes following reconstruction of the forearm interosseous membrane (IOM) with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft for treatment of chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries. Methods: We identified 33 patients who underwent IOM reconstruction with BPTB graft for chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries over a 20-year treatment interval. Twenty male and 13 female patients, with a mean age of 42.1 years (range, 19 to 73 years) and a minimum follow-up interval of 5 years, were included. Preinjury clinical examination and radiographic measurements were obtained from records for comparison with prospectively collected data. Additional functional outcome data collected postoperatively included QuickDASH (an abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]), modified Mayo wrist (MMW), and Broberg-Morrey elbow function scores. Results: IOM reconstruction was performed at a mean interval (and standard deviation) of 44.9 ± 60.0 months (range, 6.4 to 208 months) from the time of the initial injury. At a mean follow-up of 10.9 ± 4.4 years (range, 5.5 to 24.2 years), significant improvements were observed in mean elbow flexion-extension arc (+13° [95% confidence interval (CI), 4° to 22°]; p = 0.005), wrist flexion-extension arc (+19° [95% CI, 4° to 34°]; p = 0.016), forearm pronation-supination (+23° [95% CI, 8° to 39°]; p = 0.004), and grip strength (+25% of that of the contralateral side [95% CI, 18% to 32% of contralateral side]; p < 0.001). Improvements in ulnar variance were sustained over the long term from +3.9 mm (95% CI, 3.2 to 4.6 mm) preoperatively to −1.6 mm (95% CI, −2.3 to −0.9 mm) immediately postoperatively and −1.1 mm (95% CI, −1.8 to −0.4 mm) at the time of the final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean QuickDASH, MMW, and Broberg-Morrey scores were 29.8 (range, 5 to 61), 82.7 (range, 60 to 100), and 91.6 (range, 64 to 100), respectively. Conclusions: IOM reconstruction with a BPTB graft is an effective treatment option for chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries, with satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes over the long term. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background We report on the non-operative treatment of Mayo Type II olecranon fractures. Methods Fourteen isolated Mayo Type II olecranon fractures were treated non-operatively, followed to discharge, and retrospectively reviewed. Treatment was splinting in extension followed by protected active motion beginning 3 weeks to 4 weeks post-injury. Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were available in 86% and 64% of cases, respectively. Follow-up radiographs were obtained. Results At discharge, the mean (SD) MEPI score was 95 (5). The mean (SD) elbow motion arc was 121° (21°). One patient re-fractured his elbow after discharge by falling on the ice. He recovered after open reduction and internal fixation. One patient (documented Marfan syndrome) developed an asymptomatic non-union. Excepting the patient who fell, no patient received additional care. Conclusions In this pilot report, Mayo Type II olecranon fractures were treated non-operatively to discharge. Good to excellent results were obtained in all patients according to the MEPI. Supportive care of these fractures should be comparatively studied. A downside risk to providing supportive care for these fractures was not identified.

Background: Therapy programs to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis may engage selective activation and reeducation of thenar muscles, particularly the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and opponens pollicis (OP) to reduce subluxation of the joint. We describe the effect of simulated selective activation of the FDI and OP muscles upon radiographic subluxation of the thumb CMC joint. Methods: In a cadaver model of CMC subluxation, loads were applied to the FDI, the OP, and then concomitantly at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% maximal loads and radial subluxation of the joint and reduction in subluxation was measured. Results: Selective activation of the OP, alone, improved the subluxation ratio (SR) in a dose-dependent manner. Selective activation of FDI, alone, demonstrated minimal effects on SR. Concomitant activation of OP and FDI improved the SR across all loading states, and activation of 75% and greater, when compared with FDI activation alone, resulted in a statistically significant improvement in SR to within 10% of the presubluxed joint. Conclusions: Concomitant activation of the FDI and OP acts to reduce subluxation of the thumb CMC joint in a dose-dependent fashion. The OP is likely the predominant reducing force. Hand therapy programs that focus on selective strengthening programs likely function in part to encourage patients to activate the easily palpable and easily understood FDI. Concomitant coactivation of the OP may be the major reducing force to elicit clinical and radiographic reduction of subluxation, improved thumb positioning, and reduction of pain and arthritic symptoms.

Background: This study investigated whether axillary nerve (AN) distance to the inferior border of the humeral head and inferior glenoid would change while placing the glenohumeral joint in different degrees of external rotation and abduction. Methods: A standard deltopectoral approach was performed on 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The distance between AN and the inferior border of the humeral head and inferior glenoid while placing the shoulder in 0°, 45°, and 90° of external rotation or abduction was measured. Continuous variables for changes in AN position were compared with paired 2-tailed Student t test. Results: The mean distance between the AN and the humeral head with the shoulder in 0°, 45°, and 90° of external rotation and 0° of abduction was 13.77 mm (SD 4.31), 13.99 mm (SD 4.12), and 16.28 mm (SD 5.40), respectively. The mean distance between the AN and glenoid with the shoulder in 0°, 45°, and 90° of external rotation was 16.33 mm (SD 3.60), 15.60 mm (SD 4.19), and 16.43 (SD 5.35), respectively. The mean distance between the AN and the humeral head with the shoulder in 0°, 45°, and 90° of abduction and 0° of external rotation was 13.76 mm (SD 4.31), 10.68 mm (SD 4.19), and 3.81 mm (SD 3.08), respectively. The mean distance between the AN and glenoid with the shoulder in 0°, 45°, and 90° of abduction was 16.33 mm (SD 3.60), 17.66 mm (SD 5.80), and 12.44 mm (SD 5.57), respectively. Conclusions: The AN position relative to the inferior aspect of the glenohumeral joint does not significantly change despite position of external rotation. Increasing shoulder abduction over 45° decreases the distance from the glenohumeral joint to the AN and should be avoided.

Abstract Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum most commonly affects young athletes engaged in sports that repetitively stress the elbow. It is characterized by localized injury of subchondral bone of the humeral capitellum. To determine the best treatment option for OCD in young athletes, it is important to differentiate between stable and unstable OCD lesions. Stable lesions can be treated with rest, whereas unstable lesions, as well stable lesions that do not respond to conservative therapy, may require a surgical approach. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic study of choice to evaluate capitellar OCD lesions and loose bodies and to accurately determine the stability and viability of the OCD fragment. A variety of surgical approaches have been reported, from internal fixation of large fragments to autologous chondrocyte grafts. Arthroscopic surgery is becoming the standard treatment of capitellar OCD. This minimally invasive approach shows good results, a low risk of operative morbidity, and early recuperation postoperatively. The distal ulnar portal we describe here allows for ergonomic exposure to the posterolateral capitellum, providing easier access for drilling, burring, and local debridement of lesions amenable to arthroscopy.

A series of 103 acute fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna in 101 patients was reviewed to determine their frequency. The Regan-Morrey classification, treatment, associated injuries, course and outcomes were evaluated. Of the 103 fractures, 34 were type IA, 17 type IB, ten type IIA, 19 type IIB, ten type IIIA and 13 type IIIB. A total of 44 type-I fractures (86%) were treated conservatively, while 22 type-II (76%) and all type-III fractures were managed by operation. At follow-up at a mean of 3.4 years (1 to 8.9) the range of movement differed significantly between the types of fracture (p = 0.002). Patients with associated injuries had a lower Mayo elbow performance score (p = 0.03), less extension (p = 0.03), more pain (p = 0.007) and less pronosupination (p = 0.004), than those without associated injuries. The presence of a fracture of the radial head had the greatest effect on outcome. An improvement in outcome relative to that of a previous series was noted, perhaps because of more aggressive management and early mobilisation. While not providing complete information about the true details of a fracture and its nature, the Regan-Morrey classification is useful as a broad index of severity and prognosis.

Purpose Little information exists regarding arthroscopic treatment of coronoid fractures; this study reports outcomes in a series of patients. Methods Forty‐one coronoid fractures were identified by retrospective chart review; 7 were treated arthroscopically; 6 with >12 months of available follow‐up. Regan–Morrey fracture types were II (n = 4) and III (n = 3). The age of the patients averaged 37 years; the mechanism of injury was a fall in 6 patients and a motocross accident in 1 patient. Fracture fixation included: plate‐and‐screws following arthroscopic reduction (1); screws (2) and threaded Steinmann pins (2); 2 fractures were debrided. Three patients had immediate (2) or delayed (1) lateral ulnar collateral ligament repair. Results Follow‐up averaged 31.8 months. The range of motion averaged 9° to 133° in flexion–extension and 87°/79° in prono‐supination. Mayo Elbow Performance scores were 100 in 5 of 6 patients and unavailable in 1 patient. Complications included asymptomatic heterotopic ossification (1) and delayed ulnar neuropathy (1). Conclusions In our series of coronoid fractures treated with arthroscopic means, all patients had a functional, pain‐free result. All patients returned to preoperative avocations and occupations. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

First carpometacarpal joint arthritis is a common condition encountered by hand surgeons. Traditionally, surgical approaches have included arthrodesis, trapeziectomy or reconstructive arthroplasty techniques. Previously, we described a technique for arthroscopic debridement and interposition arthroplasty of the first carpometacarpal joint. Patients with Eaton stages II and III symptomatic first carpometacarpal joint arthritis recalcitrant to >6 months of non-operative therapy underwent arthroscopic debridement of the first carpometacarpal joint with interposition of an acellular dermal matrix allograft (GRAFTJACKET™). In this paper, we describe outcomes following this procedure. Postoperatively, all patients reported symptomatic relief and 94% stated that they were partially, or completely, satisfied. More than 70% of patients reported no to mild difficulty in performing activities of daily living (average grip strength = 18.5 kg, pinch strength = 3.9 kg). Complications were minimal. Outcomes from this study compare favourably to those of other series, demonstrating that this technique is a viable option for treatment of Eaton stages II and III first carpometacarpal arthritis.

Purpose Large rotator cuff tears present a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. Because tissue may be insufficient or of inadequate quality to undergo repair, a variety of materials have been used as adjuncts. Human dermal tissue may be processed to render it acellular, and thus less immunogenic, but with the extracellular matrix left intact, creating a collagen scaffold with favorable characteristics. Because of these traits, use in rotator cuff repair was proposed. Methods A canine model for a full‐thickness infraspinatus tendon tear was used. Tendon was excised from the bony interface to the myotendinous junction, and a human acellular dermal matrix graft (experimental) or the autologous excised tendon (control) was used to bridge the defect. Animals were sacrificed, and shoulders were evaluated histologically and biomechanically. Results At time 0, strength of control and experimental repairs was similar. At 6 weeks, the strength of the experimental repair was half that of the control side. Strength of control specimens remained the same at 6 and 12 weeks, but by 12 weeks, the strength of the experimental repair was equal to that of the control. Histologically, cells infiltrated the control and experimental specimens by 6 weeks; chronic inflammation was consistent with surgery and repair. At 6 months, control and experimental specimens mimicked normal tendon structure grossly and histologically. Conclusions Use of human acellular dermal matrix as a patch is a viable option in this model of large rotator cuff defects. Within 6 weeks, histologic evidence of native cell infiltration and neotendon development was observed. Within 12 weeks, the strength of the dermal matrix graft repair was equivalent to that of autologous tendon. At 6 months, control and graft specimens mimicked normal tendon structure grossly and histologically. Clinical Relevance This study provides in vivo animal data to support the use of this acellular dermal matrix graft for repair of full‐thickness rotator cuff defects. Additional studies are indicated to determine the role of this material in the treatment of humans with rotator cuff tears.