Background: The radiolunate joint is conventionally thought to be spared from radiocarpal osteoarthritis, but proximal lunate degenerative changes have been noted. An investigation of radiolunate arthrokinematics in ostensibly healthy wrists may improve understanding of posttraumatic and postoperative outcomes. We hypothesize that four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT)-derived radiolunate arthrokinematics during motion will differ between wrists with type 1 and type 2 lunates. The clinical-translational relevance of this analysis is highlighted using a 4DCT case study of scaphoid excision with 4-corner arthrodesis (SEFCA). Methods: Four-dimensional computed tomography data were collected during flexion-extension and radioulnar deviation in 19 healthy wrists (mean [SD] age: 43.6 [11.7] years, 21.1% female) and 1 wrist 3 years after SEFCA (male, 52 years). Carpal osteokinematics and joint arthrokinematics were calculated to derive median radiolunate interosseous proximities at each 4DCT-captured timepoint. Results: Median radiolunate interosseous proximities during motion are well approximated by second-order regressions in uninjured wrists. In the arthrodesed wrist, closest proximities occurred at the extremes of motion except maximum radial deviation. Conclusions: This study quantifies a normative range of median radiolunate interosseous proximities during wrist motion. The normative 4DCT datasets provide a reference range for evaluating postoperative arthrokinematics, suggesting the clinical-translational potential of dynamic imaging. The case study highlights applications for patient-level postoperative evaluation, which can be expanded to other pathologies, surgeries, or conditions in the future.
Salvaging Proximal Pole Scaphoid Nonunions Using Ipsilateral Proximal Hamate Autograft: A Multicenter Case Series
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.
Una revisión de las reparaciones artroscópicas del complejo volar escafosemilunar
ResumenSi bien el papel del complejos volar escafolunar en la estabilidad de la muñeca es cada vez más reconocido la literatura sobre sus técnicas de reparación y resultados sigue siendo limitada. Este artículo ofrece una visión general completa de la anatomía la biomecánica y la importancia clínica del complejo escafolunar volar junto con las técnicas de reparación artroscópica más actualizadas. Al presentar los avances y los desafíos de estos abordajes mínimamente invasivos buscamos fomentar la investigación y el desarrollo para abordar este aspecto aunque poco reconocido crucial de la inestabilidad escafolunar.
Long-Term Results of Darrach Resection in Patients 40 Years and Younger
Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes after distal ulna resection (Darrach procedure) in young adults. A retrospective chart review identified all adult patients who underwent Darrach resection at 40 years of age or younger and had a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Twenty-one patients (24 wrists) were available for final follow-up. Fifteen patients (16 wrists) returned for in-person evaluation, and seven patients (eight wrists) completed questionnaires by phone. Mean PRWE and QuickDASH scores were 32 and 34, respectively. The median visual analog scale at rest was 0 and 1 with activity. In 88% of cases, patients reported they would have the same surgery again. Of those who were employed preoperatively, 81% (13/16) returned to work, with all but one patient returning to their preoperative job. Radioulnar convergence occurred in all patients, but only three (23%) were symptomatic. The Darrach procedure may be a viable surgical option for DRUJ pathology in younger adults when other options are unavailable. Therapeutic IV.
Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture With Concomitant Electrodiagnostic and MRI Findings of Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy
Cases: Two patients with spontaneous loss of thumb interphalangeal joint extension were referred after history, electrodiagnostic, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were felt to demonstrate a posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy. Subsequent physical examination and additional directed studies suggested an alternative explanation: rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon, subsequently confirmed at surgery. An extensor indicis proprius to EPL transfer restored thumb function. Conclusion: Electrodiagnostic and MRI changes consistent with diffuse PIN palsy may occur in the setting of EPL rupture. An accurate diagnosis of EPL dysfunction requires careful physical examination and confirmatory imaging. Further study of this previously unreported phenomenon is required.
Bulto dorsoradial de la muñeca: Desaparición de la tabaquera anatómica como un signo de “SLAC”
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.