Citations

Objectives To determine the ability to sonographically identify the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm (PCNF) and its distal epicondylar branches using sonographically guided perineural injections in an unembalmed cadaveric model. Methods A single experienced operator used a 12–3‐MHz linear array transducer to identify the PCNF and its distal epicondylar region branches in 10 unembalmed cadaveric specimens (6 right and 4 left) obtained from 10 donors. Sonographically guided perineural PCNF injections were then completed with a 22‐gauge, 38‐mm stainless steel needle to deliver 0.25 mL of 50% diluted colored latex at 3 points along the PCNF. The latex location was then confirmed via dissection. Results The 10 donors included 4 male and 6 female cadavers aged 48 to 94 years (mean, 73 years) with body mass indices of 19 to 37 kg/m 2 (mean, 26 kg/m 2 ). The operator sonographically identified the PCNF and several distal branches traversing over or directly adjacent to the lateral epicondyle in all 10 specimens. Only 7 of 10 specimens showed a distinct PCNF bifurcation into anterior and posterior divisions, and all 7 were accurately identified and localized on sonography. There was no evidence of latex overflow to clinically relevant adjacent structures or injury to regional vessels or nerves. Conclusions High‐resolution sonography can identify the PCNF and its distal epicondylar branches. Sonographic evaluation of the PCNF should be included in the evaluation of patients presenting with refractory or atypical lateral elbow pain syndromes. Diagnostic and therapeutic sonographically guided procedures targeting the PCNF or its lateral epicondylar branches are feasible and warrant further investigation.

Abstract Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is the most commonly encountered pattern of elbow instability. It is the result of disruption of the lateral collateral ligament complex leading to a posterolateral rotatory subluxation of the ulna and radial head. A number of examination maneuvers have been described to assist in clinical identification of PLRI. Despite this, some inconsistency in the description of these techniques remains in the orthopaedic literature. This Technical Note details the mechanism of injury and patient presentation, and emphasizes the primacy of the posterolateral rotatory drawer test in the assessment of PLRI while providing video instruction on how it should be performed. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Abstract Currently, a number of examination and imaging techniques exist for diagnosing posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow. Although the posterolateral rotatory drawer is the primary examination maneuver, other special tests include the lateral pivot‐shift test, prone push‐up test, chair push‐up test, and tabletop push‐up test. In addition, posterolateral rotatory instability can be evaluated using radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic fluoroscopy, or dynamic ultrasound. In this Technical Note, each of these tests is described in detail. Video instruction is also provided to further explain the techniques and provide examples of positive tests. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

ObjectivesWe sought to determine if a durable bilayer implant composed of trabecular metal with autologous periosteum on top would be suitable to reconstitute large osteochondral defects. This design would allow for secure implant fixation, subsequent integration and remodeling.Materials and MethodsAdult sheep were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 8/group): 1. trabecular metal/periosteal graft (TMPG), 2. trabecular metal (TM), 3. empty defect (ED). Cartilage and bone healing were assessed macroscopically, biochemically (type II collagen, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) content) and histologically.ResultsAt 16 weeks post-operatively, histological scores amongst treatment groups were not statistically different (TMPG: overall 12.7, cartilage 8.6, bone 4.1; TM: overall 14.2, cartilage 9.5, bone 4.9; ED: overall 13.6, cartilage 9.1, bone 4.5). Metal scaffolds were incorporated into the surrounding bone, both in TM and TMPG. The sGAG yield was lower in the neo-cartilage regions compared with the articular cartilage (AC) controls (TMPG 20.8/AC 39.5, TM 25.6/AC 33.3, ED 32.2/AC 40.2 µg sGAG/1 mg respectively), with statistical significance being achieved for the TMPG group (p < 0.05). Hypercellularity of the neo-cartilage was found in TM and ED, as the dsDNA content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with contralateral AC controls (TM 126.7/AC 71.1, ED 99.3/AC 62.8 ng dsDNA/1 mg). The highest type II collagen content was found in neo-cartilage after TM compared with TMPG and ED (TM 60%/TMPG 40%/ED 39%). Inter-treatment differences were not significant.ConclusionsTM is a highly suitable material for the reconstitution of osseous defects. TM enables excellent bony ingrowth and fast integration. However, combined with autologous periosteum, such a biocomposite failed to promote satisfactory neo-cartilage formation. Cite this article: E. H. Mrosek, H-W. Chung, J. S. Fitzsimmons, S. W. O’Driscoll, G. G. Reinholz, J. C. Schagemann. Porous tantalum biocomposites for osteochondral defect repair: A follow-up study in a sheep model. Bone Joint J 2016;5:403–411. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.BJR-2016-0070.R1.

Purpose To report the safety of using the proximal anteromedial portal, using a simplified ulnar nerve management strategy derived from an earlier study, in a series of patients with previously transposed ulnar nerves. Methods A retrospective review of all elbow arthroscopies performed by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2014 was performed. The following techniques were used if, by palpation, localization of the ulnar nerve was considered to be certain (group 1) or uncertain (group 2): In group 1 (certain) the proximal anteromedial portal was established in the normal antegrade fashion. In group 2 (uncertain) a 1‐ to 3‐cm incision was made at the planned proximal anteromedial portal site, and blunt dissection down to the capsule was performed without identification of the nerve. The nerve was not visualized but sometimes was palpated through the wound to confirm its location anteriorly or posteriorly. If there was a disparity between the prior operative records and the physical examination findings, the nerve was explored through a 3‐ to 4‐cm incision. Results We reviewed 394 elbow arthroscopy cases, 22 of which had a prior transposed ulnar nerve (21 subcutaneous and 1 submuscular) that required anterior‐compartment arthroscopic surgery. Group 1 (certain location) consisted of 9 elbows (41%), whereas group 2 (uncertain location) consisted of 13 (59%). In 2 cases in group 2, the ulnar nerve was explored because of the disparity between the previous medical records and the physical examination findings. There were no operative ulnar nerve injuries related to the use of the proximal anteromedial portal. Conclusions The proximal anteromedial portal was able to be used safely in patients with prior transposition of the ulnar nerve. This was achieved by using an algorithm based on the degree of certainty with which the nerve can be localized in the region of the planned portal by clinical palpation. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Snapping elbow is a well‐known condition where elbow flexion and extension elicits a painful, popping sensation. The most frequent etiology is anterior dislocation of the ulnar nerve over the medial epicondyle. Four patients (3 females and 1 male) presented with complaints of a popping sensation in the elbow, pain over the medial aspect of the forearm, and ulnar neuritis. All patients underwent preoperative dynamic ultrasound and surgical exploration of the medial elbow. Intraoperatively, snapping of the MABC over the medial epicondyle was discovered in all four patients. In three patients, there was abnormal displacement of the medial triceps and ulnar nerve: in two of these, both structures dislocated over the medial epicondyle and in one patient both structures subluxated. In each case, the MABC was decompressed (n = 1) and transposed (n = 3), and in three cases, the medial triceps and ulnar nerve were addressed as well. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in all cases. Retrospective review of the ultrasound revealed the snapping MABC, though it was less effective prospectively in the cases when snapping MABC was not suspected. In conclusion, snapping of the MABC broadens the spectrum of disorders that results in snapping elbow. To our knowledge, we are unaware of prior reports of this entity. Clin. Anat. 28:872–877, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: Little information exists regarding delayed-onset ulnar neuritis (DOUN) after arthroscopic release of elbow contractures. Purpose: To describe, in a large cohort of patients, the clinical presentation of and risk factors for developing DOUN after arthroscopic release of elbow contractures. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective study of 565 consecutive arthroscopic releases of elbow contractures was conducted. Essentially, DOUN was defined as ulnar neuritis or neuropathy, or worsening of pre-existing ulnar nerve symptoms, that developed postoperatively in patients with normal neurological examination findings immediately after surgery. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, 235 contracture releases in patients who had not undergone any ulnar nerve surgery remained and were used for the analysis of risk factors with a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Twenty-six patients (11%) developed DOUN. The patients fell into 1 of 3 distinct groups. Fifteen (58%) presented with rapidly progressive DOUN, characterized by rapidly progressive sensorimotor ulnar neuropathy, increasing pain at the cubital tunnel during end-range flexion and/or extension, and rapidly deteriorating range of motion within the first week after surgery. Urgent ulnar subcutaneous nerve transposition was performed within 1 or 2 days of diagnosis. Eight (31%) presented with nonprogressive DOUN, characterized by mild sensory ulnar neuropathy, neither motor weakness nor substantial pain at the cubital tunnel, or loss of motion. Three (12%) presented with slowly progressive DOUN, characterized by the insidious onset of mild ulnar neuropathy. Significant risk factors for DOUN included a diagnosis of heterotopic ossification (odds ratio, 31; 95% CI, 5-191; P < .001), preoperative neurological symptoms (odds ratio, 6; 95% CI, 2-19; P = .001), and preoperative arc of motion (odds ratio, 0.97 per degree of motion; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; P = .02). Conclusion: Delayed-onset ulnar neuritis is an important complication of arthroscopic release of elbow contractures. We recommend a high index of suspicion and monitoring patients with progressive loss of elbow motion and end-range pain for evidence of subclinical ulnar neuritis.

Purpose The purposes of this study were to determine whether delayed‐onset ulnar neuritis (DOUN) after elbow contracture release can be prevented and to compare the efficacy of ulnar nerve decompression versus subcutaneous transposition. Methods A retrospective study of 563 consecutive arthroscopic elbow contracture releases was conducted. The prophylactic efficacy of (1) subcutaneous transposition, (2) ulnar nerve decompression, (3) limited ulnar nerve decompression (7 to 8 cm), and (4) mini‐decompression (4 to 6 cm) was assessed prospectively. The efficacy of prophylactic strategies (transposition, decompression, limited decompression, or mini‐decompression) in preventing DOUN was compared by univariate survival analysis. Patients who underwent a subcutaneous transposition were matched with patients who underwent a standard open decompression or a limited decompression, according to gender, age (±10 years), diagnosis, and preoperative motion. This analysis was repeated after we excluded the patients who underwent associated open procedures (e.g., hardware removal). Results DOUN occurred in 26 of 235 patients (11%) who did not undergo any prophylactic procedure versus 8 of 295 patients (3%) who underwent a prophylactic ulnar nerve decompression or transposition at the time of contracture release ( P < .001). The neurologic impairment was significantly less severe after prophylactic decompression compared with patients without any prophylactic intervention (grade on Neuropathy Grading Scale, 2 v 4; P = .03). Ulnar nerve transposition and decompression were equally protective. The decompression length was the only factor significantly related to the failure of the prophylactic intervention (odds ratio, 0.19; P = .02). A mini‐decompression was not as effective as a prophylactic procedure, whereas a limited decompression was equal to a standard decompression. The case‐control analysis showed that the decompression and transposition had equal preventive effects but the transposition was associated with a higher rate of wound complications (19% v 4%, P = .03). Conclusions DOUN is a complication of arthroscopic elbow contracture release. Its incidence and severity can be reduced by limited open ulnar nerve decompression or transposition. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective comparative study with retrospective analysis.

AbstractPurposeTo test the hypothesis that visual estimation by a trained observer is as accurate and reliable as clinical goniometry for measuring elbow range of motion.MethodsInstrument validity and inter‐observer reliability of visual estimation was evaluated on a consecutive series of 50 elbow contractures. Four observers with different levels of elbow experience first estimated extension and flexion of the contracted elbows and then measured them with a blinded goniometer.ResultsInstrument validity for visually‐based goniometry was extremely high. ICC scores were 0.97 for both extension and flexion estimations. Systematic error was negligible (1°) with upper limits of agreement being 9° (95% CI: 7°–11°) and 8° (95% CI: 6°–10°), respectively, for extension and flexion. For the expert surgeon, 92% of the visual estimates were within 5° of the value obtained by clinical goniometry. Between experienced observers (elbow surgeon and physician assistant), the ICC’s were very high—0.96 for extension and 0.93 for flexion. The systematic errors were low, from −1° to 1° with upper limit of agreement being 11° (95% CI: 8°–14°). However, agreement was poor between an inexperienced study coordinator and the others (ICC’s: 0.51–0.38, systematic errors: 8°–18°, upper limit of agreement: 32°–40°). The accuracy of the visual estimations made by the experienced elbow surgeon was as good as the measurements taken with a goniometer by the physician assistant or the clinical fellow and better than those taken by an inexperienced study coordinator.ConclusionsThe trained human eye is highly capable of accurately estimating the range of motion of the elbow, compared to conventional clinical goniometry, depending on the experience of the observer.Level of evidenceDiagnostic study, Level II.

Background Although most people can lead near-normal lives with a limited but functional arc of elbow motion, athletes may find loss of terminal extension severely impairing. Hypothesis Arthroscopic contracture release is effective in restoring full elbow extension in athletes whose loss of terminal extension impairs their intensities and/or levels of performance in sport. Study design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Between 1997 and 2007, 24 athletes (26 elbows; mean age, 38 years [range, 12-58]) whose chief complaint was limited elbow extension (≤35°) underwent arthroscopic release of contractures (average follow-up, 33 months [range, 12-88]). All the patients were classified according to a sport-specific scoring system using the subjective patient outcome for return to sports score and the summary outcome determination score. Results All 26 elbows improved subjectively and objectively with surgery. Of the 26 elbows, 25 were rated by the patients as normal (n = 15) or near-normal (n = 10) at final follow-up. Pain during intense sporting activities was absent in 17, mild and occasional without affecting performance in 6, and severe enough to affect performance in 1. Of the 24 patients (26 elbows), 22 patients (23 elbows) returned to the same sport at the same level of intensity and performance as before injury. Two patients (3 elbows) returned to the same sport but failed to reach their preinjury levels of performance. Extension improved in all patients, with the average flexion contracture decreasing from 27° ± 7° (range, 10°-35°) to 6° ± 9° (range, 10° of hyperextension to 25°; P < .001). Lack of extension was not a residual impairment factor in any patients. Three patients developed delayed-onset ulnar neuropathy after surgery, 2 of which were treated by subcutaneous transposition. All 3 resolved completely, 2 within the first 6 weeks; the other took longer than a year. Conclusion The arthroscopic release of contractures is a predictable technique to achieve a highly functional elbow in athletes.