Intraoperative Bier's block as supplement to insufficient axillary block anesthesia in upper extremity surgery

The authors reviewed 52 patients who underwent Bier's block, as supplementary anesthesia for insufficient axillary block in upper extremity surgical procedures. Prior to proceeding to the Bier's block, the mean value of pain using the visual optical analogue scale (VAS) was 7.0. In 48 of the patients supplementation with the Bier's block was sufficient (mean VAS score of 1.0) and all patients were comfortable throughout the procedure. In the remaining four patients supplementation with narcotics and sedatives via the other i.v. line was required. Intraoperative Bier's block provides a safe and effective alternative way of successfully compensating for an insufficient axillary block in upper extremity surgical procedures.

Early proximal row carpectomy after severe carpal trauma

Complex fracture dislocations of the wrist often result in post-traumatic arthrosis. In these cases, patients can experience severe pain and loss of function of the wrist and as a result many of them end up having a total arthrodesis. In trying to avoid the disadvantages of a total arthrodesis, alternative treatment strategies have been investigated, amongst which proximal row carpectomy (PRC). Basic conditions for a good outcome of PRC are an intact cartilage of the lunate fossa of the distal radius and an intact surface of the head of the capitate for the new radiocapitate joint (, schematic drawing post-PRC). Also, an intact (volar) radioscaphocapitate (RSC) ligament is necessary because it plays an essential role in stabilizing the new joint and preventing volar dislocation and ulnar translocation of the distal carpal row. Acute post-traumatic PRC can be indicated, but is rarely reported in literature. In this article, we present four patients whom we have treated with early PRC after severe trauma of the wrist. Three patients had a good outcome. In the patient with the bad outcome, the before-mentioned prerequisites were not met, which is discussed.

[Mid-term results after proximal row carpectomy and review of the literature]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results after proximal row carpectomy and to compare them with results in the literature.

METHOD

Between 1994 and 2001, 37 patients underwent proximal row carpectomy. 30 patients were available for follow-up. In all cases the proximal row carpectomy was performed through a dorsal approach. Clinical parameters were evaluated by using the conventional wrist score (Krimmer score) as well as the DASH-score.

RESULTS

Follow-up examination shows a range of motion (ROM) for wrist extension and flexion of 46 % of the contralateral side. ROM for ulnar and radial deviation is 42 % of the other side, ROM for pronation and supination is equal to the other side. Mean grip strength is determined to be 58 % of the contralateral side. 90 % of the patients are satisfied with the result of the operation. The Krimmer score amounts to 58 and the DASH score to 39 points.

CONCLUSION

We consider proximal row carpectomy to be a good therapeutic option for lunate necrosis stage IIIB or IV or carpal collapse stage II (SNAC or SLAC wrist) with a concomitant lesion of extrinsic ligaments with ulnar translocation. Another indication is the acute, non-reconstructable or the chronic perilunar luxation with arthrosis.

Arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation of dorsal perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations

Perilunate injuries are severe disruptions of the wrist joint that produce variable patterns of injury to the carpal anatomy. Most surgeons advocate an open reduction followed by ligament repair or internal fixation. We tried to reduce and fix the carpal bones under arthroscopic control to minimize surgical trauma and to preserve blood supply. While viewing the articular surface with the arthroscope, the disrupted proximal carpal row was anatomically reduced using Kirschner wires as joysticks, and fixed percutaneously without any repair of the capsuloligamentous tears. Three patients with dorsal perilunate dislocations or fracture-dislocations were treated by this technique. All the patients achieved accurate reduction and stable fixation, and showed successful healing of the carpal fractures with proper alignment after 10 to 12 weeks of immobilization. At 16 to 22 months follow-up, all patients showed normal radiographic findings with no evidence of instability or arthritis. The arthroscopic treatment of acute dorsal perilunate injuries is technically feasible in achieving anatomic reduction and stable fixation. Our preliminary clinical results were encouraging, but the long-term results need to be observed.

Combined fractures of the body and hook of hamate: a form of ulnar axial injury of the wrist

Fractures of the hamate are rare, and usually associated with athletes. We describe an unusual form of the injury involving fractures of the hook as well as an intra-articular medial facet. It is likely to be a result of high velocity ulnar component of the axial injury. Surgical treatment is advocated to achieve accurate reduction and apposition of the fifth carpometacarpal joint.

Pisiform bone fracture-dislocation and distal radius physeal fracture in two children

We report two children with a Salter-Harris type 1 and 2 distal radius physeal fracture associated with a fracture-dislocation of the pisiform bone. The two patients were treated with closed reduction of both the distal radius and dislocated pisiform under general anaesthesia. Then a long-arm cast was applied for 30 days resulting in full healing of the fractures. The patients were re-evaluated after 30 years, and the wrists did not show any functional impairments. On radiographic evaluations, there were no signs of osteoarthritis or misalignment between the pisiform and the triquetral, in contrast to what has been reported in adult carpal fractures.

Wrist MR Arthrography: How, Why, When

MR imaging of the wrist frequently represents a diagnostic challenge for radiologists because of the complex anatomy of this joint, small size of its components, and little known pathologic conditions. MR arthrography combines the advantages of conventional MR imaging and arthrography by improving the visualization of small intra-articular abnormalities. This article reviews the current role of MR arthrography in the evaluation of wrist joint disorders considering the relevant aspects of anatomy, techniques, and applications.

[Diagnosis of lunotriquetral instability]

BACKGROUND

Lunotriquetral dissociation with rupture of the lunotriquetral ligament and the radiolunotriquetral and the radiodorsal ligament is usually recognized late. Cinematography, arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy are the diagnostic procedures. Treatment includes nonoperative methods in the case of incomplete lesions but also closed reposition with temporary LT arthrodesis and open ligament repair. In many cases, definitive LT arthrodesis may become necessary. It is the aim to develop a diagnostic algorithm on the base of retrospective analysed data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 1998 to July 2003, 97 cinematographies of the wrist were performed, 22 with the question for a dynamic or static VISI deformity as a sign for lunotriquetral instability. This group of patients was analysed retrospectively to evaluate the diagnostic reliability. Based on these datas, a diagnostical algorithm was established for prospective investigations.

RESULTS

The combination of cinematography, arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging suspected lunotriquetral instability in ten cases so that an arthroscopy was arranged. This way LT-lesions were verified in nine cases. The mean interval between accident and first contact with our institution was five months.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of lunotriquetral injuries is complicated by the long time from trauma to definitive diagnosis. A combination of refined clinical and apparative investigations can lead to a reliable diagnosis.

Handgelenkläsionen in der direkten MR-Arthrographie im Vergleich zur Arthroskopie des Handgelenks

BACKGROUND

Wrist arthroscopy is routinely used for diagnosis of ligamentous lesions to the wrist. Although it is very sensitive and specific, it is also more invasive than other available diagnostic techniques.

METHOD

In a prospective trial, 125 patients (80 men, 45 women) 37 years old (+/- 12) with clinical evidence of wrist lesions were evaluated with direct wrist arthro MRI. Within 24 hours following direct arthro MRI wrist arthroscopy was performed. The surgeons and radiologists were not aware of the other results until completion of their investigation. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were determined.

RESULTS

According to the MRI findings, lesions of the TFCC were suggested in 70 patients (56 % of all patients). In 65 cases this was confirmed by wrist arthroscopy. In the remaining 55 patients no TFCC lesions were detected by MRI. However in three cases TFCC lesions were found by arthroscopy. In the remaining 52 patients MRI accurately excluded TFCC lesions. There was a correlation of MRI and arthroscopy in detecting TFCC lesions in 93.6 %. Sensitivity was 94 %, specificity 89 %, positive predictive value 91 % and negative predictive value 93 %. Complete scapholunate ligament tears were detected by MRI in 12 (9.6 %) cases. Correlation with wrist arthroscopy was 99 %, sensitivity 92 %, specificity 100 %, positive and negative predictive value 100 % and 99 %, respectively. Accuracy for incomplete scapholunate lesions (n = 17, 13.6 %) and lunotriquetral tears (n = 4, 3.2 %) was poor (sensitivity 59 % and 25 %, specificity 100 % and 99 %).

CONCLUSION

Though sensitivity of MRI arthrography approaches that of arthroscopy, it cannot replace it at the moment. However, it is a potent additional tool for wrist diagnosis if intraarticular contrast is used. It can facilitate diagnosis and indications for surgery of the wrist. It may make arthroscopic and more invasive interventions for diagnostic purposes avoidable in future.

Dorsal trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation in a 9-year-old child

The authors reported on the surgical management of a trans-scaphoid retrolunate dislocation of the carpus associated with a stable styloid fracture of the radius and a displaced fracture of the triquetrum in a nine-year-old child. An open reduction of the dislocation and fixation using a screw inserted disto-proximally in the scaphoid were quickly carried out using a palmar approach. X-ray showed a good union nine months later. At 29 months the motion of the wrist was normal and pain-free, the strength was graded at 80 % in comparison to the contralateral side and the X-ray examination showed no carpal instability nor growth trouble. The authors discuss the mechanism of production and the therapeutic strategy.

Traumatic dislocation of the hamate and pisiform: a case report and review of the literature

Isolated dislocation of the hamate bone and pisiform bone is rare. We describe the simultaneous complete dislocation of both the hamate and pisiform bones in a 27-year-old man who crushed his right hand in a rolling press. An open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires was performed. Four weeks later, the Kirschner wires were removed and rehabilitation was started. At 6 months follow-up, the patient had minimal pain and full range of motion in the affected wrist joint and fingers. However, grip strength was 50% compared to his unaffected left hand, and sensation of the ulnar nerve area was reduced to almost 30% of that of his left hand. It appears that the ulnar nerve injury was the largest contributing factor to the poor outcome of our patient. Evaluation of soft-tissue injuries, especially nerve injury, is important in the treatment of complex carpal dislocations.

Funktionelle Ergebnisse nach mediokarpaler Teilarthrodese als Behandlungskonzept bei fortgeschrittenem karpalem Kollaps (SNAC-/SLAC-Wrist)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was the evaluation of the functional outcome of midcarpal arthrodesis, its results in the treatment of SNAC/SLAC stage II and III and patients' satisfaction.

METHODS

49 patients that were treated with a midcarpal arthrodesis were re-examined at a mean follow-up time of 47 months. Range of motion was verified and grip strength was measured with a Jamar-Dynamometer II and a pinch-grip. Pain was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS 0 to 100) for stress and under resting conditions. Patients' daily activities and general quality of life were estimated with the DASH questionnaire. Radiographic evaluation was done by conventional X-ray.

RESULTS

Active range of motion was 56 % and grip strength was 76 % of the non-operated wrist. The DASH score was 29 points. Pain relief was 34 % during resting conditions and 31 % after stress respectively. 45 patients demonstrated bony consolidation in X-ray control. Six patients needed further treatment with a total arthrodesis because of pain or absence of bony consolidation. 77 % of the patients returned to their original occupation and 80 % were satisfied with the final result.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate that midcarpal fusion is a reliable procedure for treating the difficult condition of advanced carpal collapse if proper realignment of the carpus is performed.

Ersetzt der Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH-Fragebogen) die Erfassung von Bewegungsausmaß und Kraft bei der Bewertung von Ergebnissen?

Scoring systems currently used to evaluate functional disabilities in upper extremity conditions frequently combine so-called "objective" parameters such as grip strength and range of motion with "subjective" parameters such as pain. Since its introduction, the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire has proven useful in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of functional limitations of the upper extremity. This study examines the relationship between DASH scores, the so-called "objective" parameters of grip strength and range of motion and those of "mixed scores" such as Krimmer and Cooney Scores. Based on the data of six diagnostic groups, Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated. There was no correlation between DASH scores and range of motion, however, some of the diagnostic groups showed a moderate correlation between DASH scores and grip strength. Both the Krimmer and Cooney scores showed a significant correlation with the DASH scores, indicating that these "mixed-scores" can be replaced by the DASH. Since it has been shown that grip strength and range of motion do not capture patients' functional limitations adequately, their continued use in the evaluation of upper extremity conditions should be the topic of further discussion.

La luxation carpométacarpienne antérieure complète des doigts. À propos d'un cas

Anterior carpometacarpal dislocation are rare injuries. The anterior type is exceptional. Mr A.T 18 years old, male, student, right-handed, without pathological medical history. He was admitted in emergency after a fall of a motorbike (unknown mechanism) for a closed left hand injury; examination revealed a total impaired mobility and an important swelling of the hand without vasculonervous disorders. X-ray revealed a pure anterior dislocation of the five carpometacarpal joints. The patient was operated on in emergency using both anterior and posterior approach, which allowed to reduce the dislocation. It was maintained by K-wires. An antebrachiopalmar cast was applied for six weeks. One year later, the result obtained was considered excellent.

An isolated ring finger metacarpal shaft fracture?--beware an associated little finger carpometacarpal joint dislocation

Dislocations of the ulnar carpometacarpal joint are easily missed because of a low index of suspicion as well as their subtle clinical and radiological features. Often, the presence of a more obvious adjacent injury also draws attention away from the carpometacarpal joint. Two cases of ring finger metacarpal shaft fractures with associated little finger carpometacarpal joint dislocations are presented. In both cases, the metacarpal fractures were diagnosed but the carpometacarpal joint dislocations were initially overlooked. The presence of an apparently isolated ring finger metacarpal fracture due to an indirect force should raise the possibility of an associated carpometacarpal joint injury.

Value of bone scintigraphy in patients with carpal trauma

OBJECTIVE

We planned this study to evaluate the role of bone scintigraphy in patients with suspected carpal fracture and normal or suspicious radiographs following carpal injury.

METHODS

Three-phase bone scintigraphy using Tc-99m-MDP was performed on 32 patients with negative radiographs but clinically suspected fracture at two weeks after the trauma. Focally increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was interpreted as a fracture. The final diagnosis was established with clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

Twelve (38%) patients had a normal scan excluding fracture. Twelve patients had a single fracture. Multifocal fracture was present in 8 (25%) patients. Eight patients showed scaphoid fractures; of these three showed single scaphoid fracture, and the other five patients revealed accompanying fractures. Distal radius fractures and carpal bone fractures other than scaphoid were both observed in 12 patients. These were eleven fractures of distal radius; three fractures of pisiform; two fractures of hamate; and single fractures of lunate, trapezium and triquetrum. In one patient there was fracture of a first metacarpal bone.

CONCLUSION

In patients with suspected carpal bone fracture and normal or suspicious radiographs, bone scintigraphy can be used as a reliable method to confirm or exclude the presence of a scaphoid fracture and to detect clinically unsuspected fractures of distal radius and other carpal bones.

Pediatric hand trauma

Hand injuries in infants are an exciting challenge for those who treat pediatric trauma patients. We will review different hand injuries and provide basic rules for their treatment and followup. We will compare our experience with published results. When compared with adults, two main differences arise in treatment of pediatric hand injuries: children have an exceptional regenerative ability that allows procedures to be used that would not be useful in older patients (eg, replantation after avulsion injuries) and children have a high degree of cooperation with physicians. The main goal of treatment should be to have children return quickly to their daily leisure and academic activities.

Carpal fractures in children

Carpal injuries in children are relatively rare. Diagnosis is likely to be missed, or the severity of the injury might not fully be appreciated at the time of presentation. Fortunately, in the majority of cases the fracture heals uneventfully with a low incidence of complications. As in adults, the scaphoid is most susceptible to injury and the capitate, which often presents in association with other carpal bone injuries, the next most susceptible. Other carpal bone fractures are very unusual and the literature largely is confined to case reports or very small series. This review article lists the common carpal injuries in children and suggests a treatment plan in each case, emphasizing the importance of having a high index of suspicion when faced with a child with a wrist injury and seemingly normal radiographs.

Hook of Hamate Fractures: Critical Evaluation of Different Therapeutic Procedures

The treatment of choice in nondisplaced hook of hamate fractures is conservative, with lower arm splinting. Displaced fractures should be treated operatively, whereby excision of the fragment or open reduction and internal fixation are described. A hamulus ossis hamati fracture was verified in 14 patients (mean age, 42 years; range, 21 to 73 years) including 11 men and three women. In six patients (42.9 percent), conservative treatment was initiated immediately after trauma with a lower arm cast for 6 weeks, and eight patients (57.1 percent) were operated on primarily. In five patients (35.7 percent), the fragment was excised, and in three patients (21.4 percent), an open reduction and internal fixation was performed using a screw. In five of six patients treated conservatively, nonunion of the fracture with persisting clinical symptoms developed. All of those patients were treated operatively, whereby three patients underwent excision and two patients underwent screw fixation, which led to elimination of the symptoms. One patient was asymptomatic despite nonunion of the fracture and rejected surgery. All of the eight patients operated on primarily were asymptomatic 3 months after surgery. Therefore, the success rate of primary surgical treatment (eight of eight) was significantly higher compared with conservative treatment(one of six). Finally, all 14 patients were asymptomatic at late postoperative follow-up. The clinical outcome of patients with hook of hamate fractures treated conservatively was disappointing. Therefore, primary surgical treatment is recommended. In our patients, excision and open reduction and internal fixation led to comparable results.

Long-term follow-up of a malunited, isolated fracture of the capitate in a 6-year-old boy

A 6-year-old boy with an isolated fracture of the capitate was presented. First radiograghs at our clinic revealed an oblique fracture with a displacement of 5 mm on the lateral view, which we successfully treated with immobilization. When complete union was recognized in the radiographs, the capitate had a deformity consisting of a large prominence on the palmar aspect. During follow-up, the capitate showed marked remodeling and at four and a half years after injury it had regained an almost normal shape. Eleven years after injury, there were no radiographic changes such as malalignment or arthrosis in the carpal bones.

Golf injuries of the upper extremity

Golf has demonstrated increasing popularity and with this heightened enthusiasm has come an increased awareness of the significant number of injuries associated with playing golf. While back injuries represent the most commonly injured specific body part, upper extremity injuries are most frequent overall and the most likely to result in loss of play. Patterns of injury differ based on level of play and time spent playing or practicing golf. Among golf professionals, the hand/wrist is the most commonly injured upper extremity structure. Among amateurs, the elbow is most commonly injured. The vast majority of upper extremity injuries are due to overuse. Age, ability, equipment, and swing mechanics also play contributing roles. Most upper extremity golf injuries can be successfully treated with appropriate cessation or modification of play, anti-inflammatory modalities, and rehabilitation. Surgical treatment is rarely required, but if needed can prove successful in a high percentage of patients.

Palmar dislocation of the radio-carpal joint: a case report

Radio-carpal joint dislocation, with or without fracture of the radius, is an uncommon injury; only 21 cases have previously been reported. Successful treatments of closed reduction and surgery have also been reported. A 35-year-old right-handed man was injured in a traffic accident and taken to an emergency room of a hospital, where radiographic examination showed a right palmar radio-carpal joint dislocation. Three days after injury, the patient was transferred to our department at Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo. We performed percutaneous pin fixation to maintain the position of his reduced radio-carpal joint. Two years postoperatively, radiographic examination showed a complete union of the avulsion fracture of the radius and a reduction of the joint. He had no marked disturbance in his daily activities apart from a slight pain while working. He had no limitation on the range of motion of the wrist joint and his grip strength was 41.6 kg. He returned to work 3 months after injury.