Melorheostosis of the hand in a 7-year-old girl

Melorheostosis of the hand is rare. We report a 7-year-old girl who presented with a contracture of the left hand. Diagnosis was made by conventional radiography and bone scintigraphy. MRI proved to be a very useful tool to visualize the soft-tissue changes. This is especially important when surgical repair is considered.

Kleinzehendeformitäten

Whereas in the past resection arthroplasty was - in analogy to hallux valgus surgery - the preferred therapy to correct lesser toe deformities, the point of view has undergone a change. Much interest is directed toward functional aspects that require reconstructive management. Whenever possible the integrity of joint play should be saved. Above all the metatarsophalangeal joint of the lesser toes is worth being preserved to prevent a severe disturbance of the biomechanics of the foot. Tendon transfers and subtle corrective osteotomies such as the Weil procedure allow restricting resection procedures to contraction deformities.

Retinal Contraction and Metamorphopsia Scores in Eyes with Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

PURPOSE

Using M-CHARTS (Inami Co., Tokyo, Japan), which were developed by the authors to measure metamorphopsia, and image-analysis software, which was developed to quantify retinal contraction, the authors investigated the relationship between the degree of retinal contraction and the degree of metamorphopsia in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM).

METHODS

This study was conducted in 29 eyes with ERM (29 patients, 20 women; mean age, 62.1 +/- 8.6 years) observed for at least 3 years (mean, 3.55 +/- 0.6 years) after diagnosis. Horizontal (MH) and vertical (MV) metamorphopsia scores were obtained with the M-CHARTS. Horizontal and vertical retinal contraction due to ERM was measured by using image-analysis software developed by the authors to calculate horizontal and vertical components of changes in the locations of retinal vessels on sequential fundus images.

RESULTS

There was a significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation between the degree of retinal contraction and metamorphopsia score. In addition, there were significant positive correlations between horizontal contraction of the retina and the MV score (P < 0.01) and between vertical contraction of the retina and the MH score (P < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between change in the metamorphopsia score and change in visual acuity or mean defect.

CONCLUSIONS

Metamorphopsia scores correlate well with measurements of retinal contraction due to idiopathic ERM. Using M-CHARTS is a simple and useful method for quantitatively monitoring metamorphopsia in patients with ERM.

Contracture of the Deltoid Muscle: Sonographic Evaluation with MRI Correlation

OBJECTIVE

This article evaluates the sonographic features of deltoid contracture (DC) with MRI correlation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two reviewers evaluated the imaging features in 22 painful shoulders of 20 patients with a sonographic diagnosis of DC and a subsequent confirming MRI study. The sonographic and MRI findings with regard to the lesion extent (assessed by a 3-point scale: 1 = less than or equal to one third of the longitudinal deltoid length involved, 2 = greater than one third and less than or equal to two thirds involved, and 3 = greater than two thirds involved), transverse lesion morphologic appearance, and maximal transverse diameter measured were compared with kappa statistics and Wilcoxon's signed rank test, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with MRI, there were two false-positive diagnoses of DC on sonography. Among the 20 true-positive diagnoses, sonography showed good agreement with MRI in assessing the lesion extent (kappa = 0.796, p < 0.001). Three sonographic lesion morphologic patterns for hyperechoic lesions (I = with multiple < 8-mm hypoechoic spots, II = heteroechoic lesions with predominant 8-15-mm hypointense areas, and III = > 15-mm calcified nodules, respectively) showed excellent agreement with three MRI lesion patterns (I = multiple < 8-mm hypointense spots, II = predominant 8-15-mm hypointense areas, and III = > 15-mm hypointense nodules, respectively) (kappa = 0.921, p < 0.001). However, the maximum lesion diameters appeared significantly larger on sonography than on MRI (2.8 +/- 0.6 cm vs 2.0 +/- 0.8 cm, mean +/- SD; p < 0.001), which was plausibly ascribed to the better sonographic delineation of hyperechoic immature fibrotic tissues.

CONCLUSION

Sonography is helpful for evaluating DC and correlates well with MRI.

Assoziation von Kongenitaler kontraktureller Arachnodaktylie (Beals-Hecht-Syndrom) und Brown-Syndrom

BACKGROUND

We report what is probably the first report of an association between congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) and Brown's syndrome.

CASE REPORT

A 7 (1/2)-year-old boy exhibited characteristic signs of CCA: multiple flexion contractures, marfanoid habitus and "crumpled" ears. In addition, the boy had Brown's syndrome. He had an up-gaze deficit and a slight down-shoot of the left eye in adduction. He held his head tilted to the left shoulder. As the cause, computed tomography revealed a thickening of the superior oblique muscle tendon near the trochlea. A molecular genetic examination revealed a mutation of Fibrillin-2 (FBN2 - 5 q 23 - q 31).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of the CCA and Brown's syndrome seems to be very rare. A specific link between the two mesenchymal disorders was not found. Probably the combination was coincidental.

Capsular phimosis following phacotrabeculectomy

Three cases of severe capsular phimosis following augmented phacotrabeculectomy complicated by intense postoperative fibrinous uveitis are described. The marked inflammation was possibly related to the combined procedure itself, the excessive intraoperative manipulation to stretch the pupil, and the compromised blood-aqueous barrier after prolonged use of pilocarpine. The combination of fibrinous uveitis and the small size of capsulorhexis attained through a stretched pupil are possible risk factors for developing severe capsular phimosis in the absence of zonular weakness or preoperative uveitis. For patients with similar risk factors, two separate surgical procedures should be considered. Alternatively, a larger capsulorhexis or radial relieving incisions should be attempted during phacotrabeculectomy to prevent this complication, which could jeopardize the outcome of otherwise successful surgery.

A new shoulder range of motion screening measurement: Its reliability and application in the assessment of the prevalence of shoulder contractures in patients with impaired consciousness caused by severe brain damage

OBJECTIVES

To determine the reliability of a new shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) measurement for unconscious patients and to assess the prevalence of shoulder joint contractures in such patients.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort survey.

SETTING

An early rehabilitation center for adult persons with neurologic disorders.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty patients with impaired consciousness caused by severe cerebral damage of various etiologies. In addition, reference values were measured in 60 healthy adults.

INTERVENTION

Shoulder ROM was assessed by measuring the distance between the olecranon and underlay while the patient lay supine on a solid surface and the patient's hands were passively positioned behind the neck. Distances between the olecranon and underlay were measured, first, manually by the rater and, second, for control, digitally by a blinded person from a digital photo taken while a constant force was applied to the elbow.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of contractures defined as increased distance between the olecranon and underlay or impossibility of positioning the hands passively behind the neck, and intra- and interrater-reliability of the 2 shoulder ROM measurements with the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Measurement of shoulder ROM showed high intra-(ICC range, .78-.91) and interrater reliability (ICC range, .77-.90) for manual measurement, high intra- (ICC range, .91-.95) and interrater reliability (ICC range, .90-.94) for the digital analysis, and a high ICC for both methods (ICC=.87). The prevalence of shoulder contractures was 56% in the patients and 50% of all shoulder joints.

CONCLUSIONS

The described method provided a reliable measurement for reduced shoulder ROM and appears to be a useful screening method to show the prevalence of shoulder joint contracture in these patients.

Unilateral linear pansclerotic morphea affecting face and limbs

Disabling pansclerotic morphea is a rare atrophying and sclerosing disorder of the subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bone. It is characterized by atrophy of the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle and bone involving half of the face. In some patients the atrophic lesions extend to involve the ipsilateral or contralateral upper and lower limbs with radiological evidence of hemiatrophy. The patients may present with arthralgia, convulsions or cramps. We report a case of a woman with deformity of face, and left upper and lower limbs that had started as an indurated plaque on the left half of forehead at the age of 5 years and had gradually enlarged, followed by the development of atrophic changes in left eye. The case is being reported in view of its rare occurrence.

Orofacial manifestations of congenital fibrillin deficiency: pathogenesis and clinical diagnostics

Mutations in the genes encoding fibrillin, an extracellular matrix protein involved in providing elastic properties to the connective tissues, may result in specific craniofacial and oral anomalies. A number of craniofacial (retrognathia, dolichocephaly, high palate) and dental (root deformity, pulp calcification) manifestations are considered pathognomic for the Marfan syndrome (MFS), a condition caused by congenital fibrillin-1 deficiency. Reports on similar features in congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA), caused by fibrillin-2 deficiency, support the hypothesis that fibrillin deficiency might result in a number of morphological anomalies by influencing tissue interaction during growth and development. Hence, clinical manifestations can be related to specific aspects of fibrillin deficiency pathogenesis, and may be adopted as diagnostic tools in the outlook for affected individuals.

Incidence of ankle contracture after moderate to severe acquired brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To examine an adult population undergoing rehabilitation after brain injury to determine the incidence of ankle contracture and factors contributing to the development of this deformity.

DESIGN

Descriptive study

SETTING

Specialist inpatient neurosurgical rehabilitation unit in Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=105) admitted with a new diagnosis of moderate to severe brain injury over a 12-month period.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Maximal ankle dorsiflexion range and the presence of abnormal muscle tone affecting the lower limb(s) were evaluated at weekly intervals. Ankle contracture was defined as maximal passive range of less than 0 degrees dorsiflexion with the knee in extension. Patients were grouped into 3 muscle tone categories: normal, predominantly spastic, or predominantly dystonic. Age, sex, mechanism and severity of brain injury, time to onset of ankle contracture, total length of hospital stay, and discharge mobility status data were also recorded.

RESULTS

Muscle tone was designated as normal in 68 (64.7%), as spastic in 14 (13.3%), and as dystonic in 23 (21.9%) patients. The incidence of ankle contracture was 16.2% (17/105 cases). Ankle deformity correlated closely with muscle tone category. Of 23 cases with dystonic muscle overactivity, 17 developed contracture at some point between 1 and 16 weeks after brain injury, although no subject with normal tone or spasticity developed the deformity. There was a weak association between the severity of brain injury and development of ankle contracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ankle contracture was much lower than previously reported. Dystonic overactivity of the plantarflexor and invertor muscles is a major predisposing factor to ankle contracture.

[Flexion contractures of the PIP joints: pathogenesis, classification and results following arthrolysis]

The most frequent cause of flexion contracture is immobilization, which may occur with or without trauma. Posttraumatic flexion contracture mainly develops from direct injury, intraarticular fluid and the physiological muscle balance. Nontraumatic post-immobilisation stiffness is due to biochemical and biomechanic changes as well as processes, which are determined by the metabolic activities of tissue and the lack of stress. Because of the variable and the changing anatomical substrates, and owing to different prognostic factors, it is necessary to subdivide the group of flexion contractures with regard to their prognostic factors. Thus, we recommend to differentiate between simple periarticular contractures, complex periarticular contractures with tenodesis and/or contractures caused by scars, as well as a corresponding classification of corresponding treatment procedures. The results in the literature will then be categorized accordingly within a metaanalysis. With regard to the reduction of flexion contractures and the range of motion, the group of simple periarticular arthrolysis shows better results than the group of complex periarticular arthrolysis. The mediolateral approach is preferred in the first group.

Arthroscopic treatment of the arthrofibrotic knee

The management of motion loss of the knee is challenging. A clear understanding of the pathoanatomic causes of motion loss is necessary to establish a careful and rational approach to treatment. Early recognition and physical therapy are effective for the majority of patients, but when these conservative measures fail, operative intervention is indicated. The purpose of this article is to outline a comprehensive approach to the arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of the arthrofibrotic knee. This technique is designed to allow the surgeon to systematically address the numerous causes of motion loss of the knee.

A new method to measure post-traumatic joint contractures in the rabbit knee

A new device and method to measure rabbit knee joint angles are described. The method was used to measure rabbit knee joint angles in normal specimens and in knee joints with obvious contractures. The custom-designed and manufactured gripping device has two clamps. The femoral clamp sits on a pinion gear that is driven by a rack attached to a materials testing system. A 100 N load cell in series with the rack gives force feedback. The tibial clamp is attached to a rotatory potentiometer. The system allows the knee joint multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOF). There are two independent DOF (compression-distraction and internal-external rotation) and two coupled motions (medial-lateral translation coupled with varus-valgus rotation; anterior-posterior translation coupled with flexion-extension rotation). Knee joint extension-flexion motion is measured, which is a combination of the materials testing system displacement (converted to degrees of motion) and the potentiometer values (calibrated to degrees). Internal frictional forces were determined to be at maximum 2% of measured loading. Two separate experiments were performed to evaluate rabbit knees. First, normal right and left pairs of knees from four New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were subjected to cyclic loading. An extension torque of 0.2 Nm was applied to each knee. The average change in knee joint extension from the first to the fifth cycle was 1.9 deg +/- 1.5 deg (mean +/- sd) with a total of 49 tests of these eight knees. The maximum extension of the four left knees (tested 23 times) was 14.6 deg +/- 7.1 deg, and of the four right knees (tested 26 times) was 12.0 deg +/- 10.9 deg. There was no significant difference in the maximum extension between normal left and right knees. In the second experiment, nine skeletally mature NZW rabbits had stable fractures of the femoral condyles of the right knee that were immobilized for five, six or 10 weeks. The left knee served as an unoperated control. Loss of knee joint extension (flexion contracture) was demonstrated for the experimental knees using the new methodology where the maximum extension was 35 deg +/- 9 deg, compared to the unoperated knee maximum extension of 11 deg +/- 7 deg, 10 or 12 weeks after the immobilization was discontinued. The custom gripping device coupled to a materials testing machine will serve as a measurement test for future studies characterizing a rabbit knee model of post-traumatic joint contractures.

MR imaging of tumors and tumor-like lesions of the upper extremity

Many tumor and tumor-like lesions of the bone and soft tissues may involve the upper extremity. Certain lesions, however, are unique to this location. As is usually the case, MR is most sensitive to detection and most accurate in depicting the extent of involvement of these lesions. MR signal characteristics may aid in differential diagnosis. Conventional radiographs are often more specific in regard to the underlying histopathology.

Infantile systemic hyalinosis

Infantile systemic hyaloinosis is a rare, progressive, and fatal disease that is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. We describe 2 patients in whom thickened skin; small nodules of the perianal region, face, and neck; joint contractures; growth failure; diarrhea; and frequent infections developed within the first few weeks of life. Both patients died before 2 years of age.

Mammary compliance: an objective measurement of capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is the most unpredictable complication after mammary augmentation. It presents an uncertain evolution, and is one of the most difficulty complications to treat. Evaluation of this condition usually was relegated to the surgeon's judgment, but currently there are three methods for measuring capsular contracture: palpation, applanation tonometry, and measure of mammary compliance. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the different methods for managing capsular contracture. Particular attention was paid to the measure mammary compliance with a new device: the Anton Paar Mammacompliance system. This study found a good match between clinical and objective measurements, and also between the measure of applanation tonometry and the measure of mammary compliance. The Anton Paar Mammacompliance system seems to be effective in eliminating the descriptive part and keeping to the measurements and objective data. It is easily reproducible in the various check ups. It permits objective assessment for the measure of capsular contracture.

Progressive multilayered banded skin in Winchester syndrome

Winchester syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, one of the inherited osteolysis disorders which are a group of diseases characterized by destruction and resorption of affected bones with consequent skeletal deformities and functional impairment. The syndrome is characterized by dissolution of carpal and tarsal bones with generalized osteoporosis, progressive joint contractures, short stature, peripheral corneal opacities, and coarse facial features, though there is variability within the clinical features. Phenotypic heterogeneity of cutaneous features are also reported to date of diffusely thickened leathery skin, hypertrichosis, patches of hyperpigmented, hypertrichotic leathery skin in annular or linear distribution, widespread acne, subcutaneous nodules, and gingival hypertrophy. We describe widespread progressive multilayered symmetrical restrictive banding of the skin developing in a woman with Winchester syndrome during her mid-twenties.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy in the evaluation of decreased spinal mobility and joint contractures

In this report we present three patients who had complaints primarily related to joints and flexibility. Two had no specific diagnosis and one was thought to have ankylosing spondylitis. Extensive evaluation revealed Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) in all. EDMD is a muscular dystrophy where joint contractures and spinal limitation occur before any overt muscle weakness, and the syndrome may be combined with serious cardiac pathology. We wish to call the attention of professionals involved in rheumatology and physical medicine to the existence of this syndrome, which may only present with joint contractures and spinal limitation but which may end with fatal cardiac problems if not diagnosed in time.

Strahlentherapie beim Morbus Ledderhose—Indikation und klinische Ergebnisse

BACKGROUND

Morbus Ledderhose (ML) is a rare hyperproliferative disorder of the plantar aponeurosis which is similar in its clinical course to Morbus Dupuytren (MD). We examined whether radiotherapy (RT) can effect symptoms and prevent disease progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 1996 to December 2001, 25 patients (12 female/13 male) aged 9-76 (median: 56) years had radiotherapy (RT) for symptomatic ML. Follow-up (FU) was at least 1 year. 36 feet (16 right/20 left) were treated, as eleven patients had bilateral disease. Twelve (48%) patients had MD. There were 63 nodules (with 0,5-6,5 cm diameter) on all feet and 20 cords (with 1-4 cm length) on 13 (52%) feet prior to RT. 21 (84%) patients had one or more signs: 14 (56%) severe local pain, eight (32%) walking difficulties, twelve (48%) other symptoms, pressure or tension sensation. The RT field involved all nodules and cords plus safety margin. Two RT-series were applied (each 5 3 Gy in 1 week) separated by 8-12 weeks up to a total dose of 30 Gy. Evaluation was performed at the end of RT, after 3 and 12 months FU and in December 2002. The primary endpoint was prevention of disease progression and avoidance of surgery. Secondary endpoints were objective changes of morphological and functional parameters and patient's satisfaction measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

With a median FU of 38 (12-67) months no patient experienced progression or underwent surgery: 11 of 36 (44%) feet had a reduced number (overall: -16) or size of nodules, 7 of 13 (54%) feet had a reduced number (overall: -9) or length of cords; gait was improved in six of twelve (50%) feet; pain was reduced or had completely disappeared in 9 of 15 (60%) feet, and other symptoms disappeared in 8 of 18 (44%) symptomatic feet. 20 (80%) patients regarded 28 of 36 (78%) treated feet as improved and 8 (22%) in stable condition. The median relative improvement stated by patients on the VAS was 50% (0-100%). Treatment side effects were minimal: During and within 3 months of the RT course only a slight erythema (CTC 1 degrees ) was seen in five treated lesions, while dry skin changes within the RT portal were observed in three cases (11%) in long term FU (> 12 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy is effective in treating ML and may prevent otherwise necessary surgical interventions. Nodules, cords and symptoms regress, but long-term outcome of at least 5 years has to be awaited. Prospective phase III studies should confirm these results.

[Camptodactylies]

Camptodactyly is a permanent non-traumatic flexion contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint, involving most of the time the fifth finger. This condition is rare (incidence is inferior to 1%). Most of the cases are sporadic, although some authors have traced the transmission through several generations. Two types of camptodactyly have been described, depending on the age of onset (within the first year of age or in adolescent). This condition can also be described as "static" or "dynamic", depending on the effect of MP flexion on the PIP extension lag. Many anatomical abnormalities have been evoked as potential aetiology for camptodactyly, including variations in the lumbrical or flexor superficialis origin or distal insertions. However, after a few years without treatment, permanent flexion position of the joint adds its own effects and leads to joint contracture, regardless of the aetiology of camptodactyly. Treatment is required for this condition for extension deficit greater than 30 degrees. The first step will always consists of dynamic splinting of the PIP joint. If improvement is not obtained through dynamic splinting alone, surgery can be considered. Correction of a well defined anatomical abnormality is part of the treatment. When required, it will be associated to correction of joint and soft tissue contracture.

The assessment and management of the stiff elbow

Posttraumatic loss of elbow motion can cause substantial disability, limiting the ability to put one's hand in the volume of a sphere in space. Although a number of conditions can lead to loss of motion, a greater understanding of the functional anatomy of the elbow has led to advances in surgical management. Elbow stiffness has been classified in a number of ways, but the consistent feature is capsular contracture. Treatment of the stiff elbow begins with clinical evaluation of elbow stiffness and identification of indications for surgical intervention. Techniques of open and arthroscopic elbow contracture release are evolving. Assessment and management of elbow contracture associated with heterotopic ossification, and treatment of distal humerus nonunion should be done early to restore elbow motion.

Detection of subclinical infection in significant breast implant capsules

The pathogenesis of fibrous capsular contracture after augmentation mammaplasty is still debated. One hypothesis implicates low-grade bacterial infections as a cause. The presence of a staphylococcal biofilm in a patient with recurrent capsular contracture was previously reported. A comparative, prospective, blinded, clinical study of implants and capsules removed from patients with or without significant capsular contracture was conducted to investigate the association of biofilm contamination, breast implants, and capsular contracture. Capsule and implant samples obtained during explantation were tested by routine microbiological culture, sensitive broth culture (after maceration and sonication), and scanning electron microscopy. Clinical parameters were correlated with microbiological findings. A total of 48 implant and/or capsule samples were obtained from 27 breasts during a 22-month period. Of the 27 breasts, 19 exhibited significant contracture (Baker grade III/IV). The mean duration of implantation was 9.2 years (range, 0.4 to 26.0 years). Routine swab cultures obtained at the time of explantation were negative for bacterial growth for all samples. The sensitive broth culture technique yielded 24 positive samples (50 percent, n = 48). An analysis of capsules demonstrated that 17 of 19 samples obtained from patients with significant contracture were positive, compared with only one of eight samples obtained from patients with minimal or no contracture (p = 0.0006). Fourteen of the 17 positive cultures from significantly contracted breasts yielded coagulase-negative staphylococci, mainly, species of the Staphylococcus epidermidis group. The presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci was also significantly associated with capsular contracture (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the frequency of culture positivity for saline versus silicone implants (p = 0.885). Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of extensive biofilm on implants and within capsules.Biofilm, in particular, S. epidermidis biofilm, was detected for a significant proportion of patients with capsular contracture. This implicates biofilm disease in the pathogenesis of contracture, and strategies for its prevention should be explored.