Triquetral-lunate arthritis secondary to synostosis

Bilateral lunotriquetral coalition: a dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography technical case report

Lunotriquetral coalitions are the most common form of carpal coalition wherein the cartilage between the lunate and triquetrum ossification centers failed to undergo apoptosis. This technical case report examines the arthrokinematics of bilateral lunotriquetral coalitions with dissimilar Minnaar types in one participant with one asymptomatic wrist and one wrist with suspected distal radioulnar joint injury. Static and dynamic (four-dimensional) CT images during pronosupination were captured using a photon-counting detector CT scanner. Interosseous proximity distributions were calculated between the lunotriquetral coalition and adjacent bones in both wrists to quantify arthrokinematics. Interosseous proximity distributions at joints adjacent to the lunotriquetral coalition demonstrate differences in median and minimum interosseous proximities between the asymptomatic and injured wrists during resisted pronosupination. Altered kinematics from lunotriquetral coalitions may be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain and discomfort, limiting the functional range of motion. This case report highlights potential alterations to wrist arthrokinematics in the setting of lunotriquetral coalitions and possible associations with ulnar-sided wrist pain, highlighting anatomy to examine in radiographic follow-up. Furthermore, this case report demonstrates the technical feasibility of four-dimensional CT using photon-counting detector technology in assessing arthrokinematics in the setting of variant wrist anatomy.

Arthroscopic Resection of Lunotriquetral Coalition

Carpal coalition is a rare condition caused by a failure in the process of apoptosis. It is often incidentally diagnosed and seldomly symptomatic. The lunotriquetral joint is the most commonly affected joint, accounting for 90% of carpal coalitions. Minnaar classified the lunotriquetral coalitions into 4 types based on their type, extent, and associated abnormalities. Accurately classifying the coalition requires advanced imaging, and we show an example that includes 2-dimensional and 4-dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Management of carpal coalitions include nonoperative and operative management. Splinting, anti-inflammatory drugs, hand therapy, activity modification, and steroid injections are all examples of nonoperative management. Operative management of coalitions in the carpus has historically been an arthrodesis whereas in the tarsal bones the gold standard is resection. Arthrodesis has a high complication rate and reduces wrist range of motion, whereas resection retains range of motion and allows the patient to return to activity sooner. We present 2 techniques of treating symptomatic carpal lunotriquetral coalition with arthroscopic resection.

Incidental Bilateral Scaphotrapezial Coalition in a High-Level Throwing Athlete: A Case Report

CASE

Scaphotrapezial coalition is a rare carpal coalition and historically associated with congenital syndromes because it spans 2 carpal rows. We present the case of an 18-year-old collegiate baseball pitcher who was incidentally found to have bilateral scaphotrapezial coalition. He had no history of wrist pain and no functional limitations on physical examination. He had no family history of this condition and no personal history of congenital abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral scaphotrapezial coalition can be an incidental and asymptomatic finding that is present even in high-level throwing athletes.

Arthroscopic Bone Grafting and Arthrodesis of Partial Lunotriquetral Coalition

Background  Lunotriquetal coalition is the most common carpal coalition that can be symptomatic if trauma disrupts the syndesmosis or synchondrosis or if degenerative changes develop between the abnormal articulating surfaces. Case Description  A 15-year-old boy presented with a symptomatic lunotriquetral coalition after a fall 2 years prior. Following appropriate investigation, he was managed via arthroscopic debridement, bone grafting, and lunotriquetral arthrodesis. Literature Review  The majority of symptomatic lunotriquetral coalitions have been managed with open arthrodesis. There is only one prior report of arthroscopic arthrodesis of this articulation that did not utilize bone graft. Relevance  This report details the procedure to allow arthroscopic lunotriquetral arthrodesis with bone grafting, conveying osteogenic properties, and encouraging incorporation at the fusion site while maintaining the dorsal ligaments.

Abnormal type III fusion between lunate and triquetrum: A case report

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Knowledge of type III complete fusion is essential to the proper diagnosis and management of this variation.

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Imaging modalities can easily diagnose in type III complete lunotriquetral coalition without pathological evidence.

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The lunotriquetral coalition provides an enhanced understanding of unexplained carpal wrist pain or trauma. Surgical treatment of fusion has revealed pain relief, restored mobility, and acceptable postoperative wrist motion effects.

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Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation is required to ensure optimal improvement.

Introduction

The lunotriquetral coalition is the fusion of the lunate and triquetral bones of the wrist and is the most frequent carpal coalition type. It is frequently asymptomatic and discovered as an incidental due to chronic wrist pain, trauma, or fracture. This case aims to present an unusual unilateral lunotriquetral coalition and clinical significance for diagnosis and treatment.

Presentation of case

In this case, we presented a 37-year-old male who exhibited with right-sided trauma and wrist pain. He was diagnosed to had a type III complete osseous lunotriquetral coalition on the right side and detected by plain radiography and CT without lytic, destructive, and sclerotic lesions.

Discussion

An avulsion fracture was recognized in the distal end of the right radius. A fragmented fracture was identified in the scaphoid bone, and an internal fixator extending from scaphoid bone to lunate bone. The internal fixators were observed among the lunate, capitate, and distal end of the radius bones. The plain anteroposterior, lateral radiograph and CT of the right wrist exhibited a right-sided unilateral type III osseous coalition between the lunate and triquetrum bones.

Conclusion

Knowledge of type III complete fusion is essential to the proper diagnosis and management of this variation when a subject exhibits unexplained wrist pain, trauma, or fracture. It should be noted that plain radiographs and CT can provide an accurate diagnosis in type III complete lunotriquetral coalition without pathological evidence.

A case of a painful coalition between pisiform and hamate

We report a case of the pisiform and hamate coalition in 13-years-old male. Interoperative findings revealed that the ulnar nerve runs over the hook of the hamate which is the nonanatomic site. Surgical resection of pisiform relieved the pain.

Radiographically Occult Symptomatic Lunotriquetral Coalition in a Child

Carpal coalitions are congenital segmentation anomalies with an abnormal union of one or more carpal bones. They can be broadly classified as osseous or non-osseous and as partial or complete. Lunotriquetral coalitions are the most common type of carpal coalition and are typically asymptomatic and detected incidentally. However, there are several case reports and small case series reporting symptomatic non-osseous lunotriquetral coalitions, which show findings on radiographs. This is a report of a case of a child with a symptomatic non-osseous lunotriquetral coalition which was undetected on initial radiographs but diagnosed on a subsequent wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Arthroscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Congenital Lunotriquetral Coalition

Symptomatic lunotriquetral coalition is very rare and need open surgery after failure of conservative treatment. We report a case of a symptomatic congenital lunotriquetral coalition type 1 according to the Minaar classification, at the left wrist of a 14-year-old boy. We performed an arthroscopic treatment with two compression screws and without cancellous bone grafting. Healing was obtained at 2 months postoperatively.

High power Doppler ultrasound score is associated with the risk of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in severe rheumatoid arthritis

In the distal radioulnar joint, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is an important stabilizer and are frequently found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with wrist pain. This study was designed to predict TFCC tears using high-resolution ultrasound in severe RA. We retrospectively reviewed patients with severe RA. MRI and ultrasound were performed at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. TFCC tears were recorded. The predictive factors for TFCC tears were analyzed by logistic regression. During the 1-year follow-up period, 54 patients were enrolled (42 females and 12 males), of whom 21 (38.9%) developed TFCC tears. The body mass index was 22.81±2.59 kg/m² in the TFCC tear group compared with 23.61±2.76 kg/m² in the non-tear group (p=0.136). The mean age was 55.14±9.54 years in the TFCC tear group compared with 56.45±14.04 years in the non-tear group (p=0.596). The tear group had a higher Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) (6.36±0.47 vs 5.58±0.65, p=0.011) and higher power Doppler (PD) ultrasound score at the dorsal radiocarpal joint (1.90±1.30 vs 1.33±0.99, p=0.011) than the non-tear group. We found that high DAS28 (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.95 to 4.50; p=0.001) and higher baseline PD score (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.14; p=0.019) were significantly associated with a higher risk of TFCC tears by logistic regression. So we conclude a higher wrist PD score in severe RA predicted future TFCC tears. Therefore, we suggest to use PD score in such patients to monitor the risk of future TFCC tears.

Unilateral fusion of the scaphoid and the trapezium

Fusion of the carpal bones is a rare anatomical abnormality, caused by a defect in the separation and cavitation during embryonic development. It has a prevalence of about 0.1% and most of the time, patients do not present with symptoms. Symptoms are usually caused by wear and tear of the ligaments attached to the fused carpal fragments. We present a case in which a woman aged 36 years experiences pain caused by a lunato-triquetral instability which in turn is caused by a unilateral complete fusion of the scaphoid and the trapezium. A unilateral complete fusion of the scaphoid and trapezium has not been reported before.

Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Congenital Type I Lunotriquetral Coalition: Technique and a Report of 4 Cases

Lunotriquetral (LT) synchondrosis is an uncommon variant of congenital LT coalition. Unlike complete LT fusions, this incomplete pseudoarthrosis-like coalition can become symptomatic. Surgical LT arthrodesis is a described treatment for this variant of LT coalition (Minnaar type I). We report 4 patients who underwent LT fusion with a second-generation headless compression screw and distal radius cancellous autograft. Fusion was achieved in all cases at an average of 2.5 months postoperatively. All the patients were satisfied with complete pain relief in 2 patients and minimal pain in 2 patients, and all improved their range of motion. We recommend this procedure, and report the techniques for this limited wrist arthrodesis as treatment for the symptomatic LT synchondrosis.

Carpal Coalitions and Metacarpal Synostoses: A Review

Background: Carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis are uncommon congenital anomalies of the carpus and hand. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to help guide surgical and non-surgical treatment of carpal coalition and metacarpal synostosis. Results: The embryology, epidemiology, medical and surgical management, and associated outcomes are detailed. Conclusions: Most patients with these disorders will likely benefit from conservative measures. Surgery should be considered in patients with pain and limitations in wrist and hand function.

Carpal coalition: A review of current knowledge and report of a single institution's experience with asymptomatic intercarpal fusion

BACKGROUND

Carpal coalition is a relatively common, yet poorly recognized, anomaly that may present independently or in association with syndromic or metabolic disorders. While largely asymptomatic, symptoms may manifest secondary to biomechanical stress at the site of fusion. The purpose of this report is to describe 103 cases of carpal synostosis and provide a review of the etiology, classification, and clinical significance of intercarpal fusion.

METHODS

Retrospective review of medical and radiographic records was conducted on all patients with identified carpal coalitions, between 2008 and 2012, at our institution. Demographic and historical data regarding trauma, infection, documented joint disease, and prior wrist symptomatology were analyzed for each case, and radiographic evaluation of carpal alignment was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 103 cases of carpal coalition, among 85 individuals, were reviewed. All cases presented asymptomatically with the highest proportion noted among individuals of African-Caribbean descent. The most frequent variant in our study population was lunate-triquetral coalition, which was present in 92 of the 103 identified cases. None of the cases evaluated in this study demonstrated clinical or radiographic evidence of carpal mal-alignment or instability.

CONCLUSION

The results of our investigation demonstrate that carpal coalition presented most frequently among individuals of African-Caribbean descent. While the prevalence of this condition has yet to be studied specifically in Hispanic and African-Caribbean populations, our findings may reflect the genetic linkage between these and certain West African populations. To our knowledge, this represents the largest clinical series of carpal coalition in the English literature.

Symptomatic congenital pisiform hamate coalition

Congenital fusions of the carpal bones are rare anomalies, which occur in less than 1% of the population. This article describes a congenital pisiform hamate coalition which became symptomatic when caused by a trauma. The condition was successfully treated with the resection of the synchondrosis, autogenous bone graft, and screw stabilization.

[Numerical variants and congenital fusions of carpal bones]

The number of carpal bones may be increased or decreased by the fact of anatomical variants or true congenital anomalies. Numerical increment arises from additional or from split bones. Over twenty accessory carpal bones have been described but the commonest are the os centrale carpi, the os radiale externum, the triangular bone and the styloideum bone. Additional carpal bones usually result from a failure of fusion of their ossification centers. A congenital origin is not clearly established for all these ossicles. The scaphoid and lunate may split into two or three bones and several cases of bipartite hamulus of the hamatum have been reported. A carpus with only seven bones results from the congenital absence of a normal bone, which mainly affects the scaphoid, lunate and triquetrum, or from a synostosis between two carpal bones, usually the lunate and triquetrum. Congenital fusions originate from an absence of joint cavitation into the embryo and chondrification of the joint interzone. Numerical carpal variants are uncommon as independent entities but occur with a relative high frequency in association with complex malformations of the hand. These anomalies are detectable on plain radiographs of the wrist, but CT-scan and MR-Imaging are useful to differentiate bipartite and accessory bones from carpal fractures or posttraumatic injuries, carpal fusions having to be distinguished from bony ankylosis.

Pisiform and hamate coalition: case report and review of literature

Pisiform and hamate coalition is a rare anomaly of the carpal bones; a symptomatic case is an especially rare condition. We report a case of symptomatic pisiform and hamate coalition in a 15-year-old Japanese male. The literature of pisiform and hamate coalition is reviewed.

Incomplete scapholunate and trapeziotrapezoid coalitions with an accessory carpal bone

Coalitions of the carpal bones associated with accessory carpal bones are relatively uncommon. We present a case of scapholunate and trapeziotrapezoid incomplete coalition with a dorsally situated accessory bone between trapezium and trapezoideum. X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the patient are discussed in light of the pertinent literature.

Clinically significant skeletal variations of the shoulder and the wrist: role of MR imaging

Several skeletal variations of the upper extremity may cause painful conditions or precipitate early degenerative changes, either spontaneously or in response to overuse and trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging has proved particularly useful for accurate interpretation of many of these clinically significant skeletal variations; however, the widespread use of MR imaging may have contributed to over-emphasizing their clinical importance, which is still controversial in many cases. We review, illustrate, and discuss clinically significant skeletal variations of the upper extremity as seen on MR images, particularly those involving the shoulder and the wrist. In the shoulder region, we evaluate variations of acromial and coracoid processes as well as variations and minor dysplastic deformities of the glenoid fossa. We also review different skeletal variations of the carpal region, including ulnar variance, ulnar styloid, lunate morphology, carpal coalition, and carpal accessory ossicles. The role of MR imaging in assessing the clinical importance of such conditions, whether potential, controversial, or well established, is emphasized in this review.

[Pisiforme-hamate coalition: a case report]

The authors report a symptomatic case of pisiforme hamate coalition in a young woman. The resection of the synchondrosis allowed the complete resolution of the pain. The pisiforme hamate fusion is an exceptional deformity and it is confirmed by the revue of the Literature.

Traumatic disruption of a fibrocartilage lunate-triquetral coalition--a case report and review of the literature

Whilst osseous coalitions of the lunate and the triquetrum are known to be asymptomatic, fibrocartilage lunate-triquetral coalitions can present an uncommon cause for ulnar-sided wrist pain. To diagnose this condition a high degree of suspicion is needed. We present a case with painful post-traumatic disruption of a fibrocartilage lunate-triquetral coalition that was primary misdiagnosed to be a disruption of the interosseous lunotriquetral ligament and was initially treated arthroscopically. Persistent symptoms lead to X-ray examination of the opposite wrist, revealing a complete osseous lunate-triquetral coalition. CT and MRI investigations demonstrated the fibrocartilage coalition of the affected wrist. Subsequently, lunotriquetral fusion using a cannulated Herbert screw was performed and settled the symptoms completely.

Lunotriquetral arthrodesis using cancellous bone graft

Previous reports of lunotriquetral arthrodesis suggest relatively low rates of primary fusion without the use of permanent fixation and/or prolonged immobilization. We performed 26 lunotriquetral arthrodeses in 24 patients with a technique using cancellous bone graft to fill a biconcave space created in the adjoining bones with parallel K-wire fixation. The indications included symptomatic lunotriquetral instability and degenerative arthritis. All patients received conservative treatment before surgery. Primary fusion was achieved in all wrists in an average of 50 days. Postoperative wrist flexion/extension averaged 77%/80% of unaffected sides. Radial/ulnar deviation averaged 95%/91% of unaffected sides. Pain relief was good or very good in 83%. Eight-eight percent returned to the workforce. This study shows reliable, effective results with a technique that adheres to the principles of intercarpal arthrodesis and avoids permanent internal fixation.

Minnaar type 1 symptomatic lunotriquetral coalition: a report of nine patients

Coalition of carpal bones is relatively common. It most frequently involves the lunate and triquetrum. This finding is almost always coincidental and asymptomatic. The fusion also can be incomplete, however, resembling a pseudarthrosis, and these patients can become symptomatic. To the best of our knowledge only 6 patients with a symptomatic Minnaar type 1 lunotriquetral coalition have been described in the literature. We present an additional nine symptomatic patients (12 wrists) with this type of coalition. A lunotriquetral arthrodesis was performed in 5 cases. In 3 cases a proximal row carpectomy was performed.

One thousand intercarpal arthrodeses

Limited wrist arthrodesis is a useful method for treating specific carpal disorders that maximizes residual wrist motion and strength while eliminating pain. Selective fusion of specific carpal units can be used in degenerative arthritis, rotary subluxation of the scaphoid, midcarpal instability, scaphoid nonunion, Kienbock's disease, and congenital synchondrosis or partial fusion of specific carpal joints. This report presents our experience with more than 1000 limited wrist arthrodeses, and provides a review of the indications and technical considerations for specific intercarpal fusions, and subsequent results. To date this is the largest series of intercarpal arthrodeses and the study has demonstrated that these techniques are reliable and effective in dealing with a wide range of wrist disorders.

Triquetral impingement ligament tear (tilt)

Ulnar-wrist pain is a complex problem whose cause often remains elusive. A diagnostic triad of localized triquetral pain, history of a wrist hyperflexion injury, and normal radiographs, accompanied by ulnar wrist swelling and limited wrist motion, is often attributable to a syndrome we have termed triquetral impingement ligament tear (TILT). The mechanism of injury causes a cuff of fibrous tissue to be displaced distally from the ulnar sling mechanism, resulting in chronic impingement on the triquetrum that causes hyperaemia, loss of articular cartilage, and softening of the bone. Surgical repair consists of simply excising the impinging fibrous cuff. The outcome of 44 patients treated for TILT over a 6-year period is reviewed. In all cases, TILT repair resulted in improved wrist motion and strength. Ninety-five percent of patients reported a significant improvement in pain both at rest and with activity.

Congenital synchondrosis of the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint

Incomplete cavitation of the cartilaginous precursor of the carpus during the fourth to eighth weeks of intrauterine life results in carpal synostosis or synchondrosis, which becomes radiographically apparent as the carpus ossifies. Such anomalies occur rarely, are generally believed to be asymptomatic, and are usually discovered as incidental radiographic findings. We present two cases of symptomatic, nonsyndromic congenital synchondrosis of the scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint, a type of carpal coalition not previously reported.

Lunotriquetral arthrodesis

Lunotriquetral arthrodesis has been recommended for the treatment of disabling pain at the lunotriquetral joint after more conservative measures have failed. We retrospectively analyzed a series of 22 patients treated with a lunotriquetral arthrodesis for presence of fusion, method of fixation, duration of immobilization, carpal alignment, pain relief, and ability to return to work. Fixation with a Herbert screw supplemented with a Kirschner wire (K-wire) was superior to fixation with K-wires alone. Immobilization longer than 6 weeks was superior to immobilization less than 6 weeks. Combined use of a Herbert screw supplemented with a K-wire and immobilization longer than 6 weeks resulted in union in all patients, even when performed for nonunion after a prior attempted arthrodesis. Pain was improved in all patients; all patients who previously were working returned to work. Routine posteroanterior and lateral x-ray films often failed to adequately profile the arthrodesis site. We recommend using a Herbert screw supplemented with a K-wire for lunotriquetral arthrodesis and keeping the patient in a cast until fusion is documented, usually at least 8 weeks. Fluoroscopic spot views or tomograms are recommended to demonstrate bone fusion.

Pisiform-hamate coalition with ulnar neuropathy

Two cases of pisiform-hamate coalition with compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist are reported. Pisiform-hamate coalition is a rare entity previously thought to be exclusive to West Africans and without clinical significance. These cases occurred in white patients. This is the first description of a carpal coalition resulting in ulnar neuropathy at the wrist.

Symptomatic congenital coalition of the pisiform and hamate

Recent reports have shown that carpal coalition, previously regarded as an asymptomatic congenital anomaly, may be an unusual occult cause of wrist pain. Two cases are presented as the first reported examples of congenital piso-hamate fusion creating symptoms due to associated arthritis or occult fracture.