Tendon Transfers in the Rheumatoid Hand for Reconstruction

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Vaughan-Jackson Syndrome

Background  Vaughan-Jackson syndrome (VJS) is the attritional rupture of the extensor tendons secondary to arthritis or inflammation affecting the distal radioulnar joint. The surgical outcomes following Darrach's procedure and tendon transfers are not well described. The primary aim of this study was to report patient-reported functional outcome measures after surgery for VJS. Secondary aims were to report health-related quality-of-life scores, patient satisfaction, and complications Methods  A single-center retrospective study was performed to identify patients who underwent surgical intervention for the management of VJS. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), Quick version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH), EuroQoL 5-dimensions 5-Likert (EQ-5D-5L), and calculation of the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Results  We report postoperative patient-reported functional outcome measures for 12 cases of VJS treated with distal ulna excision and extensor tendon transfer. The mean age was 69 years (range: 45-87 years; standard deviation [SD]: 14.1), and eight patients were females. Five patients had rheumatoid arthritis, and there was one case each of seronegative polyarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia.) syndrome; the rest of the patients had osteoarthritis. At a mean of 53 months of follow-up, the mean PRWHE score was 34.5 (SD: 17.9), the mean QuickDASH score was 28.2 (SD: 18.6), and the mean EQ-5D-5L score was 0.71 (SD: 0.203). Ten patients were satisfied and the NPS was 42. Postoperatively eight patients had pain scores reported as none or mild, three as moderate, and one as severe. Two patients required further operations, both undergoing total wrist arthrodesis. Conclusion  Although a degree of functional deficit persists after Darrach's procedure and tendon transfer for treatment of VJS, there are also high levels of patient satisfaction, a good NPS, and a low rate of operative reintervention. Level IV  evidence.

Treatment for complete extensor tendon rupture: A case report on extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis procedure to radius for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

The complete loss of finger extension leads to significant inconvenience in daily life and often requires surgical treatment. Despite some disadvantages, the Boyes method, which uses the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, is commonly performed for complete extensor rupture. We report the case of a 73-year-old woman living alone diagnosed with a subcutaneous rupture of all extensor tendons from the index to the little finger. The favourable range of motion of her wrist allowed us to perform extensor tenodesis. Additionally, the patient had a dislocated thumb interphalangeal (IP) joint, enabling us to use the extensor pollicis longus tendon for tendon transfer in combination with thumb IP joint fusion. The patient demonstrated favourable finger range-of-motion outcomes at the 6-month postoperative assessment. The case shows that extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer and tenodesis may be a viable treatment option for patients with complete extensor rupture accompanied by thumb IP joint deformity and normal wrist range of motion.

Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet Surgery for Zone VII Extensor Tendon Reconstruction: Stages in Active Range of Motion From Intraoperative to Final Recovery

PURPOSE

We investigated chronological changes in active range of motion (ROM) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint after zone VII extensor tendon reconstruction with wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) surgery.

METHODS

Reconstruction of the extensor tendons ruptured in zone VII of 82 fingers in 40 patients was performed using WALANT techniques. The mean patient age was 71.3 years. During surgery, we evaluated passive stretch distance and active contraction distance of the ruptured musculocutaneous unit. The sum of passive stretch distance and active contraction distance was defined as total excursion. In cases with total excursion ≥30 mm, we selected bridge tendon grafting for tendon reconstruction. In cases with total excursion <30 mm, end-to-side tendon transfer was performed. Active ROM of the MCP joint was measured before surgery; during surgery; 1, 3, and 5 months after surgery, and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

Extension lag of the MCP joint was 49.2° before surgery, improving to 2.9° during surgery, deteriorating to 18.7° at 1-month, and improving again to 15.6° at 3-months, 13.6° at 5-months, and 10.5° at the final follow-up. Meanwhile, the active flexion angle of the MCP was 87.9° before surgery, 87.3° during surgery, 67.6° at 1-month, 76.0° at 3-months, 79.7° at 5-months, and 81.0° at the final follow-up. Extension and flexion angles at each time point remained nearly constant regardless of whether tendon grafting or tendon transfer was used.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensor tendon reconstruction using WALANT surgery allowed intraoperative measurement of active ROM, confirming near-complete extension and flexion after reconstruction. The changes in ROM of the MCP joint during follow-up are an approximate indication of the progression of postoperative recovery.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Ⅳ.

Use of Triceps Tendon and Paratenon Composite Graft for Extensor Tendon Reconstruction in the Hand: A Case Report

An extensor tendon defect in the hand requires reconstruction to restore extension. We report a 44-year-old woman with a 24-mm extensor tendon defect of the middle finger over the dorsum of the hand that was reconstructed using a composite graft consisting of the triceps tendon and paratenon. This composite graft from the posterior aspect of the distal arm is simple, safe and may be considered in extensor tendon reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Long-term clinical outcome of tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands

Purpose

To evaluate the objective and subjective long-term clinical outcomes of tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands.

Methods

We evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands of 37 patients (43 hands) followed up for a mean of 14 years (range, 10–21 years).

Results

The mean time from rupture to surgery was 13.1 weeks (range, 3–48 weeks). The mean extension lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 8.7° (range, 0–40°), the mean pulp-to-palm distance was 0.4 cm (range, 0–3 cm), and the mean overall satisfaction rate was 86.5 (range, 70–100). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between tendon transfers and tendon grafts. There was a significant correlation between extension lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint and overall satisfaction rate (R² = 0.155; p = 0.009). Time to surgery was significantly correlated with extension lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint (R² = 0.437; p = 0.001) in the tendon graft group.

Conclusions

Both tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands achieve satisfactory results that are maintained for an average of 14 years. In cases of tendon graft, the time to surgery should be considered, and there is concern over extension lag of MP joint.

Level of Evidence

IV

Tendon repair with intercalated partial extensor carpi radialis longus tendon graft for chronic extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture

BACKGROUND

The main treatment choices for chronic extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon rupture consists of tendon transfer and tendon repair with tendon graft. Tendon transfer with extensor indicis proprius (EIP) is currently considered the gold standard treatment which yields predictable and satisfactory results, but potentially compromises the strength of independent extension of the index finger. We propose our method of using a partial extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon graft to repair chronic EPL tendon tears.

METHODS

The distal stump of the EPL was located through an incision at the basal joint level. The proximal stump was located through a curved incision at the dorsoradial wrist where the partial ECRL tendon graft was harvested. The tendon graft was subcutaneously transposed, sutured at both ends, and tensioned at full thumb extension with a neutral wrist position.

RESULTS

From March 2016 to June 2019, 23 patients (mean age: 59.7 years; mean follow-up: 29.6 months) were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. The final total active motion was 93.2% of the contralateral thumb. The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 6.0. There was one complication possibly due to poor EPL muscle quality, and the patient was subsequently treated with EIP tendon transfer.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that using a partial ECRL tendon graft to repair chronic EPL tendon rupture results in satisfactory functional outcomes. The advantages of this method include preservation of EIP function and using the same incision for graft harvesting and tendon repair. This method can be considered an alternative to EIP tendon transfer in patients with high demand for their index finger function.

Spontaneous index finger extensor tendon rupture in a SNAC wrist

We present two recent cases of spontaneous rupture of both index finger extensor digitorum communis and extensor indices proprius tendons caused by a dorsal carpus osteophyte. Both patients had a history of scaphoid fracture non-union with evolution to scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) of the wrist. These two cases were treated surgically with a 3-corner arthrodesis, and an interposition of a fragment of one of both ruptured tendons together with a tendon transfer of a supernumerary extensor digitorum communis of the third finger. The interposed tendon fragment was sutured with a Pulvertaft weave proximally and end-to-end distally. The supernumerary tendon was added as reinforcement to this construction. At 6-month and 14-month follow-up, the patients had a slight decrease in range of motion and functionality without hindering the activities of daily living and a great improvement in strength. Isolated extension of the index finger was possible minimum 6 months postoperatively. Spontaneous tendon ruptures of the finger extensors are not common but were described earlier in literature. Recent literature described that underlying cause of a spontaneous tendon rupture should always be corrected in order to prevent or at least delay future ruptures. To our knowledge, this is a rare type of complication and this kind of treatment has never been reported in literature.

Upper Extremity Tendon Transfers: A Brief Review of History, Common Applications, and Technical Tips

Background  Tendon transfer in the upper extremity represents a powerful tool in the armamentarium of a reconstructive surgeon in the setting of irreparable nerve injury or the anatomic loss of key portions of the muscle-tendon unit. The concept uses the redundancy/expendability of tendons by utilizing a nonessential tendon to restore the function of a lost or nonfunctional muscle-tendon unit of the upper extremity. This article does not aim to perform a comprehensive review of tendon transfers. Instead it is meant to familiarize the reader with salient historical features, common applications in the upper limb, and provide the reader with some technical tips, which may facilitate a successful tendon transfer.

Learning Objectives  (1) Familiarize the reader with some aspects of tendon transfer history. (2) Identify principles of tendon transfers. (3) Identify important preoperative considerations. (4) Understand the physiology of the muscle-tendon unit and the Blix curve. (5) Identify strategies for setting tension during a tendon transfer and rehabilitation strategies.

Design  This study was designed to review the relevant current literature and provide an expert opinion.

Conclusions  Tendon transfers have evolved from polio to tetraplegia to war and represent an extremely powerful technique to correct neurologic and musculotendinous deficits in a variety of patients affected by trauma, peripheral nerve palsies, cerebral palsy, stroke, and inflammatory arthritis. In the contemporary setting, these very same principles have also been very successfully applied to vascularized composite allotransplantation in the upper limb.

Extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid wrists

Background and aims

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The associated involvement of hands and tendons is over 90% and impairs overall function. In the course of the disease, the joints are often operated on. During this operation, ruptures of the extensor tendons are found by chance without the patients noticing them. The aim of this retrospective study is the prevalence of extensor tendon rupture. Which tendon is destroyed most frequently? How can the functional outcome be measured after reconstruction?

Materials and methods

From 1572 operations on rheumatoid wrists, 61 extensor tendon ruptures were identified in 41 patients. The average time between the first rheumatic symptoms of the hand and surgery was 6.4 years. The average duration of RA was 7.8 years. 26 patients with 27 tendon reconstructions were included in the follow-up with an average postoperative duration of 4.6 years (3 to 14.2 years).

Results

Extensor tendons ruptures typically occurred at mechanically stressed sites. The most frequent rupture was found in the extensor pollicis longus tendon (21 tendons), followed by the small finger extensor tendon (14 tendons). A transfer was performed on 7 tendons. Fifty-five tendon lesions were sutured at other intact tendons. Free grafts were not used. The results in Clayton and QuickDASH scores were significantly different. Functional improvement was consistent with the results of tendon reconstructions in healthy control groups.

Conclusion

In rheumatoid patients, a rupture of an extensor tendon must be expected at 4%. Patients tolerate and compensate this damage for a long time. The function of the hand including the tendon function is the most important factor in assessing the success of the operation. The subjective patient acceptance depends on the progress of the underlying disease, postoperative care (ergotherapy, physiotherapy, orthosis) and the patients' demands.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00590-020-02731-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reconstruction and repair of atraumatic extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid wrists: Less extension lag after direct repair than interposition tendon grafting

The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of extensor tendon repair involving the original stump in atraumatic extensor tendon rupture of rheumatoid wrists. For this study, 16 cases were reviewed involving 14 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 52 ruptured tendons impacted 36 fingers; 51 tendons were repaired in 35 fingers. The ruptured tendon stumps were repaired either directly by end-to-end suture or by free interposition tendon graft. The 8- to 10-strand core suture method was used for direct repair with a looped 4-0 nylon suture. In all patients, the extensor retinaculum was released and repaired under the tendons. Postoperatively, a volar splint with the wrist and fingers extended was applied for 3 to 4 weeks, followed by a removable splint and gentle active flexion until 6 weeks. The mean follow-up period was 32 months. All fingers recovered active metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint extension, including independent and active extension of the little finger. Overall, the mean extension lag at the MCP joint was 1.7°. The mean fingertip-to-palm distance with the MCP joint flexed was 0.24mm. The mean extension lag at the MCP joint was significantly greater after interposition tendon grafting (3.2°) than after direct repair (0°). There was no significant difference in the mean fingertip-to-palm distance between direct repair (0.38mm) and interposition tendon grafting (0.13mm). No re-rupture or additional extensor tendon rupture was observed. Repair of the original extensor tendon stump yields satisfactory outcomes and appears to be a viable alternative to tendon transfers in patients with rheumatoid wrists with atraumatic extensor tendon ruptures. Direct repair reduces postoperative extension lag without a significant difference in flexion deficit when compared with interposition tendon grafting.

Wide-Awake Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Reconstruction with Evaluation of the Active Voluntary Contraction of the Ruptured Muscle-Tendon

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of the wide-awake tendon reconstruction for chronic rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon with evaluation of the voluntary active contraction distance of the ruptured musculotendinous unit. Eleven consecutive patients underwent tendon reconstruction under wide-awake surgery. If the total of the passive distraction distance and the active contraction distance of the ruptured flexor pollicis longus musculotendinous unit was greater than 30 mm, tendon grafting was performed. If not, tendon transfer was performed using the fourth flexor digitorum superficialis. Patients were evaluated with total active motion before surgery, during surgery, and in final follow-up and subjectively surveyed with quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. The final outcomes of tendon grafting and of tendon transfer were compared. Tendon grafting was performed in four patients, and tendon transfer was performed in seven patients. The final follow-up total active motion was 84.3 ± 12.7 percent in the tendon transfer group and 80.7 ± 10.2 percent in the tendon grafting group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the final follow-up total active motion percentage and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. The functional outcomes of both tendon grafting and tendon transfer were acceptable based on evaluating the active contraction distance and passive distraction distance of the ruptured musculotendinous unit during wide-awake surgery. Evaluating these distances may be a useful index to assess the ruptured musculotendinous unit. The greatest advantage of the wide-awake tendon reconstruction is that surgeons can evaluate the ruptured musculotendinous unit and measure total active motion during surgery while adjusting suture tension. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, IV.

Clinical Results of Autogenous Palmaris Longus Tendon Graft for Ruptures of Multiple Extensors in Rheumatoid Hands

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of autogenous palmaris longus grafting for extensor tendon ruptures of 2 or more fingers in rheumatoid hands and to identify the factors related to the clinical outcome.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2013, a total 41 patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis and multiple extensor tendon ruptures reconstructed with autogenous palmaris longus tendon grafts were reviewed. Extension lag at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, total active motion (TAM), and fingertip-to-palm (TTP) distance were evaluated at final follow-up. Simple regression analysis was done to determine the factors predictive of clinical outcome.

RESULTS

The mean extension lag at the MCP joint of the reconstructed finger was 9° (range, 0°-90°; median, 0°). The mean TAM was 239° (range, 85°-280°; median, 260°), and the mean TTP distance was 5 mm (range, 0-50 mm; median, 0 mm). Simple regression analysis showed that only age was related to extension lag at the MCP joint and only arthritis of the MCP joint was related to TAM.

CONCLUSIONS

In rheumatoid arthritis, extensor tendon reconstruction of multiple extensor tendon ruptures using autogenous palmaris longus tendon graft is a viable option to achieve a favorable clinical result.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.