Corrective osteotomy after damage of the distal radial physis in children: surgical technique and results

Accuracy Analysis of 3D Bone Fracture Models: Effects of Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging and Image Segmentation

The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomical models has garnered interest in pre-operative planning, especially in orthopedic and trauma surgery. Identifying potential error sources and quantifying their effect on the model dimensional accuracy are crucial for the applicability and reliability of such models. In this study, twenty radii were extracted from anatomic forearm specimens and subjected to osteotomy to simulate a defined fracture of the distal radius (Colles' fracture). Various factors, including two different computed tomography (CT) technologies (energy-integrating detector (EID) and photon-counting detector (PCD)), four different CT scanners, two scan protocols (i.e., routine and high dosage), two different scan orientations, as well as two segmentation algorithms were considered to determine their effect on 3D model accuracy. Ground truth was established using 3D reconstructions of surface scans of the physical specimens. Results indicated that all investigated variables significantly impacted the 3D model accuracy (p < 0.001). However, the mean absolute deviation fell within the range of 0.03 ± 0.20 to 0.32 ± 0.23 mm, well below the 0.5 mm threshold necessary for pre-operative planning. Intra- and inter-operator variability demonstrated fair to excellent agreement for 3D model accuracy, with an intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.43 to 0.92. This systematic investigation displayed dimensional deviations in the magnitude of sub-voxel imaging resolution for all variables. Major pitfalls included missed or overestimated bone regions during the segmentation process, necessitating additional manual editing of 3D models. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that 3D bone fracture models can be obtained with clinical routine scanners and scan protocols, utilizing a simple global segmentation threshold, thereby providing an accurate and reliable tool for pre-operative planning.

Shelf Osteotomy for Madelung's Deformity in Adults: A Novel Technique

Background  Madelung's deformity (MD) comprises increased volar and ulnar tilt of the distal radius joint facet, secondary to an idiopathic physeal dysplasia. Such change causes radial shortening and a consequent distal ulnar prominence, along with wrist pain and loss of motion. Classic surgical techniques are problematic for adults, as they are specific for children and adolescents whose distal radial physis is still open. Description of Technique  It is suggested a new treatment method for MD in skeletally mature patients: a distal radius osteotomy and joint realignment are performed through a volar approach to increase the support area of the lunate bone. The rotation and lengthening of the distal epiphysis of the radius generate support and cover to the lunate bone, with improvement of both radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints. Patients and Methods  We describe the technique in details and report the treatment of a 25-year-old female patient. Results  Early clinical and radiographic outcomes are encouraging for the treatment of symptomatic patients. Conclusion  There is a plethora on the literature about conflicting opinions on the best treatment options and surgical techniques are quite variable, although usually with good results. Besides, the technique here described is indicated during a specific stage of disease presentation, consisting of young adults without any wrist-degenerative changes. Having said that, it is possible to claim that MD treatment with shelf osteotomy is a concept change. Our main goal is to reconstruct the diseased segment and improve wrist stability.

Madelung Deformity: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Madelung deformity (MD) comprises an increased volar and ulnar tilt of the joint facet of the distal radius, secondary to an idiopathic physeal dysplasia. Such change causes radial shortening and consequent distal ulnar prominence, along with wrist pain and loss of motion. Surgery becomes an option in patients with severe deformity that do not respond to conservative treatment.

The classic surgical techniques are problematic for adults, as they are specific for children and adolescents, whose radial physis is still open. Very few papers discuss the treatment of adult patients; furthermore, most are focused on the distal radioulnar joint, and thus do not approach the origin of the pathology.

When analyzing computed tomography scans with tridimensional reconstruction, a feature of MD, growth arrest of the volar and ulnar portions of the distal radius, is noted, causing the typical distal radius deformity that leads to lack of coverage of the lunate bone. That leads to palmar subluxation of the lunate bone and consequent radiocarpal instability.

We herein describe the possibilities of treatment in different stages of evolution, summarizing the authors' view on MD.

Functional Outcomes after Corrective Osteotomy of Symptomatic Distal Radius Malunions in Children

Background  Closed reduction and cast immobilization of displaced distal radius fractures carries the risk of secondary displacement, which could result in a symptomatic malunion. In patients with a symptomatic malunion, a corrective osteotomy can be performed to improve pain and functional impairment of the wrist joint. Objective  The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcomes of children who underwent a corrective osteotomy due to a symptomatic malunion of the distal radius. Methods  Between 2009 and 2016, all consecutive corrective osteotomies of the distal radius of patients younger than 18 years were reviewed. The primary outcome was functional outcome assessed with the ABILHAND-Kids score. Secondary outcomes were QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) score, range of motion, complications, and radiological outcomes. Results  A total of 13 patients with a median age of 13 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 12.5-16) were included. The median time to follow-up was 31 months (IQR: 26-51). The median ABILHAND-Kids score was 42 (range: 37-42), and the median QuickDASH was 0 (range: 0-39). Range of motion did not differ significantly between the injured and the uninjured sides for all parameters. One patient had a nonunion requiring additional operative treatment. The postoperative radiological parameters showed an improvement of radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, dorsal tilt, and dorsal tilt. Conclusion  Corrective osteotomy for children is an effective method for treating symptomatic malunions of the distal radius. Level of Evidence  This is a Level IV study.