Initial shortening and internal fixation in combination with a Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for severely comminuted fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients

Sauve-Kapandji Remains a Viable Option for Distal Radioulnar Joint Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can be significantly debilitating. The Sauve-Kapandji (S-K) procedure can be indicated to address multiple etiologies of DRUJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to review our institution's results performing the S-K procedure for DRUJ dysfunction in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes, as well as complications and reoperations.

METHODS

A retrospective review of S-K procedures performed at 2 institutions between 1998 and 2017 with a minimum of 1-year follow-up was performed. Preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion were reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for DRUJ healing, carpal translation, and radiocarpal degenerative changes.

RESULTS

The cohort included 35 patients. The mean age was 51 years. The mean follow-up was 49.5 months. The postoperative range of motion was unchanged in regard to pronation, supination, and wrist extension. There was a decrease in wrist flexion from 43 degrees to 34 degrees. Successful union was noted in 100% of the wrists. There was 1 case (2.8%) of progressive ulnar translation and 4 major complications (11.3%).

CONCLUSION

The S-K procedure has several theoretical benefits compared to other procedures for DRUJ dysfunction with results of this study demonstrating excellent pain relief, improved postoperative grip strength, retained wrist pronation, supination, and extension, high rate of successful arthrodesis and low rate of major complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Ossification of the pseudarthrosis following the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure: a case report and review of the literature

We report a case of new onset pain and loss of forearm rotation 3 years after Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure. A revision ulnar osteotomy with application of bone wax restored ROM through 17 months follow-up. A literature review of pseudarthrosis ossification after SK procedure was also performed.

Functional Outcomes After Sauve-Kapandji Arthrodesis

PURPOSE

The Sauve-Kapandji procedure (SK) combines a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthrodesis with the creation of an ulnar pseudarthrosis for the salvage of DRUJ instability or arthritis. Despite several published case series, there are limited data on postoperative functional outcomes. This study evaluates patient-reported outcomes of SK using a validated functional outcomes scale.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent SK in 2 health care systems over 10 years (2008-2018). Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, and wrist plain film radiographic measurements were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes analyses and subgroup comparisons were performed.

RESULTS

We included 57 patients in the study. Surgical indications included posttraumatic DRUJ arthritis (n = 35), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 10), degenerative DRUJ arthritis (n = 7), Madelung deformity (n = 3), psoriatic arthritis (n = 1), and giant cell tumor of bone (n = 1). During the first postoperative year, QuickDASH scores decreased from a mean of 52 before surgery to 28 at 12 months. The QuickDASH scores at final follow-up demonstrated significant improvement in patients with osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Supination significantly improved after surgery, from 48° to 74°, whereas wrist flexion, wrist extension, and pronation remained unchanged. Radiographically, significant postoperative decreases were seen in ulnar variance and McMurtry's translation index. The postoperative complication rate was 21%, including revision osteotomy in 4 patients (7.0%) and hardware removal in 4 patients (7.0%). No DRUJ nonunions were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sauve-Kapandji procedure for DRUJ salvage significantly improved patient-reported outcomes after 1 year and significantly improved supination. Similar functional improvements after SK were seen in both osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Conservative treatment of distal ulna metaphyseal fractures associated with distal radius fractures in elderly people

INTRODUCTION

Although volar locking plates (VLPs) have been exclusively used for unstable distal radius fractures (DRFs), the optimal management of distal ulna fractures (DUFs) remains controversial. Internal fixation using a plate for DUFs might be challenging because of the presence of osteoporotic bone and fragile bone fragments in elderly patients.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that a strategy including VLP fixation for DRFs and non-intervention for DUFs with early wrist mobilization would provide encouraging results in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients (17 women and one man, mean age 74.7 years) were included in the study. According to the Biyani classification, there were seven patients with type-1, three with type-2, five with type-3, and three with type-4 DUFs. Radiological results were analyzed in 18 patients and the clinical results could be evaluated in 10 patients who attended the necessary follow-up meetings. Ulnar angular deformity (UAD) and ulnar shortening amount (USA) were measured using anteroposterior radiographs. USA was defined as the difference in ulnar variance between just after surgery and at the final visit. Clinical results were assessed using the modified Gartland and Werley score, disability arm shoulder hand (DASH) score, range of motion, grip strength, pain, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.

RESULTS

All ulna metaphyseal fractures united. The mean UAD just after surgery was 5.9° (range, 0-22). At the final visit, the mean UAD was 6.4° (range, 0-17). The mean USA was 0.35mm, and only one patient showed ulnar shortening of >2mm. The results were "excellent" in nine patients and "good" in one, according to the modified Gartland and Werley score. The mean DASH score was 4.2. Mean flexion and extension angles were 58° and 71°. One patient complained of ulnar-sided pain during exertion and no patients complained of DRUJ instability.

DISCUSSION

All DUFs achieved good radiological results, including comminuted fractures. Functional outcomes were promising, including wide wrist ROM and no DRUJ instability. An approach including VLP fixation for DRFs and non-intervention for DUFs is a good option for elderly patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV retrospective study.

Time-Dependent Recovery of Outcome Parameters in Ulnar Shortening for Positive Ulnar Variance: A Prospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the results of ulnar shortening using the ulna osteotomy locking plate system (UOL; I.T.S. GmbH, Graz, Austria) with special regard to the time-dependent recovery of subjective and objective outcome parameters and surgeons' experiences.

METHODS

Ulnar shortening using the UOL was performed on 11 patients (3 men, 8 women) with an average age of 47 ± 19.6 years. Range of motion (ROM) and grip strength were compared with the contralateral hand. Patient-rated outcomes were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) survey for subjective outcomes. Ulnar variance and bony union were assessed using conventional wrist radiographs. The surgeons evaluated intraoperative handling through a standardized feedback form.

RESULTS

ROM improved and grip strength increased significantly between preoperative values and final follow-up. Flexion and supination improved significantly between weeks 8 and 12 and grip strength from week 8 onward. Patient-rated outcomes changed significantly with a final DASH score of 14.2 ± 12.4 and a PRWE score of 24.3 ± 17.0. Pain levels improved significantly with no pain at rest and a mean VAS of 0.8 ± 1.2 during activity. The average amount of shortening was 4.0 ± 1.9 mm with a final ulnar variance of 0.2 ± 1.8 mm. All osteotomies healed with 2 cases of delayed union.

CONCLUSIONS

In ulnar shortening with the UOL, wrist function recovered after an initial decrease from week 8 onward. Subjective outcome parameters showed early recovery and improved continuously over time.

Hemi-arthroplasty for distal radius fracture in the independent elderly

INTRODUCTION

The authors report their experience with hemi-arthroplasty in irreparable fresh distal radius fracture in independent elderly patients as first-line treatment (12 fractures in 11 women; mean age, 74 years) or in second line after clinically disabling primary failure (4 fractures in 4 women; mean age, 78 years).

RESULTS

In the 12 primary surgeries, at a mean 32 months' follow-up, there were no complications requiring implant ablation; mean pain score was 1/10, flexion-extension 62°, Lyon Wrist score 75%, and Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) 22 points. In 2 of the 4 secondary surgeries, at a mean 24 months' follow-up, there were no complications requiring implant ablation; mean pain score was 2.5/10, flexion-extension 62°, Lyon Wrist score 58%, and PRWE 50 points: i.e., slightly poorer results than in primary surgery.

CONCLUSION

Salvage of complex fracture in independent elderly patients by hemi-arthroplasty, whether primary or secondary to failure, seems to be a considerable progress, to be confirmed in larger series.

Forearm nonunion caused by hyperparathyroidism with 7 years follow up: A case report

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We report a patient who developed nonunion of both bones of the forearm associated with hyperparathyroidism.

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It is necessary to perform close examination to investigate primary disease causing insufficiency fracture.

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For treatment of nonunion of the 2 forearm bones, osteosynthesis of the ulna alone achieved sufficient osteal support.

Introduction

We report a patient who developed nonunion of both bones of the forearm associated with hyperparathyroidism (HPT).

Presentation of case

The patient was a 71-year-old female who previously fell and hit her left hand on the ground. At 2 years after injury the patient visited our hospital, since she became aware of instability of the left forearm without an inducer due to nonunion of the radioulnar diaphysis. The patient was surgically treated to acquire forearm support. Surgery for nonunion was applied only to the ulna. To acquire an elbow joint flexion angle, an about 30° angle was added to the false joint region. At one year after surgery, blood testing suggested HPT, however, the parathyroid mass was not excised following the current guidelines for management of HPT. At 7 years after surgery, the elbow range of motion, VAS and the Q-DASH score were improved. Weight-bearing by the forearm became possible, and the patient can perform pronation and supination at the radial nonunion.

Discussion

We learned from this case that it is necessary to immediately perform close examination to identify the presence or absence of primary disease causing insufficiency fracture, such as HPT. For treatment of nonunion of the 2 forearm bones in this elderly female, osteosynthesis of the ulna alone achieved sufficient osteal support without osteosynthesis of the radius, and the postoperative course was favorable.

Conclusion

We presented here a rare case of nonunion of both bones of the forearm associated with HPT.

[Incidence of distal ulna fractures associated with distal radius fractures: Treatment options]

Fractures of the neck and/or head of the ulna or distal ulna fracture (DUF) other than ulnar styloid fractures can occur in combination with distal radius fractures (DRF). This combination can have a significant influence on the treatment and prognosis since it causes the entire distal forearm to be unstable. In a series of 1279 consecutive unilateral DRFs, we found an associated ulnar neck fracture in 5.9% of cases, ulnar head and neck fracture in 1.6%, and isolated ulnar head fracture in 1.4%. Overall, 9% of cases in this study had a DUF with a DRF. The frequency of extra-articular "A" (11%) and intra-articular "C" (9%) DRFs according to the AO classification was about the same. There were no cases of DUF combined with partial "B" DRF. There was a correlation between combined DUF with DRF and the patient's group in the PAF classification. DUF are more frequently associated with DRF in elderly patients. Specific distal ulnar locking plates were recently introduced and they may be a useful adjunct to distal radius locking plates when treating patients with combined DUF and DRF.

[What is the role of primary or secondary hemiarthroplasty for distal radius fractures in independent elderly patients?]

The authors report their experience with wrist hemiarthroplasty for acute irreparable distal radius fractures in independent elderly patients (12 women, mean age 76years) and following failed initial treatment in the same population (5 women, mean age 75years). The first 11 cases have a mean follow-up of 30months. No complications requiring implant removal were reported. At follow-up, the mean VAS for pain was 1/10, the mean flexion-extension arc was 60°, the Lyon Wrist score was 73 % and the PRWE (Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation) was 22 points. The five patients who had secondary procedures and were reviewed at mean of 16months' follow-up did not require implant removal but there was one complete forearm rotational ankylosis with ossification. At follow-up, the mean VAS for pain was 3/10, the mean flexion-extension arc was 56°, the Lyon Wrist score was 65 % and the PRWE was 45 points. The authors believe that hemiarthroplasty is a useful salvage procedure for irreparable wrist fractures in the emergency room and after failed initial treatment in active elderly patients.

Proposed Guidelines for Treatment of Concomitant Distal Radius and Distal Ulna Fractures

BACKGROUND

Concomitant distal radius and distal ulna metaphysis or head fractures (DRUF) are uncommon and acceptable results have been reported from cast immobilisation and internal fixation.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 1094 patients treated for distal radius fracture at our institution in a two year period from 2009 to 2010. 24 patients with concomitant DRUF with were treated by cast immobilisation (group 1, n = 11), internal fixation of both bones (group 2, n = 7), internal fixation of radius alone (group 3, n = 2), and internal fixation of radius with distal ulna resection (group 4, n = 4). Patients treated by surgery underwent intraoperative assessment of distal ulna stability to determine the indication for ulna fixation. Post surgical range of motion, clinical parameters, and functional outcome scores (Gartland-Werley and modified Mayo) were measured.

RESULTS

Wrist motion was comparable in each group. Radiographic parameters were better in surgical groups. 23 of 24 patients achieved excellent/good outcomes based on Gartland-Werley scores, while 12 of 24 achieved good modified Mayo wrist score. There was a case of distal ulna non-union in group 1, and another case of delayed distal radius union in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

By evaluating patients' functional requirement, and dynamic fluoroscopy examination, satisfactory outcomes can be achieved for various presentations of DRUF.

Distal ulna fractures

In isolation, distal ulna fractures are rare. They are often found in conjunction with distal radius fractures, and the complexity of the interaction of the distal ulna with the radioulnar joint and triangular fibrocartilage complex makes understanding and treatment of distal ulna fractures challenging. Fixation of distal ulna fractures can be problematic owing to comminution making reduction challenging. A thin soft tissue can lead to hardware prominence and necessitate implant removal. In this Current Concepts article, we review the anatomy, pathology, and treatment of distal ulna fractures as well as potential complications and salvage procedures.

Primary shortening of the forearm and Sauvé-Kapandji for severely comminuted fractures of the distal forearm in elderly patients: a case report

We report a case of an elderly female who sustained a severely comminuted distal radial and ulnar fracture, treated by shortening of the forearm, combined with a primary Sauvé-Kapandji procedure and volar plating of the distal radius.