[Early suture versus ligamentoplasty of scapholunate ligament injury: comparison of clinical results]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The aim was to evaluate subjective and objective criteria of wrist, hand and arm function in a group of patients with acute static scapholunate dissociation treated by acute suture or ligament reinsertion, and in a group of patients with chronic static scapholunate dissociation treated by ligament reconstruction using ligamentoplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Of a total number of 70 patients treated surgically for scapholunate instability at the Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital in Olomouc and the Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital in Brno, from 2002 till the end of 2008, 37 patients with acute or chronic static scapholunate dissociation treated by suture, ligament reinsertion or ligamentoplasty were selected. Of them, 17 patients with chronic scapholunate dissociation and 10 patients with acute scapholunate dissociation appeared at the final follow-up. The assessment of subjective criteria was based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score, the Wrightington Wrist Function Score and the Visual Analogue Scale. The objective criteria included range of motion and grip strength, and radiographic parameters, such as scapholunate gap and scapholunate and scaphocapitate angles. Satisfaction of the patients and their return to work were also evaluated. The results were statistically analysed using the Chi-square, Mann-Whitney-U and Wilcoxon tests, with the level of significance a=0.05.

RESULTS

In the group with acute static scapholunate dissociation, the objective criteria showed an improved range of flexion- extension. The range of radial and ulnar bending and grip strength were almost identical with those of the healthy wrist. In both evaluated groups the self-rated criteria had almost the same values in all three rating systems used. No statistically significant difference in any of the values compared was recorded.

DISCUSSION

The results of subjective and objective assessments were comparable in the two groups. Paradoxically, some items of the subjective evaluation were better in the patients undergoing ligament reconstruction - ligamentoplasty. This can probably be explained by different subjective comparison of pre- and post-operative conditions in each group. Even though the subjective assessment was almost identical in both groups, we definitely find an advantage in acute treatment of a scapholunate ligament tear by suture. A technically easier procedure, a shorter period of restricted hand and arm function for the patient, no degenerative changes due to instability and a lower risk of complications - they all give support to this technique. Later conversion to another type of stabilisation if ligamentoplasty fails may bring problems and give much worse results than a failure of acute sutures

CONCLUSIONS

An acute operative treatment of scapholunate ligament injury is regarded as a more suitable method for scapholunate dissociation. Ligamentoplasty, because of technical demands and risk of post-operative complications, can be used as a method of choice if the acute sutures of a torn scapholunate ligament fail or scapholunate dissociation is diagnosed at a late stage.

[Restoration of upper-limb function in patients with cervical spinal cord lesion]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Injury to the spinal chord at the C5 level results in a severe handicap to the patient because of a loss of active motion of the wrist and hand. Selected surgical procedures can effectively restore active extension of the wrist and provide conditions for some vital pinching and gripping abilities. The deltoid muscle also has a potential for restoration of upper limb function, because its posterior portion can be used to restore elbow extension. The aim of this clinical retrospective study was to describe and evaluate the techniques used to improve the quality of life in patients with spinal chord lesions at the C5 level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group studied consisted of 15 patients (3 women and 12 men; average age, 34 years) with a spinal chord lesion at the C5 segment who had zero wrist extension or in whom wrist extensor muscle force was equal to the third degree of muscle strength or less. The procedures to restore active extension of the wrist involved the radiobrachialis muscle, the reconstruction of elbow extension was activated by the posterior portion of the deltoid muscle, and a fixed supination posture of the forearm was corrected by elongating the distal tendon of the biceps muscle which was derotated and attached to the proximal radius. The interval between injury and reconstructive surgery was 36 months on the average.

RESULTS

The reconstructive surgery described resulted in restoration of hand and wrist function with sufficient muscle strength in all patients, which had a favourable effect on many aspects of their daily lives. The average values of muscle strength were 4.1° (3° to 5°). for wrist extension and 3.3° (2° to 4°) for elbow extension. Key-pinch force was on average 1.2 kg (0.2 to 2.1). A failure of thumb carpometacarpal arthrodesis was the most frequent complication and occurred in two patients. On clinical evaluation, all patients reported satisfaction with the restored function of their upper extremities and expressed their willingness to undergo the same procedure again.

DISCUSSION

Reconstructive surgery of the upper extremity in tetraplegic patients has been performed with success in several countries, namely USA and Sweden, for many years. Since 2003 the results in the Czech Republic have also shown positive effects of reconstructive procedures on better quality of life in patients with cervical spinal chord injury at the lower levels, in whom the goal is to restore vital pinching and gripping abilities. A good outcome of surgical treatment requires good quality post-operative care provided by a team of physical therapists fully informed of the reconstructive procedures involved.

CONCLUSIONS

A restored function of the upper extremity in the patients with spinal chord injury at the C level plays a decisive role in the whole spectrum of the patient's daily activities, such as dressing, communication, etc., and thus improves their self- care. The restoration of active elbow extension has a positive effect on the patient's mobility.