Agustin Donndorff

Proximal radio-ulnar synostosis and nonunion after olecranon fracture tension-band wiring: A case report

Fractures of the olecranon are the most common type of elbow fracture. Displaced fractures usually require operative treatment with open reduction and internal fixation to allow early motion in order to avoid significant stiffness of the elbow joint. Two parallel Kirschner wires inserted across the fracture into the medullary canal of the proximal ulna combined with a tension band wiring is a recognized and frequently performed method of fixation for noncomminuted fractures. Although isolated closed fractures of the olecranon in adults have a favorable long-term outcome, a few complications with this technique have been reported. The most common complication is migration of the K wires proximally leading to pain and local skin complications, with a high incidence (80%) of reoperation for the removal of symptomatic hardware. Therefore, this method has been modified so that the distal end of the Kirschner wires are inserted through the anterior cortex of the proximal ulna to prevent proximal wire migration postoperatively and to increase the stability of the tension band unit. The authors present a case of a patient with an isolated fracture of the olecranon that developed a proximal radioulnar synostosis and an olecranon nonunion associated with the use of the transcortical tension-band wiring technique. The possible mechanism for the synostosis formation, different from others described previously in accordance with the literature reviewed, will also be discussed herein below.

Non-surgical functional treatment for displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive cohort of patients aged > 70 years with a displaced fracture of the olecranon, which was treated non-operatively with early mobilisation. We identified 28 such patients (27 women) with a mean age of 82 years (71 to 91). The elbow was initially immobilised in an above elbow cast in 90° of flexion of the elbow for a mean of five days. The cast was then replaced by a sling. Active mobilisation was encouraged as tolerated. No formal rehabilitation was undertaken. At a mean follow-up of 16 months (12 to 26), the mean ranges of flexion and extension were 140° and 15° respectively. On a visual analogue scale of 1 (no pain) to 10, the mean pain score was 1 (0 to 8). Of the original 28 patients 22 developed nonunion, but no patients required surgical treatment. We conclude that non-operative functional treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly gives good results and a high rate of satisfaction.

Chronic scapholunate dissociation: ligament reconstruction combining a new extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis and a dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis.

Scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is the commonest cause of carpal instability and wrist osteoarthrosis. The value of early diagnosis and treatment of this injury is well established in the literature. When a partial or total rupture of the scapholunate ligament is treated with early anatomic reduction and repair, functional results may be good to excellent. However, if this ligament is not addressed acutely then an overall carpal malalignment may seem progressively as a result of failure of the secondary scaphoid stabilizers. Chronic SLD will lead to scapholunate advanced collapse and progressive painful arthritis of the wrist. Although most surgeons agree that operative intervention is indicated, no clear consensus exists on the best treatment for patients with chronic SLD. Several procedures have been described that include some sort of partial fusion, capsulodesis, tenodesis, or bone-ligament-bone graft. If there is no evidence for arthrosis, soft-tissue procedures using either capsulodesis or tenodesis may be carried out in an attempt to preserve radiocarpal and intercarpal motion whereas avoiding fusion. This article describes a scapholunate ligament reconstruction combining a new dorsal extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis and a dorsal capsulodesis for the treatment of chronic SLD.

Dynamic splint for the treatment of stiff elbow

Background The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the treatment of elbow stiffness with the use of dynamic splints. Methods We included 17 patients with stable and congruent joints, with a range of motion of 100 degrees or less who had not responded to the rehabilitation program. Average previous mobility was 108–42 degrees, with a total arc of 66 degrees. The splints consist of an articulated brace with springs. On average their use began 94 days after surgery or trauma and continued for 86 days. Statistical analysis was performed. Average follow-up was 18 months. Results Postoperative mobility was 126–19 degrees, with a total arc of 107 degrees. Motion increased an average of 41 degrees. Six patients failed to recover a functional arc of motion. Conclusion Our results suggest that dynamic splints are useful in the treatment of elbow stiffness. We achieved an average improvement of 41° in the arc of motion, which in many cases has rendered arthrolysis unnecessary. Tailoring the splint to the individual patient is very important since its usage must be prolonged in order to achieve plastic deformity through the principle of progressive stretching.

A Prospective Clinical Study of the A1 Pulley in Trigger Thumbs

A prospective study was performed in 19 patients with trigger thumbs to define the anatomy of the A1 pulley of the thumb in this condition and to evaluate biomechanical parameters of the thumb after complete division of the A1 pulley. Pre- and postoperatively, flexion of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, key pinch strength and tip pinch strength were measured and compared with these measurements on the contralateral thumb. We identified three types of A1 pulley. The clinical data showed that there is no deficit with respect to motion and strength of the thumb after completely sectioning any of the three types of A1 pulley.

Les fractures intraarticulaires du radius distal à déplacement postérieur traitées par plaque palmaire à stabilité angulaire. Technique et résultats

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of locked palmar plating in patients with articular fracture of the distal radius. METHODS Twenty-two patients were reviewed retrospectively. The average age was 68 years. All fractures were classified as Type C according to the AO classification. Clinical and functional examination including range of motion, grip strength, pain and return to previous activities were assessed. Loss of radial height, radial inclination, palmar tilt and ulnar variance were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative radiographs. RESULTS At an average follow-up of 10 months, the range of motion was 124 degrees in flexion and extension and 178 degrees in pronation and supination. Grip strength was 80% of the opposite side. Fifteen patients were free of pain. Three patients suffered tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons. Radiographic measurements averaged 11 mm radial height, 21 degrees radial inclination, 4 degrees palmar tilt and 1 mm ulnar variance. CONCLUSIONS The result of this study showed that locked palmar plating of articular distal radius fractures is effective even in cases of metaphyseal comminution with a low rate of complications.

Volar Plate Fixation in Patients Older Than 70 Years with AO Type C Distal Radial Fractures: Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes

Introduction Treatment of unstable distal radial fractures (DRFs) in elderly patients is controversial, and considering the increasing life expectancy, their appropriate treatment is of growing importance. Our aim was to analyze the clinical and radiologic outcomes in the elderly patients with AO type C DRF treated with volar locking plate (VLP). Materials and Methods Between 2007 and 2011, 572 DRFs were operated on in our hospital with open reduction and internal fixation with VLP. Of these, only 64 patients (66 DRFs) met the selection criteria (AO type C DRF, age > 70 years, minimum 12‐month follow‐up). Mean follow‐up was 28 months. Outcome assessment included range of motion, grip strength, VAS pain, Mayo Clinic Score, and DASH score. Analysis of pre‐ and postoperative radiographs was performed. Complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the results with the contralateral side. Results Mean postoperative range of motion of the injured wrist compared with the control contralateral side was 86% for flexion (p < 0.001), 92% for extension (p < 0.001). The average DASH was 12. Mayo Clinic Wrist Score showed 43 excellent results, 15 good, 4 satisfactory, and 4 poor. Articular step‐offs were reduced in 34 of 38 wrists. Five (7%) patients required plate removal. Conclusion The treatment of articular DRF (AO type C) with VLP in the elderly patients achieved greater than 90% of the wrist range of motion and grip strength with no residual pain in greater than 90% of the patients. Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV, case series.

Radius Core Decompression for Kienböck Disease Stage IIIA: Outcomes at 13 Years Follow-Up

PURPOSE This study was designed to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients with Kienböck disease stage IIIA treated with radius core decompression. METHODS This retrospective study included 15 patients with Kienböck disease (Lichtman stage IIIA) who underwent distal radius metaphyseal core decompression between 1998 and 2005 and who were followed-up for at least 10 years. At the last follow-up, the patients were evaluated for wrist range of motion and grip strength. The overall results were evaluated by the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analog scale pain score. We also compared the radiological changes between the preoperative and the final follow-up in their Lichtman classification and the modified carpal height ratio. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 13 years (range, 10-18 years). Based on the modified Mayo wrist score, clinical results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 8 patients, and poor in 1 patient who required a proximal row carpectomy as revision surgery. The mean preoperative pain according to the visual analog scale was 7 (range, 6-10) and was 1.2 (range, 0-6) at the final follow-up. Compared with the opposite side, the average flexion/extension arc was 77% and the grip strength was 80%. All patients, except 1, returned to their original employment. At the final follow-up, 3 patients had decreased modified carpal height ratio, 12 remained unchanged. Radiographic disease progression according to the Lichtman classification to stages IIIB to IV occurred in only 2 wrists. There were no complications related to the core decompression. CONCLUSIONS In this limited series, the radius core decompression demonstrated favorable long-term results and could be considered as a surgical alternative for stage IIIA of Kienböck disease. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.

Short-term complication rate following orthopedic surgery in a tertiary care center in Argentina

Introduction: Registration of adverse events following orthopedic surgery has a critical role in patient safety and has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of postoperative complications in the department of orthopedic unit in a tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective review from the postoperative complication registry of a cohort of consecutive patients operated in the department of orthopedic surgery from May 2015 to June 2016 was performed. Short-term complications (3 months after surgery), age gender, types of surgery (elective, scheduled urgency, non-scheduled urgency, and emergency), operative time, surgical start time (morning, afternoon or evening), American Society of Anesthesiologists score and surgeons experience were assessed. Complications were classified based on their severity according to Dindo-Clavien system: Grade I complications do not require alterations in the postoperative course or additional treatment; Grade II complications require pharmacological treatment; Grade III require surgical, endoscopic, or radiological interventions without (IIIa) or with (IIIb) general anesthesia; Grade IV are life-threatening with single (IVa) or multi-organ (IVb) dysfunction(s), and require ICU management; and Grade V result in death of the patient. Complications were further classified in minor (Dindo I, II, IIIa) and major (Dindo IIIb, IVa, IVb and V), according to clinical severity. Results: 1960 surgeries were performed. The overall 90-day complication rate was 12.7% (249/1960). Twenty-three complications (9.2 %) were type I, 159 (63.8%) type II, 9 (3.6%) type IIIa, 42 (16.8%) type IIIb, 7 (2.8%) type IVa and 9 (3.6%) were grade V according to Dindo-Clavien classification (DCC). The most frequent complication was anemia that required blood transfusion (27%) followed by wound infection (15.6%) and urinary tract infection (6%). Discussion: The overall complication rate after orthopedic surgery in our department was 12.7%. The implementation of the DCC following orthopedic surgery was an important tool to measure the standard of care.

Descompresión ósea metafisaria del radio distal para estadios tempranos de la enfermedad de Kienböck. Seguimiento mínimo de 10 años. [Metaphyseal bone decompression of distal radius for early stages of Kienböck's disease. Minimum follow-up of 10 years.]

Background The purpose of this study is to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological results of a series of patients with early stages of the Kienbock disease treated with radius core decompression. Methods This retrospective study included 23 patients with Kienbock’s disease (Lichtman stage II and IIIA) who underwent distal radius metaphyseal core decompression that were followed-up for at least 10 years. At the last follow-up, the patients were evaluated for wrist range of motion and grip strength. The overall results were evaluated by the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analogue scale pain score. We also compared the radiological changes between the preoperative and final follow-up in their Lichtman classification and the modified carpal height ratio. Results The mean follow-up period was 13 years (range 10-18). Based on the modified Mayo Wrist Score, clinical results were excellent in 9 patients, good in 11 patients, fair in 2 and poor in one patient. The mean preoperative pain according to VAS was 7 (range 6-10) and was 1.1 (range 0-6) at the final follow-up. Compared with the opposite side, the average flexion/extension arc was 78% and the grip strength was 81%. Radiographic disease progression according to the Lichtman classification occurred in four wrists. Conclusion This long-term follow-up study shows that radius core decompression is a valid alternative for the treatment of the early stages of the kienbock disease.