C. K. Spies

Early diagnosis and treatment.

Congratulations to the authors for choosing this important topic (1). As shown in their review, regeneration after nerve reconstruction is by no means guaranteed (1), in particular not in older patients (2). The most common nerve injury – damage to the median nerve during carpal tunnel surgery (1) – often occurs in middle-aged/ older patients where the prognosis for regeneration is not always favorable. Full recovery of motor function is the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, tendon transfers should already be considered at the time of nerve reconstruction (3). Especially proximal nerve damages with long regeneration distances have a poor prognosis, e.g. injury to the radial nerve associated with osteosynthesis of fractures of the humerus. The various tendon transfers to restore motor function are detailed in the AWMF guidelines for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, a publication rightfully cited by the authors of the review.

Die Instabilität des distalen Radioulnargelenks – Zur Wertigkeit klinischer und röntgenologischer Testverfahren – eine Literaturübersicht

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) plays a tremendous role regarding the functionality of the upper extremity. Lesions of the DRUJ can limit the functionality of the upper extremity decisively. Many clinical and radiological procedures are used to diagnose instability of the DRUJ. Up to now, there has not been a general consensus concerning the standardisation of the evaluation of DRUJ instability. The TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) with its ligamentum subcruentum insertions at the fovea ulnaris and at the basis of the processus styloideus ulnae is in conjunction with the membrana interossea a very important stabiliser of the DRUJ. A fall on the extended hand or a forceful wrist rotation can usually cause injuries to the stabilisers. Ulnar-sided pain, limited pronosupination and loss of grip strength are clinically apparent. Both clinical tests and radiological procedures should be judged regarding their specific efficacies. These tests have to be evaluated in comparison to the gold standard of wrist arthroscopy. Each test alone is not able to verify DRUJ instability on a regular basis. The introduction of a standardised diagnostic procedure including anamnesis and specific clinical and radiological tests should be established. The standardisation ought to be maintained strictly in order to guarantee a growing test efficacy. Finally, high diagnostic reliability is based on a thorough examination which includes complementary clinical and radiological procedures.

Efficacy of Bone Source™ and Cementek™ in comparison with Endobon™ in critical size metaphyseal defects, using a minipig model

Introduction To examine and compare biocompatibility, osteocompatibility, rate of resorption, and remodelling dynamics of 2 calcium phosphate cements in comparison with a well-established hydroxyapatite ceramic. Materials and methods In a randomised fashion, Bone Source™, Cementek™, and Endobon™ were implanted bilaterally into the proximal metaphyseal tibiae of 35 Göttinger minipigs in a direct right vs. left intra-individual comparison. Fluorescent labelling was used. Histological and morphometric evaluations were carried out at 6, 12, and 52 weeks. Results All bone substitutes showed good biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity. Endobon™ was not degraded over the follow-up period. Cementek™ was degraded constantly and significantly over the time intervals, whereas Bone Source™ was degraded mainly from the 6 week to 12 week interval. After 52 weeks, a significant difference of residual material within the defect zone was detected between all substitutes, with the highest resorption rate for Cementek™. Bone Source™ was least degraded. Defects filled with Endobon™ were characterised by a significantly continuous bony ingrowth over the time intervals. Bone formation within the defects filled with Cementek™ and Bone Source™ showed significant peaks 12 weeks after implantation. After 52 weeks, a significant difference in the amount of new bone within the defect area was detected, with the highest levels for Endobon™, followed by Cementek™. Conclusion After 1 year a restitutio ad integrum could not be observed in any treatment group. The ceramic Endobon™ showed the expected response histologically. Based on its porosity it excelled in osteoconductivity. Concerning the calcium phosphate cements, a thorough osseous incorporation seemed to inhibit further degradation of both bone substitute materials.

Instabilität des distalen Radioulnargelenks

Injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may be fatal to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This structure is one of the crucial stabilizers and guarantees unrestricted pronosupination of the forearm. A systematic examination is mandatory to diagnose DRUJ instability reliably. A clinical examination in comparison to the contralateral side is obligatory. Plain radiographs are required to exclude osseous lesions or deformities. Computed tomography of both wrists in neutral, pronation and supination is necessary to verify DRUJ instability in ambiguous situations. Based on a systematic examination wrist and DRUJ arthroscopy identify lesions clearly. Injuries of the radioulnar ligaments which entail DRUJ instability, should be reconstructed preferably anatomically. Ulnar-sided TFCC lesions may often cause DRUJ instability. Osseous ligament avulsions are mostly treated osteosynthetically. Ligament tears may be refixated using anchor or transosseous sutures. Tendon transplants are necessary for an anatomical reconstruction in cases of irreparable ruptures.ZusammenfassungVerletzungen des triangulären fibrokartilaginären Komplexes (TFCC) können sich fatal auf das distale Radioulnargelenk (DRUG) auswirken. Als einer der wichtigsten Stabilisatoren gewährleistet dieser Komplex die einwandfreie Umwendbewegung des Unterarms. Um eine DRUG-Instabilität zu diagnostizieren, bedarf es eines systematischen Untersuchungsablaufs. Die klinische Untersuchung im Seitenvergleich ist elementarer Bestandteil. Die nativradiologische Diagnostik zum Ausschluss knöcherner Läsionen ist obligat. Bei zweifelhaften Befunden ist ein Rotations-CT beider Handgelenke in Neutralstellung, Pronation und Supination durchzuführen, um die Instabilität zu objektivieren. Darauf aufbauend identifiziert die Arthroskopie des Handgelenks, einschließlich des DRUG, die Verletzung exakt. Die Läsionen der radioulnaren Ligamente, die zur DRUG-Instabilität führen, sollten bevorzugt anatomisch behoben werden. In der Regel verursachen ulnare TFCC-Läsionen eine DRUG-Instabilität. Knöcherne Bandausrisse werden meist osteosynthetisch behandelt. Ligamentäre Verletzungen können transossär oder über Ankernähte refixiert werden. Die anatomische Bandplastik mit Sehnentransplantat ist nur bei nicht rekonstruierbaren Rupturen erforderlich.AbstractInjuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may be fatal to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This structure is one of the crucial stabilizers and guarantees unrestricted pronosupination of the forearm. A systematic examination is mandatory to diagnose DRUJ instability reliably. A clinical examination in comparison to the contralateral side is obligatory. Plain radiographs are required to exclude osseous lesions or deformities. Computed tomography of both wrists in neutral, pronation and supination is necessary to verify DRUJ instability in ambiguous situations. Based on a systematic examination wrist and DRUJ arthroscopy identify lesions clearly. Injuries of the radioulnar ligaments which entail DRUJ instability, should be reconstructed preferably anatomically. Ulnar-sided TFCC lesions may often cause DRUJ instability. Osseous ligament avulsions are mostly treated osteosynthetically. Ligament tears may be refixated using anchor or transosseous sutures. Tendon transplants are necessary for an anatomical reconstruction in cases of irreparable ruptures.

Functionality after arthroscopic debridement of central triangular fibrocartilage tears with central perforations.

PURPOSE To investigate functional and subjective outcome parameters after arthroscopic debridement of central articular disc lesions (Palmer type 2C) and to correlate these findings with ulna length. METHODS Fifty patients (15 men; 35 women; mean age, 47 y) with Palmer type 2C lesions underwent arthroscopic debridement. Nine of these patients (3 men; 6 women; mean static ulnar variance, 2.4 mm; SD, 0.5 mm) later underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy because of persistent pain and had a mean follow-up of 36 months. Mean follow-up was 38 months for patients with debridement only (mean static ulnar variance, 0.5 mm; SD, 1.2 mm). Examination parameters included range of motion, grip and pinch strengths, pain (visual analog scale), and functional outcome scores (Modified Mayo Wrist score [MMWS] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH] questionnaire). RESULTS Patients who had debridement only reached a DASH questionnaire score of 18 and an MMWS of 89 with significant pain reduction from 7.6 to 2.0 on the visual analog scale. Patients with additional ulnar shortening reached a DASH questionnaire score of 18 and an MMWS of 88, with significant pain reduction from 7.4 to 2.5. Neither surgical treatment compromised grip and pinch strength in comparison with the contralateral side. We identified 1.8 mm or more of positive ulnar variance as an indication for early ulnar shortening in the case of persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after arthroscopic debridement. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic debridement was a sufficient and reliable treatment option for the majority of patients with Palmer type 2C lesions. Because reliable predictors of the necessity for ulnar shortening are lacking, we recommend arthroscopic debridement as a first-line treatment for all triangular fibrocartilage 2C lesions, and, in the presence of persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, ulnar shortening osteotomy after an interval of 6 months. Ulnar shortening proved to be sufficient and safe for these patients. Patients with persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after debridement who had preoperative static positive ulnar variance of 1.8 mm or more may be treated by ulnar shortening earlier in order to spare them prolonged symptoms. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.

Anatomical transosseous fixation of the deep and superficial fibers of the radioulnar ligaments

IntroductionThe triangular fibrocartilage complex is in conjunction with the interosseous membrane the most important stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint. Lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex may cause instability of the distal radioulnar joint with serious consequences. Therefore, the goal is to reconstruct and provide stability to prevent further harm.Surgical techniqueBased on the anatomical configuration of the radioulnar ligaments, we present a technique which addresses both the deep and the superficial fibers of the radioulnar ligaments. This surgical procedure can be performed either openly or arthroscopically assisted. Two osseous 2-mm tunnels starting from the ulnar neck to the foveal surface are created. A nonabsorbable suture is passed through the tunnels and the triangular fibrocartilage using a 20-gauge venipuncture needle in order to attach the deep fibers. Then a third osseous tunnel starting from the lateral base of the styloid process to the medial aspect is created. The suture is passed through this tunnel and through the triangular fibrocartilage and around the styloid process palmarily using the same needle as before in order to anchor the superficial fibers anatomically. After reducing the ulna head the sutures are tightened.ConclusionThis technique is quite simple and addresses the anatomical configuration of the radioulnar ligaments.

The distal radial decompression osteotomy for ulnar impingement syndrome

IntroductionThe decompression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is performed by ulnar translation of the radial shaft proximal to the sigmoid notch, i.e. detensioning of the distal part of the interosseous membrane (DIOM) while containment of the DRUJ is achieved by closed wedge osteotomy of the radius. The osteotomy shortens the radius which entails detensioning of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).Surgical techniqueFacilitating the modified Henry approach to the distal palmar radius a radial based wedge osteotomy is applied. The proximal osteotomy is proximal to the ulnar head and distal osteotomy is proximal to the sigmoid notch to prevent iatrogenic impingement. Ulnar translation of the radial shaft is performed to loosen the DIOM. The closed wedge osteotomy reduces radial inclination which will foster containment of the DRUJ.ConclusionDistal radial decompression osteotomy of the DRUJ preserves DRUJ function while relieving painful impingement. Further surgical interventions are not compromised in case of failure.

[Instability of the distal radioulnar joint: Treatment options for ulnar lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex].

Injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may be fatal to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This structure is one of the crucial stabilizers and guarantees unrestricted pronosupination of the forearm. A systematic examination is mandatory to diagnose DRUJ instability reliably. A clinical examination in comparison to the contralateral side is obligatory. Plain radiographs are required to exclude osseous lesions or deformities. Computed tomography of both wrists in neutral, pronation and supination is necessary to verify DRUJ instability in ambiguous situations. Based on a systematic examination wrist and DRUJ arthroscopy identify lesions clearly. Injuries of the radioulnar ligaments which entail DRUJ instability, should be reconstructed preferably anatomically. Ulnar-sided TFCC lesions may often cause DRUJ instability. Osseous ligament avulsions are mostly treated osteosynthetically. Ligament tears may be refixated using anchor or transosseous sutures. Tendon transplants are necessary for an anatomical reconstruction in cases of irreparable ruptures.ZusammenfassungVerletzungen des triangulären fibrokartilaginären Komplexes (TFCC) können sich fatal auf das distale Radioulnargelenk (DRUG) auswirken. Als einer der wichtigsten Stabilisatoren gewährleistet dieser Komplex die einwandfreie Umwendbewegung des Unterarms. Um eine DRUG-Instabilität zu diagnostizieren, bedarf es eines systematischen Untersuchungsablaufs. Die klinische Untersuchung im Seitenvergleich ist elementarer Bestandteil. Die nativradiologische Diagnostik zum Ausschluss knöcherner Läsionen ist obligat. Bei zweifelhaften Befunden ist ein Rotations-CT beider Handgelenke in Neutralstellung, Pronation und Supination durchzuführen, um die Instabilität zu objektivieren. Darauf aufbauend identifiziert die Arthroskopie des Handgelenks, einschließlich des DRUG, die Verletzung exakt. Die Läsionen der radioulnaren Ligamente, die zur DRUG-Instabilität führen, sollten bevorzugt anatomisch behoben werden. In der Regel verursachen ulnare TFCC-Läsionen eine DRUG-Instabilität. Knöcherne Bandausrisse werden meist osteosynthetisch behandelt. Ligamentäre Verletzungen können transossär oder über Ankernähte refixiert werden. Die anatomische Bandplastik mit Sehnentransplantat ist nur bei nicht rekonstruierbaren Rupturen erforderlich.AbstractInjuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may be fatal to the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This structure is one of the crucial stabilizers and guarantees unrestricted pronosupination of the forearm. A systematic examination is mandatory to diagnose DRUJ instability reliably. A clinical examination in comparison to the contralateral side is obligatory. Plain radiographs are required to exclude osseous lesions or deformities. Computed tomography of both wrists in neutral, pronation and supination is necessary to verify DRUJ instability in ambiguous situations. Based on a systematic examination wrist and DRUJ arthroscopy identify lesions clearly. Injuries of the radioulnar ligaments which entail DRUJ instability, should be reconstructed preferably anatomically. Ulnar-sided TFCC lesions may often cause DRUJ instability. Osseous ligament avulsions are mostly treated osteosynthetically. Ligament tears may be refixated using anchor or transosseous sutures. Tendon transplants are necessary for an anatomical reconstruction in cases of irreparable ruptures.

Biomechanical comparison of transosseous re-fixation of the deep fibres of the distal radioulnar ligaments versus deep and superficial fibres: a cadaver study

PurposeWe hypothesized that the re-fixation of the deep and superficial fibres of the distal radioulnar ligaments provide improved stability compared to reconstruction of the deep fibres alone.MethodsFourteen fresh-frozen cadaver upper extremities were used for biomechanical testing. Transosseous re-fixation of the deep fibres of the distal radioulnar ligaments alone (single mattress suture group; n = 7) was compared to the transosseous re-attachment of the deep and superficial fibres (double mattress suture group; n = 7). Cyclic load application provoked palmar translation of the radius with respect to the rigidly affixed ulna. Creep, stiffness, and hysteresis were obtained from the load-deformation curves, respectively. Testing was done in neutral forearm rotation, 60° pronation, and 60° supination.ResultsThe re-fixation techniques did not differ significantly regarding the viscoelastic parameters creep, hysteresis, and stiffness. Several significant differences of one cycle to the consecutive one within each re-fixation group could be detected especially for creep and hysteresis. No significant differences between the different forearm positions could be detected for each viscoelastic parameter.ConclusionsThe re-fixation techniques did not differ significantly regarding creep, hysteresis, and stiffness. This means that the additional re-attachment of the superficial fibres may not provide greater stability to the DRUJ. Bearing in mind that the study was a cadaver examination with a limited number of specimens we may suppose that the re-attachment of the superficial fibres seem to be unnecessary. A gradual decline of creep and hysteresis from first to last loading-unloading cycle is to be expected and typical of ligaments which are viscoelastic.

Sonographical parameters of the finger pulley system in healthy adults

AbstractIntroduction To establish normative values of tendon to bone distances (TBDs) to evaluate the A2 and A4 annular pulley integrity, we hypothesized that these values correlate with gender, athletic exercise, occupation, individual’s age and body height.Methods Ultrasonography of 200 healthy individuals was performed prospectively. TBDs for the A2 and A4 pulley sections were measured for all fingers. Evaluation was performed in resting position and active forced flexion. Examination parameters included gender, age, body height, occupation, athletic exercise level, and hand dominance. Assessment of resting position and active forced flexion was done.ResultsNo clinically relevant differences of TBDs with respect to the aforementioned parameters were observed. But TBDs were significantly greater in active forced flexion than in resting position for all measured pulley sections. Intraobserver reliability was very satisfactory.ConclusionsEstablishing normative values will help to detect injured pulleys more precisely and examination should be performed both in resting position and active forced flexion.