Christer Sollerman

Sollerman Hand Function Test: A Standardised Method and its Use in Tetraplegic Patients

A standardised hand function test based on seven of the eight most common hand grips is reported. The test consists of 20 activities of daily living. The test procedure and the method of scoring are described as is our evaluation of the validity and reliability of the test. Fifty-nine tetraplegic patients were evaluated using the test before reconstructive surgery to their hands. The test score correlated well with the accepted international functional classification of the patients arm (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). The mean test score in the arms of patients lacking sensation was significantly lower than in those with tactile gnosis (O:1-3 compared with OCu:1-3, p < 0.001).

Diagnosis of displaced ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophlanageal joint of the thumb

In a prospective study of 24 consecutive patients with posttraumatic instability of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, clinical examination including instability tests and palpation of displaced ulnar collateral ligaments was used to separate the patients into two groups--nondisplaced and displaced ruptures. Palpable displaced ruptures were treated surgically, whereas nonpalpable ruptures were interpreted as nondisplaced and were treated with plaster, irrespective of the instability. At follow-up 1 year later both groups showed similar results with respect to stability, strength, and function. Our results indicate that a clinical examination with palpation of the torn ligament ends identifies displaced ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament, i.e., those cases needing surgery. Nondisplaced ruptures might be treated nonoperatively.

A SIX-WEEK HAND EXERCISE PROGRAMME IMPROVES STRENGTH AND HAND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of hand exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to compare the results with healthy controls. METHODS Forty women (20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 20 healthy controls) performed a hand exercise programme. The results were evaluated after 6 and 12 weeks with hand force measurements (with a finger extension force measurement device (EX-it) and finger flexion force measurement with Grippit). Hand function was evaluated with the Grip Ability Test (GAT) and with patient relevant questionnaires (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36). Ultrasound measurements were performed on m. extensor digitorum communis for analysis of the muscle response to the exercise programme. RESULTS The extension and flexion force improved in both groups after 6 weeks (p < 0.01). Hand function (GAT) also improved in both groups (p < 0.01). The rheumatoid arthritis group showed improvement in the results of the DASH questionnaire (p < 0.05). The cross-sectional area of the extensor digitorum communis increased significantly in both groups measured with ultrasound. CONCLUSION A significant improvement in hand force and hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was seen after 6 weeks of hand training; the improvement was even more pronounced after 12 weeks. Hand exercise is thus an effective intervention for rheumatoid arthritis patients, leading to better strength and function.

The Artelon CMC spacer compared with tendon interposition arthroplasty.

Background and purpose The Artelon CMC spacer is designed for surgical treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb (CMC-I). Good results using this degradable device were previously presented in a pilot study. We now present results from a larger randomized, controlled, multicenter study. Patients and methods 109 patients (94 females) with a mean age of 60 (42–83) years, suffering from painful CMC OA, were included in the study at 7 centers in Sweden. The patients were randomized to Artelon CMC spacer (test, n = 72) or tendon arthroplasty (control, n = 37) at a ratio of 2:1. Perceived pain was recorded on a visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months, when measuring maximal tripod pinch strength (primary outcome measure). In addition, range of motion, radiographic findings, and functional testing were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Results Swelling and pain were more common in the test group and 6 implants were removed because of such symptoms. 5 of these patients did not receive antibiotics preoperatively according to the study protocol. In a per-protocol analysis, i.e. patients without signs of concomitant OA in the scaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid (STT) joint and those in the test group who received antibiotics, the mean difference in tripod pinch strength increase, adjusted for baseline, was 1.4 kg in favor of the test group (not statistically significant). Statistically significant pain relief was achieved in both groups, with perceived pain gradually decreasing during the follow-up period. In the intention-to-treat analysis but not in the per-protocol analysis, significantly better pain relief (VAS) was obtained in the control group. Patient-perceived disability evaluated by the DASH questionnaire improved in both groups. Interpretation The Artelon CMC spacer did not show superior results compared to tendon interposition arthroplasty. Proper use of preoperative antibiotics and a thorough patient selection appear to be important for the results.

Functional splinting versus plaster cast for ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb : a prospective randomized study of 63 cases

In a prospective randomized study that included 63 consecutive thumbs with injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb, plaster cast immobilization was compared with functional treatment with a splint. The splint allowed flexion and extension of the MCP joint, but prevented ulnar and radial deviation of the thumb. The study included both operated on and nonoperated on cases where surgery was performed only when the torn ligament was regarded as displaced. Of 40 thumbs treated nonsurgically, 21 were treated with a cast and 19 with a splint. Of 23 thumbs treated surgically, 10 were immobilized postoperatively in a plaster cast and 13 were treated with the splint. At the follow-up examination after 15 (11-41) months, there was no difference between the treatment groups as regards stability, range of motion, strength of the injured thumb, and length of sick leave. However, the patients considered the splint more comfortable than plaster cast immobilization. We conclude that immobilization of the thumb after a ligamentous injury with a movable splint is strongly preferred by the patients and that the functional results of this technique are equal to plaster cast immobilization after both surgical and nonsurgical treatment.

Osseointegrated silicone implants. 18 patients with 57 MCP joints followed for 2 years.

20 patients were operated on consecutively with osseointegrated MCP joint prostheses in 64 joints at our department between September 1993 and February 1995. The one-stage procedure included joint resection and cancellous bone grafting from the iliac crest before insertion of screw-shaped titanium fixtures, connected with a flexible silicone spacer. 18 patients (57 joints) were clinically and radiographically examined at median 28 (18-37) months postoperatively. Indications for surgery were joint destruction due to chronic arthritis in 17 patients (56 joints), and posttraumatic arthrosis in 1 patient (1 joint). Postoperative median range of motion was 40 (15-85) degrees, with an extension deficit of 30 (-20-70) degrees. 16 patients were satisfied, and had good pain relief and substantially improved postoperative hand function, evaluated with the standardized Sollerman hand function test. Radiographic osseointegration was obtained in 112 of 114 titanium fixtures (98%), but fracture of the silicone spacer was observed in 14 implants (25%). We conclude that osseointegration of longitudinal titanium fixtures in the bone marrow canal is possible in a one-stage procedure, but our findings show the need for a new, more durable joint spacer.

Silastic replacement of the trapezium for arthrosis--a twelve year follow-up study.

Thirty-three patients with 39 Swanson silastic trapezium implants have been studied. Three years after operation no dislocation or evidence of implant wear was found, but re-examination at an average of 12 years after operation revealed dislocations and implant wear in about half of the cases. Cyst formation in surrounding carpal bones was found in twenty cases. The result in terms of pain relief and thumb function was good and comparable to the three-year follow-up. A significant correlation was found between weakness of the pinch grip and dislocation of the implant. No correlation was found between pain and dislocation of the implants, nor between pain and presence of intraosseous cysts.

Repair of Osteochondral Defects in the Rabbit Knee with Goretex™ (Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene)

In 28 knee joints in 14 rabbits 4 mm circular osteochondral defects were created in each medial femoral condyle. In 24 of the knee joints 4 mm Gore-TexTM (E-PTFE) patches were glued into the defects with fibrin glue. Four joints were left without implants and served as controls. In 16 joints the membrane showed good macroscopic incorporation into the joint surface. In four joints the E-PTFE patches were lying loose. In the controls the defects were covered by thin irregular layers of reparative tissue. On histological examination at 12 weeks, cells were seen proliferating through the membrane and overlying its joint facing surface with the morphological appearance of the outer layers of the normal articular surface. We conclude that Gore-TexTM might be of potential value in restoring the architecture of a damaged articular surface.

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of a digital nerve

Lipofibromatous hamartoma is a rare, benign tumor, most often affecting the median nerve. Our case involved the volar radial digital nerve of the index finger, treated with a partial excision of the tumor. Important nerve branches should not be sacrificed in order to achieve radical excision.

Replacement of the os trapezium by polyurethane implants

Twenty-five patients with arthrosis of the first carpometacarpal joint had the os trapezium replaced by a polyurethane implant (Tecoflex), and the results were evaluated after three years (range 28-47 months). There were three failures in which the implants had been removed because of dislocation with pain. The clinical results in the remaining 22 cases in terms of relief of pain and thumb function were comparable with previous series of silicone implants. Radiographic examination showed no signs of bone resorption or other unfavourable tissue reactions around the implants, but subluxation of the implants was seen in half of the cases. Implant subluxation might be caused by poor design of the implant or the limited amount of fibrous foreign-body reaction around the polyurethane material that resulted in less firm encapsulation than occurred around silicone implants.