Clayton A. Peimer

Reactive synovitis after silicone arthroplasty

A number of patients with silicone rubber implants performed by us and other surgeons initially had excellent results; however, they returned with swelling and discomfort. We studied 18 patients ranging in age from 16 years to 57 years who presented 8 to 78 months (average, 31.7 months) after silicone arthroplasty (four scaphoid, six lunate, one scapholunate, four finger, two wrist, one trapezium, and one ulnar head for metacarpal hemiarthroplasty). Erosive osteolysis was seen on x-ray films, with progressive destruction evident in patients followed serially. None of the patients conditions responded to conservative care. The severity of the proliferative, inflammatory synovitis and the foreign material in the multinucleated giant cells correlated with the interval since arthroplasty. Implant surface analysis by scanning electron microscope and x-ray spectrometer showed that silicone microparticles were the result of implant degeneration and erosion. All joint cultures were negative. Silicone particulate synovitis and destruction were arrested by the removal of the implant, a synovectomy, and curettage of the lytic lesions at salvage (resection arthroplasty or arthrodesis). Patients who have had silicone arthroplasties should be followed indefinitely, at regular intervals, by x-ray films and clinical examination.

Severe fractures of the distal radius: Effect of amount and duration of external fixator distraction on outcome

Although severe intra-articular fractures of the distal radius are often treated with external fixation/distraction, little attention has been devoted to the amount and duration of fixator distraction required to maximize outcome. To determine these effects, we conducted a retrospective study of 26 patients whose primary treatment was external fixation/distraction. Patients were evaluated by chart review, questionnaire, x-ray films, and physical examination an average of 104 weeks after injury. The carpal height index was used to quantify distraction. Scores for pain, function, wrist motion, and grip strength and the total score were adversely affected in proportion to the increase in carpal height index by distraction. Outcome was adversely affected as the duration of distraction increased. Motion scores were affected most. Overall, patients recovered at least 75% of motion and grip strength, and 85% attained New York Orthopedic Hospital grades of good or excellent. These are the first data to show that there are potential adverse effects from increasing amounts of distraction and prolonged use of the external fixator.

Mallet finger: results of early versus delayed closed treatment.

The efficacy of continuous splinting was retrospectively compared in two populations of 40 patients with soft tissue and bony mallet finger whose treatment was initiated within 2 weeks after injury (early) or more than 4 weeks after trauma (delayed). Splint treatment was successful in restoring active extension (with no more than 10 degrees extensor lag) in 17 of 21 patients in the early group and 15 of 19 patients in the delayed group. Neither the presence or absence of dorsal lip fracture less than one third of the articular surface of the distal phalanx nor the type of splint used affected the final outcome. Splinting was as effective in the delayed treatment population as it was in the early treatment population.

Wrist position and extensor tendon amplitude following repair

After primary repair of severed extensor tendons, various methods are used to limit tendon adhesions and avoid rupture. Early passive digital motion with wrist extension (a reverse Kleinert protocol) has been advocated. However, there are no data to support an optimum wrist position or to indicate how much finger motion may safely be permitted. In this study we used eight fresh cadaver limbs to measure extensor tendon gliding in Verdans zones 3 to 8 when active grip and passive extension were simulated at different wrist positions. We found that if the wrist is extended more than 21 degrees, the extensor tendon glides with little or no tension in zones 5 and 6 throughout full simulated grip to full passive extension, permitting passive motion exercises to minimize tendon adhesions without risking rupture. In addition, we found that up to 6.4 mm of tendon can be debrided safely and full grip can still be permitted postoperatively if the wrist is splinted at 45 degrees extension.

Palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Fifteen patients with palmar dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint were reviewed 6 to 49 months after treatment (average 17.8 months). Disruption of the extensor mechanism, palmar plate, and one collateral ligament was found in all patients. The loss of static and dynamic joint support caused palmar subluxation, malrotation, and a boutonnière deformity. Two dislocations were irreducible, and three were associated with dorsal avulsion fractures from the middle phalanx. The serious nature of the injuries from this dislocation was initially unrecognized, and most patients were casually treated; delay from injury to referral averaged more than 11 weeks. Twelve of the 15 required surgery for joint reduction and tendon and ligament repair; three treated earlier were managed by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Joint alignment, comfort, and stability were restored, and all returned to full activities including heavy labor. However, a full range of PIP motion was not recovered in any case.

Ideal scaphoid angle for intercarpal arthrodesis

This experimental study was conducted to determine the best scaphoid position, measured as the radioscaphoid (RS) angle for optimum wrist motion after scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) and scaphocapitate (SC) fusion and to assess the implications of radial styloidectomy on motion after STT fusion. STT and SC fusions were simulated in six fresh cadaver hands with the scaphoid in horizontal, neutral, and vertical positions with respect to the long axis of the radius seen on lateral x-rays. RS angle and wrist motion were measured on x-ray films before and after each simulated arthrodesis. Radial deviation and wrist extension increased as the RS angle increased (i.e., increased as the scaphoid became more nearly vertical). Ulnar deviation and flexion decreased as the scaphoid became more nearly horizontal. We found no statistically significant differences in RS angle between SST and SC fusions with respect to ulnar deviation, flexion, or extension. However, radial deviation was more sensitive to RS angle after STT fusion than after SC fusion, but the differences were not statistically significant. The ideal radioscaphoid angle (range) for maximal wrist motion when STT fusion is performed is 41 to 60 degrees; when SC fusion is performed, it is 30 to 57 degrees. Motion is not improved by radial styloidectomy after simulated STT fusion.

Sonographically guided percutaneous carpal tunnel release: An anatomic and cadaveric study

Minimally invasive techniques have become the standard of care for multiple procedures. This paper demonstrates both the surgeons’ capacity to perform an accurate anatomic evaluation of the hand and forearm (n = 10) and the use of this anatomic information to accurately perform sonographically guided, percutaneous carpal tunnel release using a single-portal endoscope without direct or indirect visualization in a cadaver model (n = 6). Open dissection was then performed to confirm complete ligament transection and to evaluate the surrounding structures for injury. In all 6 cadavers, the transverse carpal ligament was transected completely without injury to any surrounding structures. With further investigation, this novel technique may offer a less invasive, office-based method for the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome that may offer patients an expedited recovery.

Tenosynovial injection for carpal tunnel syndrome

Although local steroid injection into the tenosynovium is a frequent treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, it involves some risk and is not always effective. We simulated injection on 16 fresh cadaver forearms, instilling 1 ml (group 1) or 2 ml (group 2) of methylene blue at 1 cm or 3 cm proximal to the most distal wrist crease. Passive flexion and extension were simulated 2 minutes after injection by application of traction to the appropriate digital tendons. Specimens were dissected under loupe magnification from midpalm to midforearm, dye diffusion was quantified and photographed, sections of the carpal tunnel and contents were graded for presence of dye, and average values were determined for each of the four groups. Diffusion of dye was best in group 2B in which 2 ml was injected 3 cm proximal to the distal wrist flexion crease.

Reduction osteotomy for triphalangeal thumb: An 11-year review

Since 1977 we have operated on 13 of 15 triphalangeal thumbs in nine children (five boys, four girls). Follow-up ranged from 22 to 134 months (mean, 65 months). Total active motion averaged 63 degrees at the interphalangeal joint and 79 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint. There was no evidence of instability or laxity of ligaments. Reduction osteotomy was insufficient to shorten grossly long thumbs of two patients, and it was necessary to shorten the metacarpal. Premature closure of the phalangeal physis occurred in two thumbs but did not result in inadequate length; one postoperative pin-tract infection resulted in nonunion that required reoperation. This long-term experience supports reduction osteotomy for triphalangeal thumbs because it addresses the deformities and preserves both motion and stability.

Acute gonococcal flexor tenosynovitis-Case report and literature review

A case of gonococcal synovitis of the flexor tendon sheath of the thumb was treated by closed irrigation and systemic antibiotics, after failure of antibiotics alone, with prompt resolution.