Jean-Yves Beaulieu

Preliminary results of double nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion in upper type brachial plexus palsies.

Background: Restoration of elbow flexion is the main objective in the treatment of brachial plexus palsies affecting the upper roots. Transfer of the ulnar nerve to the nerve of the biceps has given satisfactory results, but the restored biceps is often weak in cases with avulsions of the C5-C6-C7 roots, in elderly patients, and after long preoperative delays. The authors decided to investigate a double nerve transfer: one or more fascicles of the ulnar nerve to the nerve to the biceps and a fascicle of the median nerve to the motor branch to the brachialis muscle. Methods: The authors operated on 15 patients using this technique. The authors have follow-up of more than 6 months in 10 of them. Six had C5-C6 injuries, three had C5-C6-C7 palsies, and one had sustained an infraclavicular injury. The average age was 27.2 years. The average delay before surgery was 6.6 months. The average follow-up was 12.1 months. Results: Grade 4 elbow flexion was restored in each of the 10 patients. In 10 cases, the patients were able to lift 1 to 5 kg. There was no secondary deficit in grip strength or sensation. Conclusions: The results of this technique compare favorably with those of other methods. The percentage of success and the strength of elbow flexion restored were increased without any morbidity. This technique will probably reduce the need for secondary procedures to augment elbow flexion. The authors propose double nerve transfer as a standard procedure in C5-C6 and C5-C6-C7 injuries.

New approaches in imaging of the brachial plexus

Imaging plays an essential role for the detection and analysis of pathologic conditions of the brachial plexus. Currently, several new techniques are used in addition to conventional 2D MR sequences to study the brachial plexus: the 3D STIR SPACE sequence, 3D heavily T2w MR myelography sequences (balanced SSFP=CISS 3D, True FISP 3D, bFFE and FIESTA), and the diffusion-weighted (DW) neurography sequence with fiber tracking reconstruction (tractography). The 3D STIR sequence offers complete anatomical coverage of the brachial plexus and the ability to slice through the volume helps to analyze fiber course modification and structure alteration. It allows precise assessment of distortion, compression and interruption of postganglionic nerve fibers thanks to the capability of performing maximum intensity projections (MIP) and multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs). The CISS 3D, b-SSFP sequences allow good visualization of nerve roots within the spinal canal and may be used for MR myelography in traumatic plexus injuries. The DW neurography sequence with tractography is still a work in progress, able to demonstrate nerves tracts, their structure alteration or deformation due to pathologic processes surrounding or located along the postganglionic brachial plexus. It may become a precious tool for the understanding of the underlying molecular pathophysiologic mechanisms in diseases affecting the brachial plexus and may play a role for surgical planning procedures in the near future.

Screw Impingement on the Extensor Tendons in Distal Radius Fractures Treated by Volar Plating: Sonographic Appearance

OBJECTIVEnThe objective of our study was to analyze the sonography examinations of nine consecutive patients with a history of distal radius fracture treated by open reduction and internal fixation of the volar plate who were referred by hand surgeons for sonography of the dorsal aspect of the wrist.nnnCONCLUSIONnWe postulate that impingement of the extensor tendons in patients with distal radius fracture treated by volar plating starts with local hyperemia and is followed by tenosynovitis and, finally, by partial and complete tendon tears. Sonography is an effective, dynamic, and noninvasive technique with which to diagnose and evaluate damage to the extensor tendons and their synovial sheaths.

Sonography of Masses of the Wrist and Hand

OBJECTIVEnThe aim of this article is to present the sonographic appearance of the most common masses of the wrist and hand and to discuss the role of sonography in their diagnosis.nnnCONCLUSIONnSonography is a readily available imaging technique that can detect and assess masses of the wrist and hand. Together with standard radiography, sonography can be used as a first-line radiologic technique in this field.

Occult fractures of the scaphoid: the role of ultrasonography in the emergency department

ObjectiveTo evaluate ultrasonography (US) performed by an emergency radiologist in patients with clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture and normal radiographs.Materials and methodsSixty-two consecutive adult patients admitted to our emergency department with clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture and normal radiographs underwent US examination of the scaphoid prior to wrist computed tomography (CT), within 3xa0days following wrist trauma. US examination was performed by a board-certified emergency radiologist, non-specialized in musculoskeletal imaging, using the linear probe (5-13xa0MHz) of the standard sonographic equipment of the emergency department. The radiologist evaluate for the presence of a cortical interruption of the scaphoid along with a radio-carpal or scapho-trapezium-trapezoid effusion. A CT of the wrist (reference standard) was performed in every patient, immediately after ultrasonography. Fractures were classified into two groups according to their potential for complication: group 1 (high potential, proximal or waist), group 2 (low-potential, distal or tubercle).ResultsA scaphoid fracture was demonstrated by CT in 13 (21%) patients: eight (62%) of them belonged to group 1 (three in the proximal pole, five in the waist), five (38%) to group 2 (three in the distal part, two in the tubercle). US was 92% sensitive (12/13) in demonstrating a scaphoid fracture. It was 100% sensitive (8/8) in demonstrating a fracture with a high potential of complication (group 1).ConclusionsOur data show that, in emergency settings, US can be used for the triage to CT in patients with clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture and normal radiographs.

High rate of complications associated with extrafocal kirschner wire pinning for distal radius fractures

Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation is a common technique aimed at treating unstable distal radius fractures. We report our experience with extrafocal K-wire fixation in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures in 34 patients (AO classification: 10 A2, 5 A3, 14 C1, and 5 C2). The patients median age was 63 years (range, 16-87 years). K-wires remained in place for a median duration period of 42 days, and a splint was applied during 44 days in median. The median follow-up was 2.5 years (range, 1.3-5 years). At the final follow-up examination, all patients were assessed clinically and bilateral radiographs were taken. The median final range of motion was 69 degrees /64 degrees for extension/flexion, 88 degrees/82 degrees for pronation/supination and 36 degrees/21 degrees for ulnar/radial deviation. Grip strength was 81% of the contralateral side. Using the Gartland-Werley score, 12 patients (35%) had excellent results, 17 (50%) good, and five patients (15%) had fair results. The median final radiographic dorsal tilt was 4.5 degrees (range, 0-14 degrees) and 79% of patients had a loss of volar reduction (median 8 degrees). Radial inclination was in median 20 degrees (range, 10-32 degrees) with 82% of the patients with loss of reduction (median 5 degrees). Radial shortening was in median 0.9 mm (range, -2 to +5 mm) and 62% of patients had median loss of radial length of 1.1mm. Radial shortening was the major source of pain due to ulnar impingement. We found a high complication rate, with 15 patients (44%) suffering from at least one of the 30 reported complications. We did not find any direct correlation between radiographic results and mobility. Although good clinical outcome may be obtained, K-wire fixation cannot be routinely recommended.

Review of the principal extra spinal pathologies causing sciatica and new MRI approaches

In this paper we illustrate the principal extraspinal pathologies causing sciatica and new approaches for the study of structures such as the lumbosacral plexus (LSP). Visualisation of the LSP in its entirety is difficult with conventional two-dimensional MRI sequences owing to its oblique orientation. In our institution, we have found that the utilisation of three-dimensional short tau inversion-recovery sampling perfection with application-optimised contrasts using different flip angle evolutions sequence is helpful, allowing multiplanar and maximum intensity projection reconstructions in the coronal oblique plane and curvilinear reformats through the plexus. Diffusion tensor imaging enables the observation of microstructural changes and can be useful in surgical planning. The normal anatomy of the LSP, its different extraspinal pathologies and differential diagnoses are thoroughly presented.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections of the hand

UNLABELLEDnNon-tuberculous mycobacterial infections of the hand are difficult to treat and require a long time before remission. But how long should we wait to see an improvement? To answer this question, the published scientific literature was reviewed in English, French and German. Tuberculosis, arthritis and osteomyelitis cases were excluded. A total of 241 non-tuberculous mycobacterial hand infections in 38 scientific publications were retrieved. Most were case reports or series. The median age of the patients was 58years and one third was female. Patients were immunocompromised in 17 episodes. The most common species were Mycobacterium marinum in 198 episodes (82%), followed by M. chelonae in 13 cases (5%). There were no cases of mixed infection. Most infections were aquatic in origin and community-acquired, and were treated with a combination of surgical debridement and long-duration systemic combination antibiotic therapy (14 different regimens; no local antibiotics) for a median duration of 6months. The median number of surgical procedures was 2.5 (range 1-5). Clinical success was not immediate: a median period of 3months (range 2-6) was necessary before the first signs of improvement were observed. The majority (173 cases; 76%) remained entirely cured after a median follow-up time of 1.7years (range, 1-6). Only two microbiological recurrences occurred (1%). However, 49 patients (21%) had long-term sequelae such as pain, stiffness and swelling. The approach of long-duration antibiotic treatment in combination with repeated surgery for mycobacterial soft tissue infections of the hand leads to few recurrences. However, clinical success is not immediate and may take up to 3months.nnnTYPE OF STUDYnTherapeutic study: systematic review of level III studies.nnnLEVEL OF EVIDENCEnIII.

Proximal row carpectomy in emergency

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a well-accepted procedure for the treatment of early post-traumatic degenerative disease of the wrist. Much less frequently, PRC has been advocated as an emergency procedure for irreparable fracture-dislocation of the wrist. Our objective was to compare the results of PRC in patients having undergone this procedure in the two contexts. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiographic results of six patients treated by emergency PRC as compared to six patients who underwent elective PRC. The mean follow-up was 36 months. Both the patients satisfaction and the grasp of the wrist joint were significantly better in patients who underwent PRC emergency as compared to those having undergone elective PRC. Quick DASH score, radiographic results, and return to work were also more favourable in these patients, but the difference between the two groups was not significant. This study confirms that PRC is a valuable salvage technique indicated in early posttraumatic wrist collapse. Moreover, when performed in emergency, the procedure shows even better subjective and objective results, allowing a majority of patients to return to their previous job.

Investigation of radialization and rerouting of the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) in the abduction deformity of the little finger: a cadaver study

BackgroundOne of several operations to correct abduction deformity of the little finger, (Wartenberg’s sign) in ulnar nerve palsy, is a combined procedure that radializes the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) at the level of the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and reroutes it from the fifth to fourth extensor compartment. This cadaveric study was designed to investigate the impact of both elements on adduction.Materials and MethodsAnatomy of the little finger extensor apparatus was studied in 16 freshly frozen cadaver hands sectioned at mid forearm. We observed little finger motion after different modifications of the EDM. We tested the effect of a rerouting maneuver by pulling on the EDM, as well as radialization of the EDM alone and in combination with rerouting.ResultsThe EDM was present in all cases. Little finger extensor digitorum communis (EDCV) was missing in two cadavers. In no case was adduction created by rerouting the EDM to the fourth compartment. Radialization of the EDM corrected the abduction deformity beyond the axis of abduction/adduction of the fifth MCP joint in 13 cases and only up to it in three cases. In one of the three with limited correction, a rerouting maneuver allowed for further adduction.ConclusionThe key to correct abduction deformity of the little finger is radialization of the EDM, which can be done through a solitary incision at the level of the MCP joint. Rerouting alone does not correct the abduction deformity, and in combination with radialization it does not predictably enhance the correction.