John D. Wyrick

Motion-preserving procedures in the treatment of scapholunate advanced collapse wrist: Proximal row carpectomy versus four-corner arthrodesis*

Seventeen patients were treated with scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis (lunate, capitate, hamate, triquetrum) for scapholunate advanced collapse wrist and followed for a mean of 27 months. Eleven wrists in 10 patients had a proximal row carpectomy for scapholunate advanced collapse wrist and were followed for a mean of 37 months. The total arc of motion averaged 95 degrees in the four-corner arthrodesis patients and 115 degrees in the proximal row carpectomy patients, which was 47% and 64%, respectively, of the range of motion of the opposite wrist. Grip strength averaged 74% of the opposite wrist in the four-corner arthrodesis group and 94% in the proximal row carpectomy group. Three wrists in the four-corner arthrodesis group failed and were successfully converted to a total wrist fusion; two additional patients were awaiting arthrodesis. There were no failures in the proximal row carpectomy group. Proximal row carpectomy showed a high degree of patient satisfaction and is our motion-preserving procedure of choice except in those wrists with advanced capitolunate arthritis.

Scapholunate ligament repair and capsulodesis for the treatment of static scapholunate dissociation

Twenty-four patients were treated with scapholunate ligament repair and dorsal capsulodesis for scapholunate dissociation. Seventeen patients were available for follow-up at an average of 30 months. The average interval between injury and surgery was 3 months. At final follow-up, no patients were pain-free. Average total wrist motion was 60% and grip strength 70% of the opposite normal side. The average preoperative scapholunate angle was 78° and was corrected to a normal 47° at surgery. The average final scapholunate angle was 72°, which was not significantly different from the preoperative value. The scapholunate gap likewise was not significantly changed postoperatively. Only two patients had an excellent or good outcome using a clinical grading system, and six out of 17 scored good or excellent using a radiographic grading system. In conclusion, repair of the scapholunate ligament with dorsal capsulodesis failed to provide consistent pain relief and maintain carpal alignment in patients with static scapholunate instability.

Proximal interphalangeal joint silicone replacement arthroplasty : clinical results using an anterior approach

Sixty-nine proximal interphalangeal joint silicone arthroplasties in 36 patients inserted through an anterior approach were reviewed. Average followup time was 3.4 years. The average extension deficit was slightly improved from 17 degrees to 8 degrees, but the total active motion (active flexion minus active extension) did not significantly increase (44 degrees to 46 degrees). Coronal plane deformities were not successfully corrected. Pain relief was obtained in 67 of 69 digits. There were 12 digits with complications, and five implants fractured. The anterior approach allows preservation of the central slip insertion and initiation of immediate active and passive joint motion. With proper indications, careful surgical technique, and a supervised therapy protocol, proximal interphalangeal joint silicone arthroplasty is a useful operation for pain relief and functional gain.

The relevance of ligament tears or perforations in the diagnosis of wrist pain: An arthrographic study

This study was designed to assess the clinical significance of arthrographic abnormalities in the ligaments of a painful wrist. This was accomplished by means of comparison arthrography of the asymptomatic wrist. Fifty-six consecutive patients with unilateral wrist pain underwent selective bilateral arthrography to assess interruptions of continuity of the triangular fibrocartilage, lunotriquetral, and scapholunate ligaments. The prevalence of bilaterally symmetric lesions was high. In patients with ligament defects in the symptomatic wrist, 88% of defects near the radial attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage, 59% of lunotriquetral defects, and 57% of scapholunate defects were bilateral. Furthermore, physical examination was not predictive of specific ligament defects. This study raises questions concerning the relevance of interrupted ligaments in the diagnosis of wrist pain.

The influence of insurance status on the transfer of femoral fracture patients to a level-I trauma center.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to evaluate transfer patterns and insurance status for patients with a femoral fracture who were definitively managed within a six-hospital health-care system. We hypothesized that insurance status significantly influenced transfer of these patients to the level-I trauma center and that the level-I center provided definitive care for a disproportionate percentage of uninsured femoral fracture patients. METHODS The present retrospective cohort study was performed within a six-hospital health-care system. The system comprises a single American College of Surgeons-designated level-I trauma center and five nondesignated community hospitals. We identified 243 patients with 251 femoral shaft fractures that had been definitively treated with intramedullary nail fixation within the system. From the health-care system billing database and trauma registries, we obtained diagnosis and procedure codes, insurance status, and trauma center transfer data. Differences in the proportions of uninsured and insured patients were calculated. RESULTS One hundred and seventy-two (71%) of the 243 patients who were definitively managed within our health-care system initially had been taken to the regional level-I center, and thirty-eight patients (16%) had been transferred to the trauma center. Of the thirty-eight patients who had been transferred, eighteen (47%) had met appropriate transfer criteria. Of the twenty patients with an isolated femoral fracture who had been transferred from hospitals with regular orthopaedic coverage, four (20%) had met appropriate transfer criteria. Twenty-two (58%) of the thirty-eight patients who had been transferred were uninsured, and all thirty-three patients who had not been transferred were insured (p = 0.0008); this observation remained when controlling for injury severity and available orthopaedic coverage (p < 0.0001). The proportion of insured patients definitively managed at the trauma center (52%) differed significantly from the proportion of insured patients definitively managed at the community hospitals (100%) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The majority (71%) of the patients with a femoral fracture who had been managed definitively within our health-care system, regardless of injury severity, had been taken directly to the trauma center. This finding suggests over-triage, which errs on the side of patient well-being. Because there was a significant difference in insurance status between patients who had been transferred to the level-I center and those who had not been transferred as well as between patients who had been definitively managed at the level-I center and those who had been managed in community hospitals, it can be assumed that insurance status as well as injury severity and orthopaedic surgeon availability influence the decision to transfer femoral fracture patients to a level-I trauma center.

Proximal row carpectomy and intercarpal arthrodesis for the management of wrist arthritis.

Abstract For advanced noninflammatory wrist arthritis, the most common surgical treatments to preserve motion are proximal row carpectomy and scaphoid excision with capitohamate‐lunotriquetral arthrodesis. Both procedures have documented successful outcomes. Proximal row carpectomy is simpler but typically is contraindicated when degeneration of the capitate head cartilage exists. Scaphoid excision with capitohamate‐lunotriquetral arthrodesis is more complex but may provide greater grip strength and can be successful in the presence of capitate degeneration. Treatment selection should be based on surgeon preference and experience as well as on the patients understanding of the possible complications and benefits of each procedure.

Osteomyelitis of the tubular bones of the hand

The records of 700 patients with hand infections were reviewed. Forty-six (6%) had osteomyelitis of the metacarpals or phalangeal bones. The cause was post-traumatic in 57%, postoperative in 15%, hematogenous in 13%, spread from contiguous infections in 9%, and unidentified in 6%. Twenty-two percent of the patients had vascular insufficiency and/or were immunocompromised. History, physical exam, plain x-rays, and open biopsy and culture were most helpful in establishing the diagnosis. Laboratory studies and bone scans were less helpful. Cultures were positive in 74% of patients, with a noteworthy number of mixed infections (35%) and gram-positive infections (35%). Gram-negative infections accounted for 15%, fungal infections for 12%, and mycobacterial infections for 3%. Surgical management varied from simple curettage to more elaborate staged reconstructions and/or arthrodeses. Despite provision of aggressive surgical care and use of appropriate antibiotics, the overall amputation rate was 39% (18/46). A delay of more than 6 months from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and definitive treatment led to amputation in 6 of 7 patients (86%), 2 of whom had squamous-cell carcinoma. Of the 12 patients who underwent more than 3 surgical procedures, 8 ultimately underwent amputation and 2 had marked disability.

A Prospective Functional Outcome and Motion Analysis Evaluation of the Hip Abductors After Femur Fracture and Antegrade Nailing

Objective: To determine if dynamic hip abductor weakness during gait, evaluated through component measures of hip kinematics and hip kinetics, demonstrate longitudinal improvement after antegrade intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures and if these improvements correlate with patient reported functional outcomes. Design: Prospective patient protocol. Setting: University-based, level I trauma center. Patients: Eight nonconsecutive, isolated femur fracture patients. Intervention: Antegrade intramedullary nailing of isolated femoral shaft fractures. Main Outcome Measure: Hip kinematics (hip abduction angle and ipsilateral lateral trunk lean), hip kinetics (hip abductor moment), and patient-reported functional outcome measures (Short Form - Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Survey) were assessed at 2 time points [Time1 = independent ambulation without ambulatory aide, 2.0 (±0.6) months; Time2 = approximately 6 months after injury with clinical and radiographic fracture healing, 7.2 (±1.5) months]. Results: After surgical fixation of a femoral shaft fracture, subjects demonstrated significant time-dependent, negative effects on gait secondary to dynamic hip abductor weakness measured in terms of hip kinematics [hip abduction angle (P = 0.012) and lateral trunk lean (P = 0.046)] and hip kinetics [hip abductor moment (P = 0.029 at loading response; P = 0.022 at terminal stance)]. A significant improvement in the dysfunction index was found between the early and late assessments (21.3 ± 15.0, 6.5 ± 8.9, P = 0.008). At late assessment of functional outcome (22.5 ± 3.7 months), a significant correlation was observed between the dysfunction index and hip kinematics (ipsilateral trunk lean) at both Time1 (R = -0.811, P = 0.015) and Time2 (R = -0.713, P = 0.047). Conclusions: After isolated femur fracture, patients treated with antegrade intramedullary nailing demonstrated a significant negative effect on hip kinematics and kinetics, and this effect was time-dependent. Early postsurgical ipsilateral trunk lean correlated with long-term functional outcome scores; therefore, excessive frontal plane movement during gait in the early postoperative stages may be indicative of a poorer self-reported longer-term functional outcome.

Management of extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia: intramedullary nailing versus plate fixation.

Abstract Intramedullary nailing and plate fixation represent two viable approaches to internal fixation of extra‐articular fractures of the distal tibia. Although both techniques have demonstrated success in maintaining reduction and promoting stable union, they possess distinct advantages and disadvantages that require careful consideration during surgical planning. Differences in soft‐tissue health and construct stability must be considered when choosing between intramedullary nailing and plating of the distal tibia. Recent advances in intramedullary nail design and plate‐and‐screw fixation systems have further increased the options for management of these fractures. Current evidence supports careful consideration of the risk of soft‐tissue complications, residual knee pain, and fracture malalignment in the context of patient and injury characteristics in the selection of the optimal method of fixation.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Complex 3- and 4-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus: Does Age Really Matter?

Introduction: Treatment of complex fracture patterns of the proximal humerus continues to be a challenging and controversial clinical scenario. The aim of this study was to report on the outcomes of complex displaced 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus treated with locked plating and compare the functional results of patients on the basis of age at time of injury. Methods: A retrospective review was completed to identify patients whom had sustained a 3- or 4-part fracture of the proximal humerus (Neer classification), treated surgically with locked compression plating. Patients were recruited for a final follow-up, with clinical (Constant and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand [DASH] scores) and radiographic outcome analysis. Results were compared (t test and Wilcoxon test) with fracture type (3- vs 4-part) and patient age at time of fracture (<65 years vs >65years) as the primary outcome measure. The presence or absence of a complication and presence or absence of a concomitant osseous injury at the time of presentation were evaluated as secondary outcome measures, in regard to overall functional results of the treatment in question. Complications were defined as posttraumatic osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the humeral head, and screw cutout with chondrolysis. The null hypothesis being that age of the patient at the time of injury would not greatly affect functional outcome measurements. Results: Forty-five fractures were identified in 45 patients, with 31 three-part fractures and 14 four-part fractures, and 17 patients were available for final follow-up (9 three-part and 8 four-part). Twelve patients were identified as under the age of 65 years and were compared with 5 patients who were identified as older than 65 years of age. The relative Constant score, at final follow-up, for those under the age of 65 was 88.58, while the score for those above the age of 65 was 82.5. In a similar fashion, the DASH score for those younger than 65 was 11.67, while the score for those older than 65 was 12.5. Neither the Constant score nor the DASH score differed in a statistically significant manner, when comparing patients who were younger than 65 to those older than 65 years of age. Conclusion: The current series of fractures was able to demonstrate similar and satisfactory outcomes following locked plating treatment of complex 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures in younger patients and patients older than the age of 65, while still accepting the null hypothesis.