Pablo De Carli

Proximal radio-ulnar synostosis and nonunion after olecranon fracture tension-band wiring: A case report

Fractures of the olecranon are the most common type of elbow fracture. Displaced fractures usually require operative treatment with open reduction and internal fixation to allow early motion in order to avoid significant stiffness of the elbow joint. Two parallel Kirschner wires inserted across the fracture into the medullary canal of the proximal ulna combined with a tension band wiring is a recognized and frequently performed method of fixation for noncomminuted fractures. Although isolated closed fractures of the olecranon in adults have a favorable long-term outcome, a few complications with this technique have been reported. The most common complication is migration of the K wires proximally leading to pain and local skin complications, with a high incidence (80%) of reoperation for the removal of symptomatic hardware. Therefore, this method has been modified so that the distal end of the Kirschner wires are inserted through the anterior cortex of the proximal ulna to prevent proximal wire migration postoperatively and to increase the stability of the tension band unit. The authors present a case of a patient with an isolated fracture of the olecranon that developed a proximal radioulnar synostosis and an olecranon nonunion associated with the use of the transcortical tension-band wiring technique. The possible mechanism for the synostosis formation, different from others described previously in accordance with the literature reviewed, will also be discussed herein below.

Chronic scapholunate dissociation: ligament reconstruction combining a new extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis and a dorsal intercarpal ligament capsulodesis.

Scapholunate dissociation (SLD) is the commonest cause of carpal instability and wrist osteoarthrosis. The value of early diagnosis and treatment of this injury is well established in the literature. When a partial or total rupture of the scapholunate ligament is treated with early anatomic reduction and repair, functional results may be good to excellent. However, if this ligament is not addressed acutely then an overall carpal malalignment may seem progressively as a result of failure of the secondary scaphoid stabilizers. Chronic SLD will lead to scapholunate advanced collapse and progressive painful arthritis of the wrist. Although most surgeons agree that operative intervention is indicated, no clear consensus exists on the best treatment for patients with chronic SLD. Several procedures have been described that include some sort of partial fusion, capsulodesis, tenodesis, or bone-ligament-bone graft. If there is no evidence for arthrosis, soft-tissue procedures using either capsulodesis or tenodesis may be carried out in an attempt to preserve radiocarpal and intercarpal motion whereas avoiding fusion. This article describes a scapholunate ligament reconstruction combining a new dorsal extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis and a dorsal capsulodesis for the treatment of chronic SLD.

Dynamic splint for the treatment of stiff elbow

Background The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the treatment of elbow stiffness with the use of dynamic splints. Methods We included 17 patients with stable and congruent joints, with a range of motion of 100 degrees or less who had not responded to the rehabilitation program. Average previous mobility was 108–42 degrees, with a total arc of 66 degrees. The splints consist of an articulated brace with springs. On average their use began 94 days after surgery or trauma and continued for 86 days. Statistical analysis was performed. Average follow-up was 18 months. Results Postoperative mobility was 126–19 degrees, with a total arc of 107 degrees. Motion increased an average of 41 degrees. Six patients failed to recover a functional arc of motion. Conclusion Our results suggest that dynamic splints are useful in the treatment of elbow stiffness. We achieved an average improvement of 41° in the arc of motion, which in many cases has rendered arthrolysis unnecessary. Tailoring the splint to the individual patient is very important since its usage must be prolonged in order to achieve plastic deformity through the principle of progressive stretching.

Comparative Study of Simple and Complex Open Elbow Dislocations

BackgroundOpen elbow dislocations are rare injuries. Most of the evidence related to these dislocations is found in case reports or in series with closed injuries. We reviewed the experiences of three centers in the treatment of open elbow dislocations.Question/purposesWe compared the results after operative treatment of simple and complex open dislocations in terms of (1) ROM, (2) functional score, and (3) complications.MethodsEighteen patients were retrospectively included in this study: 11 with simple open elbow dislocations and seven with complex open elbow dislocations. Mean age was 40 years. Thirteen were men. Eight patients presented neurovascular injuries. Evaluation included ROM of the elbow and forearm as measured by hand-held goniometer. We then classified the results using the 100-point Broberg and Morrey functional rating index based on ROM, grip strength, elbow stability, and pain. Scores of 95 to 100 were considered excellent, 80 to 94 good, 60 to 79 fair, and less than 60 poor. Complications were recorded. Minimum followup was 6 months (mean, 25 months; range, 6–72 months).ResultsWe found no differences between simple and complex open elbow dislocations related to ROM (median flexion/extension: 117° versus 110°, p = 0.12; forearm rotation: 160° versus 170°, p = 0.67). According to the Broberg and Morrey score, four patients had excellent results, five good, and one fair in the simple dislocation group, whereas in the complex dislocation group, four patients had excellent results, two good, and one fair (p = 0.8). No difference in complication rate was found between groups (p = 0.63). All complications in the simple dislocation group were neurovascular. In the complex dislocation group, there was one case of brachial artery occlusion, two cases of heterotopic ossification, one case of infection and nonunion, and one case of infection. No patients had recurrent elbow instability.ConclusionsNo differences between simple and complex open elbow dislocations were found in terms of ROM, functional results, and rate of complications. Complications in the simple dislocation group were related to neurovascular injuries in contrast to the complex dislocation group where complications were associated with the bony injury.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, prognostic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Entrapment of the ulnar nerve in heterotopic ossification of the elbow: A case report

A 32-year-old man involved in a car accident sustained an isolated traumatic head injury and remained in a coma for 1.5 months. No osteoarticular lesions were present. The patient’s neurologic recovery was complete, but he had HO develop in the left elbow and knee. The elbow was painless and fixed at 40°. The pronation/supination arc was 70°. After 6 months, he had insidious onset of hypoesthesia of the ring and small fingers and weakness of the intrinsic muscles. Ulnar nerve compression was suspected, and electromyography showed moderate to severe compromise of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with decreased conduction velocity. Radiographs showed one island of HO that measured 8 5 cm with well-defined cortices and trabeculae in the posteromedial aspect of the elbow (Figure 1). A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated complete inclusion of the nerve within the HO (Figure 2). The patient was operated on through a medial approach. The ulnar nerve was identified until its entry in the HO (Figure 3). With the use of a Kerrison rongeur (Waldemar Link, Barkhausenweg, Hamburg, Germany), the nerve was carefully dissected and released by opening the bony tunnel (Figure 4). The HO was then resected and complete range of motion obtained, making capsulotomy unnecessary. Because the canal was scarred and fibrous, an anterior submuscular nerve transposition was performed. Elbow mobilization started 24 hours after surgery, and the patient received indomethacin (75 mg daily for 11 days). One year after surgery, he had a flexion/extension arc of 80° and complete pronation-supination.

Simultaneous Bilateral Rupture of the Triceps Tendon in a Renal Transplant Patient

The unilateral rupture of the triceps brachii tendon is a rare lesion representing 1% of all tendon injuries. The most common causes are the result of a contraction against resistance (especially weightlifters) and direct trauma. It has also been associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and use of systemic corticosteroids. Simultaneous bilateral rupture of the triceps tendons is less frequent and has been described in association with chronic metabolic disorders, especially in those patients on hemodialysis. This paper presents a case of bilateral triceps tendon rupture of a 36-year-old woman with renal transplantation secondary to chronic renal failure. Early surgical repair was performed using a bone tunnel technique with a nonabsorbable suture. Clinically active extension with 135 degrees of range of motion was achieved.

Volar Plate Fixation in Patients Older Than 70 Years with AO Type C Distal Radial Fractures: Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes

Introduction Treatment of unstable distal radial fractures (DRFs) in elderly patients is controversial, and considering the increasing life expectancy, their appropriate treatment is of growing importance. Our aim was to analyze the clinical and radiologic outcomes in the elderly patients with AO type C DRF treated with volar locking plate (VLP). Materials and Methods Between 2007 and 2011, 572 DRFs were operated on in our hospital with open reduction and internal fixation with VLP. Of these, only 64 patients (66 DRFs) met the selection criteria (AO type C DRF, age > 70 years, minimum 12‐month follow‐up). Mean follow‐up was 28 months. Outcome assessment included range of motion, grip strength, VAS pain, Mayo Clinic Score, and DASH score. Analysis of pre‐ and postoperative radiographs was performed. Complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the results with the contralateral side. Results Mean postoperative range of motion of the injured wrist compared with the control contralateral side was 86% for flexion (p < 0.001), 92% for extension (p < 0.001). The average DASH was 12. Mayo Clinic Wrist Score showed 43 excellent results, 15 good, 4 satisfactory, and 4 poor. Articular step‐offs were reduced in 34 of 38 wrists. Five (7%) patients required plate removal. Conclusion The treatment of articular DRF (AO type C) with VLP in the elderly patients achieved greater than 90% of the wrist range of motion and grip strength with no residual pain in greater than 90% of the patients. Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV, case series.

Radius Core Decompression for Kienböck Disease Stage IIIA: Outcomes at 13 Years Follow-Up

PURPOSE This study was designed to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients with Kienböck disease stage IIIA treated with radius core decompression. METHODS This retrospective study included 15 patients with Kienböck disease (Lichtman stage IIIA) who underwent distal radius metaphyseal core decompression between 1998 and 2005 and who were followed-up for at least 10 years. At the last follow-up, the patients were evaluated for wrist range of motion and grip strength. The overall results were evaluated by the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analog scale pain score. We also compared the radiological changes between the preoperative and the final follow-up in their Lichtman classification and the modified carpal height ratio. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 13 years (range, 10-18 years). Based on the modified Mayo wrist score, clinical results were excellent in 6 patients, good in 8 patients, and poor in 1 patient who required a proximal row carpectomy as revision surgery. The mean preoperative pain according to the visual analog scale was 7 (range, 6-10) and was 1.2 (range, 0-6) at the final follow-up. Compared with the opposite side, the average flexion/extension arc was 77% and the grip strength was 80%. All patients, except 1, returned to their original employment. At the final follow-up, 3 patients had decreased modified carpal height ratio, 12 remained unchanged. Radiographic disease progression according to the Lichtman classification to stages IIIB to IV occurred in only 2 wrists. There were no complications related to the core decompression. CONCLUSIONS In this limited series, the radius core decompression demonstrated favorable long-term results and could be considered as a surgical alternative for stage IIIA of Kienböck disease. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic IV.

Descompresión ósea metafisaria del radio distal para estadios tempranos de la enfermedad de Kienböck. Seguimiento mínimo de 10 años. [Metaphyseal bone decompression of distal radius for early stages of Kienböck's disease. Minimum follow-up of 10 years.]

Background The purpose of this study is to analyze the long-term clinical and radiological results of a series of patients with early stages of the Kienbock disease treated with radius core decompression. Methods This retrospective study included 23 patients with Kienbock’s disease (Lichtman stage II and IIIA) who underwent distal radius metaphyseal core decompression that were followed-up for at least 10 years. At the last follow-up, the patients were evaluated for wrist range of motion and grip strength. The overall results were evaluated by the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analogue scale pain score. We also compared the radiological changes between the preoperative and final follow-up in their Lichtman classification and the modified carpal height ratio. Results The mean follow-up period was 13 years (range 10-18). Based on the modified Mayo Wrist Score, clinical results were excellent in 9 patients, good in 11 patients, fair in 2 and poor in one patient. The mean preoperative pain according to VAS was 7 (range 6-10) and was 1.1 (range 0-6) at the final follow-up. Compared with the opposite side, the average flexion/extension arc was 78% and the grip strength was 81%. Radiographic disease progression according to the Lichtman classification occurred in four wrists. Conclusion This long-term follow-up study shows that radius core decompression is a valid alternative for the treatment of the early stages of the kienbock disease.

Comparative Study of Internal Fixation of the Ulna and Distal Ulna Resection in Patients Older Than 70 Years With Distal Radius and Distal Metaphyseal Ulna Fractures

Background: Acute management of fractures of the distal ulna that are associated with fractures of the distal radius remains difficult, particularly in the elderly. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether internal fixation of the distal ulna is associated with a higher rate of complications than resection of the distal ulna in patients older than 70 years. Twenty-four consecutive patients were included in this study, 12 of whom had undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the distal ulna, and 12 who had undergone distal ulna resection. Patients were retrospectively assessed for range of motion, grip strength, pain, and radiographic appearance. The functional outcome was evaluated by the Mayo Wrist Score. Complications were classified according to the Classification of Surgical Complications. Results: There were no differences in patient demographics between the 2 groups, except patient age. Clinical evaluation showed no difference at follow-up; however, there were significantly more complications associated with ORIF compared with resection. Conclusions: The results from our study show that women older than 70 years with fracture of the distal radius and distal ulna have a higher rate of complications if ORIF of the distal ulna is performed. Patients should be warned, by surgeons, of this in cases where ORIF of the distal ulna is suggested.