Faculty Bibliography

Optimal acute management of the highly comminuted distal ulna head/neck fracture sustained in conjunction with an unstable distal radius fracture requiring operative fixation is not well established. The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes following acute primary distal ulna resection for comminuted distal ulna fractures performed in conjunction with the operative fixation of unstable distal radius fractures. Between 2000 and 2007, 11 consecutive patients, mean age 62 years (range, 30-75) were treated for concomitant closed, comminuted, unstable fractures of the distal radius and ulna metaphysis. All 11 patients underwent distal ulna resection through a separate dorsal ulnar incision with ECU tenodesis following surgical fixation of the distal radius fracture. According to the Q modifier of the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, there were six comminuted fractures of the ulnar neck (Q3) and five fractures of the head/neck (Q5). Operative fixation of the distal radius fracture included volar plate fixation in four patients and spanning external fixation with supplemental percutaneous Kirschner wires in seven patients. At a mean of 42 months (range, 18-61 months) postoperatively, clinical, radiographic, and wrist-specific functional outcome with the modified Gartland and Werley wrist score were evaluated. At latest follow-up, mean wrist range of motion measured 53 degrees flexion (range, 35-60 degrees ), 52 degrees extension (range, 30-60 degrees ), 81 degrees pronation (range, 75-85 degrees ), and 77 degrees supination (range, 70-85 degrees ). Mean grip strength measured 90% of the contralateral, uninjured extremity (range, 50-133%). No patient had distal ulna instability. Final radiographic assessment demonstrated restoration of distal radius articular alignment. According to the system of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento, there were seven excellent and four good results. No patient has required a secondary surgical procedure. Acute primary distal ulna resection yields satisfactory clinical, radiographic, and functional results in appropriately selected patients and represents a reliable alternative to open reduction and internal fixation when anatomic restoration of the distal ulna/sigmoid notch cannot be achieved. Primary distal ulna resection with distal radius fracture fixation may help avoid secondary procedures related to distal ulna fixation or symptomatic post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint arthrosis

The primary treatment goal for fractures of the distal radius is fracture reduction and stabilization to permit restoration of pain-free wrist function. Recognition of fracture instability based on the radiographic evaluation of fragment comminution and displacement is the focus of current classifications. Although closed reduction and cast immobilization remain a reliable treatment method for stable fractures, similar management for unstable fractures is prone to failure. Ligamentotaxis employing a spanning external fixator in conjunction with supplemental Kirschner wires has proved to be a reliable means of maintaining an accurate reduction of unstable fractures. Successful uncomplicated treatment of distal radius fractures with external fixation is related directly to precise, reproducible surgical technique. The frequently reported pin-related complications can be reduced significantly by several key steps to surgical application. Open bicortical half pin placement avoids soft tissue, tendon, and nerve iatrogenic injuries, and minimizes the risk of unicortical pin insertion that can result in metacarpal or radial shaft fractures or subsequent loosening or infection. Pin inflammation and superficial infection often can be resolved by oral antibiotics, physician pin care, and gauze dressing. Properly applied ligamentotaxis will allow healing of the distal radius fracture without complications related to overdistraction [12,13]. External fixation frames have been modified to allow for early wrist range of motion during the acute healing phase in an attempt to prevent potential residual wrist stiffness. Despite this attractive concept, there appears to be no significant additional benefit to dynamic fixation of these fractures compared with the traditional static wrist immobilization until completion of union. Although ligamentotaxis is effective in restoring length and inclination, it will not restore articular congruity consistently in fractures characterized by marked articular displacement. Restoration of articular congruity can be accomplished by open treatment [14]. Additional stability with improved restoration of volar tilt can be accomplished by closed manipulation in conjunction with multiple percutaneous smooth K-wires inserted from the volar aspect of the radial styloid into the intact dorsal ulnar cortex of the proximal shaft. Excessive flexion or ulnar deviation should be avoided, as these positions potentate the risk of median nerve compression at the wrist level. External fixation with supplemental K-wires is an excellent method for stabilizing displaced unstable distal radius fractures. When properly used, complications can be minimized, and an excellent radiographic and functional recovery can be achieved. Meticulous attention to surgical detail and a comprehensive postoperative program are the key components to a reliable and reproducibly successful recovery

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to report on a cohort of patients with a volar shearing fracture of the distal end of the radius in whom the unique anatomy of the distal cortical rim of the radius led to failure of support of a volar ulnar lunate facet fracture fragment. METHODS: Seven patients with a volar shearing fracture of the distal part of the radius who lost fixation of a volar lunate facet fragment with subsequent carpal displacement after open reduction and internal fixation were evaluated at an average of twenty-four months after surgery. One fracture was classified as B3.2 and six were classified as B3.3 according to the AO comprehensive classification system. All seven fractures initially were deemed to have an adequate reduction and internal fixation. Four patients required repeat open reduction and internal fixation, and one underwent a radiocarpal arthrodesis. At the time of the final follow-up, all patients were assessed with regard to their self-reported level of functioning and with use of Sarmiento's modification of the system of Gartland and Werley. RESULTS: At a mean of two years after the injury, six patients had returned to their previous level of function. The result was considered to be excellent for one patient, good for four, and fair for two. The average wrist extension was 48 degrees, or 75% of that of the uninjured extremity. The average wrist flexion was 37 degrees, or 64% of that of the uninjured extremity. The one patient who underwent radiocarpal arthrodesis had achievement of a solid union. The four patients who underwent repeat internal fixation had maintenance of reduction of the lunate facet fragment. The two patients who declined additional operative intervention had persistent dislocation of the carpus with the volar lunate facet fragment. CONCLUSIONS: The stability of comminuted fractures of the distal part of the radius with volar fragmentation is determined not only by the reduction of the major fragments but also by the reduction of the small volar lunate fragment. The unique anatomy of this region may prevent standard fixation devices for distal radial fractures from supporting the entire volar surface effectively. It is preferable to recognize the complexity of the injury prior to the initial surgical intervention and to plan accordingly.

Thermal energy in arthroscopic surgery needs further follow-up evaluation to clarify the potential benefits, specifically with respect to thermal shrinkage. Although the initial findings are promising, the long-term results need to be compared with other accepted standards of management. Preliminary findings seem to show that the addition of these surgical instruments and expanding operative techniques have definite roles in arthroscopic wrist surgery, as demonstrated through meticulous synovectomies and precise tissue debridement, along with the possible thermal shrinkage potential

Proximal pole fractures of the scaphoid are well suited for comprehension screw fixation. A dorsal approach allows for direct visualization of the fracture site, accurate reduction, and internal fixation. Bone grafting can also be achieved through the same incision without additional significant dissection. Successful uncomplicated union in the majority of cases with a considerably shortened period of immobilization has lead to a growing interest in this surgical procedure

Purpose: To review a single-center experience in the management of symptomatic congenital vascular malformations of the hand and forearm with special attention to embolotherapy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with vascular malformations referred for arteriography and possible intervention between 1983 and 1998. Arteriography and venography were performed in all patients to differentiate between true high-flow arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and low-flow primary venous malformations (PVM). The clinical and radiological data, procedural results, and follow-up data were retrieved and reviewed. Results: In a 15-year period, 39 patients (22 men; mean age 22.5 years, range 1-51) had symptomatic vascular lesions diagnosed in the forearm and hand: 21 AVMs, 17 PVMs, and one complex lesion with both AVM and PVM. Thirty-four (87%) lesions were treated with immediate technical success achieved in 31 (91%) cases; 5 (13%) lesions were not amenable to percutaneous treatment. There were no major complications, but 3 embolized AVMs had significant residual flow (81.6% technical success on intention to treat basis). Long-term follow-up ranging to 5 years was available in 26 of the 34 treated patients; the mean symptom-free period was 30 months for the AVM patients and 30.5 months for the PVM group, with an average of 1.5 and 1.2 embolization procedures, respectively. Conclusions. Vascular malformations of the hand and forearm are extremely rare lesions that demand a multidisciplinary approach for optimal diagnosis and management. Microembolotherapy with or without surgery has offered the highest level of safety and success to date