Introduction. Rolando type base of thumb metacarpal fractures are potentially debilitating injuries, which can be difficult to manage because of their inherent instability. Malunion is associated with stiffness, pain and weakness of pinch grip. We aimed to assess the outcome of a simple technique for the treatment of this fracture using the principle of ligamentotaxis, with a static, 2-pin external fixator spanning the trapeziometacarpal joint. We present the results and functional outcomes of this technique. Methods. A consecutive series of 8 patients (7 males, 1 female) with Rolando type intra-articular fractures of the base of the first metacarpal was retrospectively reviewed. All cases were performed by the senior author using a static, 2-pin Mini-Hoffman external fixator. Case notes and radiographs were reviewed, and patients' functional outcome assessed using the Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) scoring system. Mean age of the group was 32.8 years (range 18.1-52.3 years). Mean follow-up was 2.7 years (range 3.5 months to 6.0 years). Results. The mean delay between injury and surgery was 6.6 days (range 1-11). The mean time to frame removal was 28 days (range 15-41). There were 3 cases of superficial pin site infection all of which were treated satisfactorily with oral antibiotic therapy. Follow-up radiographs did not demonstrate any significant joint incongruity or malunion in any case. The mean Quick DASH score was 8 (range 0-23). Mean scores for the work and sport components were 10 (range 0-25) and 3 (range 0-6) respectively. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate that this simple method reliably gives excellent hand and thumb function with minimal impact upon work, sport or recreational activities. We recommend the use of spanning trapeziometacarpal external fixation for intra-articular fractures of the base of the first metacarpal

Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) with the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon is one of the most common procedures for the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. An alternative method involves trapeziectomy alone (TA). The trapeziectomy with LRTI procedure was developed to theoretically improve biomechanical strength and hand function when compared to TA, which leaves an anatomical void proximal to the first metacarpal. The LRTI procedure takes longer to perform and includes an autologous tendon graft. The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of trapeziectomy with or without LRTI at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. A total of 43 adult patients who had underwent a total of 58 (TA=36, LRTI=22) surgical procedures for CMC arthritis participated in the study. This single surgeon retrospective cohort study sampled patients who underwent CMC arthroplasty with either TA or LRTI techniques between 2008 and 2020 with a minimum time of 1 year post-operatively. The patients were evaluated subjectively (The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire) and objectively (hand/thumb strength, pre/post-operative hand radiographs). Both the TA and LRTI procedures provided good pain relief, motion, strength, and stability without any severe complications. There was no statistically significant difference in hand or thumb strength between the two groups. Radiography showed that compared to the preoperative status, the trapezial space decreased similarly between the two groups. There was no difference in size of collapse between TA and LRTI post-operatively. The TA procedure had similar outcomes to LRTI and has the advantages of shorter surgical time, less incision length, and lower surgical complexity. TA provided equivalent trapezial space to LRTI after the operation. Future study should investigate these two procedures in a head-to-head comparison rather than longitudinally where both surgeon experience and time since procedure at follow-up may have impacted results

Purpose of the study: To our knowledge, only qualitative data is available concerning the tension placed on the first carpometacarpal ligaments as a function of joint motion. The three articles published in the literature have provided discordant data. We conducted a quantitative study. Material and methods:. Digitalized computed tomographies of the carpometacarpal joints magnified threefold were fed to a Stratasys® machine which created a rapid «polystyrene shock» prototype of the first and second metacarpals as well as the trapezium and the trapezoid. After a preliminary study of the behavior observed with various materials, rubber with known consistency was used to simulate the different ligaments. The first metacarpal was submitted to six movements in defined directions starting from the neutral position (in accordance with Pieron, 1973). Ligament lengthening observed for each movement from the resting position of the first metacarpal was used to define the direction producing the greatest lengthening. This lengthening was measured directly with a graduated ruler under 2.5 x optical magnification. Results: The anterior oblique ligament was under tension in the positions close to extension (positions L and D). The posterior oblique ligament was under tension in the position of ulnar finger opposition and in volar abduction (positions K and F). The inter-osseous ligament was under ension in volar abduction, opposition and flexion (positions F, K, J). A complex behavior was observed, best described by two portions, medial and lateral. Discussion: This preliminary study on a model system depended on the interpretation of the ligament and joint surface anatomy. The method of creating joint motion described by Pieron enables comparison between two studies but does not correspond to the physiological position. Conclusion: For a small-sized joint, magnification of the bony pieces and use of optical magnification facilitates apprehension of ligament lengthening during joint motion. This method can be used to better assess maximal range of motion according to ligament deformations observed in relation to joint solicitation

The scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joint is one of the key link joints between the proximal and the distal carpal rows. We assessed the relationship between the scaphotrapezium (STm) andscaphotrapezoid (STd) joints using computerised tomographyand hypothesised the ratio of STm is =/< STd joint due to which, the possibility of failure of trapeziectomy due to metacarpal collapse is insignificant. We reviewed CT scans of wrist joints of 113 eligible patientsfrom our wrist database between 2009 and 2014 for our study. 31 patients were randomised for interobserver correlation. Reformatted multi-planar sequences were analysed. The ratio of theSTm: STdin sagittal and coronal measurementswas evaluated. Interobserver variations were assessed using the Pearson coefficient. The sex distribution included 68 males and 29 females, 49 left and 64 right wrists. The STm area was larger in 86 (76%) as compared to STd in 27(24%). Average trapezium to trapezoid ratio was 1:1.5. Ratio of area of trapezium: trapezoid joint is 0.30. The anatomic ratio of the STm in the coronal and sagittal planesis 0.3 and that of the STd joint is 0.2. Ratio of the STm: STd in the coronal plane is 0.29. Pearson's coefficient > 0.8. A small subset of patients undergoing trapeziectomy alonefor stage II- IV carpometacarpal arthritis of the thumb are at risk of impingement of the first metacarpal due to collapse. Our assessment of the anatomical relationship of the STT joint with CT scan proves that although the area the STm joint is generally larger than the STd joint, there is no significant correlation on the whole

Introduction. The first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the second most common joint of the hand affected by degenerative osteoarthritis (OA). 1. Laxity of ligamentous stabilizers that attach the first metacarpal bone (MC1) and the trapezium bone (TZ), notably the volar anterior oblique ligament (AOL), has been associated with cartilage wear, joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and dorsal-radial CMC subluxation. 2. In addition, the proximal-volar end of the MC1 has a bony prominence known as the palmar lip (PL) that adds conformity to this double-saddle joint, and is thought to be a supplemental dorsal stabilizer. Currently, no study has looked at the changes to the 3D shape and relative positions of these structures with OA. Methods. CT scans of patients with clinically diagnosed CMC OA (n=11, mean age 73 [60–97], 8 females) and CT scans of ‘normal’ patients with no documented history of CMC OA (n=11, mean age 37 [20–51], 6 females) were obtained with the hand in a prone position. 3D reconstructions of the MC1 and TZ bones were created, and each assigned a coordinate system. 3. The long axis of the MC1 and the proximal-distal axis of the TZ were established, and the location where they intersected the CMC articular surface was defined as their articular center points, X and O, respectively (Figure 1). Using the TZ as a fixed reference, we calculated the relative position of X in the dorsal-ventral and radial-ulnar directions. A two sample t-test was performed to compare the normal and OA groups. In addition, the distal position of the PL relative to X was recorded. Results. The dorsal position of the MC1 relative to the TZ was significantly greater (p=0.002) in the OA group compared with the normal group, with mean dorsal positions of 7.1 and 3.2mm, respectively (Figure 2). The distal position of the PL relative to X was also significantly greater (p=0.001) in the OA group when compared with the normal group, with mean positions of 5.8 and 1.9mm, respectively (Figure 3). Discussion. Dorsal migration of the MC1 in the OA group would suggest a compromised AOL, known to be elongated or absent intraoperatively. Without a sufficient AOL, the PL was positioned more distally in the OA group, as the load on the PL during extension activities could possibly exceed cartilage strength resulting in subchondral bone remodeling and further joint degeneration. We did not observe radial migration of the MC1 bone possibly due to the presence of bony osteophytes that can reduce abduction-adduction function in OA patients. 4. The relationship discovered between OA and changes to bone morphology and relative bone positions of the CMC joint may provide further insight into the natural progression of this disease

Background. The trapeziometacorpal joint (TMJ) of the thumb is a common site of primary osteoarthritis. Pain, crepitis and instability secondary to subluxation are common symptoms associated with TMJ arthritis. Conservative therapy help to control symptoms however with time, many patients progress with pain, deformity and functional limitation. The goals of operative intervention are to restore stability and strength, decrease pain and to provide a functional range of motion. Francobal-prosthesis may fulfil these criterions. Technique. We implanted the prosthesis through a dorso-radial straight longitudinal or slightly curved skin incision. A dorsal capsulotomy is performed and at this step adduction deformity should be addressed. An osteotomy of the proximal surface of the first metacarpal is made perpendicular to the long axis of the medullary cavity followed by reaming of the medullary cavity and then a trial fit. This is followed by preparation of the trapezium including removing any osteophytes, drilling of a cavity. Dental burs may be used at this step to deepen the cavity. The process of cementation started by cementation of the cup with its opening neutral to the joint surface, and if there is any muscle tension, bone is removed from the metacarpal before the metacarpal component is cemented. Reduction is achieved by snapping. The capsule and wound are closed and the thumb is immobilised in an adduction splint for ten days. Results. Results showed marked improvement of pain in many patients with high rate of satisfaction. No restriction of movement or instability was observed. In some cases, loosening of the shaft was noticed. However, this does not affect the overall function. Discussion. De La Caffini`re-prosthesis presents one of the operative options in the management of trapeziometacorpal joint (TMJ). Arthritis, however, this operation is recommended only in selective cases where skaphoid-trapezium-trapezoid (STT) joints are not involved

Aim. Giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone is a benign but locally aggressive tumour. Although topical adjuvants have been used in the past, local recurrence following intralesional excision of GCT of bone continues to remain a problem. The use of bisphosphonates as an anti-osteoclastic agent in the management of osteolytic bone metastases is well accepted. Therefore our study aims to retrospectively demonstrate whether the administration of bisphosphonate as an adjuvant can control aggressive local recurrence of GCT and prevent wide resections of bones or amputations. Method. A retrospective study was performed between 2004 and 2010. 6 patients were diagnosed with aggressive local recurrence of appendicular GCT. All patients were treated for the primary tumour by surgical curettage and cryoablation followed by cementation or biological reconstruction. In 5 patients the tumour was located in the distal radius and in one in the first metacarpal bone. All recurrences were in the bone with large soft-tissue extension. After histological diagnosis – by CT core needle biopsy – the patients were treated by intravenous bisphosphonate, followed by clinical & radiological assessments. Results. Average follow-up of 42 months, ranging from 12 to 72 consecutive months. All patients showed good response to bisphosphonate treatment: lesions become calcified gradually as shown in x-rays & CT scans, reduction in size of soft tissue components, patient reported relief of pain & improvement of the affected limb. All treated patients did not report any untoward effects. Conclusion. In the current study bisphosphonate treatment is found to be an effective treatment for local control of aggressive local recurrence of GCT of the extremities and can therefore be a good alternative to wide resections of bone and complicated reconstructions. Functional results are shown to be promising as well. The study results need further investigation & a larger scale of patients

Many different surgical procedures have been used to alleviate the pain of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The most common procedure involves removal of the trapezium with, or without, suspension of the base of the first metacarpal. This operation may also include a soft tissue interposition. A novel technique using the whole of FCR as a soft tissue arthroplasty after trapezectomy is described. Fifty-two trapezectomies with suspension arthroplasty using the whole of FCR were performed on 48 patients by one surgeon over a six year period. Average follow-up was 1.8 years. Grip and pinch strengths were measured and compared with the contralateral hand and with pre-operative measurements. A Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was completed. Of 48 patients, 42 responded to the follow-up request (87.5%) for a total of 43 operations. There were 32 females and 10 males with an average age of 54 years. There was no significant difference between the pre and post-operative pinch and grip strengths (pinch pre-op 5.4 kilogram, post-op 4.9 kilogram; grip pre-op 24 kilogram, post-op 21 kilogram). The average DASH sc ore was 41.8 (range 35–60.8), which is comparable to the other trapezectomy studies. When the patients were asked whether they would undergo the surgery again, 95% answered “yes”. Our results using this novel technique demonstrated a DASH score comparable to other techniques using half of the FCR tendon, or no soft tissue interposition at all. Interestingly a significant fall in pinch strength (noted in other trapezectomy studies) was not a finding in this study

Purpose: Trapezium excision and arthroplasty combined with ligament reconstruction as a treatment for first carpometacarpal joint arthritis is known to be associated with synovitis, prosthesis subluxation /dislocation and proximal migration of the metacarpal. To determine the effectiveness of our technique we used the objective and subjective outcome scores to assess the long term results. Methods: Ten patients (11 thumbs) underwent trapezium arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction procedure for grade III/ IV Eaton and Glickel arthritis. The FCR tendon was harvested split into half from proximal to its insertion site. The insertion site was left intact, the split tendon was passed through the first metacarpal base, passed along the radial side of the implant, through scaphoid and back to the 1st metacarpal as an entrapment technique. 7 female and 3 male patients with mean age of 53.9 comprised our series. Off the 10 patients 60% had surgery on their dominant hands. Results: All the patients had excellent results at a mean follow up of 33.5 months. The mean score (Buck-Gramco) for the tip pinch, grip strength and subjective score for pain, function and dexterity was comparable to the contra-lateral side. The mean tarpezial space ratio calculated from plain x-rays at the follow up was 0.37cm (p< 0.01)|There was evidence of synovitis, prosthesis subluxation or shortening of the thumb. Conclusions: This new method of securing the prosthesis does offer excellent results with good patient satisfaction

An unstable CMC I joint causes pain and dysfunction. Chronic subluxation can lead to cartilage damage and furthermore to rhizarthrosis. This study should evaluate the results of the Eaton Littler ligament reconstruction, in which a slip of the Flexor carpi radialis tendon (FCR) weaved through the basis of the first metacarpal and around the tendon of the Abductor pollicis longus and back to the FCR. Aftertreatment consists in 4 weeks cast, 4 weeks thermoplastic splint and physiotherapy, full opposition is allowed after 8 weeks. We performed 10 operations in 8 patients with a mean age of 35.9 years (6 female, 2 male). In 8 times the diagnosis was a rhizarthrosis Eaton Littler stadium I and in 2 times a posttraumatic instability. The mean follow up time was 15.4 months. We evaluated subjective satisfaction with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH), pain with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the patients were asked, if they would undergo the operation again. Furthermore the range of motion (ROM) was examined, the strengths (key and pin grip) were measured and radiographs were made. All patients would undergo the operation again. The mean DASH score was 17.4 points, the mean VAS in rest 0 and under stress 1.29. The mean pin grip strength was 3.98 kg and the mean key grip strength 7.14kg. The ROM was excellent with a mean anteposition of 39.5°, a mean abduction of 49.3°. The mean thumb opposition was Kapandji 9.9. Radiological there was no progression of the Eaton Littler stadium. As complications occurred 1 keloid and 1 hypaesthesia. Our experiences with the Eaton Littler procedure for stabilisation of the hypermobile thumb saddle joint were positive. Long time results will show, if the procedure can prevent cartilage damage and progression of rhizarthrosis

Aseptic loosening of the total TMC joint prosthesis occurs frequently and may depend on the design of the prosthesis. Numerous TMC prosthesis designs are available, and new designs are being developed and tested. One of the problems in the clinical studies of TMC prostheses is identifying and predicting prosthetic loosening at an early stage. Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA). allows assessment of three-dimensional micromotion of orthopaedic implants with high accuracy. Early micromotion (in the first two postoperative years) of most prostheses is strongly correlated with the development of aseptic loosening. We studied if RSA assessment was possible after total TMC joint arthroplasty. In five cadaveric hands the TMC joint was replaced by the SR-TMC prosthesis. Tantalum beads of 0.8 mm were implanted in the trapezium and first metacarpal bone without extending the standard surgical exposure. The metacarpal prosthesis component was provided with 0.5 mm beads. A three-dimensional surface model of the trapezium component of the SR-TMC prosthesis was prepared to facilitate model-based RSA. After the surgical procedure, RSA radiographs were made of all hands in two commonly used positions for imaging of the TMC joint. The number of visually detected markers for each bone/implant was recorded. Of one cadaver hand, RSA radiographs were made in ten different positions to calculate the measurement error of the performed technique. For the metacarpal bone, all beads were visible in all positions and both (L+R) RSA radiographs. For beads in the polyethylene metacarpal prosthesis component three beads seem sufficient, however in exceptional cases the most proximal placed bead might be invisible due to overprojection by the metal trapezium prosthesis component. Therefore the X-rays should be carefully checked at the radiology department before the patient leaves the ward. Alternatively, an extra bead can be placed in the prosthesis, although this is a lesser option due to possible weakening of the component caused by the placement of the beads. The use of different sizes of beads (0.5/0.8 mm) in the metacarpal bone and metacarpal prosthesis made the interpretation for the analyser easier. The accuracy analysis is currently carried out. First results of these measurements are promising and placement of tantalum beads for RSA analysis during TMC-joint replacement seems feasible

Purpose: Trapezometacarpal osteoarthritis is frequent in women aged over 50 years. Surgical cure may be needed after failure of well conducted medical treatment. When the trapezeal bone stock is insufficient for implantation of a total prosthesis, total trapezectomy can relieve the pain. This procedure is generally associated with stabilization ligamentoplasty of the first ray. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of this procedure using an arthroscopic approach and to detail the technique and its limitations. Material and methods: This study was conducted on twelve cadaver specimens from eleven women and one man, mean age 85 years. Radiographs were obtained to confirm the trapezometacarpal osteoarthritis. Standard arthroscopic material used for the wrist was employed (2.4 mm optic, mini-shaver). Two portals on either side of the abductor pollicis lungus tendon were used to approach the trapezometacarpal joint. Total trapezectomy was performed with the mini-shaver distal to proximal. A tendon band measuring 6 to 7 cm was fashioned from the abductor pollicis longus tendon via a proximal contraincision. This band inserted on the first metacarpal was passed through two bone tunnels bored in the base of the first and second metacarpals then fixed to the base of the second metacarpal. Operative time was noted. The quality of the bone resection was determined on postoperative radiographs and open inspection. Results: Arthroscopic total trapezectomy with stabilisation ligamentoplasty was achieved in all cases and evaluated radiographically and at open inspection. No lesions to noble elements were observed. Discussion: This minimally invasive technique for trapezectomy associated with stabilisation ligamentoplasty was found to be feasible but did require a certain degree of learning. We were unable to identify any procedure-related morbidity, particularly concerning the sensorial branch of the radial nerve to the thumb. Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study are encouraging and suggest a clinical trial should be conducted to prove the advantages of this technique in terms of morbidity and socioeconomical cost

Aims

The objective of this systematic review was to describe trapeziectomy outcomes and complications in the context of osteoarthritis of the base of the thumb after a five-year minimum follow-up.

Aims

The aim of the Scaphoid Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Trauma (SMaRT) trial was to evaluate the clinical and cost implications of using immediate MRI in the acute management of patients with a suspected fracture of the scaphoid with negative radiographs.

Objectives

Little is known about tissue changes underlying bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in non-weight-bearing joints with osteoarthritis (OA). Our aim was to characterize BMLs in OA of the hand using dynamic histomorphometry. We therefore quantified bone turnover and angiogenesis in subchondral bone at the base of the thumb, and compared the findings with control bone from hip OA.

The February 2015 Wrist & Hand Roundup360 looks at: Toes, feet, hands and transfers… FCR Tendonitis after Trapeziectomy and suspension, Motion sparing surgery for SLAC/SNAC wrists under the spotlight, Instability following distal radius fractures, Bilateral wrist arthrodesis a good idea?, Sodium Hyaluronate improves hand recovery following flexor tendon repair, Ultrasound treatments for de Quervain’s, Strategies for treating metacarpal neck fractures.