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Background A painful unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) can seriously compromise hand and wrist function. The semiconstrained prosthesis was developed to restore DRUJ function. To date, most outcome reports are coauthored by the designer. Questions Does independent reporting confirm the promising results of the semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis? Are complication and failure rates acceptable? Patients and Methods We evaluated patients with the semiconstrained DRUJ implant and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. We monitored patient satisfaction and function with functionality questionnaires and measured wrist range of motion, grip, and key pinch strength. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, linear and logistic regression. Results We included 41 patients with 42 implants. Mean follow-up was 46 months (range: 24–102 months). Eighty percent of wrist had undergone previous surgery. We found a mean pronation of 83 degrees (0–90 degrees), supination of 70 degrees (0–90 degrees), flexion of 42 degrees (0–90 degrees), extension of 49 degrees (0–90 degrees), ulnar deviation of 24 degrees (0–60 degrees), and radial deviation of 14 degrees (0–40 degrees). Grip and key pinch strength were 20.1 (1–50 kg) and 6 kg (1–12 kg), respectively. Average patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation score was 42.7 (0–95), disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 38 (0–88), and visual analog scale score was 3.6 (0–8). We found a 43% complication rate (mostly minor: ulnar or radial tendinopathy, temporary hypoesthesia) with 24% reoperation and 92% prosthesis survival rate. Conclusion The linked semiconstrained DRUJ prosthesis has its value in the surgical treatment of DRUJ failure. Currently, most implants are used in secondary surgery and multioperated wrists. More research is required to assess the value of the DRUJ prosthesis as a primary procedure. Level of evidence This is a level IV, therapeutic study.

The treatment of Dupuytren disease (DD) continues to evolve. New insights in risk factors for recurrence and new treatment modalities have changed the management strategies for DD over the past decades. However, several differences may remain between these insights and their clinical application. The current tendencies in management of Dupuytren disease, were investigated in a web-based survey. The survey was sent to all members of the Belgian Hand Group, the professional organisation of hand surgeons in Belgium. The participants indicated their preferred treatment for clinical cases and answered questions on the use and timing of splinting, physiotherapy, medication and adapting the management depending on fibrosis diathesis. These findings were compared to recommendations found in the literature. Forty out of 135 surveyed members of the Belgian Hand Group completed the survey and 7 responded incompletely, yielding a response rate of 35% for most questions. This is comparable to similar studies. There appeared to be still room for debate on surgical techniques for difficult cases. CCH use increased since reimbursement became available in Belgium, mainly due to satisfying clinical results for patient and surgeon. The survey demonstrated a wide variety in pre- and postoperative splinting protocols, but consensus existed with the literature on postoperative night-time application of orthoses for 7 to 12 weeks.

Background Congenital abnormalities of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are rare and could be mistaken for a traumatic lesion. It is important to recognize these anatomical variations and to realize they do not always require treatment. Case Description An incidental finding of an atraumatic bucket handle abnormality of the TFCC in a 15-year-old male, who was treated arthroscopically for dorsal wrist pain. This structure was resected, thus obtaining a normal looking peripheral TFCC. Literature Review Literature regarding congenital abnormalities of the TFCC is limited to a meniscoid articular disc or a congenital perforation. To our knowledge, an atraumatic bucket handle abnormality has not been described yet. Clinical Relevance This congenital abnormality of the TFCC could be mistaken for a traumatic lesion on MRI, or during wrist arthroscopy; therefore, it is important to realize that this entity may occur and does not require treatment.

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Evidence from the literature suggests an association between Dupuytren disease and frozen shoulder syndrome, both clinically and histologically. An increased tendency for fibrotic healing after repetitive microtrauma could be an underlying mechanism. However, it remains unclear how strong this associa- tion is and if only mild signs of Dupuytren disease would also increase the risk of frozen shoulder. In 61 patients, we examined the hands for signs of Dupuytren disease and the shoulders for pain and limited motion. We found a 21,7% prevalence of frozen shoulder syndrome in patients with signs of Dupuytren disease versus 13,9% in those without. The other way around, in patients with frozen shoulder syndrome the prevalence of Dupuytren disease was 50% versus 36.7% in those without frozen shoulder syndrome. These differences were not statistically significant, contrary to similar research in the literature. However, methodological issues, especially the choice of control group, may explain the differences between our findings and previous studies. We conclude that the clinical association between Dupuytren disease may not be so strong as previously thought, especially in patients with only limited signs of the disease.

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In the long term, limited fasciectomy is currently the most reliable treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture. The risk for complications is significant, certainly in recurrent disease and in the presence of abundant scar tissue. Meticulous surgical technique is mandatory. Microsurgery increases magnification from four times (with surgical loupes) up to 40 times. Using the microscope in Dupuytren’s surgery, a technique named microfasciectomy is likely to increase both safety and efficiency by preventing instead of treating surgical complications. Increased experience with microsurgery will benefit Dupuytren’s treatment and hand surgery in general.