No abstract

According to this study, midterm results for distal pole resection of the scaphoid are satisfactory.

Radioscapholunate arthrodesis is a salvage procedure indicated for osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint involving the lunate facet of the radius. This cadaver study examines changes in wrist motion resulting from radioscapholunate arthrodesis, and the effects of surgical techniques to improve the range of motion. Simulated radioscapholunate arthrodesis, distal scaphoidectomy and triquetrectomy were carried out sequentially on six cadaver forearms and measurements (maximum flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation) were taken in the intact situation and after each surgical step using a magnetic tracking device. Radioscapholunate arthrodesis diminishes the amplitudes of movements of the wrist in all directions, but range of motion in the radioscapholunate fused wrist improves after scaphoidectomy and improves further after triquetrectomy (88% of original flexion/extension and 98% of original radial/ulnar deviation). Radioscapholunate arthrodesis causes a significant change in kinematics between the hamate and the triquetrum in flexion/extension.

Universal 2 implants may be an alternative to total wrist arthrodesis for the salvage of failed Biaxial total wrist prostheses. We assessed 40 Universal 2 revision implants retrospectively. Fourteen of these wrists were converted to total wrist arthrodeses, and two wrists received a third total wrist arthroplasty after a mean period of 5.5 years. Twenty-four of the Universal 2 implants that remained in situ after a mean follow-up of 9 years (range 4 to 13 years) were re-examined. Sixteen functioned satisfactorily. Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation scores and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were 53 and 47, respectively. Twenty-nine patients would choose the Universal 2 again and would also recommend it to other patients. The survival of the revision implants was 60% at a mean follow-up of 9 years. Level of evidence: IV

Background Surgical practice patterns in operative treatment of carpometacarpal (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA) have been evaluated in the USA repeatedly. This study evaluates the current surgical patterns in the treatment of isolated CMC-1 OA among hand surgeons in Europe. Methods An online survey was distributed to hand surgeons of participating member states of the Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand (FESSH). Information regarding country of practice, years of experience and surgical treatment of choice was collected. Statistical analyses of correlations between demographics and treatment preferences were done using chi-squared testing. Results A total of 444 replies were recorded. Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) was opted by 46% of the respondents as a procedure of first choice, followed by prosthetic joint replacement (25%) and trapeziectomy with interpositional arthroplasty (23%). Among surgeons practicing in the Netherlands, 35% mentioned trapeziectomy without any complementary procedures as a surgical treatment of first choice. Prosthetic joint replacement is chosen by respectively 96% and 72% of the respondents in Belgium and France as a preferred surgical procedure. Conclusions This European-wide study provides insight in the prevailing surgical management for isolated CMC-1 OA. Trapeziectomy with LRTI is the most popular procedure among the participating hand surgeons in Europe. Geographical trends seem to play an important role in the choice of preferred technique. Factors influencing the decision-making among surgeons practicing in different countries should be explored more closely in future studies. Level of evidence Level IV, prognostic study.