Treatment of traumatic radioulnar synostosis by excision, with interposition of a posterior interosseous island forearm flap

Surgical Treatment of Post-Traumatic Radio-Ulnar Synostosis

Radio-ulnar synostosis is a rare complication which develops following forearm trauma, the main manifestation being stiffness and leading to the loss of pronation and supination. For the patient, it is a very frustrating experience due to the impairment of the normal function of the forearm, whereas for the surgeon the treatment is difficult as, unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the best way to approach it. Many surgical techniques and other kinds of adjuvant therapies have been developed in an effort to solve this disability. This paper presents an overview of the principal factors which contribute to the development of synostosis and the best therapeutic approach methods found in the literature.

Posterior Interosseous Artery Adipofascial Flap for the Management of Distal Radioulnar Joint Osteoarthritis

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-therapeutic.

Posttraumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis: Current concepts on the clinical presentations, classifications, and open surgical approaches

In the forearm, posttraumatic heterotopic ossification usually forms as a proximal radioulnar synostosis. It can occur after soft tissue injury involving the interosseous membrane or after surgery involving the radio and ulna, such as distal biceps tendon repair. It can also be induced by radial head dislocation or fracture. Screening radiography can be used to select the appropriate time for excision. The synostosis can be resected when the ectopic bone margin and trabeculation appear mature on radiographs. An interval of 6-12 months from the injury is generally recommended based on ectopic bone maturity. Selection of the surgical approach depends on site, extension (elbow joint or proximal radioulnar joint), severity of the initial articular surface, and periarticular tissue injury. The posterolateral approach is indicated for synostoses: at or distal to the bicipital tuberosity, at the level of the radial head, and proximal radioulnar joint. The posterior global approach is recommended when the forearm synostosis is associated with complete bony ankylosis of the elbow involving the distal aspect of the humerus. After surgical resection of a proximal radioulnar synostosis, the exposed bone surfaces can be covered with interposition material to minimize recurrence.

Proximal Tibiofibular Synostosis: Report of 2 Cases and New Surgical Technique

Proximal tibiofibular synostosis is a rare condition. It is often misdiagnosed or difficult to diagnose and its treatment is not widely known. There is no surgical procedure clearly reported in the literature. Our article will start by describing two cases we have seen, explaining their long clinical histories and illustrating them with the imaging tests performed. We will then describe our unique surgical technique which consists of resectioning the synostosis and interposing an allograft in the proximal tibiofibular joint. In this section, we will describe the cases of two patients operated on in our department in the last three years. In both cases, the patients presented with latent pain in the posterolateral part of the knee. The pain was always associated with a sporting activity. Diagnosis was not easy and complementary tests needed to be prescribed. We will then go on to give a detailed explanation of our unique surgical procedure consisting of the resection of the proximal tibiofibular synostosis and interposition of a fascia lata allograft in the pseudo-articulation. Proximal tibiofibular synostosis is not widely known and time to treatment is often too long. The purpose of our article is to inform practitioners about the availability of a successful surgical treatment.Kindly check and confirm the edit made in the title.yes Please confirm if all the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). yes.

Diagnosis, treatment and complications of radial head and neck fractures in the pediatric patient

Radial head and neck fractures represent up to 14% of all pediatric elbow fractures and can be a difficult challenge in the pediatric patient. In up to 39% of proximal radius fractures, there is a concomitant fracture, which can easily be overlooked on the initial standard radiographs. The treatment options for proximal radius fractures in children range from non-surgical treatment, such as immobilization alone and closed reduction followed by immobilization, to more invasive options, including closed reduction with percutaneous pinning and open reduction with internal fixation. The choice of treatment depends on the degree of angulation and displacement of the fracture and the age of the patient; an angulation of less than 30 degrees and translation of less than 50% is generally accepted, whereas a higher degree of displacement is considered an indication for surgical intervention. Fractures with limited displacement and non-surgical treatment generally result in superior outcomes in terms of patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion and complications compared to severely displaced fractures requiring surgical intervention. With proper management, good to excellent results are achieved in most cases, and long-term sequelae are rare. However, severe complications do occur, including radio-ulnar synostosis, osteonecrosis, rotational impairment, and premature physeal closure with a malformation of the radial head as a result, especially after more invasive procedures. Adequate follow-up is therefore warranted.

Post-traumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis: results of surgical treatment and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis is a very rare and disabling condition whose surgical treatment has traditionally been viewed with pessimism. The results of the few case series in the literature are conflicting. Our aims were (1) to describe the clinical results of a case series treated surgically by a single elbow surgeon and (2) to review the literature.

METHODS

Twelve patients were evaluated. Preoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were performed. According to the Viola and Hastings classification, there was 1 case of type IC synostosis; 3, type IIA; 2, type IIIA; and 8, type IIIB. Two patients had a double synostosis. The synostosis was excised in 10 cases; in addition, radial head excision, radial head arthroplasty, and proximal radial diaphyseal resection were performed in 1, 3, and 2 cases, respectively. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score, modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score were used for the preoperative and postoperative evaluation. The nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 20.5 months. The final mean extension-flexion and pronation-supination arcs were 116° and 123°, respectively. Significant improvements were found in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (P = .005), modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P = .012), and QuickDASH score (P = .002), with mean values of 24, 28, and 17, respectively. One synostosis recurrence and one late disassembly of the radial head arthroplasty were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-traumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis surgery is effective, but careful preoperative planning based on the pathoanatomic characteristics of each type of synostosis and associated lesions is mandatory. Synostosis excision is performed in most cases, whereas additional surgical procedures should be considered in selected cases.

Pediatric Radioulnar Synostosis after Olecranon Fracture: A Case Report

Radioulnar synostosis which develops after treatment of isolated olecranon fracture is a rare complication. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical findings and postoperative outcomes of radioulnar synostosis after isolated olecranon fracture in a child patient. A 14-year-old girl was evaluated after falling on her left elbow. She had pain, edema, and motion limitation in her left elbow. After radiologic examinations, diagnosis of olecranon fracture was made. Olecranon fracture was fixated by open reduction and internal fixation with tension band wiring method via the posterior approach. When the patient came to the control to remove the implants 9 months after the first operation, there was a limitation in the supination and pronation movements. In the radiographs, synostosis was observed in the proximal region between the radius and ulna. The patient was reoperated to remove the implants. In the same session, synostosis was excised by using the posterior approach, and a barrier between the bones was constituted with bone wax and early elbow range of motion exercises started. In the postoperative first month, the patient had full flexion and extension but with 30 degrees of supination deficit. Radioulnar synostosis is rare but can be seen after isolated olecranon fractures. Early elbow motion after radioulnar synostosis surgery helps the patient to increase joint movement.

Posttraumatic Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis after Closed Reduction for a Radial Neck and Olecranon Fracture

Posttraumatic proximal radioulnar synostosis (PPRUS) is a severe complication of radial head and neck fractures known to occur after severe injury or operative fixation. Cases of PPRUS occurring after minimally displaced, nonoperatively treated radial neck injuries are, by contrast, extremely rare. Here, we present a pediatric case of PPRUS that developed after a nonoperatively treated minimally displaced radial neck fracture with concomitant olecranon fracture. While more cases are needed to establish the association between this pattern of injury and PPRUS, we recommend that when encountering patients with a minimally displaced radial neck fracture and a concomitant elbow injury, the rare possibility of developing proximal radioulnar synostosis should be considered.

Optimal management of post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis

Post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication after forearm or elbow injury that can result in loss of motion and significant disability. Risk factors include aspects of the initial trauma and of the surgical treatment of that trauma. Surgical intervention for synostosis is the standard of care and is determined based on the location of the bony bridge. Surgical timing is recommended between 6 months and 2 years with recent advocacy for the 6- to 12-month period after radiographs demonstrate bony maturation but early enough to prevent further stiffness and contractures. For most types of synostosis, surgical resection with interposition graft is recommended. The types of materials used include synthetic, allograft, and vascularized and non-vascularized materials, but currently there is no consensus on which is the most preferable. Adjuvant therapy is not considered necessary for all cases but can be beneficial in patients with high risk factors such as recurrence or traumatic brain injury. Postoperative rehabilitation should be performed early to maintain range of motion.

The Dorsoulnar Artery Perforator Adipofascial Flap in the Treatment of Distal Radioulnar Synostosis

Posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis (RUS) is a rare event following forearm fractures. Consequences are disabling for patients who suffer from functional limitation in forearm pronosupination. Distal RUS are even more rare and more difficult to treat because of high recurrence rates. The patient we describe in this paper came to our attention with a double distal RUS recurrence and a Darrach procedure already performed. We performed a radical excision of RUS and interposition with a vascularized dorsoulnar artery (DUA) adipofascial perforator flap. Four years after surgery, the patient shows the same complete range of motion in pronosupination, and MRI confirms that the flap is still in place with signs of vascularization. Simple synostosis excision has been proven ineffective in many cases. Interposition is recommended after excision, and biological material interposition seems to be more effective than foreign material. Surgeons are increasingly performing vascularized interposition, and the results are very encouraging.

The Adipofascial Radial Artery Perforator Flap: A Versatile Reconstructive Option in Upper Limb Surgery

BACKGROUND

Flaps have been used in upper limb surgery for varied indications including coverage of soft tissue defects, interposition and to provide a pliable bed for gliding structures among others.

METHODS

We report our use of the radial artery perforator based adipofascial flap in nine patients, five with rigid radioulnar synostosis, three with recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome and one with a soft tissue defect.

RESULTS

All our patients with radioulnar synostosis regained good functional rotations of the forearm with no recurrence at follow up. The patients with recalcitrant carpal tunnel also had resolution of symptoms with no recurrence. The flap healed well in all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose this flap as a viable, versatile reconstructive option for the hand and upper limb.

[Treatment of proximal radioulnar synostosis using a posterior interosseous antegrade flow pedicled flap]

The aim of this study is to determine the different therapeutic options described for the treatment of radioulnar synostosis, and report our experience with posterior interosseous antegrade flow pedicled flap with technical amendments. Two patients, who were treated with the designed flap, and with more than one year of follow-up, were reviewed. The technical innovations, end result and complications are described. In the two cases described, there was no recurrence of synostosis, which is the most frequent complication described in this condition, and no postoperative complications were observed. In the literature, many filler materials, from artificial to biological free or vascularized, have been used the radioulnar space after excision of synostosis. The technique that provides the best results is the interposition of muscle or vascularized adipofascial flaps. The Interosseous posterior antegrade flow pedicled flap is reliable, with a low morbidity, and is an effective alternative for the treatment of proximal radioulnar synostosis.

Adult post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis

Post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication of forearm fracture. Resulting in loss of forearm axial rotation, it is functionally very disabling. The surgical indication, timing of operation, surgical technique, interest and type of adjuvant treatment are all issues with which physicians managing radioulnar synostosis must deal. No therapeutic consensus yet exists, but a wide variety of surgical techniques and adjuvant treatments are suggested. A literature review sought to identify risk factors for synostosis, with a view to prevention and determining a suitable therapeutic attitude in the light of existing data.

Management of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis

Posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis is a rare complication following fracture of the forearm and elbow. Risk factors for synostosis are related to the initial injury and surgical management of the fracture. Typically, patients present with complete loss of active and passive forearm pronation and supination. Evidence of bridging heterotopic bone between the radius and ulna can be seen on plain radiographs. Although nonsurgical management is sufficient in some cases, surgical excision is typically required. The timing of surgical intervention remains controversial. However, early resection between 6 and 12 months after the initial injury can be performed safely in patients with radiographic evidence of bony maturation. Surgical management consists of complete resection of the synostosis with optional interposition of biologic or synthetic materials to restore forearm rotation. A low recurrence rate can be achieved following primary radioulnar synostosis excision without the need for routine adjuvant prophylaxis.

Preventing recurrence of radioulnar synostosis with pedicled adipofascial flaps

The surgical treatment of post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis is difficult. Recurrence after resection alone is a concern with poor long-term maintenance of forearm rotation. We report on the use of pedicled adipofascial flaps to prevent recurrence and facilitate maintenance of movement in six adult patients with radioulnar synostosis. Five involved the proximal radioulnar joint and one the distal radioulnar joint. In four the flap was based on the radial artery and in two on the posterior interosseous artery. Mean intraoperative supination was 78° and pronation was 76°. Mean follow up was 32 months. At follow-up, mean supination was 71° and pronation was 70°. No patient had radiological recurrence of synostosis. The only complication was a transient posterior interosseous nerve palsy. Pedicled adipofascial flaps are a safe addition to resection alone which may prevent recurrence and maintain the range of forearm rotation achieved at operation.

Proximal Radio-Ulnar Synostosis at the Pin-Track Site after External Fixation of the Forearm

Posttraumatic synostosis of the forearm bones is a rare but serious complication following fixation or even conservative treatment of adult forearm fractures. This is the second report in the English literature of such a complication at the pin-track site following external fixation of proximal forearm fractures. A 36-year-old male patient sustained an open fracture of his proximal right forearm after a road traffic accident. It was managed by external fixation of the ulna and plate fixation of the radius. At follow-up, a type 3 radio-ulnar synostosis at the pin-track site became evident, which was treated after 20 months with surgical resection of the bony bridge to regain the rotatory motion of his forearm.

Management of posttraumatic metadiaphyseal radioulnar synostosis

Posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis results in functional loss of forearm rotation. Treatment preference is to excise the synostosis when associated fractures have healed or when the process is radiographically static. Interposition material is used in the region of the proximal radioulnar joint or when the medullary canal of the radius or ulna is breached. Irradiation is limited to lesions at or proximal to the radial tuberosity. Postoperative management includes resting splint that holds the extremity in the extremes of forearm rotation, and intermittent active and passive range of motion exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications are used only during hospitalization. Results have shown a good functional arc of pronosupination, and no recurrence, especially when the process is limited to the midforearm.

The use of a proximally based posterior interosseous adipofascial flap to prevent recurrence of synostosis of the elbow joint and forearm

We report on four children in whom a proximally based, posterior interosseous artery adipofascial flap was used as an adjunct to surgical resection of synostoses of the forearm and elbow. Three traumatic radio-ulnar and one congenital humero-radial synostoses were treated. The postoperative pronation to supination arc of motion was excellent in all of the traumatic cases and fair in the congenital case.

Ulnar nonunion after osteoclasis for rotational deformities of the forearm

PURPOSE

Osteoclasis, a minimally invasive technique to rotate the radius and ulna, is used commonly to correct forearm rotational deformities in children. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate objectively osteotomy healing in patients treated with osteoclasis, with specific attention given to the risk for nonunion.

METHODS

We identified 69 extremities in 65 children treated with osteoclasis and performed retrospective chart and radiographic reviews to evaluate the time to union of the radius and ulna and factors influencing healing.

RESULTS

The average rotational correction was 90 degrees. Twenty-one ulnas had either delayed union or nonunion. Forty-eight of the forearms healed in less than 3 months. Factors correlated with a significantly decreased union rate included increased patient age, percutaneous technique, osteoclasis site in the proximal ulna, and primary diagnoses other than congenital radioulnar synostosis. Preoperative forearm position, magnitude of position correction, and treatment of the periosteum were not associated with changes in union rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Forearm osteoclasis has a delayed union rate of 16%. Timely union of the ulna appears to be influenced by both patient-centered factors and surgical technique.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV.

"Wrap around" pedicled muscle flaps for the treatment of recurrent forearm synostosis

Three proximal and 2 mid shaft recurrent radioulnar synostoses were managed with a "wrap around" vascularized muscle interposition after excision of the heterotopic bone. A proximally pedicled brachioradialis flap was used for the proximal forearm and elbow synostoses, and the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle was used for the midshaft area. Anatomy of the flaps and the technical details of each procedure are thoroughly described. After a mean follow-up period of 8 years (range 3-14 years), there were no recurrences. The functional outcome regarding forearm rotation, elbow motion, and working capacity was highly satisfactory in all 5 patients.

The use of tensor fascia lata interposition grafts for the treatment of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis

PURPOSE

There is no agreement on the ideal treatment of traumatic radioulnar synostosis, especially the type of interposition material to be used. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with synostosis resection and interposition of tensor fascia lata grafts.

METHODS

A chart review was conducted for all patients treated for posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis between 2000 and 2004. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, length of time to synostosis resection, range-of-motion, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were identified for this study. The mean preoperative pronation was 14 degrees and the mean postoperative pronation was 62 degrees. The mean preoperative supination was 4 degrees and the mean postoperative supination was 62 degrees. The mean follow-up time was 30 months.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that synostosis resection with tensor fascia lata graft interposition is an effective technique for the treatment of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV.

Treatment of radioulnar synostosis by radical excision and interposition of a radial forearm adipofascial flap

A patient had radical excision of type II diaphyseal radioulnar synostosis and interposition of a radial forearm adipofascial flap. Neither adjuvant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications nor radiation therapy were used. Three years after surgery the patient showed 90 degrees of pronation and 90 degrees of supination without any evidence of recurrence.

Free Adipofascial Flap Interposition for Pediatric Posttraumatic Forearm Synostosis With Closed Head Injury

A case report is presented of a 12-year-old male after a motor vehicle accident: head injury and multiple fractures, including bilateral both bone forearm fractures. The patient developed bilateral extensive forearm synostosis that required release and interpositional free flap at 6 months postinjury. At 3-year follow-up, the patient has maintained full forearm rotation and reports unrestricted sports and other recreational activities.

Posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis treated with a free vascularized fat transplant and dynamic splint: a report of two cases

Two cases of posttraumatic radioulnar synostosis are presented. The patients were treated with excision of the cross-union and interposition of a free vascularized fat transplant. A newly devised pronation-supination dynamic splint was employed for 3 months postoperatively in both patients. After a 1-year postoperative follow-up, an increased range of motion was restored in both cases, and there was no evidence of recurrent synostosis formation in subsequent radiographs. We suggest that an interposed vascularized fat graft may be an ideal biologic barrier to fill the space created by cross-union excision.