Modified minimally invasive extensor carpi radialis longus tenodesis for scapholunate dissociation: a prospective observational study

Scapholunate ligament reconstruction using a part of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon through a dorsal approach

Thirty-six patients were assessed after scapholunate ligament reconstruction using a portion of the extensor carpi radialis brevis through a dorsal approach. The median age was 53 years. Most (27/38) were graded as scapholunate advanced collapse Grade I. At a median of 47 months after treatment, hand function using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire was 12. The postoperative range of wrist flexion and extension movement was 77% and grip strength 92% compared with the uninjured side. The median patient satisfaction was rated as 9/10. Median pain scores without and with load, using the numeric pain scale (0-10), were 1 and 3, respectively. This reconstruction leads to initial normalization of radiological features, such as scapholunate interval, scapholunate and radiolunate angles, but a notable loss of the immediate postoperative reduction was observed in long-term follow-up, which was not accompanied by any deterioration in the clinical examination. This technique, even in scapholunate advanced collapse type I wrists, resulted in long-term, improved outcomes compared with other techniques.Level of evidence: IV.

Dynadesis for Treatment of Dynamic Scaphoid Instability with 20-Year Results

Background  Even though the scapholunate interosseous ligament is the most common wrist ligament injury, its treatment remains a challenge for hand surgeons. We report on a surgical treatment (Dynadesis) for dynamic scaphoid instability (DSI) with a 20-year follow-up period. Description of Technique  Dynadesis utilizes antagonist forearm muscles in order to synergistically provide dynamic stabilization to the scaphoid when the wrist is loaded. It is a tendon-to-tendon transfer with the following two components: 1) Dorsal-The extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) is passed through a hole in the reduced, distal scaphoid, providing the scaphoid with an independent extension force. 2) Volar-A dynamic checkrein is created by tension-locking the ECRL tendon around the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon. The portion of the FCR distal to the scaphoid tethers and tightens with contracture of the ECRL and FCR muscles. Patients and Methods  Twenty patients (21 wrists) were treated with Dynadesis and reevaluated 20 years later (range: 20-27 years). Results  Average grip strength improved by 8 kg. The average wrist flexion-extension arc decreased by 3 ° . Wrist X-rays showed no radiocarpal arthritis. On the Mayo wrist score, 81% reported excellent to good results (average: 89). Pain levels improved by 90%, with 76% of patients reporting no pain. All patients (100%) were satisfied with their results and would recommend the procedure. Conclusions  Dynadesis is specifically designed for the treatment of DSI. It avoids the eventual complication of osteoarthritis and does not sacrifice wrist motion. A predictable and satisfactory long-term result is obtainable with correct patient selection based on clinical staging and arthroscopic findings.

Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Tenodesis Using a Biotenodesis Screw for Treatment of Symptomatic Geissler 2 Scapholunate Dissociation

Treatment of scapholunate dissociation (SLD) depends on the degree of injury. We present our technique of extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tenodesis for Geissler grade 2 SLD and our preliminary results. After arthroscopic confirmation of Geissler grade 2 SLD, we use a single incision and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) anchor, attaching half of the ECRL tendon to the scaphoid. Preliminary results include improvements in QDASH, QDASH (work) and QDASH (sports/music), a median satisfaction level of 4/5 (satisfied), and a low complication rate. Our method is a safe, reproducible, and effective treatment of symptomatic Geissler grade 2 SLD that has failed nonoperative management, with technical advantages over alternative methods in the literature.