Distraction lengthening of the radius for radial longitudinal instability after distal radio-ulnar subluxation and excision of the radial head: a case report

Defining acute Essex-Lopresti injuries is problematic and variable: a systematic review

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

The Essex-Lopresti injury: More than just a pain in the wrist

As the scope of plastic surgical practice expands to include disorders of the carpus and wrist, it has become increasingly important for plastic surgeons to understand pathoanatomy that has not traditionally been considered an integral component of training. The Essex-Lopresti injury consists of a radial head fracture with associated injury to the forearm interosseus membrane and longitudinal instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Early recognition of this disorder usually results in a predictable and satisfactory outcome. However, when this disorder is unrecognized, late reconstruction is challenging and unpredictable, and treatment may be misdirected to the wrist alone if the forearm and elbow are not considered as a component of this injury. The present report describes the importance of examining the elbow in all cases of wrist pain. As well, the literature is reviewed regarding the differences in treatment of acute and chronic Essex-Lopresti injuries. As plastic surgeons become more involved in the treatment of wrist injuries, the conscientious practitioner should be aware of more complicated pathology that may present as a seemingly straightforward wrist problem.

Computed tomographic assessment of reduction of the distal radioulnar joint by gradual lengthening of the radius

Congruency of the distal radioulnar joint was assessed by computed tomography after gradual lengthening of the radius in patients with considerable ulnar positive variance of mean 12 (range 10-17) mm and chronic dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Six patients of mean age 25 years were treated by radial osteotomy and subsequent gradual lengthening using either a single-rod or a half-ring external fixator, which was applied for a mean of 81 days. The causes of deformity were distal radial epiphyseal injury in four, malunion of a radius shaft fracture in one and Madelung deformity in one. Computed tomography scans taken at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated that all patients had a congruent distal radioulnar joint. All patients achieved symptom and radiographic parameter improvements at a mean follow-up of 40 months. A disadvantage was unattractive scars on a cosmetically important surface of the forearm. Given a relatively intact bony contour of the distal radioulnar joint, congruent reduction of the distal radioulnar joint can be obtained by gradual lengthening of the radius.

Surgical Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow

The outcomes of 81 operations were assessed for the treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow performed on 55 males (bilateral operations in one) and 25 females during the period from January 1995 to December 2000. Before operation, neurophysiological examination was performed in all patients. Simple ulnar nerve decompression or anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve (subcutaneous or intramuscular) was performed with or without the operating microscope. Nine patients were lost to follow up. The outcome was excellent or good in 63 of 72 cases, no change in eight cases, and poor in one case. The outcomes of procedures performed with the operating microscope tended to be superior.

Management of comminuted radial head fractures with replacement arthroplasty

Radial head arthroplasty is indicated for displaced comminuted radial head fractures that cannot be managed reliably with open reduction and internal fixation and that have an associated elbow dislocation. Replacement also is indicated in patients with comminuted radial head fractures that have or are likely to have a disruption of the medial col-lateral, lateral collateral, or interosseous ligaments. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that metallic implants restore elbow stability similar to the native radial head. The early and midterm clinical experience with metallic radial head arthroplasty has been encouraging relative to earlier reports with silicone devices. Newer modular designs incorporate improved sizing to better reproduce the anatomy of the proximal radius and are easier to insert intraoperatively.