Does the DISI matter after distal scaphoidectomy with tendon interposition for STT osteoarthritis?

Progression to dorsal extension of the lunate after distal scaphoidectomy was described more than a decade ago. Still, this technique remains a popular choice for surgical treatment of isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis (STT OA). This study aimed to investigate short-term postoperative function, patient satisfaction and radiographic outcomes of distal scaphoidectomy with tendon interposition for isolated STT OA in the wrist. Scaphoid resection width, amount of DISI and postoperative complications were also assessed. We evaluated all distal scaphoidectomies done at our hospital from 2012 to 2018. Postoperative clinical analysis consisted of grip and key pinch strength, joint amplitude, pain on visual analog scale (VAS), hand usability (VAS) and functional scores (QuickDASH and PRWHE scores). On follow-up radiographs, we measured the amount of DISI, resection height and scaphoid working length and compared them to functional scores. Eighteen patients with 21 operated wrists were eligible. Average time to postoperative evaluation was 36 (5-78) months. We observed DISI in 95% of the cases (n=19). A mean increase of 13° (±6) in radiolunate angle was noted when comparing pre- and postoperative radiographs. Neither the amount of DISI nor the resection height was significantly correlated with the functional scores. No revision surgery for advanced wrist collapse was reported. Four concomitant surgeries were needed. Distal scaphoid excision with tendon interposition yields good short-term results in isolated STT OA. While 95% of cases developed a DISI deformity, there were no cases of functional impairment. Longitudinal studies with long-term follow-up are required to further evaluate lunate extension and possible clinical implications.

Trigger Finger Treatment by Ulnar Superficialis Slip Resection (U.S.S.R.)

Surgical release of the A1 pulley for treatment of trigger finger normally produces excellent results. However, in patients with long-standing disease, there may be a persistent fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint. This is sometimes due to a degenerative thickening of the flexor tendons and may be treated by resection of the ulnar slip of flexor digitorum superficialis tendon. One hundred seventy-two patients (228 fingers) who had undergone this procedure were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 66 months. Mean pre-operative fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 33°. All but eight fingers were improved by surgery and there was an average gain of 26° in passive extension (7° residual fixed flexion deformity) of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Full extension was attained in 141 of the 228 fingers, and in all 101 fingers with a pre-operative loss of passive extension of 30° or less. This technique is indicated for patients with loss of passive extension in the proximal interphalangeal joint and a long history of triggering.

Closed Rupture of the Thumb Flexor Tendon Pulleys

Closed flexor tendon pulley ruptures are relatively rare injuries. All previously reported cases have been in the long finger pulleys. To our knowledge, there has not been a case of closed thumb flexor tendon pulley rupture reported in the literature. This paper presents two cases of this pathology and discusses appropriate treatment of it.

Surgical reconstruction of an unstable rheumatoid thumb deformity. A case report

The thumb is frequently impaired in rheumatoid arthritis. This leads to major disability in affected patients. Through a clinical case, we describe a reconstructive strategy for a three-joint adduction thumb deformity that caused instability of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, without cartilaginous lesion. Ulnar collateral ligament destruction was treated by a bone-ligament-bone graft at the interphalangeal joint and by a Littler ligamentoplasty at the metacarpophalangeal joint. The trapeziometacarpal lesion was treated by trapeziectomy in combination with suspension ligamentoplasty. Clinical and radiological assessments at 22 months of follow-up revealed good outcomes. This technique is a new option to include in the reconstructive treatment for thumb instability, particularly when caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Volar perforators of common digital arteries: an anatomical study

The palmar triangle is an area vascularized by perforator arteries arising from the common digital palmar arteries. The aim of this article was to perform an anatomical study of common digital palmar arteries perforators. Twelve injected specimens were included in this study. The purpose was to quantify the number of perforator arteries of each common digital palmar arteries in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intermetacarpal space, measure distances between them, between the distal perforator and corresponding commissure, and the distance between the proximal perforator and the superficial palmar arch. Four to eight perforators were arising from common digital palmar arteries of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intermetacarpal space. The average distance between perforator arteries was 6.5 mm, between superficial palmar arch and proximal perforator artery - 8.2 mm, between the distal perforator artery and corresponding commissure - 6.3 mm.

[Dislocation of the thumb extensor tendons: an anatomical, clinical study and new classification]

The authors report on 11 cases of ulnar dislocation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) due to rupture of the dorsal aponeurosis at the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. This condition is rare. By performing a descriptive study of this injury, we were able to establish a classification system for thumb extensor tendon dislocation. The series included 11 patients with a mean age of 27years. All patients presented with either varus or rotational thumb injury. This resulted in an active extension deficit in the thumb MCP joint with EPL dislocation behind the MCP. Surgery was required in all cases. We defined three different injury presentations: 1) dissociated form with isolated EPL dislocation, but the EPB still in place; 2) complete form with dislocation of both tendons on the ulnar side of the MCP; 3) dissociated or complete form associated with a severe sprain of the lateral collateral ligament of the thumb MCP joint. The surgical treatment was adapted to each case. A classification into three types of dislocation of the extensor tendons at the MCP joint of the thumb was established. This rare condition must be identified at the time of thumb MCP joint injury and also when harvesting the EPB. This new classification system has a diagnostic and therapeutic role as it precisely describes the dislocation type and the resulting damage. Only a surgical treatment can produce good repairs.

[Failure of initial surgical treatment of a giant cell tumor of the capitate and its salvage: a case report]

Giant Cell Tumors are rare tumors in the young adult and localisation in the hand is even more exceptional. In the absence of adjuvant treatment, the literature reports a strong potential for local recurrence of between 75 and 86%. These tumours also have a risk of sarcomatosis degeneration and pulmonary metastasis. The case report concerns a 24-year-old patient, with a Giant Cell Tumour of the capitate initially diagnosed on simple curettage, and we describe her treatment together with the treatment of a subsequent reccurrence. A literature review will also highlight the current knowledge of this disease.

Imagerie du poignet du sportif

Wrist imaging is currently used for diagnosis of sport injuries as part of a global strategy of rapid recovery. Standard x-rays are the first step in this procedure. Although arthrography is still the reference for the diagnosis of intrinsic ligament and cartilaginous lesions, MRI can sometimes be sufficient. Ultrasonography is a dynamic process and is accurate in detecting tendon injuries. Wrist sport injuries are frequent and often asymptomatic. Here we review the usual aspects of bone, ligament, and tendon lesions encountered in each sport, while providing advice on the most appropriate imaging for each clinical symptom.

Extensor carpi ulnaris injuries in tennis players: a study of 28 cases

Pain on the ulnar side of the wrist is common among elite tennis players. Ten years of experience has allowed identification of a pathology involving the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon. On the basis of 28 clinical cases seen over the last five years, three clinical patterns are described: (a) acute instability of the ECU; (b) tendinopathy; (c) ECU rupture. Each of these clinical entities requires a different therapeutic approach. A review of the relevant anatomy is provided.

Pathologie par fragmentation du sésamoïde de l'index dans le cadre de microtraumatismes répétés : à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature

Pathology of the sesamoid bones have been rarely described in the literature especially those of the index. We present the case of a 45 years old amateur tennis player who presented with pain on the radial border of the index finger at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The clinical examination and the operative findings allow us to conclude that the symptoms were due to tendinitis of the flexors of the index associated with fracture of the sesamoid and cartilaginous degenerative changes. We also present a review of the literature.

Extensor carpi ulnaris problems at the wrist--classification, surgical treatment and results

Twenty-eight extensor carpi ulnaris lesions at the wrist were treated surgically between 1990 and 2002. Fifteen patients had an isolated extensor carpi ulnaris tenosynovitis or tendinopathy, five had extensor carpi ulnaris dislocation, four had an extensor carpi ulnaris subluxation and four had an extensor carpi ulnaris rupture. Seventeen patients first developed their symptoms while playing sports. At a mean follow-up of 23 months, twenty-two patients had returned to their previous activities. Seven of the 27 patients had lost more than 30% of their grip strength and five had restricted wrist motion. Two needed an extensor carpi ulnaris tenolysis. Pure isolated extensor carpi ulnaris lesions are rare and associated ulnar sided lesions (eleven triangular fibrocartilage complex tears and four lunotriquetral ligament tears), as well as possible predisposing factors (seven anomalous tendon slips, four ulnar styloid non-unions and one flat extensor carpi ulnaris tendon groove), were frequent. A classification of extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and subsheath lesions was developed to allow the surgeon to adequately evaluate the different components of these lesions.

Responsiveness of the Cochin rheumatoid hand disability scale after surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the responsiveness of the Cochin functional disability scale for the rheumatoid hand after surgery.

METHOD

In a prospective study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) scheduled for surgery of the wrist and/or fingers were evaluated within 48 h before surgery and at least 6 months after surgery. Clinical outcome measures included duration of morning stiffness, total score for tenderness, total score for swelling, visual analogue scale score for pain in the hands and wrists, a score for overall mobility of the wrist and the fingers, grip and pinch strength, the Hand Functional Index (HFI), the Kapandji index and the Cochin scale. Responsiveness was assessed with the paired t-test, the effect size (ES), the standardized response mean (SRM) and the non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r(S)).

RESULTS

Fifty patients (42 women) were evaluated twice at an interval of 7.16 +/- 2.10 months (mean +/- s.d.) (range 6-15 months). Thirty-six patients (72%) were very satisfied or satisfied with the results of surgery, seven (14%) were not satisfied or dissatisfied and seven (14%) were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. The Cochin scale score improved at the second visit (P < 0.0001), with SRM and ES values of 0.66 and 0.58 respectively. The correlation of the change in Cochin score with patient overall satisfaction was r(S) = 0.40. Among the impairment measures, grip strength showed the best responsiveness (SRM = - 0.43, ES = - 0.36, correlation with patient overall satisfaction r(S) = 0.46). The change in Kapandji index had the best correlation (r(S) = 0.51) with patient overall satisfaction but its SRM and ES values were low (- 0.19 and - 0.10 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The Cochin scale is responsive and appropriate for the assessment of the effects of surgical treatments on disability in RA hands.

Subcutaneous herniation of tendon interposition after trapeziectomy in three cases: explanation and implications

We report a complication following trapeziectomy and tendon interposition. Subcutaneous herniation of the tendon interposition occurred in 3 of 412 cases in which trapeziectomy, ligament reconstruction, and tendon interposition were performed. This herniation occurred posterolaterally in the early postoperative period and resulted in dorsal swelling and superficial pain. Magnetic resonance imaging was helpful in confirming the diagnosis and excision of the herniated interposition material resulted in satisfactory pain relief and functional outcome as long as metacarpal stability was present.

[Osteogenic exostosis of the capitate bone. Case report and review of the literature]

The occurrence of an osteochondroma in the carpus is very rare and its excision is indicated in the case of significant symptoms or change in its appearance. The diagnosis is often made in adulthood due to the onset of a functional problem even though development of the tumour occurs during skeletal growth. We report the case of a 38 year old patient, with no antecedent trauma, who presents with simultaneous exostoses on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the capitate, which has not been previously described in the literature. The existence of a bipolar lesion extending anteriorly and posteriorly in the carpus is a possibility which may not be apparent and renders plain radiograph insufficient in the investigation of such a lesion. CT scan and MRI scan are indispensable in the investigation of this kind of carpal lesions, allowing better visualization of the base of the tumour, the expansion of the tumour and relation to the neighbouring soft tissues and the presence of malignant degeneration.

Hemangiomas of the fingers: MR imaging evaluation

PURPOSE

To report the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of finger hemangiomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients clinically suspected of having hemangioma of the finger underwent 1.5-T MR imaging with a customized local gradient coil. The location, size, margins, signal intensity, and enhancement patterns of the lesions were noted. In accordance with the literature on MR imaging of deep hemangiomas, the authors' findings could be divided into those with typical features-that is, high signal intensity at T1- and T2-weighted imaging, lobulated appearance, strong enhancement, and heterogeneous pattern with flow void artifacts-and those with atypical features. The reference standard was surgery (n = 12) or clinical outcome (n = 4).

RESULTS

One posttraumatic hematoma was excluded. Most lesions were in the fingertip (n = 10), with involvement of the nail bed and/or the pulp (n = 5). Hemangiomas were classified as typical in ten cases and atypical in five. The mean size of typical lesions was larger than that of atypical lesions. The unique imaging features of atypical hemangiomas included a masslike appearance, which was either homogeneous with diffuse enhancement-suggestive of hypervascularity (n = 2)-or heterogeneous with poor enhancement (n = 3).

CONCLUSION

MR imaging characteristics of finger hemangiomas can be classified as typical or atypical. Knowledge of both patterns can be helpful in the distinction of soft-tissue abnormalities at this location.

Surgical treatment of compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve

We describe an operation to relieve compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve at the elbow. Between 1987 and 1997 we operated on seven patients, one with bilateral compression. In two the compression was associated with injury to biceps. A longitudinal or a transverse incision was carried out and the nerve was released from the deep fascia. Partial excision of the biceps aponeurosis was undertaken in the patients who did not have injury to biceps; some additional procedures were required for those patients with injuries. All patients had symptomatic relief.

Surgical treatment of compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve

We describe an operation to relieve compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve at the elbow. Between 1987 and 1997 we operated on seven patients, one with bilateral compression. In two the compression was associated with injury to biceps. A longitudinal or a transverse incision was carried out and the nerve was released from the deep fascia. Partial excision of the biceps aponeurosis was undertaken in the patients who did not have injury to biceps; some additional procedures were required for those patients with injuries. All patients had symptomatic relief.

[Glomus tumor of the nail area. Apropos of a series of 55 patients]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Glomus tumors are infrequent in the hand. We have review 55 cases, localized in the nail area to discuss their diagnosis and surgical approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Out of 80 glomus tumors of the hand seen in two hand units, 55 were located around the nail area, 33 in the nail bed area, 8 at the nail root and 14 laterally. The population was predominantly female (42 cases) and the mean age 43 years. The mean delay before presentation was 37 months. Pain was the main symptom (97 per cent) increased by trauma and cold. A blue spot was visible in 15 cases and diagnosis was performed on clinical ground in all cases except two. A notch was present on X-ray in 16 cases. A prospective study with MRI allow a diagnosis in 18 of 21 cases. All tumors were removed through a lateral approach elevating the nail complex and confirmed histologically.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was per-operatively confirmed in 53 cases and performed in one case. The last case of supposed hemangioma was modified at histological examination. No case of nail dystrophy (not existing pre-operatively) or residual pain was seen at the 81 months of follow up. Seven recurrences were observed, 4 of them having been operated initially in our units.

DISCUSSION

Clinical diagnosis could be performed on clinical grounds. MRI is to be reserved to recurrences or multi-operated patients. Risk of recurrence has to be mentioned pre-operatively to the patient.

CONCLUSION

Lateral approach with nail complex elevation is safe, allowing excision of the tumor without nail dystrophy.

Primary synovial osteochondromatosis of the hand and wrist. Report of a series of 21 cases and literature review

OBJECTIVES

To define the characteristics of synovial osteochondromatosis of the hand and wrist.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 21 patients, including 11 with intraarticular and 10 with tenosynovial disease. Cases secondary to degenerative joint disease were excluded. Surgery consisted in removal of the osteocartilaginous bodies and of the adjacent synovial membrane. Mean follow-up was seven years (range, three to 18 years). The relevant literature was reviewed in part.

RESULTS

Recurrence was seen in four patients and was multiple in two of these four. Most recurrences occurred within five to ten years after surgery. All four patients with recurrences had intraarticular disease. No cases of malignant transformation were seen. The characteristics of synovial osteochondromatosis at the hand and wrist are reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Detailed preoperative investigations including computed arthrotomography and magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to increase the likelihood of complete excision.

A glomus tumour with four recurrences

A case of a glomus tumour of the distal segment of the ring finger, with four apparent recurrences in an 8-year period, is described. The patient was treated by two different surgeons (two and three times respectively) and obtained pain free intervals of between 4 and 11 months before recurrence. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a glomus tumour in all five procedures. The location of the glomus tumour was defined preoperatively by high resolution MR imaging.

Intraneural mucoid cysts of the upper limb

Intraneural mucoid cysts are uncommon. They usually affect middle-aged men, presenting with pain and symptoms of nerve compression. We report on our series of six patients, three of whom had cysts involving the digital nerves. We compare our series with others and discuss controversies concerning the existence, aetiology, treatment and outcome of these cysts. We believe MR scans can aid in the preoperative diagnosis and follow-up of these patients and that, if possible, careful cyst excision using an operative microscope is the treatment of choice.

Translocation of the fifth finger by intracarpal osteotomy

The author presents an original technique of transposition of the fifth ray by intracarpal osteotomy. After a review of the different techniques and their inconvenience, the author describes the principles of this procedures. It includes a resection of the whole fourth ray, and a translocation of the fifth ray following a wedge-shaped osteotomy of the lateral aspect of the hamate and an arthrodesis between the capitate and the hamate. The details of this intervention are presented. 17 cases are reported with a follow-up ranging from 17 months to 34 months, and the results of which are analysed.

Diagnosis of digital pulley rupture by computed tomography

Seven patients who presented with a rupture of the digital pulley were investigated by computed tomography. The rupture involved the A2 and A4 pulleys in four cases, the A2 pulley in two cases and, in the final case, the A4 pulley alone. A sagittal-plane CT scan gave a precise analysis of the rupture in all cases. Two cases were surgically repaired and CT scanning was used in their postoperative assessment. When performed by a radiologist with an interest in musculoskeletal pathology, we have found CT scanning to be an excellent imaging procedure in the investigation and diagnosis of digital pulley injury. This can be useful when the diagnosis of digital pulley rupture cannot be made by history and physical examination.

Stabilized resection arthroplasty by an anterior approach in trapeziometacarpal arthritis: results and surgical technique

Resection arthroplasties were performed through a carpal tunnel incision in 72 hands of 57 patients with trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis and coexistent pathology of the anterior hand or wrist. Sixty-nine hands were followed for an average of 44 (range, 12-74 months). Pain relief was excellent in 60 hands, good in 7, and fair in 2, and thumb motion was satisfactory in 64 hands. Mean strength increase was 30%. Scaphometacarpal space loss was 0.5 mm each year, and residual space averaged 3.1 mm at 60 months. There were two failures. The study corroborated the frequent coexistence of other pathology of the anterior area of the hand and wrist, specifically, carpal tunnel syndrome and flexor carpi radialis tenosynovitis. Furthermore it demonstrated the possibility of an anterior approach to treat these conditions via the same incision. After 5 years, functional results remained good despite progressive collapse of the scaphometacarpal space.

[Fractures and luxations of the fingers]

Fracture and luxation of the long fingers are particularly frequent in hand trauma. Untreated or poorly treated, they may leave highly disabling sequelae. The aim of treatment is two-fold: to repair the anatomical lesion and to obtain movement as rapidly as possible, the only means of avoiding joint stiffening. It is important to underline that the metacarpo-phalangeal joints usually stiffen in extension and that the proximal interphalangeal joints on the contrary stiffen in flexion. Thus, in case of immobilisation of the hand, an attempt should be made to obtain an "intrinsec plus" immobilisation, that is, with the metacarpo-phalangeal joints in flexion and the interphalangeal joints in extension.

A study of the orientation of the fibers of the flexor carpi radialis tendon: anatomy and clinical applications

The authors report a series of 41 dissections of the forearm intended to study the orientation of the fibers of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR). This shows that there is a constant torsion of the fibers of the FCR by an average of 180 degrees. Half of this torsion occurs in the forearm and half in the sheath of the FCR at wrist level. Awareness of this torsion is particularly useful surgically when the tendon is employed in ligamentoplasty, particularly after trapeziectomy. Our study of the orientation of the fibers was aimed at the ability to perform subcutaneous splitting of the fibers for use of part of the tendon.

[Resectable tumors of the peripheral nerves. Apropos of 73 nerve tumors in 53 patients]

The authors report on a study of 53 patients suffering from resectable nerve tumors of the peripheral nerves, representing a total of 73 tumors. This concerns a round, hard swelling, with slight transversal movement, located along the course of a nerve. This swelling was painful and percussion led to lancinating pains along the course of the nerve. The same surgeon operated on all of these patients. The surgical treatment of the 46 patients undergoing surgery for the first time always consisted in a simple enucleation after opening of the epineurium with good results. Seven cases were seen in the stage of sequelae and five were clearly improved by a second operation. The principal surgical procedures are given. The maximum time of follow-up was 14 years and the minimum 12 months, with an average of 52 months. Our study included 34 women and 19 men suffering from one or more nerve tumors. The average age was 50.7 years, ranging from 17 years to 88 years. 39 patients had schwannomas, 1 lymphoma of the sciatic nerve, 2 hemangiomas of the sheath of Schwann, 6 intraneural cysts and 5 fibrolipomas. The authors analyse the diagnosis difficulties, the additional examinations and particularly RMI which has been perform on 7 patients and revealed to be very sensitive and of a great liability.

Forty-eight glomus tumours of the hand. Retrospective study and four-year follow-up

We report a series of 48 glomus tumours of the hand, which have been reviewed with an average follow-up of 4.5 years (2-14). The tumour was nearly always sited in the distal digit, para-ungual (22 cases), more rarely subungual or under the pulp, with an even distribution among the fingers. Diagnosis was made preoperatively in 37 of 47 tumours of the digits, based on clinical features: consistent eliciting of pain by touch, less often by chill and occasionally accompanied by vasomotor phenomena. The pain and therefore the tumour could be accurately located with the tip of a pencil (Love's sign); these symptoms are abolished by inflation of a tourniquet proximally (Hildreth's sign). In 40% of cases a small defect in the distal phalanx is visible on plain radiographs, as well as an enlargement of the subungual tissues when the tumour is dorsal. The surgical approach was usually para ungual, in a sub-periosteal plane. Tumours were small (3.3 mm) and rarely multiple (3 cases). In 46 cases the pain was relieved quickly and definitively. Two true recurrences occurred after 5 years, without a satisfactory explanation. Except for those cases with transungual approach, there was no aesthetic compromise. We maintain that careful clinical assessment provides the diagnosis in most cases. Plain radiographs, lateral and comparative, are useful. MRI scan may occasionally prove of diagnostic value. The lateral ungual approach permits complete excision and healing. Recurrence is rare.

[Carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysed patients. Analysis of 110 surgically-treated cases]

The retrospective study of this homogeneous series of 110 carpal tunnel syndromes in 70 patients on hemodialysis shows the usual severity of symptoms (right thenar amyotrophy in 56% of cases, advanced nerve lesions in 66%). Synovitis plays a major role, as demonstrated by the frequency of clicking fingers (45%), and requires synovectomy that allows thoroughly exploring the carpal tunnel and removing a highly aggressive element against tendons. In this study, fisculae do not seem to have the generally admitted importance, but it requires surgical caution. Two thirds of patients were followed up for an average of 3 years. Apart from 3 recurrences, the control of pain is good but sensorimotor recovery is long and often incomplete, which is in favor of earlier surgery.

Translocation of the fifth finger by intracarpal osteotomy

We present an original technique of transposition of the fifth ray by intracarpal osteotomy. After a review of various techniques and their disadvantages, the principles of the procedure are described. It includes a resection of the whole fourth ray and translocation of the fifth ray following a wedge-shaped osteotomy of the lateral aspect of the hamate, and an arthrodesis between the capitate and the hamate. The details of this operation are presented. Seventeen cases are reported with a follow-up ranging from 17 months to 34 months, and the results are analyzed.

Flexor tendon lengthening by tenotomy at the musculotendinous junction

The author presents his experience with an established technique of flexor tendon lengthening by tenotomy at the musculotendinous junction. This technique can be used for digital stiffness of forearm origin when active extension is possible on flexion of the wrist. There must not be adherence in the carpal tunnel or in the digital sheath, and active flexion must be preserved. It can also be used for digital stiffness in addition to other techniques. This kind of lengthening has some advantages: there are no sutures in the tendon itself, and it allows early reeducation in association with dynamic extension splinting. Active flexion is preserved immediately and there is good tendon healing. It is possible to lengthen selectively the superficial flexor or the deep flexor and in some cases both. Results are presented according to cause.

Secondary surgery of the flexor pollicis longus tendon. A comparative study of forty-three cases

The authors report their experience in dealing with 43 cases of secondary surgery on the flexor pollicis longus tendon between 1970 and 1982. After an anatomical and biomechanical survey, the results of the different techniques used are analyzed: tenolysis (12 cases). tenodesis (one case), one- (3 cases) or two-stage (4 cases) grafts, flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) transfer (11 cases) and secondary sutures (12 cases). The overall outcome was very disappointing, with 50 per cent poor results. Compared with the other techniques, secondary suture fared best, and it can be combined, if need be, with tendon lengthening at the wrist and metacarpo-phalangeal pulley reconstruction. Considering these results, therapeutic indications are proposed. The functional requirements of the patient may lead to prefer simple interphalangeal fusion to any dynamic method.