Modified Extensor Indicis Proprius Opponensplasty

Extensor indicis proprius (EIP) opponensplasty is one of the commonly used techniques to restore thumb abduction and opposition in patients with thenar muscle dysfunction from various causes of median nerve palsy. However, its subcutaneous route around the distal ulna may not represent a straight line of pull, and part of the extensor hood sometimes has to be harvested along with the EIP tendon to gain adequate length to reach the insertion. The purpose of the study is to present the alternative method of EIP opponensplasty and report the clinical outcomes. The modified EIP opponensplasty was performed on 16 patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. At the final follow-up examination, all patients were able to regain their desired level of activities. The Kapandji score, abduction angle, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score improved in all patients. There were no complications related to harvesting the EIP tendon. Two patients developed finger stiffness, which improved after rehabilitation. This technique is safe and effective for restoring thumb function and can solve the insufficient tendon length problem of the original EIP opponensplasty.

Posterior Deltoid Function After Transfer of Branch to the Long Head Triceps Brachii of the Radial Nerve to the Anterior Branch of the Axillary Nerve

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the posterior part of the deltoid after nerve transfer of the long head triceps branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in patients with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients diagnosed with an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury who underwent nerve transfer of the long head triceps muscle branch of the radial nerve to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in our institute between 2012 and 2017. Data on age, sex, the mechanism of injury, the pattern of injury, and operative treatment were collected from medical records. Preoperative and postoperative clinical examinations, including motor powers of shoulder abduction and extension according to Medical Research Council grading, were evaluated. At a minimum of 2 years after the operation, we evaluated the recovery of the posterior deltoid function using the swallow-tail test.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (84.6%) had recovery of posterior deltoid function confirmed by the swallow-tail test. There were 23 patients (88.5%) who achieved at least Medical Research Council grade 4 of shoulder abduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve transfer from the branch to the long head triceps to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve is an effective technique for restoring deltoid function in an upper brachial plexus injury or isolated axillary nerve injury. This technique can provide shoulder abduction and shoulder extension, which are the functions of the posterior deltoid muscle.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Dorsoradial Ligament Reconstruction in Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthritis

BACKGROUND

The main purpose of the study is to present the alternative novel surgical technique in treating patients with trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis using dorsoradial ligament (DRL) reconstruction technique and report the clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with TMC joint arthritis and underwent DRL reconstruction were evaluated. Visual analog pain score; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score; grip, tip pinch, tripod pinch, and key pinch strengths along with range of motion of the thumb; and Kapandji score were recorded in the preoperative period and at follow-up. Stress examination was also performed under a fluoroscope.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included in the study. Median follow-up time was 13 months. At follow-up, postoperative visual analog scale and QuickDASH score improved in all patients. Grip, tip pinch, tripod pinch, and key pinch strengths also improved. The range of motion and Kapandji score were slightly improved compared with the preoperative period except for the thumb metacarpophalangeal flexion. Two patients had numbness at the thumb and spontaneously recovered after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

According to recent evidence which proposed the importance of DRL in TMC joint stability, our DRL reconstruction technique may be an alternative treatment in treating patients presented with TMC joint arthritis. Further study with a longer follow-up period is needed.

The Intercostal Nerves Transfer to the Radial Nerve Branch to the Long Head Triceps Muscle: Influencing Factor and Outcome of 55 Cases

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to report the functional outcomes and factors affecting the result of intercostal nerves transfer to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle for restoration of elbow extension in patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with the loss of triceps muscle function.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with no triceps muscle function had a reconstruction of elbow extension by transferring the third to fifth intercostal nerves to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle. The functional outcomes determined by the Medical Research Council grading were evaluated. Factors influencing the outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

At the follow-up of at least 2 years, 36 patients (65%) had antigravity motor function (Medical Research Council grade, ≥3). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the body mass index, time to surgery, and injury of the dominant limb were associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The third to fifth intercostal nerves transfer to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle is an effective procedure to restore elbow extension. We would recommend using 3 intercostal nerves without grafts; in cases of nerve root avulsion in which there is no chance of spontaneous recovery, early surgery should be considered.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Anatomy of Distal Articular Surface of Hamate Bone, A Cadaveric Study

Background: Hemi-hamate arthroplasty is one of the treatment options for dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocation. Many studies reported favorable outcomes. However, some long term studies demonstrated the degenerative change of PIP joint. The articular mismatch of the hemi-hamate autograft might play an important role of this complication. Methods: We studied the anatomy of distal articular surface of the hamate bone in embalmed hamate bones. The anatomy of distal articular surface and dimensions of the hamate bone were measured and recorded. Results: Seventy hamate bones were dissected out from embalmed cadavers and included in this study. The mean angle of the 4^th metacarpal articulation was 85.54 degrees (SD = 3.53) and mean angle of the 5^th metacarpal articulation was 95.51 degrees (SD = 3.57). The inter-articular ridge was approximately 5 degrees radial inclination. Conclusions: The inter-articular ridge of distal articular surface was approximately 5 degrees radial inclination. In order to minimize the graft mismatch, we recommend making the bone cut with the saw blade tilted to radial side 5 degrees to achieve better alignment of inter-articular ridge of the graft.

Surgical anatomy of the axillary nerve branches to the deltoid muscle

Variations in the innervation of the posterior deltoid muscle by the anterior branch of the axillary nerve have been reported. The objective of this study is to clarify the anatomy of the axillary nerve branches to the deltoid muscle. One hundred and twenty-nine arms (68 right and 61 left) from 88 embalmed cadavers (83 male and 46 female) were included in the study. The anterior and posterior branches of the axillary nerve were identified and their lengths were measured from the point of emergence from the axillary nerve to their terminations in the deltoid muscle. In all cases, the axillary nerves split into two branches (anterior and posterior) within the quadrangular space and none split within the deltoid muscle. In all specimens, the anterior and middle parts of the deltoid muscle received their nerve supplies from the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. The posterior part of the deltoid muscle was supplied only by the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in 2.3% of the specimens, from the posterior branch in 8.5%, and from both branches in 89.1%. There were two sub-branches of the anterior branch in 4.7% of the specimens. The anterior branch of the axillary nerve supplied not only the anterior and middle parts of the deltoid muscle but also the posterior part in most cases (91.5%).

The fate of the index metacarpophalangeal joint following pollicization

PURPOSE

To characterize the complications that occur at the index metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint following pollicization and to identify the blood supply of the index MCP joint.

METHODS

Eighty-five pollicized digits in 74 patients (1974-2007) were followed after surgery and had documented clinical examinations and radiographs to evaluate physeal arrest, nonunion at the pollicized digit base, and instability of the new carpometacarpal joint at a minimum of 2 years following surgery.

RESULTS

Proximal phalanx physeal arrest was the most common complication. Radiographic nonunion at the juncture of the index metacarpal head and base occurred with and without instability. Twenty-one of 85 pollicized digits showed radiographic evidence of physeal arrest, 12 of which were complete and 9 partial. No clinical factor was found to significantly correlate with a physeal arrest, although the 9 patients with the diagnosis of Holt-Oram syndrome trended toward a higher percentage, with 6 digits in 5 patients with Holt-Oram syndrome showing this complication. Twenty pollicized MCP joints did not have bony union to the base of the index metacarpal, but only 3 were clinically unstable and required surgical stabilization. Ten pollicized digits developed some degree of instability and subluxation at the new carpometacarpal joint, but only one required surgical intervention. In recent cases, a search for the blood supply to the MCP joint has demonstrated a consistent vessel deep to the interosseous muscles that arborizes on the volar metacarpal neck. Our surgical technique has evolved to preserve this vessel whenever possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Our complications are most likely due to technical factors. Careful dissection of the index MCP joint during pollicization should help reduce physeal growth arrest. Patients with Holt-Oram syndrome might have an increased risk of growth arrest. However, the majority of patients did not require secondary surgery and have good function.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Simultaneous intercostal nerve transfers to deltoid and triceps muscle through the posterior approach

PURPOSE

This study reports the results of restoring the deltoid and triceps functions in patients with C5, C6, and C7 root avulsion injuries by simultaneously transferring 4 intercostal nerves to the anterior axillary nerve and the nerve to the long head of the triceps through the posterior approach.

METHODS

Nine patients with C5, C6, and C7 root avulsion injuries underwent spinal accessory nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve combined with transfer of the third and fourth intercostal nerves to the anterior axillary nerve for shoulder reconstruction. Simultaneous transfer of the fifth and sixth intercostal nerves to the radial nerve branch of the triceps was done to restore elbow extension.

RESULTS

For shoulder function, 8 patients had M4 recovery and 1 patient had M2 recovery. Average shoulder abduction and external rotation were 69° and 42°, respectively. For elbow extension, 3 patients achieved M3 recovery, 5 patients had M2 recovery, and 1 patient had M1 recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Reconstruction of 2 muscles with intercostal nerves is possible when both muscles act synergistically, such as shoulder abduction and elbow extension. Two intercostal nerves are adequate to transfer for deltoid reconstruction but not enough for elbow extension against gravity.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

End-to-side radial sensory to median nerve transfer to restore sensation and relieve pain in C5 and C6 nerve root avulsion

PURPOSE

To report the results of end-to-side nerve transfer of the superficial radial nerve into the median nerve for restoration of sensation and pain relief at the dorsal radial aspect of the hand in C5 and C6 root avulsion.

METHODS

Eight patients with a mean age of 32 years, with paresthesia and pain at the dorsal radial aspect of the hand due to upper brachial plexus injuries, had end-to-side nerve transfer of the superficial radial nerve into the ulnovolar part of the median nerve. Five patients had S0 and 3 patients had S1 sensory evaluation at the dorsal radial aspect of the affected hand. We evaluated patients for pain using a visual analog scale. We assessed sensory recovery with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and British Medical Research Score, respectively. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 36 months (average, 28 mo).

RESULTS

Six patients had S2 and 2 patients had S3. All patients perceived at least one number lower of the Semmes-Weinstein filament in the dorsal radial aspect of the affected hand compared with the preoperative status. The best result was perception of the 3.61 filament in 2 patients. No downgrading of the donor nerve was observed after surgery. All patients had relief of pain 2 weeks after surgery, and the pain decreased dramatically at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This method is a reliable, effective, and simple procedure. We recommend this sensory nerve transfer as an additional procedure to the combined motor nerve transfers to relieve pain and restore sensation in the dorsal radial aspect of the hand in patients who have C5 and C6 root avulsion.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Onabotulinum toxinA injection as an adjunct in the treatment of posterior shoulder subluxation in neonatal brachial plexus palsy

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin A is used to treat contractures in children with spasticity by temporarily interfering with neural transmission at the motor end plate. In infants with brachial plexus palsy, posterior shoulder subluxation and dislocation are the result of muscle imbalance, in which neurologic recovery is evolving, and spasticity is not a deforming force. We postulated that temporary weakening of the shoulder internal rotator muscles with botulinum toxin A would facilitate reduction of the glenohumeral joint in such infants with early posterior shoulder subluxation or dislocation.

METHODS

Thirty-five infants with posterior subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder due to brachial plexus palsy were treated with botulinum toxin A between January 1999 and December 2006, and were followed for a minimum period of one year. Records were reviewed for the severity of the palsy, age at time of treatment, recurrence of subluxation or dislocation, and the subsequent need for further treatment to reduce the glenohumeral joint.

RESULTS

The average age at the time of shoulder reduction and botulinum toxin-A injection was 5.7 months. Six patients had a second injection. Reduction of the shoulder was maintained in twenty-four (69%) of the thirty-five patients. There were no complications related to the use of botulinum toxin A.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there may be specific risks associated with its use, botulinum toxin-A injection into the internal rotator muscles is a useful adjunct to the treatment of early posterior subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder in infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, and may help to avoid the need for open surgical procedures to restore or maintain shoulder reduction.

Isolated PCl avulsion from the tibial attachment: residual laxity and function of the knee after screw fixation

OBJECTIVE

To identify the posterior laxity of the knee after PCL fixation and to correlate the findings with the functional outcomes using the standard evaluation systems.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Ten isolated PCL avulsions from tibial attachment were enrolled. The operation was done within 16 days after injury. Anatomical reduction and internal fixation with a screw of the avulsion fragment was done under direct vision and was confirmed by radiographs. The follow up evaluation was done at an average of 40 months after the indexed surgery.

RESULTS

Injured-normal side laxity difference at an average of 2.4 mm was observed. According to IKDC knee ligament standard evaluation, two knees were graded normal and eight knees were graded nearly normal. The average Lysholm score was 91. Two knees were graded as an excellent outcome and 8 knees were graded good outcome.

CONCLUSION

Despite mild laxity in the injured knee, the functional outcomes after fixation of the PCL avulsion were good to excellent.

Restoration of winged scapula in upper arm type brachial plexus injury: anatomic feasibility

BACKGROUND

The patients who have C5-C6 root avulsion in brachial plexus injury, suffered from loss of elbow flexion, shoulder abduction and winged scapula. The purpose of study is to provide anatomic feasibility of thoracodorsal nerve (medial and lateral branches) and long thoracic nerve for restoration of the shoulder function caused by winged scapula.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

To study the length of thoracodorsal nerve and long thoracic nerve from the apex of the posterior axillary line to the insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle and the serratus anterior muscle respectively, 10 fresh cadavers were dissected. The distance between the thoracodorsal nerve and long thoracic nerve, and the numbers of fascicles and axon were measured by histomorphometry. We transferred the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal nerve to the long thoracic nerve in order to restore the serratus anterior muscle function.

RESULTS

The mean length of the thoracodorsal nerve from apex of posterior axillary line to bifurcation before separation to medial and lateral branches was 31.5 mm. The average length of the thoracodorsal nerve and long thoracic nerve from bifurcation to the insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle and the serratus anterior muscle were 10.3, 82.2, and 99.5 mm, respectively. The distance between the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal nerve and long thoracic nerve was 33.4 mm. The mean number of myelinated nerve fiber of the thoracodorsal nerve medial and lateral branches and long thoracic nerve were 973.8, 1843.3 and 1135.3 axons, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The anatomic study of the thoracodorsal nerve and long thoracic nerve showed that the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal nerve is proper in the length and numbers of axon to transfer to the long thoracic nerve for restoration of shoulder function caused by the winged scapula.

Nerve transfer for wrist extension using nerve to flexor digitorum superficialis in cervical 5, 6, and 7 root avulsions: anatomic study and report of two cases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of restoring wrist extension in patients with complete cervical root 5 (C5), 6, and 7 avulsion injuries by transferring the most proximal branch of the median nerve that innervates flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle (proximal FDS branch) to the branch of the radial nerve that innervates extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle (ECRB branch) in an anatomic study and 2 case reports.

METHODS

The study was performed on 10 fresh cadavers. The nerve branches of the median nerve and the radial nerve were measured for length, diameter, and sites of origin of their nerve branches. The nerve branches of the median nerve, the posterior interosseous nerve, and the ECRB branch of the radial nerve were processed for histomorphometric evaluation. Using image analysis software, we took all histomorphometric measurements of the nerve sections. Based on this anatomical study, the proximal FDS branch was transferred directly to the ECRB branch without nerve graft in 2 patients.

RESULTS

The average distance from the origin of nerve branches to the interepicondylar line was 3.5 and 2.3 cm, respectively, for the proximal FDS and ECRB branches. The average length of the proximal FDS branch and ECRB branch was 2.8 and 3.3 cm, respectively. The average number of myelinated nerve fibers of the proximal FDS branch and ECRB branch was 983 and 2,797, respectively. At 2 years' follow-up, preliminary clinical results demonstrated that wrist extension had gained strength against resistance (grade M4). The arc of motion for wrist extension was 30 degrees in the first patient and 70 degrees in the second one. Useful functional recovery was achieved and classified as good result in both cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomic study and 2 reported results supports our hypothesis that transfer of the proximal FDS branch of median nerve to the ECRB branch of radial nerve could be an alternative method for reconstructiing wrist extension in C5, 6, and 7 avulsion injuries.

Nerve transfer to deltoid muscle using the intercostal nerves through the posterior approach: an anatomic study and two case reports

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of restoring the deltoid function in patients with C5 through C7 root avulsion injuries by transferring 2 intercostal nerves to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve through a posterior approach. The preliminary results of the clinical application of this procedure also are reported.

METHODS

The study was performed on 10 fresh cadavers. The lengths of the third, fourth, and fifth intercostal nerves from the costochondral junction to the midaxillary line were recorded. The distance from the pivot point at the midaxillary line to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve was recorded as the tunnel length. All histomorphometric measurements of the axon number were recorded. Based on the anatomic study, the fourth and fifth intercostal nerves were transferred directly to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve in 2 patients.

RESULTS

The average distances from the costochondral junction of the third, fourth, and fifth intercostal nerves to the pivot points were 12, 15, and 16 cm, respectively. The average tunnel distances of the third, fourth, and fifth intercostal nerves were 11, 13, and 15 cm, respectively. The average numbers of myelinated nerve fibers of the third, fourth, and fifth intercostal nerves were 742, 830, and 1,353, respectively. At the 2-year follow-up evaluation the preliminary clinical results showed that the deltoid recovered against resistance (M4). The range of motion for shoulder abduction and external rotation were both 95 degrees in the first case and 105 degrees and 95 degrees , respectively, in the second case. Useful functional recovery was achieved and classified as a good result in both patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This anatomic study with 2 case reports supports the idea that transfer of 2 intercostal nerves to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve through the posterior approach could be an alternative method for reconstruction of the deltoid muscle in C5 through C7 root avulsion injuries.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Combined nerve transfers for C5 and C6 brachial plexus avulsion injury

PURPOSE

To report the results of combined nerve transfer in C5 and C6 brachial plexus avulsion injury.

METHODS

Fifteen patients had nerve transfers: spinal accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve, a part of the ulnar nerve to the biceps motor branch, and the nerve to the long head of the triceps to the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. Patients were evaluated with regard to elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and shoulder external rotation.

RESULTS

All patients had recovered full elbow flexion: 13 scored M4 and 2 scored M3. Thirteen of the 15 patients obtained good results. The weight the patients could lift ranged from 0 to 7 kg. All patients had recovery of the deltoid function: 13 scored M4 and 2 scored M3. All 15 patients achieved useful functional recovery. Ten patients experienced excellent recoveries and 5 were classified as having good results. The mean shoulder abduction was 115 degrees . Shoulder external rotation strength was scored as M4 in 9 patients, M3 in 4 patients, and M2 in 2 patients. The range of motion of external rotation that was measured from full internal rotation averaged 97 degrees . No clinical donor nerve deficits were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend combined nerve transfers for C5 and C6 avulsion root injuries. These nerve transfers have the advantage of a quick recovery time as a result of the short regeneration distance without nerve graft.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV.