scholarly journals Distal radioulnar joint stabilization with open foveal reinsertion versus tendon graft reconstruction: an experimental study using radiostereometry

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janni Kjærgaard Thillemann ◽  
Sepp De Raedt ◽  
Torben Bæk Hansen ◽  
Bo Munk ◽  
Maiken Stilling

Abstract Purpose Symptomatic instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) caused by lesion of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) can be treated with a number of surgical techniques. Clinical examination of DRUJ translation is subjective and limited by inter-observer variability. The aim of this study was to compare the stabilizing effect on DRUJ translation with two different surgical methods using the Piano-key test and a new precise low-dose, non-invasive radiostereometric imaging method (AutoRSA). Methods In a randomized experimental study we evaluated the DRUJ translation in ten human cadaver arms (8 males, mean age 78 years) after cutting the proximal and distal TFCC insertions, and after open surgical TFCC reinsertion (n = 5) or TFCC reconstruction using a palmaris longus tendon graft ad modum Adams (n = 5). The cadaver arms were mounted in a custom-made fixture for a standardized Piano-key test. Radiostereometric images were recorded and AutoRSA software was used for image analyses. Standardised anatomical axes and coordinate systems of the forearm computer tomography bone models were applied to estimate DRUJ translation after TFCC lesions and after surgical repair. Results The DRUJ translation after cutting the proximal and distal TFCC insertions was 2.48 mm (95% CI 1.61; 3.36). Foveal TFCC reinsertion reduced DRUJ translation by 1.78 mm (95% CI 0.82; 2.74, p = 0.007), while TFCC reconstruction reduced DRUJ translation by 1.01 mm (95% CI -1.58; 3.60, p = 0.17). Conclusion In conclusion, foveal TFCC reinsertion significantly decreased DRUJ translation while the stabilizing effect of Adams TFCC reconstruction was heterogeneous. This supports the clinical recommendation of TFCC reinsertion in patients suffering from symptomatic DRUJ instability due to acute fovea TFCC lesions.

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Adams ◽  
J. L. Gaffey

A variety of surgical techniques are used to treat the arthritic distal radioulnar joint, which is influenced by aetiology and previous procedures. Four types of ulnar head arthroplasty exist: total ulnar head, partial ulnar head, unlinked total distal radioulnar joint, and linked distal radioulnar joint. Although long-term outcome studies are sparse, short-term clinical and biomechanical studies have shown encouraging results, leading to expanded indications. Based on our experience and a literature review, patients are advised that pain is improved but minor pain is common after strenuous activity. Ulnar neck resorption is common, however, implant loosening is rare. Sigmoid notch erosion is concerning, but appears to stabilize and not affect outcome. A partial ulnar head replacement that retains bony architecture and soft tissue restraints may have benefit over a total ulnar head in appropriate patients. If appropriate selection criteria are met, ulnar head replacement typically produces reliable results, with low revision.


Author(s):  
Janni Kjærgaard Thillemann ◽  
Sepp De Raedt ◽  
Emil Toft Petersen ◽  
Katriina Bøcker Puhakka ◽  
Torben Bæk Hansen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Measurement of in vivo distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) pathomechanics during simple activities can represent the disability experienced by patients and may be useful in diagnostics of DRUJ instability. A first step is to describe the physiological normal limits for DRUJ kinematics in a reproducible and precise test setup, which was the aim of this study. Methods DRUJ kinematics were evaluated in 33 participants with dynamic radiostereometry (RSA) while performing a standardized press test examination. AutoRSA software was used for image analyses. Computed tomography (CT) forearm bone models were generated, and standardized anatomical axes were applied to estimate kinematic outcomes including, DRUJ translation, DRUJ position ratio, and changes in ulnar variance. Repeatability of dynamic RSA press test double examinations was evaluated to estimate the precision and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test–retest agreement. Results The maximum force during the press test was 6.0 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1–6.9), which resulted in 4.7 mm (95% CI: 4.2–5.1) DRUJ translation, DRUJ position ratio of 0.40 (95% CI: 0.33–0.44), and increase in ulnar variance of 1.1 mm (95% CI: 1.0–1.2). The mean maximum DRUJ translation leveled off after a 5 kg force application. The DRUJ translation ICC coefficient was 0.93 within a prediction interval of ± 0.53mm. Conclusions This clinical study demonstrates the normal values of DRUJ kinematics and reports excellent agreement and high precision of the press tests examination using an automated noninvasive dynamic RSA imaging method based on patient-specific CT bone models. The next step is the application of the method in patients with arthroscopic verified triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (02) ◽  
pp. e97-e104
Author(s):  
Ignacio Miranda ◽  
Francisco J. Lucas ◽  
Vicente Carratalá ◽  
Joan Ferràs-Tarragó ◽  
Francisco J. Miranda

Abstract Introduction Peripheral injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can produce pain and instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). There are several techniques for the reconstruction of the TFCC. The aim of the present paper was to summarize the tendon plasties of the DRUJ ligaments for the anatomic reconstruction of TFCC, to analyze the surgical techniques, and to evaluate their outcomes. Methods In order to perform a systematic review, we searched in the literature the terms DRUJ instability OR chronic distal radioulnar joint instability OR distal radioulnar tendon plasty. Results In total, 11 articles with level of evidence IV (case series) were retrieved. Most studies achieved good results, with recovery of wrist stability, improvement of the pain, and increase in grip strength in the functionality tests. In the historical evolution of the published series, wrist surgeons tried to perform a more anatomical plasty, with a more stable fixation and less invasive techniques. Conclusion The Adams procedure continues to be a valid and reproducible technique for the treatment of chronic DRUJ instability. If wrist arthroscopy and implants are available and surgeons have been technically trained, the authors recommend an arthroscopy-assisted technique, or, if possible, an all-arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction with implant fixation of the plasty in its anatomical points of insertion. Comparative studies between open and arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction techniques are needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 909-915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Frantz ◽  
Elizabeth A. Helsper ◽  
Harry A. Morris ◽  
Bernard F. Hearon

This retrospective study investigated the clinical outcomes of patients treated for chronic distal radioulnar joint instability with open anatomic reconstruction of the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments. After the midpoint of a tendon graft is anchored at the ulnar fovea, the two graft limbs traverse the distal radioulnar joint. One limb is woven into the palmar wrist capsule and the other is secured to the dorsal wrist capsule and retinaculum to stabilize the joint. Of 30 patients (31 wrists) treated with this technique, 19 were followed longitudinally for a mean of 10 years (range 3–21). In this long-term cohort, there were statistically significant improvements in ulnar-sided wrist pain on the visual analogue scale and in distal radioulnar joint stability on the dorsopalmar stress test. The modified Mayo Wrist Scores were classified as three excellent, 12 good, three fair and one poor. Of the 30 patients studied, failure occurred in four patients, two from graft rupture and two from distal radioulnar joint arthrosis. We conclude that anatomic reconstruction of the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments is an effective treatment for distal radioulnar joint instability and is associated with high satisfaction and durable outcomes. Level of evidence: IV


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (02) ◽  
pp. 137-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonor Fernandes ◽  
João Sousa ◽  
Fernando Cruz

AbstractDislocation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) usually occurs associated with a distal radius fracture. An isolated dislocation, without a radius fracture, is a rare situation.We present a case of neglected isolated DRUJ dislocation in a 30-year-old manual laborer. The treatment was performed 4 months after the initial injury. Open reduction and fixation were performed. This resulted in a stable, pain-free joint, and the patient resumed his previous work.Surgical techniques of foveal reattachment and dorsal capsuloplasty have been described for chronic DRUJ instability. An isolated and dislocated DRUJ is an uncommon injury that may be misdiagnosed and initially mistreated. There haven't been many reports in the literature of a case such as this.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwok-Ho Wong ◽  
Tak-Hing Yip ◽  
Wing-Cheung Wu

Six patients with post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint dorsal instability were treated with dorsal capsular reconstruction. This new technique of reconstruction requires less extensive dissection than the previously described methods in the literature and requires no tendon graft. A total of six patients treated from 1999 to 2001 were included in this study. Two were males and four were females. The average age of patients was 30 years and all the instabilities were secondary to trauma. One of them had associated minimally displaced distal radius fracture. All patients had arthrogram and arthroscopy done before the reconstruction and had no significant triangular fibrocartilage complex injury. The surgery consisted of duplication capsulorrhaphy of the dorsal capsular structures of the distal radioulnar joint. All patients had satisfactory results after the operations in terms of pain relief, range of motion and stability.


2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (21) ◽  
pp. 2022-2030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayuri Arimitsu ◽  
Hisao Moritomo ◽  
Takashi Kitamura ◽  
Lawrence J Berglund ◽  
Kristin D Zhao ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 923-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janni Kjærgaard Thillemann ◽  
Sepp De Raedt ◽  
Peter Bo Jørgensen ◽  
Lone Rømer ◽  
Torben Bæk Hansen ◽  
...  

Distal radioulnar joint instability is difficult to grade by clinical examination and interobserver reliability is low. This study used a new and precise radiostereometry method for measurement of distal radioulnar joint translation. Eight human donor arms were positioned in a custom-made fixture and a standardized piano key test was done with pressure on the ulnar head. Examination was done before and after dividing the styloid and foveal insertions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. In the intact wrists, the piano key test induced a mean 1.36 mm translation of the ulnar head, which increased statistically significantly to 1.96 mm after a lesion of the styloid ligament insertion and to 2.3 mm after combined lesions of the styloid and foveal ligament insertions. This experimental cadaver study demonstrates a radiological method for precise quantification of distal radioulnar joint stability after different grades of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury.


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