Volar plating versus external fixation for unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint

We retrospectively compared the results of volar plating and dynamic external fixation for acute unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint with a depressed fragment. We treated 31 patients (31 fingers), 12 with volar buttress plating and 19 with dynamic external fixation. Follow-up averaged 35 and 40 months in the two groups, with a minimal 6-month follow-up. Average active flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 95° after plate fixation and 87° after external fixation, with an active extension lag of –6° and –9°, respectively. Active flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint averaged 67° in the plate group and 58° in the external fixation group, with active extension lags of 0° and –5°, respectively. We conclude that both methods can obtain a good range of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint. A limitation of the extension of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred with dynamic external fixation but not with volar buttress plating. Level of evidence: IV

Clinical Characteristics of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis and Distinguished Features from Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single-Centre Experience in China

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH). MethodsThe clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results and histologic characteristics of eleven patients with MRH were collected and compared with those of 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ResultsIn total, 72.7% of the MRH patients were women. The median age was 46 years (range: 33-84 years). Diagnosed by specific pathologic features, all MRH patients exhibited cutaneous involvement. The dorsa of the hands, arms, face and auricle were the most commonly affected areas. Nodules were also located on the legs, scalp, trunk, neck, and even the hypoglossis and buccal mucosa. Ten MRH patients (90.9%) had symmetric polyarthritis. Compared with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, MRH patients were more likely to have distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) involvement (63.6% vs 24.2%, P=0.017) and less likely to have elbow (36.4% vs 72.7%, P=0.003), ankle (45.5% vs 93.9%, P<0.001) and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) (36.4% vs 78.8%, P=0.009) involvement. The positivity for rheumatoid factor (RF) (36.4% vs 84.6%, P=0.001) and anti-CCP antibody (9.1% vs 81.8%, P=0.000), as well as the median RF titer [43.8 (31.7-61.0) vs 175.4 (21.3-940.3), P = 0.021], in MRH patients was lower than that in RA patients. Elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also less common in MRH patients than in RA patients (36.4% vs 72.7%, P=0.030). After treatment with median- to large-dose corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, 8 patients achieved complete remission, and 2 patients achieved partial remission (skin lesions ameliorated, joint lesions not ameliorated). ConclusionAlways pathologically diagnosed, MRH is a systemic disease involving RA-like erosive polyarthritis and a specific distribution of skin nodules characterized by "coral beads". More DIP involvement and less elbow, ankle and MCP involvement are seen in MRH than in RA. In addition, less positive and lower-titer RF, uncommon presence of anti-CCP antibodies and ESR elevation may be helpful to distinguish MRH from RA.

Development of a revolute-type kinematic model for human upper limb using a matrix approach

A mathematical model is proposed for a revolute joint mechanism with an n-degree of freedom (DOF). The matrix approach is used for finding the relation between two consecutive links to determine desired link parameters such as position, velocity and acceleration using the forward kinematic approach. The matrix approach was confirmed for a proposed 10 DOF revolute type (R-type) human upper limb model with servo motors at each joint. Two DOFs are considered each at shoulder, elbow and wrist joint, followed by four DOF for the fingers. Two DOFs were considered for metacarpophalangeal (mcp) and one DOF each for proximal interphalangeal (pip) and distal interphalangeal (dip) joints. MATLAB script function was used to evaluate the mathematical model for determining kinematic parameters for all the proposed human upper limb model joints. The simplified method for kinematic analysis proposed in this paper will further simplify the dynamic modeling of any mechanism for determining joint torques and hence, easy to design control system for joint movements.

Pustular psoriasis and arthropathy in a patient with HIV infection. Clinical case

The article presents a clinical case of pustular psoriasis and arthropathy in a patient with HIV infection. The diagnosis of psoriasis was confirmed by morphological examination. Signs of arthropathy were confirmed by X-Ray: presence of oligoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers and feet was seen. Dactylitis severity ― 23 points, the Ritchie index ― 2, DLQI ― 28. The clinical course of psoriasis and its treatment in HIV-infected patients was considered after taking into account the data from literature and the patients current condition and observation. The above observation of a combination of several clinical forms of psoriasis (vulgar, pustular and arthropathy) in patients with HIV infection is an illustration of the features of the course and comorbidity of chronic dermatosis and AIDS, due to the influence of the infectious process, immunosuppression and ART. The development of pustular form and arthropathy creates the additional challenge of prescribing basic systemic treatment for severe and complicated psoriasis in an HIV-infected patient due to the presence of contraindications due to comorbidity. The glucocorticosteriod selected by the committee was effective on the skin and joint pathological processes, without having any negative impact on the course and treatment of the HIV infection. Such cases require further study and development of methods for the treatment of patients with comorbidity and their inclusion in an additional section in the clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.

Distal interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis using only Kirschner Wires in small distal Phalanges

Purpose To report the clinical and radiographic results of arthrodesis of relatively small-sized distal interphalangeal joints (DIPJs) using only K-wire fixation. Patients and methods Between January 2000 and December 2018 28 arthrodesis in 21 patients (9 males and 12 females with an average age of 52.1 years) with relatively small-sized DIPJs were performed using only K-wires. Data on patient’s characteristics, such as age, sex, affected finger, and the number and size of the used k-wires were collected from the medical database. The narrowest diameter of the cortex and medulla of the distal phalanx was measured on preoperative plain radiographs. The time to union and the arthrodesis angle was determined using serial X-ray radiography follow-up. Preoperatively and at the latest follow-up examination, pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the quick DASH score was registered. In addition, complications were investigated. Results Average follow-up period was 11.4 months. The small finger was mostly affected (n = 12; 42.9 %). The narrowest diameters of the distal phalanx cortex and the medulla measured on preoperative X-ray images were 2.8 mm (SD 0.5) and 1.2 mm (SD 0.4), respectively. Seven fusions were done with use of 1 K-wire, 20 with 2 (71.4 %), and 1 with 3 K-wires. The most common K-wire sizes were 1.1-inch (24 K-wires = 48 %), and 0.9 inch (21 K-wires = 42 %) The preoperative VAS score and quick DASH score improved from 6.1 (range: 0–9) and 25.8 (range: 2–38) to 0.4 (range: 0–2) and 3.4 (range: 0–10.2), respectively. 25 (89.3 %) out of 28 fingers achieved bony union in an average of 96.1 days (range: 58–114) with three non-union. Conclusion Arthrodesis of small DIPJs with K-wire fixation has a high success rate. Therefore, we suggest K-wire fixation as an acceptable alternative for patients with a small phalanx which may be at risk of mismatch with bigger implants. However, concerns remain in terms of fusion delay with K-wire only fixation.

Broken Kirschner Wire in Distal Interphalangeal Joint Fixation: A Case Report

Kirschner wire (K-wire) has been widely used for treatment of fracture for its cost-effectiveness and reliability. This case presents the K-wire breakage in distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) fixation. A 55-year-old male patient was injured by a knife and showed rupture of extensor tendon at 1/2 of middle phalanx. A 0.9-mm K-wire was implemented for DIPJ extension, and tenorrhaphy was done. After 6 weeks, we detected breakage of K-wire in the follow-up X-ray. The broken K-wire in the distal phalanx was removed. We removed the remaining K-wire through an incision on volar side of middle phalanx under C-arm after 2 weeks for the patient’s personal reasons. Breakage during postoperative K-wire maintenance is exceedingly rare. This patient is presumed to have ruptured because he continued using his finger. Therefore, while K-wire is present, continued use of finger without protection may cause breakage, so protective measures such as splint are required.

1102 Tackling Jersey Finger Using Extraosseous Tunnels – Study of a New Technique

Aim Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) avulsion or Jersey finger is a common injury in hand trauma. Common methods of surgical repair include Mitek bone anchor or a pull-out technique using tunnels drilled through the bone. We present a novel method of FDP tendon repair using extraosseous tunnels. Method Once the avulsed FDP tendon is retrieved, a double-Kessler or Krakow repair is performed with a 3-0 Prolene suture through the distal FDP tendon. Extraosseous tunnels are created either side of the distal phalanx using 18-gauge needles passing through the nailplate and sterile matrix, avoiding the germinal matrix. Suture ends are then passed through the needles. After removing the needles, the suture is knotted over a Jelonet roll. We reviewed this method in a cohort of 16 paediatric and adult patients with FDP avulsion or division at its insertion. Patients were followed-up for at least 6 weeks. All patients underwent post-operative rehabilitation with hand therapists. Function was measured subjectively and using distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) flexion and loss of extension. Results 14 patients regained normal or near-normal function. The remaining two had significant polytrauma and developed complex regional pain syndrome. Mean range of DIPJ flexion was of 49.6° at a mean of 11 weeks’ follow-up, mean loss of extension was 11.6°. Conclusions Our results show good outcomes comparable to those in the literature using existing methods. This method is simple and requires no complex instrumentation while providing reliable FDP fixation.