Allinside Anatomic Arthroscopic (3A) Reconstruction of Irreparable TFCC Tear

Background In recent years, new arthroscopic techniques have been introduced to address the irreparable tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) (Palmer type 1B, Atzei class 4) by replicating the standard Adams–Berger procedure. These techniques, however, show the same limitations of the open procedure in relation to the anatomically defective location of the radial origins of the radioulnar ligaments (RUL) and the risk of neurovascular and/or tendon injury. Aiming to improve the quality of reconstruction and reduce surgical morbidity, a novel arthroscopic technique was developed, with the advantages of reproducing the anatomical origins of the RUL ligaments and providing all-inside tendon graft (TG) deployment and fixation. Description of Technique The Allinside anatomic arthroscopic (3A) technique is indicated for TG reconstruction of irreparable TFCC tears in the absence of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis. Standard wrist arthroscopy portals are used. A small incision in the radial metaphyseal area and arthroscopic control are required to set a Wrist Drill Guide and create two converging tunnels, whose openings are at the radial anatomical origins of the RUL. An ulnar tunnel is drilled at the fovea from inside-out via the 6U portal. A 3-mm tendon strip, from the palmaris longus or extensor carpi radialis brevis, is woven through the tunnels and then secured into the ulnar tunnel with an interference screw. Postoperative immobilization with restricted forearm rotation is discontinued at 5 weeks, and then postoperative rehabilitation is started. Patients and Methods The 3A technique was applied on 5 patients (2 females and 3 males), with an average age 42 years. DRUJ stability, range of motion (ROM), pain (0–10 visual analogue scale [VAS]), grip strength, modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), and patient satisfaction were used for evaluation before surgery and at follow-up. Results No intraoperative or early complications were registered. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, DRUJ was stable in all patients, which recovered 99% ROM. Pain VAS decreased from 7 to 0.6. Grip strength increased from 38 to 48.8 Kgs. There were 4 excellent results and 1 good result on MMWS. All patient showed high satisfaction. Conclusions Although the 3A technique requires dedicated instrumentation and arthroscopic expertise, it takes advantage of improved intra-articular vision and minimized surgical trauma to reduce the risk of complications and obtain promising functional results.

Surgical Anatomy of the Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve: Clinical Application in Ulnar Nerve Decompression Surgery in the Elbow

Introduction Lesion to the posterior branch of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MACN) is one of the causes of revision of the ulnar nerve decompression surgery in the elbow.To avoid the morbidity associated with this injury, cadaver dissections were performed to identify this branch in its course through the ulnar tunnel. Methods We included 20 upper extremities of fresh cadaveric specimens. The posterior branch of the MACN was identified proximal to medial epicondyle and followed past the ulnar tunnel. The number of ramifications and their coordinates were recorded in a Cartesian plane, with the medial epicondyle as the central point. Results The posterior branch passed proximal and posterior to the medial epicondyle in all specimens, except one. The average of the adjusted x value is of 30 mm, and of the adjusted y value is -18 mm. Additionally, we determined that the posterior branch passes at an average angle of 30° with respect to the x axis. Conclusion The anatomical descriptions of this branch focused on surgical release of the ulnar nerve in the elbow are limited, and measures are only described in the horizontal plane (from proximal to distal). Schematizing the anatomy of this branch in its course throughout the ulnar tunnel will facilitate its identification during the procedures. However, variability and asymmetry in the branching pattern should be considered.

Pigmented Villo Nodular Synovitis as an Atypical Cause of Deep Motor Branch Neuropathy

Introduction: Compression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon’s canal results in ulnar tunnel syndrome (UTS). The patient may present with sensory and motor deficits (zone 1), motor deficit (zone 2), or sensory deficit (zone 3). The most common causes of UTS include ganglion cysts, idiopathic ulnar nerve compression, occupational pressure neuritis (repetitive compression), prolonged compression, hook of hamate fractures, and arterial thrombus or aneurysm. Case Report: We report an atypical cause of UTS involving pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) with a review of the literature. Surgical decompression of the ulnar nerve at Guyon’s canal has resulted in resolving motor weakness and improved interosseous strength at latest follow-up. Conclusion: The most common causes of UTS are ganglion, occupational neuritis, prolonged compression, and ulnar artery thrombi/aneurysms. However, other more rare causes such as PVNS should be considered in the appropriate patient. Keywords: Neuropathy, ulnar nerve, ulnar tunnel.

Ulnar tunnel syndrome: pathoanatomy, clinical features and management

Ulnar tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve at the level of the wrist within Guyon's canal. It is most commonly caused by a ganglion cyst but may also be secondary to fractures, inflammatory conditions, neoplasm, vascular anomalies, aberrant musculature or a combination of these. Assessment should include a detailed history focusing on duration, site and progression of symptoms. The level of compression can be estimated clinically on examination by assessing motor and sensory changes in the hand. Investigations are used to confirm diagnosis or to clarify the underlying cause. X-rays and computed tomography can be used to exclude fractures. Ultrasound is used to diagnose ganglion cysts and vascular anomalies, and can localise the level of compression. Nerve conduction studies can be used to support the diagnosis and look for proximal compression. Mild symptoms can be managed non-operatively. Surgical exploration and decompression is the gold standard treatment for neuro-compressive causes with largely good outcomes.

Bone Tunnel Orientation in Suspension Arthroplasty of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint: An Anatomical Cadaver Study

Background: Ligament suspension after trapeziectomy is a common technique in patients with osteoarthrosis. In this study, we set out to determine whether the orientation of the bone tunnel in the first metacarpal base affects the intraoperative position of the first metacarpal after surgery. Methods: Trapeziectomy and Epping procedure were performed in 32 cadaver hands. A drill hole was placed in the base of the first metacarpal, leaving a radial to ulnar tunnel parallel to the joint surface or a diagonal bone tunnel from the radiodorsal surface to the ulnar joint surface of the first metacarpal. Positioning of the first metacarpal was studied via radiography. Results: The distance between the first metacarpal and the scaphoid after suspension arthroplasty was 9.5 ± 2.6 mm when using the parallel radioulnar bone tunnel and 10.9 ± 2.3 mm when using the diagonal bone tunnel. Suspension of the first metacarpal was 33% higher with the diagonal bone tunnel compared with when using the parallel bone tunnel (displacement of 2.8 ± 2.0 mm vs 4.2 ± 2.0 mm). Conclusions: Higher suspension of the first metacarpal after trapeziectomy can be significantly achieved in our cadaveric model when using ligament suspension of the flexor carpi radialis tendon passed from the ulnar joint surface to the dorsum of the metacarpal. Our results have to be determined via clinical examination. To date, we prefer the diagonal bone tunnel when performing ligament suspension arthroplasty.