The Transosseous Internal Four Strand Technique: A New All-Inside Technique for Zone 1 Flexor Tendon Repairs

Background: Multiple techniques for the repair of flexor tendon injuries in zone 1 have been proposed over time. While pull-out suture techniques and bone anchor seem to be stronger than internal suture techniques, they are associated with a higher complication rate. We therefore developed an alternative internal suture repair with similar biomechanical stability to those of pull-out sutures and bone anchors. Methods: Twenty porcine distal phalanges and deep flexor tendons were randomized to 2 groups of 10 each. The tendons were transsected at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint. In group 1, repairs were performed with a well-established intraosseous suture repair and in group 2 with our new multistrand technique. The repairs were biomechanically tested with linear distraction until failure. Results: We recorded a significantly higher 2-mm gap force (2GF)—and thus higher stability—of the repairs in group 1 in comparison to group 2. With a 2GF of more than 50 N, our suture technique allows for a modern early active motion rehabilitation protocol. Breakage of the suture construct occurred at random places in the repair in both groups. No pull-outs were noted. Conclusions: This study presents a strong transosseous multistrand repair technique for flexor tendon repair in zone 1 that is simple and fast to perform and should have enough strength to withstand early active motion rehabilitation.

Mini-Plate and Screw Fixation Technique for Comminuted Flexor Digitorum Profundus Avulsion Fracture

Avulsion fracture of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon is relatively rare fracture at the distal phalangeal base than avulsion fracture of terminal extensor tendon. Terminal extensor avulsion fracture, known as bony mallet finger, could be successfully treated by closed reduction and pinning, such as extension block technique. However, most of FDP avulsion fracture, known as Jersey’s finger, needed open reduction, because of the proximal migration of fracture fragment and difficulty of pin fixation. Up to date, most of FDP avulsion fractures were treated by open reduction and fixation by pull-out suture or suture anchor technique. We report a case of comminuted FDP avulsion fracture, successfully treated by open reduction and mini-plate and screw fixation technique.

Opening wedge phalangeal osteotomy for correction of Wassel type IV-D thumb duplication

Background Thumb duplication is one of common anomalies of the hand. Among of Wassel type IV subtypes, type IV-D duplication with a zigzag deformity is most challenging for reconstructing. Several factors may affect the surgical outcomes. This study aimed to present an opening wedge osteotomy at proximal phalangeal neck for treating type IV-D duplication. Methods Data from 14 patients are presented in this study. Eight patients had duplication of the right thumb, and six left thumb. After removal of radial supernumerary thumb, a snug collateral ligament was repaired to correct angular deformity of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP). Angular deformity of the interphalangeal (IP) joint was corrected by an opening wedge osteotomy at the proximal phalangeal neck. A wedge bone from ablated thumb was grafted to correct the malalignment. IP joint was further stabilized by plication of the ulnar capsule. The relocation of radial part of FPL to the center of distal phalangeal base by use of pull-out suture technique Results After surgery, the angulations of the IP joints and the MCP joints were improved. Bone union was observed in all patients. According to the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand evaluation form, twelve cases were rated good, 2 cases fair. Stability of IP and MCP joints was good in all cases. The active ROM of IP was less in residual thumb than in normal thumb. Small nails were observed in some patients. Conclusions Although the reconstructed thumbs were smaller than normal counterparts, they were aligned and with stable joints. The opening wedge osteotomy at proximal phalangeal neck could improve realignment of IP joint and prevent reoccurrence of deformity over time.

Repair Technique Using a Combination of Suture Anchor and Miniscrew in Flexor Digitorum Profundus Bony Avulsion Fracture with Bone Fragment in Zone 1

Avulsion fracture of the volar base of the distal phalanx is a rare injury. Zone 1 flexor tendon injuries can be treated with either internal or external fixation techniques. Pull-out suture repairs are often used for FDP tendon avulsion injuries. However, the pull out suture technique is associated with a number of well documented complications including nail bed injury and pressure necrosis. Despite the variety of techniques available for the repair of acute distal zone 1 flexor tendon injuries, no one technique has proven to be superior to all others. We address our experience with treatment of FDP avulsion injuries using suture anchor and miniscrew. Our technique supplements the suture anchor technique, which often causes a lack of strength, with an additional miniscrew. We introduce two cases of combined method using both suture anchor and miniscrew for treatment of FDP avulsion injuries.

Therapeutic interventions for acute complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb: a systematic review

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for acute complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb in adults. Methods: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE and EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO, from database inception to 31st January 2018. Inclusion criteria were: (i) randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or study of intervention with a comparator; (ii) participants with diagnosis of acute complete rupture of the UCL of the thumb; (iii) participants aged 18 years of age or older at enrolment; and (iv) published in a peer-reviewed English-language journal. Results: In total, six studies were identified for inclusion after screening. All studies had a high risk of bias. Three studies were retrospective comparative case series which compared two different surgical techniques (bone anchor versus pull out suture, suture versus pull out suture, suture versus steel wire). Of these studies, three were RCTs, two of which compared different rehabilitation regimes in patients managed surgically (plaster versus early mobilization, new spica versus standard spica). The remaining RCT compared two different rehabilitation regimes in a mixed group of surgically/non-surgically treated patients. The RCT comparing a standard spica with a new spica demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in outcomes with the new spica at all time points (range of motion, Dreiser index and VAS); this was also the only study to provide sufficient outcome data for further analysis. Conclusion: There is no prospective evidence comparing surgery to non-operative treatment for acute complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. There is weak evidence to suggest that early mobilisation may be beneficial following surgical repair. Further research is necessary to better define which patients benefit from which specific interventions.