Reconstruction of the Distal Oblique Bundle for DRUJ Instability

Background Treatment algorithm for disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) from the ulnar fovea includes direct TFCC repair, tendon reconstruction of the radioulnar ligaments, or a salvage procedure in cases with painful distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) degeneration. Case Description We describe our surgical technique for reconstruction of the distal oblique bundle (DOB), to attain DRUJ stability in a young man, after failed attempts of direct TFCC reinsertion and radioulnar ligament reconstruction with the Adams procedure. Literature Review Reconstruction of the central band of the interosseous membrane is well recognized for Essex-Lopresti injuries that demonstrate longitudinal forearm instability. The role for reconstruction/reinforcement of the DOB to restore DRUJ stability after TFCC injury has not gained the same recognition and needs further clarification. Clinical Relevance DOB reconstruction technique described is extra-articular and technically straightforward. We believe that the procedure could be considered for patients with an irreparable TFCC injury as a part of the treatment algorithm for younger patients, who otherwise would face a more extensive salvage procedure.

Complications in surgical management of calcaneal fractures with anatomical plates

<p class="abstract"><span lang="EN-US">Calcaneal fractures, irrespective of their types, are treated non-operatively, one of the reasons being fear of complications. But conservatively managed fractures can result in equally problematic complications. Incidence of subtalar arthritis in such cases is reported to be 16.9% compared 3.3% in cases treated surgically. With surgical treatment aimed at achieving anatomical joint reduction, regaining calcaneal height, its length and width, successful attempts at curtailing the long-term complications can be made. This was a prospective study of 20 cases of calcaneal fractures, admitted to MNR Medical College and Hospital, Sangareddy from August 2020 to September 2021 were treated with ORIF with non-locking anatomical calcaneal plates using Fernandez’s approach, without use of bone graft. Essex Lopresti and Sander’s classification were used. Intra-operative assessment of reduction and articular surface reconstruction was done under fluoroscopic guidance. Regular follow up was done for assessment of fracture union and complications, assessment of late collapse. Among the 20 cases, 73% were men and 27% women. On typing the fractures based on Essex-Lopresti classification, intra-articular tongue type constituted 13% and 87% were of joint depression. Near normal anatomical reduction was obtained in all cases except in one where it was difficult due to comminution noted during surgery. 2 cases developed superficial skin necrosis at the surgical site, 1 case of deep infection and abscess formation and 3 cases of subtalar arthritis. This study showed that the incidence of long-term complications can probably be minimized by restoring the altered anatomy through surgical means; hence we advocate surgical management and accurate anatomical reduction in cases of displaced and comminuted calcaneal fractures with proper surgical principles. </span></p>

Both Bone Forearm Fracture with Complex DRUJ Dislocation: What Are the Odds?

Background Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation can occur as an isolated injury or in association with fracture radius (Galeazzi fracture-dislocation), Essex–Lopresti lesion or, rarely, with fracture of both radius and ulna (termed “Galeazzi type fracture”). DRUJ dislocations can be simple or complex. While simple DRUJ dislocation can be reduced by closed methods once the associated fractures are fixed anatomically, complex dislocation does not reduce by closed means. A complex DRUJ dislocation occurring in a both bone forearm fracture is an extremely unusual pattern of injury. Case Description We describe the clinical presentation, intraop findings, management, and follow-up of two such cases of both bone forearm fracture with complex DRUJ dislocation. In both the cases, the ulnar head was found to be buttonholed through extensor retinaculum between the extensor tendons. Open reduction had to be done via dorsal approach. Timely intervention allowed good results in both the patients. Literature Review Several authors have reported simple DRUJ dislocations in both bone forearm fractures; however, we could come across only three cases of complex DRUJ dislocation in a both bone forearm fracture. A summary of various series and reports on these injuries is presented. Case Relevance Through this case report, we want to highlight this unusual association and emphasize on sequence of fixation, so that this perilous injury pattern is not missed, and favorable outcomes could be obtained through appropriate and timely intervention.

An Unusual Terrible Triad Variant Associated with an Essex-Lopresti Injury

Essex-Lopresti injuries and terrible triad injuries of the elbow are rare injuries that typically result from high-energy trauma such as falling from a height or a motor vehicle collision. However, the combination of an Essex-Lopresti injury and terrible triad injury is unique and poses a significant challenge for treatment as these injuries are independently associated with poor functional outcomes if they are not acutely diagnosed. We describe a case of a 19-year-old who presented with an unusual variant of a terrible triad injury associated with an Essex-Lopresti injury. The patient had a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and elbow dislocation, a radial head and coronoid process fracture, and a distal radius fracture. Almost a reverse Essex-Lopresti, this injury was successfully managed with open reduction and repair of the distal radius, radial head, and damaged ligaments in the elbow, along with an internal joint stabilizer (IJS).

Inter-rater reliability of Böhler and Gissane angles in different calcaneal fracture according to the Essex-Lopresti and Sanders classifications

Objective: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of Böhler’s angle and the critical angle of Gissane in calcaneal fractures, stratified by severity and by the Essex-Lopresti and Sanders classifications. Methods: Retrospective study of radiographs obtained from 97 patients: 67 with calcaneal fractures and 30 with normal lateral radiographs (used as a control group). Böhler’s angle and the angle of Gissane were measured by six raters: two orthopedic surgery residents, two musculoskeletal radiologists, a foot and ankle surgery fellow, and a senior consultant in foot surgery. Statistical analysis of inter-rater reliability was performed for the two angles, in the sample overall and stratified by the different radiographic and CT subtypes of calcaneal fractures. Results: For the angle of Gissane, the ICC was at best 0.400 (95% CI: 0.250 to 0.581) for normal radiographs, with poor agreement across all classifications and severity stratifications. For Böhler’s angle, the ICC values indicated weak to moderate agreement, with the best reproducibility obtained for the overall sample (0.740; 95% CI: 0.673 to 0.801). In Sanders type 1 fractures, the ICC was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.397 to 0.940), and in Sanders type 2 fractures, 0.762 (95% CI: 0.634 to 0.870). Conclusion: Böhler’s angle is more reproducible than the critical angle of Gissane, with greater inter-rater reliability among fractures deemed less severe on the Sanders classification, although the overall ICC ranged from weak to moderate at best. Level of Evidence III; Case Control Study; Diagnostic Studies.

Acute Radial Head Resection for Fracture: are We Likely to Miss an Essex-Lopresti Injury?

Background. Given the current available evidence, surgical treatment of radial head fracture with acute resection is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether acute resection of the radial head for a radial head fracture leads to longitudinal forearm instability due to a missed Essex-Lopresti injury. Material and methods. A retrospective review was conducted of radial head resections performed for acute radial head fractures at two Level I trauma centers from 2000 to 2018. A total of 11 patients met inclusion criteria. Our primary outcome was a missed Essex-Lopresti injury at time of final clinical follow-up. Long-term telephone follow-up was attempted for QuickDASH, pain scores, and satisfaction scores. Results. Of the 11 radial head fractures in this study, intraoperative radial pull tests were performed and normal in 6 patients. No patient was found to have a missed Essex-Lopresti injury at a mean of 36.2 months’ clinical follow-up after radial head resection. At a mean telephone follow-up of 12.6 years in available patients, mean QuickDASH was 3.4, mean satisfaction was 9.75 out of 10, and no further complication or reoperation was reported. Conclusion. Our findings challenge the dogma that the radial head cannot be safely excised in the setting of acute fracture, even with elbow instability and/or wrist pain, particularly when intraoperative longitudinal stability is assessed by a stress maneuver.

Acute Essex-Lopresti Syndrome: About a Case of Brachioradialis Tendon Transfer

Background The classic treatment for acute Essex-Lopresti syndrome is closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This work aimed to verify whether it was possible to add a transfer of the brachioradialis tendon to the pinning. Case Description The patient was a 39-year-old right-handed man, climbing instructor, who sustained the Mason II fracture and disjunction of the DRUJ. A transfer of the brachioradialis tendon severed from its muscle attach that was made through a bone tunnel passing through the radius and the neck of the ulna. The clinical and radiological result at the 6-month follow-up was satisfactory. Literature Review and Clinical Relevance Our results in a single case showed that the brachioradialis tendon transfer was useful in acute Essex-Lopresti syndrome.

High-Energy Blast Injury Requiring Transradial Amputation with Associated Essex Lopresti and Terrible Triad Injuries of the Elbow: A Rare Presentation

Case. Blast injuries to the upper extremity can be devastating and emotionally stressful injuries. We describe a case of a high-energy blast injury to an upper extremity from an explosive. The transfer of energy caused severe soft tissue/bony damage to the hand, but also led to associated Essex Lopresti and terrible triad injuries. The patient required emergent transradial amputation by hand surgery as well as definitive fixation by our orthopaedic team. Conclusion. We describe a unique salvage operation that established forearm pronosupination, elbow flexion, and proper prosthetic fitting. We feel that describing our technique could help others in treating this injury if encountered.