Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)

From 1977 to 1988, 166 patients with median nerve paralysis of varied aetiology underwent opponensplasty. In 50 of these the extensor indicis was used, and in 116 the flexor digitorum superficialis of the ring finger. An analysis of these hands showed that the EI opponensplasty was best in supple hands and FDS opponensplasty was more suitable for less pliable hands. There were fewer complications seen after FDS opponensplasty if the detachment of the donor tendon was done through a volar oblique incision rather than the conventional lateral incision.

Subcutaneous transfer of the ulnar slip of the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) to the adductor tubercle across the dorsum of the hand restores pinch, and index finger abduction is reproduced by re-routing extensor indicis proprius around the thumb extensor tendons.

Six patients with post-traumatic ulnar palsy have been treated by this method with a minimum follow-up period of 40 months. Pinch was improved from an average of 5% to 40–50% of the normal side, and index abduction to 30–40%. There was no donor morbidity.

This study is a review of 127 hands in 100 patients in whom one or two FDS tendons were used to correct claw-hand deformity and/or loss of opposition of the thumb. In lumbrical replacement the results were graded as excellent in 16 hands (21%) and good in 43 hands (57%). For opponensplasty the results were excellent in 26 hands (32%) and good in 42 hands (51%). Possible defects that can develop in the donor finger are: swan-neck deformity, flexion posture of the DIP joint, not as part of the swan-neck deformity, check-rein deformity or flexion contracture, and insufficient finger flexion. Of the 158 fingers swan-neck deformity was seen in 15%, DIP flexion in 29%, check-rein deformity in 26% and insufficient finger flexion in 18%. The latter occurred with another defect. In 48 fingers (30%) no defects were observed.

A case of ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathy caused by the arcade of Struthers is reported. Nerve conduction studies showed a complete block and surgical decompression was successful.

In this work on vascularization of digital nerves, we have studied the anatomy of the deep network of venae comitantes of digital arteries, and the system of superficial palmar venules. 22 specimens of nerve and artery were dissected as one unit and were infused with Microfil prior to study under the microscope. The deep venous network, a satellite of the digital artery, can be classified into four types. A true network of deep venae comitantes exists in three of these four types, drained by deep veins arising from the transverse anastomotic arches between the palmar digital pedicles. Vascularization of the digital nerve is supplied by numerous anastomotic vessels connecting epineurial vessels, digital artery and the periarterial network (venae comitantes and vasa vasorum). This anatomical configuration lends itself to vascularized nerve grafting; for example, it is possible to use a nerve/artery graft taken as a unit from an amputated finger unsuitable for replantation. Two types of valves in this superficial venous network have been identified and their function is discussed.

The anatomical relationships of the terminal branch of posterior interosseous nerve have been studied in 57 cadaver and amputation specimens. Removal of the nerve leaves the patient with no apparent sensory deficit.

In all dissections the nerve was present and its location was constant. The mean obtainable length was 3.7 cm (range 2.7–5.1 cm) and its cross-sectional area made the nerve suitable for grafting of digital nerves.

125 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed electrophysiologically were the subject of longitudinal nerve conduction studies to assess spontaneous improvement and effect of treatment. 36 cases showed a slowly progressive deterioration which became stastistically significant only on lengthy follow-up; analysis of interval tests in these cases revealed that definite improvement or rapid worsening can occur in the interim.

The 56 cases studied after local corticosteroid injections showed a statistically significant improvement at one month followed by an overall progressive return to the previous abnormal values in six to 12 months, indicating only slight and temporary alteration in the natural progression of the conduction deficit.

The 33 cases which underwent surgical release of the median nerve were shown to have obvious and often rapid improvement, which was sustained for at least one year after surgery.

The outcome of carpal tunnel release was evaluated retrospectively in 60 hands of 53 patients followed for six to 33 months (median ten months). Outcome was considered good in 27% (pain, weakness, and numbness were essentially resolved); fair in 42% (most of the symptoms improved); and poor in 32% (symptoms persisted or worsened). Patients whose pre-operative work activity was considered physically strenuous were associated with a slightly but significantly poorer outcome (60% good or fair) compared to those in light work or with no employment (89% good or fair). Proportionately fewer patients returned to their original work when they previously engaged in strenuous activity, ranging from 27% for those using air guns to 80% in light work. It appears that the highest chance of a poor outcome from carpal tunnel release occurs in patients who have either associated symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome or physically strenuous work activities.

Before human hand transplantation can even be considered, an appropriate research model must be studied in-a non-human primate. The first ray of the hand, augmented with a radial forearm flap, was chosen as a functional composite tissue graft.

Four technically successful replantations of the radial unit have been carried out. One monkey died on the first post-operative day due to cardiac arrythmia. Normal wound healing occurred in the other three animals.

In three monkeys, functional sensory and motor recovery was almost complete. The monkeys were able to pick up small particles of food with the index finger and thumb.

It is suggested that this model could be used for allogeneic composite tissue transplantation in a non-human primate.

AV fistulae are extremely rare complications after hand replantation. In the case presented, the formation of an AV fistula did not occur immediately after the replantation, but after the insertion of the free lateral arm flap to the extensor surface of the replanted hand.

This paper discusses the mechanisms responsible for the formation of AV fistulae.

Multiple aspiration of ganglia reduces the need for surgery to 12% of referrals at the wrist and 16% in the tendon sheath.

In five of six cases of camptodactyly in which an abnormality of the flexor tendon was examined at operation, the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon was hypoplastic and there was no continuity of the normal tendon between the muscle belly and bony insertion. The proximal end of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon was attached to the palmar aponeurosis and the flexor tendon sheath of the ring finger in two patients, to the palmar aponeurosis in one, to the undersurface of the transverse carpal ligament in one and to the flexor tendon sheath of the ring finger in one. The tenodesis effect of the abnormal tendon of the flexor digitorum superficialis is considered to play an important role in the cause and rapid increase of the deformity of camptodactyly.

62 patients with camptodactyly of the little finger have been reviewed, and only five cases failed to respond to conservative treatment. These cases are reported. One patient could straighten the deformed PIP joint with snapping, and the other two were resistant to conservative treatment and were found to have a restraining structure requiring release. These findings are in keeping with an imbalance between flexion and extension forces due to long-standing malposition of the extensor lateral bands. Operative treatment should be reserved for cases of failed conservative treatment, which should be started as early as possible.

A technique is described for the prosthetic replacement of two fingers using acrylic resin. Retention was obtained using finger rings. The stages of the technique are outlined. Advantages and disadvantages are briefly stated.

Five cases are reported of infection due to Mycobactenum fortuitum involving the hand following contaminated injection or traumatic wounds. Synovectomy, debridement, or amputation together with prolonged chemotherapy using kanamycin or amikacin were required. Doxycycline and sulphamethoxasole also seemed to be the effective antibiotics for this organism. A high index of suspicion is important in order to obtain the correct diagnosis.

Five cases of symptomatic acquired positive ulnar variance are described. All cases occurred due to premature physeal closure of the growth plate in teenage girl gymnasts. All cases demonstrated ulno-carpal impingement, for which we describe a clinical test.

Arthroscopic assessment of the wrist allowed us to assess the integrity of the TFCC (triangular fibrocartilaginous complex) and decide on the most appropriate surgery. Two patients needed distal ulna recession and one needed shaving for a TFCC perforation, with a good result.

20 Swanson ulnar head prostheses inserted for post-traumatic disorders of the distal radio-ulnar joint were reviewed at a mean of 44.2 months post-operatively (range 12–104 months). The indication for surgery was painful loss of forearm rotation with or without ulno-carpal impingement and ulno-carpal instability.

Symptoms in 16 patients were the result of malunion following severe distal radial fractures (two Frykman 7 fractures and 14 Frykman 8 fractures), and in the remainder were due to unreduced dislocations in the distal radio-ulnar joint (two patients) or unsatisfactory Darrach procedures (two patients).

70% of patients achieved excellent or good clinical results despite the fact that radiographs showed bone resorption in all cases, tilting of the prosthesis in 40% and implant fractures in 15%.

We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients who underwent resection of the distal ulna with implantation of a silicone rubber ulnar head prosthesis (45 wrists). Two prostheses were used: the original Swanson prosthesis, and a prosthesis of our own design. Follow-up X-rays showed migration or breakage of 63% of the prostheses. No statistically significant correlation existed between the quality of functional outcome and the integrity of the prostheses. There was no significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative range of motion for the entire group or between patients with broken or intact prostheses. Histological confirmation of silicone synovitis was documented in one patient who required implant removal. We suggest that destabilization and breakage of prostheses result from fatigue failure secondary to the torque generated at the distal radio-ulnar joint during repeated pronation and supination. Use of a silicone rubber ulnar head prosthesis following distal ulna resection is not recommended.

Extensor tendons ruptured in 12 patients as a result of osteoarthritis of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Rupture occurred without warning in ten cases and was sequential in five. Perforation of the dorsal capsule of the distal radio-ulnar joint, allowing contact between the roughened ulnar head and extensor tendons, was present in every case. The capsular performation was demonstrated by arthrography, which may be used to identify patients who are at risk of extensor tendon rupture. Loss of independent extension of the little finger is a valuable clinical sign because rupture of extensor digiti minimi may be masked by a powerful contribution from the extensor tendon of the ring finger.

33 patients with non-union of the carpal scaphoid were diagnosed by X-ray examination two to 37 years following the original trauma. All of the patients could be contacted and summoned for a re-examination ten to 17 years later. X-rays revealed a 100% incidence of progressive radio-carpal osteoarthritis. It is concluded that freedom of pain is not a reliable prognostic indicator, and that all patients with non-union of the carpal scaphoid are likely to benefit from surgical treatment of the pseudarthrosis. The only exception to this rule might be the patient in whom the radio-carpal joint is already deteriorated by an advanced degenerative arthritis.

The individual difference in ulnar variance measurements between diseased and unaffected wrists in 38 patients with unilateral Kienhöck’s disease was determined and related to the degree of arthrosis in the affected wrists.

In patients without arthrosis there was no difference in measurements. With increasing arthrosis there was a progressive increase of patients with individual difference in ulnar variance measurements: up to 50% in those with severe arthrosis. Where a difference in ulnar variance was encountered, the wrist with Kienböck’s disease represented the more negative value in 90%. It is concluded that over-representation of the so-called “ulnar minus variant” in Kienböck’s disease is based on osteo-arthritic changes in the wrist, resulting in a pseudo-lengthening of the distal radius, and that this is therefore a consequence of the disease. The “ulnar minus variant” seems to have no hearing on the cause of Kienböck’s disease.

A study was made of collagen fibril populations in healing tendon using a window lesion in rat extensor tendon. Two environments were thus created. One (the lesion area) where stress levels were reduced; the other (the non-lesion area) where stress levels were increased. In both areas a population of small diameter (< 50 nm) collagen fibrils were synthesized. Lesion area fibrils increased their diameter only slowly. Non-lesion area fibrils added to a population which increased its diameter distribution comparatively rapidly. It is suggested that in the lesion area fibrils were synthesized in response to tissue damage and low levels of stress. These may be of type III collagen. In the non-lesion area fibrils were synthesized in response to raised levels of stress. These may be of type I collagen. Implications of these events, especially as they might relate to gap formation in flexor tendon surgery are discussed.

67 patients with 76 repaired flexor tendons have been reviewed after a mean interval of 26.4 months. 160 tendons to 100 fingers, and 16 flexor pollicis longus tendons were repaired. When evaluated by Buck-Gramcko criteria, the functional results in 92% of the fingers and 69% of the thumbs were graded as excellent or good.

Patients with partially divided tendons fared no better than those whose tendons were completely divided. The results of repair in the little finger were less satisfactory than in other fingers.

A questionnaire on the use of splintage before and after operations for Dupuytren's contracture has been completed by 45 hand surgeons and ten hand therapists. None considered that pre-operative splintage was beneficial, but nearly all used some form of splintage after operation. The types of splint and programmes for using them varied widely, and these are discussed.

The trend towards conservativism in the management of Dupuytren’s contracture has resulted in less radical surgery than was previously advocated to release disabling contractures of the fingers.

38 cases of Dupuytren’s contracture in the palm have been treated by Z-plasty of skin and underlying contracted band without fasciectomy. Proximal interphalangeal joint contractures were treated by fasciectomy and skin closure with Z-plasties as required. Only one of 16 patients reviewed after two years had evidence of recurrence.

Skin compliance has been measured and a return to near-normal levels was found in all but the one patient with a recurrence.

31 cadaver arms have been dissected to study the variations in the anatomy of the muscles and fibrous arches which might cause compression of the median nerve in the forearm. Pronator teres always had a superficial head and usually a deep head. Flexor digitorum superficialis varied greatly in its site of origin.

The median nerve might be crossed by two, one or no fibro-aponeurotic arches. Gantzer's muscle, an accessory head of flexor pollicis longus, was present in 45% of cadavers. No ligament of Struthers was found. Possible sites and causes of nerve compression are discussed.

Three-dimensional computerized imaging is a new modality of radiological imaging. This new technique transforms the two-dimensional slices of bi-plane CT into a three-dimensional picture by a computer's monitor adjusted to the system. This system enables the physician to rotate the angle of viewing of the desired region to any desired angle. Moreover, this system can delete certain features of different densities from the picture, such as silicone implants, thus improving visualization. Our preliminary results using this technique are presented. The advantages, pitfalls, and suggested future applications of this new technique in hand surgery are discussed.

The traditional approach to clinodactyly has been either to accept the deformity or to perform an osteotomy. As an alternative to osteotomy, a resection of the mid-zone of the continuous epiphysis along with the underlying physis and its replacement by a fat graft (physiolysis) is simpler and allows further growth hi the phalanx. Twelve of these operations have been reviewed with a maximum follow-up of six years. Excellent functional and cosmetic results have been obtained. The renewed growth is manifest not only by an increase in length, but also by a decrease in the angular deformity and improvement of the articular surfaces. Osteotomy at maturity has only been necessary in one patient.

A prospective study was performed on 62 hands in 45 consecutive patients on chrome dialysis carpal tunnel syndrome developed within an average of 116 months after formation of the arterio-venous fistula. We measured the intra-carpal canal pressure by the wick catheter technique and performed neurography. At operation, a markedly thickened transverse carpal ligament was usually found. A pneumatic tourniquet was applied in all except three cases, whose functioning fistulae were made of implants, but no complications such as obturation of the fistulae occurred. Thirty-three (76.7%) of 43 cases had good results. Full recovery of sensibility was obtained in all hands in which symptoms had been present for less than two years. There was no benefit from operation in two patients (4.7%), both of whom had symptoms for more than two years.

A radial forearm flap including a segment of the cortex of the radius, based on the distal pedicle of the radial vessels and the cephalic vein, was used to reconstruct an intercalated defect of the thumb in two cases. In one case it was used as an ipsilateral pedicle flap while in the other case it was used as a free microvascular flap. In both cases, the skin flap as well as the segment of bone survived in toto without any evidence of creeping substitution. The functional result was good in both cases. This flap provides thin skin of good texture together with bone for a one-stage reconstruction.

In developmental terms, the human hand is at the same time both specialised and primitive. Its manipulative ability, though somewhat better than that of the apes and monkeys, has lost strength compared with hands of recently extinct species of Man, and shows some evolutionary characteristics seen in reptiles of 250 million years ago. Its evolution, as presently understood, is described.