Objectives: The purpose of this agreement was to establish evidence-based consensus statements on imaging of scapholunate joint (SLJ) instability by an expert group using the Delphi technique. Methods: Nineteen hand surgeons developed a preliminary list of questions on SLJ instability. Radiologists created statements based on the literature and the authors’ clinical experience. Questions and statements were revised during three iterative Delphi rounds. Delphi panellists consisted of twenty-seven musculoskeletal radiologists. The panellists scored their degree of agreement to each statement on an eleven-item numeric scale. Scores of ‘0’, ‘5’ and ‘10’ reflected complete disagreement, indeterminate agreement and complete agreement, respectively. Group consensus was defined as a score of ‘8’ or higher for 80% or more of the panellists. Results: Ten of fifteen statements achieved group consensus in the second Delphi round. The remaining five statements achieved group consensus in the third Delphi round. It was agreed that dorsopalmar and lateral radiographs should be acquired as routine imaging work-up in patients with suspected SLJ instability. Radiographic stress views and dynamic fluoroscopy allow accurate diagnosis of dynamic SLJ instability. MR arthrography and CT arthrography are accurate for detecting scapholunate interosseous ligament tears and articular cartilage defects. Ultrasonography and MRI can delineate most extrinsic carpal ligaments, although validated scientific evidence on accurate differentiation between partially or completely torn or incompetent ligaments is not available. Conclusions: Delphi-based agreements suggest that standardized radiographs, radiographic stress views, dynamic fluoroscopy, MR arthrography and CT arthrography are the most useful and accurate imaging techniques for the work-up of SLJ instability. Key Points: • Dorsopalmar and lateral wrist radiographs remain the basic imaging modality for routine imaging work-up in patients with suspected scapholunate joint instability. • Radiographic stress views and dynamic fluoroscopy of the wrist allow accurate diagnosis of dynamic scapholunate joint instability. • Wrist MR arthrography and CT arthrography are accurate for determination of scapholunate interosseous ligament tears and cartilage defects.

The long history of regeneration nerve research indicates many clinical problems with surgical reconstruction to be resolved. One of the promising surgical techniques in specific clinical conditions is end-to-side neurorrhaphy (ETS), described and then repeated with different efficiency in the 1990s of the twentieth century. There are no reliable data on the quality of recipient nerve regeneration, possible donor nerve damage, and epineural window technique necessary to be performed. This research attempts to evaluate the possible regeneration after end-to-side neurorrhaphy, its quality, potential donor nerve damage, and the influence of epineural windows on regeneration efficiency. Forty-five female Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups, and various surgical technics were applied: A—ETS without epineural window, B—ETS with epineural window, and C—free graft reconstruction. The right peroneal nerve was operated on, and the tibial nerve was selected as a donor. After 24 weeks, the regeneration was evaluated by (1) footprint analysis every two weeks with PFI (peroneal nerve function index), TFI (tibial nerve function index), and SFI (sciatic nerve function index) calculations; (2) the amplitude and latency measurements of motor evoked potentials parameters recorded on both sides of the peroneal and tibial nerves when electroneurography with direct sciatic nerve electrical stimulation and indirect magnetic stimulation were applied; (3) histomorphometry with digital conversion of a transverse semithin nerve section, with axon count, fibers diameter, and calculation of axon area with a semiautomated method were performed. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups investigated in all the parameters. The functional indexes stabilized after eight weeks (PFI) and six weeks (TFI and SFI) and were positively time related. The lower amplitude of tibial nerve potential in groups A and B was proven compared to the non-operated side. Neurophysiological parameters of the peroneal nerve did not differ significantly. Histomorphometry revealed significantly lower diameter and area of axons in operated peroneal nerves compared to non-operated nerves. The axon count was at a normal level in every group. Tibial nerve parameters did not differ from non-operated values. Regeneration of the peroneal nerve after ETS was ascertained to be at the same level as in the case of free graft reconstruction. Peroneal nerves after ETS and free graft reconstruction were ascertained to have a lower diameter and area than non-operated ones. The technique of an epineural window does not influence the regeneration result of the peroneal nerve. The tibial nerve motor evoked potentials were characterized by lower amplitudes in ETS groups, which could indicate axonal impairment.

Questionnaires evaluating hand and wrist function are a very useful tool allowing for objective and systematic recording of symptoms reported by the patients. Most questionnaires generally accepted in clinical practice are available in English and need to be appropriately adapted in translation and undergo subsequent validation before they can be used in another culture and language.

Based on the literature, 294 shoulder arthrodeses after brachial plexus injury in adults were assessed, mostly male; the mean age of the patients was 33 years, and the mean follow-up time was 5.5 years. The most common cause of injury was a traffic accident, especially on a motorcycle. Arthrodesis position ranged from 15 to 40 degrees of flexion, 15 to 60 degrees of abduction, and 0 to 50 degrees of internal rotation with the predominance of position by the 30-30-30 rule. Plates, screws, and external fixation were used for stabilization. The complication rate was at the level of 28%, the most common complication being delayed union or nonunion. Active movements of flexion and abduction averaged 61 and 56 degrees, respectively, while reaching the hand to the mouth, front pocket, and buttock was feasible for 69%, 71%, and 38%, respectively, after surgery. Shoulder pain was present in 77% of patients, and 28% experienced no relevant pain reduction after surgery. The subjective satisfaction rate was 82% based on significant improvement and satisfaction reported by patients after arthrodesis. Arthrodesis of the shoulder, in adult patients after brachial plexus palsy, can reduce shoulder pain, increase stability, and result in a range of motion that increases the possibility of carrying out everyday activities. This affects the high level of subjective patient satisfaction after surgery. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:797-807. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200114

Background: Damage to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, often caused by high-energy trauma, leads to significant functional impairment of the upper limb. This injury primarily affects the C5 and C6 roots, resulting in paralysis of muscles critical for shoulder and elbow function. If spontaneous nerve regeneration does not occur within 3–6 months post-injury, surgical intervention, including nerve transfers, is recommended to restore function. Methods: This study evaluates long-term outcomes of nerve transfer surgeries performed between 2013 and 2023 on 16 adult patients with post-traumatic brachial plexus injuries. The most common cause of injury was motorcycle accidents. Nerve transfers targeted shoulder and elbow function restoration, including transfer of the accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve, the radial nerve branch to the long or medial head of the triceps brachii to the axillary nerve, or the transfer of motor fascicles of the ulnar and median nerves (double Oberlin) to the brachialis and biceps brachii motor nerves. Results: Postoperative results showed varying degrees of functional recovery. In the shoulder, most patients achieved stabilization and partial restoration of active movement, with average flexion up to 92° and abduction up to 78°. In the elbow, full flexion with M4 strength was achieved in 64% of patients. In both the shoulder and the elbow, double nerve transfers yield better long-term outcomes than single transfers. Secondary procedures, such as tendon transfers, were required in some cases to improve limb strength. Conclusions: The study concludes that nerve transfers offer reliable outcomes in restoring upper limb function, although additional surgeries may be necessary in certain cases.