Ion and analyzed the results of surgical release. Methods: Forty-two patients with <100° of elbow flexion due to an extrinsic contracture following trauma underwent surgical release at a median of ten months after injury. To achieve maximum flexion, release of the posterior band of the medial collateral ligament was mandatory in all patients, and only four patients required additional anterior procedures. The ulnar nerve was transposed anteriorly in forty patients, including three who had had a previous transposition. To evaluate the results, we compared preoperative and postoperative elbow motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) scores, and radiographs. Results: Intraoperatively, heterotopic ossification was observed in forty patients. It was located predominantly in the posteromedial aspect of the capsule. Heterotopic bone was more commonly found during surgery than it was identified preoperatively on radiographs. Mean flexion increased significantly from 89° preoperatively to 124° (range, 90° to 140°) at a mean of thirty-nine months postoperatively. The mean size of the flexion contracture decreased from 34° preoperatively to 9° (range, 0° to 30°) postoperatively. Overall, ≥120° of final flexion and a total arc of ≥100° were regained by 88% of the patients. The mean MEPI score improved significantly from 73 points preoperatively to 94 points (range, 72 to 100 points) postoperatively, with the result rated as excellent in thirty-two patients, good in eight, and fair in two. Two patients had clinical recurrence of heterotopic ossification associated with a failure to obtain an increase in flexion. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that posttraumatic heterotopic ossification, particularly in the posteromedial aspect of the capsule, is closely associated with loss of elbow flexion. Satisfactory restoration of elbow flexion can be obtained in the majority of patients by surgical release of the posterior band of the medial collateral ligament and excision of heterotopic bone. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence....

We evaluated 56 patients for neurological deficit after enucleation of a histopathologically confirmed schwannoma of the upper limb. Immediately after the operation, 41 patients (73.2%) had developed a new neurological deficit: ten of these had a major deficit such as severe motor or sensory loss, or intolerable neuropathic pain. The mean tumour size had been significantly larger in patients with a major neurological deficit than in those with a minor or no deficit. After a mean 25.4 months (12 to 85), 39 patients (70%) had no residual neurological deficit, and the other 17 (30%) had only hypoaesthesia, paraesthesiae or mild motor weakness. This study suggests that a schwannoma in the upper limb can be removed with an acceptable risk of injury to the nerve, although a transient neurological deficit occurs regularly after the operation. Biopsy is not advised. Patients should be informed pre-operatively about the possibility of damage to the nerve: meticulous dissection is required to minimise this.

Seo KN, et al. Clin Orthop Surg. 2009 Sep;1(3):138-145. http://dx.doi.org/10.4055/cios.2009.1.3.138

Background The key to a successful result in the treatment of perilunate dislocations (PLDs) and fracture-dislocations (PLFDs) is the restoration of normal alignment of the carpal bones, followed by stable maintenance until healing. This article aimed to assess whether arthroscopic techniques are a reliable surgical option for the treatment of this challenging injury. Materials and Methods Twenty patients with an acute PLD or PLFD were treated by an arthroscopic technique. They were retrospectively reviewed at an average follow-up of 31.2 months (range 18–61 months). Functional outcomes were assessed with the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score as well as radiographic evaluations. Description of Technique Arthroscopic reduction and percutaneous fixation was performed to the scapholunate and lunotriquetral intervals using Kirschner wires (K-wires) as joysticks as well as to the scaphoid using a cannulated headless screw for transscaphoid-type injuries. The K-wires were removed at 10 weeks postoperation. Results Overall functional outcomes according to the MMWS were rated as excellent in three patients, good in eight, fair in seven, and poor in two. The mean DASH score was 18, and the mean PRWE score was 30. On the basis of radiographic parameters, reduction obtained at the operation was maintained within normal ranges in 15 patients. No patient had developed arthritis by the last follow-up. Conclusions The medium-term results show that arthroscopic treatment can provide proper restoration and stable fixation of carpal alignment and results in satisfactory functional and radiologic outcomes for acute perilunate injuries. Level of Evidence Level IV. A statement of the location where the work was performed (only if authors from multiple institutions): Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135–710, Korea.