ABSTRACT: Many studies in literature have supported the role of wrist arthroscopy as an adjunct to the stable fixation of unstable intraarticular distal radial fractures. This article focuses on the surgical technique, indications, advantages, and results using wrist arthroscopy to assess articular reduction and evaluates the treatment of carpal ligament injuries and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries in conjunction with the stable fixation of distal radial fractures. We retrospectively evaluated 27 patients (16 males and 11 females), who underwent stable fixation of intraarticular distal radial fractures with arthroscopic evaluation of the articular reduction and repair of associated carpal injuries. As per the AO classification, they were 9 C 1, 12 C2, 2 C3, 3 B 1, and 1 B2 fractures. The final results were evaluated by modified Mayo wrist scoring system. The average age was 41 years (range: 18-68 years). The average followup was of 26 months (range 24-52 months). Five patients needed modification of the reduction and fixation after arthroscopic joint evaluation. Associated ligament lesions found during the wrist arthroscopy were TFCC tears (n=17), scapholunate ligament injury (n=8), and luno-triquetral ligament injury (n=1). Five patients had combined injuries i.e. included TFCC tear, scapholunate and/or lunotriquetral ligament tear. There were 20 excellent, 3 good, and 4 fair results using this score. The radiocarpal and mid carpal arthroscopy is a useful adjunct to stable fixation of distal radial fractures.

ABSTRACT: Distal radial physis closure in children can develop severe wrist deformity (radial shortening). These patients can be treated using a single-step surgery. It was carried out in the form of a corrective osteotomy adopting the volar approach, with fixed-angle volar plate fixation and bone grafting from the iliac crest. There have been few descriptions of the use of this technique in the management of deformities related to early epiphysiodesis in distal radius. The use of fixation systems for the radius, using fixed-angle locking plates, allows radius lengthening adjusted to demand after osteotomy, using the combination of the plate and distal locking pins as spacer-with custom-sized tricortical iliac crest grafting within the defect. The freeing of soft parts such as the dorsal periosteum and brachioradialis muscle tendon allows adequate bone lengthening in a single-surgical step.

ABSTRACT: This article covers new and emerging techniques in small joint arthroscopy in the hand. Recent improvement in the quality of small joint scopes and advancement in techniques have allowed for many new small joint arthroscopic procedures in the hand. The arthroscopic classification for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis as well as treatment of each stage are described. Arthroscopic treatment of pantrapezial arthrosis is reviewed. Metacarpophalangeal arthroscopy for the treatment of synovitis, arthritis, fractures, and gamekeeper injuries are discussed, as is arthroscopy of the proximal interphalangeal, pisotriquetral, fourth and fifth CMC, and distal interphalangeal joints.

ABSTRACT: Management of mallet fractures is still a matter of discussion throughout the literature. For some authors, mallet fractures involving more than 1/3 of the articular surface and palmar subluxation of the distal phalanx require surgical treatment. In this study we retrospectively compared three different techniques for mallet fractures: Kirschner wire fixation with extension block pinning (EBP) of the distal interphalangeal joint, Kirschner wires used as joysticks (KWJ) and interfragmentary mini-screws for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Fifty-eight mallet fractures with palmar subluxation in 58 patients were treated with the aforementioned surgical techniques. Twenty mallet fractures in 20 patients 18 to 70 years old (average 42 years) were operated upon by EBP, 16 patients 22 to 56 years old (average 56 years) were operated upon using KWJ and 22 patients 22 to 54 years old (average 36 years) received ORIF. Follow-up time was 6 to 58 months (average 21 months). The following intraoperative parameters were considered: intraoperative time, number of Kirschner wires/screws and technical problems. Postoperative parameters included work absence and complications. The radiological evaluation was based on A-P and lateral views preoperatively and interviews at follow-up time. Bone union was defined by radiological evidence of bone trabeculae crossing the fracture site on at least one view. Clinical evaluation involved range of motion (ROM) test with a goniometer. Based on these measurements, a functional Crawford score was established. All fractures healed. In the KWJ group, intraoperative time was shorter and total ROM was wider (72 degree vs 58 degree and 54 degree; in the ORIF group, return to work was faster (2.7 weeks vs 7.2 weeks and 6 weeks) but a little higher complication rate due to screw positioning has been found. Functional results as to total ROM, distal interphalangeal lag extension and Crawford classification were similar. We demonstrate the advantages of the use of the three techniques and bone consolidation in all cases with no signs of osteoarthritis. Screw fixation is more technically demanding (longer intraoperative time and more complications) but allows earlier mobilization and faster returning to work. EBP and KWJ techniques are faster to perform with no complications but require a careful management of the pin tracts. There is no statistically significant difference as to functional results.