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Biomedical subjects

Alejandro Badia

Publications and source records attributed to Alejandro Badia.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Trapeziometacarpal arthroscopy: a classification and treatment algorithm.

Arthroscopic assessment of the CMC joint allows direct visualization of all components of the joint, including synovium, articular surfaces, ligaments, and the joint capsule. It also allows for the extent of joint pathology to be evaluated and staged with intraoperative management decisions made based on this information. The author recommends this arthroscopic staging to ensure better judgment of this condition in order to provide the most adequate treatment option to patients who have this disabling condition. Future studies assessing the clinical long term results using arthroscopy will likely ensure its place in the treatment armamentarium for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Algorithms↗

Total joint arthroplasty in the treatment of advanced stages of thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint is a very common and disabling condition that frequently affects middle-aged women. Many different surgical techniques have been proposed for extensive degenerative arthritis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Joint replacement has been an effective treatment of this condition. The purpose of this article is to present the outcome of a total cemented trapeziometacarpal implant in the treatment of more advanced stages of this disease. METHODS: Total joint arthroplasty of the trapeziometacarpal joint was performed on 26 thumbs in 25 patients to treat advanced osteoarthritis (Eaton and Littler stages III and IV) between 1998 and 2003. Indications for surgery after failure of conservative treatment were severe pain, loss of pinch strength, and diminished thumb motion that limited activities of daily living. A trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis was the implant used in this series. The average follow-up time was 59 months. RESULTS: At the final follow-up evaluation, thumb abduction averaged 60 degrees and thumb opposition to the base of the small finger was present. The average pinch strength was 5.5 kg (85% of nonaffected side). One patient had posttraumatic loosening, which was revised with satisfactory results. Radiographic studies at the final follow-up evaluations did not show signs of atraumatic implant loosening. One patient complained of minimal pain, and the remaining 24 patients were pain free. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, total joint arthroplasty of the thumb CMC joint has proven to be efficacious with improved motion, strength, and pain relief. We currently recommend this technique for the treatment of stage III and early stage IV osteoarthritis of the CMC joint in older patients with low activity demands. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Aged↗

Dynamic intradigital external fixation for proximal interphalangeal joint fracture dislocations.

PURPOSE: Many skeletal traction devices have been described to treat fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Most of these techniques are technically challenging or involve cumbersome frames. We present a design modification that enhances the stability of a simple dynamic fixation system described previously and report our results with this technique. METHODS: A previously described simple dynamic fixator with no rubber bands was applied to 6 patients who sustained fracture dislocations of the PIP joint. The middle finger was involved in 3 patients, the ring finger in 1 patient, and the small finger in 2 patients. The average age of the patients was 27 years (range, 21-42 y). The average involvement of the base of the middle phalanx was 48% (range, 35% to 60%). The average time from the injury to the surgery was 6 days (range, 1-14 d). The average follow-up period was 24 months (range, 7-43 mo). Immediate active flexion extension was allowed and the fixator was removed after 3 to 4 weeks. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the PIP joint at the final follow-up evaluation was 5 degrees to 89 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 100 degrees ). Two patients developed pin track infection that resolved with oral antibiotics. Only one patient complained of mild pain with extreme flexion. Proper reduction and congruency of the joint was noted on final anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: A simple dynamic fixator for the treatment of unstable PIP joint fracture dislocations was used successfully in 6 digits to maintain reduction and restore digital range of motion. The addition of modifications to the original technique not only improves the solidity of the construct but also provides satisfactory functional results. Based on our experience we recommend this easy technique to treat fracture dislocations of the PIP joint.

Adult↗

Bilateral arthroscopic tendon interposition arthroplasty of the thumb carpometacarpal joint in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report.

A common finding in progressive osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is ligamentous laxity. In patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is a disorder characterized by generalized ligamentous laxity, splinting and arthrodesis have been recommended because of the random results achieved by other reconstructive procedures. We report a patient with thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis secondary to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who was treated with bilateral arthroscopic tendon interposition arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty↗

A simple fixation method for unstable bony mallet finger.

Closed treatment has provided good results in uncomplicated cases of mallet finger; however, surgical fixation is recommended when there is involvement of more than one third of the base of the distal phalanx. Various techniques have been described for this purpose. The goal of this report is to present a simple method of K-wire fixation and show our results with this procedure.

Bone Wires↗

Volar fixed-angle fixation of distal radius fractures: the DVR plate.

Volar fixed-angle fixation of distal radius fractures is a new method of treatment that provides the benefits of stable internal fixation without incurring the disadvantages of the dorsal approach. The DVR plate is a new fixation implant that was introduced specifically for the purpose of managing both dorsal and volar displaced fractures from the volar aspect. Experience gained applying volar fixed-angle fixation to clinically complex cases led to the description of a new surgical approach and to refinement in design of the implant. The need to reduce fractures with significant articular displacement and the need to debride dorsal organized hematoma or callus in old fractures led to the development of an extended form of the flexor carpi radialis approach that provides improved dorsal exposure by mobilizing the proximal radius out of the way and allows the use of the fracture plane for intrafocal exposure. The use of this implant in severely osteoporotic bone and in those fractures presenting severe articular fragmentation or displacement led to the improvement of its design. The plate's ability to stabilize the distal radius was optimized by taking full advantage of the principles of subchondral support and buttress fixation.

Journal Article↗

Sports-related injuries of the elbow.

Sports-related injuries about the elbow occur commonly and are often managed by a wide variety of health care providers. It is particularly important that a surgeon well versed in arthroscopy, reconstructive trauma, and peripheral nerve techniques evaluates potentially complex injuries. It is equally imperative that the preoperative care regimen and postoperative management be conducted by an experienced therapist who understands elbow biomechanics and function. Acute pathology, such as fracture or severe ligamentous and tendinous injury, usually warrants operative treatment. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the elbow is crucial since the expected recovery in the nonathlete will not suffice for the competitive athlete. Demanding activities, such as the overhead-throwing motion cycle, require a much more complete recovery than simple return to activities of daily living. Chronic elbow problems in the athlete can often be managed with appropriate therapy and modification to the training protocol. Poor response to conservative means should lead to a more thorough evaluation by an experienced elbow surgeon as these injuries can often be career ending. The spectrum of commonly seen lesions in the athlete's elbow is described here, as are conservative care measures, operative treatments, and postoperative management.

Adult↗