Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M E Boeckstyns.
We describe a way of achieving immediate painfree mobilisation after tenolysis or tenosynovectomy in Zone II. Bupivacaine is instilled along the flexor tendon sheath through a thin percutaneous catheter with an antibacterial filter.
Seventy-six consecutive patients were operated on for advanced Dupuytren's contracture and the results evaluated after nine months with special reference to the use of a dynamic extension splint. The patients were separated into three groups: those in whom the splint was used according to our guidelines (n = 15); those in whom the splint was used, but inadequately (n = 15); and those who did not require splinting (n = 24). Our results nine months postoperatively were similar to those of other studies in showing that the fifth proximal interphalangeal joint constituted the greatest problem. Comparison of the three groups indicated that splinting the way we used it did not influence the natural course of the disease after operation.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reported rate of complications after endoscopic carpal tunnel release by means of an analysis of 54 publications, reporting a total of 9516 endoscopic and 1203 open releases. Endoscopic release was comparable to open release in the rate of irreversible nerve damage (0.3% and 0.2% respectively) but case reports may indicate a small risk of unacceptable complications with endoscopy, such as transection of the median nerve. Reversible nerve problems were more common after endoscopic release. Tendon lesions were extremely rare (0.03%) and the rate of other complications (reflex sympathetic dystrophy, haematoma, wound problems, etc.) was about the same with endoscopic as with open release.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of developing joint infections than any other group of patients. Diagnosis is often delayed because of the difficulties in distinguishing between a flare-up and a septic affection of the joint. A case of septic arthritis with multiple joint involvement and lethal outcome despite extensive antibiotic treatment and successive surgical procedures is presented. The patient developed osteomyelitis and multiple organ failure. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality from septic arthritis, early joint puncture and subsequent antibiotic treatment is essential.
Rheumatoid arthritis has a prevalence of between 1% and 2%. The majority of patients face the prospect of surgical treatment of joints, that do not respond to medical treatment. With respect to the extensive development in joint surgery during the last decade, today's recommendations for surgical treatment of the individual joints are surveyed.
We present a prospective study of the diagnosis and clinical course of 60 patients with 57 pure hyperextension injuries to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the long fingers (fingers 2-5) and seven injuries to the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the thumb. Thirty four of the injuries (57%) were related to ball sports, and the ulnar fingers of the non-dominant hand were usually affected. There were 24 avulsion fractures at the site of the insertion of the volar plate on to the middle phalanx. Twelve (20%) initially presented with hyperextension instability, and this was usually associated with an avulsion fracture. Thirty four of the patients (57%) had symptoms for less than one month, while 10 (17%) complained of symptoms six months after the injury. Severe complications such as daily pain and stiffness were encountered in three cases. The triad sign (pain on extreme flexion and extension) was of no use as a diagnostic or prognostic factor, nor did the radiographic stress-view help to identify acute instability of the joint.
We report an unusual case of trigger fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome occurring simultaneously; both conditions were caused by space-occupying fibrosis of the flexor tendon sheath. Following operation the patient was relieved of his symptoms. In case of simultaneously occurring trigger fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome, one should be aware that both conditions can be caused by space-occupying lesions beneath the carpal tunnel. Endoscopic surgery should be avoided in these cases.
Seventy-six consecutive patients suffering from advanced Dupuytren's contracture were analysed in order to evaluate the safety of day care surgery. The complication rates for haematoma, necrosis, infection and reflex sympathetic dystrophy were acceptable, but we found an unacceptably high percentage of nerve lesions. Day care treatment was achieved in all but seven cases. We concluded that advanced Dupuytren's contracture can be treated by day care surgery but the operations should be performed by surgeons who are skilled in hand surgery, and individual selection of patients with recurrence seems advisable.
The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of operative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in Denmark and to see whether there was a consensus about the place of preoperative electromyography and nerve conduction studies. A questionnaire was mailed to all surgical departments (n = 70) and all registered private surgical practices (n = 214) in Denmark. The incidence of operation was about 0.61 per 1,000 population. Most surgeons used preoperative electromyograms and nerve conduction studies in less than 50% of cases. The use of preoperative testing was related to the surgical speciality.
In a blinded, placebo-controlled study, the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug piroxicam, in combination with the partial morphine agonist/antagonist buprenorphine, was compared with buprenorphine alone for analgesic effect and side-effects in a 10-day period following total replacement of the hip or knee. 117 patients entered and 81 completed the study. The patients receiving piroxicam consumed less buprenorphine. There were no differences concerning side-effects between the two treatment groups, apart from a tendency towards less nausea after the third postoperative day in the group receiving piroxicam.
Between 1978 and 1985, 31 Caffinière prostheses were implanted in the first carpometacarpal joints of 28 patients for treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis (26 patients) or rheumatoid arthritis (2 patients). At follow-up an average of 48 (13 to 77) months after operation, four hands had reoperation, with the replacement of six components, five cups and one metacarpal component. In addition, there were x-ray signs of component loosening in three other cases. Of the 29 thumbs that could be evaluated with regard to pain, 27 had no pain at all or only slight pain, and two patients had moderate pain. No patient suffered from severely disabling pain. Mobility and strength were satisfactory.
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Resection arthroplasty using Swanson silicone prosthesis was performed in 74 MCP-joints in 22 patients, all with rheumatoid arthritis. Follow-up at 2 (1-7) years showed complete pain relief in 15 patients and considerable improvement in hand function; the average range of motion was unchanged but extension was improved and ulnar deviation and volar displacement were reduced. Complications included fracture of four implants, two superficial infections, one hematoma and one skin necrosis.
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Twenty-six patients with scaphoid nonunion were reexamined 22 to 39 years after Bentzon's soft tissue interposition arthroplasty was performed. All but one were satisfied, although three still had moderate pain. Mobility of the wrist was reduced by 20% to 25% and grip strength by 8%. The nonunion remained open and unstable in 16 of 25 radiologically reexamined cases. Carpal collapse, which had increased over time, was found in 15 cases, nine of which presented an unstable nonunion. Osteoarthritis had developed in five of 15 wrists with carpal collapse and in two of 10 without it. No significant osteoarthritis was found in any case earlier than 27 years after the operation. Thus, the risk of disability that is due to late degenerative changes of the wrist is small, even in the presence of carpal collapse.
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