No difference in torque load to failure between split anconeus fascia transfer and autograft palmaris longus tendon for reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament.

Background: The split anconeus fascia transfer (SAFT) is an option for reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) in chronic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow with potential advantages of using only local tissue within the surgical exposure and not requiring ulnar fixation. This study aimed to assess SAFT strength compared to a traditional free graft reconstruction in a PLRI biomechanical model.

Methods: To measure biomechanical strength, eight cadaveric upper extremity pairs were utilized.

The Relationship Between Hemihamate Graft Size and Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Flexion for Reconstruction of Fracture-Dislocations: A Biomechanical Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hemihamate graft size and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion in a biomechanical fracture-dislocation model.

Methods: We simulated middle finger PIP fracture-dislocations in 5 cadaver hands by resecting 50% of the palmar articular surface of the middle phalanx (P2) base. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm dorsal subluxation of the middle phalanx base after resection.

Suture-Button Reconstruction of the Interosseous Membrane.

Background: Reconstruction of the interosseous membrane (IOM) may play a role in the treatment of acute and chronic longitudinal forearm instability. Several reconstruction techniques have been proposed. Suture-button reconstruction is attractive because it obviates donor site morbidity and is relatively easy to perform.

The effect of operative technique on ulnar nerve strain following surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome.

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the amount of strain on the ulnar nerve based on elbow position after in situ release, subcutaneous transposition, submuscular transposition, and medial epicondylectomy.

Methods: Six matched cadaver upper extremity pairs underwent ulnar nerve decompression, transposition in a sequential fashion, while five elbows underwent medial epicondylectomy. A differential variable reluctance transducer (DVRT) was placed in the ulnar nerve.

A biomechanical comparison of volar locked plating of intra-articular distal radius fractures: use of 4 versus 7 screws for distal fixation.

Purpose: To determine whether the number of distal locking screws significantly affects stability of a cadaveric simulated distal radius fracture fixed with a volar locking plate.

Methods: We created AO/ASIF type C2 fractures in 10 matched pairs of human fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists and then fixed them using volar locking plates. The number of distal locking screws used was 4 screws or 7 screws in each wrist of the matched pair.

Ulnar artery thrombosis associated with anomalous hypothenar muscle.

Ulnar artery thrombosis should be considered in patients presenting with cold intolerance or ischemia of the small and ring fingers, or a mass in the hypothenar area. Frequently this diagnosis is associated with a history of repetitive blunt trauma to the ulnar hand, thereby traumatizing the ulnar artery in Guyon's canal. This report presents a case of ulnar artery thrombosis associated with an abnormal muscle originating on the palmar antebrachial fascia, traversing volar to the ulnar artery and nerve, and inserting on the ulnar border of the abductor digiti minimi.

Cross-sectional anatomy of the bicipital tuberosity and biceps brachii tendon insertion: relevance to anatomic tendon repair.

This study evaluated the insertional anatomy and orientation of the biceps tuberosity and tendon to assess the anatomic validity of repairs made with 1 incision vs 2 incisions. Computed axial tomography was used to image 30 cadaver radii, and each tendon insertion was measured with a digital micrometer. Specimens were sectioned and imaged with Faxitron radiography (Faxitron X-Ray Corp, Wheeling, IL) to determine the angular orientation of the biceps tendon insertion relative to the tuberosity apex.

Lesions and tumors of the carpus.

Lesions and tumors of the carpus are usually identified radiographically during a routine workup for wrist pain. Although most of these entities are benign, a failure to appreciate their presence may delay diagnosis and treatment. More importantly, a small subset of these tumors may be quite aggressive, and early recognition can spare the patient the morbidity of late sequelae such as pathologic fracture, progressive wrist arthrosis, or even tumor metastasis.

Nerve tumors of the hand and upper extremity.

Tumors of peripheral nerve origin are usually slow growing and minimally symptomatic, making differentiation from other soft tissue neoplasms difficult. Yet failure to recognize a nerve tumor may result in irreversible loss of neurologic function. This article provides current information on the history, pathologic identification, and treatment of upper extremity nerve tumors.