Arthroscopically assisted use of injectable bone graft substitutes for management of scaphoid nonunions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical follow-up results (minimum, 2 years) in patients with nonunions of the scaphoid with minimal sclerosis treated with arthroscopically assisted percutaneous internal fixation augmented by injection of a bone graft substitute.

Methods: From January 2006 through November 2007, a consecutive series of 15 patients with fibrous union or nonunion of a carpal scaphoid fracture with minimal sclerosis or resorption at the nonunion site were treated with arthroscopically assisted percutaneous internal fixation combined with the use of injectable bone graft substitute. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations included measurement of clinical (grip strength and range of motion), radiographic, and functional (Mayo Modified Wrist Score) parameters, as well as satisfaction.

Electrothermal treatment of thumb basal joint instability.

Purpose: This study examined whether radiofrequency electrothermal treatment of thumb basal joint instability could produce clinical improvement and result in successful functional outcomes for patients.

Methods: From August 2001 to April 2006, we treated 17 thumbs with symptomatic thumb basal joint instability using arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage of the volar ligaments and joint capsule with a monopolar radiofrequency probe. The sample included 11 men and 6 women with a mean age of 35.

Stabilization of the proximal ulnar stump after the Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji procedure by using the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon.

The Darrach and Sauvé-Kapandji procedures are considered to be useful treatment options for distal radioulnar joint disorders. Postoperative instability of the proximal ulnar stump and radioulnar convergence, however, may cause further symptoms. From October 1999 to May 2002, a total of 19 wrists in 15 men and four women, with an average age of 48.

Extensor-tendons reconstruction using autogenous palmaris longus tendon grafting for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Background: The purpose of the study is to retrospectively review the clinical outcome of our study population of middle-aged RA patients who had suffered extensor-tendon rupture. We reported the outcome of autogenous palmaris tendon grafting of multiple extensor tendons at wrist level in 14 middle-aged rheumatoid patients.

Methods: Between Feb.