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Hand Clinics May 2018Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) flexion contracture is a challenging and often frustrating problem. Treatment of PIPJ contracture begins with conservative... (Review)
Review
Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) flexion contracture is a challenging and often frustrating problem. Treatment of PIPJ contracture begins with conservative measures. With good compliance and prolonged use, favorable results can be achieved using these modalities. For contractures that fail to respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention can be considered. The affected structures that can be released during surgery include the accessory collateral ligaments, volar plate, checkrein ligaments, retinacular ligaments, and the flexor and extensor tendons. A stepwise approach to release is typically favored in which active motion is tested after each release to determine the need for subsequent releases.
Topics: Casts, Surgical; Contracture; Finger Joint; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Splints
PubMed: 29625642
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2017.12.012 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery Aug 2013Chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint presents a common yet challenging problem to hand surgeons. Over the years, multiple treatment... (Review)
Review
Chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint presents a common yet challenging problem to hand surgeons. Over the years, multiple treatment modalities have been described for this problem, producing limited results. Nonoperative treatment using serial casting and splints should be tried before attempting open surgical release, which should be done in selected patients. The use of external fixation for treating PIP contracture has been encouraging and can be a useful alterative. This review provides an update on the current management of PIP joint contractures and presents a flowchart of treatment to aid decision making.
Topics: Contracture; External Fixators; Female; Finger Injuries; Finger Joint; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Occupational Therapy; Orthopedic Procedures; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23890503
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.03.014 -
Hand Clinics May 2018Flexor pulley ruptures with severe proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture present a complex challenge for the hand surgeon. Four patients were treated with a... (Review)
Review
Flexor pulley ruptures with severe proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture present a complex challenge for the hand surgeon. Four patients were treated with a delayed presentation of pulley rupture and fixed PIP flexion contracture with a technique of external extension torque application followed by splinting without pulley reconstruction. Using this technique, the PIP joint contractures improved from an average of 66° to an average of 19°, patient satisfaction was high, and the pulley injuries were managed with splinting alone without open pulley reconstruction.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Contracture; Finger Injuries; Finger Joint; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Postoperative Care
PubMed: 29625644
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2017.12.001 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Science :... Nov 2022As a first-line surgical treatment for treating metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint extension contractures, mobilization surgery with open dorsal approach has been...
BACKGROUND
As a first-line surgical treatment for treating metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint extension contractures, mobilization surgery with open dorsal approach has been indicated. However, this procedure has the possibility to result in postoperative recurrence over the course of time because its invasive open dorsal approach has a negative impact on the postoperative gliding of the extensor mechanism. We report the preliminarily outcomes of patients who underwent a minimally invasive arthroscopic mobilization to alter and enhance their existing surgical strategy in place of MCP joint extension contractures.
METHODS
This retrospective study included seven patients with 13 MCP joint extension contractures who had received an arthroscopic release of the bilateral collateral ligament and/or dorsal capsule of affected MCP joint. The extension contractures were caused by long-time immobilization with inadequate extended position of the MCP joint after either hand and wrist fractures, extensor tendon injury, or peripheral nerve palsy. All patients received sufficient exercise under the supervision of a physical therapist for more than 3 months before surgery. However, physical therapy did not improve the MCP joint extension contractures. We measured the active and passive flexion angles preoperatively at 1 and 6 months after surgery. The passive flexion angle was also measured after arthroscopic mobilization on the operation table. Surgery-related complications regarding nerve, vessel, skin, and tendon were also assessed.
RESULTS
In all patients, significant improvements were observed in both the active and passive flexion angles 1 month after surgery, and continued to improve 6 months after surgery. Two out of 13 metacarpophalangeal joints developed blisters on the dorsal side of the joint, but conservatively recovered.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the positive improvements observed in our patients, we conclude that this minimally invasive arthroscopic technique has the potential to alter and enhance the surgical treatment strategy for MCP joint extension contractures.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Contracture; Metacarpophalangeal Joint; Collateral Ligaments; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 34404614
DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2021.07.017 -
Connective Tissue Research Jan 2019Large joint arthrofibrosis and scarring, involving the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, can result in the loss of function and immobility. The pathway of joint... (Review)
Review
Large joint arthrofibrosis and scarring, involving the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee, can result in the loss of function and immobility. The pathway of joint contracture formation is still being elucidated and is due to aberrations in collagen synthesis and misorientation of collagen fibrils. Novel antibodies are being developed to prevent arthrofibrosis, and current treatment methods for arthrofibrosis include medical, physical, and surgical treatments. This article describes the biology of joint contracture formation, along with current and future pharmacologic, biologic, and medical interventions.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Cicatrix; Contracture; Fibrosis; Humans; Joints
PubMed: 30173570
DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2018.1517759 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Research :... May 2021Knee joint contracture is often induced by anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, the temporal and spatial arthrofibrotic changes following...
Knee joint contracture is often induced by anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, the temporal and spatial arthrofibrotic changes following inflammatory events, which occur in parallel with the formation of joint contractures after ACLR, are unknown. This study aimed to reveal: (a) time-dependent changes in myogenic and arthrogenic contractures; and (b) the process of arthrofibrosis development after ACLR. ACLR was performed on knees of rats unilaterally. Passive ranges of motions (ROMs) before and after myotomy, as well as inflammatory and fibrotic reactions, were examined before and after the surgery at various periods up to 56 days. Both ROMs before and after myotomy exhibited their lowest value on day 7 and increased thereafter in a time-dependent manner; nevertheless, significant restrictions remained by day 56. Myotomy partially increased ROMs at all time points, indicating contribution of the myogenic component to ACLR-induced contracture. Inflammatory and fibrotic reactions peaked on day 7. Arthrofibrosis, characterized by the thickening of the joint capsule and the shortening of the synovial length, was established by day 7 and was not completely resolved by day 56. Our results indicate that: (a) both myogenic and arthrogenic contractures generated through ACLR develop maximally by day 7 after surgery and subside thereafter, but persist at least until day 56; and (b) arthrofibrosis is established by day 7 after surgery and is not completely resolved by day 56. These findings suggest that treatment and intervention for preventing joint contracture after ACLR should be performed within the first 7 days after surgery.
Topics: Animals; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Contracture; Cytokines; Fibrosis; Joint Capsule; Knee Joint; Male; Range of Motion, Articular; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors
PubMed: 32667709
DOI: 10.1002/jor.24800 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery... Sep 2021This is a retrospective case series investigating the outcomes using a dynamic external fixator (DEF) for treatment on severe flexion contractures at the proximal...
This is a retrospective case series investigating the outcomes using a dynamic external fixator (DEF) for treatment on severe flexion contractures at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Severe flexion contractures of the PIP joint occurring after multiple operations and neglected over a long period of time are difficult to treat. The recurrence of contracture, even after successful treatment, is inevitable in patients with severe cases. In this study, we defined the severity of PIP joint contracture based on the active range of motion (ROM), soft tissue condition, and duration of the contracture. We also illustrated the strategy, results, and complications of using a DEF with rubber bands in these severe cases. We studied 11 fingers of 10 patients with PIP joint contracture treated by DEF. These were fixed at a small arc and neglected for an average 4.1 years (range, 1-9 years). The temporal Kirshner wire (K-wire) fixation after achieving an extension via DEF was maintained for 9.1 weeks on average. We retrospectively reviewed the results of these patients with an average 2-year follow-up. Our method yielded favorable results upon retrospective evaluation. The average active ROM of the affected PIP joint improved from 90/96° to 34/83° with a functional arc and good patient satisfaction. The elastic force induced by strong rubber bands was safe and effective. The first step of joint space widening was the key to obtaining a successful joint extension afterwards. Serious progression of osteoarthritis at the PIP joint and pin-site fracture were a complication in each one case. In this study, we evaluate the surgical strategy of using DEFs powered by elastic torque from rubber bands to treat severe cases of flexion contractures of fingers. We first created extension contracture intentionally, followed by promoting flexion movement during follow-up in this group of patients.
Topics: Contracture; External Fixators; Finger Joint; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34380412
DOI: 10.1142/S2424835521500430 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Research :... Dec 2022Stiff joints formed after trauma, surgery or immobilization are frustrating for surgeons, therapists and patients alike. Unfortunately, the study of contracture is...
Stiff joints formed after trauma, surgery or immobilization are frustrating for surgeons, therapists and patients alike. Unfortunately, the study of contracture is limited by available animal model systems, which focus on the utilization of larger mammals and joint trauma. Here we describe a novel mouse-based model system for the generation of joint contracture using 3D-printed clamshell casts. With this model system we are able to generate both reversible and irreversible contractures of the knee and ankle. Four- or 8-month-old female mice were casted for either 2 or 3 weeks before liberation. All groups formed measurable contractures of the knee and ankle. Younger mice immobilized for less time formed reversible contractures of the knee and ankle. We were able to generate irreversible contracture with either longer immobilization time or the utilization of older mice. The contracture formation translated into differences in gait, which were detectable using the DigiGait® analysis system. This novel model system provides a higher throughput, lower cost and more powerful tool in studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms considering the large existing pool of transgenic/knockout murine strains.
Topics: Female; Mice; Animals; Contracture; Ankle Joint; Gait; Knee Joint; Hindlimb; Joint Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Joint Dislocations; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Range of Motion, Articular; Mammals
PubMed: 35266583
DOI: 10.1002/jor.25313 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Feb 2015Post-traumatic knee stiffness and loss of range of motion is a common complication of injuries to the knee area. The causes of post-traumatic knee stiffness can be... (Review)
Review
Post-traumatic knee stiffness and loss of range of motion is a common complication of injuries to the knee area. The causes of post-traumatic knee stiffness can be divided into flexion contractures, extension contractures, and combined contractures. Post-traumatic stiffness can be due to the presence of dense intra-articular adhesions and/or fibrotic transformation of peri-articular structures. Various open and arthroscopic surgical treatments are possible. A precise diagnosis and understanding of the pathology is mandatory prior to any surgical treatment. Failure is imminent if all pathologies are not addressed correctly. From a general point of view, a flexion contracture is due to posterior adhesions and/or anterior impingement. On the other hand, extension contractures are due to anterior adhesions and/or posterior impingement. This overview will describe the different modern surgical techniques for treating post-traumatic knee stiffness. Any bony impingements must be treated before soft tissue release is performed. Intra-articular stiff knees with a loss of flexion can be treated by an anterior arthroscopic arthrolysis. Extra-articular pathology causing a flexion contracture can be treated by open or endoscopic quadriceps release. Extension contractures can be treated by arthroscopic or open posterior arthrolysis. Postoperative care (analgesia, rehabilitation) is essential to maintaining the range of motion obtained intra-operatively.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Contracture; Humans; Knee Injuries; Knee Joint; Orthopedic Procedures; Pain Management; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postoperative Care; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Tissue Adhesions; Treatment Outcome; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 25583236
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2014.06.026 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Feb 2020Posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures of the digits are common and are associated with impaired hand function. However, relapse is common after...
BACKGROUND
Posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures of the digits are common and are associated with impaired hand function. However, relapse is common after surgical release of PIP joint contractures. This article presents a novel treatment strategy with a PIP joint adipofascial flap to resurface the joint after release, and compares patients with similar joint contracture release who did and did not undergo resurfacing with a PIP joint adipofascial flap.
METHODS
From January of 2010 to January of 2018, 10 patients received single-digit PIP joint flexion contracture release and PIP joint adipofascial flap resurfacing; 20 patients received a stepwise release as a control group. Thirty joints were compared, and the degree of extension lag improvement over time was measured during an average follow-up period of 292.4 days.
RESULTS
Greater extension lag improvement was observed in the PIP joint adipofascial flap group compared with the control group (37.0 ± 19.2 degrees versus 21.0 ± 19.5 degrees; p =0.055). The ratio of improvement was also significantly higher in the flap group (0.79 ± 0.26 versus 0.49 ± 0.46; p =0.049). Flap resurfacing appeared to have a beneficial effect on improvements in extension lag (p =0.042), whereas a higher number of secondary operations, associated fractures, and maximum visual analogue scale score 1 week postoperatively were negatively associated with extension lag in univariate analysis (p < 0.05). Generalized estimating modeling showed that flap resurfacing had a significantly positive effect on extensor lag improvement with time (β = 2.235; p =0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
PIP joint adipofascial flap resurfacing following PIP joint contracture release may improve and maintain extensor lag. Recovery of joint motion may also be quicker compared with conventional release alone.
CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, III.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Contracture; Exercise Therapy; Female; Finger Joint; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Range of Motion, Articular; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31985638
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006472