We compared 3 methods of treatment of trapezometacarpal arthritis: partial trapezectomy with Ashworth Blatt interposition and total trapezectomy with either Swanson spacer or anchovy procedure. Out of a series of 85 patients (98 operations), 52 (62 operations) were reviewed by an independent observer after a mean follow-up of 5 years. Silicone spacers were frequently complicated by subluxation, fragmentation and silicone synovitis. All procedures were effective on pain and mobility. Best results on strength were observed after trapezectomy with anchovy interposition and ligamentoplasty.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Carpal tunnel syndrome. Can it still be a controversial topic?].

The authors studied two aspects of the carpal tunnel syndrome. As far as the diagnosis is concerned, clinical signs and provocative manoeuvres compared to the accepted standard of electrophysiological studies proved to be insufficient to settle a surgical indication in 85 carpal tunnel syndromes. When surgery is needed, post-operative course is frequently bothered by pillar pain and decreased strength postponing return to manual activities. The authors performed a prospective randomized study of 3 techniques in 251 carpal tunnel releases: classical technique, Agee endoscopic technique and anterior ligamentoplasty. Strength was only improved by the last technique. The only advantage for the endoscopic technique was greater post-operative comfort.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Endoscopic opening of the carpal canal].

A prospective study of 280 endoscopic operations of the carpal canal using the AGEE technique were reported. The first 80 cases were studied separately from the 200 subsequent cases. In the first series, the only complication was the need for an incision in 6 cases because of technical problems or anatomic variants (13%). An increase in the degree of paraesthesia was observed in 8% of the cases. In the 200 subsequent cases, one only required a classical incision and the lubrication of the blade was sufficient to reduce the frequency of post-operative aggravation of the paraesthesia to 1%. Five percent of the patients complained spontaneously of pain in the palm of the hand but a rate of 49% was found after questioning. Grip force fell less than after classical opening and recovery was more rapid and more complete.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Secreting paragangliomas of the organ of Zuckerkandl. A report on two cases (author's transl)].

The authors describe two cases of secreting paragangliomas of the organ of Zuckerkandl, beinging the number of known cases to 78. They underline the interest of arteriographic and phlebographic explorations which define more accurately the origin and spread of these tumours.

Adult↗