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Purpose: This study investigated the midterm results after sole percutaneous treatment for central depression fractures of the base of the middle phalanx., Patients and Methods: 19 men and 2 women with an average age of 31.9 (18 - 57) years with a central depression fracture of the middle phalanx treated solely by intramedullary reposition with a bended K-wire and percutaneous K-wire fixation were followed on average of 13.2 (3 - 40) months., Results: At the time of the last follow-up, all patients were able to pursue their previous occupational activity as well as their usual leisure activities and were painfree (VAS 0). The postoperative active flexion of the affected PIP joint was 86° with an average extension deficit of 1° or 93 % of the range of motion of the uninjured PIPJ of the opposite side. Radiologically there was a nice remodeling of the articular surface with no osteoarthrosis. There were no pin-associated complications or wound healing disorders., Conclusion: The sole intramedullary reduction with K-wire osteosynthesis is a suitable and reliable method for the treatment of the central impression fracture. Good functional results can be achieved with low surgical effort., Competing Interests: Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Wrist fusion is still a common treatment for patients with advanced stage arthritis. Since patients are often intimidated by the functional limitations, we intended to evaluate the influence of the lack of wrist motion in different positions on the dynamic grip function and the grip strength of the hand., Methods: We simulated wrist fusion in 20° extension and 20° flexion and evaluated the following grip types: fist closure, 2 different power grips, pinch grip and precision grip. A TUB sensor glove was used, which allowed us to dynamically record the range of motion (ROM) of the finger joints as well as grip strength. Nineteen healthy subjects participated and all types of grips were performed using a standardised protocol with and without simulated wrist fusion., Results: Lack of wrist motion in 20° extension had no relevant effect on the fingers' ROM, grip speed or strength. Simulated fusion in 20° flexion also had no influence on ROM or grip speed, rejecting our hypothesis that a tenodesis effect of the extensors in flexion would decrease ROM in the finger joints and grip speed. However, we were able to show a significant decrease of grip strength in flexion compared with extension or healthy wrists. The decrease averaged between 23 and 42% of healthy values, depending on the grip type. There was no change in strength distribution among the fingers., Conclusion: We didn't find any impact of lack of wrist motion on finger movement during forceful hand grip at normal speed. However, a significant loss of grip strength in flexed position of the wrist joint should be considered in patients with an indication for bilateral wrist fusion., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Introduction: Computer-assisted guidance systems are not used frequently for musculoskeletal injuries unless there are potential advantages. We investigated a novel fluoroscopy-based image guidance system in orthopaedic trauma surgery., Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective, not randomised, single-centre case series at a level I trauma centre. A total of 45 patients with 46 injuries (foot 12, shoulder 10, long bones seven, hand and wrist seven, ankle seven and spine and pelvis four) were included. Different surgical procedures were examined following the basic principles of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF). Main outcome measurements were the number of trials for implant placement, total surgery time, usability via user questionnaire and system failure rate., Results: In all cases, the trajectory function was used, inserting a total of 56 guided implants. The system failed when used in pelvic and spinal injuries, resulting in a total failure rate of 6.5% (n=3) of all included cases. The overall usability was rated as good, scoring 84.3%., Conclusion: The novel image-guidance system could be integrated into the surgical workflow and was used successfully in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Expected advantages should be explored in randomised studies., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)