Article
Preliminary Study Using A Synthetic Ligament in DRUJ reconstruction
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Published: | February 6, 2020 |
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Outline
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Objectives/Interrogation: In chronic DRUJ instability, one of the popular methods is utilizing the palmaris longus as a graft in techniques such as the Adams techniques. However we have found that the palmaris longus can be short. We have exchanged the palmaris longus with a synthetic tendon named Orthotape - polyethylene teraphtalate mesh [1].
Methods: A 45-year-old male had a poorly treated comminuted distal end radius fracture and DRUJ instability fixed with a 1/3 tubular plate and K-wires by a private surgeon. Due to the poor fixation physiotherapy was not instituted. After 3 months, he presented to us and we revised the fixation with a locking distal radius system and instituted immediate physiotherapy. His progress went well and 3 months later, his only concern was the DRUJ instability. We opted for the Adams DRUJ reconstruction utilizing a synthetic ligament.
Results and Conclusions: At 6 months post-operatively, his wrist stability had improved and his DASH score has reduced from 39 to 7.5. However radiographically the DRUJ space which immediately post-operatively was obliterated has reopened.
Synthetic ligament remains as an alternative in DRUJ reconstruction and can offer good functional outcome to the patient. However a longer follow-up study needs to be done.
References
- 1.
- Shalimar A. Usage of synthetic tendons in tendon reconstruction. BMC Proc. 2015;9(Suppl 3):A68.