Midterm Results of Four-Corner Fusion Using Dorsal Circular Plate Fixation.

Purpose The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of four-corner fusion using dorsal circular plate. Methods We operated on 20 patients between 2009 and 2011. Results At a mean follow-up period of 30 months (range: 14-62, SD: 16), the mean VAS improved from 8 (range: 4-10, SD: 2) preoperatively to 4 (range: 0-8, SD: 2). Function measured with the DASH score improved from 37 (range: 10-75, SD: 18) to 26 (range: 2.5-64, SD: 19). Eighteen patients in our series showed full consolidation and two patients showed persistent nonunion. Three cases required plate removal due to dorsal impingement. Conclusion Four-corner fusion using dorsal circular plate showed satisfactory results in this study, but it did not show superior results compared with simpler fixation methods mentioned in the literature, such as K-wires or screw fixation. Currently, we are principally using K-wires as a fixation method of choice in our four-corner fusion procedures. Level of Evidence Level II.

In vivo tracking of adipose tissue grafts with cadmium-telluride quantum dots.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting, or lipofilling, represent frequent clinically used entities. The fate of these transplants is still not predictable, whereas only few animal models are available for further research. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals which can be conveniently tracked in vivo due to photoluminescence. METHODS: Fat grafts in cluster form were labeled with cadmium-telluride (CdTe)-QD 770 and transplanted subcutaneously in a murine in vivo model. Photoluminescence levels were serially followed in vivo. RESULTS: Tracing of fat grafts was possible for 50 days with CdTe-QD 770. The remaining photoluminescence was 4.9%±2.5% for the QDs marked fat grafts after 30 days and 4.2%± 1.7% after 50 days. There was no significant correlation in the relative course of the tracking signal, when vital fat transplants were compared to non-vital graft controls. CONCLUSIONS: For the first-time fat grafts were tracked in vivo with CdTe-QDs. CdTe-QDs could offer a new option for in vivo tracking of fat grafts for at least 50 days, but do not document vitality of the grafts.

Atypical Palmaris Profundus with Median Nerve Perforation Presenting Ultrasonically as an Intraneural Mass.

An accessory palmaris profundus tendon might cause carpal tunnel like symptoms and in addition is a known potential reason for persistent symptoms following carpal tunnel release. In our case, a 34-year-old female patient presented with paresthesia of the third digit. Electromyography was without pathological findings. Diagnostic high-resolution ultrasound showed an intraneural mass within the median nerve in the region of the distal forearm. A tumorous lesion was suspected and a microsurgical resection was planned. Intraoperatively, a palmaris profundus tendon was found, perforating the median nerve and keeping an intraneural course, before leaving the median nerve within the carpal tunnel to migrate into the distal retinaculum fibers. The resection of the intraneural tendon of the palmaris profundus led to a recovery of the digital paresthesia's. We discuss the intraoperative findings and review the literature.

Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots as a Fluorescence Marker for Adipose Tissue Grafts.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeons increasingly apply adipose tissue grafting in a clinical setting, although the anticipation of graft survival is insecure. There are only few tools for tracking transplanted fat grafts in vivo.Murine adipose tissue clusters were incubated with negatively charged, mercaptoproprionic acid-coated cadmium telluride quantum dots (QDs) emitting in the dark red or near infrared. The intracellular localization of QDs was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy.As a result, the adipose tissue clusters showed a proportional increase in fluorescence with increasing concentrations (1, 10, 16, 30, 50 nM) of cadmium telluride QDs. Laser scanning microscopy demonstrated a membrane bound localization of QDs. Vacuoles and cell nuclei of adipocytes were spared by QDs. We conclude that QDs were for the first time proven intracellular in adult adipocytes and demonstrate a strong fluorescence signal. Therefore, they may play an essential role for in vivo tracking of fat grafts.

Technique and proof of patency of microsurgical lympho-lymphonodular anastomoses: a study in the rat model.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedemas due to local lymphatic blocks can be treated by microsurgical transplantation or transposition of lymphatic vessels. Here, the anastomoses are usually made end-to-end between lymphatics, but occasionally appropriate lymphatic recipient vessels are missing. In such cases, reconstructing lymph drainage by connection to a lymph node could be another technical option. The purpose of this study was to examine the patency rate of such lympho-lymphonodular anastomoses in an experimental animal model. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, and the retroperitoneum was exposed. Patent blue dye was injected into the left foot to stain lymphatic structures. In group A (n = 8), the left lumbar trunk was cut centrally, the distal part was turned over to the right lumbar lymph node, and a microsurgical lympho-lymphonodular anastomosis was performed. In group B (n = 8), the left lumbar trunk was cut. After 8 weeks, the lumbar region was surgically re-explored, and the lymphatic drainage was examined by injection of Patent blue dye into the left lumbar lymph node. RESULTS: In 8/8 animals of group A, patent transposed lymphatics were found. The patency of the anastomosis was proven directly by observation of blue dye transit and indirectly by observation of blue staining of the right lumbar lymph node. In 6/8 animals of group B, no lymphatic connection to the right lumbar lymphatic system was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the microsurgical technique and the proof of patency of lympho-lymphonodular anastomoses. The novel animal model for testing the patency of transposed lymphatics is discussed.