Buried or exposed Kirschner wire for the management of hand and forearm fractures: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation on whether to bury or expose the Kirschner wire (K-wire) for the management of fractures has still been controversial with inconsistent results in the published studies due to the potential issue associated with exposed K-wire is the heightened risk of infection, as it comes into direct contact with the external environment and air. This study aims to summarize the specific outcomes between buried and exposed K-wire for the management of hand and forearm fractures. METHODS: We conducted relevant literature searches on Europe PMC, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using specific keywords. This investigation focuses on individuals of any age diagnosed with hand or forearm fractures who underwent surgery involving Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. It examines the comparison between buried and exposed K-wire fixation, emphasizing primary outcome pin infection, along with secondary outcomes such as early pin removal, days to pin removal, and surgical duration. The study includes observational studies (cohort/case-control) or randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The results of continuous variables were pooled into the standardized mean difference (SMD), while dichotomous variables were pooled into odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals using random-effect models. The quality of included studies was assessed with Cochrane Collaborations, Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2). RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included. Our pooled analysis revealed that buried K-wire was associated with a lower risk of pin site infection [RR 0.49 (95% CI 0.36-0.67), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and 33.85 days longer duration until pin removal [MD 33.85 days (95% CI 18.68-49.02), p < 0.0001, I2 = 99%] when compared with exposed K-wire. However, the duration of surgery was 9.98 minutes significantly longer in the buried K-wire [MD 6.98 minutes (95% CI 2.19-11.76), p = 0.004, I2 = 42%] with no significant difference in the early pin removal rate [RR 0.73 (95% CI 0.36-1.45), p = 0.37, I2 = 0%]. Further regression analysis revealed that sample size, age, sex, and duration of follow-up did not affect those relationships. CONCLUSION: Buried K-wire may offer benefits in reducing the infection rate with a longer duration until pin removal. However, further RCTs with larger sample sizes are still needed to confirm the results of our study.

Total elbow arthroplasty with tricep turn-down flap in an old unreduced elbow dislocation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The treatment preference for neglected elbow dislocation is by open reduction and lengthening the tricep muscle. If the dislocation is not reduced for more than 6 months, degenerative resorption would have occurred. We did total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) with a tricep turn-down flap for the management in this case. The use of a tricep flap for tricep shortening after unreduced elbow dislocation has been reported in previous publications but none used a turn-down flap. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old woman came to the orthopedic outpatient clinic with pain and discomfort on her right elbow. The arm affected by the injury was her dominant hand, restricting her from farming and leisure activities. Exploration findings confirmed the presence of a dislocated elbow with associated soft tissue complications. The cartilage was degeneratively destructed, and the tricep muscle was retracted. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In our case, tricep shortening was managed with elongation using a turn-down flap. The lack of soft tissue layers and thin fibrous fascias results in tension-vulnerable TEA surgical wounds. This is caused by the insufficient coverage of the joint, which leads to wound complications. Previous studies of turn-down flap procedures showed good flap survival and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Tricep turn-down flap could be an option for tricep lengthening procedures in unreduced neglected elbow joint dislocation.

Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus with Large Ossicle Formation: A Case Report.

Hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVIP) is a deviation of the distal phalanx in relation to the proximal phalanx. Its etiology is considered multifactorial, including growth development disturbances, external pressure, and biomechanical alteration involving the interphalangeal joint. Here, we report a case of HVIP with the presence of a large ossicle at the lateral side, which was considered related to HVIP development. A 21-year-old woman presented HVIP that had developed since childhood. She complained of pain in her right great toe that worsened in the previous several months, particularly when walking and wearing shoes. Surgical correction consisted of Akin osteotomy, fixation with headless screw, ossicle excision, and medial capsulorrhaphy. The interphalangeal joint angle was improved from 28.69° pre-operatively to 8.93° post-operatively. The wound healed uneventfully and the patient was satisfied. Akin osteotomy with concomitant ossicle excision was effective in this case. Gaining more knowledge regarding ossicles around the foot will provide a better understanding of deformity correction, especially from the biomechanical standpoint.

The Unpredictable Palmaris Longus Tendon Variation in Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Reconstruction: A Technical Consideration for Undersized Graft.

Background: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability results from the disruption of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex consisting of DRUJ's primary and secondary stabilizers. The gold standard of stabilization procedure remains ligament reconstruction that utilizes tendon grafts to reanimate the volar and dorsal radioulnar ligament (RUL) as the primary stabilizers of the joint. The palmaris longus (PL) tendon, the graft of choice in reconstructive surgery, is commonly used in DRUJ reconstruction. However, it can exhibit anatomic variations from agenesis to the variation in morphology, location, and attachment that is rarely encountered other than in cadaveric studies. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 14-year-old boy with ulnar-sided wrist pain and instability following an injury in a boxing match four months before admission. The clinical and radiological results suggested a DRUJ injury with extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinitis. A ligament reconstruction using the PL tendon graft was planned. Intraoperatively, the PL was found anomalous with dual distal attachments and a short graft length. Results: We performed Adams ligament reconstruction technique with some modifications to the original design. To overcome the under-sized graft, instead of passing it around the ulnar neck, we added one more bone tunnel on the ulna to enhance the construct stability by a tendon to bone healing. Conclusion: In reconstructive surgeries, surgeons should consider the other sources of grafts as graft variations exist. Otherwise, as in our case, modifications to the standard technique can be made.

Fibrous Dysplasia of the Spine-A Case Involving the Polyostotic Form Isolated to the Thoracolumbar Spine.

Fibrous dysplasia of the spine in a polyostotic form is very rare, with fewer than 36 cases discussed in the literature and there is no such case in Indonesia that has been reported. The aim of this report is to present a case from Indonesia of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia isolated in the spine. We report a case of a 38-year-old Sundanese man with a 1-year history of progressive back pain and weakness of both lower extremities. There was no history leading to infection and no previous trauma. A physical examination revealed kyphoscoliotic deformity, a café au lait spot, tenderness at the thoracolumbar region, and neurological deficits. Laboratory studies were within normal ranges. Plain radiographs showed lytic lesion and kyphoscoliosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an endosteal scalloping, infiltrative process, expansion, and destruction in the vertebral bodies from T2 to L5. The findings of an aggressive destructive process was highly suspicious of a malignant process, relying on differential diagnosis and metastases, plasma cell myeloma, bone tumor and chronic infectious spondylitis. Histology revealed an irregularly oriented osteoid without osteoblastic rimming but surrounded by fibroblastic proliferation with a C-shaped sign. Investigations revealed a diagnosis of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of the thoracolumbar spine in isolation. The patient underwent T5-S1 stabilization and bone grafting. At 1 year postoperative, the patient was asymptomatic; there was no recurrence and minimal neurological deficit with grade II on the modified McCormick scale. A case of the polyostotic form of fibrous dysplasia of the spine in isolation has never been reported in Indonesia. The extreme rarity of this type of presentation can pose a diagnostic dilemma, and in cases isolated to the spine, surgical treatment with posterior stabilization, decompression, and bone grafting gives a good functional outcome.

Delayed definitive treatment of life-threatening neurosurgery patient with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 infection in the midst of pandemic: Report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected global health system; in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, both surgeon and anesthesiologist often dealt with emergency situation, optimal timing of surgery and safety protocol in hospital setting must be implemented with many facets for both patients and health-care providers. CASE DESCRIPTION: We reported two cases. Case#1 - A 16-year-old male was referred to our hospital, due to a decreased of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. Head CT scan revealed an epidural hemorrhage on the left temporoparietal. The patient was suspected for having COVID-19 from the reactivity of his serum against SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Procedures for the confirmation of COVID-19 and surgical preparation caused 12 h delayed from the admission. Nevertheless, the patient was deteriorated clinically before he was transported to the operating room and died after 6 cycles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Case#2 - A 25-year-old male was referred to RSHS, due to a decreased of consciousness, diagnosed as bilateral proximal shunt exposed with suspected COVID-19; delay occurred due to unavailability of negative pressure intensive unit for postoperative care. This caused 5760 h (4 days) delayed for bilateral shunt removal and temporary extraventricular drainage. CONCLUSION: Optimal timing of surgery, a good safety, and health protocol during pandemic in emergency setting are an obligation to protect health providers and patients. A decision-making plan must be organized precisely to maintain alertness, achieve the highest possible standard of care, and outcome in emergency surgical cases. Lack of monitoring must be abated to avoid fatality for patient, especially in emergency surgery setting.