Modification of the Zancolli Lasso Procedure for Simultaneous Correction of Wartenberg's Sign.

Ulnar nerve injury initiates an imbalance between the intrinsic muscles and extrinsic extensors of the ring and small fingers, which leads to the characteristic hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of these 2 digits-commonly referred to as the ulnar claw hand. In addition to these changes in the static posture of the hand, ulnar nerve palsy severely impairs grasp due to deficient active MP joint flexion. In most cases, motor balance can be restored by preventing MP joint hyperextension and augmenting MP joint flexion using the Zancolli lasso procedure (ZLP). Ulnar neuropathy can cause a second motor imbalance between the ulnar intrinsics and the extensor digit minimi leading to an abduction deformity of the small finger known as Wartenberg's sign. The inability to adduct the small finger can be a great source of frustration to patients. Using a cadaveric biomechanical model, we have developed a simple modification of the Zancolli lasso procedure that simultaneously corrects claw deformity and Wartenberg's sign and we report its efficacy in 2 clinical cases.

Joint Denervation in the Digits: Technique and Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Traditional approaches to treating painful osteoarthritis of the fingers include arthrodesis and arthroplasty. Although highly effective for pain control, arthrodesis sacrifices joint motion and can be complicated by nonunion, malunion, and infection.Implant arthroplasty preserves motion but is likewise subject to complications-particularly at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint. In contrast, finger joint denervation is a simple outpatient procedure that maintains joint motion. In this study, we describe our surgical techniques for joint denervation and review our survey of patient satisfaction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing finger joint denervation for osteoarthritis at our institution from 2012 to 2014. Each patient was contacted by phone and asked to rate their pre- and postoperative pain and function.Patients were also asked about any complications experienced and if they would choose to undergo the operation again. RESULTS: Over the 2-year period, 12 patients underwent denervation of 23 joints. Of the 12 patients in the study, 11 undergoing 22 joint denervations were available for our survey. Patient-reported pain scores fell from a median of 5/5 preoperatively to 0/5 after recovery (P < 0.001). Perceived hand function improved from a preoperative reported median of 2/5 to a postoperative median of 5/5 (P < 0.001). Complications were few, and 9 of 11 patients said they would choose to have the operation again. CONCLUSIONS: Joint denervation is a safe and effective treatment modality for osteoarthritis of the digits, resulting in good pain relief and high patient satisfaction with low complication rates.

Complications Following Collagenase Treatment for Dupuytren Contracture.

BACKGROUND: Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection and manipulation is a relatively new method for treating Dupuytren contracture that is growing in popularity. Although side effects such as swelling and ecchymosis are common, they are typically mild and self-limited. Major complications are rare but have included flexor tendon rupture and complex regional pain syndrome. METHODS: This study describes a case report of 2 patients seen at our institution. RESULTS: Here, we report 2 patients seen at our institution each with different, yet serious complications after CCH injection and manipulation. One patient had extensive skin loss and chose amputation over reconstruction. The other patient had loss of perfusion and required finger amputation. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is unclear how directly the administration of CCH is connected to the observed complications, physicians should recognize the potential for serious rare complications in any treatment of Dupuytren contracture.

Three-dose vs extended-course clindamycin prophylaxis for free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Twenty-four hours of perioperative antibiotics provides effective prophylaxis for most head and neck cancer resections. Many reconstructive surgeons have been hesitant to apply this standard to free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck. This prospective clinical trial compared short-course and long-course clindamycin prophylaxis for wound infection in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free-flap reconstruction. METHODS: Seventy-four patients were randomized to receive short-course (3 doses) or long-course (15 doses) clindamycin perioperatively. Wound infections, fistulas, and other postoperative complications were documented by faculty surgeons who were blinded as to treatment group. RESULTS: The differences in wound infections and other complications were statistically insignificant. No other independent predictors of wound complications emerged in this series of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Short-course clindamycin is as effective as long-course clindamycin in preventing wound infections after free-flap surgery for head and neck ablative defects.