Surgical Treatment of Saphenous Nerve Injury Assisted by Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF): Lessons from a Case Report.

The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (SN) is a widely described anatomic and functional structure; however, its relevance in daily clinical practice is underestimated. All surgical procedures performed on the anteromedial aspect of the knee are associated with a risk of iatrogenic injury to this nerve, including knee arthroscopy, knee arthroplasty, tibial nailing, etc. We present the case of a saphenous nerve neuroma after treatment with radiofrequency thermal ablation due to a knee pain problem. After conducting an anaesthetic suppression test, we decided to perform a denervation of the medial saphenous nerve in Hunter's canal. We performed surgery on the anteromedial aspect of the knee. The distal end of the medial SN was coagulated with a bipolar scalpel. The proximal end of the nerve was released proximally, and a termino-lateral suture was made at the free end of the nerve after creating an epineural window to inhibit its growth. A double crush was produced proximally to the suture site to create a grade II-III axonal injury. Autologous plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) was used to reduce potential post-surgical adhesions and to stimulate regeneration of the surgical lesions. One year after surgery, the patient was living a completely normal life.

Office-Based Intraosseous Infiltrations of PRGF as an Effective Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Observational Clinical Study.

The aim of this study was to explore and assess office-based ultrasound-guided intraosseous and intra-articular infiltrations of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in patients with moderate and severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Seventy-nine patients (30 women and 49 men) with grade 3-4 KOA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification participated in the study. All patients were treated with a minimally invasive technique using local anesthesia WALANT (wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) in the ambulatory setting. A PRGF intra-articular infiltration and two intraosseous infiltrations in the tibial plateau and femoral condyle were performed weekly for a total of three sessions. The evaluation of the results was carried out using knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) at baseline and post-treatment. After a follow-up period of 11 months (median) [interquartile range, 7-14], all the KOOS domains showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001). Moreover, 88% of the patients showed a pain reduction of at least 10 points (minimally clinically important improvement) from pre- to post-treatment. Our retrospective study using the in-office procedure of ultrasound-guided combination of intra-articular and intraosseous infiltrations of PRGF is a safe and efficacious approach for the treatment of grade 3-4 knee osteoarthritis.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation versus surgery for women with unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized parallel-group trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the outcomes of the application of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nerve stimulation (PENS) targeting the median nerve versus surgery for improving pain and function in women with CTS. METHODS: In this randomized parallel-group trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04246216), 70 women with CTS were randomly allocated to either PENS (n = 35) or surgery (n = 35) group. Hand pain intensity (mean pain and the worst pain experienced) was the primary outcome. Functional status and symptoms severity (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, BCTQ) and self-perceived improvement (Global Rating of Change, GROC) were the secondary outcomes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after each intervention. Analysis was performed with intention to treat with mixed ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline outcomes. RESULTS: Analyses showed an adjusted advantage for PENS at 1 (Δ -2.0, 95% CI -2.9 to -1.1) and 3 (Δ -1.4, 95% CI -2.3 to -0.5) months for mean pain, at 1 (Δ -2.2, 95% CI -3.3 to -1.1), 3 (Δ -1.75, 95% CI -2.9 to -0.6) and 6 (Δ -1.7, 95% CI -2.8 to -0.6) months in the worst pain intensity, and at 1 (Δ -0.95, 95% CI -1.1 to -0.8), 3 (Δ -0.55, 95% CI -0.8 to -0.3) and 6 (Δ -0.4, 95% CI -0.6 to -0.8) months in function. Both groups exhibited similar changes in symptom severity. Both groups reported similar improvement at 12 months in all outcomes. Symptoms and function improved in both groups, with PENS leading to better short-term outcomes than surgery. CONCLUSION: This clinical trial confirms that PENS applied with current understanding of pain mechanisms in CTS is as useful as surgery in women with CTS without denervation. The potential placebo effect of both interventions should not be ignored. SIGNIFICANCE: The application of percutaneous nerve stimulation was more effective at short-term, but similar effective at mid and long-term, than surgery in women with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Reconstruction of Chronic Proximal Hamstring Tear: A Novel Surgical Technique with Semitendinosus Tendon Allograft Assisted with Autologous Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF).

The reconstruction of a chronic proximal hamstring tear is a challenging pathology that posits difficulties to surgeons due to the distal retraction of the hamstring tendon stumps and the entrapment of the sciatic nerve within the scar formed around the torn hamstring tendon. We describe a novel surgical technique using a semitendinosus tendon allograft sutured in a "V inversion" manner, thereby avoiding an excess of tension and length of the new reconstructed hamstring tendons. In addition, and in order to speed up the healing process and avoid new sciatic entrapment, we assisted the surgery with liquid plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) injected intraosseously, intratendinously and within the suture areas, as well as wrapping the sciatic nerve with a PRGF membrane. In conclusion, this novel approach offers mechanical and biological advantages to tackle the large retraction of hamstring stumps and the entrapment of the sciatic nerve within the scar.

Reconstructive Surgery in a Patient with High Radial Nerve Palsy Using the WALANT Technique.

Tendon transfers can be tied too tight or too loose. Both impede good function after surgery. Performing tendon transfers without sedation and pain during the surgery and then watching the patient move the transfer have helped us adjust the tension more accurately. This method can be applied to complex transfers such as radial nerve palsy triple tendon transfers. We describe the technique and results of a triple tendon transfer using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet in a patient with a high radial nerve palsy. This was a complex case of reconstruction after five operations at the level of the humerus. This left him with a pseudoarthrosis of the humerus and a complete radial nerve palsy. We performed tendon transfers of pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis, flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor digitorum communis, and palmaris longus to extensor pollicis longus tendons. Eighteen months after the triple tendon transfer surgery for the radial nerve palsy, the patient has good extension of the fingers, wrist, and thumb. He can open and close the hand properly. He has excellent function and mobility allowing him to perform most activities in a manner that is practically normal. Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet can be used safely and successfully in complex cases requiring triple radial nerve tendon transfers of pronator teres to extensor carpi radialis brevis, flexor carpi ulnaris to extensor digitorum communis, and palmaris longus to extensor pollicis longus tendons.

Needle-based gastrocnemius lengthening: a novel ultrasound-guided noninvasive technique.

BACKGROUND: Gastrocnemius tendon lengthening is performed to treat numerous conditions of the foot and ankle. Gastrocnemius shortening has been associated with more than 30 lower limb disorders, including plantar heel pain/plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, equinus foot, adult flat foot deformity, and metatarsalgia. Ultrasound-guided ultraminimally invasive lengthening of the gastrocnemius is a step forward in this type of surgery. It can be performed in both legs simultaneously without ischemia using only local anesthesia plus sedation and without the need for a cast or immobilization. The truly novel advantage of the procedure is that it can be performed in the office, without specific surgical instruments. The aim of our research was to prove the effectiveness and safety of a new closed needle-based ultrasound-guided surgical procedure for lengthening the gastrocnemius tendon. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening using a needle in eight fresh frozen specimens (3 left and 5 right). None of the specimens had been affected by disease or undergone previous surgery that could have affected the surgical technique. We used a linear transducer with an 8- to 17-MHz linear transducer and the beveled tip of an Abbocath as a surgical blade to perform the lengthening procedure. The gastrocnemius Achilles tendon recession was entirely transected in all eight specimens, with no damage to the sural nerve or vessels. The improvement in dorsal flexion was 15°. CONCLUSION: Needle-based ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius tendon lengthening is safe, since the surgeon can see all structures clearly, thus minimizing the risk of damage. The absence of a wound obviates the need for stitches, and recovery seems to be faster. The procedure can be performed in a specialist's office, as no specific surgical instruments are required. This technique could be a valid option for gastrocnemius lengthening and may even be less traumatic than using a hook-knife, as in our previous description.

Office-Based Intraosseous Infiltrations of PRGF in Knee Osteoarthritis: Description of Technique.

Knee osteoarthritis is a low-degree inflammatory condition that involves the whole synovial joint tissues as an organ. Recently, a biological approach using plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to tackle not only the synovial joint with intraarticular injections of PRGF, but also the subchondral bone with intraosseous infiltrations has been implemented with promising results. However, this procedure requires sedation, which limits the implementation of the procedure to operating room. We propose a modified and less cumbersome PRGF intraosseous infiltration approach for moderate and severe knee osteoarthritis, conducting the procedure in the ambulatory setting assisted with WALANT (wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) technique. The proposed technique with a minimally invasive local anesthesia involves subcutaneous infiltration of lidocaine and epinephrine in a solution without sedation, and using ultrasound guidance, thereby streamlining the original procedure. This procedure is both a cost-effective and safe approach that may contribute to the widespread use of intraosseous infiltrations.

Granular Cell Tumor of the Hand: Unusual Malignancy of a Previous Benign Lesion: A Case Report.

CASE: Malignant granular cell tumors are uncommon soft-tissue tumors. We describe a granular cell tumor that presented as a benign hand nodule diagnosed by biopsy and image. The patient refused local excision. After 15 years, the patient came back because of symptomatic growth, and a malignant granular cell tumor was diagnosed, with metastatic disease. Despite surgical disarticulation and adjuvant treatment, she died after 8 months. The pathological examination revealed the tumor had progressed to malignant behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of a closer follow-up. Although unusual, we must be aware of the possibility of a change of behavior from benign to malignant granular cell tumor.

Manual Physical Therapy Versus Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Parallel-Group Trial.

UNLABELLED: This randomized clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of surgery compared with physical therapy consisting of manual therapies including desensitization maneuvers in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The setting was a public hospital and 2 physical therapy practices in Madrid, Spain. One hundred twenty women with CTS were enrolled between February 2013 and January 2014, with 1-year follow-up completed in January 2015. Interventions consisted of 3 sessions of manual therapies including desensitization maneuvers of the central nervous system (physical therapy group, n = 60) or decompression/release of the carpal tunnel (surgical group, n = 60). The primary outcome was pain intensity (mean pain and the worst pain), and secondary outcomes included functional status and symptoms severity subscales of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and the self-perceived improvement. They were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months by a blinded assessor. Analysis was by intention to treat. At 12 months, 111 (92%) women completed the follow-up (55/60 physical therapy, 56/60 surgery). Adjusted analyses showed an advantage (all, P < .01) for physical therapy at 1 and 3 months in mean pain (Δ -2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.8 to -1.2]/-1.3 [95% CI -2.1 to -.6]), the worst pain (Δ -2.9 [-4.0 to -2.0]/-2.0 [-3.0 to -.9]), and function (Δ -.8 [-1.0 to -.6]/-.3 [-.5 to -.1]), respectively. Changes in pain and function were similar between the groups at 6 and 12 months. The 2 groups had similar improvements in the symptoms severity subscale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire at all follow-ups. In women with CTS, physical therapy may result in similar outcomes on pain and function to surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01789645. PERSPECTIVE: This study found that surgery and physical manual therapies including desensitization maneuvers of the central nervous system were similarly effective at medium-term and long-term follow-ups for improving pain and function but that physical therapy led to better outcomes in the short term.