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BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are common, with complex defects posing a significant reconstructive challenge. Although vascularised (VNGs) and non-vascularised nerve grafts (NVNGs) are established treatment options, there is no comprehensive summary of the evidence supporting their clinical, electrophysiological, and histological outcomes. This review aims to systematically evaluate the clinical and laboratory literature comparing VNGs and NVNGs to inform future clinical practice and research. METHODS: This review was prospectively registered and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Register were systematically searched. Studies comparing VNGs and NVNGs in PNIs were included. Meta-analyses were performed for outcomes reported in ≥3 laboratory studies. Functional outcomes were synthesised by vote-counting based on direction of effect for clinical studies. Risk-of-bias was assessed using RoB2, ROBINS-I, and SYRCLE, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Seven clinical and 34 laboratory studies were included. Of the clinical comparisons, 90% and 56% identified an effect on recovery of sensibility (p = 0.01) and motor function (p = 0.05), respectively, that favoured VNGs. Nine (of 13) separate meta-analyses of laboratory studies demonstrated reduced muscular atrophy, superior axonal regeneration, and remyelination in VNGs. VNGs eliminated the 3-day interval of ischaemia otherwise sustained by NVNGs. Overall, the quality of evidence was low. CONCLUSION: This systematic review indicates that VNGs may offer some advantages over NVNGs in PNI reconstruction. However, due to the low quality of evidence, significant statistical heterogeneity, and clinical diversity of the included studies, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings.
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Objective: This study aimed to report our surgical outcomes of thoracic long thoracic nerve (LTN) decompression in patients with isolated LTN palsy, using a clinical scoring system designed to facilitate the grading of scapular winging severity. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who had undergone decompression and neurolysis of the LTN for scapular winging. Each patient underwent needle electromyography of the serratus anterior for confirmation of diagnosis and were refractory to a minimum of 6 months of nonoperative management. Preoperatively and at final follow-up, shoulder range of motion and the Wrightington Winging Score (WWS) was used to objectively grade the dynamic and static components of winging. Results: Between 2014 and 2020, 29 patients who underwent thoracic neurolysis for scapular winging were analyzed. These were 16 males and 13 females with a mean age of 37 years. The injury mechanism was due to trauma in 19 cases and neuralgic amyotrophy in 10. The median duration between winging onset and surgery was 30 months. There were significant improvements in mean active shoulder abduction and forward flexion. Winging was noticeably improved in 22 patients. At presentation, the median WWS was 3, which improved to 1 at final follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with isolated LTN palsy causing persistent scapular winging which is not responsive to conservative treatment, neurolysis of the thoracic portion of the LTN can be considered. Level of Evidence: IV.
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Idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common neuropathy in the upper limb. Best evidence regarding the surgical management of this condition has evolved from anterior or submuscular transposition as the former reference standard, to in situ simple release. Differences of opinion remain regarding the timing of surgery, type of surgery and adjunctive surgery. Four surgeons with Level 5 expertise were asked to answer specific questions regarding this condition.
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Síndrome do Túnel Ulnar , Humanos , Síndrome do Túnel Ulnar/cirurgia , Síndrome do Túnel Ulnar/diagnóstico , Descompressão CirúrgicaRESUMO
Scapular winging due to long thoracic nerve palsy can occur through traumatic injuries and nontraumatic events. The traditional view is that most patients will achieve spontaneous recovery within 2 years of winging onset. However, there is evidence that points to a less clear-cut natural history, with residual winging, muscle weakness, and fatigability being exhibited in a significant percentage of patients. Reports from proponents of a more proactive approach have shown that the surgical decompression of the long thoracic nerve beyond 12 months, through thoracic, supraclavicular, or combined approaches, can yield satisfactory results. This review examines our current understanding of long thoracic nerve palsy and explores the varying treatment strategies with their reported outcomes.
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BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for radiation-induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP). OBJECTIVE: To present our experience of using nerve resection and autografting as a treatment strategy for this challenging condition. METHODS: From September 2014 to January 2020, 8 patients with RIBP were treated with segmental nerve resection and autografting, with or without other supplementary procedures. All patients underwent sural nerve grafting to the musculocutaneous nerve. All were female with a mean age of 53 (range 38-64) years. Seven were on the left, and 1 was on the right. The mean follow-up duration was 33 (range 17-72) months. RESULTS: By the final review, 7 of 8 patients regained at least antigravity elbow flexion. Four patients reached Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4, 3 MRC grade 3, and MRC grade 2 recovery in the biceps. The mean Visual Analog Score for pain improved from 2.6 preoperatively to 0.6 postoperatively ( P = .042). CONCLUSION: Nerve resection and autografting may restore satisfactory elbow flexion in patients with RIBP.
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Neuropatias do Plexo Braquial , Transferência de Nervo , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neuropatias do Plexo Braquial/etiologia , Neuropatias do Plexo Braquial/cirurgia , Transferência de Nervo/métodos , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica/fisiologiaAssuntos
Mãos , Especialidades Cirúrgicas , Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Mãos/cirurgia , Humanos , Reino UnidoRESUMO
PURPOSE: We reviewed our cases of infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries associated with anterior shoulder dislocation to determine patterns of injury, recovery rates, and factors associated with a poor motor outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients who had sustained a concomitant nerve injury following dislocation of the glenohumeral joint treated with closed manipulation. The data collected included patient demographics, injury factors, and patterns of neurological deficits. The Medical Research Council (MRC) grade for motor power was the primary outcome measure, where a grade of 4 or 5 was regarded as achieving good motor recovery. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify factors associated with persistent motor weakness (MRC grades 0-3) at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2019, 61 patients were assessed. There were 36 males and 25 females, with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range [IQR], 53-73 years). Four patterns of injury were identified: (1) isolated axillary nerve lesions; (2) single cord lesions; (3) combined lesions involving the medial and posterior cords; and (4) diffuse lesions affecting all 3 cords. Of 28 patients with isolated axillary nerve injuries, 22 recovered. All lateral cord injuries (11/11) and 20 of 24 posterior cord injuries recovered spontaneously. Recovery of hand intrinsic function from medial cord injuries had the worst outcome, with 14 of 27 patients not recovering beyond MRC grades 0 to 3. The median duration of dislocation before reduction was 6 hours (IQR, 3-12 hours). A multivariate analysis showed an association between the duration of shoulder dislocation and the likelihood of persistent motor weakness. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder dislocations with motor deficits should be regarded as orthopedic emergencies and reduced expediently. Persistent motor weakness may be associated with a prolonged duration of dislocation prior to glenohumeral relocation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.
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Neuropatias do Plexo Braquial , Plexo Braquial , Transferência de Nervo , Luxação do Ombro , Lesões do Ombro , Articulação do Ombro , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Luxação do Ombro/terapia , Luxação do Ombro/complicações , Plexo Braquial/lesões , Neuropatias do Plexo Braquial/cirurgia , Neuropatias do Plexo Braquial/complicações , Lesões do Ombro/complicaçõesRESUMO
Decompression of the long thoracic nerve (LTN) is a potentially beneficial procedure for selected patients with LTN palsy. The aim of this work is to describe the surgical anatomy of the thoracic part of the LTN and highlight its variations. A retrospective review of patients undergoing exploration of the LTN was performed. Preoperatively, all patients had serratus anterior dysfunction and underwent electromyographic (EMG) assessment. All patients had an initial trial of nonoperative management. The surgical procedures were undertaken by the senior author. The anatomy of the LTN and the associated vasculature was recorded in patient records, and with digital photography. Forty-five patients underwent LTN exploration. Two patients with iatrogenic injury were excluded, leaving 43 patients for analysis. Mean age was 36 years. Sixty-seven percent of cases involved the dominant side. Trauma was the commonest cause, followed by neuralgic amyotrophy. Four patients had typical features of serratus anterior dysfunction but with normal EMG studies. Two distinct patterns of LTN anatomy were noted. In 79% of cases, a single major nerve trunk coursing along serratus anterior was observed and classified as a type I LTN. In 21% of cases, two equal major branches of the nerve were identified, which was classified as a type II LTN. Approximately one in five patients may have two major branches of the LTN. This is of clinical relevance to those who undertake any thoracic procedures, as well as those who are considering exploration of the LTN.
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Nervos Torácicos , Parede Torácica , Adulto , Axila , Humanos , Músculo Esquelético , Estudos Retrospectivos , Nervos Torácicos/anatomia & histologia , Nervos Torácicos/cirurgiaRESUMO
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed forever the way we do certain things. Although the race for a cure and vaccine has taken centre stage, traditional face-to-face medical education has slowly metamorphosised in the background to a virtual world with innumerable webinars, virtual tutorials and lectures in the World Wide Web. Despite this seemingly 'perfect' solution, there remains a hidden cost. Educators are forced to learn new skills to engage students as well as manipulate the electronic platform. Impact on learning for students, both undergraduate and postgraduate from a lack of social interactions, remains unknown. In this article, the authors share their experiences from different specialities about the pros and cons of virtual learning and teaching. Suggestions and practical tips are offered to enhance the learning experience. More emphasis may need to be placed on the creation of learning communities rather than lecture-based curricula. Hybrid curricula or conferences may become the future norm. As we slowly move out of lockdown into a changed world and new ways of doing things, lessons learnt can be harnessed for future hybrid models that can combine the best of technology and physical teaching to reduce worldwide inequalities.
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COVID-19 , Educação de Graduação em Medicina , Educação Médica , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis , Humanos , Aprendizagem , Pandemias/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Background: Traumatic neuromas are a result of abnormal neural regeneration after nerve injury. Neuropathic pain arising from neuroma can be debilitating. Methods: This was a retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients who presented with a painful cutaneous neuroma secondary to direct trauma or surgery. The diagnosis was made by the presence of neuropathic symptoms in the dermatome of a cutaneous nerve and a positive Tinel sign. Local anaesthetic injection was performed for confirmation of diagnosis. Each patient was offered optimisation of medical therapy and physiotherapy for desensitisation. Outpatient neuromodulation was offered as an alternative to neuroma surgery. The primary aim of treatment was symptom reduction such that neuroma surgery was no longer required. Results: This study included 50 patients with painful cutaneous neuromas. Surgery was the commonest cause. The most frequently injured nerves were superficial radial nerve, digital nerve and dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve, together comprising over 60% of cases. After receiving neuromodulation, 18 (36%) patients experienced sufficient symptom relief and did not wish to pursue neuroma surgery. Conclusions: Surgery is the commonest cause of a painful cutaneous neuroma. Following optimisation of pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy, neuromodulation may offer symptom relief such that neuroma surgery may be avoided in approximately one third of cases.
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Neuroma , Neoplasias do Sistema Nervoso Periférico , Humanos , Neuralgia/etiologia , Neuralgia/terapia , Neuroma/cirurgia , Pacientes Ambulatoriais , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Iatrogenic nerve injuries can cause patients and surgeons a great deal of distress and anxiety. To help prevent such injuries, surgeons should remain mindful for potential distortion of anatomy due to scarring and adhesions. Peripheral nerves are vulnerable to thermal injury, as well as mechanical injury by laceration and traction. Revision arthroplasty may involve removal of the implant and cement mantle. During this removal process, breaches in cortical bone can occur, with resultant cement extrusion within the soft tissues. Screw holes left vacant following screw removal may also allow for cement leakage. Thermal energy is released during the exothermic polymerisation process of cement curing. As a result, this thermal energy can also lead to injury to neural tissue. In this article, we present three cases of radial nerve palsy associated with cement extrusion during revision arthroplasty, in order to highlight pitfalls and learning points in the management. In addition, we propose strategies to avoid such injuries. Surgeons are reminded to be vigilant for cortical breaches intraoperatively, and if recognised, steps should be taken to minimise the risk of nerve injury.
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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish the relative incidence of etiologies causing serratus anterior (SA) dysfunction in patients with proven abnormality on needle electromyography. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with scapular winging secondary to SA dysfunction. Each patient underwent a detailed clinical, radiological, and neurophysiological assessment to arrive at the precise etiological diagnosis. Patients with atypical clinical features were referred for a neurologist's assessment. Hematological and genetic testing were requested at the discretion of the neurologist. A scapular winging severity score based on clinical signs was devised to aid clinical grading. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2020, a consecutive series of 108 patients with suspected SA dysfunction were assessed, of whom 96 met the inclusion criteria. There were 34 females and 62 males, with a mean age of 38 years (range, 15-77 years). Winging affected the right scapulae in 69 patients, the left scapulae in 17 patients, and was bilateral in 10 patients. This was caused by a myopathic disorder in 12 (12%) patients. Eighty-four (88%) patients had a long thoracic nerve lesion, caused by cervical pathology (2), iatrogenic injury (2), trauma (33), and neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) (47). Among those with NA, winging resolved spontaneously within 3 years of onset in 22 patients (mean duration, 16 months; range, 3-36 months). No patients recovered fully if their duration of winging lasted longer than 3 years. Patients with palsy secondary to NA tended to have a worse severity of winging than those due to a traumatic cause (P = .04). CONCLUSION: NA accounted for approximately half of the patients with SA dysfunction; therefore, it is essential to also consider the differentials of myopathy, trauma, iatrogenic injury, and spinal pathology. We recommend the judicious employment of ancillary tests and a low threshold of referral to a neurologist, in order to arrive at the exact diagnosis to accurately guide patient treatment.
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Músculo Esquelético , Escápula , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Eletromiografia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Paralisia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Escápula/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto JovemAssuntos
Síndromes de Compressão Nervosa , Síndromes de Compressão do Nervo Ulnar , Cotovelo , Antebraço , Humanos , Músculo Esquelético , Síndromes de Compressão Nervosa/diagnóstico por imagem , Síndromes de Compressão Nervosa/etiologia , Síndromes de Compressão Nervosa/cirurgia , Nervo Ulnar/diagnóstico por imagem , Síndromes de Compressão do Nervo Ulnar/diagnóstico por imagem , Síndromes de Compressão do Nervo Ulnar/etiologia , Síndromes de Compressão do Nervo Ulnar/cirurgiaRESUMO
Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Majority of compartment syndromes are associated with trauma or surgery. Spontaneous compartment syndrome in multiple limbs is rare and alternative diagnosis should be sought. We report a young adult man who developed compartment syndrome in all four limbs sequentially over 4 years. On further evaluation, he was found to have a gene mutation in exon 3 of GYG1 gene. Spontaneous compartment syndrome in patients with GYG1 gene mutation does not appear to have been previously recognised. Although a direct causality cannot be confidently drawn, this gene is involved in muscle energy utilisation and is known to cause metabolic defect. Acute compartment syndrome, once diagnosed, warrants emergency surgical decompression. The subsequent management of spontaneous compartment syndrome demands a thorough medical assessment to identify any underlying metabolic or genetic predisposition.
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Síndromes Compartimentais/genética , Glucosiltransferases/genética , Glicoproteínas/genética , Mutação , Doença Aguda , Síndromes Compartimentais/cirurgia , Fasciotomia , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Glicogênio/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovemRESUMO
In the treatment of brachial plexus injury to lower nerve roots, the priority is to restore motor function to the paralyzed hand. In addition, it is also important to consider sensory reconstruction, which is crucial to the optimal restoration of prehensile function. We report the surgical technique and sensory recovery of a nerve transfer in a case in which the superficial radial nerve was transferred to the dorsal cutaneous branch and the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve in a patient with C7, C8, and T1 roots injury. The nerve transfer successfully restored sensation in the ulnar one and a half digits as well as the ulnar border of the hand, with minimal donor site deficit. This technique provides a useful sensory reconstructive option in patients with brachial plexus injury to lower roots.
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Internal fixation of the scaphoid using a plate has been reported in the literature as far back as 1977. Recently, a specific plate designed for scaphoids has been developed, which provides considerably more buttress support than intramedullary headless screws, and offers a reliable method of rigid internal fixation for complex fractures. Indications to use such a plate include complex acute fractures, such as those with significant waist comminution or steep reverse oblique fractures, and complex nonunions with central bone loss resulting from failed previous headless screw fixation. This is now the authors' preferred treatment for these injuries.
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Placas Ósseas , Fixação Interna de Fraturas/métodos , Fraturas não Consolidadas/cirurgia , Osso Escafoide/lesões , Osso Escafoide/cirurgia , Osso Esponjoso/transplante , Avaliação da Deficiência , Força da Mão , Humanos , Cuidados Pós-Operatórios , Rádio (Anatomia)/transplante , Amplitude de Movimento ArticularRESUMO
This study reports outcomes of arthroscopy in the treatment of delayed or nonunions of 25 scaphoids (25 patients). The surgery was performed between 8 and 43 weeks after injury. Intraoperatively, 11 fractures were deemed stable to probing and underwent percutaneous screw fixation only; 14 were unstable and received arthroscopic bone grafting with percutaneous screw fixation. All fractures united. At a mean follow-up of 21 months (range 12-48), the mean Mayo wrist score was 96, and patient-rated wrist evaluation was 4, and the flexion-extension arc was 90% of the contralateral wrist. We conclude that arthroscopy is valuable in the treatment of scaphoid delayed or nonunions and in judging the need for bone grafting. Our data indicate that regardless of cystic formation in the scaphoid, bone grafting is not always necessary. Percutaneous fixation alone is sufficient when scaphoid delayed or nonunions are between 8 weeks and 1 year following injury, without scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse or dorsal intercalated segment instability, and when forceful probing confirms stability of the scaphoid arthroscopically. Level of evidence: IV.
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Artroscopia , Tomada de Decisão Clínica , Fraturas não Consolidadas/cirurgia , Osso Escafoide/cirurgia , Articulação do Punho/cirurgia , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Seguimentos , Fixação Interna de Fraturas , Consolidação da Fratura , Humanos , Ílio/transplante , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Medidas de Resultados Relatados pelo Paciente , Rádio (Anatomia)/transplante , Estudos Retrospectivos , Osso Escafoide/lesões , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Nerve injury may occur following shoulder trauma. However, joint or bony damage can often dominate the clinical picture such that signs of nerve injury are overlooked. We describe the "goosebump sign" as a hitherto undescribed objective clinical finding of sympathetic dysfunction in peripheral nerve palsy, which can be a useful complementary sign to the standard assessment of muscle power and sensibility.
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The minimally invasive nature of wrist and small joint arthroscopy renders it particularly suitable for the application of the wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique. The application of WALANT wrist and small joint arthroscopy has given surgeons the ability to visualize both static and dynamic movements of a joint, to show the pathology and discuss with the patient, and to visualize a patient's repaired structures. This reinforces confidence in surgeons and encourages patients to comply with postoperative rehabilitation.