[Effectiveness of Kirschner wire fixation for proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of flexor digitorum tendon].

Objective: To explore the mechanism, surgical method, and effectiveness of proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of the flexor digitorum tendon. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4 patients with proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlea injury of flexor digitorum tendon admitted between May 2018 and September 2022. The patients were all male, the age ranged from 26 to 52 years, with an average of 33 years. The injured fingers included 1 case of middle finger and 3 cases of ring finger. The causes of injury were rock climbing of 2 cases and carrying heavy objects of 2 cases. Preoperative anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and CT examination of the fingers showed a lateral avulsion fracture of the proximal phalanx, with a fracture block length of 15-22 mm and a width of 3-5 mm. The total active range of motion (TAM) of the injured finger before operation was (148.75±10.11)°. The grip strength of the middle and ring fingers was (15.50±2.88) kg, which was significantly lower than that of the healthy side (50.50±7.93) kg ( t=-8.280, P<0.001). The time from injury to operation was 2-7 days, with an average of 3.5 days. One Kirschner wire with a diameter of 1.0 mm was used for direct fixation through the fracture block, while two Kirschner wires with a diameter of 1.0 mm were used for compression fixation against the fracture block. The fracture healing was observed, and the TAM of the injured finger and the grip strength of the middle and ring fingers were measured. The finger function was evaluated according to the upper limb functional assessment trial standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society. Results: The incisions all healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 6-28 months, with an average of 19 months. X-ray films showed that all avulsion fractures of proximal phalanx reached bony union, and the healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks, with an average of 4.6 weeks. At last follow-up, the grip strength of the middle and ring fingers was (50.50±7.76) kg, which significantly improved when compared with preoperative one ( t=-8.440, P<0.001). The TAM of the injured finger reached (265.50±2.08)°, and there was a significant difference when compared with preoperative one ( t=-21.235, P<0.001). According to the upper limb functional assessment trial standards of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, the finger function was all evaluated as excellent in 4 cases. Conclusion: Using Kirschner wire fixation through bone blocks and external compression fixation of bone blocks for treating proximal phalangeal bone avulsion fracture caused by A2 circular trochlear injury of the flexor digitorum tendon can achieve good effectiveness.

[Effectiveness on treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture with Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation].

Objective: To summarize the effectiveness of Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation in the treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture. Methods: The clinical data of 35 patients of metacarpal avulsion fracture admitted between March 2017 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 22 males and 13 females; the age ranged from 20 to 55 years, with an average of 31.6 years. There were 17 cases of the second metacarpal avulsion fracture, 6 cases of the fourth metacarpal avulsion fracture, and 12 cases of the fifth metacarpal avulsion fracture. The causes of injury included 21 cases of strangulation, 8 cases of sprain, and 6 cases of sports injury. X-ray film examination showed that the size of the avulsion fracture of metacarpal bone ranged from 0.30 cm×0.20 cm to 0.55 cm×0.45 cm. The total active motion (TAM) of the injured finger before operation was (154.00±17.38)°. The time from injury to operation was 3-10 days, with an average of 5.8 days. Follow-up regularly after operation, X-ray film and CT examination were performed to evaluate fracture healing and TAM of injured finger was measured. The finger function was evaluated by the trial standard of upper limb function evaluation of Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association. Results: All the incisions healed by first intention. All 35 patients were followed up 9-36 months, with an average of 28 months. All metacarpal avulsion fractures achieved bony healing, and the healing time was 4-6 weeks, with an average of 4.8 weeks. The metacarpophalangeal joint of the patient was stable, without stiffness, and the flexion and extension activities were good. At last follow-up, the TAM of the injured finger reached (261.88±6.23)°, which was significantly different from that before operation ( t=-35.351, P<0.001). The finger function was evaluated according to the trial standard of upper limb function evaluation of the Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, and 33 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion: The treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture with Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation has the advantages of less trauma, firm fixation, and less interference to the soft tissue around metacarpophalangeal joints, which is a good alternative method for the metacarpal avulsion fracture.

Second dorsal metacarpal artery-based index finger dorsal island flap for the management of thumb defects.

Index finger dorsal island flaps were frequently utilized by hand surgeons to reconstruct thumb defects. However, the blood supply of the traditional index finger dorsal island flap comes from the first dorsal metacarpal artery, which has a smaller diameter, more anatomical variation, and can be injured in conjunction with thumb injuries. Therefore, we design an alternative index finger dorsal island flap based on the second dorsal metacarpal artery to treat thumb skin defects. From August 2015 to October 2018, we used the index finger dorsal island flaps with the second dorsal metacarpal artery to treat 11 patients with thumb skin defects. All the flaps and skin grafts survived completely without complications. At the last follow-up, the mean 2PD of the flap was 6.4 mm (45.5% for excellent, 54.5% for good), the mean ROM of the injured thumbs was 115.9° (72.7% for excellent, 27.3% for good), and the mean cosmetics score was 8.6. Our results demonstrate that the index finger dorsal island flap with the second dorsal metacarpal artery is suitable for the reconstruction of thumb skin defects. The flap has an excellent survival rate and good coverage with satisfactory results and represents a promising treatment for the selected patients. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, level IV.

Comparison of accordion maneuver with compression technique alone for the treatment of atrophic fracture nonunion: A rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the histological results of Accordion Maneuver (AM) with Compression Technique Alone (CA) in the treatment of atrophic fracture nonunion in a rabbit model. METHODS: The study was performed on 91 male New Zealand rabbits aged six months, weighing 3.1 to 3.6 kg. The standardized models of atrophic nonunion with a 3-mm fracture were created in the tibias of rats. For the histomorphological study, 22 rabbits were randomly selected and sacrificed. The remaining 69 rabbits were divided into two groups based on the treatment technique: Group AM (n = 36) and Group CA (n = 33). The group AM was further randomly divided into four subgroups based on the amplitude and interval parameters: subgroup A1B1 (0 day, 4 mm; n = 9), subgroup A1B2 (0 day, 8 mm; n = 7), subgroup A2B1 (6 days, 4 mm; n = 10), and subgroup A2B2 (6 days, 8 mm; n = 10). A monolateral external fixator was employed in each group. Animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after the treatment, and bony healing was assessed both radiologically and histologically. The efficiency of bony healing was assessed using the bone content index, bone mineral density, and bone volume fraction indexes. RESULTS: In X-ray and micro-computed tomography assessments, periosteal reaction was detected at the fracture site in all specimens. In group CA, sclerosis was observed at the ends of the fragments. Bony absorption, nonunion, and a little amount of island-like high density were also observed at the nonunion site. Among AM subgroups, sparse callus-like bone formation in A1B1 subgroup and a high density of callus connecting most parts of the gap and large amount of periosteal callus formation in A1B1 subgroup were observed. In A2B2 subgroup, the cortex was initially connected. No gap was observed, and the medullary cavity was recanalized. In histological analyses, the intermission of 0 day at rate of 8 mm was of the highest level of bony regeneration, and the intermission of 6 days at the rate of 4 mm was of the lowest level of bony regeneration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the radiological and histological results obtained from the present study, AM seems to be more effective than CA in treating atrophic nonunion. AM can shorten the period of treatment. The interval of 0 day and an amplitude of 8 mm may be more proper for AM.

[Application of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique for thumb defect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique in treatment of thumb defect. METHODS: Between February 2017 and June 2019, 6 patients with traumatic thumb defects were treated with double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal by Ilizarov technique. There were 5 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 28 to 57 years, with an average of 41.5 years. There were 3 cases on the left side and 3 cases on the right side. All patients were admitted to the hospital in emergency department after injury, and the stump of the thumb was trimmed and sutured. The osteotomy plane was the distal part of the proximal phalanx in 4 cases and the interphalangeal joint in 2 cases. The interval between injury and osteotomy was 20-245 days (median, 34.5 days). After minimally invasive osteotomy and placement of a semi-circular external fixator, the lengthening began on the 5th day. The proximal phalanx and metacarpal were lengthened by 0.5 mm every day, once every 12 hours. The thumb of the affected side was distracted to the middle of the distal phalanx of the healthy thumb, and the fixator was removed after the bone healed. RESULTS: The distraction time was 14-23 days, with an average of 18.8 days. The osteotomies were healed with healing time of 91-147 days (mean, 120.2 days). The total distraction length of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal was 1.40-2.25 cm, with an average of 1.86 cm; healing index was 51.0-72.2 days/cm, with an average of 64.9 days/cm. All patients were followed up 5-12 months (mean, 8.2 months). At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination was 5.3-8.5 mm with an average of 6.98 mm. According to the evaluation standard of the upper limb part of the Chinese Medical Association, the score was 10-14, with an average of 12.5. Among them, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. All patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of thumb after operation. The Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 2.3-9.1, with an average of 6.1. CONCLUSION: The double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique is an effective method for the treatment of thumb defects.

[Study on vascular selection and reconstruction in tibial transverse transport].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the vascular conditions and the necessity of vascular reconstruction in the treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of lower extremities with tibial transverse transport (TTT) from the perspective of vascular surgery. METHODS: A clinical data of 59 patients with chronic ischemic disease of lower extremities treated by TTT between February 2014 and July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were 41 patients with diabetic foot (DF), including Wagner grade 3-4, Texas grade 2-3, and stage B-D lesions; the disease duration ranged from 0.7 to 2.4 years, with an average of 1.5 years, and 5 cases complicated with arteriosclerosis obliteran (ASO). There were 14 patients with ASO (Fontaine stage Ⅳ and Rutherford stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ) with an average disease duration of 10.8 months (range, 1.5-23.4 months). There were 4 patients with thromboangiitis obliteran (TAO) with an average disease duration of 12.3 months (range, 2.1-18.2 months), and the clinical stages were all in the third stage. In 18 patients that ankle brachial index (ABI) of anterior or posterior tibial artery was less than 0.6 before operation, or the blood flow of the three branches of inferior anterior tibial artery did not reach the ankle by imaging examination, vascular reconstruction was performed before TTT (5 cases of DF combined with ASO, 12 of ASO, 1 of TAO). After operation, the effectiveness was evaluated by ulcer wound healing, skin temperature, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, ABI, and CT angiography (CTA) examination. RESULTS: The patients with DF were followed up 8-16 months (mean, 12.2 months); the ulcer wounds healed with a healing time of 5.1-9.2 weeks (mean, 6.8 weeks); CTA examination showed that the branches of inferior anterior tibial artery were opened in 5 patients after revascularization; and the tibial osteotomy healed for 5-14 weeks (mean, 8.3 weeks). The patients with ASO were followed up 13-25 months (mean, 16.8 months); the ulcer wounds healed with a healing time of 6.2-9.7 weeks (mean, 7.4 weeks). CTA examination showed that the branches of inferior anterior tibial artery were opened in 12 patients after revascularization; all tibial osteotomy healed, and the healing time was 4.5-14.4 weeks (mean, 10.2 weeks). The patients with TAO were followed up 12-23 months with an average of 12.3 months, and toe/limb amputation was performed after ineffective treatment. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were combined with revascularization or not. The ABI, VAS score, and skin temperature in the combined revascularization group significantly improved at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in ABI at 6 months after operation in the TTT group ( P>0.05), but the skin temperature and VAS scores significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ABI of anterior or posterior tibial artery is more than 0.6, radiological examination shows that at least one of the three branches of inferior anterior tibial artery leads to ankle artery, which is a prerequisite for successful TTT in the treatment of chronic ischemic disease of lower extremities. DF is the indication of TTT. ASO can choose TTT, and TAO should use this technique cautiously.

Repair of distal thumb degloving injury using combination of reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and middle finger proper digital arterial island flap.

BACKGROUND: To examine the efficacy of combination of the reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and middle finger proper digital arterial island flap for repair of distal thumb degloving injury. METHODS: Twelve patients with mechanical distal thumb degloving injuries were treated between February 2017 and August 2019. A combination of the reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and the middle finger proper digital arterial island flap were used. Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament and static two-point discrimination (S-2PD) tests, active range-of-motion (ROM) of the joints, cold intolerance, visual analog scale (VAS) score patient complications, and patient satisfaction were sequentially evaluated. RESULTS: Two cases with postoperative flap blisters were treated at time of dressing changes up to successful scab formation. One case with postoperative arterial crisis of finger arterial dorsal branch vessel was successfully released in the pedicle. Ten cases healed by first intention and 2 cases by secondary intention. Twelve patients received follow-up examinations between 3 and 20 months (average 13 months) post-treatment, and all exhibited full, soft flaps with no fingertip pain. CONCLUSION: The combined use of the reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and the middle finger proper digital arterial island flap is a practical and effective approach to surgical repair of distal thumb degloving injuries.

[Hollow screw in treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of hollow screw for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook. METHODS: Five patients with basilar part fracture of hamate hook, aged 24-47 years (mean, 31 years) were treated with open reduction and hollow screw fixation between June 2015 and February 2019. There were 4 males and 1 female. The causes of injury were athletic injury in 3 cases, falling injury in 1 case, and crushing injury in 1 case. Among them, 1 case was combined with sensory disturbance of one and a half fingers on the ulnar side of the palm. The grip strength of the affected side was significantly decreased when compared with that of the healthy side in all patients. The intervals between injury and surgery were 3-8 days (mean, 4.2 days). Postoperative follow-up was conducted regularly to measure the grip strength of the affected and healthy fingers and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side. Darrow criteria was used to evaluate the effectiveness. RESULTS: All the incisions healed by primary intention. All the patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 16 months). X-ray films showed that the basilar part fracture of hamate hook reached bony union, and the healing time was 2.0-3.5 months (mean, 2.2 months). At last follow-up, the grip strength of the affected side was (35.80±3.76) kg, showing no significant difference when compared with healthy side [(36.00±4.94) kg] ( t=0.094, P=0.930); and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side was (529.0±8.9)°, which was significantly different from that before operation [(232.0±34.7)°] ( t=18.108, P=0.000). In 1 patient with ulnar nerve injury, the two-point discrimination of the innervation area was 4 mm, and the pain sensation and temperature sensation returned to normal. Assessed by Darrow criteria, the results were excellent in 4 cases and good in 1 case. CONCLUSION: For the basilar part fracture of hamate hook, hollow screw fixation can obtain secure reduction and fixation and provide sustained compression and counter-rotation for the broken end of fracture, thus allowing early joint motion and promoting fracture healing and recovery of wrist function. It is a relatively good method for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook.

Treatment of fingertip avulsion injuries using two periposition pedicled flaps.

We described a treatment of fingertip avulsion injury by two periposition pedicled flaps, the reversed pedicle island flap of dorsal branch of proper digital artery and the cross-finger flap. From February 2009 to January 2017, 22 patients (22 fingers) with fingertip avulsion injury were treated with two periposition pedicled flaps, 14 male and 8 female, aged from 17 to 47 years (mean 32 ± 9 years). All of the patients were followed up more than 6 months after operations (mean 9.6 ± 2.6 months). All flaps survived completely. Compared with the traditional abdominal flaps, two periposition pedicled flaps had less pedicle division time. At last follow-up, the 2PD of the palmar part of the flaps, the TAM of the injured finger and the MHQ summary score of the two periposition pedicled flaps were much better than the traditional abdominal flaps. The reconstruction using two periposition pedicled flaps is a versatile treatment with better functions, less morbidity and better aesthetics. Level of evidence: Therapeutic, level III.

[Application of ipsilateral digital proper artery dorsal branch flap to repair mid-phalanx degloving injury with distal segment finger defect].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of ipsilateral digital proper artery dorsal branch flap to repair mid-phalanx degloving injury with distal segment finger defect. Methods: Between February 2013 and July 2016, 11 cases (11 fingers) of mid-phalanx degloving injury with distal segment finger defect were treated. There were 9 males and 2 females with an average age of 33.6 years (range, 18-59 years). The injury caused by twisting in 8 cases and crushing in 3 cases. The injury located at index finger in 3 cases, middle finger in 6 cases, and ring finger in 2 cases. The skin avulsion was from proximal interphalangeal joint in 1 case, proximal 1/4 of mid-phalanx in 6 cases, and 1/2 of mid-phalanx in 4 cases. The area of wounds ranged from 4.0 cm×1.7 cm to 6.2 cm×2.6 cm. The interval between injury and operation was 2.5-6.0 hours (mean, 4.5 hours). All defects were repaired with the ipsilateral digital proper artery dorsal branch flaps. The size of flaps ranged from 4.4 cm×1.9 cm to 7.0 cm×2.9 cm. Nerve anastomose was carried between digital proper nerve dorsal branch in the flap and digital proper nerve stump in the wound. The donor sites were repaired by skin grafting. Results: Tension blisters of the flap and partial necrosis occurred in 1 case, and healed after dressing change. The other flaps and skin grafting survived, and wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 16 months). The texture and appearance of all the flaps were satisfactory. At 6 months after operation, two-point discrimination of flaps ranged from 7 to 10 mm (mean, 8.5 mm). At last follow-up, according to the functional assessment criteria of upper limbs by the Branch of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medicine Association, the results were excellent in 10 cases and good in 1 case, with the excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion: The ipsilateral digital proper artery dorsal branch flap is a good method to repair mid-phalanx degloving injury with distal segment finger defect for the advantages of simple operation, less damage in donor site, high survival rate of the flap, and good feeling recovery of the finger.

[Effectiveness of wrist tube inside and outside releasing for treating median nerve double entrapment at wrist].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of wrist tube inside and outside releasing for treating median nerve double entrapment at wrist. Methods: Thirty-one patients of median nerve double entrapment at wrist were treated between April 2011 and May 2014. There were 8 males and 23 females with an age of 33-69 years (mean, 56.4 years). In palm lateral three and a half finger, the two-point discrimination was 7-14 mm (mean, 9.5 mm), in which 24 cases were 4-10 mm and 7 cases were more than 10 mm. Carpal tunnel median nerve Tinel sign was positive; there was weak and acid swollen felling when press big thenar muscle on median nerve return branch palm surface projection points. Electromyography examination showed that median nerve endings movement incubation period was 4.5-10 ms in 22 cases, more than 10 ms in 9 cases; fibrillation potentials and positive phase voltage happened in 6 cases; the median nerve sensory conduction velocity of all patients was slow, and the motor conduction velocity also slowed down; the motor amplitude was 5-10 mV in 19 cases, less than 5 mV in 12 cases. The disease duration was 3-8 months (mean, 5.5 months). Surgical exploration of wrist median nerve in carpal tunnel and median nerve return branch outside carpal tunnel were performed in patients, especially completely released the variety entrapment factors such as thickening bow at starting point of short hallux flexor tendon, fiber bundles at ulnar side of short hallux flexor tendon, deep layer fiber of the palmar aponeurosis, and variant shallow head of short hallux flexor. Results: All the wounds healed by first intention without wound scar pain. The patients were followed up 24-59 months (mean, 33 months). Night numbness and pain disappeared, and weak and acid swollen feeling in big thenar muscle on median nerve return branch points also disappeared. The sensation recovered to S 4 in 28 patients in palm lateral three and a half finger, the index and middle fingertip sensation recovered to S3+ in 3 cases. In the median nerve innervation area, the two points discrimination was 4-6 mm (mean, 4.8 mm). The thumb opposition function returned to normal in 29 cases and mild confinement in 2 cases. The grip strength of all the 31 cases recovered, and 1 of them increased significantly. In preoperative big thenar muscle atrophy cases, muscle strength recovered to S 5 in 4 cases, S 4 in 2 cases. At 2 years after operation, according to the functional assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome recommend by GU Yudong, the results were excellent in 29 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion: When treating the nerve double entrapment in wrist using wrist tube inside and outside releasing method, the variety entrapment factors of return branch of median nerve should be completely released, so the effectiveness can be improved.

[VASCULAR ANATOMICAL STUDY ON TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY LENGTHENING].

OBJECTIVE: To provide the anatomical basis for the selection of osteotomy site in leg lengthening or tibial slip. METHODS: Between August 2010 and July 2014, 10 adult fresh amputated leg specimens were collected. The pressure perfusion of red latex was performed by the popliteal artery. The anterior tibial artery and its main branches were separated and exposed, and the periosteal branch of anterior tibial artery was adequately exposed; the posterior tibial artery and its main branches were exposed; the peroneal artery was separated and exposed. The tibial and peroneal artery and its branches were observed and measured. When measuring the proximal end, the medial tibial plateau bone margin, the most prominent part of the tibial tuberosity, and the fibular head edge were used as a reference; when measuring the distal end, distal medial condyle of tibia malleolus tip, tibial lateral malleolus lateral tip, and distal tibial articular surface were used as a reference; the vertical distance between tibia proximal and distal main arteries and bone end reference was measured to determine the optimal osteotomy position of upper and lower tibia. The osteotomy index was calculated which was used to represent the relative position of osteotomy site in the whole tibia. RESULTS: The proximal tibial osteotomy site located at (78.2 ± 19.5) mm from medial tibial plateau margin, (41.8 ± 16.0) mm from the tibial tuberosity pole, and (66.7 ± 16.4) mm from the fibular head edge. The distal tibial osteotomy site located at (70.8 ± 12.1) mm above the inferior margin of tibial medial malleolus, (83.3 ± 13.0) mm above the inferior margin of lateral malleolus tip, and (59.1 ± 11.7) mm from distal tibial articular surface. The proximal tibial osteotomy index was 18.45-23.35 (mean, 20.46); the distal tibial osteotomy index was 14.36-23.05 (mean, 18.81). CONCLUSION: The metaphyseal-diaphyseal connection shold be selected in the proximal and distal tibia osteotomy, the lower one third of the tibia is not suitable for ostetomy.

[REPAIR OF THUMB PULP DEFECTS WITH SIDE ISLAND FLAP COINCIDING DORSAL BRANCH OF DIGITAL NERVE].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of the side island flap coinciding dorsal branch of the digital. nerve for repairing thumb pulp defects. METHODS: Between May 2008 and July 2012, 36 cases of thumb pulp defects were treated with the side island flap coinciding dorsal branch of the digital nerve. There were 26 males and 10 females, aged 21-51 years (mean, 32.4 years). The injury causes included electric saw injury in 14 cases, punchpress injury in 8 cases, machine twist injury in 5 cases, door crushing injury in 5 cases, and glass cutting injury in 4 cases. The left hand was involved in 12 cases and the right hand in 24 cases. Combined injuries included tendon and bone exposure in all cases, fracture of the distal phalanx in 3 cases, and nail bed lacerations in 2 cases. The defect size ranged from 1.4 cm x 1.2 cm to 2.5 cm x 2.1 cm; and the flap size ranged from 1.8 cm x 1.4 cm to 3.0 cm x 2.5 cm. RESULTS: Two flaps with distal skin flap tension blisters and skin scabbing, which were cured after dressing changes; the wound healed by first intension in the other 34 cases. The skin grafts at donor site survived, and primary healing of incision was obtained. The patients were followed up 3-15 months (mean, 8 months). The appearance and function restored well. Two-point discrimination of the flap was 5.2 mm on average (range, 4-8 mm) at last follow-up. The finger joint had no stiff. According to the upper extremity function evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the sensation was S4 in 33 and S3+ in 3 cases. No ectopic feeling was observed. The extension and flexion activity of fingers at donor site was normal, the sensation reached S4 with no atrophy of the finger. CONCLUSION: With constant anatomy, reliable blood supply, and safe operation, the anastomoses of the finger side island flap with dorsal branch of digital nerve is a better method to repair thumb pulp defects because it also effectively overcome the ectopic feeling with traditional methods and protect feel function of the fingers at donor site.

[Effectiveness of retrograde island neurocutaneous flap pedicled with lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in treatment of hand defect].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of retrograde island neurocutaneous flap pedicled with lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in the treatment of soft tissue defect of the hand. METHODS: Between October 2011 and December 2013, 17 cases of skin and soft tissue defects of the hands were treated. There were 8 males and 9 females, aged 23-62 years (mean, 44 years). Of them, defect was caused by trauma in 13 cases, by postoperative wound after degloving injury in 2 cases, and by resection of contracture of the first web in 2 cases; 13 cases of traumas had a disease duration of 2-6 hours (mean, 3.5 hours). The defect sites located at the back of the hand in 5 cases, at the radial side of the palm in 4 cases, at the first web in 2 cases, at the palmar side of the thumb in 4 cases, and at the radial dorsal side of the thumb in 2 cases. The bone, tendons, and other deep tissue were exposed in 15 cases. The defect size varied from 3 cm x 3 cm to 12 cm x 8 cm. The size of the flaps ranged from 3.6 cm x 3.6 cm to 13.2 cm x 8.8 cm. The lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm was anastomosed with the cutaneous nerve of the recipient sites in 9 cases. The donor sites were repaired by free skin graft or were sutured directly. RESULTS: The other flaps survived, and obtained healing by first intention except 2 flaps which had partial necrosis with healing by second intention at 1 month after dressing change. The skin graft at donor site survived, and incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 5-30 months (mean, 12 months). The flaps had good color and texture. Flap sensory recovery, of S2-S3+ was obtained; in 9 cases undergoing cutaneous nerve flap anastomosis, the sensation of the flaps recovered to S3-S3+ and was better than that of 8 cases that the nerves were disconnected (S2-S3). The patients achieved satisfactory recovery of hand function. Only 2 cases had extended limitation of the proximal interphalangeal joint. At last follow-up, according to the Chinese Medical Society of Hand Surgery function evaluation standards, the results were excellent in 15 cases and good in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Retrograde island neurocutaneous flap pedicled with lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve is an effective way to repair skin defects of the hand, with the advantages of reliable blood supply and simple surgical procedure.

[Clinical research of ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the therapy and effectiveness of ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury. METHODS: Between October 2005 and October 2012, 16 cases of ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury were treated. There were 14 males and 2 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 22-58 years). Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, by mechanical crush in 5 cases, and by falling in 3 cases. According to the anatomical features of the ulnar styloid and imaging findings, ulnar styloid fractures were classified as type I (ulnar styloid tip fracture) in 1 case and type II (ulnar styloid base fracture) in 15 cases. The skin sensation of ulnar wrist was S0 in 5 cases, S1 in 1 case, S2 in 7 cases, and S3 in 3 cases according to the criteria of the British Medical Research Council in 1954 for the sensory functions of the ulnar wrist. The time from injury to operation was 6-72 hours (mean, 18 hours). Fracture was treated by operative fixation, and nerve was repaired by epineurium neurolysis in 13 cases of nerve contusion and by sural nerve graft in 3 cases of complete nerve rupture. RESULTS: All incisions healed by first intention. Sixteen patients were followed up for an average time of 14 months (range, 6-24 months). The X-ray films showed that all of them achieved bone union at 4-10 weeks after operation (mean, 6 weeks). No patient had complications such as ulnar wrist chronic pain and an inability to rotate. According to Green-O'Brien wrist scoring system, the results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 3 cases; according to the criteria of the British Medical Research Council in 1954 for the sensory functions of the ulnar wrist, the results were excellent in all cases, including 11 cases of S4 and 5 cases of S3+. Two-point discrimination of the ulnar wrist was 5-9 mm (mean, 6.6 mm). CONCLUSION: For patients with ulnar styloid fracture complicated with wrist dorsal branch of ulnar nerve injury, internal fixation and nerve repair should be performed. It can prevent ulnar wrist pain and promote sensory recovery.

[Anatomical study on contralateral C7 root transfer for recovery of forearm flexor function in repairing of brachial plexus avulsion].

OBJECTIVE: To provide the anatomical basis of contralateral C7 root transfer for the recovery of the forearm flexor function. METHODS: Thirty sides of adult anti-corrosion specimens were used to measure the length from the end of nerves dominating forearm flexor to the anastomotic stoma of contralateral C7 nerve when contralateral C7 nerve transfer was used for repair of brachial plexus lower trunk and medial cord injuries. The muscle and nerve branches were observed. The length of C7 nerve, C7 anterior division, and C7 posterior division was measured. RESULTS: The length of C7 nerve, anterior division, and posterior division was (58.8 +/- 4.2), (15.4 +/- 6.7), and (8.8 +/- 4.4) mm, respectively. The lengths from the anastomotic stoma to the points entering muscle were as follow: (369.4 +/- 47.3) mm to palmaris longus, (390.5 +/- 38.8) mm (median nerve dominate) and (413.6 +/- 47.4) mm (anterior interosseous nerve dominate) to the flexor digitorum superficialis, (346.2 +/- 22.3) mm (median nerve dominate) and (408.2 +/- 23.9) mm (anterior interosseous nerve dominate) to the flexor digitorum profundus of the index and the middle fingers, (344.2 +/- 27.2) mm to the flexor digitorum profundus of the little and the ring fingers, (392.5 +/- 29.2) mm (median nerve dominate) and (420.5 +/- 37.1) mm (anterior interosseous nerve dominate) to the flexor pollicis longus, and (548.7 +/- 30.0) mm to the starting point of the deep branch of ulnar nerve. The branches of the anterior interosseous nerve reached to the flexor hallucis longus, the deep flexor of the index and the middle fingers and the pronator quadratus muscle, but its branches reached to the flexor digitorum superficials in 5 specimens (16.7%). The branches of the median nerve reached to the palmaris longus and the flexor digitorum superficial, but its branches reached to the deep flexor of the index and the middle fingers in 10 specimens (33.3%) and to flexor hallucis longus in 6 specimens (20.0%). CONCLUSION: If sural nerve graft is used, the function of the forearm muscles will can not be restored; shortening of humerus and one nerve anastomosis are good for forearm flexor to recover function in clinical.

[Anatomic study on injury of simple deep branch of ulnar nerve].

OBJECTIVE: To provide anatomy evidence of the simple injury of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve for clinical diagnosis and treatments. METHODS: Fifteen fresh samples of voluntary intact amputated forearms with no deformity were observed anatomically, which were mutilated from the distal end of forearm. The midpoint of the forth palm fingerweb was defined as dot A, the midpoint of the hook of the hamate bone as dot B, the ulnar margin of the flexor digitorum superficialis of the little finger as OD, and the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve and the forth common finger digital nerve as OE, dot O was the vertex of the triangle, dot C was intersection point of a vertical line passing dot B toward OE; dot F was the intersection point of CB's extension line and OD. OCF formed a triangle. OCF and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve were observed. From May 2000 to June 2007, 3 cases were treated which were all simple injury of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve by glass, diagnosed through anatomical observations. The wounds were all located in the hypothenar muscles, and passed through the distal end of the hamate bone. Muscle power controlled by the ulnar nerve got lower. The double ends was sewed up in 2 cases directly intra operation, and the superficial branch of radial nerve grafted freely in the other 1 case. RESULTS: The distance between dot B and dot O was (19.20 +/- 1.30) mm. The length of BC was (7.80 +/- 1.35) mm. The morphia of OCF was various, and the route of profundus nervi ulnaris was various in OCF. OCF contains opponens canales mainly. The muscle branch of the hypothenar muscles all send out in front of the opponens canales. The wounds of these 3 cases were all located at the distal end of the hook of the hamate bone, intrinsic muscles controlled by the ulnar nerve except hypothenar muscles were restricted without sensory disorder or any other injuries. Three cases were followed up for 2 months to 4 years. Postoperation, the symptoms disappeared, holding power got well, patients' fingers were nimble. According to the trial standard of the function of the upper limb peripheral nerve established by Chinese Medical Surgery of the Hand Association, the synthetical evaluations were excellent. CONCLUSION: Simple injuries of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve are all located in OCF; it is not easy to be diagnosed at the early time because of the little wounds, the function of the hypothenar muscles in existence and the normal sense.

[Anatomic study on hook of hamate bone].

OBJECTIVE: To study the hook of hamate bone by anatomy and iconography methods in order to provide information for the clinical treatment of injuries to the hook of hamate bone and the deep branch of ulnar nerve. METHODS: Fifty-two upper limb specimens of adult corpses contributed voluntarily were collected, including 40 antisepticized old specimens and 12 fresh ones. The hook of hamate bone and its adjacent structure were observed. Twenty-four upper limbs selected randomly from specimens of corpses and 24 upper limbs from 12 healthy adults were investigated by computed tomography (CT) three-dimensional reconstruction, and then related data were measured. The measurement results of 24 specimens were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The hook of hamate bone is an important component of ulnar carpal canal and carpal canal, and the deep branch of ulnar nerve is located closely in the inner front of the hook of hamate bone. The flexor tendons of the forth and the little fingers are in the innermost side, closely lie next to the outside of the hook of hamate bone. The hamate bone located between the capitate bone and the three-cornered bone with wedge-shaped. The medial-, lateral-, and front-sides are all facies articularis. The hook of hamate bone has an approximate shape of a flat plate. The position migrated from the body of the hamate bone, the middle of the hook and the enlargement of the top of the hook were given the names of "the basis of the hook", "the waist of the hook", and "the coronal of the hook", respectively. The short path of the basement are all longer than the short path of the waist. The long path of the top of the hook is the maximum length diameter of the hook of hamate bone, and is longer than the long path of the basement and the long path of the waist. The iconography shape and trait of the hook of hamate bone is similar to the anatomy result. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between two methods in the seven parameters as follows: the long path of the basement of the hook, the short path of the basement of the hook, the long path of the waist of the hook, the short path of the waist of the hook, the long path of the top of the hook, the height of the hook, of hamate bone, and the distance between the top and the waist of the hook. CONCLUSION: The hook of hamate bone can be divided into three parts: the coronal part, the waist part, and the basal part; fracture of the hamate bone can be divided into fracture of the body, fracture of the hook, and fracture of the body and the hook. Fracture of the hook of hamate bone or fracture union can easily result in injure of the deep branch of ulnar nerve and the flexor tendons of the forth and the little fingers. The measurement results of CT three-dimensional reconstruction can be used as reference value directly in clinical treatments.