Application of Human Acellular Dermal Matrix with Skin Graft for Lacunar Soft-Tissue Defect of Lateral Heel after Calcaneal Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of human acellular dermal matrix (HADM) combined with split-thickness skin graft in repairing lacunar soft tissue defects of the lateral heel after calcaneal fracture. METHODS: From June 2018 to October 2020, providers repaired 11 cases of lacunar soft tissue defects at the lateral part of the heel using HADM combined with split-thickness skin graft. After thorough debridement, the HADM was trimmed and filled into the lacunar defect area. Once the wound was covered, a split-thickness skin graft and negative-pressure wound therapy were applied. Providers evaluated the appearance, scar, ductility of the skin graft site, appearance of the donor site, healing time, and any reoperation at follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 11 cases, 8 patients achieved successful wound healing by primary intention. Three patients showed partial necrosis in the edge of the skin graft, but the wound healed after standard wound care. Evaluation at 6 and 12 months after surgery showed that all patients had wound healing and mild local scarring; there was no obvious pigmentation or scar formation in the donor skin area. The average healing time was 37.5 days (range, 24-43 days). CONCLUSIONS: The HADM combined with split-thickness skin graft is a simple and effective reconstruction method for lacunar soft tissue defect of the lateral heel after calcaneal fracture. In this small sample, the combination demonstrated few infections, minor scar formation, few donor site complications, and relatively short hospital stays.

Comparative study of K-wire combined with screw vs. K-wire in the treatment of AO type B3.1 phalangeal fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to introduce the surgical method of K-wire combined with screw in the treatment of Arbeitsgemeinschaftfür Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type B3.1 phalangeal fractures and to compare its clinical, radiological and functional outcomes with K-wire fixation. METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative study. From January 2015 to February 2022, we treated 86 patients with AO type B3.1 phalangeal fractures. A total of 71 patients were finally included in the statistical analysis. Thirty-nine patients received K-wires combined with screw, and 32 patients received simple K-wires. The follow-up time was at least 6 months. Outcome measures included general information, operative time, total active motion (TAM), pinch strength, radiological union time, pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, cost, and complications. RESULTS: The follow-up time was 6-12 months, with an average of 7.9 months. All patients achieved clinical and radiological union. Compared with the K-wire fixation group, the TAM, radiological union time and VAS score of the K-wire combined with screw group had obvious advantages. Compared with the opposite healthy hand, the grip strength of the two groups was similar, and there was no significant difference in the QuickDASH score. The incidence rate of complications in the K-wire combined with screw group (2/39) was lower than that in the K-wire fixation group (7/32). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with simple K-wire fixation, K-wire combined with screw in the treatment of AO type B3.1 phalangeal fractures is a safer and reliable surgical method. K-wire controls the rotation and plays a role similar to a "lock". The screw can exert pressure and fix it more firmly. It shortens the time of fracture healing and has a higher TAM and fewer postoperative complications.

Ulnar Groove Plasty Guided by a 3D Printing Technique for Moderate to Severe Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Elbow Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of ulnar groove plasty guided by a three-dimensional (3D) printing technique for treatment of moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) caused by elbow osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with moderate to severe CuTS secondary to osteoarthritis of the elbow were enrolled in our hospital from April 2015 to March 2018. Based on a previously proposed "elbow canal index", a 1: 1 model of the elbow joint was printed using CT image data collected preoperatively. After computer-aided measurement, the standard for enlargement of the ulnar nerve groove was calculated and a personalized "trial model" was created by 3D reconstruction. After intraoperative exposure of the ulnar nerve sulcus, the proliferative osteoid was burred with a grinding drill, and the cubital enlargement was verified by the trial model. The ulnar nerve was decompressed and reincorporated into the enlarged cubital canal, and the Osborne ligament was zig-zag elongated and reconstructed. RESULTS None of the patients reported experiencing medial elbow instability, medial elbow pain, ulnar nerve subluxation, flexor-pronator weakness, or incision infection. There was significant improvement of the motor nerve conduction velocity, sensory nerve conduction velocity, two-point discrimination of the little finger, grip strength, pinch strength of the thumb and index finger, VAS score, and DASH score in this study (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Ulnar groove plasty guided by a 3D printing technique may be another effective treatment of moderate to severe CuTS caused by elbow osteoarthritis.

Comparisons between ankle distraction arthroplasty and supramalleolar osteotomy for treatment of post-traumatic varus ankle osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Ankle distraction arthroplasty and supramalleolar osteotomy were both options for post-traumatic varus ankle arthritis (VAA), but their comparative effectiveness was scarcely reported. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of two operative methods for treatment of Takakura-Tanaka stage 3 post-traumatic VAA. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, comprising 73 consecutive patients who presented with Takakura-Tanaka stage 3 post-traumatic VAA treated by either ankle distraction arthroplasty (n = 32) or supramalleolar osteotomy (n = 41) from January 2016 to December 2019. All patients had a minimum 24-month follow-up assessments. The outcome measures were visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, complications, patient-rated overall satisfaction and ankle function. RESULTS: At an average of 32 months (range, 24-52 months) follow-up, significant improvement was observed for VAS, AOFAS, range of motion (ROM) and most radiographic parameters (except for TAS and TLS for ankle distraction arthroplasty group) compared to preoperative baselines (p < 0.05) for both groups. However, both groups did not differ significantly in terms of VAS or AOFAS, excellent and good rate (78.1% versus 85.4%, p = 0.422), overall rate of postoperative complications (28.1% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.257), or various radiographic parameters (e.g. tibial anterior surface angle, talar tilt angle and tibial lateral surface angle) (all p > 0.05). The ankle distraction arthroplasty group had a better postoperative ankle motion than did the supramalleolar osteotomy group, in terms of plantarflexion (37.8 ± 4.2 vs. 30.4 ± 3.6, p = 0.006), dorsiflexion (36.5 ± 6.4 vs. 28.3 ± 5.5, p = 0.004), varus (32.1 ± 4.5 vs. 27.1 ± 3.1, p = 0.017) and valgus (28.4 ± 3.7 vs. 25.2 ± 2.8, p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Both operative treatments are effective for Takakura-Tanaka stage 3 post-traumatic VAA. In practice, individualized treatment option tailored to the ankle condition and patients' specific need should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:  III, retrospective comparative series.

Relative Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Degenerative Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Lesion Patients - a Casecontrol Study.

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions are a common cause of ulnar wrist pain. Data, including mental status assessment, were prospectively collected from patients who underwent arthroscopy. The HADS was used to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Patients with degenerative TFCC lesions were at an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Early screening for anxiety and depression in degenerative TFCC lesions patients should be recommended.

Determinants of anxiety and depression in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this cross-sectional study to assess the proportions of anxiety and depression in patients with CuTS, and to explore the associated demographic and clinical features. METHODS: From May 2011 to January 2017, 246 patients diagnosed with CuTS were recruited. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the proportions of depression and anxiety. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were carried out to identify the variables that were independently associated with anxiety and depression. RESULTS: The proportions of depression and anxiety were 17.9% (n = 44) and 14.2% (n = 35), respectively. Five patients had both possible/probable anxiety and depression. Logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus was independently associated with depression; and the modified McGowan grade was independently associated with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CuTS, the proportions of depression and anxiety were 17.9% and 14.2%, respectively. Early screening for anxiety and depression is beneficial for patients with CuTS.

Use of a Reverse Metacarpal Bone Flap for the Treatment of Segmental Bone Defects of the Proximal Phalanges.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the results of reconstruction of segmental bone defects of the proximal phalanges using a reverse metacarpal vascularized bone flap harvested from the third metacarpal bone. METHODS: From August 2012 to May 2017, 17 patients with segmental osteomyelitis or necrotic bone of the proximal phalanges were treated. There were 15 male and 3 female patients, with a mean age of 36 years (range, 19-65 years). The mean size of bone defects was 26 × 9 × 9 mm (range, 16 × 6 × 7 mm to 35 × 10 × 7 mm); and the mean size of bone flaps was 27 × 8 × 7 mm (range, 15 × 7 × 4 mm to 40 × 8 × 7 mm). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26 months. The mean motion arc of the metacarpophalangeal joints was 56° (range, 22°-90°). The mean pinch strength of the injured fingers was 3.1 kg (range, 2-3.6 kg), and the mean pinch strength of the normal contralateral side was 6.9 kg (range, 4.2- 8.5 kg). CONCLUSIONS: The reverse metacarpal bone flap may promote osseous healing in reconstructing segmental defects of the proximal phalanges. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Use of the First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery-Based Fascial Flap for Reconstruction of Small Defects on the Dorsum of the Hands.

PURPOSE: To describe the reconstruction of small defects on the dorsum of the hands using a first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap harvested through the borders of the defect. METHODS: From January, 2015 to May, 2017, 29 patients (29 hands) with soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand were treated using a first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap. At final follow-up, we measured range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joints and the first web span. RESULTS: Average size of the defects was 2.7 × 2.5 cm. Average size of the flaps was 2.9 × 2.7 cm. Average length of the pedicle was 2.9 cm. All flaps survived. Range of motion of the second to fourth metacarpophalangeal joints reached 93% to 98% of the opposite hand. The span of the first web reached 98% of the opposite hand. CONCLUSIONS: A first dorsal metacarpal artery-based fascial flap can be an alternative for reconstruction of small defects on the dorsum of the hands. Flap harvesting through the border of the defect avoided an additional scar at the donor site. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparison between percutaneous and open reduction for treating paediatric talar neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to introduce percutaneous reduction and fixation of paediatric talar neck fractures. The study also included a comparison between the technique and the conventional open surgery. METHODS: From October 2003 to May 2013, 23 children (group A) with closed two-part talar neck fractures were treated with percutaneous reduction. For comparison, another group of 26 children (group B) were treated with the conventional open surgery. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In group A, bone healing was achieved in all cases at a mean of eight weeks. At the mean follow-up of 27 months, mean plantar flexion and dorsiflexion reached 96% of the opposite, normal, side. There were 20 excellent and three good results. In group B, bone healing occurred in 21 of 26 cases at a mean of 11 weeks. Nonunion was noted in five patients, among whom three were combined with avascular necrosis of the talar body. Mean follow-up was 29 months; mean plantar flexion and dorsiflexion reached 94% of the opposite normal side. There were 13 excellent, six good, two fair and five unsatisfactorily results. There were significant differences in the time to bone healing and in ankle-joint motion and function (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous reduction is a successful technique for paediatric talar neck fractures. Compared with conventional open surgery, the mini-invasive procedure may produce rapid bone healing and better functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level Ia (perspective study).

Correction to: Comparison between percutaneous and open reduction for treating paediatric talar neck fractures.

In the original publication of this paper, the author name was incorrectly presented.

Intramedullary nail versus volar locking plate fixation for the treatment of extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: This study aims to compare the outcomes of intramedullary nail (IMN) and volar locking plate (VLP) fixation for treatment of extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Collaboration Central databases were searched for studies that compared the results of IMN and VLP fixation for the treatment of distal radius fractures up to March 2016. Stata 11.0 was used to perform the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials (RCT) and two retrospective studies were included in this review, including 463 patients. No significant differences were found between two treatment methods in terms of any functional score, radiographic parameters and motion range in the late post-operative period (6, 12 and 24 months). However, IMN did better than VLP at the post-operative six weeks and three months, no matter which functional scoring system was used. The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was 8.7% in the VLP group, significantly higher than that (0.8%) in the IMN group (OR, 0.183; 95%CI, 0.045-0.74). But for other complications, such as infection (OR, 0.449; 95%CI, 0.095-2.114), tendious damage (OR, 0.931; 95%CI, 0.238-3.648), tenosynovitis (OR, 0.806; 95%CI, 0.209-3.108), algodystrophy (pain) (OR, 0.795; 95%CI, 0.291-2.173) and radial nerve paraesthesia (OR, 1.8143; 95%CI, 0.834-3.942), no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to VLP, IMN could provide better early postoperative functional outcomes and reduce the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome, which could be of particular help in restoring confidence for workers with specialized manual skills to return to their prior jobs. Additionally, the conclusion should be cautiously treated, because it was reached in the context of limited amount of studies and relatively small sample size. Therefore, future studies with good design and large samples are required to verify this conclusion.

Treatment of the Secondary Defect on the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Using the Medial Plantar Hallucal Artery Dorsal Perforator Flap.

Injuries or burns to the dorsum of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint may develop scar formation, resulting in hyperextension contracture. Surgical correction of the deformity often produces a secondary defect. The purpose of this study is to report on the use of the medial plantar hallucal artery dorsal perforator flap for the treatment of such defect. From February 2010 to June 2011, 16 patients were treated. The mean preoperative hyperextension of the first MTP joint was 48 degrees. The mean size of the defects was 3.6 × 6 cm. The mean flap size was 4 × 6.5 cm. The mean pedicle length was 4 cm. All flaps survived completely. Patient follow-up lasted a mean of 14 months. At the final follow-up, the mean hyperextension of the first MTP joint was 9 degrees. After surgery, the mean Foot Function Index improved from 62 to 7. Almost all patients were satisfied with the results. Transferring the medial plantar hallucal artery dorsal perforator flap is a useful and reliable technique for the reconstruction of the secondary defect on the first MTP joint.

Reduction of fifth metacarpal neck fractures with a Kirschner wire.

This article reports on a percutaneous joystick technique for reduction of fifth metacarpal neck fractures. The technique was performed in 76 hands. Reduction was achieved in all cases. The technique is a useful reduction maneuver in the treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures.

Pullout wire fixation together with distal interphalangeal joint Kirschner wire stabilization for acute combined tendon and bone (double level) mallet finger injury.

This article describes a previously unclassified type of combined tendon/bone mallet finger. This supplements the conventional Doyle classification. The article also describes the technique for surgical treatment of such mallet fingers, which involves the use of a pullout wire with K-wire stabilization of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Palmar opening wedge osteotomy for malunion of fifth metacarpal neck fractures.

Malunion of fifth metacarpal neck fractures may present an aesthetic problem that needs surgical correction. This article reports palmar opening wedge osteotomy for the treatment of malunion of fifth metacarpal neck fractures in 21 hands. The length of the fifth metacarpal was increased using the technique. We also present long-term results in patients using the technique. Palmar opening wedge osteotomy is a successful surgical technique for the treatment of malunion of fifth metacarpal neck fractures.

Results after open lunate excision alone or in combination with palmaris longus tendon ball arthroplasty for the treatment of Kienböck's disease.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare results after open lunate excision alone and in combination with palmaris longus tendon ball arthroplasty for the treatment of late-staged Kienböck's disease (KD). METHODS: This is a retrospective study using the prospectively collected data, and patients who had a discharge diagnosis of KD (stage IIIB based on Lichtman staging criteria) and underwent surgical treatment by lunate excision alone or in combination with palmaris longus tendon ball arthroplasty between January 2011 and December 2020 were included in this study. Variables of interest involved demographics, disease condition, operative procedure, and the outcomes evaluated at the last follow-up. Within and between comparisons were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent lunate excision alone, and 40 patients underwent the combination procedure. At the final follow-up, patients in both groups exhibited significant improvements compared to pre-operation, such as wrist flexion, wrist extension, carpal height ratio, PRWE score, Cooney score, and grip strength (all P < 0.05). Compared to the excision group, combination procedure group had significantly longer surgical time (P < 0.001), more blood loss (P < 0.001) and exhibited better wrist flexion (P = 0.001), PRWE score (P = 0.001), Cooney score (P = 0.0034), and grip strength (P = 0.017). The excellent or good rate based on Cooney wrist score was not significantly different (87.5% vs 71.4%, P = 0.083). CONCLUSION: Lunate excision in combination with palmaris longus tendon ball arthroplasty is a better option than lunate excision alone for the treatment of stage III KD and can be considered as an operative option.

Treatment of a Bennett fracture using tension band wiring.

PURPOSE: To describe and assess a tension band wiring technique for the treatment of Bennett fractures and to compare this technique of open reduction and internal fixation versus closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. METHODS: From July 2005 to April 2008, we treated 56 Bennett fractures in 56 patients using tension band wiring. The mean age of the patients was 32 years. There were 37 dominant hands and 19 nondominant hands. The mean time between the injury and operation was 5 days. In this open tension band fixation group, the mean joint surface involvement was 39%, and all injuries were associated with carpometacarpal joint subluxation. At final follow-up, we assessed the thumbs for range of motion and assessed the hands for pinch and grip strength. For comparison, we also included 21 patients who were treated using closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation from January 2003 to May 2005. RESULTS: We noted no fixation failures in the open reduction internal fixation group. Radiographic fracture healing was achieved in all patients at a mean time of 4 weeks. Patient follow-up averaged 39 months. At final follow-up, the mean extension-flexion arc of the first carpometacarpal joint was 49°. Mean thumb abduction was 82° and mean pinch and grip strength of the injured hands were 7.4 and 43.0 kg, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups regarding the extension-flexion arc of the first carpometacarpal joint and grip strength. The 2 groups were similar in thumb abduction and pinch strength. CONCLUSIONS: Open tension band wiring is a useful and reliable technique and presents another fixation option for the treatment of Bennett fractures.

The use of a third metacarpal base osteoarticular flap for treatment of metacarpophalangeal joint traumatic defects.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of a pedicled osteoarticular flap harvested from the base of the third metacarpal for the treatment of traumatic defects of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. METHODS: From February 2006 to January 2008, we included in the study 15 patients with posttraumatic defects of the MCP joints. The mean age of the patients was 35 years. The injured MCP joints were located in the thumb (n = 6) and index (n = 4), middle (n = 4), and ring fingers (n = 1). Of the 15 patients, 10 presented with acute injuries and 5 with old injuries. At follow-up, we assessed active motion and pinch strength and compared all measurements with those from the opposite hand. In patients with old MCP joint injuries, we also compared preoperative and postoperative motion and pinch strength. We assessed hand function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. RESULTS: At the final follow-up (mean, 28 mo), the mean motion arc of the reconstructed MCP joints and the opposite joints was 46° and 91°, respectively, and the mean pinch strength of the injured and opposite sides was 5.4 and 7.1 kg, respectively. For the 5 patients with old injuries to the fingers, the mean preoperative and postoperative motion arc was 2° and 43°, and the mean preoperative and postoperative pinch strength was 1.6 and 5.3 kg, respectively. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of the entire patient series was 9, whereas the mean preoperative and postoperative scores of the 5 patients with old injuries were 44 and 17, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a pedicled osteoarticular flap harvested from the base of the third metacarpal is a reliable technique for the treatment of traumatic defects of the MCP joints.

Osteoarticular pedicle flap from the capitate to reconstruct traumatic defects in the head of the proximal phalanx.

PURPOSE: To describe the reconstruction of traumatic defects in the head of the proximal phalanx using an osteoarticular pedicle flap from the capitate. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2007, we treated 15 patients with traumatic defects of the head of the proximal phalanx at our institution. All of these injuries involved 1 condyle of the proximal phalanx. There were 11 male and 4 female patients; the mean age was 32 years. The injuries occurred in the index (n = 6), middle (n = 7), and ring (n = 2) fingers. At the final follow-up, we assessed space narrowing of the proximal interphalangeal joint and flap necrosis using plain radiography. We measured active motion and pinch and grip strength of the hand and compared all measurements with those on the opposite side. Patients rated injured-joint pain and donor-joint pain using a visual analog scale. We assessed hand function using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale. RESULTS: Patient follow-up averaged 52 months. At the final follow-up, we noted narrowing of the proximal interphalangeal joint in 3 cases, but we observed no flap necrosis. The mean active motion arc of the injured and opposite proximal interphalangeal joints was 50° and 96°, respectively. The mean pinch strength of the injured and opposite hands was 5.8 and 6.5 kg, respectively. The mean grip strength of the injured and opposite hands was 39 and 40 kg, respectively. We noted mild recipient joint pain in 6 patients and mild donor joint pain in 1 patient. The mean score of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was 9. CONCLUSIONS: We used an osteoarticular pedicle flap from the capitate to resurface traumatic defects of the head of the proximal phalanx. This approach is acceptable for restoring the contour of the phalangeal head.