Heterotopic Vascularized Joint Transfer in Mutilating Hand Injuries.

BACKGROUND: In cases of mutilating hand injuries, the primary goal is recovery of prehensile function. This is particularly true in the case of joints, which are extremely difficult to replace or reconstruct adequately when damaged. Heterotopic vascularized joint transfer is indicated when salvageable joints are available for transfer to a more functionally optimal position on the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases of mutilating hand injuries treated with heterotopic vascularized joint transfers from 2003 to 2012 were retrospectively identified. All patients sustained severe metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) or proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) damage that threatened recovery of optimal hand function. All patients were men, with an average age of 34.7 years. Operative, perioperative, and postoperative details including final active range of motion were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Seven joints were taken from nonsalvageable amputated digits: 4 from the amputated parts, and 3 from the proximal stumps. Five joints were transferred as free flaps requiring microvascular anastomosis, and 2 were transferred on neurovascular pedicles. One joint was lost due to vasospasm. Average active range of motion was 68.3° for homojoint transfers (MPJ to MPJ, PIPJ to PIPJ), and 35° for heterojoint transfers. All but 1 patient were able to achieve tripod pinch; the remaining patient achieved only side-to-side pinch. CONCLUSIONS: Heterotopic vascularized joint transfer is a useful technique to consider in cases of mutilating hand injuries. Improved recovery of prehensile function can be achieved with thoughtful design and execution, followed by proper patient education and rehabilitation.

Pediatric Orbital Depth and Growth: A Radiographic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Orbital reconstruction requires knowledge of orbital depth in order to prevent optic nerve injury. Numerous analyses of adult orbital dimensions have been undertaken previously in order to characterize this measurement, including skull specimen and computerized tomography studies. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the pediatric orbit. METHODS: The authors used pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in order to quantify the change in orbital depth in relationship to patient age, and to develop methods to estimate and calculate orbital depth for individual pediatric patients. MRIs of the head in normal pediatric patients were reviewed retrospectively. Orbital depths were measured and correlated with age and cephalometric dimensions. In a randomly selected subgroup of patients, measurements were repeated by an independent investigator to determine interobserver reliability. RESULTS: Measurements were obtained in 72 patients ranging from 3 months to 18 years of age (mean=7.8 years). There was a significant exponential relationship between orbital depth and patient age (r=0.81, F(2,69)=143.97, P<0.001). Depth increased more rapidly in the first 6 years of life, but leveled off in the early teen years toward a horizontal asymptote of approximately 45 mm. There was also a significant relationship between orbital depth and the sum of the biparietal width plus the anterior-posterior length (r=0.72, F(2,69)=87.44, P<0.0001). There was high interobserver reliability in measurements between 2 independent investigators (r=0.79, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In children, orbital depth increases predictably with rising age and increasing head size. Knowledge of this growth curve and the relationship between head size and orbital depth can complement careful surgical dissection to improve safety and efficacy in pediatric orbital reconstructions.

The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap for coverage of complex traumatic elbow injuries.

PURPOSE: The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap has been described primarily for the reconstruction of nontraumatic elbow wounds. We describe our experience using this flap in staged operations for soft tissue coverage after elbow trauma, including acute coverage of open fractures and salvage of infected hardware. METHODS: Review of patients who underwent staged pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap transfer for coverage of traumatic elbow defects. RESULTS: Three patients were identified; all underwent 2-stage repair with flap delay for coverage of traumatic elbow injuries. Each patient had stable wound coverage with this flap. The only complication was 5% distal flap necrosis in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap provides reliable soft tissue coverage of traumatic elbow defects with minimal donor-site morbidity.