An alternative graft fixation technique for scaphoid nonunions treated with vascular bone grafting.

PURPOSE: To present our experience with vascularized bone grafting based on the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery for the management of established scaphoid nonunion and to investigate the efficacy of graft immobilization with a combination of Kirschner wires and transarticular external fixation. METHODS: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was conducted for patients with the diagnosis of scaphoid nonunion of the proximal pole or the waist treated with the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery-based vascularized graft and fixed with a combination of Kirschner wires and transarticular external fixation between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS: We observed 23 consecutive patients for a mean of 34 ± 4 months. All patients were males with mean age of 25 ± 5 years. All patients had scaphoid nonunion and associated humpback deformity. The mean duration of nonunion was 7 ± 1 months. All scaphoid nonunions united after the index procedure at a mean of 10 ± 1 weeks. Two patients had avascular necrosis of the proximal pole based on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings. After surgery, deformity correction was achieved in all patients, as recorded by the decrease in the lateral intrascaphoid angle and the increase in the dorsal scaphoid angle. At the last follow-up, no patients reported wrist pain. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved significantly from 32 ± 12 before the operation to 5 ± 3 at the last postoperative visit. All patients showed statistically significant improvement in the range of motion and the grip strength of the involved wrist. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the combined use of Kirschner wires and transarticular external fixation for fixation of a 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery-based vascular bone graft in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Index finger pollicization in the treatment of congenitally deficient thumb.

Congenital deficiency of the thumb greatly compromises hand function, because the normal thumb contributes at least 40% of its usefulness. The method of choice in the treatment of this functional liability is the pollicization of the index finger. This study presents the long term outcome of 21 index finger pollicizations in 18 patients, with a mean follow-up time of 9 years. The thumb deficiency was bilateral in 3 patients, whereas in 7 it was associated with radial club hand. The result was considered excellent in 75%, good in 19%, and poor in 6% of the 21 pollicizations, according to Percival's scoring system. The less rewarding function was obtained in the presence of associated radial club hand in combination with late reconstruction. Index finger pollicization is the method of choice in the treatment of thumb aplasia or severe hypoplasia. The younger patients adapt easier and use the new thumb in a more natural way.

Distal radioulnar joint instability (Galeazzi type injury) after internal fixation in relation to the radius fracture pattern.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to classify Galeazzi type injuries and determine the association of residual instability after rigid fixation with the fracture pattern of the shaft of the radius, using a system that is based on anatomic landmarks of the radial shaft. METHODS: The clinical records of 95 patients (72 men and 23 women) with Galeazzi type injuries requiring open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up was 6.8 years (range, 18 mo to 11 y) after injury. Sixty-nine fractures occurred in the distal third of the radial shaft (type I), 17 fractures were in the middle third (type II), and 9 fractures were in the proximal third of the shaft of the radius (type III). Gross instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) was determined intraoperatively by manipulation after radial fixation as compared to the uninjured side. RESULTS: Forty patients had DRUJ instability after internal fixation and were treated with temporary pinning with a K-wire placed transversely proximal to the sigmoid notch. Distal radioulnar joint instability after internal fixation was recorded in 37 type I fractures, 2 type II fractures, and 1 type III fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Distal radioulnar joint instability following radial shaft fracture fixation is significantly higher in patients with type I fractures than in patients with type II or type III fractures. The location of the radius fracture can be sufficiently used for preoperative estimation of percentage chance of potential DRUJ instability after fracture fixation.

The free vascularized fibular graft for bridging large skeletal defects of the upper extremity.

Large skeletal defects of the upper extremity pose a serious clinical problem with potentially deleterious effects on both function and viability of the limb. Recent advances in the microsurgical techniques involved in free vascularized bone transfers for complex limb injuries have dramatically improved limb salvage and musculoskeletal reconstruction. This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic results of 18 patients who underwent reconstruction of large defects of the long bones of the upper extremity with free vascularized fibular bone grafts. Mean patient age was 27 years (7-43 years) and mean follow-up was 4 years (1-10 years). The results confirm the value of vascularized fibular grafts for bridging large bone defects in the upper extremity.

Femoral head osteonecrosis: why choose free vascularized fibula grafting.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a disease in which bone death occurs and usually progresses to articular incongruity and subsequent osteoarthritis. To delay the process of the disease and the conversion to total hip arthroplasty, many surgical techniques have been described. Core decompression, nonvascularized autologous bone grafts, porous tantalum implant procedure, and various osteotomies have been used for the management of early precollapse stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, none of these procedures is neither entirely effective nor can obtain predictable results. With the progress of microsurgery, the implantation of a free vascularized fibula graft to the necrotic femoral head has provided the most consistently successful results. Although the procedure is technically demanding, there is growing recognition that the use of free vascularized fibula graft may improve patient quality of life by functional improvement and pain alleviation. The success of the procedure is related to decompression of the femoral head, excision of the necrotic bone, and addition of cancellous bone graft with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, which augments revascularization and neoosteogenesis of the femoral head. Free vascularized fibula graft, especially in younger patients, is a salvaging procedure of the necrotic femoral head in early precollapse stages. In postcollapse osteonecrosis, the procedure appears to delay the need for total hip arthroplasty in the majority of patients. The purpose of this review article is to update knowledge about treatment strategies in femoral head osteonecrosis and to compare free vascularized fibula grafting to traditional and new treatment modalities.

Recent updates of surgical techniques and applications of free vascularized fibular graft in extremity and trunk reconstruction.

Successful free vascularized bone transfers have revolutionized the limb salvage and musculoskeletal reconstruction. The free vascularized fibula remains the mainstay in bone reconstruction combines the benefits of blood supply, biological potential, and callus formation with its unique biomechanical characteristics offering a supreme candidate for various dissolvable issues. Especially in conditions where there was lack of other applicable method and the free vascularized fibular graft was introduced as the only alternative. Extensive traumatic bone loss, tumor resection, femoral head osteonecrosis and congenital defects have been managed with exceptional results beyond expectations. The present manuscript updates several issues in application of free vascularized fibular graft in extremity and trunk reconstruction. It also highlights tips and pearls of surgical technique in some crucial steps of harvesting the vascularized fibular graft in order to offer a vascularized bone with safety and low donor site morbidity.

Vascularized fibula transfer for lower limb reconstruction.

Massive bony defects of the lower extremity are usually the result of high-energy trauma, tumor resection, or severe sepsis. Vascularized fibular grafts are useful in the reconstruction of large skeletal defects, especially in cases of scarred and avascular recipient sites, or in patients with combined bone and soft-tissue defects. Microvascular free fibula transfer is considered the most suitable autograft for reconstruction of the middle tibia because of its long cylindrical straight shape, mechanical strength, predictable vascular pedicle, and hypertrophy potential. The ability to fold the free fibula into two segments or to combine it with massive allografts is a useful technique for reconstruction of massive bone defects of the femur or proximal tibia. It can also be transferred with skin, fascia, or muscle as a composite flap. Proximal epiphyseal fibula transfer has the potential for longitudinal growth and can be used in the hip joint remodeling procedures. Complications can be minimized by careful preoperative planning of the procedure, meticulous intraoperative microsurgical techniques, and strict postoperative rehabilitation protocols. This literature review highlights the different surgical techniques, indications, results, factors influencing the outcome, and major complications of free vascularized fibular graft for management of skeletal or composite defects of the lower limb.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius treated with gradual distraction and free vascularized fibular graft: case report.

Only 18 cases of congenital radial pseudarthrosis have been reported in the English literature; of these, 4 have been treated with free vascularized fibular graft. We present a case of a 9-year-old female patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who underwent gradual distraction through the pseudarthrosis site and subsequent vascularized fibular grafting for isolated congenital pseudarthrosis of her left radius and concomitant longitudinal and angular deformity of the wrist joint. At the last follow-up, 10 years postoperatively, the patient has maintained bony union, with full wrist flexion-extension and forearm pronation-supination.

Comparative study of surgical treatment of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow.

HYPOTHESIS: The optimal surgical treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome remains unclear. We aim to evaluate the long-term outcome of surgical treatment by comparing the results of the different methods proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 113 patients in whom 3 different surgical methods were used for cubital tunnel syndrome treatment. In situ decompression, partial epicondylectomy, and anterior subcutaneous transposition were performed from 1997 to 2007. RESULTS: Results were graded as excellent in 51 patients (45%), good in 34 (30%), fair in 8 (7%), and poor in 20 (18%). When we compared the results among the different surgical procedures, good and excellent results were achieved in 26 of 31 patients (84%) treated with in situ decompression, 36 of 45 (80%) treated with release and partial medial epicondylectomy, and 23 of 37 (62%) treated with release and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that in situ decompression and partial epicondylectomy both represent efficient and safe methods for cubital tunnel syndrome management. In patients in whom anterior subcutaneous transposition was performed, although they had a significant improvement of their clinical signs and symptoms, they had an inferior outcome when compared with patients treated with the other 2 methods.

Femoral periprosthetic fracture in osteoporotic bone after a total knee replacement: treatment with Ilizarov external fixation.

We report 3 cases of periprosthetic fractures after total knee replacement treated with Ilizarov external fixator (Smith and Nephew plc, Memphis, Tenn) and a follow-up of at least 3 years. We used 2 rings in the supracondylar area distal to the fracture and 3 half pins proximally in all our cases leaving the knee free to move. In one patient apart from the 2-ring frame placed distal to the fracture site the fixator included another ring frame placed proximally just below the 3 half pins. Uncomplicated fracture healing with lower extremity excellent alignment was achieved in 12 weeks after surgery. In periprosthetic femoral fractures, especially in elderly patients, Ilizarov external fixator is a treatment option which provides stable fixation, prompt postoperative mobilization, and has no major complications.

Digit and hand replantation.

For the past 45 years, the advent of microsurgery has led to replantation of almost every amputated part such as distal phalanx, finger tip, etc. Replantation of digits and hand can restore not only circulation, but also function and cosmetic of the amputated part. The goals of replantation are to restore circulation and regain sufficient function and sensation of the amputated part. Strict selection criteria are necessary to optimize the functional result. The management of this type of injuries includes meticulous preoperative management, microsurgical experience and continuous postoperative care. Among various factors influencing the outcome, the most important are the type and the level of injury, ischemia time, history of diabetes, age, sex, and smoking history. During the replantation procedure, bone stabilization, tendon repair, arterial anastomoses, venous anastomoses, nerve coaptation, and skin coverage should be performed. All structures should be repaired primarily, unless a large nerve gap or a flexor tendon avulsion injury is present. Adequate postoperative evaluation is mandatory to avoid early or late complications. To improve functional results, many replantation patients may need further reconstructive surgery.

Vascularized free fibular bone graft in the management of congenital tibial pseudarthrosis.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) remains one of the most challenging problems confronting the orthopaedic surgeon. The operative results are frequently less than successful; many cases require several surgical procedures, and a significant number of them ending in amputation. The purpose of this study was to access the surgical results, complications, secondary procedures, and long-term results of free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Between 1992 and 2007, nine patients with CPT were treated consecutively at our clinic with free fibula transfer. There were six females and three males. The mean age at the time of operation was 6.5 years (range, 1-12 years). Stability, after reconstruction with FVFG, was maintained with internal fixation in five patients, unilateral frame external fixation in three patients, and intramedullary pin in one patient. Average postoperative follow-up time was 9 years (range, 2-15 years). In seven patients, both ends of the graft healed primarily within 3.7 months (range, 1.5-6 months). In one patient, the distal end of the graft did not unit. This patient required three subsequent operations to achieve union. Stress fracture occurred in the middle of the grafted fibula in one patient, who underwent four additional operations before union, was achieved. Despite the relatively high-complication rate, FVFG remains a valid method for the treatment of CPT. However, even achieving union of pseudarthrosis is not enough for the resolution of the disease. This is only half of the problem; the other half is to maintain union. Long-term follow-up beyond skeletal maturity, if possible, is necessary to evaluate surgical results.

Free vascularized fibular graft for treatment of pathological femoral neck fracture and osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a case report with a long-term follow-up.

We present a case of a 34-year-old white female patient who, 13 years ago, sustained a pathological intracapsular femoral neck fracture on a pre-existing aneurysmal bone cyst. Three months later radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation revealed both femoral neck fracture and stage IV osteonecrosis of the femoral head according to Steinberg classification system. Management was accomplished with combined free vascularized fibular grafting and internal osteosynthesis with a 130 degrees blade plate. Union was achieved in 7 months. Progression of osteonecrosis was arrested. Hip salvage and a satisfactory subjective and clinical outcome were achieved. At the last follow-up, 13 years postoperatively, the patient had satisfactory functional outcome.

Normative data on hand grip strength in a Greek adult population.

The objectives of this study were to establish data concerning normal hand grip strength (GS) and to explore possible associations with anthropometric parameters. GS was measured in 232 individuals in a standard arm position using the Jamar dynamometer. We examined differences between right/left and dominant/nondominant hands. Possible correlations of GS with anthropometric values were evaluated. Right hand and dominant hand GS were found to be higher and statistically significant compared to left hand and nondominant hand GS, respectively. Men had higher values of GS compared to women. A negative association was observed between age and dominant hand GS. A positive association was documented between height and dominant hand GS, while the respective comparison for weight and dominant hand GS documented a statistically significant positive association only in the male group. A positive association between BMI and dominant hand GS was seen in female individuals. Additional factors associated with GS should be the goal of future investigations.

The efficacy of erythropoietin on acute spinal cord injury. An experimental study on a rat model.

INTRODUCTION: The accumulated knowledge of erythropoietin (EPO) interaction in neural injury has led to potentially novel therapeutic strategies. Previous experimental studies of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) administration have shown favorable results after central and peripheral neural injury. In the present study we used the aneurysmal clip model to evaluate the efficacy of two different regimes of rhEPO administration on the functional outcome after severe acute spinal cord injury (ASCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were operated on with posterior laminectomy at thoracic 10th vertebra. Spinal cord trauma produced by extradural placement of the aneurysm clip, for 1 min. Animals were divided into three groups; the first group received a low total EPO dose (EPO-L), (2 doses of 1,000 IU each s.c.). The second group was administered the high total EPO dose (EPO-H), (14 doses of 1,000 IU each s.c.), and the third was the Control group, which received normal saline in the same time fashion with EPO-H group. Follow-up was for 6 weeks. Estimation of the functional progress of each rat was calculated using the locomotor rating scale of Basso et al, with a range from 0 to 21. RESULTS: After surgery the animals suffered paraplegia with urinary disturbances. Rats that received EPO demonstrated statistically significant functional improvement compared to the Control group, throughout study interval. On the last follow-up at 6 weeks the EPO-L rats achieved a mean score 17.3 +/- 1.15, the EPO-H 14.7 +/- 1.82, and the control group 8.2 +/- 0.78. Comparison between the two EPO groups reveals superior final outcome of the group treated with lower total dose. CONCLUSION: Our study supports current knowledge, that EPO administration has a positive effect on functional recovery after experimental ASCI. These data reflect the positive impact of EPO on the pathophysiologic cascade of secondary neural damage. However, we observed a dose-related effect on functional recovery. Interestingly, large doses do not seem to favor the neurological recovery as lower doses do.

Vascularized pedicled graft from distal radius for scaphoid nonunion with double stabilization: A long term follow up study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to present the long-term efficacy of the graft of the distal radius based on the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2 ICSRA) for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion with a proposed treatment of double stabilization with Kirschner wires and external fixator. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2013 we retrospectively reviewed 11 patients who were operated for established scaphoid nonunion with pedicled vascularized distal radius graft based on the 1,2 ICSRA in our department. Stabilization of the graft was achieved with Kirschner wires and the wrist was immobilized with a transarticular external fixator. All patients were evaluated pre- and post-operatively both clinically and radiologically. The DASH score was also completed by the patients before and after the operation. The minimum follow-up of the patients was 5 years. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 28.64 years (range, 18-49 years). Ten patients were males (90.91%) and one female (9.09%). In all patients, union was achieved. The mean time of union was 11.2 weeks (range, 8-18 weeks). The mean follow-up was 61.32 months (range, 60-72 months). Compared to the contralateral hand there was noticed 14° lack in flexion and 18° in extension. The mean DASH score showed also significant improvement from 23.1 (range, 9.4-50.6) preoperatively to 4.72 (range, 0-22.8) during the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The 1,2 ICSRA distal radius graft consists a trustworthy pedicled vascularized graft for the treatment of nonunion presenting very promising long-term outcomes.

Transient osteoporosis.

Transient osteoporosis is characterized primarily by bone marrow edema. The disease most commonly affects the hip, knee, and ankle in middle-aged men. Its cause remains unknown. The hallmark that separates transient osteoporosis from other conditions presenting with a bone marrow edema pattern is its self-limited nature. Laboratory tests usually do not contribute to the diagnosis. Plain radiographs may reveal regional osseous demineralization. Magnetic resonance imaging is used primarily for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Early differentiation from more aggressive conditions with long-term sequelae is essential to avoid unnecessary treatment. Clinical entities such as transient osteoporosis of the hip and regional migratory osteoporosis are spontaneously resolving conditions. However, early differential diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for the patient with osteonecrosis of the hip or knee.

Intrinsic haemangioma of the median nerve: report of a case and review of the literature.

Intrinsic haemangioma of the median nerve is an extremely rare tumor that represents a challenge to diagnose and treat. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed having an intrinsic haemangioma of the median nerve and treated with total surgical resection of the tumor, under high magnification, using microneurolysis and without the need to resect and graft the median nerve. Three years later, the patient is free of symptoms and no recurrence of the mass was noticed.

Management of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy with early plexus microreconstruction and late muscle transfers.

Birth brachial plexus injury usually affects the upper roots. In most cases, spontaneous reinnervation occurs in a variable degree. This aberrant reinnervation leaves characteristic deformities of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Common sequelae are the internal rotation and adduction deformity of the shoulder, elbow flexion contractures, forearm supination deformity, and lack of wrist extension and finger flexion. Nowadays, the strategy in the management of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy focuses in close follow-up of the baby up to 3-6 months and if there are no signs of recovery, microsurgical repair is indicated. Nonetheless, palliative surgery consisting of an ensemble of secondary procedures is used to further improve the overall function of the upper extremity in patients who present late or fail to improve after primary management. These secondary procedures include transfers of free vascularized and neurotized muscles. We present and discuss our experience in treating early and/or late obstetrical palsies utilizing the above-mentioned microsurgical strategy and review the literature on the management of brachial plexus birth palsy.

The 12-in-1 procedure for the treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot.

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term results of an extended soft tissue release in a single procedure, for the treatment of congenital idiopathic clubfoot. Seventeen patients with 22 congenital idiopathic clubfeet were treated surgically with the 12-in-1 procedure. The majority of cases were grade III (severe) deformities. The procedure consisted of dividing or lengthening 12 elements of the posterior, medial, and plantar side of the foot. The mean follow-up period was 11 years (range, 7-18 years). Revision surgery was required within 1 to 3.5 years of the initial procedure in four cases (residual deformity), whereas in another patient, bilateral camptodactyly was corrected 11 years postoperatively. At the time of the most recent follow-up, and after the revision procedures in patients with residual or recurrent deformities, results were excellent in 8 and good in 14 cases. The long-term follow-up results of the 12-in-1 procedure are encouraging for the treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot.