[Scaphoid enchondroma revealed by a fracture]. / L'enchondrome du scaphoïde révéle par une fracture.

Enchondroma is a common bone tumor of hand. It is rarely localized in scaphoid. We report a new case of this tumor revealed by fracture. The diagnosis was suggested by standard radiography and confirmed then by anatomic pathology examination. Enucleation and bone graft with osteosynthesis yielded good result.

Ipsilateral fractures of tibia and femur or floating knee.

Ipsilateral fractures of the femur and the tibia are relatively uncommon lesions, with critical consequences to the knee. We report a series of 18 ipsilateral fractures of the femur and the tibia treated at the Department of orthopaedics, CHU Hassan II of Fez, over an eight-year period (1996-2004). Various surgical procedures were used, in particular, intramedullary nailing. After an average follow-up of 2.5 years, we re-examined the 18 patients. The functional results were evaluated using the Schiedts' criteria, and we had seven excellent results (38.9%), six good (33.4%), and five bad (27.8%). There was one major lesion of the popliteal artery that led to an emergency amputation, two cases of osteitis, one septic non-union, one case of late deep sepsis, one insignificant shortening of 2 cm, two cases of varus, three cases of stiffness, and one ankylosis of the knee. Through this work we will try to show the repercussions of this type of fracture of the knee and to evaluate our therapeutic choices.

[Coverage of tissue loss in the upper limb (ten cases)]. / Couverture des pertes de substance du membre supérieur (à propos de 10 cas).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early cover of post-traumatic tissue loss in the upper limb. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report 10 cases of tissue loss in the upper limb treated surgically by fasciocutaneous flaps or muscle flaps. The patients were aged from 14 to 60 years. Six patients underwent surgery as an emergency. Surgery consisted of a thorough debridement, internal fixation if required and soft tissue reconstruction as indicated. This was then followed by immediate flap cover. All had antibiotics during and after surgery. The coverage procedure was selected according to the site and its dimensions. We used 8 fasciocutaneous and 2 muscle flaps in our series. RESULTS: One flap underwent necrosis. The flaps otherwise showed good scaring and trophicity. All the patients were satisfied. DISCUSSION: Early or even immediate coverage of substantial tissue loss following trauma has been made possible because of the development of newer flap techniques. Meyer considers that the improved results can be explained by the fact that early cover prevents bone and tendon desiccation and is achieved before substantial bacterial colonisation can occur. Additionally it is a reliable procedure that brings in vascularised tissue, thereby contributing to reduced scarring of the underlying structures. It also permits immediate osteosynthesis thus avoiding the problems of external fixation. To us the key advantage of emergency skin cover is the fact that the operative field may become colonised but does not become infected. This gives the surgeon the freedom to undertake immediate reconstruction without the prospect of subsequent sepsis.

[Fenton's syndrome or scapho-capitate fracture (a case report)]. / Le syndrome de Fenton ou fracture scaphocapitale (à propos d'un cas).

INTRODUCTION: Scapho-capitate fracture is a rare lesion and its mechanism is controversial. Forced extension seems to be the most frequent cause as this movement of the wrist induces scaphoid fracture by compression. Hyperextension of the wrist as a result of the scaphoid lesion, allows contact between the posterior margin of the radius and the neck of the capitate inducing a capitate fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a case of Fenton's Syndrome, the patient was operated as an emergency by pining and immobilization of the carpus and thumb until bone consolidation had occurred. RESULTS: Consolidation was noted at 8 weeks with a good mobility of the wrist. DISCUSSION: Fenton's Syndrome is a rare lesion of the wrist. Analysis of our own case and a review of literature demonstrated extension as a causative mechanism, and the frequency of delayed diagnosis. Because of the presence of instability, scaphoid reduction and osteosynthesis is necessary. Immobilization of the carpus and thumb is essential until bony consolidation is obtained.

[Reposition flap techniques in fingertip amputations: 6 cases]. / Reposition lambeau dans les amputations digitales distales: à propos de 6 cas.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an alternative procedure for amputations distal to the distal interphalangeal joint: the reposition flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The reposition flap was used for 6 patients who underwent fingertip amputations in an emergency setting. Pulp was excised on the amputated segment and the remaining bone and nail bed were reattached to the proximal stump with a Kirschner wire. The pulp was reconstructed with a local advancement and sensitive flap. The patients were aged 18 to 44 years and had been victims of work accidents. All refused finger shortening. RESULTS: The fingers showed good scarring and good trophicity. Two-point discrimination was 6 mm. Bony fusion was constant but all distal interphalangeal joints remained stiff. Cosmetic results were correct except for two cases of claw nail formation. DISCUSSION: Fingertip amputations have been widely reported. Methods have varied from directed scarring to partial toe transfer. These situations present two types of challenge: insensitivity of the volar aspect or an overly sensitive pulp; cosmetic presentation and function of the dorsal aspect due to the complex role of the nail. Distal reimplantation remains the best technique, but the reposition flap offers an interesting alternative in case of failure or for patients who do not accept finger shortening. The advantage of the reposition flap is that it preserves finger length and the nail. Work stoppage and intolerance to cold can be an inconvenience due to the long time required for wound healing.