First dorsal interosseous muscle transfer to restore opposition of the new thumb after index pollicization: anatomical description of an original technique and case report.

Index pollicization in severe thumb hypoplasia or aplasia in children or for the reconstruction of a mutilated thumb in adults is a rare and technically demanding procedure. Weakness of the new thumb is routinely reported after index pollicization. An inappropriate position of the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDIM) can partly explain this strength deficit. Here, we report an original anatomical study on FDIM transfer for reanimation of the new thumb's opposition function and its clinical application. An anatomical study was carried out on three upper limbs from fresh, non-embalmed adult cadavers. We demonstrated the feasibility of an FDIM transfer pedicled on the proper FDIM artery and the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. The proximal FDIM insertions were sutured to the lateral border of the flexor retinaculum to recreate the superficial thenar musculature. This procedure was performed on a 52-year-old man who was referred to us with swelling on his hand. We discovered a myxoid inflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma of the thumb that required proximal thumb amputation while preserving the base of the first metacarpal. To our knowledge, this is the first description of FDIM pedicled flap transfer during an index pollicization procedure among an adult population. However, in severe thumb hypoplasia or aplasia cases, this procedure is limited by the size and anatomical variations of the neurovascular structures among a population affected by radial longitudinal deficiency.

Reconstruction of the distal radius using a double-barrel vascularized fibula flap: A case series.

Treatment of distal radius tumor sometimes requires sacrificing the epiphysis. We propose adding to currently available reconstruction options a technique using a double-barrel vascularized fibula flap fixed distally to the first carpal row, conserving midcarpal mobility. We monitored 4 cases of Campanacci III giant-cell tumor and 2 cases of osteosarcoma. After en-bloc tumor resection, a double-barrel vascularized fibula flap was lodged distally in the scaphoid and lunate and proximally in the radius. Follow-up was clinical and radiological, using DASH, PRWE and MSTS functional scores. At a median 3 years' follow-up, there were no cases of recurrence or non-union. Median ranges of motion were 23° flexion, 28° extension, 90° pronation and 62° supination. Median grip strength proportional to the contralateral side was 67%. Median DASH and PRWE functional scores were respectively 13.7 and 17 points. Median MSTS was 83%. Although this technique is challenging, with difficulties in double-barrel flap placement and in pedicle plication, the double-barrel vascularized fibula flap provided a stable and mobile wrist.

Pollicization in the treatment of congenital severe hypoplasia and aplasia of the thumb: a systematic review.

Pollicization of the index is the treatment of choice for severe hypoplasia and aplasia of the thumb. After a historical overview, we present a systematic review of this procedure. The main steps of this procedure were reported by Dieter Buck-Gramcko in 1971 and are still relevant nowadays. Many refinements have been described over the last decades by different surgeons to address limitations related to bone stock, musculotendinous structures and skin incisions. However, considering the complexity of this procedure and the results in the literature, the functional and esthetic outcomes can still be improved thanks to basic research. Pollicization of the index is rarely done and is one of the most demanding surgical procedure in hand surgery.

Coverage of soft tissue defects in the thumb: Essential flaps in daily practice.

Coverage of soft tissue defects in the thumb involves a variety of techniques ranging from simple second-intention healing to skin grafting with or without dermal substitutes, to local homodigital or heterodigital flaps and partial toe transfers. The arsenal in terms of skin coverage and especially flaps is very diverse. Our objective is not to make an exhaustive catalog of all the technical possibilities described in the literature, but rather to present in detail the options we have adopted in our daily practice. For each of these techniques, we present the rules for their implementation (anatomical bases, surgical techniques) and their topographical indications.

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthrodesis for isolated osteoarthritis: results at a mean 8 years' follow-up.

The aim of this retrospective study was to report medium- to long-term outcome of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis with staple fixation to treat painful isolated osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty-one consecutive patients (22 wrists) who had undergone STT arthrodesis were retrospectively reviewed by an independent examiner. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed. At a mean follow-up of 8 years (range 2-20 years), pain levels were significantly decreased, and functional scores were significantly improved. Grip and pinch strength were 86% and 82% of those of the contralateral side. Wrist range of motion in flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation was significantly less than on the contralateral side at last follow-up (104° vs. 131° and 38° vs. 55°, respectively). Non-union was found on X-ray in 4 wrists (18%), but in 2 cases showed as partial non-union on CT, with complete scaphotrapezial consolidation; 1 of the 4 wrists required surgical revision. Another patient was re-operated on for symptomatic external staple displacement without non-union. There were 8 cases (36%) of radiographic narrowing of the styloscaphoid joint space; contact between the staple and styloid was found in all 8 cases. Four patients (18%) had narrowing of the scaphocapital joint space; protrusion of the proximal part of the staple into the joint space was noted in all 4 wrists. No differences were found for the radioscaphoid, capitolunate and scapholunate angles before and after surgery. STT arthrodesis with staple fixation to treat isolated STT OA led to a significant reduction in pain, with improved strength and functional scores. To avoid styloid impingement, we recommend systematic styloidectomy. Complete non-union seems to be overestimated on radiographs. Partial non-union with scaphotrapezial union should not be considered as a complication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Innervation and vascular supply of the first dorsal interosseous muscle and palmar interosseous muscle of the index: An anatomic descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: The first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) and palmar interosseous muscle of the index (P2I) are essential for the strength and mobility of the index finger. This study aims to describe the course of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (DBUN) and the blood supply to these muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anatomical cadaver study was carried out with 14 upper limbs from fresh, non-embalmed cadavers. All limbs were filled with an equal amount, based on weight, of colored silicone and diluent that was combined and catalyzed with 5% curing agent. The location of the DBUN's termination was specified relative the carpometacarpal joint. Every artery supplying either muscle was identified and documented. RESULTS: The DBUN had a slightly convex path, distal to the hook of the hamate and penetrated the FDI muscle at an average 41% of the second metacarpal length. An average of 1.3 branches to the P2I and 2.6 branches to the FDI were found. Four artery pedicles coming from the deep palmar arch supply the FDI with an average of one consistent and exclusive pedicle to the FDI and three pedicles heading to the P2I. According to the classification of Mathes and Nahai, the FDI has a type 2 blood supply and the P2I has a type 3 blood supply. CONCLUSION: In-depth knowledge of the vascular network supplying the FDI and P2I muscles and the course of the DBUN is essential when the DBUN is damaged or when dissecting these muscles for index pollicization.

A new capsulotomy-based dorsal approach to the wrist: A cadaver study.

Using a cadaver study, we described a new dorsal approach to the wrist joint using a "U-shaped with proximal base" capsulotomy. Six fresh adult cadaveric wrists were dissected after intra-arterial silicone injection. We did a dorsal approach to expose the dorsal joint capsule. It was then possible to identify the dorsal radiocarpal and intercarpal ligaments, the dorsal radiocarpal and intercarpal arterial arches, the dorsal branch of the anterior interosseous artery and the terminal branch of the posterior interosseous nerve. Wrist arthrotomy was done using our capsulotomy. In each dissected capsular flap, we always found the individual ligament, vascular, and nerve structures, implying they were intact over their trajectories. The mean surface area of the articular exposure was 945 mm2 (range 725-1102 mm2) allowing easy access to the carpal bones and the radiocarpal and midcarpal joint spaces. This surgical approach to the wrist is technically feasible and avoids damaging the dorsal extrinsic ligaments fibers. Keeping the vascularization intact could improve capsular healing, while preserving innervation could maintain wrist proprioception.

Management of loss of tissue substance in children's limbs. What are the salient peculiarities? A proposed algorithm.

Loss of tissue substance in children's limbs has the same etiologies and in many cases, the same severity as in adults' limbs, and the means placed at the disposal of a surgeon are likewise comparable. It may nonetheless prove difficult to strategically position the different treatment methods in a decision-making tree. After all, a child presents numerous peculiarities: high quality of vascularization (both microcirculation and macrocirculation), better ability to achieve nerve regeneration and durable bone consolidation and, last but not least, a pronouncedly superior overall functional prognosis. Moreover, a child's future needs to be taken into account ; it is not only cicatrization per se, but also the quality of healing that should dictate therapeutic choices, which will consequently be determined in view of avoiding functional disorders during the growth process. On the basis of their experience and following a review of the literature, the authors have assessed the interest of each relevant technique and drawn up a decision-making tree.

[Metacarpal shaft reconstruction using medial femoral condyle flap: A case report]. / Reconstruction diaphysaire métacarpienne par transfert osseux vascularisé de condyle fémoral interne : à propos d'un cas.

We report the technique applied to reconstruct a whole shaft defect of the 4th metacarpal bone in a 22-year-old women after aneurysmal bone cyst resection. Local invasion leads to possible poor revascularization possibilities, justifying the use of a vascularized bone transfer. Surgical procedure consisted in a 5-centimeter free medial femoral bone flap transfer. Two months after surgery, no after effect was found at donor site and bone consolidation was complete. Bone fixation allowed early active motion and a complete recovery of flexion-extension range was present 1 year after surgery. Free medial femoral condyle was described several times as a solution for metacarpal defects, in osseous or osteocutaneous versions, it represents a useful option in hand surgeons' armamentarium.

Pedicled flap from the first dorsal branch of the proper palmar digital artery of the fingers: An anatomy study.

The pedicled flap from the first dorsal branch of the proper palmar digital artery (FBPPDA) of the fingers is an option for reconstructing digital skin defects. It has the advantage of being innervated by the dorsal branch of the proper palmar digital nerve (DBPPDN) associated with the artery. However, no studies on the anatomical variations of the neurovascular pedicle have been performed yet. The objective of our study was to evaluate the anatomical variations in the neurovascular pedicle, determine its relationships with other anatomical structures, describe the dissection technique for the FBPPDA and explore potential indications. We conducted an anatomical study with eight upper limbs from fresh adult cadavers. Twenty-six fingers (6 index, 6 middle, 8 ring, 8 little) were dissected after intra-arterial silicone injection. We found a pedicle composed of the FBPPDA and the DBPPDN in all fingers. The artery arises an average 19mm from the bifurcation of the common palmar digital artery. The DBPPDN's configuration relative to the FBPPDA varied; in the main variant - found in 58% of cases - the nerve was superficial and proximal position to the artery. After its origin, the pedicle ran on the superficial aspect of the extensor hood along an oblique path from proximal to distal and from palmar to dorsal. Its path ended with its penetration into the skin paddle of the flap just upstream the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. The skin paddle corresponded to the functional skin unit represented by the dorsal surface of the middle phalanx and that of the PIP joint. Its average length was 33mm (26-40) and its average width was 21mm (15-30). The arc of rotation was sufficient to reach homodigital and heterodigital cutaneous defects. Based on our findings, this flap is a reliable and reproducible option for finger skin defects. The size of its paddle and its innervation make it an interesting alternative to conventional flaps.

Radioscapholunate fusion for posttraumatic osteoarthritis with consecutive excision of the distal scaphoid and the triquetrum: A comparative study.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes after radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion for posttraumatic osteoarthritis. This was a retrospective, dual-center study of all patients who underwent RSL fusion between 1995 and 2015 for posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis. Patients were assessed at the final review to determine clinical (pain, wrist range of motion and strength), self-reported (QuickDASH, PRWE and MWS scores) and radiological (degenerative osteoarthritis in the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) or midcarpal joint and radiocarpal fusion) outcomes. We analyzed three groups: RSL fusion alone, RSL fusion with distal scaphoid excision (DSE) and RSL fusion with DSE and triquetrum excision (TE). Eighty-five patients were included; 10 were lost to follow-up and 11 required conversion to total wrist fusion before the final review. Finally, 64 patients had both clinical and radiographic evaluations. The mean follow-up was 9.1 years (range 1-21.4). RSL fusion alone was performed in 29 patients, RSL fusion with DSE in 23 and RSL fusion with DSE and TE in 12. At the final follow-up, the three groups did not differ in their pain or wrist motion. Overall, 47 (73%) patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure. DSE significantly decreased STT osteoarthritis and radiocarpal non-union. The total wrist osteoarthritis rate after RSL fusion was 55%. RSL fusion is an effective procedure to preserve some motion in wrists with posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis. DSE prevents STT osteoarthritis by removing bony impingement and increases the fusion rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Case series, Therapeutic studies.

Anatomy of the ulnar nerve in the posterior compartment of the upper arm: Relationships with the triceps brachii muscle.

The aim of our descriptive anatomical study was to clarify the relationships between the ulnar nerve and the triceps brachii muscle in the posterior compartment of the upper arm. This study involved 30 fresh adult upper limbs. In all specimens, the ulnar nerve crossed from the anterior to posterior compartment in a space formed by the medial intermuscular septum and muscle fibers of the triceps' medial head. This transition zone was located an average of 126mm (115-135mm) proximal to the start of the ulnar groove. In the posterior compartment, the nerve descended vertically, and its anterior side was attached to the posterior side of the septum. Its posterior and lateral sides were covered by muscle fibers from the medial head. Its medial side was always free meaning that the nerve did not penetrate through the medial head. The other heads of the triceps muscle had no direct interactions with the ulnar nerve within this compartment. During its posterior course, the nerve was accompanied by the superior ulnar collateral artery. The ulnar nerve did not give off any branches in the upper arm.

Computer-assisted 3D preoperative planning of corrective osteotomy for extra-articular distal radius malunion: A 16-patient case series.

The aim of this prospective study was to describe the surgical procedure and to report outcomes of computer-assisted 3D preoperative planning of corrective osteotomy for extra-articular distal radius malunions. Sixteen consecutive patients were enrolled. CT scans of both wrists were performed, and 3D bone surface models of the radii were created. Software was used to simulate the osteotomy and the reorientation of the distal radial articular surface. Patient-specific cutting and drilling guides for intraoperative guidance of the osteotomy as well as bone graft templates were also simulated. At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 6-27) after surgery, pain was reduced from 3 to 0.3 at rest and 6.8 to 1.5 during effort according to a visual analog scale. The average wrist flexion-extension was 145° and pronation-supination was 155°. Grip strength was 91% of the contralateral side. All patients achieved primary bone union in a mean of 10 weeks (range, 7-18). Using our 3D analysis method, preoperative 3D values showed no significant difference with radiographic measurement. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the postoperative radiographic values in term of correction. This procedure provides satisfactory clinical and radiological results with minimal residual malalignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Our surgical technique to treat premature growth plate closure 7 years after toe-to-thumb transfer. A case report.

In children, traumatic distal amputations of the thumb can be treated by partial first toe transfer. Growth is preserved by conserving a portion of the growth plate in the hallux distal phalanx. In the patient featured here, 7 years after such a distal thumb reconstruction, bone bridge resection was needed to restart growth and correct clinodactyly. When this patient was reviewed 4 years later, the thumb's longitudinal growth had been restored and continued.

Radiological evaluation of ulnar thumb metacarpophalangeal ligament reconstruction for chronic thumb instability in cadavers.

Various techniques have been described to restore metacarpal stability in the thumb. Ligament reconstruction techniques that position the bone tunnels in a triangular configuration, with the apex proximally, are optimal for stabilizing the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, while preserving the thumb's range of motion. Using an interference screw ensures this reconstruction is as strong as the native ligament. Our purpose was to evaluate a new technique designed to treat cases of chronic thumb instability. We created metacarpal instability in 10 fresh cadaver forearms by sectioning the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Ulnar thumb MCP ligament reconstruction (UTMP) was performed in five thumbs and Littler reconstruction in the other five. Radiographic analysis was performed after ligament transection and after ligament reconstruction to compare MCP angles on posterior-anterior (MCPFA) and lateral views (MCPLA), and to evaluate MCP congruence and sesamoid bone parallelism. After UCL transection, thumb instability was present in all cadaver specimens. A significative increase in the MCPFA value was found: Littler (P=0.01) and UTMP (P=0.01). The MCPFA with thumb loading was not significantly changed with the Littler (P=0.83) or UTMP (P=0.46) relative to pre-transection. All parameters were significantly improved, reflecting a return to normal values. There was no significant difference between the two reconstruction techniques. Based on the findings in this cadaver study, UTMP reconstruction appears to correct the radiologic features of lateral thumb instability. It is a simple technique that restores MCP stability without limiting MCP flexion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

[Analysis of microsurgical reconstruction activity in a university hospital: A 14-year historical cohort]. / Analyse de l'activité de reconstruction microchirurgicale en hôpital universitaire : cohorte historique sur 14 ans.

INTRODUCTION: Each university hospital has its own specificities in microsurgical reconstructions. Activities may focus on breast reconstruction, ENT reconstruction or traumatic substance loss. This study analyzes the specificities at the University Hospital of Nancy, studies the indications, the operating data and the failure rates. METHOD: We realized a historical cohort of microsurgical reconstructions at Nancy University Hospital from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2017. All free flaps were included and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 359 free flaps were made. The failure rate was 9.47%. Forty eight different operators have been identified. Substance losses were essentially traumatic (56.8%). A total of 20 different flaps were use with 49% bone reconstruction. The fibula flap was the first flap used (26.5%). Arterial anastomoses were performed in termino-lateral in 44% and venous anastomoses were single in 70.5%. High BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and arterial or venous graft were identified as risk factors for failure (P<0.05). The smoking and the realisation of the intervention by a young operator have no impact on the success rate. CONCLUSION: Our specificity is the bone reconstruction which represents a significant part of our activity. In the university center, the number of etiology of substance losses, operator and flap used is important but it still allows to obtain results in adequacy with the literature.

Treatment of chronic scapholunate instability: Results with three-ligament tenodesis vs. scapholunate and intercarpal ligamentoplasty.

In this retrospective case control/comparison study, we compared the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with chronic scapholunate dissociation treated with three-ligament tenodesis (3 LT) versus scapholunate and intercarpal ligamentoplasty (SLICL). Twenty patients with a mean age of 43 years were treated with the 3 LT procedure and 26 patients with a mean age of 44 years with the SLICL procedure. All patients had chronic reducible scapholunate dissociation without chondral lesions. The two groups of patients were operated on by senior surgeons, at the same facility, over two different time periods. All patients were evaluated (pain, motion, strength, function, X-rays) with a mean follow-up of 28 months (12-49) in the 3 LT group and 36 months (12-54) in the SLICL group. In the both groups, we found a significant improvement in pain levels, grip strength and functional scores (DASH and PRWE). The SLICL group had significantly less pain and greater grip strength than the 3 LT group. Patients in the SLICL group had a greater improvement in their DASH and PRWE Scores. The mean range of motion in flexion-extension was 82° (102° preoperative) in the 3 LT group and 113° (115° preoperative) in the SLICL group. In the 3 LT, there was no significant improvement in the mean static and dynamic scapholunate gaps (3.6 and 4.8 mm postoperatively versus 3.9 and 4.9 mm preoperatively), or the scapholunate angle (75° versus 72°). In the SLICL group, the mean static and dynamic gaps improved significantly (2.3 and 3.0 mm postoperatively versus 3.2 and 4.6 mm preoperatively), as did the scapholunate angle (62° versus 73°). In the 3 LT group, 4 patients developed osteoarthritis. In conclusion, the SLICL procedure for scapholunate ligament reconstruction led to better clinical and early radiological results than the 3 LT technique.

Pisiformectomy in advanced pisotriquetral joint arthritis: A retrospective study of 12 wrists with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years.

Pisiformectomy is the gold standard treatment for pisotriquetral arthritis resistant to conservative treatment. We evaluated the long-term clinical and functional outcomes after pisiformectomy in resistant pisotriquetral arthritis cases. We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients (12 wrists), mean age of 59 years (49-69) treated by pisiformectomy using a standardized surgical technique. Pisiformectomy was performed for primary osteoarthritis in 10 cases, for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in 1 case and for pisotriquetral instability in 1 case. The clinical and functional evaluation was carried out by an independent examiner. Mean time to review was 90 months (63-151). Pain on a Visual Analog Scale (/10) decreased significantly to 1.1 from 6.8 preoperatively. Mean range of motion was 79° in flexion, 61.5° in extension, 18° in ulnar deviation and 36° in radial deviation. Mean grip strength of the operated wrist was 86% of the non-operated wrist. Functional scores significantly improved with a gain of 40 points for the QuickDASH and 53 points for the PRWE. Based on this long-term follow-up study, pisiformectomy seems to alleviate wrist pain and improve the quality of life in a low-demand population with pisotriquetral osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment. When compared to the pisotriquetral arthrodesis, pisiformectomy is easier to perform, allows quicker mobilization of the wrist and leads to good functional outcomes.

Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using the X-Fuse® implant: A retrospective study of 54 fingers with 24 months' follow-up.

We report the clinical and radiographic results of distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint arthrodesis using the X-Fuse® implant with a mean follow-up of 24 months (6-54). Forty-one patients (33 women and 8 men) with a mean age of 65 years were operated on. DIP joint arthrodesis was performed on 54 fingers for advanced osteoarthritis resistant to medical treatment. Pain evaluated on a visual analog scale (/10) was reduced significantly, going from 5 to 0.47. Functional DASH and PRWE-Hand Scores (/100) were improved by 33 and 36 points, respectively. Four fingers (7.4%) were sensitive to cold. No cases of nail dystrophy were reported. The fusion rate was 89%. Of the six patients (11%) who suffered a non-union, there was one case of asymptomatic fracture of the implant, without reoperation, and one case of infection, which required revision surgery. The fusion position was stable at the review visit. The repeat surgery rate was 3.7%; both cases were for infection. In light of this study, the X-Fuse® implant is a viable alternative to traditional arthrodesis techniques (compression screws and pins), with a similar fusion rate. This implant appears to be very well tolerated by patients, with an absence of nail dystrophy and a reduction in the risk of infection.

Vascularized toe joint transfers to the hand for PIP or MCP reconstruction.

Vascularized toe joint transfers are used for proximal interphalangeal (PIP) or metacarpophalangeal reconstruction of the fingers in children or young adults, as an alternative to joint arthroplasty. In children, this reconstruction aims to restore range of motion (ROM) and the growing capacities. The typical donor sites are the PIP or metatarsophalangeal joints of the second toe. These transfers are performed with short vascular pedicles in order to simplify the surgical technique and reduce the overall morbidity. Local flaps and joint fusion are used to reconstruct the donor toe. Indications for these transfers are mainly compound defects due to trauma or infection. While these reconstructions provide a long-lasting result, the ROM achieved is always smaller than the normal ROM of the recipient joint.