Use of adipose tissue and stromal vascular fraction in hand surgery.

Adipose tissue is an abundant source of various cell types including not only adipocytes, but also progenitor and endothelial cells from thestroma. Interest in adipose tissue has surged since the identification in 2001 of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from adipose tissue by enzymatic digestion and centrifugation. SVF has been proven effective in ensuring tissue regeneration, thus improving tissue trophicityand vascularisation. These effects have generated strong interest among both physicians and surgeons, particularly in the field of hand surgery. Several applications have been developed and used, for instance to treat Dupuytren's contracture, systemic sclerosis-related hand lesions, and skin ageing at the hand. Other uses are being evaluated in clinical or animal studies. The objective of this article is to review the capabilities of adipose tissue and their current and potential applications in hand surgery.

Cervical myelopathy involving os odontoideum and retro-odontoid cyst treated with Harms C1-C2 arthrodesis.

An episode of acute decompensation of cervical myelopathy occurred after an injury without fracture of an os odontoideum associated with a compressive retro-odontoid cyst. The 51-year-old female patient presented Fränkel C, Nurick grade 4 neurological status and pyramid syndrome. The initial MRI demonstrated an intramedullary T2 hyperintense signal in the context of spinal cord narrowing. The retro-odontoid cyst demonstrates atlantoaxial instability related to the os odontoideum. Harms C1-C2 arthrodesis without laminectomy was performed and the cyst disappeared completely. Spinal cord decompression was thus obtained on the MRI taken 3 months later. Neurological recovery was complete and continued at 1 year.

[Are C2 pedicles always screwable? Calibration and planning with a pedicle-lamina angle]. / Les pédicules de C2 sont-ils toujours vissables ? Calibration et planification selon l'angle pédiculo-lamaire.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior cervical arthrodesis is associated with osteosynthesis. C2 pedicular screwing affords a good bone anchoring but involves neurological and vascular risks. PURPOSE: To determine C2 pedicular screwing feasibility from a large cohort of cervical CT scans. To describe the visible anatomical parameters during a surgical procedure in order to plan and secure it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective consecutive series of 100 cervical CT scans was analyzed. Cases with upper cervical fracture were excluded. C2 surgical anatomy was assessed according to maximum length, minimum width and minimum height. Angular parameters were pedicle-transverse angle and sagittal angle. Original pedicle-lamina angle was used as a visible mark during the procedure independent of the patient's position. Pedicular screwing feasibility was evaluated. It was arbitrarily defined by a lower minimum height less than 4mm. RESULTS: Two hundred C2 pedicles were analyzed with 7.5% that were not screwable. Their mean length was 26.2mm, with a mean width of 5.2mm and a mean height of 9.2mm. Mean pedicle-transverse angle was 36.2°, mean sagittal angle was 25.8° and mean pedicle-lamina angle was 81.3°. CONCLUSION: C2 pedicle screwing feasibility is inconstant due to anatomical variability. In fact, 13% of patients have at least one non-screwable pedicle. Preoperative planning is essential to achieve this procedure. A pedicle-lamina angle can be used which remains independent from the patient's position.

Symptomatic compressive pneumocephalus following lumbar decompression surgery.

We report a case of symptomatic postoperative pneumocephalus after lumbar decompression. A 69-year-old man was operated on for a severe lumbar stenosis with a L2-L4 arthrodesis and a spinal decompression. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage was visible but one of the two aspirative drains was accidentally disconnected in recovery room. After 1 day, computed tomography was performed to explore intense lumbar pain and revealed a voluminous pneumorachis. Then, the patient experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Imaging revealed a voluminous pneumocephalus responsible for a significant space-occupying effect on the frontal lobe. A conservative treatment was initiated, including bed rest, oxygen therapy, neurological monitoring and anti-epileptic therapy. Symptoms gradually improved and he was discharged without any deficit after 10 days. A total radiological regression was noted in 21 days. Prevention of postoperative pneumocephalus should include a systematic repair of iatrogenic dural tear. Even in presence of severe symptomatic manifestations, a conservative treatment is possible.

[Fishtail deformity after a non-displaced supracondylar humeral fracture in childhood: A case report]. / Hypoplasie de la joue latérale de la trochlée à distance d'une fracture supracondylienne de l'humérus non déplacée chez l'enfant : à propos d'un cas.

We report the case of a 13-year-old boy presenting with stiffness and pain in the elbow, which had appeared a few years before consultation. He reported a history of a closed, nondisplaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus 7 years before. Progression was good after orthopedic treatment. X-rays and CT showed a distinctive deformation, called a fishtail deformity, associated with severe arthritic injuries. We recall here that supracondylar fractures of the humerus are common in children and that early reduction decreases the complication rate. However, this case shows that fishtail deformity is a late and serious complication, which may occur after a nondisplaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus, with no severity factors and with good early progression.