[The "Muffplastik"--a Fasciocutaneous Reconstruction Technique in a Case of Extensive Soft Tissue Defect of the Distal Forearm--Historical Technique or Salvage Procedure?]. / Die "Muffplastik": fasziokutane Bauchhautlappenplastik zur Deckung eines ausgeprägten Defekts an der Hand und am distalen Unterarm--historischer Eingriff oder Rückzugsoption?

We present a case of a distant pedicled flap to reconstruct a defect at the distal upper extremity. We used this flap as a salvage procedure to treat a patient in the intensive care unit who was in a reduced general condition with numerous comorbidities that made regional or free microvascular flaps hazardous.

[Elastic titanium nails for minimally invasive intramedullary splinting of metacarpal fractures]. / Elastischer Titannagel zur minimalinvasiven Osteosynthese von Mittelhandfrakturen.

AIM: The goal in treatment of metacarpal fractures is to restore the normal function of the hand. Although a majority of these fractures can be treated non-operatively, surgery is recommended for displaced fractures and in case of a patient wish for primary stability for practise. A poor clinical outcome is described for metacarpal shortening of more than 5 millimeters and for rotational deformity. Whereas plate osteosynthesis may lead to soft tissue irritation involving tendon adhesions and scar formation, we have used the elastic stable intramedullary nailing [ESIN] technique using titanium elastic nails (TEN) for intramedullary splinting of short metacarpal shaft and neck fractures. METHOD: Within 5 years, ESIN was performed in 95 patients. The operative technique was evaluated retrospectively concerning its functional results and complications. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were analysed after an average follow-up of 14.0 ± 5.2 weeks. The mean DASH-Score was 2.3 ± 3.9 points. We saw one implant out-of-position and three cases of skin irritation affording TEN shortening. Two superficial wound infections were treated conservatively. Pseudarthrosis and nail breakage were not observed. After TEN removal 9 ± 2.4 weeks post implantationem no refracture occurred. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive intramedullary stabilisation of short metacarpal shaft and neck fractures with a TEN is a safe surgical technique and achieves primary stability for practise. It reliably leads to fracture healing and produces excellent functional results.

[Diagnosis and treatment of radiocarpal fracture dislocations]. / Diagnostik und Therapie von radiokarpalen Luxationsfrakturen.

In contrast to the common intra- or extra-articular fractures of the distal radius, radiocarpal fracture dislocations are rare injuries. Concerning this issue, only a small number of publications can be found. Nevertheless, it is important to be informed about this injury since prompt operative treatment is often required and immobilization alone will not be sufficient. Sometimes, radiocarpal fracture dislocations are combined with carpal injuries. In such cases, both the radiocarpal dislocation and carpal injury have to be treated. Diagnostic difficulties can lead to misinterpretation or underdiagnosis. Insufficient reduction and fixation may result in joint incongruity and subsequent osteoarthritis. Reconstruction of the radiocarpal ligaments is a substantial part of operative treatment.