Mid-term Clinical Outcome of Microvascular Gracilis Muscle Flaps for Defects of the Hand.

PURPOSE: Gracilis muscle flaps are useful to cover defects of the hand. However, there are currently no studies describing outcome measurements after covering soft tissue defects using free flaps in the hand. AIM: To analyze mid-term results of gracilis muscle flap coverage for defects on the hand, with regard to functional and esthetic integrity. METHODS: 16 patients aged 44.3 (range 20-70) years were re-examined after a mean follow-up of 23.6 (range 2-77) months. Mean defect size was 124 (range 52-300) cm2 located palmar (n = 9), dorsal (n = 6), or radial (n = 1). All flaps were performed as microvascular muscle flaps, covered by split thickness skin graft. RESULTS: Flaps survived in 15 patients. 6 patients required reoperations. Reasons for revisions were venous anastomosis failure with total flap loss (n = 1) requiring a second gracilis muscle flap; necrosis at the tip of the flap (n = 1) with renewed split thickness skin cover. A surplus of the flap (n = 2) required flap thinning and scar corrections were performed in 2 patients. Mean grip strength was 25% (range 33.3-96.4%) compared to the contralateral side and mean patient-reported satisfaction 1.4 (range 1-3) (1 = excellent; 4 = poor). CONCLUSIONS: Gracilis muscle flaps showed a survival rate of 94%. Patients showed good clinical outcomes with acceptable wrist movements and grip strength as well as high reported satisfaction rates. Compared to fasciocutaneous free flaps, pliability and thinness especially on the palmar aspect of the hand are advantageous. Hence, covering large defects of the hand with a gracilis muscle flap can be a very satisfactory procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV observational.

Carpal instability after partial trapeziectomy, total trapeziectomy and the resection of the distal scaphoid pole: a cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: Non-dissociative carpal instability (CIND) may lead to severe functional impairment. Destabilisation of the scapho-trapezial-trapezoidal (STT) ligament complex seems to result in a CIND. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In one group with eight cadaver arms, distal scaphoid pole was resected with the adjacent ligaments. In the other eight cadavers, hemitrapeziectomy was performed followed by total trapeziectomy. CT scans were performed in different wrist positions, and the changed positions of the scaphoid, lunate and capitate were measured in comparison to non-operated wrists. RESULTS: Mainly in clenched fist position, dissociation between proximal and distal row can be determined after total trapeziectomy and resection of distal scaphoid pole. Capitate rotates dorsally up to 24°, the scaphoid up to 17° and the lunate up to 7° compared to the non-operated wrists. Resection of the distal scaphoid pole results in dorsal rotation of capitate and scaphoid of about 14° and the lunate 8°. Relative scapholunate and capitolunate angle increased significantly after total trapeziectomy, especially in clenched fist position. After scaphoid pole resection, significant SL and CL angles changes could be seen in almost every wrist position. CONCLUSION: Destabilisation of the STT ligament complex by total trapeziectomy or distal scaphoid pole resection results in dissociation of the proximal and distal carpal row without instability within the proximal or distal row, corresponding to a CIND. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Semi-occlusive dressing therapy versus surgical treatment in fingertip amputation injuries: a clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: Treatment of fingertip amputations is subject of controversial debates. Recently, semi-occlusive dressings have increased in popularity in these injuries. AIMS: To compare clinical outcomes of conservative semi-occlusive dressing therapy versus surgical treatment of fingertip amputations. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with fingertip amputations were re-examined clinically after a mean follow-up of 28.1 months (range 9.6-46.2). Sixty-six patients (79%) were treated with semi-occlusive dressings (group 1) and 18 (21%) underwent surgery (group 2). Range of motion, grip strength, and two-point discrimination were measured at the final follow-up. Furthermore, VAS score, Quick-DASH score, subjective aesthetic outcome and loss of working days were obtained. RESULTS: Group 1 demonstrated healing in all 66 patients (100%) while in Group 2 5 out of 18 patients (28%) failed to achieve healing after a mean of 17 days (range 2-38) due to graft necrosis. Group 1 showed significantly lower VAS scores and significantly lower loss of two-point discrimination compared to Group 2. Work absence was significantly shorter in Group 1 versus Group 2. Trophic changes in finger (46%) and nail (30%) were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (44% and 70%, respectively). Disturbance during daily business activities (14%) and cold sensitivity (23%) were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (86% and 77%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Semi-occlusive dressing therapy for fingertip amputations demonstrated excellent healing rates. Compared to surgical treatment, it resulted in significantly better clinical outcomes, lower complication rates and significantly higher reported satisfaction rates. Therefore, semi-occlusive dressing for fingertip injuries is a very successful procedure and shall be preferred over surgical treatment in most cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III therapeutic.

Comparing treatment of proximal phalangeal fractures with intramedullary screws versus plating.

PURPOSE: Phalangeal fractures are the most common injuries in humans and account for approximately 10% of all fractures. With plate fixation, anatomic reduction is achievable in most cases, but extension lag is seen in up to 67%. Intramedullary headless screw offers treatment of unstable proximal phalangeal fractures using a minimally invasive procedure with very few complications. One of the major disadvantages of this technique is the transarticular screw position, damaging the articular surface and thus preventing very proximal fractures from being treated with a distally inserted screw. In this study, we present a modified approach to the fixation of the proximal phalangeal fractures and compare outcomes with plate osteosynthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with 31 comparable fractures of the proximal phalanx were treated either with a plate (14) or with minimal invasive cannulated compression screw (17). Pain, strength, range of motion (ROM), work disability and QuickDASH score were assessed. RESULTS: TAM was significantly better in the screw group. The extension lag was worse in the plate group. Plate removal had to be performed in 13 of 14 the cases, while the screw had to be removed in only 3 cases. The average duration of work disability was 9.9 weeks in the plate group, compared to 5.6 weeks in the screw group. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive screw osteosynthesis not only has the advantage of significantly shorter work disabilities, but also shows remarkably improved postoperative range of motion. In contrast to plate osteosynthesis, removal of the screw is only necessary in exceptional cases. With the antegrade screws position, even difficult fractures close to the base can be treated without destroying any articular surface. In proximal phalanx fractures with both options of plate or single-screw osteosynthesis, we recommend minimal invasive cannulated screw osteosynthesis.

Bite injuries to the hand and forearm: analysis of hospital stay, treatment and costs.

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients treated for bite injuries in our clinic from 2014 to 2019. The time from the bite event to surgery, duration of hospital stay, duration of antibiotic treatment, complications, incapacity for work and costs were analysed. Cat bites were compared with the other bite injuries and were found to be more problematic. The results of early (within 24 hours) and delayed treatment in cat bite injuries were compared. Treated early they were associated with a shorter hospital stay (1.4 versus 2.4 days), shorter duration of antibiotic treatment (9.7 versus 12.6 days), lower complication rate (10% versus 18%), lower cost (CHF4606 versus 8072) (£4061 versus £7116; US$4771 versus US$8361; €4788 versus €8390) and a shorter incapacity for work (15 versus 43 days). Surgical treatment must be carried out as early as possible. The public and physicians require education to reduce the frequency of these injuries and the associated costs.Level of evidence: IV.

Dorsal Bone-Ligament-Bone Reconstruction of Chronic Lunotriquetral Instability: Biomechanical Testing.

Purpose: Lunotriquetral (LT) instability is uncommon and few biomechanical analyses of the condition exist. For chronic LT instabilities, arthrodesis has long been the treatment of choice but has a high risk for nonunion. The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative treatment option using a bone-ligament-bone graft in a cadaver model and compare it with a conventional arthrodesis. Methods: We used 10 cadaveric forearms with different loading positions. We employed computed tomography scans to evaluate the LT joint. Scans were performed with the joint intact after we sectioned the dorsal LT ligament and the palmar LT ligament. The joints were then reconstructed using a bone-ligament-bone graft from the capitate-hamate joint as well as with a compression screw simulating arthrodesis. The joints were then rescanned and 3-dimensional analysis was performed using specialized 3-dimensional software. Results: Sectioning the dorsal part of LT ligament had little effect on kinematics; however, additional division of the palmar LT ligament resulted in increased mobility. Restoration of physiological kinematics could be partially achieved after bone-ligament-bone reconstruction. Arthrodesis showed increased intercarpal motion in the adjacent scapholunate and lunocapitate joints compared with the bone-ligament-bone reconstruction. Conclusions: The bone-ligament-bone reconstruction displayed physiologic carpal kinematics in the adjacent joints compared with arthrodesis. It provided enough stability but still some mobility in the LT joint to be able to use it as a treatment modality for chronic LT instability without the risk for nonunion. Decreased intercarpal motion was not statistically significant although there appeared to be a trend toward it. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Radio-luno-triquetral bone-ligament transfer as an additional stabilizer in scapholunate-instability.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the scapho-lunate (SL) ligament is still challenging. Many different techniques, such as capsulodesis, tendon graft and bone-ligament-bone graft have been described to stabilize reducible SL dissociation. If primary ligament repair alone is not possible, an additional stabilizer is needed to achieve scapho-lunate stability. A new local bone-ligament transfer using half of the radio-luno-triquetral ligament is performed. The direction of traction of the transposed ligament is very similar to the original ligament. Ideal tension can be attained by fixation of the bone block at the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid. The biomechanical stability of this bone-ligament transfer shall be examined biomechanically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Computed tomography imaging was performed using eight cadaveric forearms with a defined position of the wrist. Axial load was accomplished with tension springs attached to the extensor and flexor tendons. Three series ([a] native, [b] divided SL ligament and [c]) after reconstruction with bone-ligament transfer] were reconstructed three-dimensionally to determine the angles between radius, scaphoid and lunate. The radial distal part including a bone fragment of the radio-luno-triquetral ligament was transferred from its insertion at the distal edge of the radius to be attached to the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid. RESULTS: SL gap was widened after its transection. Average SL distance was 6.6 ± 1.6 mm. After ligament reconstruction, the gap could be narrowed significantly to 4.2 mm (± 0.7 mm). The movement of the scaphoid and lunate showed significant changes, especially in wrist flexion, fist closure and radial deviation. These deviations could be corrected by the bone ligament transfer. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of a transected SL ligament with a bone-ligament transfer from the radio-luno-triquetral ligament reduces SL dissociation under axial load. The described surgical technique causes low donor-side morbidity and can be considered in addition to improve stability if SL ligament suture alone does not appear sufficient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic investigating experimental study.

A Retrospective Case Series Reporting the Outcomes of Avance Nerve Allografts in the Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Acellular nerve allografts are a viable treatment modality for bridging nerve gaps. Several small studies have demonstrated results equal to those of autologous grafts; however, there is information lacking with regard to outcomes for wider indications. The authors evaluated the outcomes of patients treated with a nerve allograft in a variety of clinical situations. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis was completed between April of 2009 and October of 2017. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older at the time of surgery and treatment with a nerve allograft. Patients were excluded if they had not been followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The modified Medical Research Council Classification was used to monitor motor and sensory changes in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Two hundred seven nerve allografts were used in 156 patients; of these, 129 patients with 171 nerve allografts fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seventy-seven percent of patients achieved a sensory outcome score of S3 or above and 36 percent achieved a motor score of M3 or above. All patients with chronic pain had improvement of their symptoms. Graft length and diameter were negatively correlated with reported outcomes. One patient elected to undergo revision surgery, and the original graft was shown histologically to have extensive central necrosis. Anatomically, allografts used for lower limb reconstruction yielded the poorest results. All chronic patients had a significantly lower postoperative requirement for analgesia, and allografts were effective in not only reducing pain but also restoring a functional level of sensation. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the wider application of allografts in managing nerve problems. However, caution must be applied to the use of long grafts with larger diameters. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Non-vascularized partial joint transfer for Finger Proximal Interphalangeal joint reconstruction: a series of 9 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Finger proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) reconstruction after the destruction of parts of the joint remains challenging. Surgical techniques include implant arthroplasty, arthrodesis, free vascularized joint transfer, and non-vascularized bone and joint transfer. This study analyzes our experience after non-vascularized transfer in terms of range of motion, postoperative rehabilitation, and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2014, ten patients underwent non-vascularized partial joint transfer for PIP joint reconstruction. One of them was lost to follow-up. Included patients had osteochondral partial joint transplants of 25-50% of the toes (n = 4) and the hand (n = 5). Range of motion (ROM), grip-, and pinch-strength were measured at the last follow-up control and compared to the healthy side. Patients were asked to score the pain at rest/ on load on a visual scale (VAS: 0 = no pain; 10 = excruciating pain). Satisfaction self-assessment was evaluated by asking the patients to grade their postoperative result as excellent, very good, good or poor. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 4.0 years (range 1.2-7.9 years). Mean PIP joint flexion was 93 ± 26° at the last follow-up control. Mean grip- and pinch-strength of the operated side at the last control were, respectively, 43 ± 18 kg and 8 ± 5 kg, close to the healthy side values (45 ± 15 kg and 9 ± 4 kg). Mean pain at rest/on load measured on a visual scale was, respectively, 0.3 ± 1 and 1.8 ± 2. Eight patients (89%) rated their operation as excellent, and one as poor. CONCLUSION: In this study, non-vascularized partial joint transfer provides a mobile and stable PIP joint 4 years after reconstruction. The surgical technique presented herein is complex depending on additional injuries but results in great patient satisfaction.

Osteosynthesis of fifth metacarpal neck fractures with a photodynamic polymer bone stabilization system.

Metacarpal neck fractures with severe displacement are commonly treated surgically with intramedullary Kirschner wires. We present the results of treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures using a light curable intramedullary photodynamic polymer (IlluminOss™, IlluminOss Medical Inc., East Providence, RI, USA). Twenty-nine patients with isolated displaced fifth metacarpal neck fractures were included and followed up for 12-24 weeks. All fractures had radiologically healed after 3 months. In two cases, a secondary loss of reduction was seen, which did not require further correction. During the follow-up period, range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 89% after 6 weeks and increased to 100% after 3 months compared with the uninjured side. Grip strength improved over time from 61% to 85%. No implant removal was necessary. We conclude that osteosynthesis using an intramedullary photodynamic polymer is a reliable treatment option for displaced fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck. Level of evidence: IV.

Acquired Constriction Ring: A Case of Rubber Band Syndrome.

Rubber band syndrome is a rare entity seen in younger children mainly in communities where rubber bands are worn around the wrist for decorative purposes. When the band is worn for a long duration, it burrows through the skin and soft tissues resulting in distal edema, loss of function, and even damage to the neurovascular structures. These symptoms are difficult to relate to this rare but typical condition. We report a case of a 2¾-year-old girl with the history of a linear circumferential scar at the right wrist combined with the limited use of a swollen hand for several weeks. The child was taken to surgery with the purpose to release the red, indurated scar and eliminate the lymphatic congestion. A rubber band was found lying in a plane superficial to the flexor tendons but had cut through the superficial branch of the radial nerve and partially through the abductor pollicis longus tendon. The band was removed and the lacerated structures were repaired. The child had excellent recovery postoperatively. The cardinal features of a linear constricting scar around the wrist in the presence of a swollen hand should always alert the clinician to the possibility of a forgotten band around the wrist, which might have burrowed into the soft tissues for a period. Early recognition may be important to prevent further damage of essential structures.

Laser doppler imaging as additional monitoring after digital replanting: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite various exisiting monitoring methods, there is still a need for new technologies to improve the quality of post-operative evaluation of digital replantation. The purpose of the study is using a laser Doppler imaging device (Easy-LDI) as an additional tool to assess perfusion. In this method, the changes in the frequency of the laser ligth provide information regarding perfusion of the monitored tissue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included seven patients (10 fingers; age of patients: 21-57 years) who suffered from a total (n = 6) or subtotal amputation (n = 4) due to accidents. In addition to hourly standard monitoring with clinical evaluation and skin thermometry, revascularized fingers were hourly monitored with Easy LDI for 48 h. RESULTS: LDI measurement values ranged between 0.8 and 223 (mean 90.62 ± 21.42) arbitrary perfusion units (APU). The mean LDI values before and after revascularization were 7.1 ± 2.85 and 65.30 ± 30.83 APU, respectively. For the successful revascularized fingers (8 of 10 fingers) values from 19 to 223 APU (mean 98.52 ± 15.48) were demonstrated. All of the replants survived, but due to venous occlusion two digits required revision 12 and 35 h after revascularization, respectively. In the two cases, Easy-LDI also showed a constant and slow decline of the perfusion values. Furthermore, Pearson normalized correlation coefficient showed a positive significant correlation between temperatures of the replants and LDI-values (P < .001, r = +0.392) and a negative significant correlation between Δtemperature and LDI-values (P < .001, r = -0.474). CONCLUSION: The LDI-device might be a promising additional monitoring technique in detection of perfusion disturbance in monitoring digital replantations.

A prospective randomized trial comparing nonoperative treatment with volar locking plate fixation for displaced and unstable distal radial fractures in patients sixty-five years of age and older.

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent trend toward the internal fixation of distal radial fractures in older patients, the currently available literature lacks adequate randomized trials examining whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a volar locking plate is superior to nonoperative (cast) treatment. The purpose of the present randomized clinical trial was to compare the outcomes of two methods that were used for the treatment of displaced and unstable distal radial fractures in patients sixty-five years of age or older: (1) ORIF with use of a volar locking plate and (2) closed reduction and plaster immobilization (casting). METHODS: A prospective randomized study was performed. Seventy-three patients with a displaced and unstable distal radial fracture were randomized to ORIF with a volar locking plate (n = 36) or closed reduction and cast immobilization (n = 37). The outcome was measured on the basis of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; the pain level; the range of wrist motion; the rate of complications; and radiographic measurements including dorsal radial tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the range of motion or the level of pain during the entire follow-up period (p > 0.05). Patients in the operative treatment group had lower DASH and PRWE scores, indicating better wrist function, in the early postoperative time period (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between the groups at six and twelve months. Grip strength was significantly better at all times in the operative treatment group (p < 0.05). Dorsal radial tilt, radial inclination, and radial shortening were significantly better in the operative treatment group than in the nonoperative treatment group at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.05). The number of complications was significantly higher in the operative treatment group (thirteen compared with five, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At the twelve-month follow-up examination, the range of motion, the level of pain, and the PRWE and DASH scores were not different between the operative and nonoperative treatment groups. Patients in the operative treatment group had better grip strength through the entire time period. Achieving anatomical reconstruction did not convey any improvement in terms of the range of motion or the ability to perform daily living activities in our cohorts.

Dorsal screw penetration following implant removal after volar locked plating of distal radius fracture.

Complications while removing implants are quite common. In rare cases screw shanks must be left in situ. We present a case of a 38-year-old patient who was treated using a palmar locking plate for a distal radius fracture. After implant removal, one of the screw shanks left in situ penetrated the dorsal cortex of the distal radius into the third extensor tendon compartment and led to irritation of the extensor pollicis longus tendon. We report the unexpected complication and analysis of possible errors of this case to avoid this kind of complication.