Comparison of the clinical outcomes between vascularized bone graft and the Masquelet technique for the reconstruction of Gustilo type III open tibial fractures.

BACKGROUND: Gustilo type III tibial fractures commonly involve extensive soft tissue and bony defects, requiring complex reconstructive operations. Although several methods have been proposed, no research has elucidated the efficacies and differences between vascular bone graft (VBG) and the Masquelet technique (MT) to date. We aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of VBG and the MT for the reconstruction of Gustilo type III tibial fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent reconstruction for Gustilo type III tibial fractures using VBG or the MT in a single center from January 2000 to December 2020. The patients' demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical interventions were documented for analysis. The clinical outcomes including union status, time to union, postoperative infections, and the causes of union failure were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: We enrolled 44 patients: 27 patients underwent VBG, and 17 underwent MT. The average union time was 20.5 ± 15.4 and 15.1 ± 9.0 months in the VBG and MT groups, respectively (p = 0.232). The postoperative deep infection rates were 70.4% and 47.1% in the VBG and MT groups (p = 0.122), respectively. Though not statistically significant, the VBG group had a shorter union time than did the MT group when the bone defect length was > 60 mm (21.0 ± 17.0 versus 23.8 ± 9.4 months, p = 0.729), while the MT group had a shorter union time than did the VBG group when the bone defect was length < 60 mm (17.2 ± 5.6 versus 10.7 ± 4.7 months, p = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS: VBG and MT are both promising reconstruction methods for Gustilo type III tibial fractures. VBG appears to have more potential in reconstructing larger bone defects, while MT may play an important role in smaller bone defects, severe surgical site infections, and osteomyelitis. Therefore, flexible treatment strategies are required for good outcomes in Gustilo type III open tibial fractures.

Predicting Union, Osteomyelitis, and Amputation Outcomes of Gustilo IIIC Open Tibial Fractures: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Open tibial fractures are frequently encountered in high-energy traumas and can result in significant complications such as nonunion, osteomyelitis, and even amputation. Among open tibial fractures, Gustilo type IIIC cases are particularly challenging due to the concomitant occurrence of neurovascular injuries and soft tissue defects. This study aimed to assess factors that affect union time and complications in Gustilo IIIC tibial fractures. METHODS: Patients who presented at our center with IIIC open tibial fractures from January 2000 to October 2020 were eligible for this retrospective analysis. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and the timing, number, and type of surgical intervention were documented. Outcomes of interest included union time, occurrence of osteomyelitis, and amputation. We performed univariate analyses including chi-squared test, Fischer's exact test, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test based on the normality of the data and multivariate analyses including Cox proportional hazards model and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled and grouped by fracture healing time; eight had timely union (13.8%); 27 had late union (46.6%); eight had delayed union (13.8%); three had nonunion (5.2%); and 12 underwent amputation (20.7%). Nine fractures (15.5%) were complicated by osteomyelitis. Union time was prolonged in cases of triple arterial injury, distal third fractures, multiple trauma with injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 points, and increased bone defect length. Additionally, a bone gap >50 mm, diabetes mellitus, low body mass index, and triple arterial injury in the lower leg were significant risk factors for amputation. A time from injury to definitive soft tissue coverage of more than 22 days was the major risk factor for osteomyelitis. A scoring system to predict union time was devised and the predicted probability of union within 2 years was stratified based on this score. CONCLUSION: IIIC tibial fractures involving the distal third of the tibia, fractures with bone defects, triple arterial injury, and multiple trauma with ISS ≥16 points demonstrated delayed union, and an effective prediction system for union time was introduced in this study. Early soft tissue coverage can reduce the risk of osteomyelitis. Finally, diabetes and severe bone and soft tissue defects pose a higher risk of amputation.

Lambda Repair: A Novel Repair Technique for Chronic Boutonnière Deformity.

SUMMARY: Correction of a boutonnière deformity is one of the most demanding challenges in hand surgery. Surgical interventions are usually considered when functional use of the finger cannot be obtained after intense hand therapy. The authors introduce their newly described lambda (λ) repair, which is an easy-to-learn, straightforward surgical technique. The method involves an end-to-side tenorrhaphy of the lateral bands, resembling the Greek λ. Patients who underwent a lambda repair were retrospectively evaluated with preoperative and postoperative measurements of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint movement. Four patients (two male, two female; median age, 35.5 years) with a median follow-up period of 9.1 months were included. Three patients underwent lambda repairs for isolated boutonnière deformities, and one patient received a vascularized free toe transfer combined with a lambda repair. The preoperative average PIP joint extension lag or deficit was 28.75 degrees and could be reduced to 15 degrees. Preoperative average PIP joint active flexion was 60 degrees, which was improved to 88.75 degrees. No complications were observed. The lambda repair is a new tool in the reconstruction of boutonnière deformity, further expanding the armamentarium of hand surgeons.

Stack versus Te technique for central slip reconstruction during vascularized toe proximal interphalangeal joint transfer.

BACKGROUND: Significant extension deficit is a common problem after a vascularized toe proximal interphalangeal joint transfer. One of the main causes related to extensor lag is central slip deficiency of the donor toes. In our clinical practice, we performed both the Stack and Te technique to reconstruct central slip function during a joint transfer. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of vascularized joint transfers between these two techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2009 to October 2021, 38 digits in 36 patients (28 men and 8 women) underwent free vascularized toe joint transfer requiring central slip reconstruction. Eight and 30 digits were reconstructed with the Stack and Te technique, respectively. RESULTS: The median length of follow-up was 19 months (range, 5 to 78 months). The overall median extension lag was 20±20 degrees and the flexion was 80±20 degrees. There were no significant differences in extension lag (25±29 vs. 20±15 degrees, p = 0.281), flexion (75±10 vs. 85±20 degrees, p = 0.13), and range of motion (53±23 vs. 63±15 degrees, p = 0.076) of the joints between the Stack and Te techniques after the transfers. CONCLUSIONS: From the limited number of cases, both the Stack and Te techniques provided similar outcomes in correcting extension lag in vascularized joint transfers. The Te technique is a simplified and effective method for central slip reconstruction, while caution is advised when using the Stack technique due to potential complications.Clinical question/level of evidence: Therapeutic, IV.

Vascularized Toe Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Transfer in Posttraumatic Fingers: Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Suboptimal Outcomes.

Background: Posttraumatic finger osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is a difficult problem. Over the past decade, we have reported several methods for improving the outcomes of vascularized toe joint transfer (VJT). In this study, we focused on determining poor prognostic factors which lead to a suboptimal outcome. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the PIPJ who received VJT between January 2008 and January 2021 were enrolled in this study. The senior surgeon (Y.-T.L.) performed the surgery in all cases. In this retrospective study, we reexamine the initial trauma-related soft tissue and bony structure injuries of the recipient finger, to assess the baseline tissue quality before VJT. The injuries were classified into five major categories according to their anatomic region. The functional outcome parameters (including range of motion, percentage of use, and extensor lag of the transferred PIPJ) were collected. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed using the generalized estimated equation model to identify the correlation between the injury category involved and functional outcome. Results: A total of 59 digits were enrolled. Our results revealed that the fingers with previous vascular injury that received revascularization procedures had relatively suboptimal functional outcomes. These fingers had a significantly lower percentage of use both before (ß = -0.222, P = 0.006) and after (ß = -0.177, P = 0.006) receiving secondary procedures to improve functional outcome. Conclusions: Patients with prior revascularization surgery were associated with a poor functional outcome after VJT.

Neurectomy of the Nerve of Henle Associated with Periarterial Sympathectomy for Management of Intractable Raynaud's Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: In periarterial sympathectomy for intractable Raynaud's phenomenon, the extent of adventitiectomy as well as postoperative outcomes and hand perfusion assessment tools remain debatable. We evaluated the outcome of neurectomy of the nerve of Henle combined with ulnar tunnel release and periarterial adventitiectomy in the treatment of refractory Raynaud's phenomenon using objective measurements and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: Nineteen patients with 20 affected hands were prospectively enrolled and underwent the proposed procedures from 2015 to 2021. Relevant data, including Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire and 36-Item Short Form health questionnaire scores, were documented for analysis during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS: The average ingress value of the three measured fingers (index, long, and ring) on indocyanine green angiography increased after surgery (p=0.02). The median number of ulcers decreased (p<0.001) and the median digital skin temperature increased (p<0.001). Questionnaire scores showed improvement in physical aspects, such as overall hand function (p≤0.001), activities of daily living (p=0.001), work performance (p=0.02), pain (p<0.001), physical function (p=0.053), and general health (p=0.048), as well as mental aspects, such as patient satisfaction (p<0.001) and mental health (p=0.001). The average indocyanine green ingress value of the three measured fingers significantly correlated with the patient-reported outcomes, including overall hand function (r=0.46, p=0.04), work performance (r=0.68, p=0.001), physical function (r=0.51, p=0.02), and patient satisfaction (r=0.35, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed surgical procedures provided satisfactory outcomes, both subjectively and objectively, over a follow-up period of up to 3 years. Indocyanine green angiography may provide rapid and quantitative measurements for perioperative hand perfusion assessment.

Revealing the anti-tumor effect of artificial miRNA p-27-5p on human breast carcinoma cell line T-47D.

microRNAs (miRNAs) cause mRNA degradation or translation suppression of their target genes. Previous studies have found direct involvement of miRNAs in cancer initiation and progression. Artificial miRNAs, designed to target single or multiple genes of interest, provide a new therapeutic strategy for cancer. This study investigates the anti-tumor effect of a novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, on breast cancer. In this study, we reveal that miR P-27-5p downregulates the differential gene expressions associated with the protein modification process and regulation of cell cycle in T-47D cells. Introduction of this novel artificial miRNA, miR P-27-5p, into breast cell lines inhibits cell proliferation and induces the first "gap" phase (G1) cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines but does not affect normal breast cells. We further show that miR P-27-5p targets the 3'-untranslated mRNA region (3'-UTR) of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and reduces both the mRNA and protein level of CDK4, which in turn, interferes with phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (RB1). Overall, our data suggest that the effects of miR p-27-5p on cell proliferation and G1 cell cycle arrest are through the downregulation of CDK4 and the suppression of RB1 phosphorylation. This study opens avenues for future therapies targeting breast cancer.

Rationalizing the Vascular Anatomy for Oblique Osteotomy of the Metatarsal Head during Toe/Joint Transfers of the Metatarsophalangeal Joint.

BACKGROUND: The metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) of the lessor toe has been used to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal joint. When an oblique osteotomy of the metatarsal head is performed, the orientation of the vascular pedicle is crucial to preserve the blood supply to the MTPJ. This study was conducted to identify the path of the nutrient artery to the MTPJ. METHODS: We reviewed our operative records in consecutive series of 45 patients during toe or joint harvest. Retrograde dissection of the vascular pedicle was performed starting from the distal communicating artery at the first webspace toward the first dorsal metatarsal and first plantar metatarsal arteries. All the vessels related to the MTPJ were explored and ligated if the MTPJ was not included in the flap. RESULTS: The condylar branches to the proximal phalanx and the metaphyseal branches to the second metatarsus were barely identifiable during the dissections. The articular branch running perpendicularly from the plantar artery toward the plantar surface of MTPJ was verified in all cases. The articular branches originated either from the first plantar metatarsal artery (92.1%) or from the tibial plantar digital artery (7.9%). The external diameter of the articular branches was around 0.5-1 mm. When the articular branch was included and preserved, the metatarsal heads oozed immediately after the flap was reperfused. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the constant and sizable articular branch of the MTPJ that originates from the plantar artery system. The consistency of the vascular anatomy enables oblique osteotomies of the metatarsal head to be performed without fear of injury to the pedicle.

The position of 'shunt restriction' along an arterialized vein affects venous congestion and flap perfusion of an arterialized venous flap.

UNLABELLED: Restriction of arteriovenous (AV) shunting has been shown to enhance peripheral perfusion and also reduce venous congestion of an arterialized venous flap. Thus, this study is designed to investigate the effect of 'shunt-restriction' location on venous congestion and flap perfusion in a 'shunt-restricted' arterialized venous flap (AVF). METHODS: Abdominal flaps based on the thoracoepigastric vessels of Sprague-Dawley rats were raised. The inferior epigastric vein was repaired to the femoral artery in order to create an AVF. The superior epigastric vein was preserved for drainage. Microcirculation and laser Doppler flowmetry results were compared between AVFs with 'shunt restriction' at a proximal third (SR-proximal) distance and 'shunt restriction' at a distal third (SR-distal) distance. RESULTS: Bidirectional sluggish flow was detected at the proximal part of venous flaps in both groups. Unidirectional normal flow was observed in more capillaries of the distal flaps in the SR-proximal group. In the middle of the flaps, blood flow was sluggish and intermittent in the veins and was absent in most capillaries of the SR-distal group. The flow was prompt and unidirectional in more capillaries of the SR-proximal group. Using laser Doppler flowmetry, the average perfusion of the whole SR-proximal flaps was found to be higher than that of SR-distal flaps (p = 0.017). The average flux at the middle and distal portions of the SR-proximal group was significantly higher than those of the SR-distal group (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: 'Shunt restriction' at the proximal third of the AV shunt resulted in enhanced perfusion and reduced venous congestion in an AVF.

Improving the extensor lag and range of motion following free vascularized joint transfer to the proximal interphalangeal joint: Part 1. An observational and cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Extension lag is a common occurrence following free vascularized joint transfer reconstruction of the proximal interphalangeal joint, thus limiting the range of motion that is achievable. In this Part 1 study, the anatomical and biomechanical arrangements of the toe proximal interphalangeal joint extensor mechanism were investigated. METHODS: Twelve second toes from 12 fresh cadavers were dissected for examination of the extensor mechanism. Similar observations were performed in nine clinical cases. A total of 21 toes were therefore examined with dynamic and static testing. RESULTS: In 17 toes, the central tendon attenuated before inserting onto the middle phalangeal base (type I). In four toes, a thicker tendinous insertion analogous to a central slip was identified (type II). In type I toes, traction of the extensor digitorum brevis and digitorum longus did not correct the extensor lag. The extension lag decreased when the metatarsophalangeal joint was flexed passively or when both extrinsic and intrinsic tendons were pulled simultaneously. In type II toes, a full extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint was achieved when the extensor tendons were pulled with or without pulling the intrinsic tendons. In both types of toes, there was an increase in the extension lag caused by dorsal bowstringing when separated from the extensor sling. CONCLUSIONS: The lesser toe proximal interphalangeal joint adopts a naturally flexed posture for evolutionary reasons, with corresponding adaptations in extensor mechanism arrangements. The most significant limiting factor to full extension could be the presence of an attenuated central slip in the majority of toes.

Improving the extensor lag and range of motion following free vascularized joint transfer to the proximal interphalangeal joint: Part 2. A clinical series.

BACKGROUND: Free vascularized joint transfer for reconstructing the posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal joint has enjoyed limited popularity because of the low range of motion typically achieved after transfer. One of the commonest complaints is the significant extensor lag. Part 2 of this two-part study is focused on the clinical outcomes following a more anatomical approach to extensor tendon reconstruction. METHODS: Nine patients (eight male and one female), with a mean age of 31.7 years, underwent free vascularized joint transfer for posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal joint injuries using the second toe proximal interphalangeal joint. In Part 1, two arrangements of the central slip mechanism were found: type I with an attenuated and type II with a distinct central slip. An algorithm was constructed using this information: in a type I toe with sufficient recipient lateral bands, a centralization procedure was carried out; and when the lateral bands were insufficient, a modified Stack procedure was carried out. In type II toe joints, a tight repair of the corresponding extensor tendons was performed. RESULTS: Four patients underwent centralization procedures, two underwent a modified Stack procedure, and three underwent tight extensor repair. At 23.4 months, the average extensor lag was 18.3 degrees. A total range of motion of 53.9 degrees (mean flexion, 72.2 degrees) was achieved that approximated 81.1 percent of the pretransfer passive range of motion at the toe proximal interphalangeal joint. CONCLUSION: This preliminary result demonstrates that much improved range of motion can be achieved by reducing the extensor lag using an anatomical reconstruction that takes into account the recipient finger and toe joint anatomy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.