[Osteosynthesis by intramedullary headless screw in digital fractures: A retrospective scannographic and anatomical study]. / Ostéosynthèse par vis centromédullaire sans tête dans les fractures digitales : une étude rétrospective scanographique et anatomique.

INTRODUCTION: Long finger skeletal fractures are common injuries. In displaced forms, surgical treatment is required. With the advent of headless cannulated screws, the technique has been simplified and allows reduction in both planes. The objective of our study was to evaluate the functional recovery of patients operated on by this technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective single-center study between 2019 and 2022. Eleven patients were followed and 12 fractures analyzed. A radio-clinical follow-up was carried out at 1 month then at the last follow-up with an evaluation of the articular amplitudes and a quality of life score (QuickDash, QD). The time to return to professional and sporting activities, pain (EVA) was collected. An anatomical/scannographic evaluation was performed to assess tendon and cartilage damage. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the average global flexion was 266° and the extension was total. An average QD score of 15.9 and a Jamar force of 106% compared to the healthy side were observed. The return to physical and professional activities was earlier and the pain quickly tolerable. No secondary displacement was objectified and all were consolidated at the last follow-up, without malunion. No patient had been operated on secondarily. CONCLUSION: This technique seems to be a safe and non-traumatic. It allows a faster return to sports and professional activities with fewer complications and no need to remove the material.

Treatment goals for distal radius fractures in 2018: recommendations and practical advice.

The goals of distal radius fracture treatment in patients above 65 years of age would not change over time if the fracture were the only factor to consider. However, people change, and fixation methods also change. Since this fracture heals in nearly every case and volar plates have eliminated the worry of malunion, we are left with two main goals. In active patients with weakened bones, the aim is to help them regain their quality of life as quickly as possible while avoiding iatrogenic conditions. This compromise is possible because of new tools-but at what price?

[Nerve transfer between the intercostal nerves and the motor component of the musculocutaneous nerve. Anatomical study of feasibility]. / Transfert nerveux entre les nerfs intercostaux et la composante motrice du nerf musculocutané. Étude anatomique de faisabilité.

INTRODUCTION: The intercostal nerves (ICN) transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) can restore elbow flexion in complete brachial plexus palsy. The last cases our service dealt with, allowed our staff to observe two different situations. In the 2 first patients, we were able to proceed with an intraneurodissection of the MCN motor component up to the axillary cavity level, while on the third case such dissection could not be performed as high. The aim of this work is to assess the feasibility of a transfer on the MCN's motor component. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: We conducted a series of 5 cadaver dissections of the MCN and ICN on the anatomy laboratory. Using magnifying loupes to perform an intraneurodissection, we were able to split the motor and sensory fibers as they stood out. It would help motor recuperation avoiding directional error on sensitive component. RESULTS: The ICN can be sutured on the motor component of the MCN, provided the dissection is very minutious. DISCUSSION: The intraneurodissection of the MCN up to the axillary cavity level is possible as the interfascicular exchanges are scarce there. Publications already refer to the possibility of a nerve transfer between the ICN and the motor component of the MCN. Therefore, our researches suggest that such a procedure can be considered for routine procedures. CONCLUSION: The neurotization is one of the latest breakthroughs in terms of brachial plexus surgery. We are hopeful that anatomical researches could lead to optimization possibilities.

Anatomical and computed tomography study of the eighth costochondral junction: topography for costochondral graft harvesting.

INTRODUCTION: Costochondral grafts have long been used in maxillofacial reconstruction, but have been little used in trauma and orthopedic cases. This surgical technique requires that a graft be harvested from the thorax in the area of the eighth rib. Pleuropulmonary complications are very rare. Although the harvesting technique is simple, it needs to be demystified. GOAL OF STUDY: This study was performed to define anatomical relationships in the eighth costochondral junction and identify topographical and anatomical landmarks that will make it easier to harvest this structure. METHOD: This was a two-part study. First, an anatomical study was carried out on human cadaver thoraxes to define topographical landmarks and study the anatomical surroundings of the eighth costochondral junction. Second, an imaging study was performed using a database of existing patient computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen to confirm the topographical landmarks defined in the first part of the study. The spine was used as a reference for both studies. The location of the eighth costochondral junction was defined relative to the spinal processes along with its location on the lower rib cage hemiperimeter in the transverse plane starting at the corresponding spinous process. RESULTS: The eighth costochondral junction was in line with the spinal process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra in the vast majority of cases and located at two-thirds of the lower rib cage hemiperimeter from the posterior median sulcus, regardless of the patient's chest shape, age and gender. This junction was always located under a single muscle (external oblique) and protected by a thick perichondrium layer, which separates it from the intercostal pedicles, endothoracic fascia and parietal pleura. DISCUSSION: This two-part study has identified reliable landmarks for harvesting of an osteochondral graft at the eighth costochondral junction and, by describing its anatomical surroundings, helps take the mystery out of its harvesting. These landmarks were identified in supine cadavers and in free-breathing patients lying in supine for the CT portion. This position must be used when identifying these landmarks in a patient undergoing costochondral autograft harvesting for cartilage reconstruction.

Cadaver study of the topography of the musculotendinous junction of the finger extensor muscles: applicability to tendon rupture following closed wrist trauma.

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon in the wrist is a delayed complication that can occur after wrist injury. Several etiology-related hypotheses have been made to explain these ruptures. The one most commonly accepted is necrosis at the musculotendinous junction of the EPL, which is compressed between the extensor retinaculum and dorsal aspect of the radius. To confirm this hypothesis, we performed an anatomical study to show the close relationship between the extensor retinaculum and the musculotendinous junction of the EPL muscle. We calculated the distance between the musculotendinous junction of the various finger extensor muscles and the proximal edge of the extensor retinaculum. We were able to show that this junction is located under the extensor retinaculum for the extensor indicis (EI) and EPL muscles, but the latter is in the third extensor compartment, which is a tight, confined space. Any pressure increase in this space following trauma, for example, can bring about compartment syndrome at this musculotendinous junction, which some authors have found to be poorly vascularized.

Dimensions of the trapezium bone: a cadaver and CT study.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to define the size of the trapezium bone through measurements on cadaver specimens and CT scans of living subjects. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine if any correlation existed between the size of the trapezium and local anatomical parameters. METHODS: The radio-ulnar length (L), dorsopalmar width (ℓ) and height (h) of the distal surface of the trapezium were measured by two independent observers on 20 cadaver specimens. The same measurements were carried out by two other observers on anonymized CT scans from 18 patients. The inter- and intra-observer agreement was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: In the cadavers, the mean length, width and height of the trapezium were 22.8, 15.5 and 15.2 mm, respectively. On the CT scans, these same dimensions were 19.2, 11.4 and 11.6 mm. Inter-observer agreement was statistically significant in both parts of the study. DISCUSSION: The dimensions of the trapezium bone were about 3.33 mm larger in cadavers than on CT scans. These differences can be explained partially by a systematic under-sizing error on the CT scans and the fact that the cartilage layer cannot be directly visualized. CONCLUSION: This study was able to define the dimensions of the trapezium bone. It may be possible to predict the trapezium height from the length of the forearm or the width of the radial epiphysis. Our data can be used to adjust the size of trapezium implants to the dimensions of the patient's bone.

[Characteristics of Dupuytren's disease in women. A study of 67 cases]. / Particularités de la maladie de Dupuytren chez la femme. À propos de 67 cas.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical differences of the Dupuytren's disease in gender. Testosterone induces an increase of the Dupuytren's fibroblast proliferation via androgen's receptors. Testosterone rate increases during pregnancy and menopausis. We also reached a link between this factors and the clinical aspects of Dupuytren' disease in the women of our study. METHODS: This retrospective, comparative study was about all women and a randomized number of men, who underwent surgery for Dupuytren' disease between 1980 and 2010. We analysed all the epidemiologic and clinical data, the surgery procedures and the complications. Pre- and postoperative measurements of the extension lack of all the joints were performed with a manual goniometer. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients function. This specific data of women were reached. RESULTS: Sixty-seven women and 69 men were compared. The complex regional pain syndrome was significantly more common in women and the correction of the proximal interphalangeal joint was significantly lower in women. Recurrence rate and mean follow up were not statistically different. Mean DASH score was higher in women. We have not found any association between menopausis, pregnancy and the average age at presentation of the disease, the recurrence rate or the extension rate. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of the Dupuytren's disease is worse in women than in men. Other studies are necessary to reach the link between the testosterone and the clinical history of the disease in women.

Anatomical and radiological study applied to distal radius surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine, during anterior plating of the distal radius, the length of a screw above which there is a risk for the extensor tendons and the optimal shape of an anterior plate. It was also to determine the projection of the axis of the distal third of the radius on the distal articular surface in case of wrist arthroplasty in order to simplify the procedure. METHODS: We studied 74 dry radii from adult cadavers. Each one underwent a CT scan. We measured the thickness of each radius at the dorsal tubercle level, at the second compartment level and at the third compartment level. We calculated the metaphyseal-epiphyseal angles of the lateral column and of the intermediate column (Rikli and Regazzoni in J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 78(4):588-592, 1996). We also calculated the projection of the longitudinal axis of the most distal 7 cm of the radius on the distal carpal surface of the radius. RESULTS: Mean thickness at the dorsal tubercle level was 22.1 mm (18-26.1). The mean slope of the lateral column was 155° (143-167) while that of the intermediate column was 145° (134-153). We have found a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) between these two slopes. The axis of the distal radius was projected on the posterior-lateral quadrant of the distal articular surface. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of new implants needs a precise evaluation of a fractured, an arthritic or a reconstructed distal radius. The double slope of the distal radius complicates the manufacturing of an "anatomical" plate. The optimal shape is between these two slopes. Moreover, ancillaries for wrist replacement are still approximations, which means that it is important to know the projection of the radial axis on the articular surface of the distal radius.

[Baropodometric analysis of the functional donor-site morbidity after gastrocnemius or soleus muscle-flap procedure]. / Analyse baropodométrique des séquelles fonctionnelles liées au prélèvement des lambeaux gastrocnémiens et soléaire.

The triceps surae muscle is a major donor-site for muscle-flap to cover soft-tissue defects of the leg. There are very limited datas on the functional donor-site morbidity in the literature. From a retrospective study on 14 patients, we realized a baropodometric analysis comparing the operated lower limb with the healthy non operated side and a functional evaluation by a questionary. The modified functional score of Kitatoka was good (87/100). Ninety percent of the patients were able to resume a professional activity and 2/3 to resume the sport. The baropodometric analysis did not show statistically significant difference of propulsion and absorption between the healthy side and the operated side, but a modification of the programming of the step. The absence of important functional donor-site morbidity is probably bound to a compensation of the remaining triceps surae muscles and/or to mechanisms of adaptation. Our study confirms the little functional donor-site morbidity of the partial triceps surae muscle-flap procedure. These flaps remain a good solution for the coverage of the soft-tissue defects of the leg.

Long term functional outcomes after minimally invasive surgical decompression in upper limb chronic exertional compartment syndrome in 30 patients.

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the upper limbs is less well known than its equivalent in the lower limbs, thus its diagnosis is often delayed. Our goals were to evaluate the impact of CECS on activities of daily living and work-related activities and to report the functional outcomes after minimally invasive fasciotomy. This was a retrospective study of patients with CECS of the upper limb who were operated at two hospitals between 2008 and 2019. Thirty patients were reviewed an average of 5 years after minimally invasive fasciotomy: 26 had CECS of the forearm, 3 of the thenar compartment and 1 of the first interosseous compartment. For the evaluation, patients were asked to assess their pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), complete the QuickDASH questionnaire and rate their satisfaction with the outcome. Preoperative pain on the VAS was 7.45/10 with a negative impact on activities of daily living in 97% of patients, and on work-related activities in 77% of patients with 17% requiring a career change. The mean time to surgical treatment was 5 years. The mean QuickDASH at the final assessment was 6.0 (0-31.8) with a significant decrease in pain on VAS of 1.9/10 (p < 0.01). Seventy-seven percent of patients had very good results while 13% had good results. Full healing was achieved in 63% of patients and physical performance improved in 50%. Seventy-seven percent of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. One patient had a recurrence requiring surgical revision. CECS affects athletes of all levels and impacts both activities of daily living and work-related activities. We need to greatly expand our education and prevention efforts for CECS. Mini-open fasciotomy yields good results.

Cartilage graft from rib to treat trapeziometacarpal arthritis.

Trapeziectomy has been considered as the gold standard for treating trapeziometacarpal arthritis. But trapezial space collapse is responsible for thumb strength decrease and intracarpal deformities (with or without tendon interposition). Partial trapeziectomy with interposition of a chondrocostal autograft combines the advantages of trapeziectomy and a biological spacer without the disadvantages of arthroplasty. Partial trapeziectomy is performed by a dorsal approach, under regional anaesthesia. The graft is harvested by a direct approach of the 9th rib during a short bout of general anaesthesia and inserted in the trapeziectomy space. A thumb spica cast is used for 3-6 weeks. In our experience, long-term outcomes and radiological evolution of the graft are good, similar to that of other procedures reported in the literature, except for strength, which is better in this scenario. With more than 5 years of follow-up, the graft is viable, the length of the thumb is maintained, and any areas of graft metaplasia are localized. The result is stable over time and any donor site morbidity is anecdotal. The interposition of a biological material is feasible and produces a stable and strong thumb.

[Anatomy of the artery of the cutaneous posterior nerve of the thigh]. / Anatomie de l'artère du nerf cutané postérieur de la cuisse.

Salmon has described first the vascularisation of the posterior cutaneous nerve in 1936. Since, few articles have described the collaterals of the artery accompanying the posterior cutaneous nerve. The authors conducted an anatomical study on 20 cadaveric dissections with injection in order to define the collaterals of the artery. The findings reveal an artery nourished proximally by fasciocutaneous branches of the profunda perforating arteries and distally by branches from popliteal and genicular arteries. Their association is variable.

[Combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior reverse flow pedicle flap. Report of two clinical cases]. / Lambeau de muscle serratus anterior vascularisé par les pédicules mineurs du muscle latissimus dorsi. A propos de deux cas cliniques.

The use of combined flap involving the distally based latissimus dorsi muscle pedicled on the lumber perforating arteries and prolonged by the last digitations of the serratus anterior flap muscle supplied by the thoracic branch of thoracodorsal vessels is uncommon but has ever been described. We describe the use of this flap in two original cases. The first case is for coverage of a controlateral dorsal radionecrosis. The second case describes its use in emergency following ballistic chest trauma.

[Posterior interosseous free flap because of absence of posterior interossous pedicle. A report of an individualised salvage procedure and of an exceptional anatomical variation. Review of the literature]. / Lambeau interosseux postérieur libre pour absence d'artère interosseuse postérieure. Une adaptation technique a une variation anatomique rare. Cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

The posterior interosseous flap on the posterolateral aspect of the forearm is appreciated for its thinness and the length of its vascular pedicle. Arterial supply to the flap comes from the posterior interosseous artery, which gives off several cutaneous branches. This flap is most often used with its distal pedicle as its artery presents anastomoses with the anterior interosseous artery and the dorsal arterial carpal network. However, its dissection is often difficult because of anatomical variants and is not reliable in case of traumatic history at the distal forearm. A case is reported where no posterior interosseous pedicle was found and the flap was subsequently transferred as a free flap supplied by a perforating branch arising from the anterior interosseous artery.

Functional evaluation following emergency arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint for complex fractures with silicone implant.

The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is particularly vulnerable to trauma. In comminuted fractures, arthroplasty with a silicone implant is a treatment option that may be controversial in an emergency setting. This joint destruction is usually accompanied by soft tissue injuries (skin and tendon damage, devascularization) making the reconstruction all the more complex. The aim of our work was to evaluate emergency finger silicone implants for complex and comminuted fractures of the PIP joint as well as clinical and radiological complications. In this single-center, retrospective study, 13 patients operated between January 2007 and January 2019 on an emergency basis with a Neuflex® PIP arthroplasty were reviewed. This PIP joint reconstruction was associated with the soft tissue repair at the same time (skin cover, tendons, nerves) in all patients. The average age was 57.7 years with a male predominance (92%). The injuries were caused by a domestic accident in 61% of cases. The average follow-up was 4.7 years. The average total active motion arc was 183.8°. The average QuickDASH score was 24. There was one case of broken implant with no functional consequence. No infection or instability was reported. Silicone implant arthroplasty is a simple, reliable, fast, and durable solution for complex PIP fractures when conservative treatment is impossible. This solution is an alternative to arthrodesis or even finger amputation.

RhBMP7 use for treating scaphoid non-union: 5 cases assessed at 10 years' follow-up.

The scaphoid is the most common non-union site in the wrist. Fixation with vascularised or non-vascularised autograft is the gold standard when it comes to treating these non-unions. But, what can we offer if the autograft fails? Using osteoinductive proteins in difficult cases of long bone non-union yields good results. However, only a few studies have been published on their use for scaphoid non-union. In our study, five patients with an average age of 32 years (ranging from 21 to 44 years) with old non-union (more than 24 months) of the scaphoid were treated after autograft treatment had failed. The procedure consisted of reaming the non-union site, then adding bone autograft combined with BMP-7 (Osigraft®) in the defect and fixing it all with a screw or K-wire. Postoperative immobilisation was prescribed. Only one patient achieved bone union (20%) despite an average follow-up of 10 years (80-143 months). The average flexion-extension loss was 16.6° (0-30) relative to the contralateral side. The average strength deficit was 450 grams (0-2000) for pinch and 12.1kg (0-29) for grip compared to the contralateral side. Self-assessment questionnaires had an average PRWE at 28.9 (10.5-49) and an average QuickDASH at 28.6 (9.09-61.36). Our study could not demonstrate any real benefit of using BMP-7 for treating old scaphoid non-union despite an elevated cost. Further research is needed to look at other treatment approaches, for instance, the use of new scaffolds combining VEGF and BMP.

Management of forearm bone loss with induced membrane technique.

There are very few published studies describing the treatment of segmental bone defects of the forearm using the induced membrane technique. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the time to bone union, the function of the joints above and below the treated bone segment and the patients' quality of life over the long-term. We performed a retrospective study in all patients treated by the induced membrane for a forearm bone defect over at 13-year period. Demographics, bone union, complications, functional outcomes and occupational status were collected. Six patients were included: 2 posttraumatic injuries, 1 osteomyelitis, 1 septic arthritis, 1 aseptic nonunion, 1 tumor. The average defect length was 64mm (48-110). All defects were treated with internal fixation. Bone graft was harvested from the iliac crest in two patients, the femur (using the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator technique) in three patients and the radius in one patient. Five patients achieved bone union after a mean of 4months (3-6). Three complications were observed: 1 radioulnar instability, 1 infection of the fixation device, 1 abscess. At an average 8½ years' follow-up, the pain level on the VAS was 0.6 (0-3), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 98 (90-100), the Herzberg score was 108 (85.6-140) and the QuickDASH was 14.9 (2.7-35). All patients returned to work. Using the induced membrane technique avoids the complications associated with vascularized autograft and yields good functional outcome and quality of life.

Residual Cajal bodies in coilin knockout mice fail to recruit Sm snRNPs and SMN, the spinal muscular atrophy gene product.

Cajal bodies (CBs) are nuclear suborganelles involved in the biogenesis of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). In addition to snRNPs, they are highly enriched in basal transcription and cell cycle factors, the nucleolar proteins fibrillarin (Fb) and Nopp140 (Nopp), the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein complex, and the CB marker protein, p80 coilin. We report the generation of knockout mice lacking the COOH-terminal 487 amino acids of coilin. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrate that we have successfully removed the full-length coilin protein from the knockout animals. Some homozygous mutant animals are viable, but their numbers are reduced significantly when crossed to inbred backgrounds. Analysis of tissues and cell lines from mutant animals reveals the presence of extranucleolar foci that contain Fb and Nopp but not other typical nucleolar markers. These so-called "residual" CBs neither condense Sm proteins nor recruit members of the SMN protein complex. Transient expression of wild-type mouse coilin in knockout cells results in formation of CBs and restores these missing epitopes. Our data demonstrate that full-length coilin is essential for proper formation and/or maintenance of CBs and that recruitment of snRNP and SMN complex proteins to these nuclear subdomains requires sequences within the coilin COOH terminus.

Antitumour and antiangiogenic effects of Aplidin in the 5TMM syngeneic models of multiple myeloma.

Aplidin is an antitumour drug, currently undergoing phase II evaluation in different haematological and solid tumours. In this study, we analysed the antimyeloma effects of Aplidin in the syngeneic 5T33MM model, which is representable for the human disease. In vitro, Aplidin inhibited 5T33MMvv DNA synthesis with an IC(50) of 3.87 nM. On cell-cycle progression, the drug induced an arrest in transition from G0/G1 to S phase, while Western blot showed a decreased cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression. Furthermore, Aplidin induced apoptosis by lowering the mitochondrial membrane potential, by inducing cytochrome c release and by activating caspase-9 and caspase-3. For the in vivo experiment, 5T33MM-injected C57Bl/KaLwRij mice were intraperitoneally treated with vehicle or Aplidin (90 microg kg(-1) daily). Chronic treatment with Aplidin was well tolerated and reduced serum paraprotein concentration by 42% (P<0.001), while BM invasion with myeloma cells was decreased by 35% (P<0.001). Aplidin also reduced the myeloma-associated angiogenesis to basal values. This antiangiogenic effect was confirmed in vitro and explained by inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and vessel formation. These data indicate that Aplidin is well tolerated in vivo and its antitumour and antiangiogenic effects support the use of the drug in multiple myeloma.

[Filling a humeral head defect with a chondrocostal autograft combined with subscapularis transfer for chronic posterior glenohumeral dislocations]. / Comblement d'une encoche antérieure de la tête humérale par autogreffe cartilagineuse costale et transposition du muscle sub-scapulaire dans le cadre d'une luxation postérieure invétérée de l'épaule. A propos d'un cas.

Mac Lauglhin defects of the right humeral head developed in a 44-year-old woman with drug-resistant epileptic seizures, subsequent to recurrent posterior dislocations. The preoperative work-up demonstrated a large anterior defect corresponding to more than 50% loss of the osterochondral tissue. The humeral head lodged on the posterior rim of the scapular glenoid, like an inveterate posterior dislocation, causing major pain and joint dysfunction. After adjustment of the antiepilepsy treatment, the patient underwent joint reconstruction with a chondrocostal autograft harvested from the ninth homolateral rib combined with transfer of the lesser tubercle. At three years follow-up, the patient has a stable pain-free shoulder with a satisfactory range of motion. The graft was integrated.