The Innsbruck hand transplant program: update at 8 years after the first transplant.

We herein provide an update on two bilateral hand and one bilateral forearm transplants with emphasis on immunosuppression (IS), function, morphology, and graft vascular changes at 8 years and 2 years after bilateral hand and 5 years after bilateral forearm transplantation. Between March 2000 and May 2006, three patients underwent bilateral hand or forearm transplantation at our institution. Following induction therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) (n = 2) or alemtuzumab (n = 1), tacrolimus, prednisolone +/- mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were given for maintenance IS. Later, tacrolimus (n = 1) or MMF (n = 1) was replaced by sirolimus/everolimus for long-term IS. Clinical follow-ups with evaluation of hand function, skin biopsies, X-ray, ultrasound, angiography, computed tomography angiography, electrophysiological studies, and somatosensory evoked potentials were performed at regular intervals. Three, six, and three rejection episodes were successfully treated with bolused steroids, anti-CD25 or anti-CD52 antibodies. Subsequently, skin histology remained normal without any evidence of chronic rejection. Hand function continuously improved during the first 3 years and since then remained stable with minor improvements. Investigation of hand arteries revealed no signs of occlusion or stenosis. Motor and intrinsic hand muscle function continues to improve in all patients. Protective sensation was observed in all patients; however, discriminative sensation was only accomplished after hand but not forearm transplantation. No life-threatening adverse events occurred. Despite immunologic challenging postoperative courses, patients are now free of rejection with moderate levels of IS and good functional results. No signs indicating chronic rejection have been encountered.

Cortical motor activation patterns following hand transplantation and replantation.

We studied cortical activation patterns by functional MRI in a patient who received bilateral hand transplantation after amputation 6 years ago. In the early post-operative period, the patient who had had the hand transplantation revealed strong activation of a higher motor area, only weak activation of the primary sensorimotor motor cortex and no activation of the primary somatosensory cortex. At one-year follow-up, a small increase in primary sensorimotor motor cortex activation was observed. Activation of the primary somatosensory cortex was only seen at the 2-year follow-up. Transplantation after long-standing amputation results in cortical reorganisation occurring over a two-year period.

[Autologous fat grafting in breast surgery : results of a retrospective study]. / Lipofilling in Rahmen der Mammachirurgie : Ergebnisse einer retrospektiven Analyse.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat has many qualities for an ideal filler and is widely used in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, especially in the treatment of primary and secondary deformities of the breast. METHODS: From May 2007 to September 2012 298 autologous fat graftings were performed in 199 patients. Fat was harvested using the Tissue-Trans™ (Shippert Medical), Lipivage™ (Polytech) or a self-developed harvesting system and injected without any further processing into subcutaneous and/or intramuscular layers. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 45 years. Main indications were contour deformities and volume loss after breast cancer surgery as well as asymmetry, hypoplasia, Poland syndrome or tuberous breasts. The average volume of grafted fat was 90 ml per surgery. Most patients received one (42 %) or two (31 %) sessions of treatment. The infection rate was 2 % which was further treated with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat grafting represents an important tool for the management of deformities of the breast not only by filling deformities and adding volume, but also by improving the quality of scars. It is a simple, fast and effective treatment option with few complications.

Vascularized bone graft from the iliac crest for the treatment of nonunion of the proximal part of the scaphoid with an avascular fragment.

BACKGROUND: It was hypothesized that nonunion of the proximal third of the scaphoid associated with avascular necrosis could be treated successfully with a free vascularized bone graft obtained from the iliac crest. METHODS: Fifteen patients who had a nonunion of the proximal part of the scaphoid that had been present for an average of two years and three months (range, nine months to seven years) were managed with use of a free vascularized bone graft obtained from the iliac crest. Avascularity of the scaphoid, as assessed on preoperative radiographs, was characterized by loss of trabecular structure, collapse of subchondral bone, and formation of bone cysts. The results of the procedure were assessed in terms of osseous union, pain, active motion of the wrist, and osteoarthritis. Postoperatively, vascularity of the scaphoid was evaluated with use of magnetic resonance imaging and color Doppler ultrasonography. The average duration of follow-up was six years and one month (range, two years and one month to eight years and one month). RESULTS: Preoperatively, one patient had had pain with any movement of the wrist and fourteen had had pain after strenuous manual labor or sports activity. The average pain score, derived with use of a 10-point visual analog scale, was 2.4 points (range, 1.0 to 6.7 points). Postoperatively, union was achieved in twelve patients; six were pain-free, and six had occasional pain during strenuous manual labor or sports activity, or both. The average pain score for these twelve patients was 1.1 points (range, 0.0 to 4.2 points) on the visual analog scale. Preoperatively, osteoarthritis was limited to the region between the radial styloid process and the distal part of the scaphoid in fourteen patients and to the radioscaphoid region in one patient. Postoperatively, the degree of osteoarthritis remained unchanged in seven of the twelve patients who had union and progressed to the radioscaphoid region in five. Vascularity, as seen on the imaging studies, was restored in all twelve patients who had union. The nonunion persisted in three patients, all of whom had progressive osteoarthritis leading to carpal collapse. CONCLUSIONS: The index procedure was successful in twelve of the fifteen patients who had a symptomatic nonunion of the proximal part of the scaphoid associated with avascular necrosis and osteoarthritis that was limited to the radioscaphoid joint.

Maintenance of stump length of both upper extremities after severe electrical burn injury.

A patient with electrical injury to both upper extremities which necessitated amputation above the elbow on both sides is presented. Further débridement on the stumps resulted in extensive exposure of bone with little coverage by skin and granulation tissue. Adequate coverage and maintenance of the length of both stumps was possible with bilateral myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flaps. This enabled the patient to carry out various activities and to wear a prosthesis.

Clinical experience and indications of the free serratus fascia flap: a report of 21 cases.

The free "serratus fascia" flap as a free flap was first described by Wintsch and named a free fascia flap of gliding tissue; however, it has not yet been given a distinct name. The particular advantages of this flap consist of an easy access and a low donor-site morbidity without functional deficit. Additionally, it may be designed very variably and molded even three-dimensionally as a tendon wraparound flap or folded to fill up cavities. In our clinic, we used this flap in 21 patients for distinct indications and in 7 patients as a vascular graft in fingers or great toe with a minimal adjacent layer of gliding tissue around the vessels for the treatment of cold intolerance after finger replantation or severe finger or toe trauma. In the other cases, this versatile flap served for the coverage of traumatically exposed tendons or bones at the extremities, covered with a skin graft. Eighteen flaps survived completely, whereas 3 flaps developed partial or superficial necrosis. Only once did a major complication by unintentional sacrification of the long thoracic nerve during flap harvesting occur, resulting in a wing scapula. We recommend this flap for defect cover at sites where a thin vascularized gliding layer for defect cover is needed, especially in distal extremities with exposed tendons or nerves, and present the current indications in discussing our experiences.

Small free vascularized iliac crest bone grafts in reconstruction of the scaphoid bone: a retrospective study in 60 cases.

Carpal instability may result in progressive degenerative arthritis of the wrist. The surgical goal of the reconstruction of scaphoid nonunion is to achieve bone union and to restore the scaphoid. Many procedures are described to treat scaphoid nonunion for different indications. This retrospective study reports on the anatomical fundamentals, the operative procedure, and the results of 60 patients (21 with recalcitrant scaphoid nonunion that lasted longer than 4 years, 26 with an avascular pole fragment, and 13 with scaphoid nonunion after previous surgery) who were treated by a small free vascularized iliac crest bone graft. All 60 patients have routinely been followed up clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging. Union was achieved in 91.7 percent by improvement of stability and the compromised vascularity of the scaphoid. The bone flap loss rate and persisting nonunion was 8.3 percent, leading to progressive arthritis and carpal collapse. Complaints concerning discomforts caused by the scar were heard from 40.1 percent of the patients, and 31.7 percent complained of discomforts caused by the bony deformity. Bone deformations on the donor site were detected radiologically in 63.3 percent of the patients. In 31.7 percent, an impairment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was noted. Reconstruction of the scaphoid by means of implantation of a vascularized iliac bone graft proved efficient to treat avascular recalcitrant scaphoid nonunion and pseudarthrosis with avascular proximal pole fragments.

Subcutaneous or submuscular anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve?

Precise clinical and electroneurographic examinations were made of 51 patients before and after anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. The mean follow-up period was 9.6 years. In 86%, hand function improved, while in 10% it remained unchanged. Subcutaneous transposition was better than submuscular transposition, especially with regard to sensation. This method is simple and involves low morbidity for patients.

Stage 3 Kienböck's disease: reconstruction of the fractured lunate using a free vascularized iliac bone graft and external fixation.

Eighteen patients with stage 3 Kienböck's disease were treated by débridement of the necrotic core of the lunate and implantation of a free vascularized corticocancellous iliac bone. The wrist was stabilized with an external fixator during healing. The efficiency of the procedure for restoring the structure of the fractured lunate, preventing carpal collapse and improving the clinical outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 5 years. The graft became incorporated in the lunate in 16 of the 18 patients and no fracture of the reconstructed lunate or carpal collapse occurred in these cases. The graft did not integrate and was resorbed in the other two patients.

Double hand transplantation: functional outcome after 18 months.

In March 2000, we performed a double hand transplantation on a patient who had suffered traumatic hand amputations 6 years previously. The transplantations were both successful and, 18 months later, the patient has regained some complex hand functions and remarkably good tactile gnosis.

[Indications and experiences in saving of the lower leg following injuries and tumors]. / Indikationen und Erfahrungen zur Erhaltung des Unterschenkels bei Verletzungen and Tumoren

In the primary treatment of skin and soft tissue defects of the lower leg, after injuries or tumor excision, split skin grafting is the method of choice. But in respect to the late results, frequently additional plastic reconstructive measures, preferrably skin flap procedures, must be considered. Follow-up over decades and if necessary, skin transplantation, are mandatory to prevent interference of growth and function of the leg, as well as malignant degeneration of the scars.

[Current reconstructive measures for the covering of defects in the extremities]. / Aktuelle rekonstruktive Verfahren zur Defektdeckung an den Extremitäten.

Large defects of soft tissue and bone in the lower extremity are still a great surgical problem with regard to morbidity and preservation of the leg. Conventional operative procedures such as cross leg or pedical flap are frequently not sufficient to guarantee successful treatment. Local muscle flap, myocutaneous flap and free-tissue transfer with microvascular anastomoses are excellent surgical supplements for better and quicker treatment, as they can generally be performed in one operative step. Strict indication and a specially trained operating team are essential for successful treatment in these more risky procedures. The new techniques and applications are demonstrated on various cases.

[Iatrogenic lesion of the accessory nerve in cervical lymph node biopsy]. / Iatrogene Läsion des Nervus accessorius bei der cervicalen Lymphknotenbiopsie.

The majority of lesions of the spinal accessory nerve occur as an iatrogenic injury after lymph node biopsy in the posterior cervical triangle (trigonum colli laterale). In most cases the accessory nerve palsy is not recognised immediately after the injury. Therefore surgical repair is often performed too late to regain sufficient function of the paralytic trapezius muscle. Later than 6 months after the injury, reconstruction seems to be hopeless. However, "timely" reconstructions often have poor results. Exact knowledge of anatomy, postoperative check of the trapezius muscle and, if an accessory nerve injury has occurred, early reconstructive procedures (neurolysis, reconstruction of nerve continuity) may on the one hand prevent iatrogenic lesions of the nerve and on the other hand improve the reconstructive result. A series of 6 patients with an injury of the spinal accessory nerve after lymph node biopsy is reported. In 2 cases primary coaptation, in 3 cases interpositional nerve grafting and in 1 case neurotization was performed. Clinical recovery was achieved in 3 of the 6 cases.

[Chronic recurrent, locally destructive siliconomas after breast augmentation by liquid silicone oil]. / Chronisch rezidivierende, lokal destruierende Silikonome nach Brustaugmentation durch flüssiges Silikonöl.

At the beginning of the sixties the injection of liquid silicon oil was frequently used for breast augmentation. It was thought to be safe, simple and effective. But as complications such as local silconomas, inflammatory reactions, induration, foreign body extrusion and foreign body migration were published this procedure was not used anymore. We report about a 45-year-old female patient who suffered from late complications, chronic recurrent local destructive siliconomas, which have not been described in the literature yet. Because of the destruction forced by the primary silicone implant a bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy had to be performed and siliconomas were excised at regions different from the original injection site. Several breast reconstructions have been performed but this tissue has also been destroyed by the recurrent and aggressive siliconomas. As there can be a long period of latency before the aforementioned complications of liquid silicon injections can occur, we recommend careful follow-up for these patients.

[An 8-finger hand with ulnar duplication (mirror image deformity)]. / Acht-Finger-Hand mit Ulna-Verdoppelung (Spiegelbild-Deformität).

The authors present a congenital arm- and hand deformity in a four year old boy. This "mirror deformity" includes aplasia of the radius, doubled carpus and metacarpus, polydactyly (eight fingers) and aplasia of the thumb. The hypoplastic radial four fingers show brachysyndactyly, the whole upper extremity is hypoplastic but both shoulders are normally developed. The elbow has an extension contraction with a range of movement of 20 degrees in the double olecranons. The wrist has a flexion contracture. At first, pollicisation of the third finger of the hypoplastic radial part of the left hand with resection of three hypoplastic fingers was performed. The thenar muscles were reconstructed with interosseous muscles and the flexion contraction corrected by shortening and doubling of the extensor tendons. Preoperative EMG studies demonstrated two ulnar nerves with cross-innervation of the median nerve. The postoperative situation was recorded again by EMG.

[Alternative surgical method in pseudarthroses of the scaphoid bone. Prospective study]. / Alternative Operationsmethode bei Kahnbeinpseudarthrosen. Prospektive Studie.

Follow-up of 197 patients with scaphoid nonunion treated by Russe I and Russe II bone grafting procedures showed that in longstanding cases with pseudarthrosis and in cases with severe necrosis bony union is often not achieved. The reason for this lack of success is the bad vascularity of the damaged scaphoid. In these cases (25 cases performed over 19 months) with an unfavorable operative prognosis we have inserted into the scaphoid after resection of the pseudarthrosis or the necrotic bone, a corticocancellous graft from the iliac crest, isolated on its vascular pedicle. The vascular pedicle has been anastomosed under the microscope to the radial artery and one of the accompanying veins. This procedure guarantees a much better vascularity of the bone graft. Our results in the 25 cases are very encouraging. Possible complications and their avoidance are pointed out. This new operative technique should not replace other common procedures but it might be the treatment of choice in selected cases.

[Timing of management of severe injuries of the upper extremity by free flap-plasty]. / Zeitpunkt der Versorgung schwerer Verletzungen der oberen Extremität durch freie Lappen.

From October 1986 until December 1993, fifty-five patients with severe injuries to the upper extremity were treated with 59 free flaps. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (8 TO 87 months). The average hospital stay was 19 days (8 to 40 days). Depending on the timing of reconstruction, the patients were divided into three groups: emergency reconstruction (within 24 hours after injury), delayed reconstruction (up to seven days) and late reconstruction (after seven days). In this paper we present our regime of treatment of severe upper extremity injuries using a free flap and discuss the principles of free flap choice.

[Proximal scaphoid pseudarthrosis with avascular pol fragment: long-term outcome after reconstruction with microvascular pedicled iliac crest bone graft]. / Proximale Kahnbeinpseudarthrose mit avaskulärem Polfragment: Langzeitergebnisse nach Rekonstruktion mit mikrovaskulär gestieltem Beckenkammspan.

56 patients suffering from scaphoid nonunion with avascular necrosis of the proximal pole were treated by a free vascularized iliac bone graft. Follow-up examination of 27 patients at 8.8 years included evaluation of scaphoid nonunion, progression of arthrosis and clinical parameters. Union was achieved in 85% of the patients (Group A). Arthrosis remained unchanged in 75%. No carpal collapse occurred. 81% of the patients were painfree. Grip strength was 95% and range of motion 75% compared to the noninvolved wrist. Nonunion persisted in 15% (Group B). In all these patients carpal collapse had established. 66% of the patients showed mild pain. Grip strength was 71% and range of motion 65% of normal. Transplantation of a free vascularized iliac bone graft resulted in union of a scaphoid pseudarthrosis with avascular proximal pole in 85%. When union occurred, progression of degenerative arthrosis could be arrested and good clinical late results could be achieved.

[Report of experience in 424 burn injuries 1970 to 1982]. / Erfahrungsbericht über 424 Brandverletzte aus den Jahren 1970 bis 1982.

Third-degree burn management with state-of-the-art surgery and intensive care technique has been available in Innsbruck since 1969. This statistical survey covers the period 1970 to 1982, with follow-ups on a total of 424 burn patients. Dividing the study into two periods, namely 1970-1976 and 1977-1982, permits a critical assessment of progress in burn management. A comparison of our results with those from other prominent burns units shows that the survival rate is considerably lower in Innsbruck, especially in the case of patients with burns of over 60% of body surface area. It is essential that similar burns units should be set up elsewhere in Austria.

[Can muscle transposition of an antagonist modify regeneration of the peroneal nerve?]. / Kann die Muskelverlagerung eines Antagonisten die Regeneration des N. peronaeus beeinflussen?

The prognosis after injury and microsurgical repair of the peroneal nerve is poor. However, clinical experience seems to indicate better results if nerve repair or neurolysis is combined with transposition of the tibialis posterior muscle. This hypothesis was tested in 20 rabbits by severing the peroneal nerve of one lower extremity. Nerve repair with muscle transposition was performed in ten rabbits and nerve repair without muscle transposition in the remaining ten animals. Six to twelve months later, histological and histochemical studies of nerve and muscle tissue were performed. No significant differences between the two groups could be determined.