[Intramedullary fixation within bones of the hand: 20 years of experience]. / Szynowanie sródszpikowe kosci reki--20 lat doswiadczen.

Intramedullary fixation within bones of the hand has been used for treatment of 313 fractures in 169 patients after serious trauma or replantation between 1978 and 1998. Kirschner wires or Steinmann pins were introduced at the fracture site and anchored within both metaphyses. The method was used in various types of fractures, comminuted ones and bone defects included. In all cases fracture healed between 4 and 8 weeks. No deep infection occurred, in 2 patients the implants had to be removed because of their migration. The method is technically undemanding and allows for immediate postoperative rehabilitation. Total range of motion exceeded by 15% results achieved in patients treated with temporary immobilization of the hand.

[Rehabilitation after upper extremity replantation at the wrist level -- own experience]. / Wlasne doswiadczenia w zakresie usprawniania konczyn po replantacji na wysokosci nadgarstka.

An amputation at the wrist level (the level with the best prognosis) has been characterized. Rehabilitation protocol after replantation at the wrist level developed on the ground of 328 replantations done in the Center over 25 years has been presented. Its essential quality is an early initiation of active movements (second postoperative day) and resistive movements on 10-14 days after surgery. The differences between currently used protocols have been emphasized. Excellent and good results were achieved in 65% of cases according to Chen's criteria.