Equivalent PROMIS Scores after Nonoperative or Operative Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores can quantify symptoms and limitations after upper extremity surgery. Our objective was to determine how these scores compare amongst patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis treated either nonoperatively or operatively. METHODS: In this retrospective comparative study, we compared PROMIS scores (upper extremity function [UEF], pain interference, and depression) between 43 patients who underwent nonoperative treatment (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/splinting/injections) and 33 patients who underwent trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (minimum 6-month recovery period) by 4 surgeons from 2014-2018. PROMIS scores were compared across all patients by Eaton-Littler staging. We used linear regression to assess correlations between time-since-surgery and each PROMIS domain. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify patient and disease factors independently associated with PROMIS scores. RESULTS: Surgery was not associated with better UEF (37 vs. 40, P=0.23), less pain interference (58 vs. 56, P=0.42), or fewer symptoms of depression (47 vs. 46, P=0.59). Similarly, no differences were observed across all patient by Eaton-Littler stage for UEF (P=0.49), pain (P=0.48), or depression (P=0.90). For the operative group, greater time-since-surgery, or patient recovery period, correlated moderately with worse UEF (R=0.41) and increased pain (R=0.37). CONCLUSION: In small retrospective comparative cohorts, surgery was not associated with better UEF, pain, or depression scores compared with nonoperative treatment for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Complications of Transradial Catheterization and Cannulation.

Transradial catheterization and cannulation are typically well-tolerated procedures, but they are associated with various vascular, infectious, and orthopedic complications. Potential complications include radial artery occlusion, hematoma formation, radial artery laceration, pseudoaneurysm, abscess formation, and compartment syndrome. Hand surgeons are commonly consulted to treat such complications. We review recent evidence available to guide decisions about nonsurgical and surgical interventions to treat and prevent the complications associated with transradial access procedures.

Exposure of the brachial plexus in complex revisions to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Excision of extensive scar tissue (EEST) may be required in certain cases of revision reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Neurovascular structures are at a higher risk of iatrogenic direct injury in these cases. We describe a technique to expose and protect the musculocutaneous and axillary nerves in a series of revision RTSA cases that required EEST. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2013, 83 revision RTSA procedures were identified in our database. Of these, 18 cases (22%) who underwent concomitant nerve exploration for EEST preventing glenoid exposure, preventing reduction of the humeral component, or causing instability of the implanted RTSA, were included. All patients were observed for a minimum of two  years or until reoperation. Patient-reported outcome scores (PROMs), range of motion (ROM), and complication rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients had significant pain relief and improvement in PROMs post-operatively. Two patients (11%) required another revision surgery because of infection (one patient with glenoid loosening; one patient with stem loosening). Two patients (11%) had instability successfully managed with closed reduction. Two patients (11%) had a clinically evident post-operative nerve injury. Both cases were neurapraxias (1 partial brachial plexopathy and 1 partial isolated axillary nerve injury) and experienced complete neurologic recovery at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Complete permanent nerve injuries resulting from direct surgical trauma during revision RTSA requiring EEST can be avoided using the technique presented here. Despite proper exposition of the nerves, partial temporary neurapraxic injuries may occur. Patients who underwent this procedure experienced significant improvements in shoulder pain and function with complication rates consistent to those previously reported in revision RTSA.

Free Gracilis Muscle Flap for Sarcoma Reconstruction: 19 Years of Clinical Experience.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoma treatment necessitates high-dose chemoradiation therapy and wide surgical margins that create wounds that are difficult to reconstruct. Many techniques have been developed to cover these defects, originating with muscle flaps such as the rectus abdominis and latissimus dorsi. The gracilis flap, which is best known in contemporary practice as a microneurovascular flap for functional reconstructions, is not usually considered a robust option for reconstruction after sarcoma extirpation. METHODS: We reviewed records of 22 patients (9 women) at our institution who underwent reconstructive surgery after sarcoma extirpation using gracilis flaps for soft-tissue coverage from 1998 to 2017. Neurotized gracilis flaps were excluded. The mean patient age was 51 years (range, 18-85 years), and mean length of follow-up was 53 months (range, 9-156 months). Patients had 7 tumor types, with fibrosarcomas and undifferentiated tumors being most common. There were 23 defects (mean size, 118 cm2 (range, 54-200 cm2)). Defects were located most commonly in the foot and leg (n=9 each), upper extremity (n=4), and head and neck (n=1). The primary outcome was the flap success rate. Secondary outcomes were rates of major complications (unplanned reoperations, infections requiring intravenous antibiotics, and amputations); minor complications (superficial infections, partial skin-graft loss, partial flap necrosis, fluid collections treated in the office, and cosmetic reoperations); and sarcoma recurrence. RESULTS: Twenty-one flaps (91%) survived. Six patients (27%) experienced a major complication, and 12 patients (54%) experienced a minor complication. There were 2 amputations, for a limb salvage rate of 91%. CONCLUSIONS: This series shows that the gracilis is well suited to covering large, compromised wounds across diverse anatomic features, which are the hallmark of sarcoma resections. The high rate of limb salvage and minimal donor-site morbidity further support the use of this flap as a first-line option for sarcoma reconstruction.

Bilateral Eccrine Angiomatous Hamartoma with Symmetric Volar Wrist Nodules: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a 13-year-old girl with bilateral symmetric eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) on the volar aspect of the wrists. The lesions were painless and had been enlarging progressively for 1 year; the enlargement of the nodule on the right wrist was more substantial than that on the left wrist. She had palmar hyperhidrosis, which has a known association with EAH. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, bilateral symmetric EAH has been reported only 3 other times in the literature. In all 3 of these cases, the lesions were on the dorsum of the hands or the wrists. We believe that this is the first report of this rare presentation on the volar aspect of the wrist. The symmetry suggests that the lesions may be the manifestation of a systemic or mechanical cause.

Gracilis musculotendinous free flap for lower extremity reconstruction after surgical removal of malignant tumors: A report of five cases.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity reconstruction is challenging because of the need to restore form and function. Despite the many options for soft-tissue coverage, little research has addressed combined tendon and soft-tissue reconstitution. We present a series of patients undergoing lower extremity tendon reconstruction and wound coverage with a single free gracilis flap and its tendon. METHODS: We studied five patients (age range, 51-81 years) undergoing lower limb reconstruction for defects involving soft tissue and tendon between 1998 and 2016 in the senior author's practice. Wounds (all in the foot and ankle region) were caused by sarcoma (n = 4) and Merkel cell carcinoma (n = 1) and ranged from 6.5-10 × 8-12 cm. Donor tendons, 2-18 cm long, were used to reconstruct the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and extensor retinaculum. Patient characteristics and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Reconstructions used a gracilis muscle free flap and its tendon. Flap sizes ranged 5-6.5 × 11-14 cm. Complications were one case of cellulitis and one case of reoperation for flap thinning and tenolysis. All patients had at least 7 months of follow-up (mean: 37 months; range: 7-104 months). At latest follow-up, all patients were ambulatory. On average, patients resumed assisted ambulation 27 days postoperatively and unassisted ambulation 62 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: For complex wounds with soft-tissue and tendinous defects, the gracilis muscle free flap may be a reconstructive option. We recommend it be considered as a single-donor incision option for lower extremity reconstruction.

The Gracilis Free Flap Is a Viable Option for Large Extremity Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, the gracilis free flap is used for coverage of small- to medium-sized wounds (<50 cm) or as a functional muscle transfer. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of the gracilis free flap in the reconstruction of large extremity wounds (>100 cm). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 34 patients who underwent extremity soft-tissue reconstruction using gracilis free flaps for wounds larger than 100 cm from 1998 to 2016. The primary outcome was overall flap success rate. Secondary outcomes were rates of major and minor complications. Mean defect size was 145 cm (range, 104-240 cm). Seven flaps covered defects greater than 175 cm. Indications were tumor extirpation (n = 18) and traumatic/posttraumatic wounds (n = 16). The most common time period for flap coverage was immediately (3 days or less) after the defect was created (n = 14). Most flaps were solely muscle (n = 28) and were used for lower extremity or foot coverage (n = 29). RESULTS: The overall success rate was 94%. Major and minor complications occurred in 5 and 13 cases, respectively. The most common major complication was unplanned reoperation (n = 5), and the most common minor complications were partial skin graft loss (n = 3), partial flap necrosis (n = 3), and planned recipient-site reoperation (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of large extremity wounds using the gracilis free flap showed a 94% success rate with few major complications.

Improved Surgical Outcomes With Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients With Severe Median Neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be treated with open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) or endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Our goal was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ECTR versus OCTR in patients with severe CTS. We hypothesized that ECTR would be as safe and effective as OCTR in these patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with severe CTS who underwent ECTR or OCTR by E. G. Deune between 2001 and 2014. Variables were patient age, sex, relevant medical history, alcohol and tobacco use, and preoperative electromyography and physical examination results. The primary outcome was patient-reported resolution of neuropathic symptoms at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes were surgical complications and need for reoperation. We compared the cohorts using Student's t tests and chi-square tests. RESULTS: We identified 138 cases of severe CTS in 126 patients who met our inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine cases were treated with ECTR and 99 with OCTR. Mean ages were 59 years (ECTR group) and 56 years (OCTR group). The population was 68% women, and 56% of cases involved the dominant hand. The distributions of age, sex, hand dominance, presence of relevant medical history, and alcohol and tobacco use did not differ significantly between groups. Treatment completely resolved CTS symptoms in 82% of ECTR cases and 39% of OCTR cases. Complication rates (all causes) were similar for both procedures. Recurrence was observed in 2.6% of ECTR cases and 10% of OCTR cases. CONCLUSIONS: ECTR is a safe and effective alternative to OCTR for patients with severe CTS.

Elective hand surgery after axillary lymph node dissection for cancer.

After axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), patients are cautioned against ipsilateral interventional procedures to avoid the theoretical increased risk of postoperative complications, particularly lymphedema. The authors' goal was to evaluate the complications of elective hand surgery after ALND. The authors reviewed patients presenting to their hand clinic from 1998 to 2011, selecting those with a diagnosis of breast cancer or melanoma and a history of previous ALND; the authors excluded those treated nonoperatively and those treated with elective surgery in the contralateral hand. Average age of the 22 patients meeting the criteria (20 with a history of breast cancer, 6 with preexisting lymphedema) was 53.9 years (range, 26.7 to 73.6 years) at the time of ALND and 63.1 years (range, 31.7 to 83.5 years) at the time of hand surgery. Average interval between surgeries was 9.2 years (range, 8 days to 37.3 years). Follow-up averaged 9.2 months (range, 8 days to 41.7 months). Fifteen patients were surveyed for long-term postoperative results (average surgery-to-survey interval, 4.3 years [range, 1 to 11.9 years]). Fifteen patients had uneventful postoperative recoveries, 4 had peri-incisional erythema requiring oral antibiotics, 1 had incisional pain and scarring, 1 had chronic wound-healing issues, and 1 had a dehiscence requiring a return to the operating room. In the 15 patients who completed the follow-up survey, there was no disease exacerbation in the 3 patients with preexisting lymphedema, and there were no new cases of lymphedema. Routine minor hand surgery did not result in lymphedema and did not increase existing lymphedema in these patients with previous ipsilateral ALND, but almost one-third of them had short-term complications in the postoperative recovery period.

Concomitant upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma limb-sparing resection and functional reconstruction: assessment of outcomes and costs of surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate functional outcomes and cost impacts of immediate functional reconstruction performed in conjunction with limb-sparing resection of upper extremity soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: Patients undergoing simultaneous limb-sparing upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection and functional reconstruction between December 1998 and March 2004 were retrospectively identified, their medical records reviewed, and costs of surgery analyzed. Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed via patient surveys and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). RESULTS: Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 43.3 months. Reconstructions included rotational innervated muscle flaps (n = 6), free innervated myocutaneous flaps (n = 1), and tendon transfers or grafts (n = 6). Overall survival was 85 % (n = 11) and disease-free survival was 77 % (n = 10). Average total cost of surgery was $26,655. Patients undergoing reconstruction for hand and forearm sarcomas had significantly higher total costs of surgery than those undergoing reconstruction for elbow and upper arm sarcomas. Survey response rate was 91 % (n = 10). Average TESS score was 76. Of the patients who worked preoperatively, 88 % returned to work postoperatively, and all patients who returned to work currently use their affected limb at work. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing immediate functional reconstruction for upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection achieved very good to excellent functional outcomes with quick recovery times and a high return-to-work rate following immediate functional reconstruction, thereby minimizing surgical cost impacts. Immediate functional reconstruction in the same surgical setting is thus a viable strategy following upper extremity soft tissue sarcoma resection.

CASE REPORT Rotational Vascularized Tibiaplasty After Oncologic Resection and Major Wound Healing Problems: A Novel Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel method to reconstruct, with a vascularized rotational tibiaplasty, a complex femoral defect in an adolescent. METHODS: After a femoral osteosarcoma resection, allograft reconstruction, and chemotherapy, an 11-year-old girl developed recurrent thigh wound infections and femoral allograft osteomyelitis despite multiple operative interventions. At the age of 13, she presented to our center with a complex right thigh wound and an unstable lower extremity secondary to a segmental femoral loss. To reestablish thigh stability and function and to avoid amputation at the hip, the authors performed a rotational vascularized tibiaplasty. The tibia was rotated 180° with the pivot at the knee. The distal tibia was internally stabilized to the residual proximal femur. RESULTS: Ten years later, the patient had a stable thigh, a functional hip, no evidence of infection or sarcoma, and a Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of 92.5 (minimal disability). CONCLUSIONS: In this patient, the tibial rotationplasty provided a vascularized bone strut mimicking the resected femur; saved the hip; obviated an allograft bone; and created a functional, biologic, stable, and durable thigh that allowed full weight bearing on a prosthesis, with a low physical disability level. We conclude that, for patients with complex femoral defects, a vascularized rotational tibiaplasty should be considered a feasible option before amputation.

Corticosteroid injection therapy for trigger finger or thumb: a retrospective review of 577 digits.

BACKGROUND: Stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon (trigger digit) is a common condition encountered by hand surgeons. Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of corticosteroid injections and review the demographic profile of patients with trigger digits. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 362 patients (577 trigger digits) treated with steroid injections (8 mg of triamcinolone acetonide in 1 % lidocaine) from 1998 through 2011. Follow-up (intervention to last visit) averaged 66.4 months. We assessed patient demographics (e.g., gender, age, diabetes mellitus, hand dominance, trigger digit distribution) and determined recurrence rate and injection duration of efficacy. If one injection failed, additional injections or surgical A1 pulley release were offered. Results were analyzed with Student's t test or Fisher's exact test (significance, p < 0.05). RESULTS: Women (258, 71.3 %) were affected significantly (p < 0.001) more frequently than men (104, 28.7 %) and at a significantly (p < 0.001) younger age (average, 58.3 versus 62.1 years, respectively). Eighty patients (22.1 %) were diabetic. We observed no correlation between trigger digit and hand dominance. The two most commonly affected digits were the right long finger (17.8 %) and right thumb (17.7 %). For 721 injections, the recurrence rate was 20.3 %; there were no major complications. For recurrences, the injection efficacy averaged 315 days. Surgery was required for 117 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Injection therapy is safe and highly effective (79.7 %). Women were affected by trigger digits more often than men and at a younger age. Surgical release provides a definitive therapeutic option if corticosteroid injection fails.

Hereditary multiple exostoses in the hands and fingers: early presentation and early surgical treatment in family members. Case reports.

Hereditary multiple exostosis (HME) is a benign condition with multiple bony tumors with cartilage caps (osteochondromas), mainly presenting in the long and flat bones. Usually the presentation for HME is between 2 and 10 years of age and most are seen by 4 years of age (Khan et al. 2009). In this paper, we report a family with three members (father, son, and a daughter) who had very early presentations of HME in the fingers within the first 2 years of age. The son presented with bony nodules at 7 months of age, and he required surgery at 13 months of age for a severe functional deformity of his left ring finger. He also had an unusual histological presentation on his osteochondroma that consists of only subperiosteal cartilage without ossification.

Prone positioning precautions in plastic surgery.

Prone positioning carries with it risks associated with neural and vascular compression. Meticulous attention to avoiding compression will protect against the risks associated with improper positioning, particularly for plastic surgeons.

Cost analysis of functional restoration surgery for extremity soft-tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Limb-sparing surgery, consisting of wide-margin tumor resection and preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy/chemotherapy, has become the surgical treatment of choice for extremity sarcomas. However, adequate tumor resection can sometimes compromise crucial limb function, necessitating functional restoration surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost impact and functional outcomes of such procedures. METHODS: Patients receiving either functional restoration surgery or soft-tissue-only reconstruction following extremity soft-tissue sarcoma excision were identified. Patients were then compared along several dimensions: overall length of stay and its subdivisions, surgical time, and total charges and its subdivisions. Patients' functional outcomes were assessed with the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients who underwent 69 limb-sparing procedures were identified. Fifteen of these procedures (eight upper extremity, seven lower extremity) required functional restoration surgery; 54 of these procedures (13 upper extremity, 41 lower extremity) required only soft-tissue coverage. In the upper extremity, there was a statistically significant increase in overall length of stay (2.8 days) and its subdivisions, surgical time (3.7 hours), and total charges (12,484 dollars) and its subdivisions associated with performing functional restoration surgery. In lower extremity cases, statistically significant increases were determined in only the total charges (9190 dollars) and medical supply charges (13,204 dollars) following functional restoration. Patients who underwent functional restoration surgery had better postoperative function (mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, 82 versus 80), but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although functional restoration surgery is more costly than soft-tissue reconstruction alone, the authors believe that the associated better functional outcome justifies its performance.

Outcomes of re-excision after unplanned excisions of soft-tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Unplanned excisions of soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities occur commonly. Our goal was to evaluate the presence of residual disease, the treatment outcomes as they relate to local and distant recurrence and 5-year survival, and the limb functional outcomes in patients with unplanned sarcoma excision who were treated with re-excision and adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1999, 42 patients presented to our institution after unplanned excision of soft-tissue sarcomas. Of those 42 patients, 38 without gross residual disease or metastatic lesions formed the basis of this review. All 38 patients underwent revision wide excision; most (31) also received adjuvant therapy (radiation and/or chemotherapy). Clinical data were obtained from analysis of patient records and radiographic studies. Univariate analysis was performed with logistical regression, and multivariate analysis was performed with Cox modeling. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate was 91.3% and the disease-free 5-year survival rate was 82.2%. Univariate analysis showed that stage-III disease (American Joint Committee on Cancer classification of soft-tissue sarcomas), lesions below the fascia, a histologic high-grade, and the development of organ metastasis were statistically significant factors for mortality. Stage-III disease also was significant for mortality on multivariate analysis. Only stage-III disease was significant for the development of local recurrence. Eighty-four percent of the patients had good to excellent functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Re-excision with adjuvant therapy proved to be a safe and effective method for treating the disease and preserving limb function.