Comparison of Subungual Glomus Tumours in Terms of Nail Aesthetics and Recurrence According to Size and Location in the Germinal or Sterile Matrix.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effect of subungual glomus tumour size and localization in the germinal or sterile matrix on tumour recurrence and aesthetic outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 35 patients who underwent surgery for a subungual glomus tumour between February 2013 and February 2020, 26 patients - 17 women and 9 men - with 27 subungual glomus tumours fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average age was 37.3 (22-58) years. According to the patients' surgical notes and preoperative magnetic resonance images 14 tumours were located in the sterile, 13 in the germinal matrix, and the mean size of the glomus tumours located in the germinal matrix was 4.9±1.7 mm, in the sterile matrix 3.6±1.0 mm. At the postoperative 12th month follow-up visit nail aesthetic was evaluated objectively according to Zook's fingernail appearance scoring. In addition, patients were asked to evaluate the pain and nail appearance in the involved finger by VAS (Visual Analog Scale 0-10). Patients who experienced recurrence were noted. RESULTS: No significant Zook's fingernail appearance score differences were observed between germinal and sterile matrix groups (p=0.097). Comparison of VAS score for pain and VAS score for nail appearance between the two groups also yielded similar values (p=0.449 and 0.395, respectively). The recurrence rate was similar at both locations (p=0.557) with 3 recurrences in the germinal, and 2 in the sterile matrix group. There was no relation between tumour size, Zook's fingernail appearance score (p=0.874) and recurrence (p=0.784). The observed germinal matrix glomus tumours were significantly larger than the sterile matrix tumours (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: Neither subungual glomus tumour size nor localization in the germinal or sterile matrices has different effects on nail appearance and recurrence.

Comparison of Distal Radius Autograft Technique with Iliac Crest Autograft Technique in Solitary Finger Enchondromas.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of autografts obtained from the iliac crest (IC) and distal radius (DR) and to evaluate their superiority for surgical treatment of solitary finger enchondromas. Methods: Twenty-five patients for whom curettage and autografting were carried out for finger enchondroma were retrospectively analyzed. DR autograft was used in eight patients and IC autograft was used in 17 patients. Data on pre-operative total active motion (TAM), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores of the involved finger, duration of surgery, amount of bleeding during the operation, length of hospital stay, presence of complications related to anesthesia, and post-operative donor site morbidity were obtained. Pre-operative and post-operative 12th month radiographies were evaluated for pre-operative tumor volume, post-operative remnant volume, and Tordai radiologic evaluation grade. Results: No statistically significant difference could be identified between post-operative TAM (p=0.154), DASH (p=0.458), pain VAS scores (p=0.571), remnant volume (p=0.496), Tordai radiologic evaluation grade (p=0.522), duration of surgery (p=0.288), and amount of bleeding (p=0.114) between DR and IC groups. However, mean hospital stay duration was shorter for the DR group (p=0.0001). Recurrence was observed in one patient in the DR group and three patients in the IC group (p=0.996). Conclusion: The clinical and radiological outcomes of grafting from the DR and IC were similar in the treatment of hand enchondromas. However, grafting from the DR may result in shorter hospital stay compared to IC grafting.

Thumb duplication classifications: Is there still a need for improvement?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the usefulness of two systems in classifying thumb duplication cases and give some examples of the cases we believe that are unclassifiable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and January 2018, a total of 50 patients (29 males, 21 females; median age: 46.4±68.3 months; range, 1 to 318 months) with thumb duplications as assessed according to the Wassel and Rotterdam classification systems were included. RESULTS: Duplication was present in the right hand in 28, in the left hand in 21, and in both hands in one patient. According to the Wassel classification system, 45 patients could be allocated in any of the types; however, five patients could not be classified. According to the Rotterdam classification, 47 cases fell into one of the classifications; however, three cases could not be classified. CONCLUSION: Despite efforts to find the best classification system for thumb duplications, the proposed systems may not fully cover the presented radial polydactyly cases, and additions to the system are required.

Clinical results of free vascularized fibula graft in the management of precollapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate clinical results, femoral head survival, and the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with precollapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH) (Steinberg stage II and III) treated by free vascularized fibula graft (FVFG) application. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 54 hips of 47 patients (39 males, eight females; mean age 36 ± 14 years) who underwent FVFG due to OFH, with at least two years of follow-up. The patient data, including Harris Hip Score (HHS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and conversion to THA, were documented. RESULTS: The right hip of 26 patients and the left hip of 28 patients were involved. Bilateral FVFG surgery was performed on seven patients due to bilateral OFH. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 (range 2-14) years. Survival of the femoral head was observed in 39 hips (72.2%), while the femoral head collapse was observed in 15 femoral heads (27.8%). The mean preoperative HHS increased from 46.5 (range=12-85) to 86.5 (range=33-100) postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative VAS score improved from 8.2 (range=2-10) to 1.3 (range=0-10) postoperatively (P < 0.001). THA was performed on seven hips at a mean follow-up time of 1.8 years (range=0.7-3.3). There was no significant difference in the collapse rate between unilateral or bilateral OFH (P=0.175). A higher survival rate was observed in the Steinberg stage II femoral head patients compared to the stage III femoral head (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: This study has shown that FVFG surgery can be a good option for managing patients with Steinberg stage II and III precollapse OFH to prevent femoral head collapse and joint function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Use of Corrective Ulnar Osteotomy and Radial Head Relocation Into Preserved Annular Ligament in the Treatment of Radiocapitellar Instability Secondary to Pediatric Chronic Monteggia Fracture-Dislocation.

PURPOSE: Opening-wedge osteotomy of the ulna restores normal ulnar length and corrects the angulation of the ulna in patients with chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocations. In addition, this eases the reduction of the radial head. Morbidity caused by annular ligament reconstruction surgery can be prevented by preserving the intact annular ligament. After dilatation and mobilization of the annular ligament, reduction of the radial head can be accomplished. This study evaluated the effectiveness of corrective opening-wedge ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into the intact annular ligament in the treatment of radiocapitellar instability secondary to pediatric chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation. METHODS: Fourteen patients diagnosed with radial head dislocation associated with plastic deformation of the ulna or ulnar fracture were included in the study. Radiologic and clinical results of these patients who underwent corrective ulnar osteotomy and radial head relocation into an intact annular ligament were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 7.4 years (range, 3 years to 12 years). The average time between the injury and surgery was 19.1 months (median, 8 months; range, 3 months to 66 months); the average follow-up period was 28.7 months (range, 12 months to 60 months). The mean Kim score was 69.6 (range, 50 to 75) preoperatively and 92.9 (60 to 100) at last follow-up. According to Kim score, the results were considered excellent in 12 cases and poor in 2 cases. Radial head subluxation recurred in 2 separate cases. In addition, chondrolysis changes were seen in 1 case. Reduction loss and osteoarthritic changes in the radiocapitellar joint were considered poor results in follow-up radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective ulnar osteotomy and relocating the radial head into the intact annular ligament can be safely used for treating chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation cases without radial head and capitellum deformity. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparison of clinical and radiological results of fixation methods with retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire and plate-screw in extra-articular metacarpal fractures.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of retrograde intramedullary Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation with those of plate-screw (PS) fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 98 metacarpal shaft fractures in 75 patients (65 males, 10 females; mean age: 31.2±10.9 years; range, 16 to 65 years) were included between January 2011 and December 2017. The total joint active range of motion (AROM) and grip strength of the healthy and broken hands were evaluated. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were recorded. We compared surgery duration, number of fluoroscopy images, and cost-effectiveness for each technique. RESULTS: The overall mean follow-up was 21.9 (range, 12 to 56) months. At the last follow-up, total joint AROM (p=0.072), VAS score (p=0.298), QuickDASH score (p=0.132), and hand grip strength (p=0.947) were similar between the groups. Radiological union occurred in the PS and K-wire groups in a mean of 5.84 (range, 3 to 8) and 4.46 (range, 3 to 20) weeks, respectively (p=0.173). A significant difference was found in surgery duration (p=0.021) and number of fluoroscopy images (p<0.05) between the PS and K-wire groups. Two wound complications were observed in the PS group and one with K-wires. CONCLUSION: Retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation has certain advantages such as being less invasive and more accessible with shorter operation time, compared to PS fixation. Similar radiological and clinical scores can be obtained in patients undergoing retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation or PS fixation.

Free Serratus Fascia Flap for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects Involving the Distal Upper and Lower Extremity.

BACKGROUND: Free fascial flaps are widely used for the reconstruction of defects located on the distal extremities as they provide thin yet durable soft tissue coverage. The serratus anterior fascia flap stands out from other fascial flap alternatives as it has optimal anatomical properties that can provide ideal coverage in a wide range of reconstructive challenges. The purpose of this study was to present our experience with the serratus anterior fascia flap in a variety of complex soft tissue defects. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent reconstruction with the free serratus anterior fascia flap for complex soft tissue defects involving the distal extremities. RESULTS: Complex soft tissue defects of 13 patients were reconstructed using the free serratus fascia flap. No major postoperative complications such as flap loss, dehiscence, infection, or hematoma were encountered in any of the patients. All of the patients demonstrated durable and harmonious long-term flap coverage that facilitated movement without any signs of scar contractures and tendon adhesions at the site of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The serratus anterior fascia flap demonstrates versatility and stability for the closure of complex distal extremity defects. It creates thin yet durable coverage that facilitates underlying tendon gliding while providing harmony with the natural contours of these anatomic areas and has low donor site morbidity, making it a primary choice in the reconstruction complex soft tissue defects involving the hands and feet.

Comparison of low-profile plate-screw and Kirschner-wire osteosynthesis outcomes in extra-articular unstable proximal phalangeal fractures.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to present the radiological and clinical results of Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation and low-profile plate-screw fixation applied to unstable proximal phalangeal fractures without extension to the joint. METHODS: Clinical and radiological data of 22 patients who underwent fixation with open reduction and low-profile 1.5-mm titanium mini plate and unlocked screws and 18 patients who underwent fixation with K-wire due to closed, unstable extra-articular proximal phalangeal fractures were retrospectively examined. All evaluation and statistical analyses were based on sixth postoperative month evaluation parameters. Active and passive metacarpophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joint range of motions, total joint range of motion, measurement of grip strength for fractured and healthy hands, visual analog scoring, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores, measurement of distance between the pulpa and palmar curve in the operated finger, Belsky score, reoperation, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Radiological union was achieved in all patients in a mean duration of 4.2 (3-6) weeks. When the functional results of the patients were evaluated, the mean active metacarpophalangeal joint flexion was 87.3° (75°-90°), mean proximal interphalangeal joint flexion was 94.3° (65°-100°), mean distal interphalangeal joint flexion was 77.6° (75°-80°), and mean total range of motion was 259° (210°-270°). The grip strength of the fractured hand was 52.7 (40-58) kgW, whereas that of the healthy hand was 54.4 (42-60) kgW. The mean value of visual analog score was 0.8 (0-2), mean score for disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand was 7 (2-27), and mean distance between the finger pulpa and finger curve was 3 (0-8) mm. CONCLUSION: Plate-screw osteosynthesis in the extra-articular, unstable fractures of the proximal phalanx, which is "small" compared with the body but has a "major function" for the hand and upper extremity, allows for rigid fixation, short immobilization, and early motion in spiral/oblique-fragmented fractures. K-wire fixation, an alternative treatment modality, applied to selected fracture patterns with appropriate indications can achieve good-excellent results radiologically and functionally.

The effect of skin expansion on acellular dermis in an experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: Although acellular dermis is widely used in prosthesis-based breast reconstruction, there is no study evaluating its expandability and histological, ultra-structural related changes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether acellular dermis could be expanded and whether the histological changes occurring in the skin with tissue expansion is different from normal when acellular dermis is used. METHODS: Twenty-two male Wistar rats were used in this study. In group 1 (n = 6), a rectangular-shaped tissue expander with final volume of 35 ml was placed subcutaneously. In group 2 (n = 6) tissue expander was placed submuscularly. In group 3 (n = 6), a 4 × 5 cm, acellular dermis was inserted and sutured in place, tissue expander was placed underneath acellular dermis. Group 4 (n = 4) was control, no procedure was done after creation of a pocket. After day 30, tissue expanders were inflated with 2 ml every 2 days with saline solution. On day 66, midvertical, midhorizontal surface expansion measurements were recorded. Samples were examined macroscopically. Biopsies were taken from mid-point of the expanded full-thickness flap. Histological evaluation, total skin thickness, epidermal thickness, and the amount of vascularisation were measured. RESULTS: There was no expansion noted on the acellular dermis; however, acellular dermis increased vascularity and decreased the thinning of the overlying skin and thickening of the epidermis when compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Acellular dermis use can be beneficial in implant-based breast reconstruction in terms of morbidity and its tissue support.

Results of screw fixation in Mason type II radial head fractures.

PURPOSE: The treatment of Mason type II fractures is controversial, and the aim of our study is to define the outcome of surgical treatment with screw fixation in the Mason type II radial head fracture. METHODS: The study was carried out between 2011 and 2015, and included 14 men and 9 women, with isolated Mason type II radial head fractures which were treated operatively with screw fixation. Cases involving the additional ligament injury or fractures in other areas, or having a follow-up period which is greater than 11 months were excluded. The clinical and radiological results of our patients were assessed, using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). RESULTS: The average MEPS was 95.86 points. 100 degree arcs of motion were attained by a total of 21 patients (91 %) for both flexion-extension and pronation-supination. Nevertheless, 2 patients (9 %) did not recover the 100 degree arcs for the flexion-extension. CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction of type II radial head fractures through open surgery and fixation with screws can have favorable results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective design.

Humanitarian Activities of Interplast Turkiye: 6 Years of Experience in Uzbekistan for Surgical Treatment of Cleft Patients and Related Secondary Deformities.

Cleft lip and palate (CL/P) is one of the leading congenital deformities among the world. Children born with CL/P experience problems with feeding, speech, hearing, and dentition. In developed countries, CL/P patients are receiving optimal health care involving multidisciplinary team approach and staged surgical operations, whereas in developing countries, there is severe shortage of both medical and financial sources. To overcome these limitations, humanitarian surgical missions are essential. The aim of this article is to share our experience of humanitarian surgical mission in Uzbekistan consisting of 6 consecutive visits between 2009 and 2014. The series of these humanitarian activities consisting of 6 consecutive visits was organized by the cooperation of Interplast Turkiye and governmental Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency. After initial evaluation, triage at the initial setting and prompt anesthesia evaluation among many more of them, 529 patients mostly with cleft, craniofacial, or congenital deformities were operated. The success of this type of mission is not solely based on the expertise of the team members, but also meticulous planning, patient selection, good coordination with the local colleagues and communication. At this point, caregivers attending from a culturally close and similar language-spoken countries will certainly have more advantages in achieving a mission. Volunteer surgical missions for congenital deformities can be an important relief for this burden in developing countries. Nevertheless, training the native surgeons and supporting the plastic surgery foundations in these countries are as important as providing the necessary health care by such humanitarian missions.

The Effect of Thrombolytic, Anticoagulant, and Vasodilator Agents on the Survival of Random Pattern Skin Flap.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subcutaneously applied thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and vasodilator agents on the survival of random-pattern skin flap. METHODS: A caudally based dorsal flap model was used in 24 rats in four groups. In group 1 (n = 6), flap was elevated and sutured. In group 2 (n = 6), enoxaparin sodium was injected subcutaneously immediately after surgery, on days 1 and 2. In group 3 (n = 6), a transdermal nitroglycerin was applied directly following surgery, on days 1 and 2. In group 4 (n = 6), alteplase was injected subcutaneously immediately after surgery, on days 1 and 2. Blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry at the proximal and distal halves of flap before, immediately after surgery, and on days 3 and 7. Histologic samples were taken from the same locations on day 3 and day 7 postoperatively. Vessel and lymphocyte count was obtained. Photographs were taken to determine flap necrosis areas at day 7 postoperatively. RESULTS: Area of skin necrosis was found to be less in all medication groups. But only enoxaparin sodium group showed significant decrease in skin necrosis (p < 0.05). Laser Doppler flowmetry showed a gradual decrease in all groups over time, with no statistically significant result. The histologic findings revealed the induction of angiogenesis in all experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneously applied thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and vasodilator agents increase random-pattern skin flap survival with only enoxaparin sodium showing significant decrease in flap necrosis.

Giant acquired periungual fibrokeratoma of the thumb: case report and review.

Fibrokeratoma is a benign fibrous tumor which usually arises in fingers and toes. Tumor size is usually small, around 3-5 mm. We report a giant acquired periungual fibrokeratoma of the thumb in this study. The size of the tumor is 40 × 25 × 21 mm(3). Clinical and histopathological characteristics of acquired fibrokeratoma are also reviewed.

Hypercoagulability in microvascular breast reconstruction: an algorithmic approach for an underestimated situation.

Despite appropriate surgical technique and follow-up, flap failures can be encountered for which no valid reason is evident. Current literature states that these unpredictable flap failures can be caused by unknown patient factors, such as undiagnosed hypercoagulability. Our approach and experience utilizing an algorithm to minimize unpredictable failures in microvascular breast reconstruction by predetermining hypercoagulation risk factors in preoperative patients is presented. A prospective assessment of microsurgical breast reconstruction candidates between October 2007 and December 2010 was conducted. Patients were questioned about their tendency toward hypercoagulation. A thrombophilia panel was requested for patients confirming any risk factors. Appropriate surgical planning was conducted according to results of the panel. Of the 60 patients thoroughly questioned about hypercoagulation tendency, 21 (35%) confirmed having prothrombotic tendency and were referred to the thrombophilia testing. The results indicated hypercoagulation in 9 (15%) patients. The primary reconstruction plan of utilizing free flaps was abandoned for these patients and pedicled flaps or implants were preferred for reconstruction. These percentages emphasize the value of questioning risk factors and testing for hypercoagulation in patients seeking microsurgical breast reconstruction. We believe that detailed preoperative questioning of risk factors and appropriate testing according to prothrombotic tendency is beneficial in minimizing unpredictable flap failures and increasing rates of success.

The effect of surgical and chemical denervation on ischaemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Denervation decreases skeletal muscle's energy needs and alters its metabolism and circulation. Our study was designed in two stages to investigate the effects of surgical and chemical denervation on the ischaemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle. Degenerative histological analysis, apoptosis scoring and tissue levels of malonyl-di-aldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide end products (NOx) were studied to understand the extent of ischaemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscles. MATERIALS-METHODS: In the first stage, the effect of surgical denervation was investigated in four groups each containing six rats. The right biceps femoris muscle was used as the experimental muscle flap model. In the control group, only the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle was applied. Ischaemia was created by a tourniquet strictly wrapping the right lower extremity for 4 h. After ischaemia, the tourniquet was cut, and the extremity was reperfused for another 4 h. In the experimental groups, surgical denervation was applied 1 day, 7 days and 30 days before the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle. On the second stage, the effect of chemical denervation with botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) was investigated in three groups, each containing six rats. In the experimental groups, BoNT-A was applied 1 day, 7 days and 30 days before the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle. RESULTS: The control group had the worst scores in all experiment parameters. Degenerative histology and apoptosis scores were significantly better in groups to which BoNT-A and SD were applied 1 or 7 days before the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle. Regarding tissue levels of MDA and NOx, the experiment groups had significantly better scores comparing to the control group. CONCLUSION: Both surgical and chemical denervation applied before muscle transfer increased muscle ischaemia tolerance. With similar experimental outcomes, denervation with BoNT-A can be preferred to surgical denervation because of its abundant clinical availability and it can be applied without any secondary surgery.