Desmoplastic Fibroma of the Phalanx of the Hand: A Rare Case Report.

Desmoplastic fibroma is a rare primary benign bone tumour that typically affects the long bones, mandible, and pelvis. It has a similar local aggressiveness to soft tissue fibromatosis. It rarely involves the small bones of the hand. We describe an extremely rare case of desmoplastic fibroma of the proximal phalanx of the hand in a patient who presented with an aggressively enlarging but painless mass on the left ring finger. Radiological features suggested malignancy; however, an initial biopsy revealed fibrotic tissue. Trans-metacarpal amputation of the ring and little fingers and soft tissue reconstruction were performed using a local ulnar-based flap of the little finger. The final histopathological evaluation revealed desmoplastic fibroma. Aggressively growing masses in the hand should be treated according to a sarcoma management protocol, and desmoplastic fibroma should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Osteoid osteomas of the hands and feet: a series of 71 cases.

Osteoid osteomas typically arise in the long bones of extremities. Patients often report pain relieved by NSAIDS, and radiographic findings are often sufficient for diagnosis. However, when involving the hands/feet, these lesions may go unrecognized or misdiagnosed radiographically due to their small size and prominent reactive changes. The clinicopathologic features of this entity involving the hands and feet are not well-described. Our institutional and consultation archives were searched for all cases of pathologically confirmed osteoid osteomas arising in the hands and feet. Clinical data was obtained and recorded. Seventy-one cases (45 males and 26 females, 7 to 64 years; median 23 years) arose in the hands and feet, representing 12% of institutional and 23% of consultation cases. The clinical impression often included neoplastic and inflammatory etiologies. Radiology studies demonstrated a small lytic lesion in all cases (33/33), the majority of which had a tiny focus of central calcification (26/33). Nearly, all cases demonstrated cortical thickening and/or sclerosis and perilesional edema which almost always had an extent two times greater than the size of the nidus. Histologic examination showed circumscribed osteoblastic lesions with formation of variably mineralized woven bone with single layer of osteoblastic rimming. The most common growth pattern of bone was trabecular (n = 34, 48%) followed by combined trabecular and sheet-like (n = 26, 37%) with only 11 (15%) cases presenting with pure sheet-like growth pattern. The majority (n = 57, 80%) showed intra-trabecular vascular stroma. No case showed significant cytology atypia. Follow up was available for 48 cases (1-432 months), and 4 cases recurred. Osteoid osteomas involving the hands and feet follow a similar age and sex distribution as their non-acral counterparts. These lesions often present with a broad differential diagnosis and may initially be confused with chronic osteomyelitis or a reactive process. While the majority of cases have classic morphologic features on histologic exam, a small subset consists solely of sheet-like sclerotic bone. Awareness that this entity may present in the hands and feet will help pathologists, radiologists, and clinicians accurately diagnose these tumors.

Chondrosarcoma of Great Toe: A Case Report.

Introduction: Chondrosarcoma (CHS) of the toes is very rare and the involvement of phalanges is extremely rare. The osteolytic destruction of this tumor severely affects limb function and carries the risk of distant metastasis. These tumors are removed surgically to minimize local recurrence and distant metastases, maximize limb function with better prognosis. The main objective of this report is to present the case of a CHS that invaded the phalanx of the left great toe and formed a large phalangeal mass with osteolytic destruction of the distal bone. Case Report: This case report includes a 60-year-old man suffering from swelling of his left great toe for 2 years, with pain and swelling for 6 months. Serial hematological, radiological and tumor investigations were done. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined peripherally enhancing multilobulated soft-tissue mass with central necrotic component involving the entire proximal phalanx of left great toe extending to distal phalanx and head of first metatarsal. The patient was planned for operative intervention due to the possibility of invasion into the adjacent bones. The tumor was excised and sent for histopathological examination, which was reported as Grade 2 CHS (PT, Nx, and Mx) and was S100 positive. The patient has been followed-up for 5 months. Results: There were no signs of local recurrence or distant metastasis on radiological investigations or clinical assessment during follow-ups. Conclusion: CHS occurring in toes is extremely rare. In this case, extensive surgical resection of the large low-grade CHS was safe and effective.

Finite Element Analysis of the Mechanical Strength of Phalangeal Osteosynthesis Using Kirschner Wires.

Background: Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation is widely used to repair metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. In this study, we simulated K-wire osteosynthesis of a 3-dimensional (3D) phalangeal fracture model and investigated the fixation strength at various K-wire diameters and insertion angles to clarify the optimal K-wire fixation method for phalangeal fractures. Methods: The 3D phalangeal fracture models were created by using computed tomographic (CT) images of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger in five young healthy volunteers and five elderly osteoporotic patients. Two elongated cylinders representing K-wires were inserted according to various cross-pinning methods; the wire diameters were 1.0, 1.2, 1.5 and 1.8 mm, and the wire insertion angles (i.e. the angle between the fracture line and the K-wire) were 30°, 45° and 60°. The mechanical strength of the K-wire fixed fracture model was investigated by using finite element analysis (FEA). Results: The fixation strength increased with increasing wire diameter and insertion angle. Insertion of 1.8-mm wires at 60° achieved the strongest fixation force in this series. Fixation strength was generally stronger in the younger group than the elderly group. Dispersion of stress to cortical bone was a critical factor to increase fixation strength. Conclusions: We developed a 3D phalangeal fracture model into which we inserted K-wires; using FEA, we clarified the optimal crossed K-wire fixation method for phalangeal fractures. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Osteoid osteoma in the bones of the hand: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a common benign bone tumor. OO is observed most frequently in the long bones, especially in the tibia and femur. When occurring in the bones of the hand, OO can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of occurrence, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options regarding OO in hand bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature. All studies from the online databases PubMed and SpringerLink, which reported cases of osteoid osteomas in the bones of the hand, were included. By summarizing the literature, we evaluated the localization within the hand as well as diagnostic and therapeutic options. RESULTS: We included 133 studies reporting 401 cases. OO was mostly common in the phalanges. The diagnosis was mostly made by CT (computed tomography) scan. Most of the OO were treated surgically by open curettage or en bloc resection. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoid osteomas in the bones of the hand are rare and a delayed diagnosis is common. In cases of pain combined with particular symptoms such as nail hypertrophy and swelling OO should be considered. Of the most used imaging methods, CT scans have the highest sensitivity.

[Micro-locking plate external fixation for the treatment of proximal phalanx comminuted fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of external placement of micro-locking plate combined with small incision reduction in treating proximal phalanx comminuted fractures. METHODS: From January 2018 to December 2019, 17 patients with proximal phalanx comminuted fractures were treated with micro-locking plate combined with small incision open reduction, including 13 males and 4 females, aged from 16 to 64 years old with an average of (37.2±20.1) years old. Two patients were accompanied by soft tissue extrusion and opening injuries, which were treated with fixed treatment after the first-stage emergency debridement. Curative effect was evaluated according to total active flexion scale (TAFS) of American Hand Surgery Association at 6 months after operation;and fracture healing, nailing, local soft tissue healing, complications were observed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 6 to 12 months with an avaerge of(9.3±3.6) months. Two patients occurred delayed union, 1 occurred local skin necrosis and was treated with the second-stage skin grafting to repair wound surface. No external screw breakage or infection was reported, skin soft tissue healed favorably and reached bony union, the union time from 12 to 24 weeks with an average of (15.7±2.1) weeks. According to TAFS standard, 9 patients got excellent result, 5 good and 3 poor at 6 months after operation. CONCLUSION: External micro-locking plate combined with small incision reduction in treating proximal phalanx comminuted fracture, which has advantages of good condition of skin and soft tissue, simple operation, early functional exercise, good range of motion of interphalanx joint, and function score of recovery period is high.

Momificación natural de falanges como consecuencia de meningococemia fulminante. A propósito de un caso / Natural mummification of phalanges as a consequence of fulminant meningococcemia. About a case

Fundamento: Las infecciones del sistema nervioso central constituyen una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad neurológica. La púrpura fulminante o meningococemia es una enfermedad grave que evoluciona a severas complicaciones y secuelas, sin embargo, es infrecuente que ocurra momificación o amputación natural de los dedos de las manos y los pies. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente con meningococemia fulminante, al cual se le momificaron de manera natural las falanges de las manos y los pies como consecuencia de la enfermedad. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un paciente de 18 años de edad que fue diagnosticado con meningococemia. Clínicamente presentó fiebre, cefalea intensa, lesiones purpúrico hemorrágicas, petequias y hematomas en piel, evolutivamente shock séptico y disfunción múltiple de órganos. Posterior a 16 días de estadía en sala egresó vivo del hospital, pero con secuelas caracterizadas por momificación de las falanges de las manos y los pies. Conclusiones: La meningococemia es una enfermedad aguda, potencialmente mortal y se reporta mayormente en la edad pediátrica. Entre los sobrevivientes es infrecuente que ocurra la momificación de las falanges de las manos y los pies, como ocurrió en el caso reportado.

Background: Infections of the central nervous system are a significant cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. Purpura fulminans or meningococcemia is a serious disease that evolves into severe complications and sequelae, however it is infrequent for mummification or natural amputation of fingers and toes to occur. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with fulminant meningococcemia, in whom hands and feet phalanges were naturally mummified as a consequence of the disease. Case report: An 18-year-old patient diagnosed with meningococcemia is presented. Clinically, he presented fever, intense headache, purpuric hemorrhagic lesions, petechiae and bruises on the skin, progressively septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction. After 16 days in hospital, he was discharged alive, but with some sequelae characterized by mummification of the hands and feet phalanges. Conclusions: Meningococcemia is an acute, life-threatening disease and is mostly reported in the pediatric age. Mummification of the hands and feet phalanges is uncommon among survivors, as occurred in the reported case.

Successful Reconstruction of Proximal Phalanx Condylar Fracture in an Athlete Using Auto-Osteochondral Graft from the Base of Fifth Metacarpus: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Intra-articular fractures of the proximal phalanx head, especially with the condylar defect, are relatively rare but challenging for surgical treatment. Although several surgical procedures are available to reconstruct articular cartilage defects, the optimal method is unclear. This study reports a successful osteochondral reconstruction of proximal phalanx condylar defect in an athlete using the articular portion of the fifth metacarpal base.

Chondrosarcoma of the toe: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Chondrosarcoma of the foot is a rare malignant bone tumour, and it is even rarer when it originates in a toe bone. Surgical excision is the only effective treatment. The osteolytic destruction of the tumour severely affects limb function and carries the risk of distant metastasis. Most such tumours are removed surgically to minimize local recurrence and distant metastases, maximize limb function, and prolong the patient's tumour-free survival time. The main objective of this article is to present the case of a chondrosarcoma that invaded the first phalanx of the left foot and formed a large phalangeal mass with osteolytic destruction of the distal bone. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old man suffered from swelling of his left toe for six months, with pain and swelling for two months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumour on the first phalanx of the left foot was approximately 54.9 mm × 44.6 mm, surrounded by a significant soft tissue signal mass, with osteolytic destruction of the distal phalanx and a speckled bone-like high-density shadow within it. CONCLUSION: Chondrosarcoma occurring in a toe bone is extremely rare. In this case, extensive surgical resection of the large low-grade chondrosarcoma, which showed osteolytic destruction and invaded the distal metatarsal bone, was safe and effective.

The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study: the management of open fracture care in the UK.

AIMS: The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK. METHOD: Patients admitted to hospital with an open fracture (excluding phalanges or isolated hand injuries) between 1 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 were included. Institutional information governance approval was obtained at the lead site and all data entered using Research Electronic Data Capture software. All domains of the British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Open Fracture Management were recorded. RESULTS: Across 51 centres, 1,175 patients were analyzed. Antibiotics were given to 754 (69.0%) in the emergency department, 240 (22.0%) pre-hospital, and 99 (9.1%) as inpatients. Wounds were photographed in 848 (72.7%) cases. Median time to first surgery was 16 hrs 14 mins (interquartile range (IQR) 8 hrs 29 mins to 23 hrs 19 mins). Complex injuries were operated on sooner (median 12 hrs 51 mins (IQR 4 hrs 36 mins to 21 hrs 14 mins)). Of initial procedures, 1,053 (90.3%) occurred between 8am and 8pm. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon was present at 1,039 (89.2%) first procedures. In orthoplastic centres, a consultant plastic surgeon was present at 465 (45.1%) first procedures. Overall, 706 (60.8%) patients required a single operation. At primary debridement, 798 (65.0%) fractures were definitively fixed, while 734 (59.8%) fractures had fixation and coverage in one operation through direct closure or soft-tissue coverage. Negative pressure wound therapy was used in 235 (67.7%) staged procedures. Following wound closure or soft-tissue cover, 509 (47.0%) patients received antibiotics for a median of three days (IQR 1 to 7). CONCLUSION: OPEN provides an insight into care across the UK and different levels of hospital for open fractures. Patients are predominantly operated on promptly, in working hours, and at specialist centres. Areas for improvement include combined patient review and follow-up, scheduled operating, earlier definitive soft-tissue cover, and more robust antibiotic husbandry.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1073-1080.

Outcome of Buried Versus Exposed Kirchner Wires in Terms of Infection in Fractures of Phalanges and Metacarpal Bones of Hand.

Introduction and objective The fracture of hand bones is very common among manual hand workers and a fractured hand imparts a great effect on a person's productivity both socioeconomically and from a body image point of view. The most common method of hand fractures fixation is with the help of Kirschner wires. Kirchner wires can be inserted in exposed or in buried manner. There are a few studies that provide a comparative analysis of rate of infection between these two techniques. This study aimed to assess the rate of infection in buried versus exposed Kirschner (K)-wires for hand fractures. Material and method The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with consecutive non-random sampling. It was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and lasted from June to December 2019. Blinding was not possible as both the operating surgeon and patient were aware of the procedure being done; however, the assessor was blinded and was not aware which group got which treatment. Total 122 patients with fractures of metacarpals and phalanges of hand were included in the study and were divided into two groups with 61 patients in each. Group A was treated with buried K-wires and group B with exposed K-wires. The patients were followed for one month for the outcomes in terms of infection in the patients. Results Group A had 24 females (39.3%) and 37 males (60.7%). Group B had 16 females (26.2%) and 45 males (73.8%). In group A, nine (14.8%) patients had ages between 10 and 20 years, 18 (29.5%) patients between 21 and 30 years, 14 (23.0%) patients between 31 and 40 years, 11 (18.0%) patients between 41 and 50 years, and nine (14.8%) were between 51 and 60 years. The mean duration of surgery was 35.16 minutes for group A and 27.30 minutes for group B. Based on modified Oppenheim scoring system for pin site infection, out of 61 patients, seven (11.5%) with buried K-wires while 14 (23%) with exposed K-wires developed pin site infection. Conclusion Rate of infection is low in buried K-wires as compared to exposed K-wires though not statistically significant (p>0.05) for the fractures of metacarpals and phalangeal fractures of hand.

Sensenbrenner Syndrome Presenting with Severe Anorexia, Failure to Thrive, Chronic Kidney Disease and Angel-Shaped Middle Phalanges in Two Siblings.

Sensenbrenner syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by variants in genes involved in the functional development of primary cilia. Typical clinical manifestations include craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities, hence the alternative name cranioectodermal dysplasia. Chronic kidney disease due to progressive tubulointerstitial nephritis (nephronophthisis) has been described in these patients. The authors present 2siblings with severe anorexia, failure to thrive, chronic kidney disease, and angel-shaped middle phalanges. Two previously described variants p.(Leu641*) and p.(Asp841Val) were identified in the WDR35 gene which is most commonly affected in this condition. Analysis of all coding exons of the GDF5 gene was normal. This is the first report of Sensenbrenner syndrome presenting with severe anorexia and failure to thrive at early age. Angel-shaped middle phalanges in the absence of the GDF5 variant may represent an overlapping phenotypic manifestation of ciliopathy.

Fibular Strut Arthrodesis for Salvage of Campanacci Grade III Giant Cell Tumor of the Hallucal Proximal Phalanx: A Case Report.

Involvement of toe phalanges by giant cell tumor (GCT) is extremely rare; tumors in these locations tend to be aggressive. Whereas aggressive GCTs of the distal phalanx may be managed successfully by en-bloc resection without reconstruction or amputation, management of these lesions, when they involve the proximal phalanx, can be challenging. We present a Campannaci grade III GCT of the hallucal proximal phalanx in a 14-year old girl that had breached into the dorsal soft tissues and the metatarso-phalangeal joint. Wide local resection of the proximal phalanx along with reconstruction arthrodesis with an autologous, non-vascularized fibular strut graft was performed. There was no recurrence at 3 years of follow-up. The patient had an excellent functional outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the outcomes of fibular strut arthrodesis for salvage of GCT of the hallucal proximal phalanx.

Treatment of Multiple Digit Amputation in an Infant Using an Abdominal Pocket Combined with Composite Grafts of the Amputated Distal Phalanxes and Nails.

Retention of the distal phalanxes is important in the treatment of multiple digit amputations in infants to preserve the digit length and nail for functional and cosmetic reasons. We report the case of a 22-month-old boy with multiple digit amputations of his left index, middle, and ring fingers, which were severely mangled and not suitable for replantation. We propose the usefulness of the abdominal pocket method combined with composite grafts of the amputated phalanxes and nails and report the outcome of our case, with 2-year follow-up.

Anatomic and Histological Features of the Extensor Digitorum Longus Tendon Insertion in the Proximal Nail Matrix of the Second Toe.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic and histological landmarks of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) tendon insertion in the proximal nail matrix may be key aspects during surgery exposure in order to avoid permanent nail deformities. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose was to determine the anatomic and histological features of the EDL's insertion to the proximal nail matrix of the second toe. METHODS: A sample of fifty second toes from fresh-frozen human cadavers was included in this study. Using X25-magnification, the proximal nail matrix limits and distal EDL tendon bony insertions were anatomically and histologically detailed. RESULTS: The second toes' EDLs were deeply located with respect to the nail matrix and extended superficially and dorsally to the distal phalanx in all human cadavers. The second toe distal nail matrix was not attached to the dorsal part of the distal phalanx base periosteum. CONCLUSIONS: The EDL is located plantar and directly underneath to the proximal nail matrix as well as dorsally to the bone. The proximal edge of the nail matrix and bed in human cadaver second toes are placed dorsally and overlap the distal EDL insertion. These anatomic and histological features should be used as reference landmarks during digital surgery and invasive procedures.

The effectiveness of distraction lengthening in traumatic hand amputation with Ilizarov mini fixator.

BACKGROUND: Bone distraction lengthening has been used for hand reconstruction. The healing process involved in this technique is affected by many factors. Here, the effectiveness and rates of healing of the phalanges and the metacarpals were evaluated in cases of traumatic finger amputation treated using an Ilizarov mini-fixator. METHODS: Fourteen phalanges and twelve metacarpals in 15 patients (13 males and 2 females) were treated with distraction lengthening using an Ilizarov mini-fixator between 2014 and 2017. All the digits had been subjected to traumatic amputation, and shortening of the remaining digit had occurred despite successful replantation in some cases. The healing indices of phalanges and metacarpals were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 42.8 years. The mean lengthening of the phalanges was 13.3 mm, while that of the metacarpals was 26.5 mm. The mean consolidation times were 144.4 days for the phalanges and 154.1 days for the metacarpals. The mean healing indices of the phalanges and metacarpals were 114 days/cm and 60 days/cm, respectively. No bone grafts were needed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Distraction lengthening of the digits after traumatic amputation is an effective procedure for hand reconstructive surgery for either the phalanges or the metacarpals and is less invasive than other techniques. The rate of healing of the metacarpals is two times faster than that of the phalanges.

Reconstruction of Fingers Using Skin-Bone Grafts with Microvascular Anastomoses.

The aim of the study was to present a clinical and anatomical rationale for transplantation of skin-bone grafts with microvascular anastomoses for treating terminal and segmental defects of the hand and fingers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Finger and metacarpal bones were reconstructed in 25 hands of 25 patients by transplanting skin-bone tubular fragments with microvascular anastomoses. Transplants from the second metatarsal bone (n=22) and fibula (n=3) were used. Clinical, radiological, morphological, biomechanical, biophysical, and statistical research methods were used. The developed technology is adjustable to individual vascular anatomy of the foot. The proposed use of non-free skin-fat flaps and skin-bone fragments with microvascular anastomoses has been implemented for reconstructing lost segments. RESULTS: The engraftment of skin-bone fragments was observed in 25 cases. In two cases, partial necrosis of the transplants was detected. Sufficient resistance of the transplanted bone graft to resorption was noted. According to the X-ray evidence, the length of the finger with the metacarpal bone after surgery was 8.44±0.32 cm, in the short term after surgery - 8.10±0.36 cm, and in the long term - 7.87±0.45 cm, indicating mild resorption. We used an individual approach to the transplant selection, which made it possible to obtain generally good long-term results in 3 patients, and satisfactory results - in 22 patients. CONCLUSION: The study showed the feasibility of transplanting skin-bone fragments with microvascular anastomoses for replacing various anatomical defects of the hand and fingers. The proposed modification takes into account the variability of vascular anatomy of the donor region.

Treatment of finger phalangeal fractures using the Ichi-Fixator system: A prospective study of 12 cases.

External fixators are an effective treatment option for comminuted or unstable phalangeal fractures. We developed a new linked-wire type of external fixator (the Ichi-Fixator) for finger phalangeal fractures, which enables fine adjustment of the fixation under fluoroscopy guidance either in a static way or with distraction through small screws inside the fixator. This technique was designed to improve on the stability and rigidity of conventional percutaneous Kirchner wire fixation. We assessed the effectiveness of the fixator through 12 cases of open or percutaneous fixation in comminuted or unstable phalangeal fractures. All patients were examined for postoperative complications, functional recovery, pain on visual analog scale (VAS), and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score at the final follow-up visit. Patients could perform all routine activities with normal grip strength and a full range of hand motion without pain after treatment. This treatment, which reduces the postoperative discomfort and may allow an immediate return to work, will clearly boost patient satisfaction. Linked-wire type external fixation enhances the security of fixation, facilitates postoperative mobilization, and may allow an immediate return to work.