[Clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand. Methods: This study was a retrospective non-randomized controlled study. From February 2015 to February 2023, 24 patients (15 males and 9 females, aged 12-55 years) with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand, who met the inclusion criteria and were repaired with flap transplantation and tendon grafting or tendon anastomosis, were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to different intervention time for postoperative rehabilitation treatment of patients, the patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group and early rehabilitation group, with 12 cases in each group. Patients in early rehabilitation group received rehabilitation treatment immediately after surgery under the rehabilitation guidance of specialized rehabilitation physicians based on the characteristics of different postoperative periods. Patients in conventional rehabilitation group began rehabilitation treatment from the third week after surgery, and their rehabilitation treatment was the same as that of patients in early rehabilitation group from the second week after surgery. The patients in 2 groups were treated in the hospital until the sixth week after surgery. The occurrence of flap vascular crisis and tendon rupture were observed within 6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks of surgery, the manual muscle test was used to measure the pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, and grip force of the affected hand; the total action motion method was used to evaluate the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand, and the excellent and good ratio was calculated; the Carroll upper extremity function test was used to score and rate the function of the affected hand. Results: Within 6 weeks after surgery, only 1 patient in conventional rehabilitation group suffered from venous crisis, and the flap survived after the second surgical exploration and anastomosis of blood vessels; there was no occurrence of tendon rupture in patients of 2 groups. After 6 weeks of surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, or grip force of the affected hand between the two groups of patients (P>0.05); the excellent and good ratio of the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was 11/12, which was higher than 7/12 in conventional rehabilitation group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05); the affected hand function score of patients in early rehabilitation group was 90±6, which was significantly higher than 83±8 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=2.41, P<0.05); the function rating of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was obviously better than that in conventional rehabilitation group (Z=2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions: Early rehabilitation treatment for patients with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand after repair surgery can improve hand function, but it would not increase surgery related complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Hand Flexor Tendon Repair: From Biology to Surgery and Rehabilitation.

Tendon biology and anatomy are crucial to manage hand flexor tendon injuries, not only for surgical treatment but also for rehabilitation; surgeon and physical therapist have to choose zone by zone the best way to manage and restore the normal function of hand flexor tendons.

Printing a static progressive orthosis for hand rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Static progressive orthosis is used for the treatment of severe joint contracture after trauma and/or surgery. However, a custom-fabricated static progressive splint would be expensive and labor intensive. Especially, owing to very limited payment under the current Taiwanese National Health Insurance, the incentives to fabricate a patient-specific splint are insufficient for a therapist. To ease splint construction, we introduced three-dimensional (3D)-printed "shark fin"-shaped device works as a static progressive orthosis for the hand rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to describe and demonstrate the newly designed device. METHODS: This study included a 46-year male suffered from a left distal radius fracture and underwent open reduction internal fixation and a 23-year male with the right thumb flexor pollicis longus rupture, requiring tendon repair. Both subjects used this "shark fin"-shaped device to stretch for increasing range of motion (ROM) of wrist extension and the thumb. RESULTS: The patient receiving ulnar shortening surgery used this device to stretch for increasing ROM of wrist extension. The active ROM of wrist extension improved from 30° to 50°. The other patient with the right thumb flexor pollicis longus rupture suffered from thumb contracture; the ROMs of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and interphalangeal (IP) joint were 40°-55° and 20°-25°, respectively. After tenolysis surgery, his ROMs of the MCP and IP joints were improved to 10°-35° and 40°-65°, respectively. Following physical therapy by applying the device, his ROMs of the MCP and IP joints were further increased to 0°-40° and 25°-70°, respectively. CONCLUSION: Incorporating the "shark fin"-shaped orthosis into hand rehabilitation increased the ROM of wrist extension for a patient with distal radius fracture and improved the ROM of the MCP and IP joints in another patient after tenolysis surgery.

Rehabilitation following surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand.

BACKGROUND: Various rehabilitation treatments may be offered following surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand. Rehabilitation often includes a combination of an exercise regimen and an orthosis, plus other rehabilitation treatments, usually delivered together. The effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of different rehabilitation interventions after surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, MEDLINE, Embase, two additional databases and two international trials registries, unrestricted by language. The last date of searches was 11 August 2020. We checked the reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared any postoperative rehabilitation intervention with no intervention, control, placebo, or another postoperative rehabilitation intervention in individuals who have had surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand. Trials comparing different mobilisation regimens either with another mobilisation regimen or with a control were the main comparisons of interest. Our main outcomes of interest were patient-reported function, active range of motion of the fingers, and number of participants experiencing an adverse event. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and assessed the quality of the body of evidence for primary outcomes using the GRADE approach, according to standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS: We included 16 RCTs and one quasi-RCT, with a total of 1108 participants, mainly adults. Overall, the participants were aged between 7 and 72 years, and 74% were male. Studies mainly focused on flexor tendon injuries in zone II. The 17 studies were heterogeneous with respect to the types of rehabilitation treatments provided, intensity, duration of treatment and the treatment setting. Each trial tested one of 14 comparisons, eight of which were of different exercise regimens. The other trials examined the timing of return to unrestricted functional activities after surgery (one study); the use of external devices applied to the participant to facilitate mobilisation, such as an exoskeleton (one study) or continuous passive motion device (one study); modalities such as laser therapy (two studies) or ultrasound therapy (one study); and a motor imagery treatment (one study). No trials tested different types of orthoses; different orthosis wearing regimens, including duration; different timings for commencing mobilisation; different types of scar management; or different timings for commencing strengthening. Trials were generally at high risk of bias for one or more domains, including lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data and selective outcome reporting. Data pooling was limited to tendon rupture data in a three trial comparison. We rated the evidence available for all reported outcomes of all comparisons as very low-certainty evidence, which means that we have very little confidence in the estimates of effect. We present the findings from three exercise regimen comparisons, as these are commonly used in clinical current practice. Early active flexion plus controlled passive exercise regimen versus early controlled passive exercise regimen (modified Kleinert protocol) was compared in one trial of 53 participants with mainly zone II flexor tendon repairs. There is very low-certainty evidence of no clinically important difference between the two groups in patient-rated function or active finger range of motion at 6 or 12 months follow-up. There is very low-certainty evidence of little between-group difference in adverse events: there were 15 overall. All three tendon ruptures underwent secondary surgery. An active exercise regimen versus an immobilisation regimen for three weeks was compared in one trial reporting data for 84 participants with zone II flexor tendon repairs. The trial did not report on self-rated function, on range of movement during three to six months or numbers of participants experiencing adverse events. The very low-certainty evidence for poor (under one-quarter that of normal) range of finger movement at one to three years follow-up means we are uncertain of the finding of zero cases in the active group versus seven cases in the immobilisation regimen. The same uncertainty applies to the finding of little difference between the two groups in adverse events (5 tendon ruptures in the active group versus 10 probable scar adhesion in the immobilisation group) indicated for surgery. Place and hold exercise regimen performed within an orthosis versus a controlled passive regimen using rubber band traction was compared in three heterogeneous trials, which reported data for a maximum of 194 participants, with mainly zone II flexor tendon repairs. The trials did not report on range of movement during three to six months, or numbers of participants experiencing adverse events. There was very low-certainty evidence of no difference in self-rated function using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) functional assessment between the two groups at six months (one trial) or at 12 months (one trial). There is very low-certainty evidence from one trial of greater active finger range of motion at 12 months after place and hold. Secondary surgery data were not available; however, all seven recorded tendon ruptures would have required surgery. All the evidence for the other five exercise comparisons as well as those of the other six comparisons made by the included studies was incomplete and, where available, of very low-certainty. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of evidence from RCTs on most of the rehabilitation interventions used following surgery for flexor tendon injuries of the hand. The limited and very low-certainty evidence for all 14 comparisons examined in the 17 included studies means that we have very little confidence in the estimates of effect for all outcomes for which data were available for these comparisons. The dearth of evidence identified in this review points to the urgent need for sufficiently powered RCTs that examine key questions relating to the rehabilitation of these injuries. A consensus approach identifying these and establishing minimum study conduct and reporting criteria will be valuable. Our suggestions for future research are detailed in the review.

The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores in 961 Japanese volunteers.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcomes recently have been used to assess treatment outcomes. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) is a particularly convenient and useful tools. However, data on the normative values of Japanese population are lacking, so the present study was conducted to gather this information. METHODS: We assessed 1098 volunteers over 18 years of age (363 men and 735 women, average 50 years old) who had not received upper limb treatment in a medical facility. These participants included our institution's staff, their family members, and the participants in the group meetings held by institution's staff. Their occupations were also examined. We divided occupations into nonmanual and manual labor. These factors of the participants were then analyzed to clarify which (if any) influenced the QuickDASH. RESULTS: Valid answers were obtained from 961 subjects (87.5%). The median score was 2 (mean: 4.8) in the overall population, 0 (mean: 2.6) in men, and 2.5 (mean: 6.0) in women. The scores increased with age and were higher in women than in men. There were no significant differences by manual labor. Female sex and older age were identified as factors that influenced the QuickDASH score in the multiple regression analysis. There were high correlations among QuickDASH, work and sports/music scores. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided QuickDASH scores for Japanese volunteers who had not received upper limb treatment in a medical facility. The scores were associated with older age and female sex. This study helps us to know the degree of potential upper limb impairment in the general population, and will help in populational strategies as primary and secondary preventive medicine for upper limb-related diseases.

Results of a special interdisciplinary hand therapy program for work-related injuries.

The importance of postoperative care of hand injuries is undisputed, but sometimes more intensive therapy is needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a specialized hand rehabilitation program supervised by hand surgeons. The outcomes and short-term follow-up of 76 patients with upper extremity injuries were analyzed through patient self-reported parameters as well as objective functional scores. Improvement in all self-assessed parameters during rehabilitation was statistically significant for the DASH (p<0.001) as well as the EQ-5D (p<0.05). Further improvement in the short-term (14 weeks) was only seen for the DASH score (p<0.05). During rehabilitation, there was a statistically significant improvement in all objective measurements. Among patients with finger injuries, 71% were able to return to work. Our specialized hand rehabilitation program provides benefits for all patients. There are differences between types of upper extremity injuries in terms of the effects and necessary treatments.

Safety of Early Postoperative Range of Motion in Burn Patients With Newly Placed Hand Autografts: A Pilot Study.

Patients who suffer hand burns are at a high contracture risk, partly due to numerous cutaneous functional units, or contracture risk areas, located within the hand. Patients who undergo split-thickness skin grafting are often immobilized postoperatively for graft protection. Recent practice at our burn center includes an early range of motion (EROM) following hand grafting to limit unnecessary immobilization. The purpose of this study was to determine whether EROM is safe to perform after hand grafting and if there is any clinical benefit. This retrospective, matched case-control study of adults compared patients who received EROM to subjects who received the standard 3 to 5 days of postoperative immobilization. Patients were evaluated for graft loss and range of motion. Seventy-one patients were included in this study: 37 EROM patients and 34 matched controls. Six patients experienced minor graft loss, three of these were not attributable to EROM. All graft loss was less than 1 cm and none required additional surgery. Significantly more patients who received EROM achieved full-digital flexion by the first outpatient visit (25/27 = 92.6% vs 15/22 = 68.2%; P = .028). Performing EROM does not cause an increase in graft loss. All areas of graft loss from the EROM group healed without intervention. There appears to be a benefit to EROM since there was a significant improvement in the patients' ability to make a full fist at initial outpatient follow-up. Additional prospective analysis is needed to examine the true clinical utility of EROM in the hand and other contracture-prone areas.

Functional outcome using early controlled active motion in rehabilitation of a replanted hand: A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: This case report details the postsurgical rehabilitation and outcome of a young maintenance man who sustained a complete amputation of his dominant upper limb at the level of the distal forearm. The patient underwent replantation surgery with 2-centimeter bone shortening, followed by early controlled active motion commencing on day 6. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To illustrate the use of early motion after replantation. RESULTS: The patient achieved almost full active range of motion of the digits, intrinsic function, 30 seconds on Nine-Hole Peg Test and early return to work without any additional reconstructive procedures. DISCUSSION: Several fairly recently published protocols advocate initiating active range of motion at only 3 or 4 weeks after upper limb replantation. The following therapeutic interventions were considered important contributors to our favorable functional outcome; early controlled active motion, occupation-based therapy in combination with therapeutic exercises and many custom molded orthoses. CONCLUSION: Future research is required to determine if bone shortening, which is an integral part of replantation surgery, reduces tendon repair tension, allowing for early active motion and thereby contributing to a favorable outcome.

The Economic Impact of Flexor Tendon Lacerations of the Hand in the United States.

PURPOSE: Flexor tendon lacerations are a common and debilitating injury for thousands of Americans annually. Despite this, no study has attempted to estimate the economic impact of these injuries. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic impact of flexor tendon lacerations in America. METHODS: The cost of flexor tendon lacerations to society was estimated using a validated prevalence-based cost of illness model. The primary cohort was defined as all patients in the United States presenting with complete flexor tendon lacerations who underwent surgical repair. The secondary cohort was defined by all patients who required reoperation within 1 year of their initial operation. For these groups, both direct and indirect costs (lost income, missed workdays, and disability payments) were measured. RESULTS: Flexor tendon lacerations incur an estimated cost of between US $240.8 and US $409.1 million annually to the American medical system. The total direct cost per injury is estimated to be US $13,725, whereas estimates to the indirect costs range from US $60,786 to US $112,888. CONCLUSIONS: Flexor tendon lacerations represent an important economic burden to our health care system, even when compared with other common hand conditions. Specifically, indirect costs, such as missed workdays, are the major contributor toward the total cost these injuries incur on society, accounting for upward of 89% of the total cost. This suggests that we should focus our efforts to improve treatments and rehabilitation protocols which decrease these indirect costs.

Effects of psychological factors on the clinical outcomes of fifth metacarpal neck fractures and their relation to injury etiology.

BACKGROUND: The fifth metacarpal neck fracture injuries are commonly found in patients who applied to emergency clinics. The mechanism of trauma in these types of injuries seems to be different and, in some cases, appears to be intentional. Psychological factors play an important role in the treatment and rehabilitation, as well as in the etiology of metacarpal neck fractures. However, to the best of our knowledge, no research has yet compared the clinical outcomes of patients with fifth metacarpal neck fractures caused intentionally with those of patients with such fractures caused by unintentional injuries. Our goal is to investigate the relationships between the mechanism of injury, socioeconomic status, and clinical outcomes of patients with fifth metacarpal neck fractures. METHODS: The study included 59 patients with fifth metacarpal neck fractures. The patients were separated into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with intentional injuries, and Group 2 consisted of patients with unintentional injuries. Both groups were evaluated in terms of the anger analysis, impulsivity, and the level of anxiety in relation to somatic findings Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QDASH). In addition, the relationship between anger, impulsivity, and anxiety scores with the socioeconomic status and educational level was assessed. RESULTS: It was observed that the anger and impulsivity values of Group 2 patients were lower than the Group 1, and the decrease in Group 2 was correlated with the VAS and Q-DASH values. Group 1 barrat impulsivity score 61.5 (42-78), anxiety score 64 (55-77), state anger score 20 (16-30), and Group 2 barrat impulsivity score 61 (55-69), anxiety score 66 (58-72), and anger score 19 (14-26) were found as mean values. The impulsivity score and anger score were found to be lower in Group 2 at the low educational level. The number of patients with a low income was found to be high in both groups, and the impulsivity score and the anger score were higher in Group 1, while the anxiety score was higher in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic factors and the etiology of intentional injuries could not be detected, but psychological factors play a role in the clinical sequelae of intentional fifth metacarpal fractures, their effects thereof on the hand function and the pain course after treatment.

Splints, with or without wrist immobilization, following surgical repair of flexor tendon lesions of the hand: A systematic review.

Splints with or without wrist immobilization can be used during the rehabilitation of flexor tendon lesions of the hand. The evidence base for these techniques has not previously been studied in a systematic review. We sought to thoroughly review patient-reported functional outcomes and pain to compare splinting with or without wrist immobilization. Five bibliographic databases were searched. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were randomized controlled trials or observational comparative studies reporting the difference in outcome among patients treated with or without wrist immobilization. No limits were set on publication date or language. Study selection was performed independently by two authors, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. The review protocol was preregistered in PROSPERO. There were no randomized controlled trials. No studies could be included based on our inclusion criteria. We decided to qualitatively summarize the most relevant studies although they did not meet our inclusion criteria. This resulted in a narrative review of the studies we found relevant. Based on the current literature, it is impossible to provide evidence-based recommendations for or against wrist immobilization during the rehabilitation period following flexor tendon repair. The lack of high-quality evidence points to a need for randomized clinical trials to guide rehabilitation decisions.

Wide-Awake Surgical Management of Hand Fractures: Technical Pearls and Advanced Rehabilitation.

Most unstable metacarpal and phalangeal fractures for which operative treatment is indicated can be reduced and stabilized with either open or closed techniques using local anesthetic with epinephrine instead of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. With the patient wide-awake during surgery, the hand can be taken through active range of motion to assess fracture stability. In this article, the authors review the rationale and technique for wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet surgery in the treatment of phalangeal and metacarpal fractures and impart pearls to optimize the patient experience and illustrate common fixation techniques using percutaneous Kirschner wires. The intraoperative assessment of fracture stability permits an accelerated, protected-range-of-motion protocol that minimizes postoperative stiffness and facilitates expedient recovery.

Reporte de caso: luxación simultánea carpometacarpiana del pulgar y los cuatro dedos / Case report: simultaneous carpometacarpal dislocation of the thumb and four fingers / Relato de caso: deslocamento carpometacarpal simultâneo do polegar e quatro dedos

Introducción: Las luxaciones carpo-metacarpianas son lesiones poco frecuentes, que van del 0.5 al 1% de las luxaciones de los huesos de la mano. Siendo extremadamente infrecuente la luxación simultanea de los 5 dedos. Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es documentar una lesión poco frecuente producida en un paciente asistido en nuestro centro. Así como realizar una puesta a punto sobre las medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas de dicha lesión. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 63 años, diestro, artesano en hierro y madera, que sufre un accidente de tránsito de alta energía en moto versus auto, sufriendo traumatismo en mano derecha, sin presentar otros traumatismos. De la exploración física, en el departamento de emergencia, se constata la mano derecha dolorida con gran deformidad en dorso. Se diagnosticó: luxación dorsal carpo-metacarpiano de los 5 metacarpianos, con fractura del sector distal del trapecio, trapezoide, hueso grande y ganchoso. Se realizó reducción cerrada en block quirúrgico con anestesia general, siendo la reducción inestable se colocan agujas de Kirschner para su estabilización. Se confecciona, además, una férula de yeso de protección. Se solicitó una tomografía computada de control donde se objetiva buena reducción de las 5 articulaciones carpo-metacarpianas. Se retiraron las agujas de Kirschner a las 6 semanas. A los 3 meses de la lesión presenta una mano indolora, con buen rango de movilidad, con disminución a la fuerza prensil máxima comparada con la contralateral. El paciente reanuda sus tareas, incorporándose totalmente al trabajo a los 6 meses. Presenta, al año de la cirugía, un score de DASH excelente. Discusión: Las luxaciones de los 5 metacarpianos son lesiones extremadamente raras. Se han reportado en el mundo menos de 20 casos. A pesar de los elementos clínicos sugestivos, el diagnostico de esta lesión es difícil, siendo fundamental contar con un enfoque radiológico de perfil estricto de mano. Los resultados de esta lesión son inciertos, la función de la mano y la muñeca se mantiene pero frecuentemente asociado a una reducción de fuerza prensil. Este tipo de trauma lleva, en mayor o menor grado, al desarrollo de artrosis carpo metacarpiana a largo plazo.

Introduction: Carpometacarpal join dislocations, are really infrequent injuries, with an incidence that goes from 0,5 to 1% of all bone hand dislocations. Being extremely rare the simultaneous luxation of all five fingers. Objectives: Our work objective is to report a very infrequent injury found on a patient treated at our medical center. As well as getting up to date with diagnosis and treatment of such injury. Clinical case: A 63 year old male case is presented, right-handed, wood and iron artisan, who was involved in a high-impact car crush against a motorbike, suffering a trauma on his right hand, without any other injuries. At the emergency room, the physical examination showed a painful right hand deformed on the back. His diagnosis was dorsal carpometacarpal luxation of all 5 metacarpus, with a distal fracture of the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate bones. A closed reduction at the surgical room was performed, with general anesthesia, being the reduction unstable therefore Kirschner needles were used for stabilization. A plaster cast was used for its protection. A control tomography was performed showing good reduction of all 5 carpometacarpal joints. Kirschner needles were taken out 6 weeks later, at which point the rehabilitation program was started with the physiatrist team. Three months after the injury, the hand was painless, with a good range of movement, a diminished maximum catching strength compared with the other hand. The patient restarted his usual chores, fully reincorporating to his job 6 months later. He presents an excellent DASH score one year after surgery. Discussion: Luxation of all 5 metacarpus is an extremely rare injury. It has been reported less than 20 cases worldwide. In spite of clinical suggestive elements, the diagnosis of this injury is quite difficult, being of great importance to count with x-rays with a straight profile incidence of the hand. The results of this injury are uncertain; the functionality of the hand and wrist is frequently sustained associated with a reduction of the catching strength. This type of trauma will end up developing in greater or lesser degree, long term carpometacarpal arthrosis.

Introdução: As luxações carpo-metacarpianas são lesões raras, variando de 0,5 a 1% das luxações dos ossos da mão. O deslocamento simultâneo dos 5 dedos é extremamente incomum. Objetivo: O objetivo do nosso trabalho é documentar uma lesão rara produzida em um paciente assistido em nosso centro. Bem como realizar um set-up nas medidas diagnósticas e terapêuticas da referida lesão. Caso clínico: O caso de um homem de 63 anos, destro, artesão em ferro e madeira, que sofre um acidente de motocicleta de alta energia em uma motocicleta contra um carro, sofrendo traumatismo em sua mão direita, sem apresentar outras lesões, é apresentado. A partir do exame físico no pronto-socorro, há uma dor na mão direita com grande deformidade nas costas. Foi diagnosticado: luxação metacarpal do dorsal do carpo dos 5 metacarpos, com fratura do setor trapézio distal, trapézio, osso grande e hamato. Uma redução fechada foi realizada em um bloco cirúrgico com anestesia geral, com a redução instável sendo colocada com fios K para estabilização. Uma tala de gesso protetora também é feita. Solicitou-se tomografia computadorizada de controle, onde foi observada boa redução das 5 articulações carpo-metacarpianas. Os fios de Kirschner foram removidos às 6 semanas. Aos 3 meses após a lesão, ele apresenta uma mão indolor, com boa amplitude de mobilidade, com diminuição da força preênsil máxima em comparação com a força contralateral. O paciente retoma suas tarefas, ingressando totalmente no trabalho aos 6 meses. Um excelente escore DASH é apresentado um ano após a cirurgia. Discussão: As luxações dos 5 metacarpos são lesões extremamente raras. Menos de 20 casos foram relatados no mundo. Apesar dos elementos clínicos sugestivos, o diagnóstico dessa lesão é difícil, sendo fundamental a abordagem radiológica do perfil estrito da mão. Os resultados dessa lesão são incertos, a função da mão e do punho é mantida, mas freqüentemente associada a uma redução na força de preensão. Este tipo de trauma leva, em maior ou menor grau, ao desenvolvimento de artrose metacarpal do carpo a longo prazo.

[Treatment Options for Inveterate Injuries of Deep Finger Flexors - Primary Transplantation with Tendon Graft]. / Moznosti osetrení u zastaralých poranení hlubokých flexoru prstu ruky ­ primární transplantace slachovým stepem.

Injuries of the flexor finger apparatus are very common. Primarily, it is routinely treated by suture of the tendon. Isolated deep flexor injuries, when the flexion restriction only reaches the DIP joint, are sometimes overlooked by the surgeon or by the patients themselves, especially if the deep flexor is injured, after a closed rupture or cutaneous injury with a small skin wound. The patient is then sent to a department specializing in hand surgery after a few weeks. Subsequent shortening of the tendon apparatus makes flexor suture more difficult or sometimes even impossible. Many ways of suturing the tendons and subsequent treatment are described. The treatment results vary immensely. It depends on the mechanism of injury, injury zone, the suture suture technique used, time that has elapsed since primary treatment, surgeon experience and subsequent postoperative and rehabilitative care. One of them is reconstruction of the flexor apparatus by primary transplantation of an autologous tendon graft. Most commonly, the tendon graft is taken from the palmaris longusfrom the same hand. The tendon graft can subsitute the entire area of zones I and II. The tendon suture is made in the palm proximal to the A1 pulley outside the tendon sheath in the area where the muscular belly of thelumbricalis is located on the tendon of the deep flexor. The distal end is reinserted to the base of the distal phalanx. The primary use of the autologous tendon graft can be used in the reconstruction of obsolete deep-flexor injuries in Zone II, but also in primary treatments. This type of treatment has a number of advantages. Performing the reinforcement of the tendon at the base of the distal phalanxand the suture in the palm of the hand completely eliminates the complications caused by the tendon suture in zone II. There is no injury to the tendon sheath, or the need for intersection of the tendons. The transplanted tendon is smaller in diameter than the deep flexor, so it can also be used for older injuries when the tendon sheath is in partially missing. It removes painful palmar resistance by restoring the right position and a tension of tendon of lumbricalis and the tendon of the deep flexor. This type of reconstruction allows immediate active or semi-rehabilitation of the hand and fingers. Key words:tendon, injury, hand, transplantation, surgery, flexor, reconstruction, rupture, treatment.

Outcomes of post burn flexion contracture release under tourniquet versus tumescent technique in children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of release of flexion contractures after burn of the hand in children using tourniquet or tumescent technique in terms of operative time, postoperative pain score, and percentage of graft take. METHODS: Patients aged 3 to 12 years who required release of post-burn flexion contractures involving volar aspect of palm and fingers were enrolled from outpatient clinic. Patients were randomized in 1:1 ratio to the use of either tumescent technique or tourniquet during contracture release. Duration of procedure, postoperative pain score, percentage of graft take, and any complications were assessed and analyzed in both groups by a blinded observer. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients randomized in the study (80 in each group), 84 (52.5%) were males. The mean±SD age of participants was 7.84±3.49 years, with no statistically significant difference in gender and age distribution between the groups. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in duration of surgery in both groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference in percentage of graft take at the 14th postoperative day; significantly more graft take was noted in the tumescent group (8.97±3.7cm vs. 7.26±2.6cm; P=0.001). Mean analgesia consumed in the tumescent group was significantly less than that of the tourniquet group (6.26±1.9mg vs. 9.41±2.2mg; P≤0.001). Similarly, statistically significant difference in the mean FLACC pain score was noted, with remarkably low pain score in the tumescent group. CONCLUSION: We found that the use of the tumescent technique for the release of flexion contracture resulted in better graft take, lower pain scores, and lesser consumption of analgesic than the use of tourniquet.

Flexor Tendon Injuries.

Flexor tendon injuries of the hand are uncommon, and they are among the most challenging orthopaedic injuries to manage. Proper management is essential to ensure optimal outcomes. Consistent, successful management of flexor tendon injuries relies on understanding the anatomy, characteristics and repair of tendons in the different zones, potential complications, rehabilitation protocols, recent advances in treatment, and future directions, including tissue engineering and biologic modification of the repair site.

Análisis cinemático del movimiento de flexión-extensión del dedo pulgar mediante un mecanismo de palanca / Cinematic analysis of the flexion-extension movement of thumb finger by a bar mechanism

Introducción: La recuperación del grado de movilidad de las estructuras internas de la mano es un factor importante en la rehabilitación de pacientes. Objetivo: Estudiar la cinemática del movimiento de flexión-extensión de las estructuras internas del dedo pulgar a través de un mecanismo de palanca. Métodos: Se emplearon los métodos de análisis y síntesis de la teoría de mecanismos y máquinas. El dedo pulgar se definió como una cadena cinemática de tres grados de libertad. Resultados: La velocidad y aceleración máxima se obtuvieron en el recorrido de la posición extrema superior hasta la de agarre. La velocidad angular para la unión metacarpo-falángica (MCP) fue 9.12 rad/s, 18.10 rad/s en la inter-falángica proximal (PIP) y 10.07 rad/s en la inter-falángica distal (DIP); la velocidades lineal para la unión metacarpo-falángica (MCP) fue 0.45 m/s, 0.73 m/s en la inter-falángica proximal (PIP) y 0.30 m/s para la inter-falángica distal (DIP); as aceleraciones para MCP fue 4.10 m/s2 en el caso de la tangencial, 187.61 m/s2 para la normal; en la inter-falángica proximal (PIP) fue de 13.3 m/s2 en el caso de la tangencial, 163.71 m/s2 para la normal; y para la inter-falángica distal (DIP) fue de 3.04 m/s2 en el caso de la tangencial, 31.52 m/s2 para la normal. Conclusiones: Se definen las ecuaciones fundamentales que permitieron el obtener las velocidades y las aceleraciones durante el movimiento de flexo-extensión de las uniones del mecanismo, en las posiciones principales del dedo pulgar(AU)

Introduction: The recuperation of the range of mobility of the hand is an important factor in the patient rehabilitation. Objective: To study the kinematics of the flexion-extension movement of the thumb by a bar mechanism. Methods: The methods of analysis and synthesis of the theory of mechanisms and machines were used. The thumb was defined as a kinematic mechanism of three degrees of freedom. Results: The maximum speed was obtained between the upper position and the intermediate (or gripping) position. The angular velocities for the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) were 9.12 rad/s, in the proximal inter-phalangeal (PIP) of 18.10 rad/s and the distal inter-phalangeal (DIP) 10.07 rad/s. Also the linear velocities behaved as follows for the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) was 0.45 m/s, in the proximal inter-phalangeal (PIP) of 0.73 m/s to the distal inter-phalangeal (DIP) 0.30 m/s. Also the maximum accelerations are also obtained from the upper-end position to the intermediate (or gripping). Accelerations for the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) were 4.10 m/s2 for tangential component, 187.61 m/s2 for normal component; in the proximal phalangeal inter (PIP) was 13.3 m/s2 for tangential component, 163.71 m/s2 for normal component; and inter-phalangeal distal (DIP) were 3.04 m/s2 for tangential component, 31.52 m/s2 for normal component. Conclusions: The fundamental equations that allowed obtaining the velocities and accelerations during the movement of flexion and extension of the mechanism joints in the main positions of thumb were defined(AU)

Molecular Biology of Flexor Tendon Healing in Relation to Reduction of Tendon Adhesions.

Tendon injuries are encountered after major and minor hand trauma. Despite meticulous repair technique, adhesion formation can occur, limiting recovery. Although a great deal of progress has been made toward understanding the mechanism of tendon healing and adhesions, clinically applicable solutions to prevent adhesions remain elusive. The goal of this paper is to review the most recent literature relating to the tendon healing and adhesion prevention.