Vascularized Ulnar Transposition and Radioulnoscapholunate Fusion With Volar Locking Plate in a Dorsal Position Following Resection of Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal Radius.

Giant cell tumor of the distal radius is a rare, locally destructive, and frequently recurrent tumor. We present a case of Campanacci Grade III giant cell tumor of the distal radius with pathologic fracture and cortical destruction which was treated with neoadjuvant denosumab. This facilitated en-bloc resection of the entire distal radius, including the articular surface, while minimizing tumor contamination. Reconstruction was accomplished using a vascularized ulnar transposition flap to facilitate radioulnoscapholunate fusion, which was fixated using a long-stem contralateral variable angle locking volar distal radius plate in a dorsal position. This case illustrates multidisciplinary management of a challenging reconstructive problem and demonstrates a novel strategy for fixation which repurposes familiar and readily available hardware to provide optimal osteosynthesis.

Takayasu's Arteritis Presenting Atypically in a Female Nigerian.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is an idiopathic form of large vessel granulomatous vasculitis that mainly affects the aorta and its major branches, most frequently in young women under 50 years. While traditionally, it is a disease found commonly in Asia continent, it has also been reported from different parts of the world, albeit with a few reports from Sub-Sahara Africa. The clinical presentations are variable and are commonly from systemic inflammation, vascular occlusive diseases and aneurysm. Asymptomatic cases of TA have been documented and are usually discovered incidentally on physical examination. Common vascular symptoms from different series include vascular claudication, reduced or absent pulse, carotid bruit, hypertension and headache. Facial mononeuropathy and retinal ischaemic changes are rare findings in TA. However, occlusive disease of ulnar artery has not been reported in TA despite our extensive literature search. Here, we present a 48-year-old woman, who was admitted via the medical emergency with community acquired pneumonia but was incidentally diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis with lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy, unilateral blindness, and ulnar artery occlusion. Multidisciplinary management was instituted and patient was discharged after resolution of community acquired pneumonia, vascular claudication, and chronic headache. TA often presents asymptomatically and sometimes with atypical features and thus we suggest high index of suspicion and detailed cardio-vascular examination in young individuals with unexplained chronic headache, facial nerve palsy and visual symptoms.

Elbow vascularized composite allotransplantation-surgical anatomy and technique.

BACKGROUND: Elbow reconstruction with vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) may hold promise in treating end-stage arthritis as no current treatment is both functional and durable. We describe the vascular and gross anatomy of the elbow in the context of VCA procurement and propose a step-by-step surgical technique for human elbow VCA. METHODS: We injected latex in the arterial tree of 16 fresh adult cadaveric upper extremities. We identified and measured arteries and nerves and their branch points relative to the medial epicondyle. Based on our determination of the dominant blood supply to osseous and capsular elbow structures, we derived a cadaveric model of elbow VCA by performing donor preparation on 2 fresh cadaveric upper extremities by elevating a lateral arm flap in conjunction with the vascularized elbow joint. We prepared and transplanted 2 size-matched recipient specimens to refine the surgical technique. RESULTS: The elbow arterial supply was composed of consistent branches contributing to medial, lateral, and posterior arcades. Preservation of the elbow arterial network requires sectioning of the brachial, radial, and ulnar arteries 12 cm proximal, 1 cm distal, and 6 cm distal to the ulnar artery takeoff, respectively. The supinator, anconeus, distal brachialis, proximal aspects of the flexor digitorum profundus, and flexor carpi ulnaris must be preserved to protect osseous perforators. Articular innervation was most commonly derived from ulnar and median nerve branches. We refined our proposed surgical technique after performing 2 cadaveric elbow VCAs. CONCLUSIONS: Elbow VCA may be technically feasible on the basis of its consistent vascular anatomy and our proposed surgical technique.

Thumb Reconstruction With Thin Proximal Ulnar Perforator Free Flap.

Soft tissue defects of the thumb with exposure of tendons, periosteum, or neurovascular bundles require a complex reconstruction aimed at restoring both skin coverage and the essential function of pinching and manipulation. When large defects are involved, a free tissue transfer is indicated. The proximal ulnar perforator flap represents an interesting solution without the drawbacks of other more widespread free flaps. This report describes the case of a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma of the thumb that required circumferential resection of the soft tissue of the distal phalanx and the interphalangeal joint. The exposed structures were covered with pliable and texture-matching skin harvested from the proximal volar forearm and based on the proximal ulnar perforator. After 12-month follow-up, the patient was satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. Donor-site morbidity was minimal and no functional impairment in daily-life activities was reported. Even though a skilled microsurgical technique is required for the dissection of the perforator, its constant vascular anatomy and the low risk of damage to the main neurovascular bundle should make this flap reliable for the majority of hand surgeons.

Vascularized posterior interosseous pedicled bone grafting for infected forearm nonunion.

Infected forearm nonunion is challenging to treat. We have used a vascularized pedicled bone graft from the distal ulna based on the posterior interosseous artery to treat forearm nonunion with current or previous signs of infection in six patients. Bone union was achieved after a mean of 3.8 months. After a mean follow-up of 25.7 months, no signs of persistent or reactivation of infection were seen in any patient. The mean Quick DASH score significantly improved from 77.4 to 17.6. In addition, the active range of motion of the wrist improved significantly after surgery. In our patients, a vascularized posterior interosseous pedicled bone from the distal ulna is a reliable vascularized bone graft for managing infected forearm nonunion.

[Anatomical rationale for elevating revascularized ulnar forearm fasciocutaneous flap for head and neck reconstruction].

In this paper we studied in detail features of the blood supply to the tissues of the forearm of the pools ulnar and radial arteries, the technique of line access and the formation of skin-fascial ulnar flap by using a layered dissection with contrast vessels on non fixed human cadavers. Blood supply of the forearm carried out by branches radial and ulnar arteries, which allows to create in this area radial flap and ulnar flap loo. The size of the skin-fascial ulnar flap can reach 3-10 cm in length, 2-6 cm in width, the length of vessel pedicle of the transplant can reach 12 cm. The research studied the characteristics of blood supply of the forearm and the comparative evaluation of tissue perfusion of the radial and ulnar arteries; proved localization forming ulnar flap. Studies have shown that revascularised skin-fascial ulnar flap may be can be an alternative donor material for elimination of soft tissue defects with less traumatization donor area and reduce upper limb function compared with radial flap.

Estudio de las venas de la fosa cubital a través de la tomografía computada helicoidal y su aplicación clínica / Study of the veins of the cubital fossa by helical computed tomography and its clinical application

Las venas superficiales de la fosa cubital, constituyen uno de los sitios más importantes de punción venosa. La disposición de estas venas presenta numerosas variaciones. Su anatomía no ha sido estudiada aplicando los avances tecnológicos en el campo de la medicina, como la tomografía computada helicoidal. Fueron analizadas mediante tomografía axial computada helicoidal, las formaciones venosas de la fosa cubital en 60 individuos chilenos de ambos sexos, de edades entre 10 y 86 años, de la IX Región de La Araucanía, Chile. El estudio fue realizado en un tomógrafo General Electric, modelo CT/e, perteneciente al Centro de Imagenología del Hospital del Trabajador, Temuco, Chile, en individuos ambulatorios. Basados en la clasificación de del Sol et al. (1988) para las formaciones venosas de la fosa cubital, se obtuvo los siguientes resultados: Tipo I (46,7 por ciento), la vena cefálica del antebrazo (VCA), se divide en vena mediana basílica (VMB) y vena mediana cefálica (VMC), las que se unen a la vena basílica del antebrazo (VBA) y vena cefálica del accesoria del antebrazo (VCAA), respectivamente. Tipo II (13,3 por ciento), la VCA originó la vena mediana del codo (VMCo), que se une a la VBA. Tipo III (20 por ciento), no existe comunicación entre la VBA y VCA a nivel de la fosa cubital. Tipo IV (8,3 por ciento), la VCA drenaba en la VBA. Tipo V (11,7 por ciento). Otras disposiciones, donde se incluye la "M" clásica, que resulta de la división de la vena mediana del antebrazo. La utilización de la VMC o de la VCA, se recomienda ya que previene los riesgos de punción de otras estructuras anatómicas importantes como el ramo anterior del nervio cutáneo antebraquial medial.

The superficial veins of the cubital fossa, is one of the most important sites of venipunctures. There are many variations in the arrangement of these veins. Their anatomy has not been studied using technology available in the field of medicine such, as helical computed tomography. The vein formation of the cubital fossa in 60 Chilean subjects of both sexes, between 10 and 86 years of age of the IX Region of Araucania, Chile, were analyzed by helical computed tomography. The study was realized on a General Electric scanner, model CT / e, belonging to the Imaging Center of the Hospital del Trabajador, Temuco, Chile, in ambulatory subjects. Based on the classification of del Sol et al. (1988) for the vein formation of the cubital fossa, we obtained the following results: Type I (46.7 percent), the cephalic vein of forearm (CVF), is divided into median basilic vein (MBV) and median cephalic vein (MCV), then anastomosis the basilic vein of forearm (BVF) and cephalic vein accessory (CVA), respectively. Type II (13.3 percent), the CVA originates at the median cubital vein (MCuV), which anastomoses to the BVF. Type III (20 percent), there is no communication between BVF and CVF at the cubital fossa. Type IV (8.3 percent), CVF drains into the BVF. Type V (11.7 percent) - Other disposition, which include the "M" classical, resulting from the division of the median antebrachial vein. Using the MCV or CVF, is recommended, since there are risks of puncture of other important anatomical structures such as the anterior branch of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve.

Growth potential of different zones of the growth plate-an experimental study in rabbits.

Despite clinical efforts to treat growth disturbances only little is known about the growth potential of the different zones of the growth plate. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth potential of different zones of the growth plate. A total of 20 New Zealand White rabbits were used for this experiment. The right and left ulna of each animal were used resulting in a total of 40 ulnae. Animals were assigned into five groups. In groups I and II resection of the metaphyseal (n = 12) or the epiphyseal (n = 6) segment of the growth plate was performed. In group III resection of the growth plate and re-implantation was performed (n = 6). In group IV the growth plate was resected and re-implanted after a 180° rotation (n = 6). Animals in group V served as controls. Histologic and radiologic examinations were performed to evaluate the growth process at 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks following surgery. In group I, III, and IV temporary growth disturbance which was compensated within a short time was observed. Resection of the epiphyseal part resulted in growth arrest of the distal ulna in combination with normal growth of the radius which led to and valgus deformity of the limb. The results of this study indicate the importance of the reserve zone for the functioning of the growth plate.

Vascular anatomy of the proximal ulna.

PURPOSE: To describe the intraosseous arterial anatomy of the proximal ulna. METHODS: We used 9 fresh-frozen, above-elbow amputations to map the intraosseous arterial supply using the Spalteholtz technique. We treated 3 additional above-elbow amputations similarly, and then dissected them to map the extraosseous arterial supply. We recorded the extraosseous arterial patterns and compared them with the intraosseous arterial findings. RESULTS: The intraosseous arterial supply to the proximal ulna is derived primarily from a large nutrient vessel, a branch of the ulna artery, entering the anterior cortex of the ulna distal to the coronoid base, and from 2 medium-sized branches of the posterior and medial arcade entering near the olecranon tip. A watershed area is seen between these 2 vessel groups, halfway between the tips of the olecranon and coronoid. CONCLUSIONS: The arterial supply of the proximal ulna is relatively consistent and flows in opposite directions from the 2 separate areas.

Ulnar metaphyseal osteochondrosis in seven captive bred cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Distal ulna metaphyseal osteochondrosis was identified in seven captive bred cheetahs raised in Australia between 1984 and 2005. The disorder was characterized by bilateral carpal valgus conformation. In the metaphyseal region of the distal ulnae, an osteolucent defect that appeared as a proximal extension of the lucent physis was identified radiographically between 6 and 10 months of age. Ulna ostectomy was done to correct the angular limb deformity. Histologically, changes were identified in the osteolucent lesion that resembled osteochondrosis. We propose that the condition is probably familial and/or dietary in origin.

Comparison of ultrasonically activated scalpel and traditional technique in radial artery harvesting: clinical research.

BACKGROUND: Use of the radial artery (RA) as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has become increasingly popular in recent years. The aim of this study was to compare the results of two different RA harvesting techniques. Use of the harmonic scalpel is suggested to be safe and additionally reduces spasm rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2000, the first 200 consecutive patients who underwent RA harvesting for CABG were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. RA was harvested by means of electrocautery + hemoclips in Group I and by harmonic scalpel + hemoclips in Group II. 30 patients (30 %) in Group I and 25 patients (25 %) in Group II were female. Mean age was 53.9 +/- 9.3 and 53.5 +/- 8.4 years in Group I and Group II, respectively. Hand circulation and ulnar collateral flow was assured with a modified Allen test in all patients preoperatively. During the operation perfusion of the hand was monitored by oximetric plethysmography. The distal end of RA was also explored and clamped with a soft vascular clamp to evaluate the saturation values in the groups. During the clamping period, oxygen saturation values did not decrease so we harvested RAs in all patients. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with the exception of the RA harvesting times, the postoperative analgesia requirements, the rate of vasospasm and the need for hemostatic clips. CONCLUSION: Harmonic scalpel usage in RA harvesting causes less trauma to adjacent tissues; the analgesia requirements, the rate of vasospasm, the RA harvesting time and the need of hemostatic clips decreases. We conclude that the use of a harmonic scalpel for radial artery harvesting is safer and faster than the routine technique.

Ipsilateral vascularised ulnar transposition autograft for limb-sparing surgery of the distal radius in 2 dogs with osteosarcoma.

Canine osteosarcoma is the most commonly diagnosed primary bone tumour in the dog, affecting mainly large and giant breed dogs with the predilection site being the metaphysis of long bones, specifically the distal radius, proximal humerus, distal femur and proximal tibia and fibula. Treatment options are either palliative or curative intent therapy, the latter limb amputation or limb-sparing surgery together with chemotherapy. This article describes the use of an ipsilateral vascularised ulnar transposition autograft as well as chemotherapy in 2 dogs with osteosarcoma of the distal radius. Both dogs showed minimal complications with the technique and both survived over 381 days following the surgery. Complications seen were loosening of the screws and osteomyelitis. The procedure was well tolerated with excellent limb use. This technique is indicated for use in cases with small tumour size that have not broken through the bone cortex.

The use of a volar ulnar portal in wrist arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantitatively describe the neurovascular relationships of a volar ulnar (VU) wrist arthroscopy portal. A second purpose was to evaluate whether the use of a VU portal identified additional pathology of the lunotriquetral ligament and ulnar sling mechanism that was not seen through the dorsal portals. TYPE OF STUDY: This study was an anatomic study and retrospective chart review. METHODS: Cadaver dissections established the neurovascular anatomy of the VU portal. Measurements were taken from the portal to the ulnar nerve and artery, the palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve, and the pronator quadratus. A dorsal capsulotomy was performed to assess the ligamentous interval. A chart review was performed of 23 patients in whom a volar ulnar portal was used. Intraoperative pathology that was identified through the VU portal but was not visible through a dorsal portal was recorded. Postoperative neurovascular complications were noted. RESULTS: The portal was generally > 5 mm radial to the ulnar neurovascular bundle, but no true internervous plane was seen. Tears of the palmar aspect of the lunotriquetral ligament were seen in 7 patients. One patient had a triangular fibrocartilage tear that extended into the dorsal radioulnar ligament. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a safe, standardized approach to the volar ulnar aspects of the radiocarpal joint, which is useful for evaluation of the ulnar sling mechanism and the dorsal radioulnar ligament. The VU portal aids in the diagnosis and debridement of tears involving the palmar aspect of the lunotriquetral ligament. The VU portal should be considered for inclusion in the arthroscopic examination of any patient with ulnar sided wrist pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Vascular anatomy of the radius and ulna diaphyses in their reconstructive surgery.

The vascular factor in the unsuccessful healing of the osteotomised forearm bone is widely discussed in literature at the so-called "level operations" aiming at correcting the "ulna minus" variant in Kienböck's disease. The purpose of our study was to trace the nourishing vessels of the forearm bones from their source from which a. nutritia radii (ANR) and a. nutritia ulnae (ANU) is separated and to locate the foramen nutritium (FN) of the radial and ulnar bones diaphysis. The forearms of 70 upper extremities were dissected and 204 macerated radial bones and 134 macerated ulnar bones were investigated scopically and metrically. The results demonstrated that there is less variability of sources from which ANR was separated as compared to the variability of the sources from which ANU was separated. Foramen nutritium radii (FNR) and foramen nutritium ulnae (FNU) were located mainly along facies anterior and its edges margo anterior and margo interosseus and only in a few cases they were observed along facies posterior. The metrical investigations showed that FNR were located mainly in the second fourth along the bone length, between 30 and 40% from the radial bone length in the distal direction. FNU were located mainly in the second fourth along the bone length, between 30 and 50% from the ulnar bone length in the distal direction. The results for vascular anatomy of the forearm bones give grounds to assume that osteotomy with a subsequent shortening of the radius is more feasible than osteotomy with ulnar lengthening. The distal half of the radius, between the third and fourth quarter in particular, is also recommended as most suitable for surgical intervention.

Collateral arterial pathways in the forearm.

We studied the forearm vessels and the palmar carpal arch in 41 fresh cadaver upper limbs injected with colored latex solutions. In one case, we found a complete occlusion of the radial artery. Collateralization was evident through the anterior interosseous artery, its palmar branch and the radial part of the palmar carpal arch. The diameters of these vessels were significantly enlarged. The dissections of the remaining 40 arms demonstrated that these vessels offer a possible collateralization pathway via the anterior interosseous artery. One hypothesis for the formation of such collateralization might be a dominant blood flow of the radial artery to the hand. Therefore, it seems sensible to preserve the communication between the anterior interosseous and the radial arteries through the palmar carpal arch, raising the radial artery for surgery.

Vascular anatomy of the palmar surfaces of the distal radius and ulna: its relevance to pedicled bone grafts at the distal palmar forearm.

The potential for harvesting vascularized bone grafts from the palmar surface of the distal radius has been studied in 40 arms of fresh cadavers which had previously been injected with coloured latex solution. It was found that vascularized grafts can be pedicled on the radial part of the palmar carpal arterial arch. If a longer pedicle is required, the bone graft can be pedicled on the anterior branch of the anterior interosseous artery with retrograde flow occurring from the palmar carpal arch.

Use of an ipsilateral vascularized ulnar transposition autograft for limb-sparing surgery of the distal radius in dogs: an anatomic and clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a surgical technique for using the distal aspect of the ulna as a transposition autograft in a distal radial defect and to assess patency of vascular supply and viability of the distal ulna in a heterotopic position. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and clinical cases. ANIMALS: Twenty-two normal canine thoracic limbs; 3 dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma. METHODS: The arteries and veins of 12 limbs were injected with latex. Barium sulfate suspension was injected into the brachial artery of 10 other limbs after removal of the distal radius only (n = 2), ulna transposition (UT) (n = 6), or no procedure (n = 2). The distal ulna grafts were then harvested and decalcified in formic acid. The grafts were cut into 3-5 mm transverse sections and radiographed with a nonscreen film system to determine filling of intramedullary vessels with barium suspension. UT was performed in 3 dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma. Bone scintigraphy was performed 2-7 days after surgery to assess viability of the transposed ulna graft. RESULTS: Angiography confirmed patency of the caudal interosseous artery in all but 2 limbs in which the UT technique was performed; however, barium-filled vessels were identified in the medullary cavity of all ulnar grafts. Scintigraphy confirmed graft viability in the 3 dogs, all of which had good to excellent limb function. CONCLUSIONS: The distal aspect of the canine ulna can be used as a vascularized transposition autograft to replace distal radial defects, and viability can be maintained. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The UT technique appears to be an acceptable limb-sparing technique for dogs with tumors of the distal aspect of the radius.

Intraoperative confirmation of ulnar collateral blood flow during radial artery harvesting using the "squirt test".

Hand ischemia is a major concern after radial artery harvesting for coronary revascularization. Although a number of preoperative tests have been described to assess the adequacy of ulnar collateral blood flow, many of them are subjective and unreliable. In addition, the presence of arterial connections between the radial and ulnar systems in the elbow and forearm and variability in forearm angiology imply that assessment of alternative blood supply to the hand can only be made once collateral branches of the radial artery have been divided. We describe a technique for intraoperative assessment of ulnar collateral blood flow after mobilization and division of collateral branches of the radial artery.

Experimental carpal reverse-flow pedicle vascularized bone grafts. Part I: the anatomical basis of vascularized pedicle bone grafts based on the canine distal radius and ulna.

We investigated the detailed extraosseous and intraosseous vascular anatomy of the distal radius and ulna in 55 pairs of canine forelimbs. Ten specimens were used for compartment identification. One hundred specimens were investigated after intra-arterial injection with red latex or Batson's compound. The extraosseous vascular network, including the nutrient artery location, was studied by delicate dissection and soft tissue digestion. Two superficial and 4 deep arteries were found on the dorsal aspect, with constant relationships to the retinaculum. On the palmar aspect, bony nutrient vessels rose from the branches of the radial artery (descriptive anatomy). The vascular supply of the canine distal forelimb was very consistent and enabled the design of 5 vascularized pedicle bone grafts similar to those described in humans (applied anatomy). These reverse-flow pedicle grafts may be placed in the carpus, allowing the canine forelimb to serve as an experimental model for the study of vascularized carpal bone grafting. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:34-45.