Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare tumor of the peripheral nerves, which usually involves the median nerve. The authors reported on two rare cases of carpal tunnel syndrome due to LFH of the median nerve. A 49-year-old female patient complained of the mass and symptoms consistent with LFH. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed typical LFH findings. The symptoms were successfully ameliorated with carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis. A 37-year-old female patient complained of weakening thumb abduction and the mass where the MRI showed atypical findings. Opponensplasty and debulking operations were performed after which thumb abduction was improved; however, neurological sequelae remained. LFH of the median nerve is managed on a case-by-case basis as treatment guidelines are not very clearly defined yet. However, the less invasive treatment such as carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis than more aggressive surgical treatment should be recommended as a treatment option.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Anconeus Epitrochlearis Muscle

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical manifestation and surgical results following operative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) caused by anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) muscle. METHODS: Among 142 patients who underwent surgery for CuTS from November 2007 to October 2015, 12 were assigned to the AE group based on discovery of AE muscle; 130 patients were assigned to the other group. We analyzed retrospectively; age, sex, dominant hand, symptom duration, and weakness in hand. Severity of the disease was evaluated using the Dellon classification and postoperative symptom were evaluated using disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Surgery consisted of subfascial anterior transposition following excision of AE muscle. RESULTS: AE muscle was present in 8.5% of all patients, and was more common in patients who were younger and with involvement of their dominant hand; the duration of symptom was shorter in patients with AE muscle. All patients showed postoperative improvement in symptoms according to DASH and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: The possibility of CuTS caused by AE muscle should be considered when younger patients have rapidly aggravated and activity-related cubital tunnel symptoms with a palpable mass in the cubital tunnel area. Excision of AE muscle and anterior ulnar nerve transposition may be considered effective surgical treatment.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Anconeus Epitrochlearis Muscle

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical manifestation and surgical results following operative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) caused by anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) muscle.METHODS: Among 142 patients who underwent surgery for CuTS from November 2007 to October 2015, 12 were assigned to the AE group based on discovery of AE muscle; 130 patients were assigned to the other group. We analyzed retrospectively; age, sex, dominant hand, symptom duration, and weakness in hand. Severity of the disease was evaluated using the Dellon classification and postoperative symptom were evaluated using disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Surgery consisted of subfascial anterior transposition following excision of AE muscle.RESULTS: AE muscle was present in 8.5% of all patients, and was more common in patients who were younger and with involvement of their dominant hand; the duration of symptom was shorter in patients with AE muscle. All patients showed postoperative improvement in symptoms according to DASH and VAS scores.CONCLUSION: The possibility of CuTS caused by AE muscle should be considered when younger patients have rapidly aggravated and activity-related cubital tunnel symptoms with a palpable mass in the cubital tunnel area. Excision of AE muscle and anterior ulnar nerve transposition may be considered effective surgical treatment.

Pyogenic Arthritis of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint Treated with External Fixation in Adolescent

When hand injuries caused by human bite are overlooked and they can progress to pyogenic arthritis. Pyogenic arthritis is difficult to treat and can make severe sequelae in the joints. We report a case of pyogenic arthritis of the hand that occurred after human bite injury in adolescent treated with wide debridement and external fixator. Our literature searches revealed that the use of external fixator is good treatment option for the treatment of pyogenic arthritis of the hand.

Irreducible Open Dorsal Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Case Report

Dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a common injury in the orthopedic department. In most cases, the joint is reduced simply by closed manipulation. However, in rare cases, the joint is not reducible by closed manipulation, therefore, surgery is required. We report on a case of irreducible open dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint which was surgically treated. Because the flexor tendon interposed between the head of the proximal phalanx and the base of the middle phalanx, we could reduce the joint only after repositioning of the flexor tendon.

Trigger Wrist

Trigger wrist is a relatively rare disease compared to trigger finger, which is the most common disorder found in hands. Patients with trigger wrist usually complain about the following symptoms: snapping and clicking or triggering around carpal tunnel with or without mild to moderate median neuropathy. There are a total of five cases of trigger wrist: three cases of anomalous muscle belly of flexor digitorum superficialis and two cases of fibroma around flexor tendon sheath within carpal tunnel. This study reports on two of those cases: one with anomalous muscle and the other with fibroma of flexor tendon sheath. Accurate examination and proper diagnosis are mandatory to obviate improper and time-wasting treatment for patients with trigger wrist.

Extensor Digiti Minimi Triggering Caused by an Anatomical Variation: A Case Report

Although flexor tendon triggering due to stenosing flexor tenosynovitis is common clinically, extensor triggering is quite rare. Known common causes are impingement between extensor tendon and extensor retinaculum, stenosis of the tendon sheath, and impingement between extensor tendon and osteophyte. We report rare case of triggering in the little finger caused by impingement between extensor digiti minimi and synovial septum.

Operative Treatment of Pediatric Distal Forearm Bothbone Fracture

PURPOSE: Pediatric patients with distal forearm bothbone fractures of surgical indication were treated with the Kapandji reduction technique for radius and flexible intramedullary nail for ulna at our institution. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2012 to June 2014, we retrospectively evaluated 16 out of 18 cases with distal forearm bothbone fractures treated with the Kapandji reduction technique for radius and flexible intramedullary nail for ulna with at least 1-year follow-up. The average age at operation was 9.1 years (7-13 years). RESULTS: Adequate reduction for both radius and ulna was achieved for all cases, and none of the cases showed re-displacement until the last follow-up. Mean 6.6 weeks lapsed until bony union was observed for the radius. For the ulna, the mean was 6.5 weeks. All patients gained full wrist range of motion at the last visit. CONCLUSION: For pediatric distal forearm bothbone fractures, intrafocal Kapandji reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire for radius and reduction and internal fixation with a flexible intramedullary nail for ulna is the technique for handy reduction. Use of this technique can prevent re-displacement during the union process and achieve excellent clinical and radiologic results.

Treatment of the Traumatic Neuroma

Formation of the traumatic neuroma results from abnormal nerve regeneration following a peripheral nerve injury. Numerous treatment options have been described. However, there is no one way that is completely effective in the management of these peripheral neuromas. Prevention is best. It is important to maximize nonsurgical management, including pain management and physiotherapy. At the time of surgery, definitive neuroma resection and tension-free repair or coverage will provide the least amount of subsequent nerve irritation.

The Efficacy of Preserved Posterior Cortex in the Treatment of Infected Nonunion of the Tibia

PURPOSE: We studied the efficacy of preserved posterior cortex connecting to adjacent muscle or periosteum during wide debridement in the treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to May 2011, 12 cases of infected nonunion of the tibia with segmental defect larger than 4 cm after wide debridement were selected. The selected cases were categorized according to two groups; group 1 with preserved posterior cortex in the segmental defect site - six cases, group 2 without posterior cortex - six cases. The results were compared by assessing the size of bone defect, the interval between wide debridement and bone reconstruction, bony union time, complications, and clinical results. RESULTS: The mean length of bone defect of group 1 was 7.6 cm (range 4.3-11.0 cm) and that of group 2 was 6.4 cm (range 4.0-12.0 cm). The interval between wide debridement and bone reconstruction was 10.0 weeks (range 5-18 weeks) for group 1, and 12.1 weeks (range 0-24 weeks) for group 2. The time for bony union of group 1 was 6.2 months (range 5-7 months), and that of group 2 was 10.8 months (range 7-18 months). In group 2, there were two cases of fatigue fracture and two cases of docking site nonunion after distraction osteogenesis. CONCLUSION: The preserved posterior cortex after wide debridement of infected nonunion of the tibia helps bony union and reduces the treatment period.

Radiologic Results in Accordance with the Number of Distal Locking Screws in Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the number of distal locking screws affected the final radiologic results after volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 176 patients (male, 36; female, 140; average, 60 years) who had distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and volar plate fixation between 2011 and 2012. The number of screws used for distal fixation was determined according to the surgeon's preference and the type of plate used. Radiologic parameters and their displacements were measured postoperatively and at final follow-up. The results of using 4 or 5 distal locking screws were compared with those of using more than 6 distal locking screws. RESULTS: There was no significant displacement in fracture fragment when using 4 or 5 distal locking screws compared with using more than 6 distal locking screws. Mean displacement in ulnar variance was 0.6 mm in group with less than 5 screws, and the displacement was 0.4 mm in group with more than 6 screws (p=0.772). Secondary displacement was not correlated with fracture type or the number of distal locking screws. There was no fixation failure during the study period. CONCLUSION: It seems that 4 or 5 distal locking screws are strong enough to prevent a significant loss of fracture reduction. Filling every distal screw hole is not recommended to limit cost and avoid extensor tendon complications.

Reconstruction of the Soft Tissue Defect on Anteromedial Surface of the Leg Using Medial Hemisoleus Flap

PURPOSE: Anteromedial surface of the leg is susceptible to trauma, which frequently induces soft tissue defect. When the size of a soft tissue defect is small to moderate, a local muscle flap is an easy and reliable alternative to a free flap. The authors performed medial hemisoleus flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects on the anteromedial surface of legs. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the medial hemisoleus flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients underwent the medial hemisoleus flap for reconstruction of a soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg from February 2009 to December 2013. There were eight males and four females with a mean age of 47.8 years (15 to 69 years). The mean size of defects was 4.7x4.2 cm (2x2 to 9x6 cm). Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 39.6 months (7 to 64 months) and all flaps survived. There were two cases of negligible necrosis of distal margin of the flap, which were healed after debridement. All patients were capable of full weight bearing ambulation at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The medial hemisoleus flap is a simple, reliable procedure for treatment of a small to moderate sized soft tissue defect on the anteromedial surface of the leg.

Relationship between the Length of Distal Locking Screws and Diaphyseal Screws in Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the length of distal locking screws and diaphyseal screws in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 169 patients who underwent volar locking plate fixation for treatment of distal radius fractures. All patients received 2.4 mm LCP volar extra-articular distal radius plate (DePuySynthes). The length of the diaphyseal screw which was placed in the elongated hole was correlated with the length of a distal locking screw from radial most (D1) to ulnar most (D4). We also evaluated distal screw penetration of the dorsal cortex and plate removal rate. RESULTS: The length of the diaphyseal screw which was placed in the elongated hole strongly correlated with the length of a distal locking screw. Average D1 screw length was 2 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw, and average D2 screw length was 4 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw. D3 and D4 screw were 6 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw. Plate removal was necessary in 13 patients (8%) due to screw irritation. These patients had significantly longer screws than average. Flexor or extensor tendon ruptures did not occur in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The length of the distal locking screws can be estimated with the length of the diaphyseal screw. This information may help surgeons to select the adequate length of distal locking screws during volar plating of distal radius fractures.

Treatment of Recurrent Neuroma after Forearm Amputation: End to End Neurorrhaphy

The neuroma is a tumor of nerve tissue that partially or completely severed through incomplete regeneration process. Neuromas that formed in the stump of a limb following amputation is a cause of the stump pain and can make intractable pain. The authors report a rare case of 36-year-old man with neuroma at stump, which has been recurred three times. This patient was treated with end-to-end neurorrhaphy after resecting neuroma. Follow-up at out-patient clinic showed satisfied result.

Bilateral Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocations of the Thumb

A traumatic carpometacarpal joint dislocation of the thumb accounts for less than 1% of all hand injuries. Optimal treatment strategies for this injury are still a subject of debate. In this article, we report a case of bilateral thumb carpometacarpal joint dislocations: a unique combination of injuries. We believe our case is the second report of bilateral carpometacarpal joint dislocation regarding the thumb in English literature. It was successfully treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation on one side, and an open reduction and reconstruction of the ligament on the other side.

The Treatment for Kienbock's Disease using the Fourth Extensor Compartment Artery Vascularized Bone Graft: Preliminary Results

Lunate revascularization with the vascularized bone grafts is a current concept in the treatment of Kienbock disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and preliminary results of the treatment using the fourth extensor compartment artery (4 ECA) vascularized bone graft for Kienbock disease. Between May 2009 and June 2010, five patients (3 men and 2 women) with Kienbock disease were treated with 4 ECA vascularized bone grafts. The mean age was 32.8 years and mean follow-up time was 13 months. The patients were composed of two patients in stage II and three patients in stage IIIa according to Lichtman's classification. Modified Mayo wrist score including pain, grip strength, range of motion and functional status and radiographic parameters such as carpal height ratio and radioscaphoid angle were evaluated at a final follow-up. Pain was markedly diminished and modified Mayo wrist score was 82 at last follow up period. There were no or little changes in carpal height ratio and radioscaphoid angle. All patients showed satisfactory bony union and no further lunate collapse on follow-up radiographs. The 4 ECA vascularized bone graft is a reliable alternative procedures among revascularization procedures for treatment of Kienbock's disease. It is less invasive and has low risk of kinking of pedicle compared to the 4+5 ECA vascularized bone graft. However, long term follow-up and MRI evaluation at follow up period should be needed for the future.

Adventitial Cyst of the Radial Artery in the Wrist: A Case Report

Simple ganglions are most common benign tumor of the hand and wrist. However, cystic adventitial disease is an uncommon vascular anomaly first described in 1947 in the external iliac artery. It usually involves the popliteal artery, although other arteries and veins may also be involved. Radial artery adventitial cysts are found directly within the adventitia, whereas the more common wrist ganglions may extrinsically compress or adhere to the artery walls. The diagnosis is rarely made before surgery because of their similar appearance and location. The authors report a rare case of a 46-year old woman with mucoid adventitial cyst of the radial artery in the wrist.

A Case of Subungual Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation of the Toe / 대한피부과학회지

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (Nora's lesion) is a rare lesion with a tendency to recur. It is usually a solitary lesion that most often develops on the hands and feet. We now present a case of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation initially misdiagnosed as subungual exostosis on the left great toe of a 13-year-old boy. The diagnosis was confirmed by radiologic and histopathologic features, followed by complete excision of the lesion. He had a relapse after two months and was treated with re-excision. We suggest that bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any digital mass.

A Case of Necrotizing Fasciitis and Severe Sepsis Complicated by Emphysematous Gastritis / 감염과화학요법

We report a case of necrotizing fasciitis and severe sepsis complicated by emphysematous gastritis. The patient initially presented with sepsis due to extensive necrotizing fasciitis. Although he recovered from severe sepsis after intensive treatment including amputation of involved lesion, fatal emphysematous gastritis developed later during long-term hospitalization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on emphysematous gastritis associated with necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis.

K-wire Fixation Supplemented with External Fixator Versus Volar Locked Plating for Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius

PURPOSE: To campare the outcomes between K-wire fixation with supplementary external fixator and volar locking plate in the treatment of the unstable distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 26 unstable AO type C3 distal radius fracture retrospectively, treated from January 2004 to February 2009. They were divided into two groups; group I (14 cases of open reduction and K-wire fixation supplemented with a external fixator) and group II (12 cases of volar locked plating). Each group was statistically compared in terms of surgery time, the difference of radiologic reduction, and loss of reduction, range of motion (ROM) and Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in terms of surgery time, radiologic reduction, and loss of reduction between two treatment groups. After 1 year of surgery, the Mayo wrist score of group I was 80.5 points, and group II was 80, which shows that both groups achieved fairly good score. Although group II gained a statistically significant improvement in the ROM of the wrist except pronation at postoperative three months, no statistical difference of ROM was found between two groups at postoperative 1 year. CONCLUSION: When it comes to the treatment for an unstable intra-articular distal radius fracture, clinical and radiological outcomes are comparable between the patients treated with K-wire fixation supplemented with a external fixator and those with a volar locking plate.