Vascularization of the lateral and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves by cutaneous perforator arteries: An anatomical study.

The forearm is an interesting donor site for non-vascularized nerve grafts, especially hand surgeons. Very few studies have described the use of the lateral and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves (LABCN and MABCN, respectively) as vascularized nerve grafts (VNGs). The aim of this anatomical study was to analyze the characteristics and vascularization of these nerves to describe new potential donor sites for VNGs. Twelve forearms were dissected from fresh cadavers injected with red latex. The number of terminal branches, lengths, and proximal and distal diameters of both the LABCN and MABCN were studied. An anatomical description of the cutaneous perforator arteries from the radial and ulnar arteries that vascularized the nerve was also recorded: number of perforators, length, type of perforator (septo- or musculocutaneous), and location within the forearm (proximal, middle, and distal third). In over 80% of the specimens, the cutaneous perforator arteries from the radial and ulnar artery vascularized the LABCN and the MABCN, respectively. These arteries, found mostly in the proximal third of the forearm, had diameters >0.5mm. Most of them came from the radial and ulnar arteries (for LABCN and MABCN vascularization, respectively). In over 75% of the specimens, the nutrient arteries of both nerves also vascularized the superficial veins and the skin. We found that these nerves are vascularized by perforators arteries, which also participate in vein and skin vascularization. Altogether, this anatomical study shows that reconstructive surgeons could use new VNGs based on the perforator artery of the forearm.

Arterial grafts for proper palmar digital artery reconstruction: An anatomical study.

Digital ischemia due to arterial defects need urgent surgical management. The traditional treatment consists of vascular reconstruction using a reversed autologous venous graft as a bypass. Very few studies have described the use of arterial grafts for digital artery reconstruction. This cadaver study characterized the forearm perforator arteries to assess the potential feasibility of using them as donor grafts for digital artery reconstruction. Eleven forearms and twenty hands were dissected from freshly injected cadavers. All clinically significant perforators (>0.5 mm) derived from radial or ulnar arteries and digital arteries were evaluated. The digital palmar arteries were measured at three points: metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, and distal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. In the 11 forearms analyzed, 5.5 ± 1.3 perforators from radial or ulnar arteries with a diameter of at least 0.5 mm were found per dissection. The mean diameters were 0.9 ± 0.18 mm proximally and 0.8 ± 0.15 mm distally; the mean length was 35.6 ± 11.35 mm. The mean diameters for the dominant and non-dominant arteries were 1.5 and 1.3 mm at the MCP, 1.3 and 1.0 mm at the PIP, 0.8 and 0.7 mm at the DIP, respectively. The forearms are good donor sites as they have large-diameter arteries of suitable length for arterial grafting. These new arterial grafts may be suitable for vascular reconstruction of digital arteries starting from the PIP joint.

The infraorbital artery: Clinical relevance in esthetic medicine and identification of danger zones of the midface.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, cosmetic injections of dermal fillers or fat have become a popular procedure in facial rejuvenation in an overconsuming society. However, complications such as arterial embolism and occlusion can occur even with experienced injectors, especially in high-risks zones namely the glabella, the nasal dorsum or the nasolabial fold. The aim of this study was to define the vascular danger zones of the infraorbital area in order to provide guidelines helping avoid them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The infraorbital artery, its main branches and their anastomoses with neighbouring vessels were studied in 18 fresh cadavers. Mimetic injections of inked hyaluronic acid were performed in the infraorbital area in the interest of analyzing its distribution and to determine potential vascular risks towards the infraorbital artery and its branches. RESULTS: The infraorbital artery and its branches were located in common injection regions and anastomosed to the supratrochlear artery, the dorsal nasal artery and the angular artery through the nasal branch of the infraorbital artery. Two danger zones could be depicted: injections can be risky when performed too superficially in the midcheek area, and likewise risky when performed in a periosteal layer in infraorbital hollow or tear-trough correction, because of an obvious possibility of retrograde embolism. CONCLUSION: The infraorbital artery can be involved in anatomic mechanism of arterial occlusion, further blindness and stroke, among the related neighbouring arteries. Based on the findings of this study, injections to the periosteum layer in tear-trough correction and above the periosteum on the zygomatic arch is not advised.

Glomus tumors of the upper limb: Single-center retrospective study of clinical and functional outcomes.

Glomus tumors are rare and benign hamartomas, arising from neuro-myo-arterial proliferation and deriving from mesenchymal origin. As they have a long-term impact on the individual's quality of life, the primary complaint is unbearable pain. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and functional outcomes of their surgical treatment, and to review their clinical, radiological and therapeutic features. We performed a retrospective study over a 16-year period including 31 patients with an upper limb glomus tumor. Epidemiologic, diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up data were collected and a functional outcome questionnaire was filled out postoperatively. Thirty-one patients underwent surgery with safe macroscopic resection margins. The glomus tumor was located on the fingers in 77.4% of cases, with predominance in the ring finger (41.9% of the cases). Patient age at surgery ranged from 22 to 80 years old (mean: 54.6) with a sex ratio of 0.48. Upon clinical suspicion, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound were done in most cases. Immediate pain relief was obtained in 18 cases. Only one patient underwent a second surgery for incomplete removal and persistent pain. The QuickDASH questionnaire was completed by 24 patients, resulting in a mean score of 1.61, with a mean follow-up time of 88.8 months (range: 3-171 months). Seven patients were lost to follow-up. These subcutaneous, mostly subungual, nodules, with predominance on the ring finger, have a disproportionate negative impact despite their small size. The long-term outcomes after microscope-assisted surgery indicate obvious improvement in the quality of life and the patient's satisfaction, with a very low rate of recurrence.

[Treatment of neurotrophic ulceration following alcohol injection of the gasserian ganglion in trigeminal neuralgia: Case report and review of the literature]. / Traitement de l'ulcération neurotrophique après alcoolisation du ganglion de Gasser dans l'atteinte du nerf trijumeau : cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) can occur after any injury on the fifth cranial nerve. The etiology is dominated by iatrogenic causes, especially after gasserian ganglion ablation. Middle-aged women are mostly involved and the differential diagnosis is vast. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 88-year old woman presented with TTS and destruction of the right nasal ala 25 years after retrogasserian alcohol injection for trigeminal neuralgia. Facing iterative failure of medical treatment, topics and neurostimulation, we performed lipofilling for the lesion. In the third month, we found a 50 % decrease in size of the lesion, as well as a complete disappearance of pruritus, thus allowing to consider reconstructive surgery. DISCUSSION: Our literature review reports 28 cases of TTS subsequent to alcohol injection of the gasserian ganglion. Age of presentation ranges from 49 to 88 years, with a time of onset between trigeminal injury and TTS ranging from 2 weeks to 17 years. Recurrences are frequent. The management varies a lot according to the authors (topics, antibiotics, flaps), however the efficiency of lipofilling has not been reported yet. CONCLUSION: The pathophysiology of TTS remains unknown, nevertheless the therapeutical care has to be multidisciplinary. Even though not described yet, lipofilling seems to be an interesting treatment of TTS following alcohol injection in the trigeminal ganglion.

Severe granulomatous reaction associated with hypercalcemia occurring after silicone soft tissue augmentation of the buttocks: a case report.

UNLABELLED: Liquid silicone is a permanent filler. Its use to augment soft tissues for aesthetic purposes was widespread worldwide in the 1960s. Although initially considered to be biologically inert, this substance may cause, after its injection, an inflammatory granulomatous effect of variable severity and, in very rare cases, a severe hypercalcemia, which can be life threatening. The reported case highlights the well-known physiopathology of hypercalcemia, and the various therapeutic options are discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[Intra-osseous ganglion cyst of the carpal bones. A review of the literature underlining the importance of systematic computed tomography]. / Kystes synoviaux intraosseux du carpe : intérêt de la tomodensitométrie systématique pour l'évaluation du risque fracturaire.

The intraosseous ganglion cyst (IOGC) is a benign and lytic bone tumor affecting mostly the metaphyseal and epiphyseal regions of long bones. Its location on the short bones, including the carpal bones has been little reported in the literature. Our review of the literature shows consensus about the surgical techniques to use, but there is currently no real consensus about its pathophysiology, and its diagnostic work-up. Complications related to this lesion (mainly the risk of pathologic fracture) are potentially serious, and can cause irreversible damage. They therefore require accurate assessment to guide the choice of medical or surgical treatment, including a CT scan, which - we believe - is essential.

[Hammer hypothenar syndrome: review of the literature and case report]. / Le syndrome du marteau hypothénarien: analyse de la littérature et cas clinique.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare disease first described by Conn et al. in 1970. It groups together symptoms of chronic microtraumatism to the ulnar artery or its superficial palmar branch against the hamate. Manual workers using vibrating tools are the most affected by this. Diagnosis is made by echodoppler, while arteriography is the gold standard for establishing the treatment plan. Hypothenar hammer syndrome may lead to severe complications secondary to ischemia and to embolic events resulting from delayed diagnosis or maltreatment. There is no real consensus as to the place of medical or surgical treatments. Medical treatment consists of eliminating favorizing factors and long-term antiplatelet aggregation treatment. Surgical treatment depends on the vascular lesions: simple arterial ligation, resection of the thrombosed arterial segment and end-to-end anastomosis, or revascularization using a pontage venous or arterial graft. Some authors suggested an associated thoracic sympathectomy. The diagnosis must be made early; the choice of treatment must be targeted at preventing serious embolic complications.

[Primary essential cutis verticis gyrata: Case report and literature review]. / Cutis verticis gyrata primitif essentiel : cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare and slowly progressive deformity of the scalp with thick gyrated skin folds and ridges which are similar to gyri of the brain cortex. Those folds can lead to local skin infections, to a social and cosmetic complain. CVG can be classified into two forms: primary (essential and non-essential) and secondary. To date, fifteen operated cases of primary essential CVG have been reported in the medical literature. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 18 year-old male patient with a primary essential CVG. There were several large skin folds in the sagittal axis on the vertex region, and in the coronal axis on the occipital region. He did not present any cutaneous complication. His main complains was the unaesthetic aspect of his scalp with a psychological complex. The disease had occurred during puberty. We present the excision pattern and the results with a six months follow-up. CONCLUSION: CVG can be treated surgically with resection of the thickened excess skin in coronal and sagittal axis. Scalp lift must be effective all over the different areas of the scalp. The scalp flaps must have a reliable vascularisation. Combined incisions of the galea help to treat the residual folds. The excision pattern must be reproductible, as this disease is progressive.

[The use of the "spare-parts tissue bank" concept in emergency hand surgery]. / Utilisation des << tissus-banque >> en chirurgie de la main d'urgence.

INTRODUCTION: In the case of multidigital hand trauma, the tissue of the amputated parts can be used for the reconstruction of the defected tissue localized on the other fingers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of seven patients has been reviewed in this paper; the authors illustrate the different possibilities of using the "spare-parts concept" in the emergency hand trauma surgery. RESULTS: The functional results are presented. DISCUSSION: The different techniques of reconstruction using the "spare-parts concept" are discussed. CONCLUSION: In the cases of multidigital lesions, the surgeon should choose the best opportunity to use the tissue of the amputated digits, or the non-conservable ones, to reconstruct the neighboring preserved segments.

Histological staging and Dupuytren's disease recurrence or extension after surgical treatment: a retrospective study of 124 patients.

Dupuytren's disease has a high rate of recurrence after treatment. In this study we have assessed the usefulness of histological staging in the prediction of recurrence. We have also verified whether there is a correlation between histological staging and features of Dupuytren's diathesis. We studied 139 hands in 124 Caucasian patients treated between 1997 and 2004. There was a significant difference in the recurrence rate between the three histological types (P = 0.04). Histological staging was independent of features of Dupuytren's diathesis. This study confirms that histological staging is a reliable method for predicting recurrence. However, it should be used in association with clinical data to determine precisely the prognosis of patients suffering from Dupuytren's contracture.

[Constitutional asymmetries in aesthetic breast augmentation: incidence, postoperative satisfaction and surgical options]. / Les asymétries constitutionnelles en chirurgie d'augmentation mammaire esthétique: incidence, satisfaction et applications chirurgicales.

INTRODUCTION: The clinically observable, constitutional breast asymmetries are frequent and physiological in the general population. Although there has been a preponderance of literature concerning breast augmentation, a conspicuous lack of data exists regarding the preoperative breast and chest wall asymmetries seen in the patient seeking consultation for aesthetic breast augmentation. These asymmetries can lead to postoperative dissatisfaction in patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent plastic surgeon analysed the data of 200 patients who had a primary aesthetic breast augmentation. The mean follow-up was 36 months. All patients had pre- and postoperative standardized pictures of the anterior chest wall. The clinical examination was achieved using an original evaluation form. Patients were also asked to fill an exhaustive satisfaction form. Breasts and chest wall asymmetries were diagnosed by clinical examination and photographic analysis. Mastopexy-augmentations, breast reconstructions, breast malformations (tuberous breasts and Poland syndrome) and patients with incomplete data were excluded from the study. Stastical analysis was done using SPSS software version 15. RESULTS: There were 77% of chest wall and breast asymmetries and 69,5% of breasts asymmetries (26,5% of breast mound volume asymmetry and 62,5% of shape asymmetry). An isolated chest wall asymmetry was found in 17% of patients. Scoliosis was the main cause of asymmetry (52,9% of chest wall asymmetries) as it is often associated with chest wall rotation, chest wall depression, submammary depression or rib asymmetry. Patients often noticed an asymmetry postoperatively (28%). Among the patients complaining from a postoperative asymmetry, 83,3% had a constitutional breast or chest wall asymmetry. Asymmetry was the third cause of dissatisfaction and the third argument for revision surgery (after volume dissatisfaction and ptosis). Thirty per cent of patients asking for a surgical revision and 35.3% of unsatisfied patients complained about asymmetry, which was preoperative in 83.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: The asymmetry rate of our study is compared with the others studies found in the literature. In the daily practice, asymmetry can be diagnosed by a complete clinical examination and standardized chest wall pictures. Patients with constitutional asymmetry should be educated, helping to increase postoperative satisfaction. The authors propose and discuss a surgical pattern for the handling of the different types of asymmetries in breast augmentation.

[Surgical management of traumatic ear amputations: literature review]. / Prise en charge des amputations traumatiques de l'oreille : revue de la littérature.

Traumatic ear amputation (TEA) is a complete avulsion of a part or of the total auricular tissue. TEA are rare (only 74 cases have been described in the literature) and their handling is complex. The surgeon's objective is to obtain the best cosmetic result without demolishing the auricular area in order to allow future ear reconstruction in case of replantation failure. Many techniques of ear replantation have been described in the literature during the last 30 years: microsurgical replantation, pocket techniques and reattachment techniques. Microsurgical replantation should be achieved every time it is possible. When it is not possible, the surgeon can choose between ear reattachment and a pocket technique according to two clinical features: the size of the amputated part and the involvement of the ear lobe. Ear reattachment can be achieved when the amputated part is smaller than 15 mm or when amputation involves the earlobe. Pocket techniques, which are appropriate for the replantation of the auricular cartilage, can be used when the amputated part is bigger than 15 mm and does not comprise the earlobe.

[Cellular strategies in bone tissue engineering: a review]. / Inventaire des stratégies cellulaires en ingénierie tissulaire de reconstruction osseuse.

The objective of bone tissue engineering is to reconstruct bone stock using matrix structures, osteoinductor factors and osteogenic cells. Different types of natural or synthetic biomaterials are available or under development. The objective of recent work is to optimize matrix materials, particularly with better cell adhesion to the surface and better osteoconduction. For osteoinductors, most research is currently focused on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Concerning the nature of the cells to be implanted, there is a clear dissociation between fundamental and clinical studies. Many clinical studies have demonstrated the strong osteogenic potential of fresh harvested total bone marrow. There has been nevertheless little fundamental work on the use of total bone marrow as a source of cells for bone tissue engineering. Most of the fundamental work has been focused on the use of mesenchymatous stromal cells selected from bone marrow and cultivated ex vivo. This approach which was first developed more than fifteen years ago has shown that the adjunction of these cells can improve the osteoformative capacity of bone substitutes. This strategy has, however, had almost no clinical impact to date since only two studies involving four patients have been reported. The purpose of this article is to review current research concerning bone tissue engineering using total bone marrow and mesenchymatous stromal cells.

[Perilunate dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the wrist, a review of 14 cases]. / Luxations et fractures-luxations périlunaires du carpe, étude rétrospective d'une série de 14 cas.

OBJECTIVES: We report a retrospective series of 14 dislocations or perilunate fracture-dislocations. The results of our series are compared with the data of the literature and we discuss epidemiology, types of lesions, surgical treatment, complications and prognosis of this pathology. METHODS: The series included seven pure dislocations and seven fracture-dislocations including three trans-scapho-lunate forms (including one Fenton's syndrome). The displacement of all these lesions was posterior. The mean age was 35 years. Sixty-four percent were manual workers. All 14 patients had undergone surgical treatment through a dorsal approach in the first seven days following the injury. They were reviewed clinically and radiologically with a mean follow-up of 25 months. RESULTS: The average Cooney functional score was 72/100 with two excellent, six good, four fair and two poor results. Average flexion-extension motion arc was 74%, the grip strength was 77% compared to the other wrist. Persistent wrist pain was almost constant. One carpal instability was observed and one patient required a four-corner arthrodesis for SLAC wrist. Eighty-five percent of all patients were employed at least. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and anatomical reduction can provide satisfactory functional results. Emergency surgical treatment is required. We prefer a dorsal approach and we do not perform primary closed reductions.

[Necrotizing fasciitis: complication of patient positioning?]. / Dermohypodermite bactérienne nécrosante avec fasciite nécrosante : complication d'une installation opératoire ?

Necrotizing fasciitis is a hypodermis, muscular fascia then dermis necrotizing infection. It disseminates along fascias with a mortality sometimes within 18 hours. The average mortality, reported in the literature, is about 30%. A 65-year-old man, with a history of Vaquez disease (under hydroxurea) and a smoke addiction, had an epidermoid carcinoma of the left vocal cord (T2 N0 M0). The cancer treatment consisted of a functional lymph node excision, followed by tracheotomy then by partial laryngectomy. At the end of the intervention, after removal of operative fields, it was noticed that the Montandon cannula had slid and was between the medial side of the left upper limb and the lateral side of the chest. There was a cutaneous imprint with ecchymosis on the route of the cannula. At the second postoperative day, a necrotizing fasciitis quickly developed on the left side of the chest, the medial side of the left upper limb, and the left hip without infection of the operating site. An Escherichia coli was identified in tracheal secretions and operative samples. The presumed hypothesis of this necrotizing infection is the cutaneous contamination of the thoracic wall by tracheal secretions colonized by E. coli, whose penetration was induced by the cutaneous traumatism due to the cannula. We remind, by analyzing this unusual case, the caring principles one of which diagnosis and the surgical excision must be as premature as possible. We insist on the elementary measures of protection of the support points and the good binding of cannulas.

Surgical treatment of the boxer's fracture: transverse pinning versus intramedullary pinning.

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical treatment of fractures of the little finger metacarpal neck, or "Boxer's" fractures, by transverse pinning and intramedullary pinning. Thirty-six patients with fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal were included in a prospective comparative randomised study. A palmar splint was applied for 1 week after both procedures. Patients began physiotherapy three times per week for 30 days. The patients were evaluated clinically six times after surgery, up to the 90th day, with X-ray assessment on days 8, 45 and 90. The study showed that intramedullary pinning gave better functional outcomes than transverse pinning, although the former was more technically demanding.

[Traumatic pseudo-boutonniere of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger. Case report and review of the literature]. / Pseudoboutonnière traumatique de l'articulation métacarpophalangienne du cinquième doigt: a propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Dislocation of the extensor tendon over the metacarpophalangeal joint is common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients without arthritis are exceptionally involved. The authors describe a new case of traumatic boutonniere-like of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger. This lesion is a rarely, only eleven cases are described in literature. Patients are usually young adults and dislocation is related to a direct axial trauma on their fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. Diagnosis is clinical and relies on an incomplete active extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, secondary to the dislocation of the extensor apparatus. Diagnosis is often delayed the lesion remaining unnoticed with the occurrence of others hand lesions. Proper treatment is surgery, based on suturing side to side both extensor digiti minimi and common extensor tendon over the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. Results are excellent, with a complete range of motion and the absence of recurrence.

[Hydatid disease of the femoral shaft treated with surgery and hypertonic solution wash-out combined with albendazole]. / Kyste hydatique de la diaphyse fémorale traité par l'association chirurgie, sérum hypertonique et albendazole.

We report a case of pathological fracture of the femoral shaft in a patient presenting a diaphyseal hydatid cyst. Surgical treatment consisted in wide resection followed by washout using a 20% hypertonic saline solution and nail plate fixation. Albendazole was given as adjuvant treatment. Postoperatively, the patient developed rhabdomyolysis with local superinfected necrosis which required early revision to remove the material. At twenty-two months, the local and general course was satisfactory. The pathological fracture healed and no secondary localization could be identified. Echinococcosis serology remained negative. The surgery-hypertonic solution-albendazole combination appears to be an attractive therapeutic solution for bone hydatid disease.