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.

Extensor digiti minimi muscular flap: From a clinical case to an anatomical study.

We present a case report of a failed posterior interosseous flap with distal pedicle rescued by an extensor digiti minimi (EDM) island pedicle flap supplied by the posterior interosseous artery (PIOA) in reverse flow to cover a soft tissue defect in the hand of a 25-year-old man. We subsequently performed an anatomical study on 5 cadaver limbs to determine the EDM muscle's vascularization: it was segmental, multiple and came from the PIOA. The rotation arc reached the dorsal side of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, as well as the distal part of the thumb. The indications selected are the same as those of the distal pedicle flap: defect on dorsal side of the hand and MCP joints, coverage of carpal tunnel, failure of posterior interosseous flap. This study describes a new flap and adds to our understanding of the EDM muscle's vascularization.

Rice-body formation without rheumatic disease or tuberculosis in a "sausage" ring finger.

Rice bodies are very unusual lesions, generally encountered in chronic synovitis due to rheumatoid diseases or tuberculosis. A 31-year-old right-handed man presented with a 15-year history of progressively growing "sausage-like" swelling of the 4th finger and palm of his right hand. There was an immovable, painless mass with restriction of the finger's ROM without local or general associated signs. Imaging showed a large non-aggressive mass within the tendon sheath. Complete excision of the mass was performed. Histopathological examination showed synovial villi with rice bodies and central necrosis suggestive of tuberculous synovitis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tests for mycobacterial infections were all negative and there was no argument in favor of a rheumatoid pathology. There is no established standard treatment in a case like ours, which has no origin in tuberculosis or RA. Prolonged follow-up will be needed to confirm absence of recurrence after complete excision.

A thoracic parasternal granular cell tumor in a child: About one case and review of the literature, discussion about treatment guidelines, is complete resection compulsory?

Granular cell tumor is a well known soft tissue tumor, very rare in children; we describe here the first case of GCT in this particular location in a child. The diagnostic is easily done with histopathology. The treatment is based on the complete resection, no other validated treatment exists. We reviewed the literature to find out if it would be safe to consider a simple follow-up after partial resection of the tumor.

["V" axillary incision for the management of tumors of upper outer quadrant and axillary tail of the breast: retrospective study and technical description]. / Incision en "V" axillaire dans la prise en charge des tumeurs du quadrant supéro-externe et du prolongement axillaire du sein: étude rétrospective et description technique.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the upper outer quadrant of the breast represent the most common location of breast malignant tumors. Although the choice of surgical approach should be dictated primarily by an imperative of oncological safety, esthetic and practical considerations of the surgeon as well as the esthetic demands of patients have become increasingly important with the development of breast conservative surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 30 patients (mean age: 62.3 years) who were operated for a tumor of the upper outer quadrant (50 %) or the axillary tail (50 %) of the breast and who received a "V" axillary incision between 2008 and 2012. The incision draws a "V" that comprises a horizontal incision in an axilla fold associated with a vertical arcuate incision in a Langer line of the breast. The number and type of postoperative complications were collected. Patients were asked about the quality of their scar, position of the areola and breast shape was notified during consultations control. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of patients was 32.7 months. No postoperative complications were observed. A percentage of 86.6 % of patients rated their scar result as excellent. We found no areolar malposition and no morphological deformation of the breast. The surgeons who performed this technique were very pleased with the wide exposure and the uniqueness of this incision fully respecting the architecture of the breast. CONCLUSION: "V" axillary incision is a useful and easily reproducible technical option for the management of tumors of the upper outer quadrant and the axillary tail of the breast.