Long-Term Functional and Radiological Results in Tonkin Type 3B Thumb Hypoplasia Treated With Nonvascularized Toe Phalanx Transfer as an Alternative to Pollicization.

PURPOSE: Parents of children with hypoplastic thumbs often reject the option of pollicization for various reasons and enquire about alternate choices. Our study aimed to assess the outcome in children who underwent nonvascularized toe phalanx transfer for Tonkin type 3B thumb hypoplasia and compare it with a similar cohort of children treated with pollicization. METHODS: At an average follow-up of 7 years for toe phalanx transfer and 6 years of pollicization, five children from each group were tested for thumb length, stability of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, mobility, opposition, and donor-site morbidity. Parents were asked to report improvements in function and appearance. All cases were Tonkin type 3B thumb hypoplasia. RESULTS: The CMC joint was found to be stable in all children, and the Kapandji score was 6 in 3 children and 5 in 2 children with toe phalanx transfer compared to 9 in all children with pollicization. The average palmar abduction was 24°, and the average radial abduction was 36° in the toe phalanx transfer group compared to 40° and 45°, respectively, in children with pollicization. The average thumb length was 50.8% of the index finger's proximal phalanx in the toe phalanx group compared to 60 % in the pollicization group. The mean visual analog scale scores for the thumb's function and appearance were 6.8 and 6.4, respectively, compared to 9.2 and 8.8, respectively, in the pollicization group. No resorption was noted in the donor phalanx at a mean follow-up of 7 years with no donor-site morbidity other than mild shortening of the toes. CONCLUSIONS: We noted increased palmar abduction and radial abduction in the pollicization group. No resorption was noted in the donor toe phalanx at the longest follow-up of 9 years. Toe phalanx can be considered an alternative for those children in whom a five-finger hand is a priority. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the ulnar nerve around the elbow: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (EMPNST) is a rare histological subtype of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), accounting for 5% to 17% of MPNSTs. The clinical and MRI findings of EMPNST mimic those of nerve abscesses, similar to the presentation in Hansen's disease. We present one such case with this kind of diagnostic dilemma. Intraoperative findings suggest a tumour changed the course of management subsequently. The development of neurological deficits postoperatively after tumour resection was a reconstructive challenge. To provide motor power and sensation through a procedure that provides a complete functional outcome for a young patient, distal nerve transfers were chosen. This provided an improvement in the quality of life and hastened the neurological recovery of the involved limb. Level of evidence: V.

Bilateral Post-traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury in an Adult: A Note on the Probable Mechanism of Injury.

Bilateral brachial plexus injury is rare following a motor vehicle accident in an adult. We report a 35-year-old man with a bilateral brachial plexus injury. Explaining the mechanism of such an injury is essential to prognosticate the outcome. Fall from the bike, and the position determines the mechanism. The head-shoulder hitting the surface has an avulsion injury (ipsilateral), and the recoiling effect causes traction injury to the contralateral side. Our case had a C5,6 avulsion injury on the right side (ipsilateral) and a C5,6 traction injury (contralateral) to his left side. Surgical exploration and distal nerve transfers were done on the right side. The patient improved his shoulder and elbow function of grade 3, neurolysis of the brachial plexus was done on the left side, and the recovery was complete at 12 months of follow-up.

A Novel Method of Spinal Accessory Nerve Banking Using Silicone Catheter for Functioning Free Muscle Transfer.

In secondary brachial plexus reconstruction, exploring an area that has already been operated on is challenging and time-consuming for a surgeon, especially in centers with a single-team approach. Due to their inertness and lack of adverse effects, silicone Foley catheters were used successfully during the reconstruction of flexor tendons. Based on the concept, we have achieved an acceptable functional outcome by banking the spinal accessory nerve in a silicon catheter for gracilis reanimation, which permits smooth dissection, maintains the length, and shortens the operating time for subsequent reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Wrist Arthrodesis Using a Trapezoidal Wedge Graft from the Distal Radius and a Low-Profile Reconstruction Plate.

Background: Various intramedullary or dorsally based fusions have been utilised to perform wrist arthrodesis. Although the dorsal plate is rigid and well constructed, the standard of care was replenishing the arthrodesis site with an iliac crest bone graft. Due to the high morbidity of the donor site, alternatives such as distal radius bone grafts have gained popularity. In this study, wrist arthrodesis was performed with a locally accessible trapezoidal wedge graft from the distal radius and a low-profile reconstruction plate to evaluate the radiological and functional outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 22 wrists, 14 brachial plexus injuries, 4 post-traumatic injuries, and 4 rheumatoid arthritis patients, with a mean follow-up of 31 months. Union was evaluated on radiography. The functional outcomes were evaluated using a visual analog scale incorporated into a questionnaire. Results: All 22 fusions united successfully, with a mean duration of 12 weeks and a wrist position of an average 17.5 degrees of extension and 6 degrees of ulnar deviation. The aesthetics of the wrist showed the most significant change, and overall satisfaction levels increased. Conclusions: A locally accessible cortico-cancellous graft from the dorsum of the radius is a reliable alternative to an iliac crest or carpal bone graft with high potential for the union. It also serves as a stable strut in our construct, allowing us to use a low-profile reconstruction plate. The Reconstruction (3.5 System) plate can be used safely with excellent results and a low implant prominence or breakage risk.

Unusual presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome due to Mycobacterium marinum infection of hand.

We report a case of a fisherman presenting with a rare and unusual carpal tunnel syndrome due to Mycobacterium marinum infection of the hand and wrist. The infection resulted in severe pain, paresthesia and restriction of movement in the hand.Flexor tenosynovectomy, followed by histological and microbiological studies, indicated the presence of atypical mycobacteria. The patient was started on a combination antimicrobial therapy for 6 months. The patient regained full range of motion and returned to perform daily activities with ease.Diagnosis of M. marinum infection of the hand is challenging as the presentation mimics other conditions and may have nonspecific histological findings. This atypical mycobacterium may also show resistance to commonly used antitubercular drugs. Hand surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion of M. marinum and adopt a multiteam approach to prevent delay in diagnosis for successful treatment.

Congenital hand differences: Prevalence among school going children in Mangalore city.

Introduction: Congenital upper extremity anomalies are present in 1 in every 626 live births. They are mostly isolated phenomena but can also be associated with other congenital deformities and may be the only external feature of a syndromic entity. A study on it in India, especially the southern part, is limited. As the quality of life gets compromised, there is a need to identify and diagnose the anomalies at the earliest. Current study is aimed to identify congenital hand deformities among the school-going population in the coastal city of Mangalore.A cross sectional study was done in the schools in Mangalore city. By simple random sampling, 35 out of 70 schools were selected, and 10,000 children in age group of 5-15years were included by non-probability sampling after taking their consent from school authorities and parents. Data was analyzed by FISHER's exact test. Result: 41 cases of congenital hand anomalies were identified with 23 boys and 18 girls. Twelve children had bilateral involvement. 28 cases where of polydactyly followed by four cases of acrosyndactyly with constriction band, three cases each of syndactyly and camptodactyly,one case of lobster hand and one case each of transverse deficiency of hand and forearm. Associated lower limb anomalies were seen in 9 cases. Familial associations were seen in 6 cases, and 1 polydactyly child had a downs syndrome association. All cases[4cases] of acrosyndactyly with constriction band syndrome were operated at childhood, and most other deformities were unoperated. Polydactyly[duplication] tops the list and needs further studies to look into genetic, environmental, and regional variations. Conclusion: The prevalence of congenital hand difference in Mangalore is 41 per 10000 school-going children examined. . A future national registry in India should be the way forward to assess the true prevalence and risk factors.