Syndactylized glabrous flaps for multiple finger palmar defects.

BACKGROUND: Palmar finger or pulp defects require coverage with glabrous tissue to achieve a good match with the lost tissue. The management of multiple finger palmar or pulp defects is challenging because these defects may not always be suitable for local or pedicled flaps. In such situations, syndactylizing free or pedicled flaps can be used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the results of free glabrous flaps syndactylizing across multiple finger defects. The two flaps used were the superficial branch of the radial artery (SUPBRA) flap and hypothenar free flap. Seven syndactylized glabrous free flaps were used to cover the defects in 16 fingers. The functional results and complaints were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean flap size was 14.35 cm2. Six flaps survived. Postoperative evaluation data were obtained for the 13 fingers. All the patients returned to their previous work. All patients had a diminished protective sensation of at least 4.31 according to the SWM test. The mean two-point discrimination score of the patients was 9.9 mm (7-14). One finger had a PIP joint flexion contracture of 30°, no donor-site complaints were observed. CONCLUSION: The advantages of these flaps include single operation site, strong glabrous tissue coverage, low risk of flexion contracture, and adequate tissue size for large defects. Disadvantages include two-stage and complex microsurgical operations, prolonged treatment, and hospital stay.

Comparison of two coracoid process transfer techniques on stress shielding using three-dimensional finite-element model.

BACKGROUND: We created patient-based 3D finite-element (FE) models that simulate the congruent-arc Latarjet (CAL) and traditional Latarjet (TL) procedures and then compared their stress distribution patterns with different arm positions and glenoid defects. METHODS: The computed tomography data of 10 adult patients (9 men and 1 woman, ages: 18-50 years) were used to develop the 3D FE glenohumeral joint models. Twenty-five and 35% bony defects were created on the anterior glenoid rim, and the coracoid process was transferred flush with the glenoid by the traditional and congruent-arc techniques using two half-threaded screws. A load was applied to the greater tuberosity toward the center of the glenoid, and a tensile force (20 N) was applied to the coracoid tip along the direction of the conjoint tendon. The distribution patterns of the von Mises stress in the traditional and congruent-arc Latarjet techniques were compared. RESULTS: The mean von Mises on the graft was significantly greater for the TL technique than for the CAL. While the von Mises stress was greater in the distal medial part of the graft in the TL models, a higher stress concentration was observed in the distal lateral edge of the coracoid graft in the CAL models. The proximal medial part of the graft exhibited significantly lower von Mises stress than the distal medial part when compared according to technique, defect size, and arm position. Increasing the glenoid defect from 25 to 35% resulted in a significant increase in stress on the lateral side of the graft in both models. CONCLUSION: The stress distribution patterns and stress magnitude of the coracoid grafts differed according to the procedure. Due to placing less stress on the proximal-medial part of the graft, the CAL technique may lead to insufficient stimulation for bone formation at the graft-glenoid interface, resulting in a higher incidence of graft osteolysis. Clinical relevance The CAL technique may lead to a higher incidence of graft osteolysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic Science Study; Computer Modeling.

Classification of vascularized fibular flap hypertrophy based on X-ray evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze and classify hypertrophy seen in vascularized fibula flaps used for reconstruction of tubular bone defects. METHODS: Thirty-three patients who underwent a vascularized fibula flap for the reconstruction of massive bone defects of the upper or lower extremity long bones were retrospectively reviewed and included in this study. There were 24 lower extremities (21 tibial and 3 femoral) and 9 upper extremities (4 humeral, 2 radial and 3 ulnar) reconstructions in this series. The mean age was 32.7 (range= 10- 59) years. The mean length of bony defect following initial debridement was 10.3 (range= 4-25) cm. The fibula was inserted as a single strut in 29 patients, and as a double barrel construct in 4 patients. The degree of fibular hypertrophy was calculated based on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-ray measurements of fibular flaps at an average postoperative period of 52 months. The difference in thickness between the initial and final x- ray measurements were expressed as percentage of hypertrophy. The variances seen in this period were defined and classified. RESULTS: When bony consolidation of the 33 cases were examined in detail, 4 different modes of flap hypertrophy were defined: type 0- absence of hypertrophy, type 1- limited hypertrophy, type 2- marked hypertrophy triggered by stress fracture, and type 3- massive hypertrophy enhanced by peripheral bone production. CONCLUSION: Fibular hypertrophy follows different modes based on vascularity of the flap, amount of stress imparted on the flap, site of reconstruction, and whether the periosteal sleeve is retained at the reconstruction site. Determination of these factors at the initial period may help the surgeons to predict the final hypertrophy that will be seen at the end of flap maturation Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

The results of delayed open reduction and internal fixation in chronic bony mallet finger injuries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional results of delayed open reduction and Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation procedures in patients with delayed presentation of bony mallet finger. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2009 and November 2019, a total of 19 patients (15 males, 4 females; median age: 24.8 years; range, 14 to 47 years) who were diagnosed with a delayed bony mallet finger and treated with dorsal block pin, direct pinning, or the umbrella handle technique were retrospectively analyzed. The Crawford criteria were used to evaluate the outcomes. The degrees of range of motion (ROM) were measured by a goniometer. RESULTS: The median time from injury to surgery was 41 (range, 28 to 90) days. The median DIP joint extension limitation was 7.63 (range, 0 to 40) degrees and the median ROM of the DIP joint was 66.3 (range, 20 to 90) degrees. There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative ROM, compared to the uninjured side (p>0.05). The Crawford score was excellent in 11, good in four, fair in three, and poor in one patient. Bone union was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSION: Delayed open reduction and K-wire fixation of chronic bony mallet finger injuries yield successful functional outcomes with low complication rates. Extension lag can be eliminated in most patients by making the joint surface anatomical. The most optimal method should be selected depending on the size of the fracture fragment.

Comparison of various tendon repair techniques in extansor zone 3 injuries: an experimental biomechanical cadaver study.

PURPOSE: To compare five different repair techniques for extensor tendon zone III modified Kessler (MK), double-modified Kessler (DMK), modified Kessler epitendinous (MKE), double-modified Kessler epitendinous (DMKE), and running-interlocking horizontal mattress (RIHM) in terms of shortening, stiffness, gap formation, and ultimate load to failure. METHODS: A total of 35 human cadaver fingers were randomly assigned to five suture techniques with 7 fingers each and were tested under dynamic and static loading conditions. RESULTS: DMK was found to be superior over MK in terms of ultimate load to failure (36 N vs. 24 N, respectively), shortening (1.75 vs. 2.20 mm, respectively) and gap formation. However, these two methods had similar characteristics in terms of stiffness. The addition of epitendinous sutures to the repair methods resulted in approximately 40% increase in ultimate load to failure, whereas epitendinous sutures had no effect on shortening. DMKE was found to be superior over MKE in terms of shortening (1.77 vs. 2.22 mm, respectively). However, these two methods had similar characteristics in terms of mean ultimate load to failure and stiffness. RIHM was found to be superior over the other four methods in terms of ultimate load to failure (89 N), stiffness, and shortening (0.75 mm). CONCLUSION: RIHM was found to be stronger and more durable for extensor tendon zone III than the other techniques in terms of ultimate load to failure and stiffness.

Clinical outcomes of salvage revision surgery following finger replantation with vascular insufficiency: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of revision surgery following replantation of single digital amputations. METHODS: In this study, first, a total of 403 patients (339 male, 64 female; mean age=28 years; age range=1-76) in whom a single finger replantation was performed were retrospectively reviewed, and then 60 patients with arterial or venous insufficiency in whom revision surgery was performed were reanalyzed. The second finger was observed to be the most injured one (32.8%). Injury type was classified as clean cut (25.3%), local crush (38.7), extensive crush (7.9%), and avulsion (28.1%). When taking the levels of injuries of the artery-only finger replantations into account, one finger (0.8%) was nail distal third, 70 fingers (56%) were nail distal third to lunula, 43 fingers (34.4%) were lunula to distal phalanx basis, 10 fingers (8%) were distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, and one finger (0.8%) was middle phalanx. Operative revision was performed on 60 (14.9%) fingers. The need for operative revision was arterial insufficiency in 37 fingers (61.7%) and venous insufficiency in 23 fingers (38.3%). The average revision time was 43 (range=6-144) hours. While the average elapsed time for artery procedures was 35.3 (range=8-110) hours, the average elapsed time for vein procedures was 47.1 (range=6-144) hours. Finger survival rates were examined. Injury mechanism, amputation level, the number of artery/vein repairs and methods were examined in all patients and revision patients separately. RESULTS: After the replantations, according to survival analysis, while 342 (84.9%) fingers were operated upon successfully, 61 (15.1%) fingers developed necrosis. In the patients with revision surgery, the survival rate was 78.3%. The need for revision was arterial insufficiency in 37 fingers (61.7%) and venous insufficiency in 23 fingers (38.3%). The revision rate was significantly lower than other injury types in clean-cut cases. In terms of levels of injury, no revisions were required from distal to lunula level, and the highest revision rate was observed at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint level. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study have shown that early re-exploration can provide a 78.3% success rate and can increase the survival rate from 67.6% to 84.2% following replantation of single digital amputations. Surgical re-exploration seems to be a reasonable salvage for replanted fingers with vascular insufficiency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Survival and Comparison of External Bleeding Methods in Artery-Only Distal Finger Replantations.

PURPOSE: If there are no veins available in a distal amputation, an artery-only replantation is performed, and an external bleeding method is commonly used. We conducted a survival analysis in a large series of artery-only replantations and compared 2 different external bleeding methods in artery-only distal replantations: nail matrix or hyponychial area bleeding and pulp skin area bleeding, which we have called the crater method. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-eight artery-only distal finger replantations in 199 patients were included in the study. The replanted digits were divided into 2 groups according to the external bleeding methods. One group (n = 94; 41.2%) included the patients in whom the external bleeding was performed using a traditional nail bed incision and the second group (n = 134; 58.8%) included the patients in whom external bleeding was performed using the crater method. The finger survival rates and postoperative circulatory problems were examined. The impact of the injury mechanism, injury level, and external bleeding method on survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinical findings indicating venous insufficiency were observed in 198 (86.8%) replanted fingers. One hundred eighty-two (79.8%) survived, and complete necrosis developed in 46 (20.2%). Viability was maintained in 84% of patients treated with the nail bed bleeding method and 76.9% of patients treated using the crater method. Clean-cut cases had the best results and subzone 3 cases had the worst results. CONCLUSIONS: The artery-only replantation was associated with a 79.8% survival rate. The method of achieving venous outflow did not appear to have an impact on survival. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Umbrella handle technique for fixation of FDP avulsion fracture.

We present the treatment course of a 29-year-old male patient with for a Type 3 FDP avulsion (Jersey's finger) of a fifth finger treated with umbrella handle technique. The patient had a volar base fracture of distal phalanx with dorsal subluxation of DIP joint after a fall. Following open reduction of the FDP avulsion fracture and fixation was achieved with a 0.9 mm one edge hooked Kirschner wire under fluoroscopy control. The straight edge of the wire was driven out in a central position in sterile nail matrix just distal to lunula. The wire was removed at the fifth week when the complete union of the fracture was observed. The patient achieved full flexion in DIP joint without an extension lag.

Results of 4-strand modified Kessler core suture and epitendinous interlocking suture followed by modified Kleinert protocol for flexor tendon repairs in Zone 2.

OBJECTIVE: There has been no consensus in literature for the ideal flexor tendon repair technique. The results of zone 2 flexor tendon lacerations repaired primarily by 4 strand Modified Kessler core suture and epitendinous interlocking suture technique followed by Modified Kleinert protocol were investigated. METHODS: 128 fingers of 89 patients who had flexor tendon laceration in zone 2 built the working group. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Strickland formula. A statistical analysis was made between Strickland scores and some parameters such as age, gender, follow-up time, co-existing injury existence, repair time, single or multiple finger injury, tendon rupture and the effect of FDS injury and repair. RESULTS: Excellent, good, fair, poor results were obtained from 71 (55.5%), 46 (35.9%), 8 (6.3%), 3 (2.3%) fingers, respectively. Time of the repair has a significant effect on the strickland scores. Surgery performed within the first 24 hours following the injury gave better results. 3 fingers (2.3%) had tendon ruptures. Existence of ruptures affected the results significantly. Co-existing injuries were found that they did not have any effect on the results. In the fingers in which both FDP and FDS tendons were lacerated, no significant relationship was found between only FDP repair, both FDP and FDS repair and single FDS slip repair. Additionally no significant relationships between follow-up time, gender, single or multiple finger injury and Strickland scores were observed. 13 fingers (10.1%) had PIP joint contracture above 20°. CONCLUSION: The low rupture rate (2.3%) and 91.4% 'good' and 'excellent' scoring rates in our series support the idea that modified Kessler 4-strand core suture and epitendinous interlocking suture repair combined with modified Kleinert protocol gives satisfactory results. Repair time is one of the most important factors affecting the functional results and surgery should not be delayed if there is an experienced surgeon available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Combined Fractures of the Scaphoid and Distal Radius: Evaluation of Early Surgical Fixation (21 Patients with 22 Wrists).

Introduction The purpose of this retrospective study, is to evaluate the clinical and functional results of early surgical fixation of the ipsilateral distal radius and scaphoid fractures in 22 of 21 patients. Patients and Methods Overall, 22 combined ipsilateral scaphoid, and distal radius fracture treatments between 2002 and 2015 were evaluated. The mean age was 34.9 (range: 19-82) years. One patient had bilateral injuries. In 17 patients the injury was due to a fall from a height, and in 4 patients due to a motorcycle accident. According to the AO classification, there were 2 type B and 20 type C fractures of the distal radius. The volar locking plate fixation technique was applied in 14 wrists, screw fixation technique in 1, external fixation combined with Kirschner wires (K-wire) stabilization technique was used in 3 wrists, and only K-wire pinning technique was used in 4 wrists. All scaphoid fractures were type B (21 type B2, 1 type B1) according to the Herbert-Fischer classification. K-wire fixation was applied in 2 and cannulated screw fixation was performed in 20 fractures. Clinical evaluation was performed with measuring the pinch power, grip power, and range of motions. Functional evaluation was performed using patient-rated wrist evaluation score (PRWE). Results The average follow-up period was 25 (range: 12-97) months. All radius and scaphoid fractures healed. The mean active wrist motions were found to be 45 degrees of flexion, 48.5 degrees of extension, 20 degrees of radial deviation, and 43 degrees ulnar deviation. Mean grip/pinch strengths were 31/8.5 kg. Mean PRWE score was 5.5 (range: 0-8.5). All patients returned to preoperative activity level and can do preinjury jobs. Conclusion Combined ipsilateral fractures of distal radius and scaphoid are complex and rare injuries due to high energy traumas. Stable early primary fracture fixation in these injuries can be expected with good functional results. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Techniques and survival incidence for revascularization of degloved fingers.

We report techniques and survival incidence of three subtotally and nine completely degloved fingers in seven patients. We performed end-to-end arterial repairs in seven fingers, vein graft repairs for arteries in two fingers, arteriovenous anastomoses in three fingers. End-to-end vein anastomosis was performed in all fingers. One finger requred re-exploration. Soft tissues in the eight degloved fingers survived completely, two failed completely, and two were partially necrotic. We conclude from our results that following revascularization, the skin from a completely degloved finger skin will survive in approximately two cases out of three. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A new complication in volar locking plating of the distal radius: longitudinal fractures of the near cortex.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to document a new complication in volar locking plating of the distal radius. METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2014, 223 patients were identified from the department's surgical database with retrospective chart and radiographic review. Sixty-eight patients were over 60 years of age. All fractures were operated with Acu-Loc® (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR, USA) wrist volar locking plating systems. Longitudinal fracture lines (LFL) beneath volar plate-extending proximal shafts were documented. Correlations between age groups and LFLs were investigated. Radiographs with LFLs were assessed at final follow-up for the following parameters: volar tilt, radial inclination and radial length. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 68 patients over age of 60 years had LFLs. Correlation was significant for age groups (p<0.05). The effect of these fracture lines on radiographic parameters was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of the complications that may occur with volar locking plates. Understanding of potential complications and their results are important. As a result of aging, thinning, and weakening, the near cortex may become more brittle. When the plate is reduced on the bone with a nonlocking screw, the conical head of diaphyseal locking screws can extend over plate thickness and penetrate the near cortex, acting as a screwing wedge. Additional divergent configuration may promote this effect and crack the cortex.

Clinical applications of free arterialized venous flaps.

Venous flaps are flaps by which tissue perfusion is accessed through the venous network. Despite originally being questioned due to potential perfusion problems, as the dynamics of tissue perfusion have been more fully comprehended, venous flaps appear to have a far wider range of application than first thought. In our study, we analyzed the clinical results of the applications of free arterialized venous flaps along with the factors that can affect flap survival. Forty-one flaps were assessed retrospectively. Type of the trauma, traumatized area, the time duration between trauma and application of the flap, donor area, type and count of the anastomosis, encountered complications, and flap survival rates were analyzed. Regression and classification trees were used to study the relationship between flap surface area, anastomosis count, and flap survival. Circulatory abnormalities such as early congestion and edema were seen in 53.6% of the applied flaps. A total of four flaps (9.7%) developed necrosis which presented as full thickness in three flaps and partial thickness in one flap. It can be said that there was a weak but positive correlation between the size of the flap area and the number of anastomosis. Although the results of arterialized venous flaps are inconsistent in the literature, those flaps can be preferred as an alternative treatment option in single finger defects where tissue compatibility and cosmetic results are quite impressive. In the meantime, syndactylized venous flaps are the preferred method regarding multiple finger soft-tissue defects.

Syndactylizing arterialized venous flaps for multiple finger injuries.

Multiple soft tissue finger defects in different shapes and locations are usually difficult to manage. Such defects commonly involve tendons and bones. Palmar soft tissue defects may also lead to vascular compromise. In this retrospective report, we report the results of seven patients with multiple soft tissue finger defects that were covered by syndactylizing arterialized venous flaps. Six of the patients suffered hot-pressing machine and crushing injuries, one patient had a rolling belt injury. All patients presented with soft tissue defects on palmar or dorsal sides involving at least two digits. The palmar forearm was donor site for all patients. At least one afferent artery and two efferent veins were selected for the anastomosis. Lengths of afferent and efferent veins were long enough to perform healthy anastomosis outside the injury zone. The afferent vessels were anastamosed to the digital arteries with the largest possible diameter or to the common digital arteries to maximize flow. The efferent veins were anastamosed to dorsal veins. Separations of the digits were performed after three weeks by longitudinal incisions. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. None of our patients suffered a flap loss. Syndactylizing arterialized venous flaps may be used for composite or single tissue reconstruction for multiple finger defects with satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Traumatic hemipelvectomy: case presentation.

Traumatic hemipelvectomy is a severe, life-threatening injury, mainly occurring due to machinery injury or traffic accident. Few cases have been published in the literature. Treatment requires a rapid, multidisciplinary team approach which will result in the saving of the patient's life. We present the outcome of a male patient with traumatic hemipelvectomy.

Surgical reconstruction in Wassel type IV thumb duplication.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the results of patients with Wassel type IV thumb duplication, treated with a single reconstructive procedure. METHODS: The mean follow-up period was 76.9 months. Objective assessments were carried out using Horii modification of Tada scoring system and ALURRA scoring system. Thumb length, thumb girth, range of motion of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints and angular deformities at MCP and IP joints were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean ALURRA score was 21 (range; 16-24) and Tada Score 5.25 (range; 2-7). The length of the operated thumb was approximately 95%, the girth 89% and nail width 80% of the non-operated side. The mean range of motion was 75.1% of the unaffected thumb in interphalangeal joint and 80.1% in metacarpophalangeal joint. Metacarpophalangeal joint malalignment had shown statistically significant negative correlation with the scores of Tada, ALURRA and VAS. CONCLUSION: Surgical reconstruction may provide a functional and stable thumb in Wassel type IV thumb duplications. The satisfaction of patients is affected by angular deformity of thumbs and cosmetic outlook.

Sonographic assessment of transverse carpal ligament after open surgical release of the carpal tunnel.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to sonographically evaluate the anatomy of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) after open surgical release in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and to establish new ultrasonographic criteria for the completeness of TCL release. METHODS: Thirty-six patients who underwent open surgical release for CTS were recruited prospectively. Patients were evaluated with physical examination and ultrasonography before and after the operation. RESULTS: All patients' symptoms resolved after surgery. TCL was found to be diffusely thickened and to have lost its smooth form after surgery. Postoperative TCL thickness showed a statistically significant increase when compared with preoperative values (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sonography is a capable imaging method for assessment of the TCL after open release surgery. In addition, ultrasound may be considered as a complementary tool to exclude diagnosis of incomplete transection of TCL in patients with persistent symptoms.

Limb salvage and amputation in Type 3C tibial fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of limb salvage and primary amputation treatments in patients with Type 3C tibia fractures and compare with normative population data. METHODS: Limb salvage was performed in 20 patients and primary amputation in 14 patients with Type 3C tibia fractures between 1993 and 2009. Mean follow-up period was 5.3 years. Treatment times, complications, number of operations and return-to-work status of groups were compared. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life and domains were compared among the patient groups and normative data. RESULTS: Limb salvage patients had longer treatment periods with more operations and complications than the primary amputation group. Return-to-work percentage was 59% in the limb salvage group and 71% in the amputation group. There was no statistical difference in all SF-36 domains for limb salvage and primary amputation patients. Physical functioning, social functioning, limitation due to emotional problems and pain were statistically lower in all patients than in the general population. CONCLUSION: Type 3C tibia fractures treated with both limb salvage and primary amputation have negative effects on quality of life. Patients should be informed about limited functional capacity, pain complications and problems with return-to-work at the end of treatment. In addition, high rates of limb salvage can be achieved with proper conditions in suitable patients.

Comparison of dorsal and volar percutaneous screw fixation methods in acute Type B scaphoid fractures.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and functional results of patients treated with dorsal or volar percutaneous screw fixation for acute scaphoid fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 27 wrists of 26 patients (24 males, 2 females; mean age: 33.1 years) who underwent dorsal or volar percutaneous screw fixation for acute scaphoid fractures between 2000 and 2009. The dorsal approach group contained 13 wrists and the volar approach group 14 wrists. Splint was removed and wrist exercises initiated on the 10th postoperative day. Pinch power, grip power and range of motion were evaluated using the contralateral wrist as controls. Functional evaluation was performed using the patient-rated wrist evaluation score (PRWE) and Mayo wrist scoring system. RESULTS: According to the Herbert and Fisher's classification system there were 9 B2, 3 B3 and 1 B1 fractures in the dorsal approach group, and 12 B2 and 2 B1 fractures in the volar approach group. Fracture union was achieved in all patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups according to functional and clinical results (p>0.05). All patients returned to their jobs in an average of 4.2 weeks and there was no significant difference between the groups (p=0.437). Wrist flexion was significantly better in the control wrists in both groups (p=0.009). In one patient, the screw was removed due to ongoing pain and asymptomatic screw head displacement in the scaphotrapezoid joint was detected in another. CONCLUSION: The surgical approach does not affect the clinical and functional outcomes in percutaneous screw fixation of Type B scaphoid fractures. Percutaneous fixation is a valuable treatment method for Type B scaphoid fractures as it enables early wrist motion and high patient satisfaction.

[Humeral shaft nonunions: plates and nails]. / Humerus cisim kaynamamalari: Plaklar ve çiviler.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the functional results of dynamic compression plates (DCP) and interlocked retrograde intramedullary nails (IRIN) used for the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients (12 males, 14 females; mean age, 42.8 years; range 21 to 61 years) who underwent surgical treatment of humeral shaft nonunion either with DCP (n=13) or IRIN (n=13) between October 1999 and January 2008, were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment consisted of removing previous implants and DCP or IRIN fixation with additional autogenous bone grafts for atrophic nonunions. Union time, range of motion, radiographic length difference, Constant-Murley Scale (CMS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-T) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 59.5 months (range; 17 to 125 months). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation among the functional scores of DASH-T, MEPS and CMS. No statistically significant difference was observed in the functional outcome between the groups (DCP and IRIN). Range of motion of the elbow joint was significantly impaired in three patients who were plated for distal shaft nonunions. CONCLUSION: Both DCP and IRIN provide satisfactory functional outcomes in the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions. Distal shaft nonunions may demonstrate a decrement in elbow motion associated with distal placement of plates.