Early Postoperative Results in Robotic-Arm-Assisted Total Knee Replacement versus Conventional Technique: First Latin American Experience.

Early results with robotic-arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are encouraging; nevertheless, literature might be unrepresentative, as it comes mostly from American, European, and Asian countries. There is limited experience and no comparative clinical reports in Latin America, a region of mainly low- and middle-income countries with limited access to these promising technologies. This study aims to compare the early postoperative results of the first Latin American experience with robotic-arm-assisted TKA versus conventional TKA. A cohort study was performed, including 181 consecutive patients (195 knees) with advanced symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing primary TKA between March 2016 and October 2019. The cohort included 111 consecutive patients (123 knees) undergoing conventional TKA, followed by 70 consecutive patients (72 knees) undergoing robotic-arm-assisted TKA. The same surgical team (surgeon 1 and surgeon 2) performed all procedures. Patients with previous osteotomy, posttraumatic OA, and revision components were not considered. The same anesthetic and rehabilitation protocol was followed. The investigated clinical outcomes (for the first 60 postoperative days) were: surgical tourniquet time, time to home discharge, time to ambulation, postoperative daily pain (Visual Analog Scale), opioid use, range of motion, blood loss, complications, and postoperative mechanical axis. The early clinical postoperative results of this first Latin American comparative experience of robotic-arm-assisted TKA versus conventional technique showed lower opioids requirements and faster functional recovery of ambulation in those patients operated with the robotic system; nevertheless, surgical times were higher, without differences in total postoperative complications and other clinical outcomes.

[Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis with a «relaxed¼ technique.Clinical and radiological results of a prospective cohort]. / Tenodesis artroscópica del bíceps mediante técnica «relajada¼. Resultados clínicos y radiológicos de una cohorte prospectiva.

INTRODUCTION: in the treatment the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology, the «relaxed tenodesis¼ is an arthroscopic articular suprapectoral tenodesis that seeks to lower the tension on the LHBT, and therefore, theoretically avoid persistent pain. OBJECTIVE: to assess clinical and radiological results of «relaxed¼ tenodesis in a prospective cohort of patient with work related illness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: prospective cohort, 54 shoulders with «relaxed¼ tenodesis performed with an intra-articular interference screw by the same surgeon, from October 2014 to 2018, in a level 1 trauma center. Demographic, clinical, functional and radiologic results were analyzed. On 6 months follow-up, a sonographic and clinical assessment was performed. RESULTS: mean age 49 ± 9, mean follow-up 16 ± 4 months. The main diagnosis was a rotator cuff tear in 79%, primary biceps pathology in 10% and other pathologies in 11%. At the end of follow-up, the cohort showed active anterior elevation 157.7 ± 22.7, external rotation 47 ± 16.6, median internal rotation T12, Constant Score 83 ± 12.05 points, subjective shoulder value 83 ± 12.97% and pain visual analogue scale 1.4 ± 1.7 points. One patient had a biceps tear and two had cosmetic arm asymmetry. On ultrasound 98% had the LHBT in situ and 10% had inflammatory changes on the bicipital groove. There were complications in 21% of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: «relaxed biceps tenodesis¼ is a technique that shows good clinical, functional and sonographic results, with low failure rate.

INTRODUCCIÓN: en el tratamiento de la patología del tendón de la cabeza larga del bíceps (TCLB) la tenodesis «relajada¼ es una tenodesis artroscópica suprapectoral alta, que busca disminuir la tensión del TCLB y, por tanto, el dolor persistente. OBJETIVO: evaluar resultados clínicos y radiológicos de la tenodesis «relajada¼ en una serie prospectiva de sujetos sometidos a compensación laboral. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: cohorte prospectiva de 54 hombros con tenodesis «relajada¼ con tornillo interferencial intraarticular, mismo cirujano, Octubre de 2014 a 2018, centro de trauma nivel 1. Se analizaron datos demográficos, resultados clínicos, funcionales y radiográficos. A los seis meses se realizó una ecografía de control y se evaluaron complicaciones. RESULTADOS: edad media 49 ± 9 años, seguimiento promedio 16 ± 4 meses. El diagnóstico primario fue rotura del manguito rotador en 79%, patología primaria del bíceps en 10% y otras patologías en 11%. Al término del seguimiento, la elevación anterior activa fue 157.7 ± 22.7, rotación externa 47 ± 16.6, rotación interna mediana T12, Constant Score 83 ± 12.05 puntos, valoración subjetiva del hombro 83 ± 12.97% y escala visual análoga del dolor 1.4 ± 1.7 puntos. Un paciente sufrió una rotura del bíceps y dos casos una asimetría estética del brazo. En ecografía, en 98% se visualizó el TCLB in situ y en 10% se objetivaron cambios inflamatorios en la corredera bicipital. Reportamos 21% de complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: la tenodesis «relajada¼ presenta resultados clínicos, funcionales e imagenológicos satisfactorios, con baja tasa de fallo.

Traumatismo grave del miembro superior relacionado con el uso de una escalera mecánica. Reporte de caso pediátrico / Severe upper limb trauma related to escalator use. Pediatric case report

Las lesiones relacionadas con escaleras mecánicas suelen ser poco frecuentes, pero pueden constituir una emergencia médica con complicaciones potencialmente peligrosas. Se describe el grave compromiso en el miembro superior relacionado con una lesión ocurrida en una escalera mecánica. Paciente de 2 años, que sufrió una caída al bajar por una escalera mecánica, y terminó con el brazo izquierdo atrapado entre uno de los escalones y los peines del descenso del escalón terminal.Ingresó a Emergencias, donde, tras realizar las medidas de estabilización inicial, se trasladó a cirugía para el retiro del cuerpo extraño. No se encontró compromiso vascular o nervioso, pero sí pérdida grave de tejido celular subcutáneo. Se retiró el peine de metal, y se realizó la cirugía reparadora del miembro afectado. Requirió cuatro intervenciones más por Cirugía Plástica y Reparadora. La paciente tuvo buena evolución clínica y recibió el alta sin secuelas funcionales

Escalator-related injuries are rare but can be a medical emergency with potentially dangerous complications. The severe upper limb involvement related to injury occurred on an escalator is described.A two year-old patient suffered a fall going down an escalator; her left arm was caught between one of the steps and the comb of the last step.She was admitted to the Emergency Room for the initial stabilization. The foreign body was removed in the operating room. No vascular or nervous compromise was found, but there was severe loss of subcutaneous cellular tissue. The metal comb was removed, and repair surgery was performed on the affected limb. She required four more surgical interventions for plastic and reconstructive surgery. The patient had a good clinical evolution and was discharged without functional sequelae.

Does Biceps Tenotomy or Tenodesis Have Better Results After Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although tenotomy and tenodesis are frequently used for long head of the biceps tendon lesions, controversies remain as to which technique is superior regarding pain, functionality, complications, and cosmetic appearance. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) For long head of biceps tendon lesions, does tenotomy or tenodesis result in greater improvements in VAS score for pain? (2) Which approach has superior results when evaluating function outcome (Constant) scores? (3) Does tenotomy or tenodesis have fewer complications? (4) Does tenotomy or tenodesis result in better cosmesis (Popeye sign)? METHODS: A systematic review was performed in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) using the keywords "long head of the biceps tendon," "biceps tenodesis," and "tenotomy." We completed the search in June 2020. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials and quasirandomized controlled trials that investigated tenodesis and tenotomy with no language restriction and evaluation of adult patients who presented with a long head of the biceps tendon lesion, associated with other lesions or not, without previous shoulder surgeries and who had no response to nonoperative treatment. The initial search yielded 239 studies, 40 of which were duplicates. We assessed the titles and abstracts of 199 articles and excluded all studies that were not randomized controlled trials (literature reviews) or that compared different techniques. We assessed the full text of 14 articles and excluded the ones that were protocols and cohort studies. We evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. We included eight studies in this systematic review and meta-analysis, with a total of 615 participants, 306 of whom were treated with tenotomy and 309 with tenodesis. The median duration of follow-up was 2 years. Overall, the included studies had a low risk of bias. The complications evaluated were adhesive capsulitis, biceps brachii tear, cramps, and a subsequent second surgical procedure. We used a random model in this meta-analysis so that we could generalize the results beyond the included studies. In this study, we only reported differences between the groups if they were both statistically valid and larger than the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: Comparing tenotomy and tenodesis, we observed no difference between the groups regarding pain in the long term (mean difference 0.25 [95% confidence interval -0.29 to 0.80]; p = 0.36). There was no difference in Constant score in the long-term (mean difference -1.45 [95% CI -2.96 to 0.06]; p = 0.06). There were no differences when evaluating for major complications (odds ratio 1.37 [95% CI 0.29 to 6.56]; p = 0.70). There were not enough papers evaluating adhesive capsulitis, cramping, and risk of revision surgery. Popeye sign was more frequent in the tenotomy group than in the tenodesis group (OR 4.70 [95% CI 2.71 to 8.17]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrated that tenotomy and tenodesis offer satisfactory treatment for long head of the biceps tendon lesions. In terms of pain improvement and Constant score, there was no difference between the techniques, but patients undergoing tenotomy have worse cosmetic results. Therefore, surgeons should choose the technique based on their skills and the patient's expectations of surgery, such as cosmesis and time to recovery. More studies are needed to evaluate complications such as adhesive capsulitis and cramping, as well as to compare duration of surgery and recovery time for each technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Post-traumatic lymphedema treatment with superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator lymphatic free flap: A case report.

Post-traumatic lymphedema is poorly understood. It is rarely considered in limb reconstruction decision-making approach. We report a case of a 41-year-old female who presented with right upper extremity lymphedema after degloving injury and split thickness skin graft, successfully treated with a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) free flap restoring the lymphatic drainage. Right upper extremity had an excess of 258.7 mL or an excess volume of 27.86% compared to the healthy contralateral limb. A SCIP free flap including lymphatic vessels (SCIP-L) was performed to replace the skin graft in order to restore the lymphatic flow. Flap size was 19 × 8 cm and pedicle length was 4 cm. No lymph nodes were included and no lymphatic or lymphovenous anastomoses were performed. The surgery was uneventful, and there were no postoperative complications. Fourteen days after free tissue transfer, lymphedema showed clear improvement. At a 4-month follow-up, 55.6% reduction of excess volume was obtained. Indocyanine green lymphography performed at that time showed a restitution of lymph flow through the flap. Lymphedema improvements persisted at a 6-month follow-up. A successful treatment of post-traumatic lymphedema can be performed by using the SCIP-L free flap for soft tissue reconstruction of critical lymphatic drainage areas.

Elective amputation of the upper limb is an option in the treatment of traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus?

The treatment of complete post-traumatic brachial plexus palsy resulting in a flail shoulder and upper extremity remains a challenge to peripheral nerve surgeons. The option of upper limb amputation is controversial and scarcely discussed in the literature. We believe that elective amputation still has a role in the treatment of select cases. The pros and cons of the procedure should be intensely discussed with the patient by a multidisciplinary team. Better outcomes are usually achieved in active patients who strongly advocate for the procedure.

Elective amputation of the upper limb is an option in the treatment of traumatic injuries of the brachial plexus? / A amputação eletiva do membro superior é uma opção no tratamento das lesões traumáticas do plexo braquial?

ABSTRACT The treatment of complete post-traumatic brachial plexus palsy resulting in a flail shoulder and upper extremity remains a challenge to peripheral nerve surgeons. The option of upper limb amputation is controversial and scarcely discussed in the literature. We believe that elective amputation still has a role in the treatment of select cases. The pros and cons of the procedure should be intensely discussed with the patient by a multidisciplinary team. Better outcomes are usually achieved in active patients who strongly advocate for the procedure.

RESUMO O tratamento das paralisias completas após lesões traumáticas do plexo braquial que resultam em um membro superior completamente paralisado permanecem como um desafio aos cirurgiões de nervos periféricos. A opção de amputar o membro superior é controversa e raramente discutida na literatura. Acreditamos que a amputação eletiva ainda tem utilidade no tratamento de casos selecionados. Os prós e contras do procedimento devem ser intensamente discutidos com o paciente por uma equipe multidisciplinar. Os melhores resultados são geralmente obtidos em pacientes atuantes que reivindicam vigorosamente o procedimento.

[Versatility of the microvascular fibular flap in limb reconstruction]. / Versatilidad del colgajo microvascular de peroné en reconstrucción de extremidades.

BACKGROUND: The structural characteristics of the fibula, strength, shape, length and limited donor site morbidity make it more suitable for reconstructing long bone defects larger than 6cm in the limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using a non-probabilistic sample of consecutive cases undergoing on limb reconstruction with free fibular flap in the period from January 2010 to January 2015 in the Mexican Institute of Social Security No. 21, Monterrey Nuevo Leon. RESULTS: The mean age of the ten cases included was 25 years, with the most common diagnosis being trauma in 4 patients, osteosarcoma in 2, followed by one congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia, one non-union fracture, and one gunshot wounds, respectively. The most common location was tibia, followed by humerus, radius, ulna and femur. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that the fibular free flap can be an excellent option for management of long bone defects, regardless of cause of the injury. One or more skin islands can be added for coverage in exposure of deep tissue and osteosynthesis material, thus preserving the septocutaneous perforators.

Braquioplastia pós-gastroplastia: avaliação da satisfação dos pacientes / Brachioplasty after bariatric surgery: evaluation of patient satisfaction

Introdução: A deformidade dos membros superiores, causada pela perda ponderal maciça, pode ser corrigida por meio da braquioplastia. Essa cirurgia plástica visa melhorar o contorno dos membros, facilitar a higiene e possibilitar o uso de determinadas vestimentas. Objetivo: Demonstrar casuística, relatar intercorrências e complicações e avaliar a satisfação de pacientes submetidos à braquioplastia após gastroplastia. Método: Trinta e quatro pacientes (97% mulheres, idade 46,6 ± 12 anos) submetidos à braquioplastia após cirurgia bariátrica foram recrutados para o estudo. Descrevemos a ocorrência de intercorrências e complicações associadas ao procedimento cirúrgico e avaliamos a satisfação de 33 pacientes por meio de entrevista qualitativa e questionário específico. Resultados: Como complicações menores, observou-se pequena deiscência em cinco pacientes (14,7%); não foram observadas complicações cirúrgicas maiores. O grau de satisfação foi obtido em 81,8% dos pacientes e o resultado alcançado ficou próximo das expectativas de 69,7% deles. Conclusões: As técnicas utilizadas de braquioplastia pós-bariátrica restabeleceram o adequado contorno braquial, com baixo índice de complicações menores e alto grau de satisfação dos pacientes avaliados.

Introduction: Upper limb deformity caused by massive weight loss can be corrected by brachioplasty. This plastic surgery improves limb contour, facilitates hygiene, and enables use of certain clothing. Objective: To present the cases, describe interventions and complications, and evaluate the satisfaction of patients who underwent brachioplasty after bariatric surgery. Method: Herein, 34 patients (including 33 females) aged 46.6 ± 12 years, who underwent brachioplasty after bariatric surgery, were recruited for the study. Interventions and complications associated with the surgical procedure were described, and the satisfaction of 33 patients was evaluated by a qualitative interview and specific questionnaire. Results: As a minor complication, slight dehiscence was observed in five patients (14.7%), but no major surgical complications were seen. Some degree of satisfaction was reported by 81.8% of the patients, and the outcome achieved in 69.7% was close to that expected. Conclusions: The brachioplasty techniques that were used restored proper arm contour with a low rate of minor complications, and a high degree of satisfaction among the patients evaluated.

Prospective study evaluating oncological safety of axillary reverse mapping.

BACKGROUND: Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a new technique developed with the aim of reducing lymphedema rates by preserving lymphatic drainage of the upper limbs during sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, it is unclear whether preservation of these lymph nodes affects oncological risk. The present study evaluated the presence of metastases in ARM nodes. METHODS: A total of 45 patients underwent ARM during ALND. Blue dye was used for ARM nodes localization. All axillary lymph nodes, including ARM nodes, were removed and sent separately for pathological evaluation of metastases. RESULTS: ARM identification was achieved in 40/45 patients (88.9 %). The average number of removed ARM nodes was 1.9. ARM nodes metastasis occurred in 10 of 40 patients (25 %). Patients with an axilla extensively affected by cancer had an elevated risk of metastasis to the arm's lymph nodes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of arm lymph nodes compromised by metastases calls into question the viability of the ARM technique. Larger studies may point to particular patient profiles for which ARM can be safely use.

Amputação interescapulotorácica sob anestesia locorregional / Forequarter amputation under locoregional anesthesia

Forequarter amputations are an uncommon option for the treatment of upper limb and shoulder girdle tumors nowadays. This procedure can be done by different approaches and general anesthesia is commonly used. The authors report a case of forequarter amputation by the posterior approach performed for treatment of a soft-tissue sarcoma under a brachial plexus block associated with venous sedation and local anesthesia.

Estudo de lidocaína a 0,5% e combinação de lidocaína a 0,25% com fentanil e vecurônio em anestesia regional intravenosa para cirurgias de membros superiores / Study of 0.5% lidocaine alone and combination of 0.25% lidocaine with fentanyl and vecuronium in intravenous regional anesthesia for upper limb surgeries / Estudio de la lidocaína al 0,5% y en combinación de lidocaína al 0,25% con fentanilo y vecuronio en anestesia regional intravenosa para cirugías de miembros superiores

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A anestesia regional intravenosa (ARIV) para cirurgias de membros superiores com a tradicional alta dose de lidocaína pode levar a efeitos colaterais potencialmente letais. A fim de evitar esses efeitos, muitas técnicas modificadas de ARIV foram experimentadas com o uso de uma dose baixa de lidocaína, relaxante muscular e opioide. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo foi feito com 60 pacientes não medicados previamente, com classificação ASA 1-2, para comparar as características sensoriais e motoras, os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e os efeitos colaterais durante o período intraoperatório e de deflação pós-torniquete entre os pacientes que receberam 40 mL de lidocaína a 0,5% (n = 30) e aqueles que receberam uma combinação de 40 mL de lidocaína a 0,25% com 0,05 mg de fentanil e 0,5 mg de vecurônio (n = 30) em ARIV para cirurgias ortopédicas de membros superiores. Os resultados foram analisados com o uso do teste t de Student pareado para identificar a significância estatística. RESULTADO: A diferença entre os dois grupos em relação ao tempo médio de início e completo bloqueio sensitivo e motor foi estatisticamente significante. Porém, houve completo bloqueio sensitivo e motor em ambos os grupos 15 minutos após a injeção da solução anestésica. CONCLUSÃO: Embora a pequena demora observada no início e na obtenção completa dos bloqueios sensitivo e motor possa, teoricamente, atrasar o início da cirurgia em 10-15 minutos, clinicamente esse tempo seria gasto na preparação do campo cirúrgico. Portanto, essa combinação pode ser usada com segurança e eficácia em anestesia regional intravenosa para cirurgias ortopédicas de membros superiores com menor possibilidade de toxicidade anestésica local.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) for upper limb surgeries with traditional high dose of lidocaine can lead to life threatening side effects. In order to avoid these potential life threatening side effects, many modified techniques of IVRA have been attempted by using a low dose of lidocaine, muscle relaxant and opioid. METHOD: The present study is carried out in sixty unpremedicated ASA Class 1 and 2 patients to compare the sensory and motor characteristics, cardio-respiratory parameters and side-effects during intra-operative and post-tourniquet deflation period between the patients who received 40 mL of 0.5% lidocaine alone (n = 30) and those who received a combination of 40 mL of 0.25% lidocaine with 0.05 mg fentanyl and 0.5 mg vecuronium (n = 30) in IVRA for upper limb orthopedic surgeries. The results were analyzed for statistical significance using a paired student t test. RESULTS: The difference between the two groups regarding the mean time of onset and complete sensory and motor block was statistically significant. But 15 minutes after the injection of anesthetic solution, there was complete sensory and motor block in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although the short delay observed in the onset and attainment of complete sensory and motor block may theoretically delay the start of surgery for 10-15 minutes but clinically that time will be spent in the preparation of surgical field. So this combination can be used safely and effectively in intravenous regional anesthesia for upper limb orthopedic surgeries with reduced chance of local anesthetic toxicity.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La anestesia regional intravenosa (ARIV) para cirugías de miembros superiores con la tradicional dosis alta de lidocaína, puede conllevar a efectos colaterales que amenazan la vida. Para evitar esos efectos colaterales potencialmente amenazadores, muchas técnicas modificadas de ARIV fueron experimentadas con el uso de una dosis baja de lidocaína, relajante muscular y opioide. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: El presente estudio se hizo con 60 pacientes no medicados previamente, con clasificación ASA 1-2, para comparar las características sensoriales y motoras, los parámetros cardiorrespiratorios y los efectos colaterales durante el período intraoperatorio y de deflación pos torniquete, entre los pacientes que recibieron 40 mL de lidocaína al 0,5% sola (n = 30) y los que recibieron una combinación de 40 mL de lidocaína al 0,25% con 0,05 mg de fentanilo y 0,5 mg de vecuronio (n = 30) en ARIV para cirugías ortopédicas de miembros superiores. Los resultados se analizaron usando el teste t de Student pareado para identificar la significancia estadística. RESULTADO: La diferencia entre los dos grupos con relación al tiempo promedio de inicio y completo bloqueo sensitivo y motor, fue estadísticamente significativo. Sin embargo, hubo un completo bloqueo sensitivo y motor en ambos grupos 15 minutos después de la inyección de la solución anestésica. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque la pequeña demora observada al inicio y durante la obtención completa de los bloqueos sensitivo y motor, teóricamente pueda atrasar el inicio de la operación entre 10 y 15 minutos, clínicamente ese tiempo se gastaría en la preparación del campo quirúrgico. Por tanto, esa combinación puede ser usada con seguridad y eficacia en la anestesia regional intravenosa para las cirugías ortopédicas de miembros superiores con menor posibilidad de toxicidad anestésica local.

Study of 0.5% lidocaine alone and combination of 0.25% lidocaine with fentanyl and vecuronium in intravenous regional anesthesia for upper limb surgeries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) for upper limb surgeries with traditional high dose of lidocaine can lead to life threatening side effects. In order to avoid these potential life threatening side effects, many modified techniques of IVRA have been attempted by using a low dose of lidocaine, muscle relaxant and opioid. METHOD: The present study is carried out in sixty unpremedicated ASA Class 1 and 2 patients to compare the sensory and motor characteristics, cardio-respiratory parameters and side-effects during intra-operative and post-tourniquet deflation period between the patients who received 40mL of 0.5% lidocaine alone (n=30) and those who received a combination of 40mL of 0.25% lidocaine with 0.05mg fentanyl and 0.5mg vecuronium (n=30) in IVRA for upper limb orthopedic surgeries. The results were analyzed for statistical significance using a paired student t test. RESULTS: The difference between the two groups regarding the mean time of onset and complete sensory and motor block was statistically significant. But 15 minutes after the injection of anesthetic solution, there was complete sensory and motor block in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although the short delay observed in the onset and attainment of complete sensory and motor block may theoretically delay the start of surgery for 10-15 minutes but clinically that time will be spent in the preparation of surgical field. So this combination can be used safely and effectively in intravenous regional anesthesia for upper limb orthopedic surgeries with reduced chance of local anesthetic toxicity.

[Forequarter amputation under locoregional anesthesia]. / Amputação interescapulotorácica sob anestesia locorregional.

Forequarter amputations are an uncommon option for the treatment of upper limb and shoulder girdle tumors nowadays. This procedure can be done by different approaches and general anesthesia is commonly used. The authors report a case of forequarter amputation by the posterior approach performed for treatment of a soft-tissue sarcoma under a brachial plexus block associated with venous sedation and local anesthesia.

Results of surgical techniques for re-innervation of the triceps as additional procedures for patients with upper root injuries.

Patients with injuries restricted to the upper and middle trunks of the brachial plexus may obtain recovery of elbow extension via the lower trunk, which makes it difficult to assess the real effect of interventions to restore the triceps function in such cases. This study aimed to determine the impact of surgical strategies for re-innervation of the triceps in individuals with partial injuries of the brachial plexus. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 21 participants in whom the surgery included one technique for re-innervation of elbow extension. In this group, six different extra- or intra-plexal donors were targeted to one of the motor branches of the triceps muscle. Group 2 was composed of 24 controls in which the reconstruction did not include any intervention for recovering triceps function. The individuals who underwent intervention for re-innervation of the triceps obtained significantly better outcomes for elbow extension than the controls.

Clinical findings in C5-C6 and C5-C7 root palsies with brachial plexus traction lesions.

Stretch injuries of the C5-C7 roots of the brachial plexus traditionally have been associated with palsies of shoulder abduction/external rotation, elbow flexion/extension, and wrist, thumb, and finger extension. Based on current myotome maps we hypothesized that, as far as motion is concerned, palsies involving C5-C6 and C5-C7 root injuries should be similar. In 38 patients with upper-type palsies of the brachial plexus, we examined for correlations between clinical findings and root injury level, as documented by CT tomomyeloscan. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, C5-C7 root injuries were not associated with loss of extension of the elbow, wrist, thumb, or fingers, but residual hand strength was much lower with C5-C7 vs C5-C6 lesions.

Posicionamento da cicatriz da braquioplastia na região inferior do braço em pacientes ex-obesos / Positioning the scar of the region brachioplasty lower arm in ex·obese patients

Brachioplasty is the surgical treatment of severe ptosis of the arm tissues, which is located on the inside and bottom, extending from the armpit to the elbow when the arm is in abduction, having or not fat deposits. Objective: The objective of this work is to show the positioning of the brachioplasty scar in the lower region of the arm, viewed only afterwards, in ex-obese patients, not being visible by patient or whoever is before him or her, during the arm abduction. Methods: 18 patients were selected and undergone bilateral brachioplasty with lower region positioning of the scar. Results: the satisfaction degree of the patients with the scar positioning in his region was relevant, allowing it to be imperceptible during arm aduction by the patient or whoever is before him or her. Conclusions: he surgical technique applied to brachioplasty is safe and reproducible, costituting a good alternative to disguise the scar in this region, important factor in ex-obese patients' surgery...

A braquioplastia consiste no tratamento cirúrgico da acentuada ptose dos tecidos do braço, que se localiza na região interna e inferior, estendendo-se da axila ao cotovelo, quando o braço está em abdução, contendo ou não depósito de gordura. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar o posicionamento da cicatriz da braquioplastia na região inferior do braço, visto somente posteriormente, em pacientes ex-obesos, não sendo visível pelo paciente ou por quem estiver à sua frente durante a abdução do braço. Métodos: Foram selecionados 18 pacientes, realizando-se a braquioplastia bilateral, com posicionamento da cicatrizna região inferior. Resultados: O grau de satisfação dos pacientes com o posicionamento da cicatriz nesta região foi elevado, permitindo que a mesma fique imperceptível durante a abdução do braço, não sendo vista pelo paciente ou por outra pessoa que se encontre em sua frente. Conclusões: A técnica cirúrgica apresentada para braquioplastia é segura e reprodutível, constituindo uma boa opção para disfarçar a cicatriz nesta região, fator importante na cirurgia dos pacientes ex-obesos...

New mini-invasive decompression for pronator teres syndrome.

The pronator teres syndrome is a set of signs and symptoms that result from compression of the median nerve in the upper forearm. It is a dynamic syndrome that is frequently associated with compression of the same nerve at the carpal tunnel. The literature describes different anatomic structures that can cause this syndrome. Experience showed us that the deep fascia of the superficial head of the pronator teres is the only anatomic structure that causes compression of the median nerve in the upper forearm. If the flexor digitorum test is negative, selective release of the deep fascia of the superficial head of the pronator teres ends the symptoms. Our surgical technique uses a mini-invasive approach that takes into account the anatomic knowledge of this region. A 3.5-cm oblique skin incision is done 6 cm distal to the medial epicondyle, over the flexor/pronator muscle mass. The medial cutaneous nerve is atraumatically retracted. The superficial fascia of the flexor/pronator muscles is opened transversely. With the section of the septum between the pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis, access to the deep fascia of the superficial head of the pronator teres is obtained. This structure is released. The median nerve is now easily visualized, and other types of possible compression causes are excluded. The same surgeon treated 44 cases with this technique. Two assistants were always needed for this mini-invasive approach. Pronator teres symptoms disappeared in 93% of cases.

Braquioplastia de aumento: cirurgia para rejuvenescimento dos braços / Augmentation brachioplasty: surgery for improving the appearance of the arms

INTRODUÇÃO: Os implantes de silicone são utilizados em diversas regiões do corpo. Em mulheres, a flacidez da musculatura do tríceps constitui um dos grandes incômodos; por outro lado, em homens, a hipertrofia da região do bíceps e tríceps é sinal de masculinidade e beleza. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever uma técnica relativamente simples e reprodutível para aumento da circunferência do braço ou para correção de flacidez de grau leve a moderado com fins estéticos, com uso de implantes de silicone gel e elastômero. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados e operados 32 pacientes, com a introdução de no mínimo 2 implantes e no máximo 4 implantes por braço. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora significativa da estética dos braços dos pacientes estudados, com índice de satisfação superior a 90%. A melhora foi sentida na avaliação estática e em movimento do braço, grande queixa da maioria de pacientes do sexo feminino. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica cirúrgica apresentada para braquioplastia de aumento é segura e reprodutível, sendo mais uma opção no arsenal terapêutico do cirurgião plástico em sua busca por resultados melhores, com incisões menores.

BACKGROUND: Silicone implants are used in several regions of the body. In women, sagging of the triceps muscle is a major concern. Meanwhile, men consider biceps and triceps hypertrophy to be a symbol of masculinity and beauty. Here, we describe a relatively simple and reproducible procedure used for esthetic purposes to increase arm circumference or correct mild to moderately sagging skin using gel silicone implants and elastomer. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were selected and operated on. Two to four implants per arm were introduced. RESULTS: The esthetics of the arms improved significantly in the studied patients, with a satisfaction rate exceeding 90%. The procedure improved static evaluation and arm movement, which were the major complaints of majority of the female patients. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical technique presented for augmentation brachioplasty is safe and reproducible, and should be considered by plastic surgeons in an attempt to achieve better results with smaller incisions.

Totally implantable venous catheters: insertion via internal jugular vein with pocket implantation in the arm is an alternative for diseased thoracic walls.

PURPOSE: Insertion of totally implantable catheters via deep vessels that drain into the superior vena cava results in a lower incidence of venous thrombosis and infection as compared to catheters inserted into femoral and arm veins. Superior vena cava obstruction and inadequacy of the thoracic wall are conditions that prevent reservoir implantation in the chest wall. In this article, we describe a technical innovation that enables the pocket to be fixed in the arm while still allowing access to be achieved via the internal jugular vein. METHOD: The procedure reported maintains the use of the internal jugular vein for access even when the patient's chest is not suited for reservoir implantation, which is localized in the arm. RESULTS: The procedure was successful and no complications occurred. The position of the catheter tip did not alter with arm movement. CONCLUSION: The implantation of a port reservoir in the arm following venous access via the internal jugular vein is both safe and convenient.