Spontaneous flexor tendon rupture secondary to capitate non-union. A case report and review of literature.

Rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons of the index finger secondary to non-union of the capitate has not yet been reported to our knowledge. We describe the case of a 48-year-old man with rupture of both flexor tendons of the index finger that occurred 15 years after a capitate fracture. The patient was completely asymptomatic before the rupture. Tendon reconstruction was performed using the palmaris longus. One year after surgery, the patient had acceptable range of motion and was pain-free.

Reconstruction of fingertip defects with the neurovascular tranquilli-leali flap.

For many years, bipedicled palmar advancement flaps were used rarely in fingers because they sacrificed the dorsal branches of the digital arteries, risking dorsal skin necrosis. In 1995, a short bipedicled neurovascular VY advancement flap raised distally to the PIP flexion crease, which spared the dorsal blood supply, was described by Elliot et al. (1995). This paper includes an anatomical study on 28 fresh cadaver fingers to evaluate the advancement potential of this flap. It also reviews 22 fingertip reconstructions in 22 patients using this flap. The mean advancement of the flap in the cadaver study was 14 (range 10-16) mm. This procedure gave good clinical results in respect of healing, sensibility, bone cover and appearance. Complications occurred in four fingers (18%), viz. two infections, one neuroma and one stiff proximal interphalangeal joint. Our study suggests that this flap can be used to treat fingertip defects of a size of approximately half of the pulp of the distal phalangeal segment of the finger.

Could this unusual scaphoid fracture occurring in a badminton player be a stress fracture?

An unusual fracture of the scaphoid occurred in an otherwise healthy young badminton player, caused by a violent movement of extension/flexion of the wrist while performing a smash. There was no direct blow or fall on the wrist, nor history of wrist pain prior to the fracture. No underlying pathology was identified. Conservative treatment failed and surgical stabilization was required to achieve bone union. The diagnosis of stress fracture was suggested. The characteristics of these uncommon fractures are reviewed.

Reducing patient discomfort during digital blockade: The subcutaneous single injection digital block - A simple, safe and fast procedure.

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia of a single finger is commonly achieved by the traditional ring block, which requires at least two painful injections in the digit. Single injection digital block techniques have been described to avoid this problem. Among these, the subcutaneous technique described by Harbison appears to be safe and to allow most procedures to be carried out with good tolerance. OBJECTIVES: A prospective study was designed to evaluate the results of the subcutaneous technique in terms of patient tolerance, distribution of anesthesia and efficiency. METHODS: All blocks were performed by a single investigator. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate pain associated with the injection. Prick testing was used to evaluate the quality of anesthesia at the volar and dorsal aspects of the phalanxes. Tolerance to the surgical procedure and the need for additional injections were also recorded. RESULTS: This technique allowed surgery to be performed without complementary injection most of the time and was very well tolerated. The dorsum of the proximal phalanx, however, was unpredictably included in the anesthetized territory. CONCLUSION: The subcutaneous single injection digital block is safe, efficient and easy to perform. It allows the treatment of all conditions on the volar aspect of the finger and on the dorsal aspect of the distal and middle phalanxes. For surgery on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx, a combined single injection technique or a supplementary dorsal block should be used.

CONTEXTE: L'anesthésie régionale d'un seul doigt se réalise généralement par le traditionnel bloc en bague, qui exige au moins deux injections douloureuses. Il semblerait que les techniques d'anesthésie à une seule injection résoudrait le problème. Parmi celles-ci, la technique d'injection sous-cutanée décrite par Harbison serait sûre tout en permettant à la plupart des interventions d'être bien tolérées. OBJECTIF: Étude prospective visant à évaluer les résultats de la technique d'injection sous-cutanée au regard de la tolérance, de l'étendue de l'anesthésie et de son efficacité. MÉTHODE: Toutes les anesthésies en bloc ont été effectuées par le même chercheur. L'intensité de la douleur associée à l'injection a été évaluée à l'aide d'une échelle visuelle analogue. Un test par piqûre a servi à évaluer la qualité de l'anesthésie sur les faces antérieure et postérieure des phalanges. La tolérance à l'intervention chirurgicale et le besoin d'injections supplémentaires ont également été notés. RÉSULTATS: Dans la plupart des cas, l'intervention a été très bien tolérée, sans recours à une injection supplémentaire d'anesthésique. Toutefois, le dos de la phalange proximale était compris de façon imprévisible dans le territoire anesthésié. CONCLUSION: L'anesthésie du doigt par une seule injection sous-cutanée s'avère simple, sûre et efficace. Elle permet de traiter tous les troubles sur la face antérieure du doigt ou sur la face postérieure des phalanges médianes et distales. Quant aux interventions pratiquées sur la face postérieure des phalanges proximales, il faudrait recourir à une technique mixte à une seule injection ou à une anesthésie complémentaire du dos du doigt.

Single injection digital block: comparison between three techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Regional anesthesia of a single finger is commonly achieved by the traditional ring block. The major drawback of this technique is the need for at least two painful injections in the digit. Single injection techniques have been described. A comparison of their results could help health professionals select the most appropriate technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study was designed to compare three techniques in term of patient tolerance, distribution of anesthesia and efficiency: the modified transthecal digital block, the subcutaneous digital block and a combination of the two. Digits were randomized in three groups (n = 30). Blocks were performed by a single investigator. A visual analogic scale was used to evaluate pain associated with the injection. Prick-testing was used to evaluate anesthesia at the volar and dorsal aspects of the phalanxes. Statistical analysis of the results was performed. RESULTS: All techniques allowed surgery to be performed without complementary injection most of the time (25/30). The dorsum of the proximal phalanx, however, was unpredictably included in the anesthetized territory. The highest rate of full digital block was achieved with the combined technique. DISCUSSION: The least invasive of equally effective techniques should be considered as the first choice. The subcutaneous single injection digital block is safe, efficient and easy to perform. It allows treatment of all conditions on the volar aspect of the finger and on the dorsal aspect of the distal and middle phalanxes. For surgery on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx, a supplementary dorsal block should be used.

Primary mechanical stapled anastomosis in surgery for colorectal emergencies.

From May 91 to March 99 a consecutive series of 100 acute obstructions or perforations of the left colon or rectum were treated by primary resection with mechanical anastomosis using a double or triple stapling technique without proximal colostomy. There were 8 postoperative deaths (8%) due to sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and cachexy. Complications occurred in 29% of surviving patients. Clinical anastomotic leaks were observed in 7%, respiratory infection in 8%, wound infection in 8% and major cardiovascular problems in 4% of patients. The median hospital stay was 19 days. The morbidity and mortality of this series did not exceed the cumulative morbidity and mortality that can be expected after staged surgery. Compared with staged surgery, immediate resection and anastomosis using an entirely mechanical suture, thereby avoiding the problems of colostomy and reducing the length of hospital stay, has significant advantages for patients.

Percutaneous Herbert screw fixation for fractures of the scaphoid: review of 30 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of percutaneous fixation of undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures of the scaphoid using the first generation Herbert screw in terms of union, functional results and scaphoid mobility. METHODS: 30 of the 50 patients operated on in our department between 1995 and 2000 were available for evaluation by an independent observer. Wrist mobility, grip strength and key pinch were measured. Scaphoid mobility was evaluated by measuring radioscaphoid angles in flexed and extended positions on dynamic X-rays. RESULTS: The union rate was comparable to that achieved by non-operative management (90%). Resumption of professional activities was possible long before bony union because immobilization was short. Grip strength, wrist and scaphoid mobilities were comparable to the controlateral sides except for scaphoid flexion. Persistent symptoms were found in 30% of the patients despite union of their fracture. DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that percutaneous stabilization of undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures of the scaphoid preserves the mobility of the wrist and minimally alters the normal dynamics of the carpus. The duration of work inability is short.

Atypical mycobacterial infections of the hand: report of eight cases and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Atypical mycobacteria are an uncommon cause of hand infections in immunocompetent patients. Diagnosis is often delayed, with consequent increased morbidity. Better awareness would allow earlier diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients with atypical mycobacterial hand infections treated in our department over a 21 year period have been retrospectively identified. Their charts have been searched for the general characteristics of these infections, treatment and outcome. Our findings have been compared to the data collected from a literature review. RESULTS: These pathogens have caused soft tissue infections in otherwise healthy patients. Clinical signs were those of chronic finger or wrist synovitis or skin granulomas. Carpal tunnel syndrome was a common finding. Diagnosis relied on surgical biopsy. Germ identification required specific incubation temperature and media. Antibiotics and synovectomy have been the mainstay of therapy. DISCUSSION: In a patient with achronic, relapsing, superficial or deep skin infection or tenosynovitis, aquatic and farm exposures are important anamnestic keys to diagnosis. Extensive synovectomy is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Specific cultures should be ordered without delay. Oral pharmacotherapy should be initiated upon clinical suspicion.

Extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap: new refinements.

Two original operative techniques of raising the extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap are presented. These methods allow for covering distal foot defects that are difficult to cover by other reconstructive means. In the first technique, the flap is based on an extended distal pedicle supplied by the dorsal interosseous artery of the first intermetatarsal space. In the second technique, the flap receives its vascular supply from the medial tarsal artery; this procedure may be valuable when the vascular supply of the dorsalis pedis pedicle has been disrupted. To confirm the availability of these vascular pedicles, cadaver dissections were performed and proved that the extended pedicle dissection enhances the rotation arc of the flap. Four selective clinical cases, in which the flap was successfully used, are discussed. Advantages of these techniques, in reconstructing large defects in the distal foot, are delineated.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome: management of distal embolization by intra-arterial fibrinolytics.

We report a case of hypothenar hammer syndrome. The ulnar artery aneurysm was resected and a complete thrombectomy of the superficial palmar arch, the common digital and the proximal part of the collateral digital arteries was carried out. The arterial defect of the ulnar artery was repaired by a vein graft. Post-operatively, no clinical improvement was observed on the vascularisation of the second and third fingers. The arteriogram confirmed the presence of arterial obstruction on the distal part of the digital collateral arteries of this two fingers. The finger pulp started to show areas of skin gangrene and in view of the risk of finger necrosis, we decided to use fibrinolytics. This embolic events was dissolved by continuous fibrinolytic and anticoagulant intra-arterial infusion. The treatment was maintained for ten days restoring a normal digital vascularisation.

[Distal extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap. Report of 2 cases]. / Le lambeau de muscle extensor digitorum brevis à pédicule distal étendu. A propos de 2 cas cliniques.

The authors describe an original technical modification of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle flap. As described, its use in a classical reverse flow manner allows the flap to reach only the metatarsophalangeal joints. The presence of the first dorsal interosseous pedicle offers the possibility to sacrifice the plantar anastomoses of the pedis pedicle and raise the flap on the vascular network of the first metatarsal space. The point of rotation is moved distally from the apex of the first metatarsal space to its base. The length of the vascular pedicle is substantially enhanced and enables the flap to cover all dorsal and palmar defects of the toes. Two clinical cases are showed. The advantages of this flap are discussed, particularly its indication in reconstructive surgery of the foot.

Innominate artery compression of the trachea: trans-sternal suspension by a pericardium "Hammock".

Innominate artery compression of the trachea in children is a rare cause of respiratory distress. Surgical intervention is mandatory in a selected group of individuals. In this report we describe an original technique of suspension of the innominate artery using a pericardium "Hammock". Our experience about one patient is reported. The advantage of this technique compare to other procedures is discussed.

An unusual cause of subocclusion in Crohn's disease.

Enteroliths as a cause of intermittent small bowel obstruction is a uncommon clinical entity. We present the case of a patient with Crohn's disease in whom a false primary enterolith--an apricot seed--was responsible for numerous episodes of subobstruction. The association of Crohn's disease with different types of enterolith is discussed.

[Percutaneous Herbert screw osteosynthesis of the scaphoid bone]. / Ostéosynthèse percutanée du scaphoïde par vis de Herbert.

Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal fractures. Conservative treatment is long, and non-union is frequent after immobilization in a cast. The Herbert procedure is an improvement, but access to the scaphoid is through an extensive open exposure that damages the blood vessels and the anterior radiocarpal ligaments. In order to solve this problem we used the Herbert screw for percutaneous internal fixation resulting in minimal operative trauma. This procedure requires intraoperative x ray guidance and the use of the accessories of the Herbert set except the "Jick". We operated 23 patients for acute fracture (19 cases) or nonunion (4 cases) of the waist of the scaphoid. In this study, the average follow-up was 16 months and the average age was 32 years. There were 18 men and 5 women. In 18 cases the fracture occurred on the right side. The average immobilization was 15.5 days. Union was obtained in all patients. Postoperative range of motion was 95% of the unaffected side. Key pinch was 6% better than on the unaffected side (the dominant hand was affected in 81% cases). Patients returned to work after an average of 7 weeks.

[Intracerebral chondroma. Apropos of a case]. / Chondrome intra-cérébral. A propos d'un cas.

A rare case of intracerebral chondroma in a 45 years old man with a long history of headache and recent epilepsy is presented. Microscopic examination of the resected tumor revealed that it was chondroma.

Human orf.

Human Orf is an uncommon viral disease acquired through contact with infected sheep and goats. We report five cases of human Orf acquired while preparing mutton. The clinical picture and the management of human Orf are presented. Awareness of the benign nature of the condition is important in preventing ill-advised therapy.