Free Vascularized Proximal Fibular Epiphyseal Transfer For Hip Reconstruction Following Septic Necrosis In Children.

BACKGROUND: Septic necrosis of the femoral head and neck in children represents a challenging problem. Several reconstructive techniques have been described but with disappointing long-term results. Vascularized epiphyseal transfer utilizing the proximal fibula have been successfully used for reconstruction of the proximal humerus and distal radius and only scarcely used for hip reconstruction. This cohort represents the largest reported series of epiphyseal transfer for hip reconstruction following septic necrosis in children. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with an average age at surgery of 5.4 years were included. The average follow-up was 3.6 years (range 2.3 to 6.8 y). RESULTS: Transient postoperative foot drop was observed in 4 patients. Radiographic resorption of the transferred fibula occurred in 2 cases. Longitudinal growth averaged 7.3 mm/year, and the physis width increased by an average of 2.7 mm/year. The rate of longitudinal growth was fastest after the age of 10 years (18.5 mm/y), which coincides with the pubertal growth spurt. All successful transfers had an open growth plate on final follow-up radiographs. Ten patients had limb length discrepancy of an average 2.8 cm (range 1 to 8 cm). Thirteen patients had satisfactory functional according to the criteria of Hunka et al. Three patients had unsatisfactory results; one had painful nonunion at the fibula-femur junction, and the other two had limited flexion range of 45 degrees. The average postoperative neck-shaft angle was 96.4 degrees which decreased by an average of 8 degrees at the final follow-up. Three patients underwent a valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy to correct a severe varus deformity. The final neck-shaft angle correlated significantly with the functional results where it averaged 96 degrees in the satisfactory group and 57 degrees in the unsatisfactory group. CONCLUSION: Vascularized epiphyseal transfer presents a promising treatment for children with septic necrosis of the femoral head and neck in whom other methods have failed to provide satisfactory long-term results. We recommend the procedure be done before the age of 5 years for optimum results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-IV.

Outcome of Flexor Tendon Repair Using Eight-Strand Core Stitch Without Postoperative Finger Splinting.

BACKGROUND: There are no reports that detail clinical outcomes using the 8-strand suture techniques and early active mobilization. We aim to report the outcome of using an 8-strand double-cruciate core suture followed by early active motion without finger splinting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with 41 affected digits were operated and followed up for at least 6 months. A double cruciate repair with 4 single cross-grasping stitches on either side was employed. Active full-range finger flexion/extension exercises were allowed from the third postoperative day with the wrist held in the neutral position. RESULTS: The total active motion (TAM) calculated for the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints averaged 151° ± 22°, and the TAM% averaged 86% ± 13%. Based on the original Strickland-Glocovac criteria, excellent and good outcomes were achieved in 25 of 29 fingers (86.2%). An average extension lag of 21° ± 11° (range 10°-40°) was observed in 11 (38%) fingers. The Buck-Gramcko scale showed excellent and good results in 10 (83.4%) thumbs. Active interphalangeal range of motion averaged 68° ± 23°. An average extension lag of 12° ± 4° (range 10°-20°) was observed in 7 (58%) thumbs. Complications occurred in 4 thumbs, including bowstringing (2), rupture (1), and flexion contracture of 60° (1). CONCLUSIONS: Using the 8-strand repair technique and active mobilization performed by the patient is both practical and cost-saving. Intensive supervision of a hand therapist is generally not required. Notably improved outcomes have been achieved while preventing adhesions at the repair site. Further clinical outcome studies devoted specifically to the flexor pollicis longus are recommended to validate early-phase active mobilization following the 8-strand repair.

Treatment of Concomitant Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Fibula With Propeller Periosteal Flap.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula is not an uncommon condition to accompany congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Persistence of the fibular pseudarthrosis has been linked to inferior outcomes including tibial union and alignment, refractures, and ankle alignment. In this report, we present the results of a pedicled periosteal propeller flap technique for the treatment of fibular pseudarthrosis. METHODS: Ten children with an average age at surgery of 5.3 years who had congenital pseudarthrosis of both tibia and fibula were studied. The tibia was treated with free vascularized fibular grafting, and the ipsilateral fibula was treated with a technique after resection of the pseudarthrosis. A periosteal flap from the proximal healthy part of the fibula is harvested off the bone, rotated 180° based on a branch from the peroneal vessels to cover the fibular defect and fashioned in the form of a tube filled with bone fragments. RESULTS: The periosteal flap size ranged from 5 to 7 cm. Follow-up averaged 37.2 months. The tibia was united in all cases; in 2 of them, refractures occurred and healed with conservative management. The fibula was united in 8 cases. At final follow-up, 5 cases showed residual tibial deformity, and 5 showed residual ankle deformity. Average leg-length discrepancy was 1.4 cm (0-3 cm). CONCLUSION: The pedicled periosteal propeller flap presents a useful new technique for managing concomitant congenital fibular pseudarthrosis.

Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: Long-term Outcome of Treatment With Intramedullary Vascularized Fibular Graft Combined With Ilizarov Distraction.

BACKGROUND: Late presenting cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, are further complicated with severe shortening. Limb length discrepancy (LLD) cannot be corrected by vascularized fibular grafting and the use of Ilizarov distraction is associated with a high rate of complications. The aim of this study was to report the long-term follow-up of a combined technique previously published under the name "telescoping vascularized fibular graft". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients operated at an average age of 10.2±3.2 years were reviewed. All cases were Crawford type IV affected by neurofibromatosis 1. Nine patients had an average of 4.3 previous operations. Preoperative LLD averaged 7.9±2.5 cm. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 10±5.4 years. Seven cases (63.6%) reached skeletal maturity before final follow-up. Primary union was achieved in all cases after an average of 7.2±1.3 months. Full weightbearing was possible after an average of 10.6±2.2 months. Recurrent stress fractures occurred in 9 cases (81.8%) and healed with casting in 6 cases and required internal fixation in 3 cases. Eight cases (72.8%) developed tibial shaft deformities, mainly procurvatum that required corrective osteotomy in 2 cases. Final LLD averaged 2.7±1.3 cm. Complete tibialization of the graft was achieved after an average of 17.0 ± 3.6 months. Valgus deformity of the ipsilateral ankle averaged 12.4 degrees±7.5. CONCLUSION: The presented technique avoids osteotomy of the diseased bone and allows simultaneous treatment of the pseudarthrosis and correction of shortening. Compared with conventional bone transport, it requires shorter time of frame application and therefore better patient tolerability because there is no waiting for consolidation of the regenerate. The dis-impaction of the doweled fibula occurs proximally, allowing the less active site located at the distal aspect of the pseudarthrosis to heal without displacement. A shortcoming of the presented technique is the more propensity for axial deviation and refractures that seldom require surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level-IV.

Reconstruction of a Pediatric Lateral Femoral Condyle After Septic Necrosis with a Free Vascularized Fibular Epiphysis: A Case Report.

CASE: A 5-year-old girl presented with severe valgus deformity of the right knee after septic necrosis of the lateral femoral condyle. Reconstruction was performed using the contralateral proximal fibular epiphysis on the anterior tibial vessels. Union was evident after 6 weeks, and full weight bearing was permitted after 12 weeks. Two years of follow-up showed no deformity or length discrepancy and 90° range of motion. CONCLUSION: The pattern of 1 femoral condyle resorption due to osteomyelitis is a rare presentation. The presented method of reconstruction could be implemented as a novel technique to reconstruct the growing knee joint in such a condition.

Long-Term Results of Microsurgical Brachial Plexus Reconstruction in Late-Presenting Cases of Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.

PURPOSE: The role of primary surgery in delayed presenting cases of brachial plexus birth injury is still debated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of brachial plexus reconstruction performed at the age of ≥12 months. METHODS: Twenty-nine cases were included. Five cases had upper (C5-6) palsy, 4 had upper/middle (C5-7), and 20 had total (C5-8 and T1) palsy. RESULTS: The age at the time of primary surgery was an average of 15.6 months. The brachial plexus was formally explored and neurolysis, grafting, and neurotization were used in different combinations. Exploration revealed that 27% of the roots were avulsed and 32% were ruptured. The follow-up was an average of 7.9 years. Generally, the best functional recovery was elbow flexion followed by shoulder external rotation. Satisfactory shoulder abduction (≥6 on the Toronto Active Movement Scale [TAMS]) was achieved in 31% of cases. The abduction range was an average of 79° ± 35°; 50° in upper palsy, 103° in upper/middle palsy, and 82° in total palsy. Shoulder external rotation ≥6 on the TAMS was achieved in 62% of cases. External rotation range was an average of 58° ± 29°; 78° in upper palsy, 68° in upper/middle palsy, and 52° in total palsy. Elbow flexion and extension of ≥6 on the TAMS were achieved in 69% and 58% of cases, respectively. Wrist flexion and finger flexion of ≥6 on the TAMS were achieved in 35% and 12.5%, whereas wrist and finger extension of >6 on the TAMS were achieved in 25% and 4% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the delayed presentation of brachial plexus birth injury, brachial plexus reconstruction results in good functional recovery of elbow flexion and shoulder external rotation but modest functional recovery of finger flexion and wrist extension. The rate of functional recovery of the elbow flexion was similar following nerve grafting and transfer. Nerve transfer for shoulder external rotation should be considered even in infants with available roots for grafting. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Traumatic Brachial Plexus Palsy in Children: Long-Term Outcome and Strategy of Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brachial plexus injuries in children represent a definite spectrum of injuries between adult and neonatal brachial plexus injuries. Their characteristics have been scarcely reported in the literature. The priority of functional restoration is not clear. METHODS: In total, 52 children with surgically treated traumatic brachial plexus injuries, excluding Erb's palsy, were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. All children except nine were males, with an average age at surgery of 8 years. Forty-five children had exclusive supraclavicular plexus injuries. Twenty-one of them (46%) had two or more root avulsions. Seven children (13.5%) had infraclavicular plexus injuries. Time from trauma to surgery varied from 1 to 15 months (mean = 4.7 months). Extraplexal neurotization was the most common surgical technique used. RESULTS: Shoulder abduction and external rotation were restored to an average of 83 and 26 degrees, respectively. Elbow flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥3 in 96 and 91.5% of cases, respectively. Finger flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥4 in 29 and 32% of cases, respectively. Wrist flexion and extension were restored to grade ≥4 in 21 and 27% of cases, respectively. Results of neurotization were superior to those of neurolysis and nerve grafting. Among the 24 children with insensate hands, 20 (83.3%) recovered S3 sensation, 3 recovered S2, and 1 recovered S1. No case complained of neuropathic pain. Functional recovery correlated negatively but insignificantly with the age at surgery and time from injury to surgery. CONCLUSION: Brachial plexus injuries in children are associated with a high incidence root avulsions and no pain. Neurotization is frequently required and the outcome is not significantly affected by the delay in surgery. In total plexus injuries, some useful hand function can be restored, and management should follow that of obstetric palsy and be focused on innervating the medial cord.

Crawford Type IV Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: Treatment With Vascularized Fibular Grafting and Outcome at Skeletal Maturity.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized fibular grafting (VFG) is currently accepted as one of the best treatments for congenital tibial pseudoarthrosis (CPT). However, with longer follow-up, functional results deteriorate, and some problems become evident. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with CPT were treated with VFG. Their age at surgery averaged 5.2 years. Twenty-one cases aged 3 years or less at the time of surgery. All cases were Crawford type IV affected by neurofibromatosis-1. Fourteen patients had 1 to 7 previous surgeries with an average of 4.2 procedures. The length of the fibula used averaged 9.9 cm, and the fibula was fixed by intramedullary wires in 26 cases, and transfixion screws in 11 cases. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 8.1 years. Seventeen cases (43.6%) reached skeletal maturity before the final follow-up. Primary bone union was achieved in 37 cases (96%) after an average of 3.2 months. Stress fracture occurred in 21 cases (51.3%) and was recurrent in 11 cases. Twenty-one cases (53.8%) developed tibial shaft deformities with an average valgus angle of 13.8 degrees and procurvatum angle of 18.8 degrees. The overall final limb length discrepancy (LLD) averaged 2.2 cm. Ipsilateral ankle valgus deformity occurred in 21 cases (53.8%) and averaged 10 degrees. A total of 17 cases required an average of 2 secondary procedures. The tibial deformity did not appear to remodel with age, but the LLD and the angle of ipsilateral ankle valgus deformity continued to significantly increase until skeletal maturity. CONCLUSION: This study reports the largest single center experience of CPT cases treated with VFG. Free VFG is an excellent treatment option for CPT. Best results are achieved when the procedure is performed at or before the age of 3 years, in the absence of previous surgeries, and with the use of intramedullary fixation. The resulting LLD and the degree of ipsilateral ankle valgus increase with age until skeletal maturity, however, tibial deformity does not remodel and should be corrected at any age if it is excessive. Donor side mild ankle valgus may occur despite sound tibiofibular synostosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Long-Term Outcome of Phrenic Nerve Transfer in Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: In brachial plexus injuries, useful recovery of arm function has been documented in most patients after phrenic nerve transfer after variable follow-up durations, but there is not much information about long-term functional outcomes. In addition, there is still some concern that respiratory complications might become manifest with aging. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of phrenic nerve transfer after a minimum follow-up of 5 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients were reviewed and evaluated clinically. Age at surgery averaged 25.2 years and follow-up averaged 9.15 years. RESULTS: Shoulder abduction and external rotation achieved by transfer of phrenic to axillary nerve (or posterior division of upper trunk), combined with spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer, were better than that achieved by transfer of phrenic to suprascapular nerve, combined with grafting the posterior division of upper trunk from C5, 52.3 and 45.5 degrees versus 47.5 and 39.4 degrees, respectively. There was no difference in abduction when the phrenic nerve was transferred directly to the posterior division of upper trunk or to the axillary nerve using nerve graft. Elbow flexion (≥M3 MRC) was achieved in 5 (83.3%) of 6 cases. Elbow extension M4 MRC or greater was achieved in 4 (66.6%) of 6 cases. All patients, including those who exceeded the age of 45 years and those who had concomitant intercostal nerve transfer, continued to have no respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term follow-up confirms the safety and effectiveness and of phrenic nerve transfer for functional restoration of shoulder and elbow functions in brachial plexus avulsion injuries.

The Effect of Age and the Delay before Surgery on the Outcomes of Intercostal Nerve Transfers to the Musculocutaneous Nerve: A Retrospective Study of 232 Cases of Posttraumatic Total and Near-total Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Introduction Posttraumatic brachial plexus injuries are devastating, as the brain and spinal cord are disconnected from the upper limb. Restoration of elbow flexion has been widely recognized as the primary objective of nerve reconstruction. In the absence of utilizable (ruptured) root stumps in the neck, one has recourse only to nerve transfers. The direct transfer of intercostal nerves to the musculocutaneous nerve is one of the techniques that has been commonly employed over the past four decades. However, the outcomes of this procedure cited in the literature have varied considerably. The patient's age and the delay from the accident to surgery have been known to affect the results of nerve reconstruction operations. The authors present a study of the effect of these parameters on intercostal nerve transfers. Methods The data of 232 patients with total and near-total brachial plexus injuries treated by the senior author between April 1995 and December 2015 was examined. Intercostal nerve transfers were used for the restoration of biceps function in each of these patients. The outcomes were tabulated, and the correlation with the age and the delay before surgery was examined. Results The strength of the biceps regained was better in patients younger than 30 years old and those operated upon earlier than 6 months from the accident. The differences in outcomes were found to be statistically significant ( p = 0.001 for preoperative delay and p < 0.005 for the patient's age). Conclusion The results give clear proof of the significant effect of the age and preoperative delay on the outcomes of intercostal nerve transfers for restoration of biceps function. These findings can serve as pointers to help the surgeon in choosing the method of nerve reconstruction in a given case.

Long-term Evaluation of Teres Major to Infraspinatus Transfer for Treatment of Shoulder Sequelae in Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy.

BACKGROUND: The long-term results of soft tissue rebalancing procedures of the shoulder in obstetric brachial plexus palsy have been scarcely reported. The effect of this procedure on the evolution of secondary bone changes has been a subject of controversy. METHODS: Twenty-six children are included in this study. All initially had postganglionic C5-6 or C5-7 (Narakas types I and II) obstetric brachial plexus palsy, which spontaneously recovered. Children included are those who had persistent external rotation weakness with or without internal rotation contracture, nondysplastic glenohumeral joint, and functioning teres major. All had anterior shoulder release and teres major to infraspinatus transfer to correct internal rotation deformity and/or increase active shoulder external rotation. Patients were 18 males and 8 females. The right upper limb was affected in 16 patients, and the left in 10. Surgery was performed at an average age of 3.01 years (range, 1-10 years). Follow-up averaged 8.2 years (range, 5-16 years). Eight cases (30%) were followed up for 10 years or greater. Age at final follow-up averaged 10.5 years (range, 6-17.8 years). RESULTS: The results showed to be significant: 67 degrees (63%), 71.3 degrees (412%), and -32 degrees (-35%), respectively. There was no single recurrence of internal rotation deformity. Global Mallet score averaged 20 ± 2.7. Global abduction and external rotation averaged 3.5 ± 0.8 and 4 ± 0.3, respectively. Shoulder abduction range included an average of 45 degrees glenohumeral and 65 degrees scapulothoracic motion. Postoperative internal rotation in adduction was limited to 55.96 ± 25.65 degrees and was significantly lower that the preoperative value. Radiological measurements showed no significant differences between the operated and normal sides. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the long-term results after soft tissue rebalancing, combined with open reduction when required, demonstrated significant improvement of abduction and external rotation and significant loss of internal rotation. The difference in glenoid version and humeral head subluxation continued to be insignificant compared with the normal side.

Evaluation of Triple Neurotization Technique as a Single Procedure in Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Brachial plexus injuries are common and result in significant disabilities. This study evaluated the outcome of triple neurotization as a single procedure for upper trunk brachial plexus injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Some 25 adult consecutive patients with injured upper trunk brachial plexus who underwent microscopic reconstructive surgery using triple neurotization technique in the authors' institute were recruited in this study. Data on operative and functional outcomes were captured. Modified Narkas scale was used to evaluate the shoulder function in addition to Waikakul scale which was used to evaluate the elbow function. Data were analyzed with respect to short and long term with a median follow-up duration of two years. RESULTS: Assessment of the recovered shoulder abduction was excellent in 48% (n=12), good in 24% (n=6), fair in 16% (n=4), and poor in 12% of cases (n=3). Shoulder external rotation recovery was excellent in 48% (n=12), good in 12% (n=3), fair in 12% (n=3), and poor in 28% of cases (n=7). Recovery of elbow flexion was excellent in 60% (n=15), good in 12% (n=3), fair in 12% (n=3), and poor in 16% of cases (n=4). The mean value of recovered shoulder abduction was 111.26 degrees (range: 70-150). The mean value of restored shoulder external rotation was 57.5 degrees (range: 45-70). The mean value of restored elbow flexion was 75 degrees (range: 55-120). CONCLUSION: Triple neurotization technique can be effective to restore elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, and external rotation in adult patients with upper trunk brachial plexus injury.

Vascularity of the Proximal Fibula and Its Implications in Vascularized Epiphyseal Transfer: An Anatomical and High-Resolution Computed Tomographic Angiography Study.

BACKGROUND: Various vascular pedicles have been used to supply the proximal fibula for vascularized epiphyseal transfer. The optimal pedicle has, however, not been agreed on. This study aimed to describe the detailed vascular anatomy of the proximal fibula to assist the surgeon in choosing the optimal pedicle. METHODS: Twenty-eight lower extremities were injected with latex or a mixture of latex and barium sulfate. Vessels supplying the proximal fibula were identified and dissected, and the course, diameter, anatomical relations, length, and branches were documented. In the barium group, high-resolution computed tomographic scanning was conducted before dissection. In seven specimens, branches of the deep peroneal nerve to the tibialis anterior muscle were carefully preserved, and their relation to the proximal fibular vascularity was noted. RESULTS: An anastomotic vascular network supplied the proximal fibula. This was formed superiorly by branches of the inferior lateral genicular artery, and inferiorly by branches of the anterior tibial artery, the most important of which were the first and second recurrent epiphyseal arteries. One or more deep peroneal nerve branches passed deep to the first recurrent epiphyseal artery in all specimens examined. In five specimens, all of the branches were superficial to the second recurrent epiphyseal artery, whereas two had branches deep to it. CONCLUSIONS: The proximal fibula can be transferred using the inferior lateral genicular or anterior tibial artery because of the existing anastomosis. Factors including length of pedicle, potential for nerve injury, and diaphyseal portion to be harvested should be considered in the pedicle choice.

Cerebral border zone infarction: an etiological study.

BACKGROUND: Border zone infarcts (BZI) are ischemic lesions at the junction between two main arterial territories which may be either cortical or internal BZI. METHODS: This study was conducted on 76 cerebral BZI patients and 20 healthy control subjects. Patients were divided to group I included 26 internal BZI, group II included 19 cortical BZI and group III included 21 mixed internal/cortical BZI patients. Included subjects were submitted to neurological examination, laboratory investigations, ECG, echocardiogram, brain CT and/or MRI and extra and intracranial blood vessels imaging by duplex and CT angiography. RESULTS: Hypertension was significantly higher among groups I and III compared to group II while atrial fibrillation (AF) was significantly higher in groups II and III than group I (p < 0.05). Sonographic duplex assessment of extra and intracranial blood vessels revealed significant increase in mean flow velocities of CCA, ICC and MCA on both side in groups I and III compared to group II (p < 0.05). CT angiography revealed non-significant differences between BZI patients and control as well as in between the three BZI patient's groups regarding the existence of vertebral artery hypoplasia and/or circle of Willis anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular stenosis is the main etiological factor in internal BZI while AF is the predominant etiological factor of cortical BZI. Congenital vascular anomalies play roles in the localization of BZI but cannot predispose to it except when comorbid with hemodynamic disturbances.

Anatomic and high-resolution computed tomographic angiography study of the lateral femoral condyle flap: Implications for surgical dissection.

BACKGROUND: The lateral femoral condyle (LFC) flap is a vascularized bone flap based on the superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA). Harvest technique for this flap has not yet been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to better delineate the blood supply to the bone and skin of this flap to allow for a safe and effective harvest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three lower extremities were injected with latex or a mixture of latex and barium sulfate. The SLGA was identified and dissected, documenting the course, diameter, anatomical relations, length, and branches. In the mixture group, high-resolution CT scanning was performed prior to dissection. Two additional specimens were dissected to illustrate the harvest technique. RESULTS: The SLGA originated from the popliteal artery at an average of 44.3 mm proximal to the knee joint line. The SLGA had an average diameter of 1.9 mm at origin and length of 56 mm. It coursed posterior to the femur, reaching the lateral intermuscular septum (IMS), dividing into superficial (patellar) and deep (condylar) branches, which coursed toward and gave branches to the patella and the LFC, respectively. At least one (average 1.4) septocutaneous skin perforator >5 mm emerged and ran posterior to the IMS. 3D reconstructions of the CT scans were used to confirm anatomic findings and describe a standard harvest technique. CONCLUSIONS: The SLGA has consistent anatomy, adequate length, suitable diameter at origin for microvascular anastomosis, and constant perforators to bone and skin. The LFC flap provides a useful alternative to flaps from the medial knee or iliac crest.

Free functioning gracilis transplantation for reconstruction of elbow and hand functions in late obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

BACKGROUND: In late obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), restoration of elbow and hand functions is a difficult challenge. The use of free functioning muscle transplantation in late OBPP was very scarcely reported. In this study, we present our experience on the use of free functioning gracilis transfer for restoration of elbow and hand functions in late cases of OBPP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with late OBPP underwent free gracilis transfer for reconstruction of elbow and/or hand functions. The procedure was indicated when there was no evidence of reinnervation on EMG and in the absence of local donors. Average age at surgery was 102.5 months. Patients were evaluated using the British Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system and the Toronto Active Movement Scale. Hand function was evaluated by the Raimondi scoring system. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 65.8 ± 41.7 months. Contraction of the transferred gracilis started at an average of 4.5 ± 1.03 months. Average range of elbow flexion significantly improved from 30 ± 55.7 to 104 ± 31.6 degrees (P <0.001). Elbow flexion power significantly increased with an average of 3.8 grades (P = 0.000147). Passive elbow range of motion significantly decreased from an average of 147 to 117 degrees (P = 0.003). Active finger flexion significantly improved from 5 ± 8.3 to 63 ± 39.9 degrees (P < 0.001). Finger flexion power significantly increased with an average 2.7 grades (P < 0.001). Only 17% achieved useful hand (grade 3) on Raimondi hand score. Triceps reconstruction resulted in an average of M4 power and 45 degrees elbow extension. CONCLUSION: Free gracilis transfer may be a useful option for reconstruction of elbow and/or hand functions in late OBPP.

Delayed selective neurotization for restoration of elbow and hand functions in late presenting obstetrical brachial plexus palsy.

The published experience of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) cases with poor recovery and late neurosurgical intervention are sparse. This study included 19 cases who presented after the age of 1 year with poor recovery of elbow and/or hand function and electrophysiological evidence of reinnervation. Age at surgery averaged 41 months, and the follow-up averaged 50 months. Distal neurotization was performed for restoration of elbow flexion in 11 cases, elbow extension in 3 cases, and finger flexion and/or sensibility in 5 cases. Active elbow flexion increased from an average of 2.7 to 91.8 degrees with an average gain of 89 degrees. Active elbow extension increased from an average of 10 to 56.7 degrees with an average gain of 46.7 degrees. Although, three out of five cases (60%) showed satisfactory recovery of finger flexion, all cases scored<2 using Raimondi score. Four cases gained protective sensation and one case gained discriminative sensation. The results of neurotization in late OBPP are variable. The best and most consistent results are obtained by necrotizing the biceps by the intercostal nerves or, in selected cases, by the flexor carpi ulnaris fascicle of the ulnar nerve. Delayed neurotization is the only way to recover sensory function in the hand.

Dorsal foot resurfacing using free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in children.

Very limited literature described the use of the free anterolateral thigh (ALT) among other flaps for pediatric lower limb reconstruction. The aim of this study is to present our experience using the free ALT flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects over the dorsum of the foot and ankle in children. The study included 42 children aged 2.5-13 years with a mean of 6.18 years. Three children had crush injuries while the rest were victims of run over car accidents. All of the flaps were vascularized by at least two perforators; 88.23% were musculocutaneous and 11.77 were septocutaneous perforators. All flaps were raised in a subfascial plane. Initial thinning was performed in five flaps and 35% required subsequent debulking. Mean Flap surface area was 117.11 cm(2). The recipient arteries were the anterior tibial artery in 38 cases and posterior tibial artery in four cases. Venous anastomosis was performed to one vena commitant and in nine cases the long saphenous vein was additionally used. Mean ischemia time of the flap was 2 hours while total operative time averaged 6.3 hours. About 41% of donor sites were closed primarily while 59% required skin grafting. Primary flap survival rate was 92.8% (39/42 cases). Three flaps showed venous congestion. After venous reanastomosis, two flaps showed partial loss and one flap was lost completely. Post-operative hospital stay averaged 7.5 days. The free ALT flap could be as safe, reliable, and aesthetically appealing option for foot/ankle resurfacing in children after traumatic soft tissue loss.

Knee joint reconstruction after hemiarticular resection using pedicled patella and vascularized fibular graft.

Between 1999 and 2005, seven patients had resection of tumors around the knee joint that involved half of the articular surface of the femoral or tibial side. Average age of the patients was 28 years (range, 14-40). Tumor pathology was giant cell tumor in four patients, osteoblastoma in two, and benign fibrous histocytoma in one patient. Two patients had recurrent tumors. The tumor was located in the distal femur in five patients and in the proximal tibia in the remaining two. The ipsilateral patella pedicled on the infrapatellar fat pad was used to substitute the resected articular surface and a vascularized fibula osteoseptocutaneous flap was used to reconstruct the metaphyseal defect. Average follow-up period was 6.5 years (range, 3.5-10 years). All flaps survived. Average time to bone union was 3.5 months (range, 3-4 months), and average time to full weight-bearing was 5 months (range, 4-6 months). No radiological signs of avascular necrosis of the patella were observed in any patient. Two patients required secondary procedures for correction of instability. One patient had local recurrence. At final follow-up, the median range of knee motion was from 10° to 100°. The average Knee Society Score (KSS) was 76 points (range; 50-85 points), and the average KSS functional score was 76.6 points (range, 70-90 points). In conclusion, the procedure is a reliable option for after resection of tumors that involve half the articular surface of the femur or the tibia.

Total obstetric brachial plexus palsy: results and strategy of microsurgical reconstruction.

From 2000 to 2006, 35 infants with total obstetric brachial plexus palsy underwent brachial plexus exploration and reconstruction. The mean age at surgery was 10.8 months (range 3-60 months), and the median age was 8 months. All infants were followed for at least 2.5 years (range 2.5-7.3 years) with an average follow-up of 4.2 years. Assessment was performed using the Toronto Active Movement scale. Surgical procedures included neurolysis, neuroma excision and interposition nerve grafting and neurotization, using spinal accessory nerve, intercostals and contralateral C7 root. Satisfactory recovery was obtained in 37.1% of cases for shoulder abduction; 54.3% for shoulder external rotation; 75.1% for elbow flexion; 77.1% for elbow extension; 61.1% for finger flexion, 31.4% for wrist extension and 45.8% for fingers extension. Using the Raimondi score, 18 cases (53%) achieved a score of three or more (functional hand). The mean Raimondi score significantly improved postoperatively as compared to the preoperative mean: 2.73 versus 1, and showed negative significant correlation with age at surgery. In total, obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, early intervention is recommended. Intercostal neurotization is preferred for restoration of elbow flexion. Tendon transfer may be required to improve external rotation in selected cases. Apparently, intact C8 and T1 roots should be left alone if the patient has partial hand recovery, no Horner syndrome, and was operated early (3- or 4-months old). Apparently, intact nonfunctioning lower roots with no response to electrical stimulation, especially in the presence of Horner syndrome, should be neurotized with the best available intraplexal donor.