Comparative analysis of cancellous graft and cortico-cancellous graft in osteosynthesis of scaphoid pseudoarthrosis with plate.

INTRODUCTION: Scaphoid is the most fractured carpal bone, with a 5-10% nonunion rate. Treatment challenges include choosing the implant and graft that best corrects humpback deformity and carpal malalignment with higher chances of bony healing. OBJECTIVE: Compare cortico-cancellous and cancellous grafts between two groups of patients treating scaphoid nonunion with locking plates using autologous bone graft and evaluate bone healing rates and radiographic, tomographic, and functional parameters before and after surgery. METHODS: Non-randomized prospective study including 20 cases of scaphoid nonunion. Groups were divided into Group A (ten patients treated with cortico-cancellous iliac graft) and Group B (ten patients treated with cancellous iliac graft). Patients underwent pre- and postoperative radiographs, computed tomography, and functional evaluation. RESULTS: In postoperative analysis, Group A showed a statistically significant difference in intrascaphoid angle (p = 0.002) and scapholunate angle (p = 0.011) correction when comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. Group B showed a statistically significant difference in intrascaphoid angle (p = 0.002) and scapholunate angle correction (p = 0.0018), grip strength (p = 0.002), and tip pinch strength (p = 0.001) when comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. By comparing both groups, Group B showed a statistically significant difference in intrascaphoid angle correction (p = 0.002), grip strength (p = 0.002), tip pinch strength (p = 0.002), and radial deviation (p = 0.0003). There was no statistical difference when comparing bony healing between groups. CONCLUSION: Scaphoid nonunion treatment with a locking plate was effective, showing a high bony healing rate and improved carpal alignment in imaging tests for both graft types. However, results for intrascaphoid angle correction, grip strength, tip pinch strength, and radial deviation were better in Group B. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Comparative analysis of scaphoid nonunion treatment with screw fixation and angular stable plate.

INTRODUCTION: Scaphoid fractures represent 5-10% of nonunion rate and the treatment options consist of an open reduction with correction of deformity, restoration of the scaphoid length with autologous wedge grafting and fixation. However, there is still no consensus in the literature on the best fixation method. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to compare plate fixation and screw fixation in treating scaphoid nonunion with humpback deformity and carpal instability. METHODS: Prospective, non-randomised study comparing the treatment of two groups of patients with scaphoid nonunion. A total of 19 patients were included in the study, the first ten patients were included in group 1 (plate fixation), subsequently nine patients were included in group 2 (screw fixation). The nonunion duration was longer than 6 months and patients did not present type III Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC). Clinical evaluations included pain intensity, range of motion, grip strength, pinch test and functional scales Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Mayo Wrist Score. Radiographic evaluations consisted of radiographs of both wrists in AP, AP with ulnar deviation, lateral and oblique views. Patients further underwent a tomography of the affected wrist for bone deformity, carpal collapse and later consolidation evaluation. RESULTS: According to post-operative measurements, group 1 showed a significant improvement in the scapholunate angle (p = 0.011) and in the intrascaphoid angle (p = 0.002). Group 2 only showed an improvement in the scapholunate angle (p = 0.011). All patients in group 1 achieved consolidation in 8 weeks, while group 2 patients had a slower consolidation, with a mean of 14 weeks and standard deviation (SD) of 4.2, with statistical significance (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our prospective study, despite the limitations, contributes to the literature for demonstrating a better fixation using plate, with a better correction of humpback deformity and Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability (DISI) and a faster consolidation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, therapeutics studies; prospective comparative study.

RADIOCARPAL FRACTURE DISLOCATIONS: A NEW CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT PROPOSAL.

Introduction: The radiographic and surgical findings, and treatment of radiocarpal fracture dislocations, were analyzed retrospectively in 40 patients. Materials and Methods: All patients were classified according to Dumontier´s radiological classification and compared with the surgical findings. Based on this analysis, a new classification and treatment are proposed. Results: From 1995 to 2018, 40 patients with radiocarpal fracture dislocation underwent surgery. Thirty-six were males and four were females. The mean age was twenty-four years (range: 18-45). Three dislocations were volar dislocations and 37 were displaced dorsally. Initially, 8 (20%) patients were classified as group I, 29 (72.5%) as group II, and 3 (7.5%) remained unclassified. The main variations occurred in group II. Seven fractures were stable after radial styloid fixation and 6 remained unstable. Sixteen fractures presented articular fragments or an interposed capsule, which prevented anatomical reduction using conservative maneuvers. Conclusion: Based in our intraoperative observations and surgical results, we believe that a more detailed classification should be adopted. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

Introdução: Os achados radiográficos, cirúrgicos e o tratamento das fraturas-luxações radiocárpicas foram analisados retrospectivamente em 40 pacientes. Materiais e Métodos: Todos os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com a classificação radiológica de Dumontier e comparados com os achados cirúrgicos. Com base nessa análise, uma nova classificação e tratamento são propostos. Resultados: De 1995 a 2018, 40 pacientes com fratura-luxação radiocárpica foram submetidos à cirurgia. Trinta e seis eram homens e quatro mulheres. A média de idade foi de vinte e quatro anos (variação de 18 a 45). Três luxações eram volares e 37 dorsais. Inicialmente, 8 (20%) pacientes foram classificados como Grupo I, 29 (72,5%), como Grupo II e 3 (7,5%), permaneceram sem classificação. As variações principais ocorreram no Grupo II. Sete fraturas permaneceram estáveis depois da fixação da estiloide radial e 6 permaneceram instáveis. Dezesseis fraturas apresentaram fragmentos articulares ou cápsula interposta que impediu a redução anatômica por manobras conservadoras. Conclusões: Com base em nossas observações intraoperatórias e nos resultados cirúrgicos, acreditamos que uma classificação mais detalhada deva ser adotada. Nível de evidência IV;Estudos Terapêuticos; Série de casos.

Radiocarpal fracture dislocations: a new classification and treatment proposal / Fratura-luxação radiocárpica: nova classificação e proposta de tratamento

ABSTRACT Introduction The radiographic and surgical findings, and treatment of radiocarpal fracture dislocations, were analyzed retrospectively in 40 patients. Materials and Methods All patients were classified according to Dumontier´s radiological classification and compared with the surgical findings. Based on this analysis, a new classification and treatment are proposed. Results From 1995 to 2018, 40 patients with radiocarpal fracture dislocation underwent surgery. Thirty-six were males and four were females. The mean age was twenty-four years (range: 18-45). Three dislocations were volar dislocations and 37 were displaced dorsally. Initially, 8 (20%) patients were classified as group I, 29 (72.5%) as group II, and 3 (7.5%) remained unclassified. The main variations occurred in group II. Seven fractures were stable after radial styloid fixation and 6 remained unstable. Sixteen fractures presented articular fragments or an interposed capsule, which prevented anatomical reduction using conservative maneuvers. Conclusion Based in our intraoperative observations and surgical results, we believe that a more detailed classification should be adopted. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

RESUMO Introdução Os achados radiográficos, cirúrgicos e o tratamento das fraturas-luxações radiocárpicas foram analisados retrospectivamente em 40 pacientes. Materiais e Métodos Todos os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com a classificação radiológica de Dumontier e comparados com os achados cirúrgicos. Com base nessa análise, uma nova classificação e tratamento são propostos. Resultados De 1995 a 2018, 40 pacientes com fratura-luxação radiocárpica foram submetidos à cirurgia. Trinta e seis eram homens e quatro mulheres. A média de idade foi de vinte e quatro anos (variação de 18 a 45). Três luxações eram volares e 37 dorsais. Inicialmente, 8 (20%) pacientes foram classificados como Grupo I, 29 (72,5%), como Grupo II e 3 (7,5%), permaneceram sem classificação. As variações principais ocorreram no Grupo II. Sete fraturas permaneceram estáveis depois da fixação da estiloide radial e 6 permaneceram instáveis. Dezesseis fraturas apresentaram fragmentos articulares ou cápsula interposta que impediu a redução anatômica por manobras conservadoras. Conclusões Com base em nossas observações intraoperatórias e nos resultados cirúrgicos, acreditamos que uma classificação mais detalhada deva ser adotada. Nível de evidência IV;Estudos Terapêuticos; Série de casos.

A reinforcement of the sutured microvascular anastomosis with fibrin glue application: A retrospective comparative study with the standard conventional technique.

PURPOSE: Although a reasonable number of studies report satisfactory results with fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomosis since 1977, its utilization in the clinical setting has being scant in the literature. The aim of this study was to report the cumulated experience with the fibrin glue in free flaps over a period of 10 years, comparing the survival rate with the standard sutured anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 2001 through November 2014, 83 consecutive free flaps were performed by a team of surgeons from two hospitals. About 56 flaps were performed in 56 patients using the fibrin glue augmented microvascular anastomosis and 27 flaps were performed in 27 patients using the conventional anastomosis technique. The decision on whether or not the fibrin glue should be used at the anastomoses was based on its availability and whose surgeon was performing the anastomoses. About approximately 60% of sutures stitches were used that would be used in a conventional anastomosis, when fibrin glue application was anticipated (ranging from 5 to 7 sutures in the arteries and 5 to 8 in the veins). RESULTS: The overall survival rate of the flaps performed with fibrin glue application was 92.85%. In one case, a revision of the venous anastomosis was required due to early flap congestion. Four cases (7.14%) had failure of the first free flap and two of them were submitted to another free flap without fibrin glue application. In the flaps performed with the conventional anastomosis technique the survival rate was 92.59%. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.97). CONCLUSION: The application of fibrin glue in microvascular anastomoses did not increase the rate of flap loss and had a potential to reduce the number of sutures required to complete an anastomosis by its sealing effect. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:218-221, 2017.

ANATOMICAL STUDY ON THE LATERAL SUPRAPATELLAR ACCESS ROUTE FOR LOCKED INTRAMEDULLARY NAILS IN TIBIAL FRACTURES.

OBJECTIVE: Intramedullary nails are the gold standard for treating tibial shaft fractures. Knee pain is a frequent complication after the procedure. Alternative routes such as the suprapatellar approach for nail insertion are seen as an option for avoiding late postoperative knee pain. The question is whether this approach might give rise to any injury to intra-articular structures of the knee. METHODS: This study analyzed the suprapatellar approach and the risk to adjacent structures by reproducing it in 10 knees of five cadavers. RESULTS: This approach was seen to make it easy to locate the entry point, with lesions only occurring in the Hoffa fat. In three of our cases, there were lesions of the chondral surface, which is an obstacle that is difficult to overcome. CONCLUSION: There is a need to develop specific material to minimize injury to intra-articular structures when using this route.

MUSCLE TRANSFER FROM TRICEPS TO BICEPS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC INJURY OF THE UPPER TRUNK OF THE BRACHIAL PLEXUS.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results from transposition of the triceps for elbow flexion in patients with chronic and complete injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, including only patients who had biceps grade 0 and triceps grade 5, who underwent anterior transfer of the triceps muscle, performed between 1998 and 2005. The affected side, sex, type of accident, strength of elbow flexion, complications and patient satisfaction were investigated in 11 cases. RESULTS: 10 patients were male; the age range was from 24 to 49 years, with a mean of 33.7 years. The minimum time between injury and surgery was 21 months (range 21-74 months). The left side was affected in eight cases, and the right only in three. Good results were obtained in 10 patients, who acquired elbow flexion strength of grade 3 (two cases) and grade 4 (eight cases), while one evolved unfavorably with grade 2 strength. Two cases had complications (initial compartment syndrome and insufficient tensioning). All the patients said that they were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Anterior transposition of the triceps muscle provided patient satisfaction in all cases except one, attaining strength grade 4 in eight cases, grade 3 in two cases and grade 2 in one case.

DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES IN PATIENTS OVER 60 YEARS OLD: ORTHOGONAL PLATES VERSUS VOLAR PLATE.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results from surgical treatment between volar plates with angular stability and orthogonal plates in unstable distal radius fractures, in patients aged over 60 years. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups that were treated with volar plates or orthogonal plates. Clinical and radiographic results were analyzed prospectively. RESULTS: The study groups presented similar clinical and radiographic results six months after the operation. However, three months after the surgery, the volar plate group had superior results. CONCLUSION: Both group presented good functional results. Surgical treatment enabled early rehabilitation. The orthogonal plate technique required a longer learning curve, presented more complications and worse initial results.

Fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomosis: comparative study of two free flaps series.

BACKGROUND: Since the first experiments with fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomoses in 1977, several studies have reported its benefits on suture reduction and anastomosis decreased time. In spite of that, clinical experience has been limited to two neurosurgical and two replantation case series, all of them with good results. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and the potential benefits of fibrin glue application in free flaps. METHODS: We performed 24 free flaps in 24 patients, from March 2005 to June 2006. Twenty were included in this study. They were divided into two groups according to the anastomosis technique: conventional group (n = 7 patients) and fibrin glue group (n = 13 patients). In the conventional group, the anastomosis was performed with interrupted sutures, whereas in the fibrin glue group, they were performed using less sutures and fibrin glue application. RESULTS: The application of fibrin glue cut by half the number of sutures required to complete the anastomoses. The mean arterial and venous anastomotic times in the conventional group were 27.2 and 24.0 minutes, respectively. In the fibrin glue group, they were 13.6 and 12.6 minutes, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant. There was no significant difference of ischemic time between two groups (P = 0.26). The survival rate of the flaps was similar in both groups: 84.6% (11 of 13) in the fibrin glue group and 85.7% (6 of 7) in the conventional group (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue application in free flaps was feasible and allowed us to complete the anastomoses with fewer sutures and less time. The survival rate of the flaps was not adversely affected by the fibrin glue.

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN TRADITIONAL TENOLYSES AND WITH INTRAOPERATIVE AWAKENING PERFORMED ON THE FLEXOR OSTEOFIBROUS TUNNEL REGION OF THE HANDS (ZONE 2).

OBJECTIVE: Flexor tendon tenolysis on zone 2 is a difficult and really challenging for hand surgery. With the objective of comparing the results obtained between tenolyses with intraoperative awakening, performed with locoregional anesthesia (group 1), from those obtained with traditional tenolysis performed under general anesthesia or total blockage of the brachial plexus (group 2), the authors conducted a prospective and controlled study. METHODS: 22 patients with 39 fingers with flexor tendon injuries on zone 2 evolving to adherences were assessed. All patients were operated after three months and before one year of the primary tendinous suture. All patients showed limited active motion not improved by rehabilitation. Groups 1 and 2 showed to be homogenous concerning patients' age and gender, preoperative compromising, and absence of associated injuries or pathologies. All patients were assessed according to active motion (TAMs) both preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of data obtained for groups 1 and 2 shows that the tenolysis performed with both techniques produce good results. By comparing the results for total active motion after six months of the tenolysis, group 1 patients (treated by the intraoperative awakening technique) were found to present better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Flexor tenolysis on zone 2 provide good results in terms of joint range of motion. The intraoperative awakening technique with locoregional anesthesia provides improved outcomes when compared to the traditional technique.

Application of fibrin glue in microvascular anastomoses: comparative analysis with the conventional suture technique using a free flap model.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have already reported the utilization of fibrin glue in microvascular anastomoses to minimize the number of sutures and to decrease the operative time. Despite the good results obtained in most of these experiments, its clinical application has not launched. The aim of this study was to clarify the controversies around the safeness of fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomoses, and also to demonstrate the potential benefits of fibrin glue application in a realistic free flap model. METHODS: Twenty-seven rabbits were used in this study. The experimental model consisted of a free groin flap transfer to the anterior cervical region. The flap's circulation was restored by means of an end-to-side anastomosis between the femoral and carotid arteries, and an end-to-end anastomosis between the femoral and external jugular veins. The animals were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the anastomosis technique: Group I (conventional suture) and group II (fibrin glue). RESULTS: The number of sutures required to complete the arterial and venous anastomoses was reduced in 39 and 37% in group II, respectively. Despite this reduction, the anastomoses maintained adequate patency rates and mechanical strength. Both arterial and venous anastomoses benefited from fibrin glue application, which made them easier and faster to perform. The flaps' ischemic time and the total operative time were also significantly shortened. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the application of fibrin glue in microvascular anastomoses was safe and reliable. The risk-benefit ratio of fibrin glue application in microvascular anastomoses is favorable for its use.

Effect of fibrin adhesive application in microvascular anastomosis: a comparative experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular anastomosis is the most critical step during free flap transfers or replantations. Although the conventional suture is still considered the standard technique, it is technically difficult, time consuming, and traumatic to the vessel wall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fibrin adhesive to overcome these problems when applied in microvascular anastomosis. METHODS: Sixty-eight Wistar rats were used in this study. Eight animals were used in a pilot study to determine the minimum amount of suture stitches required per anastomosis when the fibrin adhesive was applied. In the definitive study, we performed 30 anastomoses in the femoral artery and 30 anastomoses in the carotid artery. In each artery, half of the anastomoses were performed using interrupted sutures without fibrin adhesive (control groups), and the other half were performed using fibrin adhesive and fewer sutures (experimental groups). RESULTS: The application of fibrin adhesive significantly reduced the number of sutures and the time taken to perform the anastomosis. The anastomotic bleeding was also significantly reduced in both experimental groups. The immediate and late patency rates were not compromised by fibrin glue application. No significant differences were observed in the histologic analysis of the anastomosed vessels between the two techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The application of fibrin adhesive did not result in any harmful effects in the microvascular anastomosis. The authors encourage the clinical application of fibrin adhesive in more complex cases, when more than one microvascular anastomosis is required.

Madelung's deformity: treatment with radial osteotomy and insertion of a trapezoidal wedge.

This article describes a modification of the double-osteotomy radial technique that has been described previously and summarizes our clinical experience with this method in 4 female patients. All patients had improvement in functional motion and were satisfied with the improved appearance of their wrist after surgery.

Experimental study of the action of COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and traditional anti-inflammatory drugs in bone regeneration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in the process of bone regeneration in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four Wistar strain rats were subjected to osteotomy of the right femur and randomly divided into 3 groups according to the drug to be given (diclofenac, rofecoxib, or placebo). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the time to euthanasia after the surgery. The animals of Subgroup 1 were submitted to euthanasia 2 weeks after surgery, and those of Subgroup 2, underwent euthanasia 4 weeks after surgery. Radiographic examinations and bone callus histomorphometry were analyzed. RESULTS: No intergroup statistical difference was found in the bone callus area or in bone formation area 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Intra-group analysis concerning the bone neoformation area inside the callus showed a significant difference within the diclofenac group, which presented less tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture consolidation in Wistar rats occurs within less than 2 weeks, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs does not significantly influence this process.