The Putti Sign Following Residual Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: Prevalence and Significance.

BACKGROUND: The Putti sign, a common deformity and complaint in children with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI), stems from a glenohumeral (GH) abduction contracture. Despite recent clinical studies offering insights into this deformity, none have explored the prevalence of the Putti sign or its correlation with GH abduction contractures. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of 238 patients (median age 7.5 years; range, 4.1-16.2) with residual BPBI seen in the clinic from December 2019 to December 2022. Epidemiological data, including demographics, palsy levels, modified Mallet scale sum, surgical history, and presence/absence of the Putti sign and glenohumeral adduction angle (GHADD), were collected. Patients were categorized into 4 age groups: 0 to 5 years (n=67), 6 to 10 years (n=102), 11 to 15 years (n=53), and 16 years and older (n=16). Results were expressed as medians (minimum-maximum), with frequency comparisons done using Pearson's chi-square analysis. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for quantitative variable comparison, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the threshold GHADD angle for Putti sign appearance. RESULTS: Main findings included: (1) 27% of patients with residual BPBI exhibited the Putti sign, (2) confirmed correlation between the Putti sign and GH adduction contractures, (3) Putti sign manifestation with GHADD angle measuring less than -5° because to abduction contracture, and (4) association between this deformity and reduced activities requiring external rotation. No significant differences in Putti sign prevalence were found across age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study underscores the common occurrence of the Putti sign in children with residual BPBI. It is important to note that we highlight its functional significance beyond cosmetic concerns. Contrary to prior literature, our analysis reveals functional impairment associated with the Putti sign. Although no age-based differences in Putti sign prevalence were observed, patients aged 0 to 5 years and 11 to 15 years showed more severe glenohumeral abduction contractures, possibly due to growth spurts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnosis IV.

Anatomical study of first palmar intermetacarpal flap in cadavers and application for congenital first web contracture in a child with Apert's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstructing severe first web contractures often involves using either pedicled forearm flaps, which can cause extensive scarring, or free flaps, which can be highly complex. In this study, we present a local palmar hand flap that overcomes both of these challenges. METHODS: Ten fresh upper limbs were examined after arterial injection with colored latex. The study focused on identifying the most distal palmar vascular cutaneous branches suitable for designing an elliptical cutaneous flap over the volar intermetacarpal area. This flap's width was approximately 50% of the width of the thenar eminence. Additionally, we present the case of an 8-year-old child with a type 1 Upton's Apert's hand, which exhibited a severe first web contracture. RESULTS: In seven cadaver hands, one distal cutaneous perforator was found, while in three hands, two perforators were identified. These perforators originated from the thumb radial collateral artery six times, pollex princeps three times, index radial collateral vessels twice, and thumb ulnar collateral vessels twice. The mean perforator diameter was 0.5 mm (ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 mm), and the mean perforator length was 10 mm (ranging from 0.8 to 12 mm). Using this flap bilaterally in our patient resulted in a straightforward procedure that created a broad and functional first web. A total-thickness skin graft was necessary to cover the proximal thenar area, and fortunately, no complications arose. A wide first web with an intermetacarpal angle of 40° ultimately was obtained scoring 8 on the kapandji. CONCLUSIONS: The first palmar intermetacarpal flap presents itself as a reasonable and uncomplicated option for addressing significant moderate-to-severe first web contractures.

A Fresh Cadaver Study on the Innervation of Brachioradialis and Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscles.

PURPOSE: Distal nerve transfers have revolutionized peripheral nerve surgery by allowing the transfer of healthy motor nerves to paralyzed ones without causing additional morbidity. Radial nerve branches to the brachialis (Ba), brachioradialis (Br), and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) muscles have not been investigated in fresh cadavers. METHODS: The radial nerve and its branches were dissected in 34 upper limbs from 17 fresh cadavers. Measurements were taken to determine the number, origin, length, and diameter of the branches. Myelinated fiber counts were obtained through histological analysis. RESULTS: The first branch of the radial nerve at the elbow was to the Ba muscle, followed by the branches to the Br and ECRL muscles. The Ba and Br muscles consistently received single innervation. The ECRL muscle showed varying innervation patterns, with one, two, or three branches. The branches to the Br muscles originated from the anterior side of the radial nerve, whereas the branches to the Ba and ECRL muscles originated from the posterior side. The average myelinated fiber counts favored the nerve to Br muscle over that to the ECRL muscle, with counts of 542 versus 350 and 568 versus 302 observed in hematoxylin and eosin and neurofilament staining, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides detailed anatomical insights into the motor branches of the radial nerve to the Ba, Br, and ECRL muscles. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the anatomy of the radial nerve branches at the elbow is of utmost importance when devising a reconstructive strategy for upper limb paralysis. These findings can guide surgeons in selecting appropriate donor or recipient nerves for nerve transfer in cases of high tetraplegia and lower-type brachial plexus injuries.

Shoulder extension impairment with residual neonatal brachial plexus injury.

BACKGROUND: Impairment of both shoulder extension and behind-the-back function are common in patients with residual neonatal brachial plexus injury (NBPI), but have scarcely been studied or reported in the literature. Behind-the-back function is classically evaluated using the hand-to-spine task used for the Mallet score. Angular measurements of shoulder extension with residual NBPI have generally been studied utilizing kinematic motion laboratories. To date, no validated clinical examination method for this has been described. METHODS: Intraobserver and interobserver reliability analyses of 2 shoulder extension angles-passive glenohumeral extension (PGE) and active shoulder extension (ASE)-were performed. Afterwards, a retrospective clinical study was conducted on prospectively collected data on 245 children with residual BPI treated from January 2019 through August 2022. Demographic characteristics, level of palsy, previous surgical procedures, modified Mallet score, and bilateral PGE and ASE data were analyzed. RESULTS: All inter- and intraobserver agreements were excellent, ranging from 0.82 to 0.86. The median patient age was 8.1 years (3.5-21). Among the 245 children, 57.6% had Erb's palsy, 28.6% extended Erb's palsy, and 13.9% global palsy. One hundred sixty-eight (66%) of the children could not touch their lumbar spine, among whom 26.2% (n = 44) had to swing the arm to reach it. Both the degrees of ASE and PGE achieved correlation significantly with the hand-to-spine score, the ASE strongly (r = 0.705) and the PGE weakly (r = 0.372) (both P < .0001). Significant correlations also were found between lesion level and the hand-to-spine Mallet score (r = -0.339; P < .0001) and ASE (r = -0.299; P < .0001), and between patient age and the PGE (P = .0416, r = -0.130). A statistically significant decrease in PGE and incapacity to reach the spine were found in patients who underwent glenohumeral reduction, shoulder tendon transfer, or humeral osteotomy, relative to those who had microsurgery or no surgery. Receiver operating curves showed that, for both PGE and ASE, the minimum extension angle required to successfully perform the hand-to-spine task was 10°, with sensitivity levels of 69.9 and 82.2, and specificity levels of 69.5 and 87.8 (both P < .0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Glenohumeral flexion contracture and lost ASE are extremely common in children with residual NBPI. Both the PGE and ASE angles can be measured reliably with a clinical exam, with at least 10° of PGE and ASE necessary to perform the hand-to-spine Mallet task.

Extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch transfer to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to repair intrinsic hand palsy in neonatal lower brachial plexus and spinal cord injury: A case report.

Concomitant lower neonatal brachial plexus palsy (Klumpke) and spinal cord injury is extremely rare but with a clearly established mechanism of injury pattern. No successful surgical techniques have been reported to date to restore intrinsic hand function. We report a case of successful transfer of the extensor carpi radialis brevis motor branch to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to repair intrinsic hand palsy. Three-month-old boy with the diagnosis of left Klumpke paralysis and thoracic spinal cord injury associating left Horner's sign, intrinsic minus deformity of all the digits, and thenar muscle paralysis in the upper limb. Both lower limbs were fully paralyzed. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cord narrowing from T1 to T5 and pseudo-meningoceles involving the left C8 through T3 roots. Since no spontaneous recovery was apparent by 6.5 months and surgical exploration showed pronator quadratus denervation, the ECRB motor branch deep branch was transferred to the ulnar nerve (DBUN) with interposed a 7.5 cm-long sural nerve graft. By 18 months post-operatively, all the digits showed complete active IP extension. Thirty-six months after surgery, no signs of first dorsal interosseous nerve or thenar muscle reinnervation were present, thus an extensor carpi ulnaris opponensplasty was performed. ECRB motor branch might be a valuable tool to restore finger intrinsic function in these uncommon cases.

Descripción de la prueba semiológica de Compresión y flexión del pulgar, para el diagnóstico de Rizartrosis. Estudio de Cohorte Transversal / Description of thumb compression and flexion test for the diagnosis of rhizarthrosis. Cross sectional Cohort Study

Introducción El dolor del pulgar secundario a la artrosis de la articulación trapecio-metacarpiana es una condición común, especialmente en mujeres llegando a causar niveles altos de incapacidad en algunos pacientes. El diagnóstico de rizartrosis se basa en el dolor localizado, la inflamación e inestabilidad en la exploración física además de la valoración radiológica. Existen en la actualidad varias pruebas semiológicas que podemos utilizar en el diagnóstico de la rizartrosis sintomática, una de ellas es la prueba de Grind o molienda, que es considerada el patrón de oro. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo describir y evaluar la prueba de Compresión y flexión del pulgar ideada para el diagnóstico de rizartrosis. Materiales y Métodos Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en el periodo de enero del 2007 a mayo del 2013, Se evaluaron 230 pacientes que acudieron a consulta con síntomas sugestivos de rizartrosis a quienes se les practico simultáneamente la prueba de Grind y la prueba de compresión y flexión para la confirmación del diagnóstico. Resultados De los 230 pacientes que acudieron a consulta, el 87.8% (202) eran mujeres con una edad promedio de 60 años (32 a 86 años). El 14.8% de los pacientes presentaron una afectación bilateral. El 47.8% tenían comorbilidades presentes entre las que se encuentran síndrome de túnel carpiano en el 67.3%, dedo en gatillo 11.8%, entre otras. El índice de concordancia PABAK entre los dos signos semiológicos fue de 0.948, indicando un nivel de acuerdo excelente entre ambos. El 100% de los pacientes fueron diagnosticados por la prueba de flexión y compresión. Discusión producto de obtener una prueba positiva en la totalidad de los pacientes evaluados con la prueba de compresión y flexión, consideramos puede ser una opción que complemente la pesquisa clínica en el paciente con rizartrosis, es necesario entonces estudios posteriores para validar dicha prueba y poder obtener su sensibilidad y especificidad.

Background Thumb pain secondary to osteoarthritis of the trapezium-metacarpal joint is a common condition, especially in women, and causing high levels of disability in some patients. The diagnosis of rhizarthrosis is based on localised pain, inflammation, and instability on physical examination, in addition to radiographic evaluation. There are currently several semiological tests that can be used in the diagnosis of symptomatic rhizarthrosis, one of which is the Grind or grinding test, which is considered the gold standard. The present study aims to describe and evaluate the thumb compression and flexion test designed for the diagnosis of rhizarthrosis. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period from January 2007 to May 2013. The study included a total of 230 patients that came to the clinic with symptoms suggestive of rhizarthrosis, and on whom the Grind test, the compression test, and flexion were simultaneously performed to confirm the diagnosis. Results Of the 230 patients who attended the clinic, 87.8% (202) were women with a mean age of 60 years (32 to 86 years). A bilateral involvement was observed in 14.8% of the patients. Just under half (47.8%) currently had co-morbidities that included, among others, carpal tunnel syndrome (67.3%) and trigger finger (11.8%). The prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) concordance index between the two semiological signs was 0.948, indicating an excellent level of agreement between both. All (100%) of the patients were diagnosed by the flexion and compression test. Discussion Due to obtaining a positive test in all the patients evaluated with the compression and flexion test, it should be considered as a complementary test in the clinical evaluation of patients with rhizarthrosis. Further studies are necessary to validate this test in order to establish its sensitivity and specificity.

Manejo endoscópico del síndrome de túnel del carpo, una experiencia de 5 años / Endoscopic management of the carpal tunnel syndrome, an experience of 5 years

Introducción: El síndrome de túnel del carpo afecta el 1% de la población, siendo la neuropatía por compresión más frecuente, la liberación endoscópica es una técnica que presenta buenos resultados, aunque no está exenta de complicaciones. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es determinar la prevalencia de complicaciones asociadas en una experiencia de 5 años. Metodología: Estudio de corte transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico del túnel del carpo sometidos a liberación endoscópica en un periodo de 5 años, donde se documentó todas las complicaciones neurológicas, vasculares e infección. Resultados: Se incluyeron 175 manos en 139 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 52 años de edad; el 89.2% de los casos se presentaron en mujeres. Las comorbilidades encontradas fueron: hipertensión arterial 31.6%, hipotiroidismo 29.5%, diabetes 5%, y consumo de cigarrillo 11%. La prevalencia de complicaciones fue del 5.7% (10 casos), de las cuales la lesión neurológica fue del 0.6% clasificada como neuropraxia del nervio cubital, 1.7% presentaron hematomas que resolvieron sin cirugía y 3.4% presentaron infección que resolvieron con manejo antibiótico y curaciones. Todas las complicaciones presentaron una recuperación satisfactoria. El 99% de los pacientes presentaron resolución de los síntomas. Conclusiones: La técnica de liberación endoscópica del túnel del carpo es una técnica segura, en donde se encontró un porcentaje bajo de complicaciones siendo comparables a otras series.

Introduction: The carpal tunnel syndrome affects 1% of the population, remain the most common compression neuropathy, endoscopic release is a technique that gives good results, although not without complications. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of complications in an experience of 5 years. Methodology: Cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel undergoing endoscopic release over a period of 5 years, where all neurological, vascular complications and infection was documented. Results: We included 175 hands in 139 patients with an average age of 52 years; 89.2% of cases occurred in women. Comorbidities found: hypertension 31.6%, 29.5% hypothyroidism, diabetes 5% and 11% cigarette consumption. The prevalence of complications was 5.7% (10 cases), of which the neurologic injury was 0.6% classified as neuropraxia of the ulnar nerve, 1.7% had hematoma that resolved without surgery and 3.4% had infection threated with oral antibiotics. All complications had a satisfactory recovery. 99% of patients experienced resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: The technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a safe technique, low complication rate was found and is comparable to other series.