RESUMO
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of single intramedullary K-wire fixation in nonthumb, metacarpal shaft fractures with immediate postoperative hand mobilization without any immobilization. Method: This is a retrospective case series conducted from January 2019 to December 2022. We included patients with closed, simple transverse, or short oblique metacarpal shaft fracture treated with single, 1.4 mm, intramedullary K-wire fixation. Gentle postoperative range of motion exercise was encouraged in every patient without any hand, finger, or wrist motion restriction material. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with total active flexion; grip strength; disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score; and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Total Active Flexion (ASSH TAF) score. Results: This study included 34 patients, 25 males and 9 females with a mean age of 33.14 years (ranging 18-59). A total of 43 metacarpal shafts were treated. The mean DASH score at two and 6 weeks postoperative was 41.5 (ranging 19.16-60.34) and 9.58 (ranging 0.83-23.27). The mean final DASH score at last follow-up was 3.48 (ranging 0-8.33). Mean TAF at 2 weeks postoperative, 6 weeks postoperative, and at final follow-up was 203.8 (ranging 185-240), 238.2 (ranging 220-270), and 259.25 (ranging 240-270) degrees, respectively. The mean grip strength of the injured hand was 66.14 and 86.1% of the uninjured hand at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperative. There was no nonunion, malrotation, or infection. In conclusion, single intramedullary K-wire fixation gives excellent outcomes in the treatment of single or multiple, simple, metacarpal shaft fractures without the need of postoperative immobilization.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: To study the course of L4 to S3 nerve roots and their distance with the ala of the sacrum and the sacroiliac joint. METHODS: The embalmed left half pelvis of 25 male and 27 female cadavers aged 30 to 91 (mean, 68) years were studied. The ventral rami of the L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 nerve roots were dissected along their courses from the corresponding intervertebral foramina to the lesser pelvis. The distances between each nerve root and the most anterior and inferior parts of the sacroiliac joint were measured in both coronal and sagittal planes. RESULTS: There were 3 locations of fusion of L4 and L5 nerve roots: above, on, or below the level of the most anterior part of the sacroiliac joint. Fusion of S1 and S2 nerve roots at the most inferior part of the sacroiliac joint was encountered in 10% of pelvises. Most S1 and S2 nerve roots lay medial to the sacroiliac joint and closed to the anterior cortex of the ala of the sacrum. CONCLUSION: Sacral nerve roots may fuse at different levels. Most L4 to S3 nerve roots lie close to the anterior surface of the sacroiliac joint and the ala of the sacrum. To prevent nerve root injury, dissection with a sharp instrument should be avoided at such area and 5 to 7 mm medial to the sacroiliac joint.
