Two-, four-, and six-strand zone II flexor tendon repairs: an in situ biomechanical comparison using a cadaver model.

A dynamic in vitro model of zone II flexor tendon repair was used to compare gliding resistance, gap formation, and ultimate strength of the 2-, 4-, and 6-strand repair techniques. Each of 12 hands was mounted to a loading frame with 3 flexor tendons attached to individual pneumatic cylinders. A spring attached to a pin through the distal end of each digit provided a 1.25-kg resistance force. The force required to flex each proximal interphalangeal joint to 90 degrees was determined. Following this, the tendons were sectioned and each was repaired using a different technique so that each specimen acted as its own control. The 2- and 4-strand core sutures were placed using a suture interlock technique with radial and ulnar grasping purchase of the tendon on each side of the transverse part of the repair. Each repair was accomplished using a single core stitch with the knot buried between the tendon ends. The 4-strand repair involved an additional horizontal mattress suture with the knot buried. Repair of the dorsal side of the tendon was performed followed by core suture placement. The palmar portion of the peripheral locking suture was completed after core suture placement. Following repair, each hand was remounted on the frame and cycled 1,000 times. After cyclic loading, the resulting gap between the repaired ends of each tendon was measured, the tendons were removed from the hand, and each was loaded to failure in tension. All tendon repairs showed a small, but not statistically significant, increase in gliding resistance after reconstruction. The 2-strand repair had significantly greater gap formation after cyclic loading (mean gap, 2.75 mm) than either the 4-strand (0.30 mm) or 6-strand (0.31 mm) repair. The tensile strength of the 6-strand repair (mean, 78.7 N) was significantly greater than either the 4-strand (means, 43.0 N) or 2-strand (mean, 33.9 N) repair.

Successful separation of ischiopagus tripus conjoined twins with comparative analysis of methods for abdominal wall closure and use of the tripus limb.

The authors report the successful delivery, preoperative management, and postoperative courses of ischiopagus tripus twin girls successfully separated at 5 months of age. Surgical objectives were predicated on survival and optimum postseparation reconstructive potential for both girls. Each twin has subsequently undergone additional procedures, and both are doing well 2 years after separation. The authors reviewed 17 known cases of ischiopagus tripus separation, comparing anatomic findings, use of the tripus limb, operative strategies, and attainment of abdominal closure. This 18th case includes the first report of splitting the tripus limb and giving each girl a femur. The authors found that detailed systemic investigation, advanced coordinated teamwork with appropriate technical support, applications of new technologies or reapplication of existing technologies, meticulous planning, and favorable anatomy were vital in yielding favorable outcomes.

Reconstructive surgery during Operations Just Cause and Desert Storm.

Operations Just Cause and Desert Storm were of relatively brief duration; however, severe wounds were produced that required complex reconstructive procedures. This paper describes the type of wounds managed in theater and subsequently at three U.S. military medical centers. Specific reconstructive techniques included local and free muscle, fasciocutaneous, and composite flaps. Emphasis is placed on the application of microsurgical techniques to battle-related injuries.

Muscle flap closure for salvage of complex back wounds.

STUDY DESIGN: The use of muscle flaps for closing complex thoracolumbar and lumbar spine wounds was studied retrospectively. Five patients in whom traditional, conservative treatment modalities did not work underwent a variety of muscle flap closures with successful healing. OBJECTIVES: Patients with complicated back wounds ranging from exposed hardware to post-traumatic defects were treated initially with conservative treatments. The authors evaluated the efficacy of applying techniques and knowledge gained from complex lower extremity wound coverage of back wounds. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Six muscle transfer procedures were performed on five patients. All patients were closed with local muscle flaps using the trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles. METHODS: Success was defined as a closed stable wound that needed no future surgery nor allowed the primary defect to heal before hardware removal. There was no evidence of chronic infection. Surgical hardware was salvaged in one of three patients. RESULTS: All were successfully closed and have been followed up to 30 months without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The cases presented illustrate the usefulness of rotation flaps when there is an extensive soft tissue defect that has exposed neural, osseous, and foreign structures. The use of local transposition muscle flaps as an adjunct in closing complex back wounds has been very successful in our experience. Although recurrent infection may occur, this technique has facilitated the establishment of a soft tissue envelope to achieve short- and long-term wound healing.

Intrapleural rupture of the azygos vein.

Intrapleural rupture of the azygos vein associated with hypovolemic shock resulting from blunt chest trauma is reported. Management demanded an emergency department right thoracotomy with venous ligation. Aortography to rule out associated arterial injury was performed. The previously published 7 cases of azygos vein rupture are reviewed as are possible etiologic mechanisms responsible for this rare injury. The history and clinical signs compatible with this injury are emphasized.

Ulnar nerve compression in Guyon's canal caused by calcinosis in scleroderma.

Calcium deposits in Guyon's canal secondary to scleroderma caused low ulnar nerve paralysis in a 70-year-old white woman. Excision of calcium deposits resulted in rapid alleviation of pain. After nerve regeneration, the patient's clawing disappeared, and she was able to abduct and adduct all digits.