Intravascular flipping technique for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis.

Recent advances in minimally invasive perforator flaps, such as the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIP) flap, have increased the demand for anastomosing vessels with diameters less than 0.8 mm. However, discrepancies in size can occur, underscoring the significance of end-to-side anastomosis. Nevertheless, the conventional interrupted end-to-side suturing technique with vessel turnover presents challenges in situations with a limited operative field, short vascular pedicle, and tiny vessels. Therefore, we developed an intravascular flipping technique for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis with an inside technique or rotation-outside technique. The study involved 20 rats and with 15 arteries in 10 rats undergoing the flipping technique with inside or outside rotation. Both the inside and rotation-outside techniques exhibited a 100% immediate patency rate in the rats; however, after 1 week, this decreased to 80% and 86%, respectively. The SCIP flap and replantation procedures were successfully performed. The flipping technique offers several advantages, including ease of vessel manipulation using nylon threads and vascular clips, improved vessel visualisation, and spontaneous widening of the vessel lumen.

Digital skin defect management: Hand and wrist volar flap solutions.

BACKGROUND: Selecting the optimal flap for managing digit skin defects is challenging, particularly for inexperienced surgeons, given the numerous reconstructive options and insufficient evidence supporting one flap type's superiority over another. This retrospective study introduces four efficacious hand flaps to address volar skin defects and transverse and oblique cuts, examines the optimal flap advancement distance, and discusses effective management. METHODS: Patients with digit skin defects who underwent flap surgery between 2009 and 2022 were included. Fifty-four patients treated with oblique triangular, volar VY advancement (unilateral and bilateral pedicled volar VY advancement flaps for fingers and thumbs, respectively), reverse homodigital island, and radial artery superficial palmar branch flaps were included. We evaluated the flap advancement distance, flap length, range of motion, complications, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire results. RESULTS: The median flap advancement distances for triangular oblique (19 patients), unilateral (11 patients), and bilateral pedicled (5 patients) volar VY advancement flaps were 1.3, 1.8, and 2.0 cm, respectively. The flap lengths for the reverse digital island (8 patients) and radial artery superficial palmar branch (11 patients) flaps were 2.4 and 5.0 cm, respectively. Five, three, and one cases of proximal interphalangeal flexion contractures of ≥ -20° were observed in the VY advancement, reverse digital island, and radial artery superficial palmar branch flaps, respectively. One unilateral VY advancement flap case caused severe numbness and neuroma. All complication cases featured >15 and > 20 mm defect lengths on the fingers and thumb, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To minimize sensory disruption and contractures, we recommend oblique triangular and unilateral pedicle volar VY advancement flaps for finger skin defects up to 12 mm and defects sized 12-15 mm, respectively. Advancement flaps are unsuitable for >15 and > 20-25 mm defects on the fingers and thumb, respectively.

Dual intravascular stent flipping technique for microvascular anastomosis.

The anastomosis of vessels <0.5 mm in diameter is challenging. We developed a supermicrosurgical anastomosis technique, the dual intravascular stent flipping technique with a double or single clip (dual flipping technique, double-clip technique, and single-clip technique). In the dual flipping technique, we used a 7-0 nylon intravascular stent and clipped the vessel along with the nylon. The double-clip technique was performed in 10 rats with 20 saphenous and 15 superficial inferior epigastric arteries. Immediate and 1-week patency rates were assessed. Subsequently, we examined ten epigastric arteries in five rats with the single-clip technique. The clinical application was performed in six cases involving finger/fingertip amputations, two cases involving radial artery superficial palmar branch flap, and one case involving superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap. Using the double-clip technique, the immediate patency rate was 90% and 93% in the saphenous and superficial epigastric arteries, respectively, whereas the 1-week patency rate was 81%. With the single-clip technique, the immediate patency rate was 100%. The replantation and flaps were successful. The advantages of the dual flipping technique included easy insertion, rare slipping-out possibility, and spontaneous vessel dilation by the flipped nylon. Additionally, the posterior vessel wall could be sutured more easily than could the anterior wall. By using the elasticity of the thread to invert the blood vessel, the posterior wall can be sutured without the double clip. When forceps tip insertion into the lumen is difficult, the dual flipping technique enables a relatively easy anastomosis if the 7-0 nylon is inserted into the vessel lumen.

Facilitated harvesting of a radial artery superficial palmar branch flap for reconstruction of moderate finger skin defects.

Radial artery superficial palmar branch harvesting is technically challenging, especially for inexperienced hand surgeons. The short pedicle and a damaged recipient digital artery require proximal digital artery dissection and relatively long pedicles. Herein, we describe a facilitated flap elevation technique and its application in various cases. From 2013 to 2021, 10 patients with finger injuries received radial artery superficial palmar flaps. We assessed flap survival, sizes, complications, two-point discrimination, and the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test results. The main shortcoming of a radial artery superficial palmar flap is its short pedicle. Therefore, we developed a long skin flap design in the long axis direction, and the accompanying vein was dissected proximally to the radial artery to obtain a long pedicle. All flaps survived. The median flap dimension was 5.0 × 2.2 cm (maximum size: 6.0 × 2.0 + 5.0 × 2.0 cm [for a bilobed flap]). While nerve reconstruction was performed in one patient, all patients had preserved sensation. A sufficiently long pedicle can be obtained by dissecting the accompanying vein proximally to the radial artery. Perforators found in the skin around the scaphoid tubercle in all cases suggest value in including this region in flap design. To obtain a longer pedicle, the flap was developed with the long-skin design in the long-axis direction. Although the accompanying vein is usually thin and difficult to anastomose with the finger vein, its proximal dissection led to the accompanying vein of the radial artery that facilitated the harvesting of a sufficiently long vein.

Comparison of conventional and transtrapezial palmar approaches for screw fixation of scaphoid waist fractures: a clinical study.

We investigated two palmar approaches for screw fixation of acute scaphoid waist fractures: the conventional percutaneous or transtrapezial approach. Thirty cases who underwent operation from 2013 to 2021 were reviewed (conventional group, 15; transtrapezial approach group, 15). Cross-sections were constructed along the long axis of the scaphoid on postoperative computed tomography to evaluate the screw position, relative to the centre point in the distal-third, midwaist and proximal-third of the bone. The screw could be inserted centrally in the proximal and distal regions using the transtrapezial approach. In the conventional approach, the screw was inserted radially in the distal region, but tended to be positioned centrally in the midwaist and proximal regions. As central placement of the screw in the proximal fragment offers a biomechanical advantage, both approaches can be options for some fracture patterns, while for others, the fracture pattern could influence which approach is better.Level of evidence: IV.

Severe hand contracture treated by external fixation after proximal row carpectomy and awake tenolysis after general anesthesia: A case report.

Wide-awake local anesthesia has many advantages. We describe a new method to use wide-awake local anesthesia with more flexibility. A 32-year-old man with a severe right-hand contracture after an iatrogenic tourniquet accident during an anterolateral thigh flap for a partial hand amputation underwent contracture release using external fixation after proximal row carpectomy and subsequent tenolysis. We performed most of the tenolysis procedure under general anesthesia and the final stage with an intraoperative assessment of active finger movement and dissection under local anesthesia. He regained his grip strength 2.5 years post-injury. General anesthesia is useful to treat a surgical site with extensive hard scars, whereas local anesthesia is useful for adjusting tension in an awake patient. The indication for wide-awake surgery is yet to be established; our method of combining general and local anesthesia in the tenolysis procedure illustrates the possibilities in expanding this method.

A Three-Step Method for the Treatment of Radioulnar Synostosis with Posterior Radial Head Dislocation.

Congenital radioulnar synostosis with posterior dislocation of the radial head remains challenging to treat. We describe a three-step treatment method that combines radial shaft osteotomy with a custom-made device, ulnar shaft osteotomy, and local adipofascial flap elevation procedures. For posterior radial head dislocation treatment, osteotomy near the proximal radius cannot recover physiological rotation of the radial head. Thus, we chose a precise radial shaft osteotomy with a custom-made device according to preoperative planning based on three-dimensional evaluation of the bone deformation. Performing radial shaft osteotomy alone, however, may not be enough to achieve sufficient supination range of motion. We, therefore, also performed ulnar shaft osteotomy. Finally, we elevated the local adipofascial flap to prevent re-adhesion. In three patients, the range of motion of the elbow improved postoperatively. In conclusion, our three-step method does not require a microsurgical technique and is easy to perform.

Do Not Cut Wood with an Angle Grinder, or You Might Lose a Finger: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Angle grinders are a handheld power tool used for grinding and polishing stone, metal, and concrete. Some people, however, use them with a circular saw blade attachment for cutting wood and consequently, suffer injuries. We aimed to investigate the underlying cause and mechanisms of injuries caused by cutting wood with an angle grinder. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using medical records from our trauma center and identified 15 patients treated for angle grinder injury between 2017 and 2018. Moreover, we contacted the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan for further information about angle grinder injuries. Results: Nine of the 15 patients used angle grinders improperly, of which only three patients were aware of the risk of injury. The details of the nine patients were as follows: the types of injuries: complete finger amputation (n = 2), partial finger amputation (n = 1), tendon injury with phalangeal fracture (n = 5), and tendon injury alone, (n = 1); the causes of accidents: kickback (n = 7) and glove entanglement (n = 2); and the accident situations: on-the-job (n = 5) and do-it-yourself (n = 4). Conclusions: The primary cause of angle grinder injury caused by cutting wood was a lack of user knowledge that an angle grinder cannot be used as a cutting tool. Appropriate feedback from hand surgeons are necessary to urge manufacturers to take safety measures.

Sequential chimeric free deep circumflex iliac artery bone flap and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap from the same site for one-stage reconstructions of severe hand injury: A report of two cases.

Two flaps, namely the free vascularized iliac bone graft supplied by the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) and the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap supplied by the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA), can be individually harvested from a single surgical field. We report two cases treated by these free flaps for severe hand injury with large skin defect and osteomyelitis. Sequential chimeric flaps were anastomosed between the ascending branch of the DCIA and the SCIA. The advantage of this method is more freedom in the flap insetting for complex tissue defects. For this reason, this method is also excellent for cosmetic appearance. Furthermore, donor site morbidity can be minimized because the flaps are harvested from the same site.

How Long Should We Immobilize the Wrist after Vascularized Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunion?

Background: Although vascularized bone grafting can effectively treat scaphoid nonunion, the optimal duration of the immobilization period after bone grafting is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine the difference in the union rate and range of motion between short and long immobilization periods and infer the optimal post-immobilization period after pedicled vascularized bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion treatment. Methods: A total of 23 wrists (21 men and 1 woman) with scaphoid nonunion treated using an intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled vascularized bone graft were analyzed. We examined the difference in the union rate and range of motion between patients immobilized for less than 49 days (short immobilization group) and those immobilized for more than 49 days (long immobilization group). The range of motion of the wrist joint was measured before and after surgery. Patient outcomes were also assessed. Results: The overall union rate was 95.6%. A significant difference was found in postoperative extension and flexion between the two groups, but not in terms of the functional outcome. If the intraoperative fixation is solid, intraoperative proximal pole bleeding is confirmed, and the follow-up radiograph shows a normal healing process, we propose immobilization of the wrist for ≤ 7 weeks. Conclusions: The immobilization duration should depend on the solidity of intraoperative fixation and a satisfactory appearance on follow-up radiography: absence of a gap at the graft interface, surrounding lucency, or movement of the implant and displacement of the graft. If there are no signs of graft failure and fixation is solid, immobilization of the wrist for 7 weeks or less is recommended.

Examination of the Dorsal Finger Vein Anatomy Using a Vein Visualization Device.

Background: The vein anatomy of the dorsal finger is often difficult to identify suitable veins for anastomosis when treating digital amputations, but it has not been well studied to date. The aim of our study was to determine the vein anatomy of the dorsal finger using a vein visualization device. Methods: The study sample consisted of 20 volunteers (11 men and 9 women; 148 fingers and 37 thumbs). The number and location of veins, the distance from the finger midline to the most central vein, and the distance from the central vein to the adjacent vein were examined using a vein visualization device, Stat Vein®, at the eponychial level, distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, and proximal interphalangeal joints. Results: In the finger, the distance from the nail lunula edge to the vein at the eponychial level was about 5 mm and that from the central vein to the adjacent vein at the DIP joints was about 8 mm. In the thumb, the distance from the nail lunula margin to the vein at the eponychial level was about 5 mm and that from the central vein to the adjacent vein at the interphalangeal joints was about 6 mm. Conclusions: Treatment of DIP joint-level finger amputation requires identification of the central vein at first and then the site about 8 mm away from the central vein. In the treatment of eponychial-level finger amputation, the vein is found about 5 mm away from the nail lunula edge.

Reconstructing the Epicondyle and Collateral Ligament in Missing Condylar Region Associated with Severe Elbow Trauma: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASES: We report 2 cases of missing condylar region associated with severe elbow trauma treated with our new surgical technique and present the outcomes at the 9- and 10-year follow-ups. Our method focused on anatomical isometric point reconstruction, which consisted of the reconstruction of the missing condylar region with the iliac bone and the collateral ligament with the palmaris longus tendon. CONCLUSIONS: This injury is rare, and treatment is challenging because of the difficulty in identifying the isometric point. Both patients achieved good elbow function. The bone defect region was almost remodeled with minimal bone tunnel enlargement. Overall, our technique can provide positive results.

Thorough Debridement Facilitated by Timely Planning of One-Bone Forearm Surgery: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASES: Two patients with complex open forearm fractures underwent initial treatment with radioulnar fusion (arthrodesis of the radius to the ulna)-one patient sustained elbow and forearm injuries in a car accident and the other had an elbow injury caused by conveyor belt entanglement. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiating viable tissue from nonviable tissue is important in the management of potentially contaminated wounds. Arthrodesis of the radius to the ulna is generally considered a salvage option for complicated forearm instability. The decision to perform arthrodesis of the radius and ulna in the initial treatment facilitated the management of soft-tissue injuries and helped prioritize hand function.

Correction of Humpback Deformities in Patients With Scaphoid Nonunion Using 1,2-Intercompartmental Supraretinacular Artery Pedicled Vascularized Bone Grafting With a Dorsoradial Approach.

PURPOSE: Although 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2-ICSRA)-based vascularized bone grafting (VBG) has gained popularity in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion, correcting humpback deformities with this technique remains challenging. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the possibility of correcting humpback deformities using a 1,2-ICSRA VBG with a dorsoradial approach. METHODS: We treated 25 patients with scaphoid nonunion using a 1,2-ICSRA VBG between January 2007 and December 2017. For those with a humpback deformity, we performed vascularized wedge grafting from the dorsoradial side, instead of inlay bone grafting from the dorsal or volar side of the scaphoid. After excluding patients with scaphoid nonunion without a humpback deformity and those followed up for less than 6 months, we reviewed the imaging results and union rate in the remaining 19 patients (18 men and 1 woman). The nonunion sites and patient distribution were as follows: proximal one-third, 2; waist, 16; and distal one-third, 1. RESULTS: The union rate at the last follow-up performed a minimum of 6 months after the intervention was 94.7%. The correction was adequate in 17 patients and inadequate in 2 patients. The lateral intrascaphoid, radiolunate, and scapholunate angles were improved. CONCLUSIONS: Humpback and dorsal intercalated segmental instability deformities can be corrected adequately using a 1,2-ICSRA VBG with a dorsoradial approach. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.