The post-traumatic reconstruction of nail bed defects using a homodigital dorsal adipofascial reverse flap.

Nail bed defects (NBDs) of the distal phalanx, are common and remain challenging to reconstruct. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of these post-traumatic injuries treated using a homodigital dorsal adipofascial reverse flap (HDARF). Sixteen patients, averaging 43-years-old, were retrospectively reviewed, who underwent the aforementioned procedure from February 2018 to December 2019. Range of motion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, static Weber's 2-point discrimination sensibility of the pulp, the percentage of nail adherence, complications, patient's satisfaction, subsequent nail regrowth, and flap survival were evaluated upon follow-up. At 26 months average follow-up, the percentage of flap survival was 100%. Complete regrowth of the nail was reported in 11 cases (69%), on average 4.7 months after surgery. A total absence of ungual regrowth was noted in 5 cases (31%). The mean static Weber's 2-point discrimination value of injured finger was 4.25 mm, reconstructed fingers' mean range of motion for the DIP joint was 75 degrees. Patient satisfaction was graded as very satisfying in 11 cases (69%), satisfying in 4 cases (25%), and disappointing in 1 case (6%). The HDARF is a good alternative for the management of NBDs of fingers and thumb. It yielded functionally and aesthetically acceptable results with low donor site morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Indications, functional results and patient satisfaction after isolated second ray resection following traumatic injury: A retrospective review of 25 patients.

Amputation of the second ray is a surgical treatment option when reconstruction and/or reimplantation fail. The aim of our study was to review the outcomes after transmetacarpal resection of the second ray following a post-traumatic injury and to assess indications, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Between January 2003 and December 2013, 25 patients (6 women and 19 men with a mean age of 51 years) underwent transmetacarpal resection of their second ray after a post-traumatic injury. Sixteen patients were right-handed and 9 were left-handed. Injuries involved the dominant hand in 14 cases (60%). In order to differentiate patients with preserved index finger length preoperatively from those with a shorter, amputated index finger stump, patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included those with an "intact finger" and Group 2 included patients with an "amputated stump". Data collection, including patient satisfaction and functional outcomes, was performed at 83 months postoperative on average. Average length of follow-up was 7.0±1.0 years (range 5-12 years). Group 1 (intact finger) and 2 (amputated stump) included 15 and 10 patients, respectively. Six patients (24%) had primary ray amputation and 19 (76%) had secondary ray amputation. No surgical revision was necessary. In Group 1, the indications were purely functional in all but two cases, whereas aesthetic indications played a role in all patients in Group 2. The average total time off work was 3 months. There was no difference between Group 1 and 2 (P>0.05). However, patients with primary ray resection averaged 10 weeks of lost work compared to 17 weeks for secondary amputation. There was no functional difference between Groups 1 and 2. Scores for cosmetic appearance and patient satisfaction were higher in Group 2. In certain specific situations after complex hand trauma, transmetacarpal amputation of the second ray is indicated as soon as possible, in order to reduce the time off work. Patient satisfaction following this surgical procedure is high, especially in groups with amputated stumps. A 30% decrease in pinch and grip strength is the rule. No secondary surgery is normally required.

Hand involvement in gout.

Damage to the hand in patients suffering from gout is rare and is often detected at an advanced stage. The main clinical manifestations are the appearance of subcutaneous tophi at the finger joints. Other clinical manifestations of osteoarticular, tendinous or neurological lesions have been described in the hand and are often difficult to diagnose. In the majority of cases, surgery and adequate medical care with a suitable anti-gout treatment will allow the patient to recover normal hand function. However, surgical treatment is rare and is only performed after several months of carefully adapted medical treatment. The purpose of this article is to present the various clinical forms of gout in the hand and their surgical management.

Intramuscular hemangioma of the hypothenar eminence. A case report.

Intramuscular hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors. They develop in striated muscles. Various sites have been reported in the literature but only rarely in the hand. We report on a case of an intramuscular hemangioma located within the hypothenar eminence, diagnosed by a biopsy. Treatment options are limited in the hand as embolization may lead to a risk of digital ischemia and sclerotherapy may lead to recurrence. This type of infiltrating tumor is poorly structured within the muscle, thus simple removal is not an option. Surgical excision of the entire affected muscle, in our case the abductor digiti minimi, was performed without any consequences on the hand's function and no signs of recurrence at the latest follow-up of 6months.