Bilateral brachial artery infiltration by tumoral calcinosis: A case report.

We, herein, presented a rare case of bilateral brachial artery infiltration by tumoral calcinosis located on both elbows. A 58-yearold man presented with a history of painless, palpable solid mass restricting the range of motion of both elbows. These masses were located on the anterior aspect of the elbows and gradually enlarged. After clinical, laboratory and radiological examinations, tumoral calcinosis was suspected, and excisional biopsy was planned for a definite diagnosis. Surgery was first performed on the left elbow. The median nerve was found to be compressed but not infiltrated by the mass. Interestingly, the brachial artery was totally infiltrated throughout the entire mass. Occlusion was observed in the brachial artery located within the mass. The tumor on the left elbow, 8.5 × 5.5 × 2.5 cm in size, was totally excised with approximately 12-cm brachial artery segment. The artery was resected until the healthy tissue was reached. The defect was reconstructed with saphenous vein graft obtained from the ipsilateral lower extremity. The same surgical procedure was performed on the right elbow after 3 months. The tumor size on the right elbow was 7 × 3.5 × 1.7 cm. Approximately 15-cm brachial artery segment was excised, and the defect was reconstructed with saphenous vein graft. Tumoral calcinosis is a rare benign condition that can be located in close relationship with neurovascular structures. In such cases, detailed neurologic and vascular examination, including imaging modalities, for arterial flow is essential to establish a more accurate surgical plan and avoid any unexpected situation during surgery.

Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery vascularized graft and compression screw fixation.

PURPOSE: Aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1.2-ICSRA) vascularized graft technique together with compression screw fixation for the management of scaphoid nonunions. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed to evaluate the medical records of the 21 patients treated with 1,2-ICSRA vascularized graft for established scaphoid nonunion of the waist or proximal pole between 2015 and 2018. Seventeen patients who met the criteria were included in the study. The retrospectively analysed demographic parameters included age, gender, injured hand (dominant/non-dominant), aetiology of the injury, delay between injury and operation, initial treatments following the fracture, tobacco use, and background diseases that may affect healing (diabetes, vasculopathy etc.). Radiological and clinical examinations were routinely performed 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery and during the final follow-up. Postoperative clinical and functional outcomes at the latest follow-up were evaluated by measuring active wrist range of motion, grip strength, Turkish version of Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnare (Quick DASH) and Mayo Wrist scores and comparing them with preoperative values. RESULTS: All 17 patients were male with an average age of 26.82 ± 4.08 years (range 20-35 years). The fracture site was located in the scaphoid waist and proximal pole in 5 (29.4%) and 12 (70.6%) patients, respectively. Avascular necrosis was observed in 13 patients (2 at the waist, 11 at the proximal pole). The mean follow-up duration was 18.88 ± 11.98 months (range 6-44 months). No graft extrusion occurred, and no other complication was observed in any of the patients. Amongst the 17 patients, 15 (88.2%) achieved union. The total wrist motions of patients were better postoperatively than preoperatively. However, only improvement in wrist extension was found to be statistically significant. Quick DASH and Mayo Wrist scores of the patients and grip strength were significantly improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The 1,2-ICSRA vascularized graft technique together with compression screw fixation offers an easy and reliable option for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions with a high union rate and good functional and clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Therapautic.

The Effect of Hamatum Curvature Angle on Carpal Tunnel Volumetry: A Mathematical Simulation Model.

In carpal tunnel volume measurements, the angle of the hamatum curvature is not considered a variable, and its effect on carpal tunnel volume has not been investigated. We hypothesize that a change in the anatomical angle of the hamatum curvature changes the carpal tunnel volume. To prove our hypothesis, we used a mathematical simulation model considering the carpal tunnel as a truncated cone. We reviewed the wrist CT scans of 91 adults (>18 years of age), including 51 men and 40 women. We measured the angle of the hamatum curvature in the CT scans. We measured cross-sectional areas at the outlet of the carpal tunnel at the level of the trapezium and hook of hamate (r1) and at the inlet at the level of the scaphoid and pisiform (r2) and the length (h) of the carpal tunnel. We attempted to calculate the effect of 2 degree by 2-degree changes in the angle of the hamatum curvature between the angles of 98° and 140° on the carpal tunnel volume. The mean angle of the hook of hamatum of the subjects was 122.55° ± 8.20° (range, 97.20° - 139.31°). No suitable cutoff point was found for the angle values. There was no difference between the gender groups according to the angle value. The data clearly show that there is a high correlation between carpal tunnel volume and the angle of hamatum curvature. The results of our study emphasize the importance of taking into account the anatomical features of the hamatum bone, especially the angle of curvature, which may play a predisposing role in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

Efficacy of Single-Dose Radiotherapy in Preventing Posttraumatic Tendon Adhesion.

Background and Aim Posttraumatic peritendinous adhesion is the greatest obstacle to achieve normal tendon function following lacerations of extrinsic flexor tendons of the hand. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether single-dose radiotherapy (RT) has the potential to modulate intrasynovial tendon adhesions. Materials and Methods A total of 80 tendons from the third to fourth flexor profundus of both hind paws of 20 adult New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Rabbits in the RT group received 3 Gy of X-irradiation in a single fraction. Histopathological evaluation of longitudinal sections of tendons was made using the Tang grading system for peritendinous adhesions. Intratendinous quality of the healing tissue in the laceration zone was assessed using a modified Movin scale. Results Adhesion and inflammatory response were greater in the RT group (p˂0.001). Tendon healing in the radiation group was found to be more uniform and organized compared with the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The nuclei of the tenocytes in the radiation group showed a closer resemblance to normal tendon tissue when compared with the control group (p=0.007). Conclusions Despite RT's certain advantages such as extracorporeal use, anti-inflammatory effect, and homogenous tissue penetration, 3-Gy X-irradiation resulted in increased peritendinous posttraumatic adhesion, possibly due to dose imbalance. Increased roundness in the tenocyte nuclei was present in the RT group. Studies with different dosing regimens and a higher number of subjects are necessary to establish an ideal dose suppressing the synovial response without compromising tendon healing.

Associations between initial injury severity in acute hand, wrist or forearm injuries and disability ratings and time to return to work.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the relationships between the initial anatomic severity of hand, wrist and forearm injuries, as evaluated by the Modified Hand Injury Severity Score (MHISS), and each of the following parameters: disability rating and time to return to work. METHODS: In this study, 94 patients who underwent operations due to acute hand, wrist and forearm injuries were included. MHISS was used to assess the severity of the injury. Disability rates of the patients were calculated six months after injury in accordance with the 'Regulation on Disability Criteria, Classification and Health Board Reports to be Given to Disabled People'. The time to return to work was defined as the length of time (in days) between the injury and the patient's return to work. Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to analyse correlations between the MHISS and each of the following: disability rates and time to return to work. RESULTS: The mean overall MHISS was 125.23 (5-880). The mean overall upper extremity disability ratio (UEDR) was 17.64±22.6 (range: 0-94), and the mean overall total body disability ratio (TBDR) was 10.57±13.45 (range: 0-56). Among the study population, 87 (92.6%) patients were able to return to their jobs. The mean overall time to return to work was 138.69 (range: 35-365 days). A statistically significant correlation was found between MHISS and UEDR, TBDR and time to return to work and UEDR, TBDR (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: As a result, as the initial injury severity increased, greater disability remained and the time to return to work increased. Predicting prognosis by determining the injury severity in the initial evaluation of patients may be important in predicting a patient's future permanent disability level, which can contribute to maintaining patient expectations at a reasonable level, thereby aiding in psychosocial support.

Surgical Treatment of Solitary Enchondromas of the Hand.

OBJECTIVE: The present retrospective study evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of patients who underwent complete curettage and autologous bone grafting for hand-located isolated enchondromas with a minimum follow-up period of one year. PATIENTS AND METHODS:  Thirty-two patients with a follow-up period of at least 12 months who underwent operation between August 2010 and October 2018 due to the presence of solitary enchondroma of the hand were included in the study. All patients underwent complete curettage and filling of the defect via autologous bone grafting. Autologous bone graft was harvested from the iliac crest and distal radius in 24 and eight patients, respectively. The patients underwent radiography on the first postoperative visit and at six weeks, 12 weeks, and annually. The range of movement of the finger joint was evaluated by comparing it with the healthy contralateral side. Functional outcomes and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. The frequency of complications and recurrences were established. RESULTS: Twelve patients were male and 20 were female. The average age was 34 (range: 16-56) years. The most common digit involved was the little finger (nine cases, 28.125%); the proximal phalanx was the most common location (17 cases, 53.125%). Control radiography in the sixth week revealed graft consolidation in all patients. No case of nonunion or recurrence was detected clinically or radiologically, with a mean follow-up period of 54 (range: 12-96) months. Functional outcomes were classified as excellent in 28 patients and as good in four patients. The final radiographic appearances included Tordai's group 1 in 28 bones and group 2 in four bones.  Conclusion: Curettage and autologous bone grafting are safe, costless, and effective treatment options for hand enchondroma, with satisfactory functional and radiographic outcomes. Harvesting bone graft from the distal radius provides a shorter length of hospital stay and lower complication rates compared to obtaining the graft from the iliac crest.

Evaluation of patellar tendon with shear wave elastography after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of patellar tendons (PTs) of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring tendon autograft using shear wave elastography (SWE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between August 2017 and February 2018. We performed brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasound and SWE on 21 patients (20 males, 1 female; mean age 32 years; range, 19 to 42 years) who underwent ACLR with a single-bundle transtibial technique using quadruple hamstring autografts and 14 healthy controls (13 males, 1 female; mean age 35 years; range, 25 to 47 years). Length and thickness of the PT were evaluated with B-mode ultrasound, while elasticity values were evaluated with SWE in the patient and control groups. RESULTS: The mean SWE value of the patient group on the operated side was 25.30 (min-max=16.60-46.20) and on the non-operated side 23.20 (min-max=12.40-44). There were no statistically significant differences regarding PT elasticity, thickness, or length between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There were no differences regarding elasticity, length, or thickness between the operated and healthy knees detected with SWE. Upcoming research should focus on tendon biopsy and biochemical analyses for the identification of possible intrastructural changes of the tendon due to collagen synthesis after ACLR with hamstring autograft.

Distribution of intramuscular giant lipomas in the functional compartments of the forearm: a report of 12 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of intramuscular giant lipomas in the functional compartments of the forearm and to compare their clinical, radiological and histopathological features with those reported in the current literature. METHODS: The study included 12 patients who were surgically treated for intramuscular lipomas > 5 cm in size located in the forearm that had been confirmed histopathologically between April 2006 and March 2017. Data about the patients with respect to age, sex, affected side, localisation of the lipomas in the forearm functional compartments, size, histopathological features and recurrence were collected. According to the clinical complaints, direct radiography and magnetic resonance imaging were applied. RESULTS: The average diameter was 6.5 cm (range: 5.5-9 cm). All lipomas had a well-defined border. All the patients presented with soft-tissue masses that were painless in seven patients. Five patients had nerve compression symptoms. When the lipomas were classified according to the functional compartments of the forearm, six of them were located in the superficial volar compartment, two in the deep volar compartment, two in the deep dorsal compartment and two in the lateral compartment. All lipomas were surgically removed by marginal excision. None had complications or recurrence at a mean of 6.5 years follow-up (range: 1-12 years) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular lipoma is a relatively uncommon tumour, especially in the forearm. Because of the proximity to the neurovascular structures in the forearm, excision of lipomas should be performed with care and include wide incisions. Additionally, knowing the anatomical features of the compartment where the lipoma is localised in the forearm is important in planning surgery to enable easier dissection of the lipoma and lessen the risk of damage to adjacent neurovascular structures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Superficial radial nerve compression due to fibroma of the brachioradialis tendon sheath: A case report.

Fibroma of the tendon sheath (FTS) is a rare benign tumour that usually develops in the upper extremity, particularly in the fingers, hands and wrists. Herein, we present the case of a patient with an unusually localised FTS compressing the superficial branch of the radial nerve. A 62-year-old woman presented with a superficial radial nerve compression due to FTS of the brachioradialis. Histopathological diagnosis was confirmed as a FTS after marginal excision. The patient who had compression-related symptoms in the superficial branch of the radial nerve recovered completely at one month after surgery. One year later, the patient remained free of symptoms and no recurrence was observed.

Microsurgery training with smartphone.

Microsurgery is widely used in experimental research models and clinical surgery. However, microsurgical applications require precise technical skills and continuous training. Here, we proposed a low cost, practical microsurgery model, which can be easily applied using smartphones at home or at office. Test platform was created using latex gloves, and a phone holder was then positioned at one side of a table. A smartphone with 10x magnification was secured on the phone holder. Microsurgical device habit, stitching and knotting exercises by making cuts at different angles on the glove model were performed, which was recorded live under the 10x magnification of the phone camera.We believe that the practical microsurgery model presented in this study can form an important part of basic microsurgery education and also act as an alternative training model owing to its ease of application, easy accessibility and low cost.

Antibiotic release and antibacterial efficacy in cement spacers and cement beads impregnated with different techniques: In vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the antibiotic release and biological effectiveness of bead type and articulating spacers of different cement types with antibiotics added at alternative phases of cement preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four gram vancomycin was added into two types of antibiotic-free cement (Simplex®, Biomet®) with similar viscosity and also gentamycin-containing cement (Refobacin®). Prepared specimens were used to create cement beads and articulating hip spacers, making a total of six different groups. Two alternative groups were formed by adding the Vancomycin while the cement was in dough phase. Antibiotic release and biological activity were evaluated with immunoassay techniques and agar-disk diffusion methods. RESULTS: All groups showed initial antibiotics surge in the first week, which was 2 to 4 times more evident in the beads group. Antibiotic release and change in release rate were significantly different between Simplex-alternative and Simplex, Biomet, Refobacin-beads, and between Biomet-spacer and Refobacin-beads groups (p<0.05). Elution of antibiotics was not different between mobile spacers prepared with conventional or alternative methods (p>0.05). Biomet cement showed larger diffusion inhibition zone in agar. There was no difference between biological activity of the bead and mobile designs of the Biomet brand (p>0.05). Inhibition zone analyses of agar and disk diffusion tests revealed significant differences between several groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cement beads provide superior antibiotic release regardless of cement type or preparation method. Simplex P® cement has lower anti-bacterial efficiency than Biomet®. Different methods for cement and antibiotics mixing and addition of extra vancomycin into the commercially drug loaded cement do not have any effect on the results.

Surgical treatment of tennis elbow: percutaneous release of the common extensor origin.

Twenty six patients who had undergone percutaneous release of the common extensor tendon for lateral epicondylitis were investigated. Fourteen were female and twelve were male. The mean follow-up period was 32 months. Symptoms had been present for an average of 8.9 months. Before the surgery, all the patients were surgically treated with conservative methods; only those that did not respond to conservative methods were surgically treated. The common extensor origin was released percutaneously. Pain relief was achieved on average eight weeks after surgery. The clinical results were evaluated in terms of pain, activity level and patient satisfaction. The results were excellent in twenty-four patients, good in one and poor in one. Release of the common extensor origin appears as a commendable treatment in patients with lateral epicondylar pain not relieved by conservative management.

Double reverse-flow island flaps for two adjacent finger tissue defect.

INTRODUCTION: Soft-tissue reconstruction of fingertip injuries remains a challenge for hand surgery. Tissue loss of multiple digits is a serious problem for hand surgeons. Surgical possibilities include regional, distant and local flaps. In this study, five patients presented with tissue loss of two adjacent fingers and were treated by double reverse-flow island flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical technique is an application of the reverse-flow homodigital island flap for two adjacent finger tissue defects. Instead of one flap, double island flaps are applied to two adjacent finger tissue defects. The flaps are raised from the lateral or medial palmar surface of the proximal phalanx level. Anastomoses between the radial and ulnar digital arteries at the distal interphalangeal joint level are preserved. RESULTS: Three of the patients had tissue defects at the fingertip. In these cases, digital nerve anastomosis with the counter lateral digital nerve made the flaps sensitive. In two patients, the tissue defect was on the dorsum of the middle phalanx level. In these cases, the flaps were non-sensitive. Neither infection nor flap failure was seen in the patients. Sensitive function was satisfactory in fingertip applications. CONCLUSION: The reverse-flow homodigital island flap is a commonly used surgical technique for tissue defects in the fingers. The double reverse-flow island flaps involve the application of this technique for two adjacent fingers. The important point in the surgical technique is that the vascular supply of the two flaps should originate from the same common palmar digital artery. This technique offers a possibility to repair the defects of two adjacent fingers.

Pseudomalignant myositis ossificans of the wrist causing compression of the ulnar nerve and artery. A case report.

Myositis ossificans (MO) is a condition characterised by focal, benign and self-limited idiopathic heterotopic bone formation. It is extremely rare in the hand and wrist and may lead to concomitant nerve compression. Because of the rare incidence of pseudomalignant MO at the wrist and hand, we found it of interest to report a case of this condition localised to the wrist. A 31-year-old female patient presented with swelling and pain of her left wrist. The physical examination findings, magnetic resonance imaging and Tc-99m bone scan suggested acute osteomyelitis or a tumoral condition. Incisional biopsy and pathological examination was done. The microscopic findings confirmed that the lesion was pseudomalignant MO. The lesion was removed totally and decompression of the ulnar nerve and artery was achieved. The patient regained full asymptomatic range of motion of all digits and wrist and the numbness of the fourth and fifth digits had subsided at follow-up five months later.