Radiographic interpretation of carpometacarpal arthroplasty: correlation between radiographic loosening and clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the radiographic appearance and interpretation of loosening in patients following first carpometacarpal joint pyrohemisphere arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review over a 6-year period was performed identifying patients with first carpometacarpal pyrohemisphere implants. All postoperative radiographs were reviewed and compared with clinical information. Loosening was defined as greater than 1 mm of periprosthetic lucency or increasing lucency on serial studies. Adverse clinical outcome was defined as infection, complex regional pain syndrome, subluxation or an inability to return to activities of daily living. Statistical analysis included Cohen's Kappa coefficient to measure inter-reader agreement for radiographic interpretation and the agreement between radiographic loosening and an undesired or adverse clinical outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-one implants in 26 patients were reviewed. A total of 73 postoperative radiographs were reviewed. The mean age of the study subjects was 58 years. The mean radiographic follow-up was 13 months (range: 1-56). All arthroplasties were performed for osteoarthritis. Only one repeat surgery was performed. There was good agreement amongst readers with regard to radiographic interpretation, but the strength of agreement between radiographic loosening and adverse clinical outcome was poor. The sensitivity of radiography in predicting an adverse clinical outcome was 63%, specificity 65%, positive predictive value 39%, and negative predictive value 83%. CONCLUSION: Although radiography may be useful in the correct clinical context, it should not be utilized as the sole predictor of adverse clinical outcomes following carpometacarpal arthroplasty.

The proximal superficial femoral artery perforator flap: Anatomic study and clinical cases.

BACKGROUND: The upper thigh has provided multiple new soft tissue free flaps in recent decades, including the anterolateral thigh, anteromedial thigh, transverse upper gracilis, the profunda artery perforator, and superficial circumflex iliac perforator flaps. The purpose of this study is to describe a new, reliable free flap option in the upper thigh: the proximal superficial femoral artery perforator (p-SFAP) flap. METHODS: A cadaveric dissection study was performed to confirm clinical landmarks and evaluate pedicle characteristics. A retrospective review of patients who have received a p-SFAP free flap and surgical technique are described in detail. Eight patients (aged 27-85 years) underwent reconstruction with the p-SFAP flap involving six upper and two lower extremity defects. RESULTS: A consistent pedicle 6 to 8 cm in length was identified in all cadaveric and clinical limbs, emerging from under the lateral aspect of the sartorius muscle and entering the flap approximately 10 cm inferior and 4 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine. The perforator took origin off of the superficial femoral artery and femoral vein in all clinical cases. Arterial and venous diameters were 1.2-1.5 mm and 2.0-2.5 mm, respectively. There was one occurrence of partial flap necrosis and one case of complete flap loss. CONCLUSIONS: The p-SFAP flap represents a new, clinically relevant addition to the armamentarium of the reconstructive microsurgeon for use in small to medium sized defects. It can be harvested as a free flap and may have utility as a pedicled flap for groin and perineal reconstruction.

Excision With Interpositional Nerve Grafting: An Alternative Technique for the Treatment of Morton Neuroma.

INTRODUCTION: "Morton neuroma" is a common cause of forefoot pain with numbness frequently occurring in the distribution of the third common digital nerve. After the failure of nonoperative measures, decompression with excision of the neuroma is common practice. Residual numbness and recurrent pain has been reported as a consequence of this treatment option. This study describes excision of the neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting as a treatment option for Morton neuroma. This proposed technique has the benefit of reducing pain, reducing recurrent secondary neuromas and restoring postexcision sensory deficits. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent elective primary excision of a Morton neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting was undertaken. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes, such as pain, neuroma recurrence, 2-point discrimination, numbness, and weight-bearing status at minimum of 1 year postoperation, are reported. RESULTS: Eight patients (9 neuromas) underwent excision of the Morton neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting after failing nonoperative measures. At final follow-up, all patients had improvement of pain and there were no neuroma recurrences. Sensation to the grafted hemi-toe returned in all but 1 case. All patients returned to full weight-bearing status. Although no major complications were reported, wound dehiscence secondary to a hematoma occurred in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Excision and interpositional nerve grafting is an effective treatment for Morton neuroma as it alleviates pain, numbness and restores sensation with minimal morbidity and complications.

Acute Thumb Reconstruction With Medial Femoral Condyle and Radial Forearm Free Flaps: A Case Report.

Traumatic thumb injuries often result in significant functional disability. With segmental bone loss, reconstructive options include antibiotic cement with delayed bone graft, revision amputation with webspace deepening, metacarpal distraction osteogenesis, index pollicization, bone flap, and free toe transfer. We present a case of a subtotal thumb amputation just distal to the metacarpal phalangeal joint resulting in loss of both soft tissue and a segmental bone defect of the proximal and distal phalanx. Reconstruction was initially performed with a chimeric bone free flap from the medial femoral condyle with a vastus medialis muscle cuff to provide soft tissue coverage. A revision soft tissue coverage procedure was required and a radial forearm free flap was utilized. His reconstruction restored his missing bone and soft tissue, and provided stability with sufficient grip strength and metacarpophalangeal function resulting in a satisfactory functional outcome.

Nasal Reconstruction Using the Integra Dermal Regeneration Template.

The reconstruction of nasal defects following oncologic resection has traditionally involved the use of locoregional flaps or full-thickness skin grafts. However, these options are not always feasible because of limitations in donor tissues, defect size or shape, oncologic issues, or patient preference. Reconstruction in this setting has been limited and unsatisfactory. In this report, the authors present their experience in reconstruction of nasal defects using the dermal regeneration template Integra. In most cases, reconstruction with Integra enabled a single-stage, satisfactory reconstruction. The authors present a simple, standardized technique for application and postoperative care, which has resulted in good aesthetic outcomes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, IV.

The Best of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reviewing this article, the participant should be able to: 1. List major risk factors for hernia formation and for failure of primary repair. 2. Outline an algorithmic approach to anterior abdominal wall reconstruction based on the degree of contamination, components involved in the deficit, and width of the hernia defect. 3. Describe appropriate indications for synthetic and biological mesh products. 4. List common flaps used in anterior abdominal wall reconstruction, including functional restoration strategies. 5. Describe the current state of the art of vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation strategies for abdominal wall reconstruction. SUMMARY: Plastic surgeons have an increasingly important role in abdominal wall reconstruction-from recalcitrant, large incisional hernias to complete loss of abdominal wall domain. A review of current algorithms is warranted to match evolving surgical techniques and a growing number of available implant materials. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of treatment strategies to provide an approach to the full spectrum of abdominal wall deficits encountered in the modern plastic surgery practice.

Immediate Nerve Transfer for Treatment of Peroneal Nerve Palsy Secondary to an Intraneural Ganglion: Case Report and Review.

Intraneural ganglion cysts, which occur within the common peroneal nerve, are a rare cause of foot drop. The current standard of treatment for intraneural ganglion cysts involving the common peroneal nerve involves (1) cyst decompression and (2) ligation of the articular nerve branch to prevent recurrence. Nerve transfers are a time-dependent strategy for recovering ankle dorsiflexion in cases of high peroneal nerve palsy; however, this modality has not been performed for intraneural ganglion cysts involving the common peroneal nerve. We present a case of common peroneal nerve palsy secondary to an intraneural ganglion cyst occurring in a 74-year-old female. The patient presented with a 5-month history of pain in the right common peroneal nerve distribution and foot drop. The patient underwent simultaneous cyst decompression, articular nerve branch ligation, and nerve transfer of the motor branch to flexor hallucis longus to a motor branch of anterior tibialis muscle. At final follow-up, the patient demonstrated complete (M4+) return of ankle dorsiflexion, no pain, no evidence of recurrence and was able to bear weight without the need for orthotic support. Given the minimal donor site morbidity and recovery of ankle dorsiflexion, this report underscores the importance of considering early nerve transfers in cases of high peroneal neuropathy due to an intraneural ganglion cyst.

Les kystes mucoïdes nerveux du nerf fibulaire commun sont rarement responsables d'un pied tombant. La norme actuelle pour traiter ce type de kystes consiste à 1) décomprimer le kyste et 2) ligaturer le rameau nerveux pour éviter les récurrences. Les transferts nerveux doivent être effectués rapidement pour récupérer la dorsiflexion de la cheville en cas de paralysie importante du nerf fibulaire commun. Toutefois, cette intervention n'a jamais été effectuée en cas de kyste mucoïde nerveux. Les auteurs présentent le cas d'une femme de 74 ans atteinte d'une paralysie du nerf fibulaire commun causée par un kyste mucoïde nerveux. Cette femme a consulté parce qu'elle souffrait depuis cinq mois dans la distribution du nerf fibulaire commun droit et que son pied tombait. Elle a subi simultanément une décompression du kyste, une ligature du rameau nerveux articulaire et un transfert nerveux du rameau moteur du muscle long fléchisseur de l'hallux au rameau moteur du muscle tibial antérieur. Au dernier suivi, la patiente avait totalement retrouvé la dorsiflexion de sa cheville (M4+), ne présentait plus de douleurs ni de manifestations de récurrence et pouvait soutenir son poids sans orthèse. Étant donné la morbidité minime au site du donneur et la récupération de la dorsiflexion de la cheville, ce rapport fait ressortir l'importance d'envisager un transfert nerveux précoce en cas de neuropathie fibulaire importante causée par un kyste mucoïde nerveux.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Differentially Expands Breast Progenitors in Tissue Adjacent to Tumors Compared to Healthy Breast Tissue.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafts supplemented with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction are used in reconstructive and cosmetic breast procedures. Stromal vascular fraction contains adipose-derived stem cells that are thought to encourage wound healing, tissue regeneration, and graft retention. Although use of stromal vascular fraction has provided exciting perspectives for aesthetic procedures, no studies have yet been conducted to determine whether its cells contribute to breast tissue regeneration. The authors examined the effect of these cells on the expansion of human breast epithelial progenitors. METHODS: From patients undergoing reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomies, abdominal fat, matching tissue adjacent to breast tumors, and the contralateral non-tumor-containing breast tissue were obtained. Ex vivo co-cultures using breast epithelial cells and the stromal vascular fraction cells were used to study the expansion potential of breast progenitors. Breast reduction samples were collected as a source of healthy breast cells. RESULTS: The authors observed that progenitors present in healthy breast tissue or contralateral non-tumor-containing breast tissue showed significant and robust expansion in the presence of stromal vascular fraction (5.2- and 4.8-fold, respectively). Whereas the healthy progenitors expanded up to 3-fold without the stromal vascular fraction cells, the expansion of tissue adjacent to breast tumor progenitors required the presence of stromal vascular fraction cells, leading to a 7-fold expansion, which was significantly higher than the expansion of healthy progenitors with stromal vascular fraction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of stromal vascular fraction might be more beneficial to reconstructive operations following mastectomies compared with cosmetic corrections of the healthy breast. Future studies are required to examine the potential risk factors associated with its use. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.