Distraction Osteogenesis Combined with a Plate to Treat Brachymetacarpia / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The treatment of a brachymetacarpia using conventional distraction osteogenesis requires holding an external fixator following distraction for stability, which causes prolonged discomfort that adversely affects the patient's daily activities. This paper reports a case of a 20-year-old male of brachymetacarpia treated with distraction osteogenesis combined with a plate reducing the period of an external fixator, allowing rapid return to the daily activities, and presenting good clinical results.

Uncalcified Synovial Chondromatosis in the Pisotriquetral Joint

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare lesion in the wrist, but some cases in the distal radioulnar joint have been reported and previous case reports emphasize joint calcifications, shown on preoperative plain radiographs. We report an extremely uncommon case of synovial chondromatosis in the pisotriquetral joint, in which radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging did not demonstrate apparent calcified bodies. In our case, for the accurate diagnosis and treatment, surgical exploration of the joint and synovectomy with removal of loose bodies was performed.

Symptomatic Neural Loop of the Distal Ulnar Nerve / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We found a unique anatomical variant of the distal ulnar nerve, a neural loop encompassing the flexor carpi ulnaris during Guyon's canal exploration. Compression by the flexor carpi ulnaris during active wrist movement was suspected as the cause of ulnar neuropathy. The symptom was relieved after neurolysis and release of surrounding tissue. With regard to the ulnar side wrist pain, which is suspicious for ulnar compression syndrome at the wrist level, the surgeon should always suspect anomalous nerve branch as source of compressive neuropathic pain.

Limb Transplantation: Indications and Recent Results

Hand is very important for daily living so most activities is impossible in bilateral amputation of the hand. Hand allotransplantation which was performed firstly in 1998 was epochal method for reconstruction of amputated hand to nearly normal hand. According to long term follow-up beyond 12 years, functional recovery of transplanted hand was inspiring and it was equal or even better than the result of replantation. The satisfactory results of transplantation spread it to worldwide and expand the consensus about the allotransplantation. But immunosuppressive therapy which followed consequently by transplantation induced many complications including infections, metabolic disease and cancer. Transplantation enhanced the quality of life but side effects of immunosuppressant threatened the life itself. So debate is ongoing about the ethical justification and indications of transplantation. This article reviews the recent results of hand transplantation and complications of immunosuppressive therapy.

Matchstick-Shaped Bone Grafting for the Treatment of Distal Phalangeal Nonunion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological results after osteosynthesis of distal phalangeal nonunion with bone defect by using matchstick-shaped bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen distal phalangeal nonunions were treated with osteosynthesis using matchstick-shaped bone graft from September, 2009 to October, 2010. The mean age of patients was 36.1 years (range: 15 to 56 years). This study included 4 women and 10 men. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.8 months (range: 12 to 20 months). We evaluated radiographs, and measured postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score and pinch power. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases at a mean of postoperative 5.5 weeks (range: 4 to 6 weeks). The mean VAS score improved from 7.25 (range: 5 to 9) to 1.0 (range: 0 to 2) postoperatively. The mean postoperative pinch power was 7.75 lbs (range: 4 to 13 lbs) compared to opposite pinch power of 9.63 lbs (range: 5 to 15 lbs). There was no scar problem, pinch pain and other complication. CONCLUSION: Steosynthesis of distal phalageal nonunion with bone defect by using matchstick-shaped bone graft is technically feasible and simple in that it does not need volar incision and debridement. It is considered as an effective treatment option in distal phalangeal nonunion with bone defect.

Dual Miniplate Fixation for the Comminuted Fractures of the Hand

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical results of dual miniplate fixation for comminuted or periarticular fractures of the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cases in 18 patients who had comminuted or periarticular fractures of metacarpal or phalangeal bones were treated with dual miniplate fixation from April, 2007 to May, 2009. The mean followed up period was 14.7 months. Our study included comminuted or periarticular fractures which were difficult to keep the fixation by pining or single plating. We evaluated radiologic bony union, angular or rotational deformity, extensor tendon irritaion and total arc of motion. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved successfully after primary dual miniplate fixationin in 12 cases. In 7 cases with a nonunion following previous operative fixation, bony union was obtained by dual miniplate fixation and bone grafting. In one case who had received primary dual plate fixation, nonunion occurred due to massive bone defect. Bony union was obtained by secondary dual plate fixation and bone grafting. Postoperative rotational deformity, angular deformity and irritation symptom were not observed in all cases. Functionally acceptable range of active motion was restored by way of early active motion. CONCLUSION: The dual miniplate fixation is one of the useful method for comminuted metacarpal or phalangeal fractures which cannot obtain firm fixation by other methods.

Reconstruction of the Finger Nail Using Microsurgical Composite Toe Nail Transfer

PURPOSE: The presence of normal fingernail is important for the hand function and cosmetic appearance. We studied the results of the microsurgical reconstruction of the defected fingernail using composite toenail transfer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March of 2004 to May of 2009, eleven fingernails were reconstructed using microsurgical composite toenail transfer in 10 patients with a mean age of 27 years (range, 13 to 47 years). There were three thumbs, five index fingers, and three long fingers. Whole fingernail was destructed in three cases and remaining eight cases had partial nail defect. Toenail was grafted from great toe in eight cases and from second toe in three cases. Five cases were harvested as an osteoonychocutaneous flap, two as a endoosteoonychocutaneous flap and four as an onychocutaneous flap. RESULTS: All cases survived without any tissue necrosis. One arterial obstruction had occurred one day after surgery, which was resolved by repeated decompression and reanastomosis of the artery. All fingernails regenerated successfully. According to the rating system including assessment of shape, size and thickness of nail, nail pinch, pain, and patient's satisfaction, ten cases were rated as excellent and one as good. All patient's were satisfied with their hand function and appearance. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical composite toenail transfer can be an acceptable surgical reconstruction for the fingernail defect after trauma, providing satisfactory hand functions and cosmetic appearance.

Clinical Results after Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation for Unstable Subtle Injuries of Lisfranc Joint / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical results of closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for unstable injuries on stress radiographs in subtle injuries of Lisfranc joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1997 to March 2003, 6 cases of unstable injuries on stress radiograph in subtle injuries of Lisfranc joint were treated by percutaneous cannulated screw fixation after closed reduction. All cases were injuried by indirect force (twisting injury). The average diastasis between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal base was 3 mm (2-4 mm) on initial nonweight bearing AP radiograph. The average follow-up period was 20 months. Clinical evaluation was assessed according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score. RESULTS: The AOFAS midfoot score was average 86 (80-90) points. The average diastasis between 1st and 2nd metatarsal base was 2 mm (1-3 mm) on weight bearing AP radiograph in final follow up. The final diastasis was increased slightly than diastasis in initial postoperative radiographs. But the clinical results were good. There was no correlation between the degree of diastasis and the clinical results. On weight bearing lateral radiograph, the average difference with normal foot in the distance between plantar aspect of 5th metatarsus and medial cuneiform was 2 mm (0-3 mm). One case had mild arthritic change on the radiographs CONCLUSION: When the Lisfranc injuries, especially in the subtle injuries were suspicious, the stress views are helpful to assess stability of the Lisfranc injuries and planning of treatment. For unstable injuries on stress radiographs in subtle injuries of Lisfranc joint, closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation is useful method to expect good clinical results.