Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare tumor of the peripheral nerves, which usually involves the median nerve. The authors reported on two rare cases of carpal tunnel syndrome due to LFH of the median nerve. A 49-year-old female patient complained of the mass and symptoms consistent with LFH. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed typical LFH findings. The symptoms were successfully ameliorated with carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis. A 37-year-old female patient complained of weakening thumb abduction and the mass where the MRI showed atypical findings. Opponensplasty and debulking operations were performed after which thumb abduction was improved; however, neurological sequelae remained. LFH of the median nerve is managed on a case-by-case basis as treatment guidelines are not very clearly defined yet. However, the less invasive treatment such as carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis than more aggressive surgical treatment should be recommended as a treatment option.

Pyogenic Arthritis of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint Treated with External Fixation in Adolescent

When hand injuries caused by human bite are overlooked and they can progress to pyogenic arthritis. Pyogenic arthritis is difficult to treat and can make severe sequelae in the joints. We report a case of pyogenic arthritis of the hand that occurred after human bite injury in adolescent treated with wide debridement and external fixator. Our literature searches revealed that the use of external fixator is good treatment option for the treatment of pyogenic arthritis of the hand.

Irreducible Open Dorsal Dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Case Report

Dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a common injury in the orthopedic department. In most cases, the joint is reduced simply by closed manipulation. However, in rare cases, the joint is not reducible by closed manipulation, therefore, surgery is required. We report on a case of irreducible open dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint which was surgically treated. Because the flexor tendon interposed between the head of the proximal phalanx and the base of the middle phalanx, we could reduce the joint only after repositioning of the flexor tendon.

Extensor Digiti Minimi Triggering Caused by an Anatomical Variation: A Case Report

Although flexor tendon triggering due to stenosing flexor tenosynovitis is common clinically, extensor triggering is quite rare. Known common causes are impingement between extensor tendon and extensor retinaculum, stenosis of the tendon sheath, and impingement between extensor tendon and osteophyte. We report rare case of triggering in the little finger caused by impingement between extensor digiti minimi and synovial septum.

Treatment of the Traumatic Neuroma

Formation of the traumatic neuroma results from abnormal nerve regeneration following a peripheral nerve injury. Numerous treatment options have been described. However, there is no one way that is completely effective in the management of these peripheral neuromas. Prevention is best. It is important to maximize nonsurgical management, including pain management and physiotherapy. At the time of surgery, definitive neuroma resection and tension-free repair or coverage will provide the least amount of subsequent nerve irritation.

The Efficacy of Preserved Posterior Cortex in the Treatment of Infected Nonunion of the Tibia

PURPOSE: We studied the efficacy of preserved posterior cortex connecting to adjacent muscle or periosteum during wide debridement in the treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to May 2011, 12 cases of infected nonunion of the tibia with segmental defect larger than 4 cm after wide debridement were selected. The selected cases were categorized according to two groups; group 1 with preserved posterior cortex in the segmental defect site - six cases, group 2 without posterior cortex - six cases. The results were compared by assessing the size of bone defect, the interval between wide debridement and bone reconstruction, bony union time, complications, and clinical results. RESULTS: The mean length of bone defect of group 1 was 7.6 cm (range 4.3-11.0 cm) and that of group 2 was 6.4 cm (range 4.0-12.0 cm). The interval between wide debridement and bone reconstruction was 10.0 weeks (range 5-18 weeks) for group 1, and 12.1 weeks (range 0-24 weeks) for group 2. The time for bony union of group 1 was 6.2 months (range 5-7 months), and that of group 2 was 10.8 months (range 7-18 months). In group 2, there were two cases of fatigue fracture and two cases of docking site nonunion after distraction osteogenesis. CONCLUSION: The preserved posterior cortex after wide debridement of infected nonunion of the tibia helps bony union and reduces the treatment period.

Treatment of Recurrent Neuroma after Forearm Amputation: End to End Neurorrhaphy

The neuroma is a tumor of nerve tissue that partially or completely severed through incomplete regeneration process. Neuromas that formed in the stump of a limb following amputation is a cause of the stump pain and can make intractable pain. The authors report a rare case of 36-year-old man with neuroma at stump, which has been recurred three times. This patient was treated with end-to-end neurorrhaphy after resecting neuroma. Follow-up at out-patient clinic showed satisfied result.

Intratendinous Ganglion in the Extensor Digitorum Communis of the Hand: A Case Report

Ganglions are most common benign lesion of the hand and wrist. Although they usually arise from tendon sheaths, those originating within a tendon substance itself are rare. The etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of the intratendonous ganglion are not completely understood. We report a case of an intratendinous ganglion that developed in the extensor digitorum communis tendon of the hand and caused the extension limitation of the wrist. Treatments consisted of the intratendinous ganglion excision and meticulous tendon repair followed by tenosynovectomy.

The Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome: Clinical Investigation of Surgically Treated 7 Cases

PURPOSE: The etiology and treatment strategy of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome are still controversial. Seven patients with the AIN syndrome who were treated by surgical exploration and neurolysis were reviewed at a mean of 35.9 months follow up period. MATERIALS & METHODS: There were six men and one woman. The mean age was 37.3 years, ranging from 26 to 59. No patient was related to trauma and associated neurological lesion. Surgical exploration was performed at 7.7 months after onset of paralysis. RESULTS: All except one patients experienced pain around the elbow region before the onset of the palsy. On 7 patients, only the flexor pollicis longus was paralysed in 1, only the index flexor digitorum profundus in 2, and none had paralysis of the middle. The most common compression structures were fibrous bands within flexor digitorum sublimis arcade. However there was no demonstrable abnormality in three. Recovery was complete in all cases within 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: We recommended surgical exploration and neurolysis in patients who have shown no improvement after 6 months of conservative treatment. And careful preoperative examination is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate surgery, especially in incomplete AIN syndrome.