Does intravenous patient-controlled analgesia or continuous block prevent rebound pain following infraclavicular brachial plexus block after distal radius fracture fixation? A prospective randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of opioid-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) or continuous brachial plexus block (BPB) in controlling rebound pain after distal radius fracture (DRF) fixation under BPB as well as total opioid consumption. @*Methods@#A total of 66 patients undergoing surgical treatment for a displaced DRF with volar plate fixation were randomized to receive a single infraclavicular BPB (BPB only group) (n = 22), a single infraclavicular BPB with IV PCA (IV PCA group) (n = 22), or a single infraclavicular BPB with continuous infraclavicular BPB (continuous block group) (n = 22). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the amount of pain medication were recorded at 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h and two weeks postoperatively. @*Results@#At postoperative 9 h, the pain VAS score was significantly higher in the BPB only group (median: 2; Q1, Q3 [1, 3]) than in the IV PCA (0 [0, 1.8], P = 0.006) and continuous block groups (0 [0, 0.5], P = 0.009). At postoperative 12 h, the pain VAS score was significantly higher in the BPB only group (3 [3, 4]) than in the continuous block group (0.5 [0, 3], P = 0.004). The total opioid equivalent consumption (OEC) was significantly higher in the IV PCA group (350.3 [282.1, 461.3]) than in the BPB only group (37.5 [22.5, 75], P < 0.001) and continuous block group (30 [15, 75], P < 0.001); however, OEC was not significantly different between the BPB only group and the continuous block group (P = 0.595). @*Conclusions@#Although continuous infraclavicular BPB did not reduce total opioid consumption compared to BPB only, this method is effective for controlling rebound pain at postoperative 9 and 12 h following DRF fixation under BPB.

Comparison of Long-term Outcomes between Nonoperative Treatment and Vascularized Bone Graft for Kienböck Disease: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Background@#This systematic literature review compared long-term outcomes between nonoperative treatment and vascularized bone graft (VBG) in patients with Kienböck disease. @*Methods@#We systematically reviewed studies on nonoperative treatment and VBG for Kienböck disease with a mean follow-up of ≥ 5 years. A systematic search was conducted in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Embase databases to select relevant articles. Data on patient demographics, treatment details, and outcomes were extracted. @*Results@#Twelve studies (6 for nonoperative treatment and 6 for VBG) were included. The proportion of wrists showing worsening Lichtman stages after treatment was 40.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.7–56.6) and 17.0% (95% CI, 10.2%–26.9%) in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. No change in the stage was observed in 52.4% (95% CI, 25.5%–78.0%) and 77.8% (95% CI, 66.7%–86.0%) of the wrists in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. The proportion of wrists without pain at the final follow-up was 29.2% (95% CI, 16.6%–46.1%) and 35.9% (95% CI, 22.6%–52.0%) in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. The proportion of wrists with more than a moderate degree was 30.4% (95% CI, 22.7%–39.4%) and 12.9% (95% CI, 5.5%–27.4%) in the nonoperative treatment group and VBG group, respectively. The 95% CIs of the mean wrist range of motion and mean grip strength ratio of the affected side to the contralateral side substantially overlapped in the two groups. @*Conclusions@#The VBG group showed greater improvement in the radiographic stage and wrist pain than did the nonoperative treatment group after treatment, but meaningful differences in parameters were not observed. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the superiority of VBG to nonoperative treatment regarding radiographic and clinical outcomes.

Polydactyly of the Thumb: Classification and Treatment / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Preaxial polydactyly of the hand is one of the most common congenital hand anomalies. Several classification systems have been developed to classify these complex anomalies, of which the Wassel-Flat classification, based on the anatomical level of skeletal duplication, is the most widely used. Recently, a modified Wassel classification system was proposed to describe the type VII deformities and define the hypoplastic types more clearly. Surgical treatments for preaxial polydactyly of the hand are generally performed between 10 months and 2 years after birth. The purpose of operation is to construct a functional and cosmetically acceptable thumb. Since the clinical outcomes after remaining the radial side digit are poor, surgeons should try to remain the ulnar side digit as much as possible for the selection of the remaining digit. According to the type of preaxial polydactyly, various surgical procedures could be applied. This review presents the several classification systems for preaxial polydactyly of the hand and describes the applied surgical procedures according to the modified Wassel classification.

Excision of Rudimentary Preaxial Polydactyly of the Hand with Use of Electrocautery

Background@#Suture ligation has been used widely for the treatment of rudimentary type extra digits, but several complications related to this treatment have been reported. The purpose of this study was to describe a new technique for excision of rudimentary preaxial polydactyly of the hand using electrocautery and assess its clinical outcomes. @*Methods@#The authors performed a retrospective study of 34 thumbs (32 patients) that had undergone excision of rudimentary preaxial polydactyly using electrocautery under local anesthesia. The mean follow-up period was 16.5 months. @*Results@#All children had full range of thumb motion without angular deformity at the most recent follow-up. There were no postoperative complications such as bleeding or infection. In 33 thumbs (97.1% of 34 thumbs), there were no signs of residual digit prominence. One thumb had a residual digit prominence at the extra digit removal site. In two thumbs, scar hypertrophy was evident at the operation site. All parents of the patients except two were very satisfied with this technique and the mean visual analog scale score for satisfaction was 9.5 ± 2.0 (range, 0–10). @*Conclusions@#Excision of rudimentary preaxial polydactyly of the hand with the use of electrocautery could remove an extra digit completely in 97.1% of the cases. This technique would be a useful alternative to suture ligation, surgical clip application, or surgical excision for the treatment of rudimentary preaxial polydactyly of the hand.

Inhibitory Effects of Copper, Brass, and Stainless Steel Surfaces on Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms / 대한임상미생물학회지

Background@#The aim of this study was to analyze the inhibitory effects of copper, brass (78% copper, 22% tin), and stainless steel surfaces on multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli , and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). @*Methods@#MRAB, ESBL E. coli, and CRKP were isolated at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital in 2020. A. baumannii ATCC BAA-747, E. coli ATCC 25922, and K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 were used as reference strains. The initial bacterial cell count of each inoculum was adjusted to 8 log CFU/mL using phosphate buffered saline, Copper, brass, and stainless steel plates were inoculated with 9 mL of MRAB, ESBL E. coli, and CRKP inoculum solutions. The bacterial cell count was measured from the beginning to the 20th day in an incubator maintained at 35°C. @*Results@#MRAB, ESBL E. coli, and CRKP isolates were not detected on the copper and brass plates after 4, 5.5, and 6.5 hours, respectively. MRAB, ESBL E. coli, and CRKP isolates were not detected on the stainless steel plate after 15, 20, and 20 days, respectively. The bactericidal effects of copper and brass were much stronger than those of stainless steel. @*Conclusion@#The use of copper and copper alloys should be considered to prevent crossinfection in hospitals.

Effectiveness and Biocompatibility of Decellularized Nerve Graft Using an In Vivo Rat Sciatic Nerve Model

BACKGROUND@#Decellularized nerve allografting is one of promising treatment options for nerve defect. As an effort to develop more efficient nerve graft, recently we have developed a new decellularization method for nerve allograft. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and biocompatibility of nerve graft decellularized by our newly developed method. @*METHODS@#Forty-eight inbred male Lewis rats were divided into two groups, Group I (autograft group, n = 25), Group II (decellularized isograft group, n = 23). Decellularized nerve grafts were prepared with our newly developed methods using amphoteric detergent and nuclease treatment. Serum cytokine level measurements at 0, 2, and 4 weeks and histologic evaluation for inflammatory cell infiltration at 6 and 16 weeks after nerve graft. @*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in mean maximum isometric tetanic force and weight of tibialis anterior muscle or ankle angle at toe-off phase between two groups at 6 and 16 weeks survival time points (p > 0.05). There was no inflammatory cell infiltration in either group and histomorphometric assessments of 6- and 16-week specimens of the isograft group did not differ from those in the autograft group with regard to number of fascicle, cross sectional area, fascicle area ratio, and number of regenerated nerve cells. @*CONCLUSION@#Based on inflammatory reaction, axonal regeneration, and functional outcomes, our newly developed decellularized nerve grafts were fairly biocompatible and had comparable effectiveness to autografts for nerve regeneration, which suggested it would be suitable for nerve reconstruction as an alternative to autograft.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly Can Differentiate into Schwann Cell-Like Cells and Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Acellular Nerve Grafts

BACKGROUND@#Schwann cells (SCs) secrete neurotrophic factors and provide structural support and guidance during axonal regeneration. However, nearby nerves may be damaged to obtain primary SCs, and there is a lack of nervous tissue donors. We investigated the potential of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in differentiating into Schwann cell-like cells (WJ-SCLCs) as an alternative to SCs. We also examined whether implantation of WJ-SCLCsladen acellular nerve grafts (ANGs) are effective in inducing functional recovery and nerve regeneration in an animal model of peripheral nerve injury. @*METHODS@#The differentiation of WJ-MSCs into WJ-SCLCs was determined by analyzing SC-specific markers. The secretion of neurotrophic factors was assessed by the Neuro Discovery antibody array. Neurite outgrowth and myelination of axons were found in a co-culture system involving motor neuron cell lines. The effects of ANGs on repairing sciatic nerves were evaluated using video gait angle test, isometric tetanic force analysis, and toluidine blue staining. @*RESULTS@#Compared with undifferentiated WJ-MSCs, WJ-SCLCs showed higher expression levels of SC-specific markers such as S100b, GFAP, KROX20, and NGFR. WJ-SCLCs also showed higher secreted amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor than did WJ-MSCs.WJ-SCLCs effectively promoted the outgrowth and myelination of neurites in motor neuron cells, and WJ-SCLCs laden ANGs significantly facilitated peripheral nerve regeneration in an animal model of sciatic nerve injury. @*CONCLUSION@#WJ-MSCs were readily differentiated into WJ-SCLCs, which effectively promoted the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Transplantation of WJ-SCLCs with ANGs might be useful for assisting peripheral nerve regeneration.

The Characteristics of Women with Subsequent Distal Radius Fracture after Initial Distal Radius Fracture

Background@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of women with subsequent distal radius fracture (DRF) and to compare bone fragility variables in women with initial and subsequent DRF. @*Methods@#We enrolled 227 women who experienced DRF (203 women with initial DRF and 24 women with subsequent DRF) between September 2016 and April 2019. We compared demographic characteristics and bone fragility variables, including bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, hip geometry, bicortical thickness of the distal radius, and fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) scores between the 2 groups. To reduce bias, patients with subsequent DRF were propensity score-matched in a 1:2 manner with patients affected by initial DRF, and additional comparisons were performed. @*Results@#Patients in the subsequent DRF group were older than those in the initial DRF group, but this difference was not significant (P=0.091). The proportion of patients receiving treatment with osteoporosis medication was significantly higher in the subsequent DRF group (41.7% vs. 19.2%, P=0.011). Bone fragility variables did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, the ten-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures based on FRAX scores was significantly higher in patients with subsequent DRF (7.5% vs. 10.8%, P<0.001). Similar results were observed when comparing the propensity score-matched initial and subsequent DRF groups. @*Conclusions@#These findings suggest that the occurrence of subsequent DRF after initial DRF can be attributed to multiple factors rather than bone fragility alone. Systematic and multidisciplinary management would be helpful in preventing the occurrence of subsequent DRF after the initial DRF.

Effectiveness and Biocompatibility of Decellularized Nerve Graft Using an In Vivo Rat Sciatic Nerve Model

BACKGROUND@#Decellularized nerve allografting is one of promising treatment options for nerve defect. As an effort to develop more efficient nerve graft, recently we have developed a new decellularization method for nerve allograft. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and biocompatibility of nerve graft decellularized by our newly developed method. @*METHODS@#Forty-eight inbred male Lewis rats were divided into two groups, Group I (autograft group, n = 25), Group II (decellularized isograft group, n = 23). Decellularized nerve grafts were prepared with our newly developed methods using amphoteric detergent and nuclease treatment. Serum cytokine level measurements at 0, 2, and 4 weeks and histologic evaluation for inflammatory cell infiltration at 6 and 16 weeks after nerve graft. @*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in mean maximum isometric tetanic force and weight of tibialis anterior muscle or ankle angle at toe-off phase between two groups at 6 and 16 weeks survival time points (p > 0.05). There was no inflammatory cell infiltration in either group and histomorphometric assessments of 6- and 16-week specimens of the isograft group did not differ from those in the autograft group with regard to number of fascicle, cross sectional area, fascicle area ratio, and number of regenerated nerve cells. @*CONCLUSION@#Based on inflammatory reaction, axonal regeneration, and functional outcomes, our newly developed decellularized nerve grafts were fairly biocompatible and had comparable effectiveness to autografts for nerve regeneration, which suggested it would be suitable for nerve reconstruction as an alternative to autograft.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly Can Differentiate into Schwann Cell-Like Cells and Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Acellular Nerve Grafts

BACKGROUND@#Schwann cells (SCs) secrete neurotrophic factors and provide structural support and guidance during axonal regeneration. However, nearby nerves may be damaged to obtain primary SCs, and there is a lack of nervous tissue donors. We investigated the potential of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in differentiating into Schwann cell-like cells (WJ-SCLCs) as an alternative to SCs. We also examined whether implantation of WJ-SCLCsladen acellular nerve grafts (ANGs) are effective in inducing functional recovery and nerve regeneration in an animal model of peripheral nerve injury. @*METHODS@#The differentiation of WJ-MSCs into WJ-SCLCs was determined by analyzing SC-specific markers. The secretion of neurotrophic factors was assessed by the Neuro Discovery antibody array. Neurite outgrowth and myelination of axons were found in a co-culture system involving motor neuron cell lines. The effects of ANGs on repairing sciatic nerves were evaluated using video gait angle test, isometric tetanic force analysis, and toluidine blue staining. @*RESULTS@#Compared with undifferentiated WJ-MSCs, WJ-SCLCs showed higher expression levels of SC-specific markers such as S100b, GFAP, KROX20, and NGFR. WJ-SCLCs also showed higher secreted amounts of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor than did WJ-MSCs.WJ-SCLCs effectively promoted the outgrowth and myelination of neurites in motor neuron cells, and WJ-SCLCs laden ANGs significantly facilitated peripheral nerve regeneration in an animal model of sciatic nerve injury. @*CONCLUSION@#WJ-MSCs were readily differentiated into WJ-SCLCs, which effectively promoted the regeneration of peripheral nerves. Transplantation of WJ-SCLCs with ANGs might be useful for assisting peripheral nerve regeneration.

The Characteristics of Women with Subsequent Distal Radius Fracture after Initial Distal Radius Fracture

Background@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of women with subsequent distal radius fracture (DRF) and to compare bone fragility variables in women with initial and subsequent DRF. @*Methods@#We enrolled 227 women who experienced DRF (203 women with initial DRF and 24 women with subsequent DRF) between September 2016 and April 2019. We compared demographic characteristics and bone fragility variables, including bone mineral density, trabecular bone score, hip geometry, bicortical thickness of the distal radius, and fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) scores between the 2 groups. To reduce bias, patients with subsequent DRF were propensity score-matched in a 1:2 manner with patients affected by initial DRF, and additional comparisons were performed. @*Results@#Patients in the subsequent DRF group were older than those in the initial DRF group, but this difference was not significant (P=0.091). The proportion of patients receiving treatment with osteoporosis medication was significantly higher in the subsequent DRF group (41.7% vs. 19.2%, P=0.011). Bone fragility variables did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, the ten-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures based on FRAX scores was significantly higher in patients with subsequent DRF (7.5% vs. 10.8%, P<0.001). Similar results were observed when comparing the propensity score-matched initial and subsequent DRF groups. @*Conclusions@#These findings suggest that the occurrence of subsequent DRF after initial DRF can be attributed to multiple factors rather than bone fragility alone. Systematic and multidisciplinary management would be helpful in preventing the occurrence of subsequent DRF after the initial DRF.

Metachronous Development of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in a Patient with Autoimmune Pancreatitis / 대한소화기학회지

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare and unique type of chronic pancreatitis. The prognosis of AIP, particularly when associated with pancreatic cancer or a related malignancy, is not known. Only a few cases, where metachronous pancreas-related cancer developed during follow-up, have been reported. Most of these patients either underwent surgery or steroid therapy. This paper reports a case of a 66-year-old woman with untreated type I AIP who developed peritoneal carcinomatosis more than 2 years later. Initially, the patient had a markedly elevated serum IgG4 level and a diffuse, infiltrative mass-like lesion in the pancreatic head, in which the biopsy results were consistent with type I AIP. The patient was not treated with steroids because of a cerebellar infarction. Twenty-eight months after the diagnosis of AIP, peritoneal carcinomatosis developed without noticeable changes in the pancreas from the initial findings.

A Case of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ Arising from Esophageal Squamous Papilloma

Squamous papilloma is a common benign tumor of the esophagus. Patients with papilloma are usually asymptomatic, and they are diagnosed incidentally during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Most papillomas are small and easily removed by forceps biopsy. Recurrence of papilloma after removal is rare. Human papilloma virus infection is supposed to play a role in the development of esophageal papilloma; however, malignant transformation of papilloma is extremely unusual. Here, we report a case of malignant transformation of esophageal squamous papilloma at the gastroesophageal junction into squamous cell carcinoma in situ, which was treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Lower Risk of Gastric Atrophy and Intestinal Metaplasia in Patients with MALT Lymphoma despite Helicobacter pylori Infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are sequential consequences of chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. These conditions are well known to increase the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma development. Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is also a malignant consequence of H. pylori infection, but the relationship between gastric MALT lymphoma and atrophic gastritis-intestinal metaplasia has not been a focus of interest. We investigated the clinical characteristics of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted by reviewing the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed as having gastric MALT lymphoma at an academic institute, the Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea, between January 2001 and December 2018. RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects were enrolled consecutively during the study period and analyzed retrospectively. The patients' mean age was 56.9 years old. The male-to-female ratio was 1.15 (31/27). On histological examination, background atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were detected in 26.8% (15/58) of cases. Serum pepsinogen I, II and gastrin levels, as serological markers of atrophy, were evaluated in 28 subjects. Three (5.2%) of the 28 cases were compatible with serological atrophic gastritis (pepsinogen I/II ratio of <3 and pepsinogen I level of <70 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with gastric MALT lymphoma, the prevalence of background mucosal atrophy or intestinal metaplasia was 26.8% on histological examination and 5.2% on serological analyses. These rates are lower than those in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. This result suggests a different carcinogenic pathway of gastric MALT lymphoma from that of adenocarcinoma.

Inhibitory Effect of Metal Surface on the Antimicrobial Resistance Microorganism / 대한임상미생물학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the bactericidal effects of copper, brass (copper 78%, tin 22%), and stainless steel against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREFM), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA). METHODS: The isolates (MRSA, VREFM, MRPA) used in this study were mixed wild type 3 strains isolated from patients treated at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital in 2017. These strains showed patterns of multidrug resistance. The lyophilized strains were inoculated into and incubated for 24 hr in tryptic soy broth at 35℃. The initial bacterial inoculum concentration was adjusted to 105 CFU/mL. A 100-mL bacterial suspension was incubated in containers made of brass (copper 78%, tin 22%), copper (above 99% purity), and stainless steel at 35℃. Viable counts of bacteria strains were measured for 9 days. RESULTS: In this study, the bactericidal effects of copper and brass on MRSA, VREFM, and MRPA were verified. The bactericidal effect of stainless steel was much weaker than those of copper and brass. The bactericidal effect was stronger on MRPA than on MRSA or VREFM. CONCLUSION: To prevent cross infection of multidrug resistant bacteria in hospitals, further studies of longer duration are needed for testing of copper materials on objects such as door knobs, faucets, and bed rails.

Endoscopic Resection of Xanthogranulomatous Gastritis Presenting as a Subepithelial Tumor: A Case Report

Xanthogranulomatous gastritis (XGG) presenting as a subepithelial tumor (SET) is a very rare entity. We report a case of SET-like XGG diagnosed and treated with endoscopic resection. A 55-year-old female patient was initially referred with a 1.5-cm SET located at the anterior wall of the middle antrum. Endoscopic ultrasound examination revealed submucosal invasion without any perigastric lymph node enlargement. Endoscopic resection was performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, and the lesion was diagnosed histopathologically as XGG. At the 18-month follow-up after endoscopic resection, there was no evidence of XGG recurrence. SET-like XGG is very rare and the diagnosis is a preoperative challenge. However, inflammatory tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SET

A Ruptured Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Concurrent Cholecystoduodenal Fistula: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pseudoaneurysms of the cystic artery and cholecystoduodenal fistula formation are rare complications of cholecystitis and either may result from an inflammatory process in the abdomen. A 68-year-old man admitted with acute cholecystitis subsequently developed massive upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Abdominal computed tomography showed acute calculous cholecystitis and hemobilia secondary to bleeding from the cystic artery. Angiography suggested a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the cystic artery. Upper GI endoscopy showed a deep active ulcer with an opening that was suspected to be that of a fistula at the duodenal bulb. The patient was managed successfully with multimodality treatment that included embolization followed by elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Presently, there is no clear consensus regarding the clinical management of this disease. We have been able to confirm various clinical features, diagnoses, and treatments of this disease through a literature review. A multidisciplinary approach through interagency/interdepartmental collaboration is necessary for better management of this disease.

Nonsurgical Treatment of a Distal Radius Fracture: When & How?

Distal radius fractures are a common upper extremity fracture and a considerable number of patients have a stable fracture. In the treatment of distal radius fractures, there is considerable disagreement regarding the need for a strict anatomical restoration with operation in elderly patients. Therefore, nonsurgical treatment is a still important treatment option in distal radius fractures. The radiological parameters of before or after manual reduction are important for deciding whether to perform operation or not. The radiological parameters include dorsal angulation of the articular surface, radial shortening, extent of dorsal comminution, intra-articular displacement, concomitant ulnar metaphyseal fracture, shear fracture, and fracture-dislocation of the distal radio-ulnar joint. In addition, clinical situations of patients, including age, activity level, underline disease, and recovery level, which the patients wish should be considered, comprehensively. For the duration of a splint or cast, three to four weeks are recommended in impacted or minimally displaced fractures and five to six weeks in displaced fractures. After reduction of the displaced fractures, patients should undergo a radiologicical examination every week to check the redisplacement or deformity of the fracture site until two or three weeks post trauma. Arm elevation is important for controlling fracture site swelling and finger exercises, including metacarpophalangeal joint motion, are needed to prevent hand stiffness. Active range of motion exercise of the wrist should be initiated immediately after removing the splint or cast.

Nerve Repair and Nerve Grafting in Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries (BPI) can have devastating effects on upper extremity function, however, treatment in this injuries remains a difficult problem. Several kinds of surgical methods have been used to treat BPI, and nerve repair and nerve grafting have been traditionally used in postganglionic injury of brachial plexus. Because the several studies reported that nerve transfer to restore shoulder and elbow function has yielded superior results to historical reports for nerve grafting in partial BPI, the indication of nerve repair and nerve grafting has been decreased. Nonetheless, nerve repair and nerve grafting is still useful in focal damage in brachial plexus, such as laceration or gunshot wound and postganglionic neuroma in continuity without conduction of nerve action potential. In this paper, we described the basic concept, detailed indication and outcomes of nerve repair or nerve grafting in BPI.

Changes in Clinical Symptoms, Functions, and the Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area at the Carpal Tunnel Inlet after Open Carpal Tunnel Release

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical symptoms and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet before and after open carpal tunnel release (CTR). METHODS: Thirty-two patients (53 hands) that underwent open CTR for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. Median nerve CSA at the carpal tunnel inlet was measured preoperatively and at 2 and 12 weeks after CTR by high resolution ultrasonography. The Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) was also completed at these times. RESULTS: BCTQ symptom (BCTQ-S) score was significantly improved at 2 weeks postoperatively, but BCTQ function (BCTQ-F) score and CSA were significantly improved at 12 weeks postoperatively. Preoperative CSA was significantly correlated with preoperative BCTQ-S and BCTQ-F scores but was not significantly correlated with postoperative BCTQ scores or postoperative changes in BCTQ scores. Postoperative median nerve CSA was not significantly correlated with postoperative BCTQ-S or BCTQ-F scores, and postoperative changes in median nerve CSA were not significantly correlated with postoperative changes in BCTQ-S or BCTQ-F scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows clinical symptoms resolve rapidly after open CTR, but median nerve swelling and clinical function take several months to recover. In addition, preoperative median nerve swelling might predict preoperative severities of clinical symptoms and functional disabilities. However, postoperative reductions in median nerve swelling were not found to reflect postoperative reductions in clinical symptoms or functional disabilities.