Resident Education on the Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures Using a Point-of-View Camera

Background@#In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, surgical resident education depends largely on virtual materials.With the help of point-of-view (POV) cameras, educational videos have become widely used for surgical training. A video recorded from the surgeon’s POV helps demonstrate the procedure. We made training movies of the surgical approach to distal radius fractures for residents using a head-mounted video recording system with a laser point targeting device (LPTD). @*Methods@#A 15-minnute movie of the trans-flexor carpi radialis approach for distal radius fractures was made. A POV camera was assembled with an LPTD and strapped on the surgeon’s head. This enabled maintenance of the surgical field while recording the procedure. A shorter version of the clip was also made to investigate trainee preference. We asked 24 trainees to watch the two versions of the video and complete a short questionnaire. @*Results@#All trainees felt that the movie made with a POV camera was more efficient than existing materials. Only 1 (4.2%) felt that the laser pointer hindered the view. Four of the 23 trainees (16.7%) felt dizzy while watching the video. Of the two versions, 16 trainees (66.7%) preferred the shorter, edited version. The average score for the video was 8.42 out of 10. @*Conclusions@#A video recording system in the operating room that uses an LPTD-POV camera is an efficient way to produce educational material, particularly for surgical residents during the COVID-19 era.

Complications of Fracture: Acute Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome occurs when the pressure in the closed bone-myofascial muscle compartment rises above a critical level, and venous perfusion through the capillaries is blocked, resulting in microcirculation disorders. Tissue ischemia in the compartment causes irreversible damage to the muscles, nerves, and even bones, and can cause functional disorders, muscle contractures, nerve damage, and nonunion. In addition to trauma, phlebitis after injection, pseudoaneurysm due to blood vessel damage, anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), and exercise are all known causes of acute compartment syndrome. On the other hand, it commonly occurs after a fracture, leading to serious complications if not treated appropriately. Therefore, when a fracture occurs, care must be taken to determine if acute compartment syndrome has occurred, and capillary circulation must be quickly restored through early diagnosis and decompression.

Use of Three-Column Reconstruction and Free Vascularized Fibular Grafts for the Repair of Large Tibial Defects after Tumor Resection

Background@#This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of three-column reconstruction of the lower leg using a singlebarrel contralateral vascularized fibular graft (VFG), medial locking plate, and the ipsilateral fibula for the repair of large tibial defects after tumor resection. @*Methods@#In this retrospective study, we reviewed 12 patients who underwent three-column reconstruction using a single-barrel contralateral VFG, medial locking plate, and the ipsilateral fibula between June 1996 and May 2020. These patients had large tibial bone defects following tumor resection. The mean age of the patients was 26.3 years (range, 11–63 years), and 7 of them were women. The mean follow-up period was 104.8 months (range, 26–284 months). The mean size of the tibial bone defect after tumor resection was 17.8 cm (range, 11–26.8 cm). The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated at the final follow-up. @*Results@#All patients survived beyond the final follow-up without recurrence of the primary bone tumor. The mean time from reconstruction to bony union at both host-graft junctions was 12.9 months (range, 4–36 months). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 82.3% (range, 60%–97%). All tibial defects were reconstructed with adequate bone healing. There were 4 cases of stress fracture and graft failure; these were resolved by using longer plates and more screws. All patients were ambulatory without assistance and showed no permanent complications. @*Conclusions@#Large tibial defects that occur after tumoral resection can be effectively reconstructed by three-column reconstruction using a medial locking plate, an inlay single-barrel VFG harvested from the contralateral side, and the intact ipsilateral fibula.This technique permits early weight-bearing before fibular hypertrophy and bony union.

Mini-Screws-Only Fixation Method for Small Fragments of Medial Malleolus Fractures

Background@#Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard treatment for a displaced medial malleolus fracture (MMFx), achieving ankle stability and bony union to prevent post-traumatic arthritis. Previous fixation techniques including tension band wiring and unicortical screw fixation are not optimal for fixation of small fragments in MMFx due to their small size and poor manipulability. Here, we describe a novel surgical method using mini-screws only for fixation of small fragments in MMFx. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective consecutive study of patients who underwent surgery using mini-screws for small fragment MMFx between April 2013 and March 2018. We reviewed the patients’ clinical characteristics and assessed the fracture features radiographically. Clinical outcomes were assessed by measuring the range of motion of both ankle joints and investigating symptomatic implants. We reviewed the radiographic outcomes of the medial malleolus and the functional outcomes using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at the last follow-up. @*Results@#Nine patients were included in the study. The minimal follow-up period was 27 months. There was no incidental bone breakage during the procedure. All MMFx healed without reduction loss, nonunion, or implant failure at the last follow-up. Two patients had mild osteoarthritic changes of the ankle joint. The mean FAOS score of the patients was 80.99 (range, 65.44–98.42). No patients required removal of the hardware. @*Conclusions@#Fixation of comminuted fractures of the medial malleolus using mini-screws for young adult patients is a straightforward and simple technique. Safe fixation of the anterior and posterior colliculi reduces the risk of implant irritation symptoms that necessitate implant removal.

Mini-Screws-Only Fixation Method for Small Fragments of Medial Malleolus Fractures

Background@#Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard treatment for a displaced medial malleolus fracture (MMFx), achieving ankle stability and bony union to prevent post-traumatic arthritis. Previous fixation techniques including tension band wiring and unicortical screw fixation are not optimal for fixation of small fragments in MMFx due to their small size and poor manipulability. Here, we describe a novel surgical method using mini-screws only for fixation of small fragments in MMFx. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective consecutive study of patients who underwent surgery using mini-screws for small fragment MMFx between April 2013 and March 2018. We reviewed the patients’ clinical characteristics and assessed the fracture features radiographically. Clinical outcomes were assessed by measuring the range of motion of both ankle joints and investigating symptomatic implants. We reviewed the radiographic outcomes of the medial malleolus and the functional outcomes using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at the last follow-up. @*Results@#Nine patients were included in the study. The minimal follow-up period was 27 months. There was no incidental bone breakage during the procedure. All MMFx healed without reduction loss, nonunion, or implant failure at the last follow-up. Two patients had mild osteoarthritic changes of the ankle joint. The mean FAOS score of the patients was 80.99 (range, 65.44–98.42). No patients required removal of the hardware. @*Conclusions@#Fixation of comminuted fractures of the medial malleolus using mini-screws for young adult patients is a straightforward and simple technique. Safe fixation of the anterior and posterior colliculi reduces the risk of implant irritation symptoms that necessitate implant removal.

The Innervated Distally Based First Dorsal Metatarsal Artery Flap with a Wide Pedicle for Reconstruction of a Great Toe Defect

BACKGROUND: It is difficult for surgeons to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the great toe. This report aims to evaluate the utility and efficacy of innervated distally based first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) flap with a wide pedicle for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the great toe. METHODS: This is a retrospective report. Between January 2015 and December 2017, six cases of skin defect of the great toe were reconstructed with an innervated distally based FDMA flap with a wide pedicle. One case was excluded in this report because of chronic pain on the metatarsophalangeal joint due to osteoarthritis before the injury. A total of five cases were evaluated for flap survival and sensory recovery. The sensory recovery was investigated by two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests. The average age of the selected patients was 40 years (range, 36 to 56 years), and the average size of the defect in the toe was 8.3 cm2 (range, 4 to 13.8 cm2). The average follow-up period was 29.4 months (range, 18 to 38 months). RESULTS: All patients survived without any complications. The average two-point discrimination test value was 8.0 ± 0.89 mm (range, 7 to 9 mm), and the average value obtained from the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was 4.53 ± 0.33 (range, 4.17 to 4.93). The average residual pain score evaluated with a visual analog scale was 1 (range, 0 to 2). Two patients complained of stiffness in the great toe below 30° of total range of motion during the early stages after surgery, but this stiffness gradually improved after rehabilitation. The average range of motion of three patients with a remaining metatarsophalangeal joint after surgery was 80° (range, 70° to 90°). All five cases could walk regularly without any unique footwear at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The innervated distally based FDMA flap with a wide pedicle could be a good alternative method for repair of soft tissue defects of the great toe.

Fasciocutaneous Propeller Flap Based on Perforating Branch of Ulnar Artery for Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Hand and Wrist

BACKGROUND: A skin defect of the hand and wrist is a common manifestation in industrial crushing injuries, traffic accidents or after excision of tumors. We reconstructed a skin defect in the ulnar aspect of the hand and wrist with a perforator-based propeller flap from the ulnar artery. The aims of our study are to evaluate the utility and effectiveness of this flap and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the flap in hand and wrist reconstruction with a review of the literature. METHODS: Between April 2011 and November 2016, five cases of skin defect were reconstructed with a perforator-based propeller flap from the ulnar artery. There were four males and one female. The age of patients ranged from 36 to 73 years. Skin defect sites were on the dorso-ulnar side of the hand in three cases and palmar-ulnar side of the wrist in two cases. The size of the skin defect ranged from 4 × 3 cm to 8 × 5 cm. We evaluated the viability of the flap, postoperative complication and patient's satisfaction. RESULTS: There was no failure of flap in all cases. The size of the flap ranged from 4 × 4 cm to 12 × 4 cm. One patient, who had a burn scar contracture, presented with limited active and passive motion of the wrist after the operation. The other patients had no complications postoperatively. Cosmetic results of the surgery were excellent in one patient, good in three patients, and fair in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The fasciocutaneous propeller flap based on a perforating branch of the ulnar artery is a reliable treatment option for the ulnar side skin defect of the hand and wrist.

Clinical Guidelines for the Antibiotic Treatment for Community-Acquired Skin and Soft Tissue Infection

Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) is common and important infectious disease. This work represents an update to 2012 Korean guideline for SSTI. The present guideline was developed by the adaptation method. This clinical guideline provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of SSTI, including impetigo/ecthyma, purulent skin and soft tissue infection, erysipelas and cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis, clostridial myonecrosis, and human/animal bite. This guideline targets community-acquired skin and soft tissue infection occurring among adult patients aged 16 years and older. Diabetic foot infection, surgery-related infection, and infections in immunocompromised patients were not included in this guideline.

An Epidemiological Study of Clavicle Fractures for Koreans in the Metropolitan Area / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Though clavicle fractures are the second most common fractures to occur in active adults, there have been a few epidemiological studies conducted on the Korean population in recent years. To better understand clavicle fractures, an epidemiological study reflecting the changes in current life style and injury mechanism may be important. Hence, the purpose of this study was to conduct an epidemiological study on the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 973 patients (977 cases) who presented with clavicle fractures from January 2000 to August 2015. Radiological results were classified by the Allman system-3 groups and 7 subgroups. The study collected information regarding gender, age at the event of injury, injury mechanism, other associated injuries, occurrence rate of each year, and seasonal variation. RESULTS: The study consisted of 627 male patients (64.4%, 1 bilateral case) and 346 female patients (35.6%, 3 bilateral cases). The mean age at the time of injury was 31.8±24.9 years (male, 31.2±22.6 years; female, 32.7±28.7 years). Midshaft clavicle fractures (Allman group I) were the most common with 758 cases (77.6%). There were 397 cases with displacement (40.6%). The occurrence of clavicle fractures decreased with increasing age in male patients and showed a bimodal distribution in female patients. Injury due to a fall from standing height was the most common mechanism of injury. There were 61 cases (6.2%) who had other associated injuries and the most common associated injury was a rib fracture. The occurrence of clavicle fractures increased with time, and falling was associated with the highest occurrence rate of clavicle fractures. CONCLUSION: The mean age of clavicle fracture was 31.8 years in a recent 15-year period. The occurrence of fracture in male patients was 1.8 times than female patients, primarily occurring as midshaft fractures. There were more cases of displacement than minimally displaced cases. The most common injury mechanism was a fall from standing height, and the occurrence of clavicle fractures has shown an increasing trend recently.

Evaluation of Fragment Reduction Feasibility When Treating Bony Mallet Finger Using Extension Block K-Wire Technique

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate fragment reduction feasilibty when applying extension block Kirschner-wire technique for bony mallet finger. METHODS: We treated 48 displaced mallet finger fractures by a two extension block Kirschner-wire technique. Among these operation group, we found dorsal rotation of fragment in 18 cases, making it difficult to get anatomical reduction. The patients were divided into two groups. One group of 30 patients did not show dorsal rotation of fragment and anatomical reduction was achieved easily. Another group of 18 patients showed dorsal rotation of fragment and additional methods was applied to achieve anatomical reduction. RESULTS: Joint surface involvement was significant greater in groups showing dorsal rotation of fragment than group which did not show (57.1% and 49.7%, respectively) (p=0.01). The groups whose joint surface involvement more than 50% had higher risk of dorsal rotation of fragment than the group less than 50%, with the odds ratio of 6.11. CONCLUSION: We could encounter the cases which showed dorsal rotation of the fracture fragment when treating the bony mallet finger with extension block K-wire technique especially the joint surface involvement was more than 50%. So if we can evaluate the extents of joint surface involvement and prepare additional method preoperatively when dorsal rotation of fragment is expected, it is possible to get more favorable results.

Diatally-Based Medial Crural Adipofascial Flap for Coverage of Medial Foot and Ankle

PURPOSE: We report on the clinical result after coverage of a soft tissue defect on the medial foot and ankle with an adipofascial flap based on the perforator from the posterior tibia artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with soft tissue defects on the medial foot and ankle area from March 2009 to May 2014 underwent the procedure. Average age was 54 years old (range, 8~82 years). There were five male patients and four female patients. The causes of the defect were trauma (4), tumor (3), and infection (2). The pivot point of transposition of this flap is the lower perforator originating from the posterior tibia artery. The fatty tissue side of this flap could be used to resurface the defect. The donor site was closed primarily with the preserved skin, and a small caliber drain tube was used. The split-thickness skin graft was grafted to the flap and the wound. If the wound was still infected, this skin graft could be performed at a later date. RESULTS: All flaps survived and normal soft tissue coverage was obtained for the medial foot and ankle of all patients after the skin graft. Normal footwear was possible for all cases because of thin coverage. There was an extension contracture on the medial ray of the foot, which was resolved by contracture release and skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: For the medial foot and ankle soft tissue defect, the medial crural adipofascial flap based on a perforator branch of the posterior tibia artery could be a good option to cover it.

Reconstruction of Large Femur and Tibia Defect with Free Vascularized Fibula Graft and Locking Plate

PURPOSE: The reconstruction of femur and tibia defects following tumor resection remains a surgical challenge. The clinical outcome of free vascularized fibula graft (VFG) reconstruction with locking plate for massive femur and tibia defects of more than 10 cm that were secondary to skeletal tumor resection is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with a mean follow-up of 3.3 years were reviewed. Seven patients received vascularized fibula grafts in the femur and six in the tibia. The mean bony defect of the femur and tibia was more than 10 cm and the length of the grafted fibula was more than 15 cm. All defects were stabilized with long locking plates. RESULTS: All patients were free of disease at final follow-up; All VFGs were transferred successfully. All patients had a successful outcome with bony union. Stress fractures of the grafted fibula had occurred but the locking plate stabilized the fracture and healed until the last follow-up. All patients were able to walk without a brace after a mean of 9 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: VFG with locking plate is a reliable reconstructive procedure for massive femur and tibia defects.

Korean Type Distal Radius Anatomical Volar Plate System: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fracture is the most common fracture of the upper extremity, and approximately 60,000 distal radius fractures occur annually in Korea. Internal fixation with an anatomical volar locking plate is widely used in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. However, most of the currently used distal radius anatomical plate systems were designed based on the anatomical characteristics of Western populations. Recently, the Korean-type distal radius anatomical volar plate (K-DRAVP) system was designed and developed based on the anatomical characteristics of the distal radius of Koreans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of the new K-DRAVP system, and to compare its radiologic and functional results with those of the other systems. METHODS: From March 2012 to October 2012, 46 patients with acute distal radius fractures who were treated with the K-DRAVP system at three hospitals were enrolled in this study. Standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were obtained to assess fracture healing, and three radiographic parameters (volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length) were assessed to evaluate radiographic outcomes. The range of motion and grip strength, the Gartland and Werley scoring system, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire were used to assess clinical and functional outcomes. RESULTS: All radiologic parameters were restored to normal values, and maintained without any loosening or collapse until the time of final follow-up. Grip strength was restored to 84% of the value for the unaffected side. The mean range of motion of the wrist at final follow-up was restored to 77%-95% of the value for the unaffected side. According to the Gartland and Werley scoring system, there were 16 excellent, 26 good, and 4 fair results. The mean DASH score was 8.4 points. There were no complications after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed K-DRAVP system could be used to restore and maintain good anatomical parameters, and provide good clinical outcomes with low complication rates. This system is a promising surgical option for the treatment of distal radius fractures in the Korean population.

Sural Artery Flap for the Treatment of Soft Tissue Defects around Knee Joint

PURPOSE: This report presents the authors' experience of twelve patients with sural artery flap for soft tissue defects around the knee joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients' age ranged from 25 to 80 years; seven of the patients were male and five were female. The cause of soft-tissue defects involved wide excision for malignant soft tissue tumor, tumor prosthesis related infection, infection after total knee arthroplasty and chronic osteomyelitis. Postoperative range of motion was checked. The sensibility of flap was evaluated by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and two-point discrimination. RESULTS: All flaps survived and provided satisfactory coverage of the defect. There was no complication except one delayed skin graft incorporation at donor site. Seven knee joints which had been stiff previously gained average 58 degrees of ROM postoperatively. All flaps retained sensibility and showed no significant increase in sensory thresholds comparing with contralateral side. CONCLUSION: Sural artery flap not only shows high survival rate and broad coverage ability, but also offers improvement in range of motion and preservation of sensation. We speculate that sural artery flap is valuable for the reconstruction of the soft tissue defects around knee joint.

Lateral Supramalleolar Adipofascial Flap in Young Children / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To report relatively long-term clinical results of lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap for children who injured soft tissue on the dorsum of the foot and ankle, a condition that readily gives rise to contracture and deformity in that area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This report presents the authors' experience with eleven patients treated with this flap. The patients' ages ranged from three to nine years; three of the patients were male and eight were female. The major cause of the soft-tissue defects involved acute crushing injury from a traffic accident. The flap and the adjoining raw area were covered with a full-thickness skin graft after 5-7 days postoperatively, and the donor site at the lateral aspect of the leg was closed primarily without grafting. A skin graft was taken from the groin area, which was closed primarily. RESULTS: All flaps survived, and there were no major complications. No patients showed contracture at the recipient site or deformity of the foot and ankle. Compared with the other flaps, this adipofascial flap was thinner, produced less bulkiness at the recipient site, and caused only minor aesthetic sequelae at the donor site. None of the patients in this study complained of contracture and limitation of motion of the metatarso-phalangeal joint, which might be disturbed by wearing shoes or walking. CONCLUSION: The relatively long-term clinical result of a lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap for children who sustain soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the foot and ankle is satisfactory.

Nail Lengthening using the Eponychial Flap / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to introduce a nail lengthening technique with an eponychial flap for treating finger tip amputation, and we review the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients who received eponychial flap surgery between November 2001 and April 2006 were enrolled in this study. Retrospectively, the patients were asked, by using a questionnaire, about their satisfaction with their nail shape and length. The preoperative findings and the findings at the last follow up and the contralateral finger nail lengths were measured with a ruler and those were all compared according to the percentage of change. RESULTS: The average operation time was fourteen minutes (range: 10 to 19 minutes). All the flaps survived and there was no infection, congestion of the flap, or additional deformity of nail. The average follow up period was five months. The nails were lengthened an average of 0.35 cm. The last follow up questionnaire showed that the patients were satisfied with their nail's appearance with an average score of 95.5 points. CONCLUSION: Nail lengthening using an eponychial flap is a convenient, safe and aestheticall pleasing procedure.

Contribution of the Proximal Nerve Stump in End-to-side Nerve Repair: In a Rat Model

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the proximal nerve stump, in end-to-side nerve repair, to functional recovery, by modifying the classic end-to-side neurorrhaphy and suturing the proximal nerve stump to a donor nerve in a rat model of a severed median nerve. METHODS: Three experimental groups were studied: a modified end-to-side neurorrhaphy with suturing of the proximal nerve stump (double end-to-side neurorrhaphy, Group I), a classic end-to-side neurorrhaphy (Group II) and a control group without neurorrhaphy (Group III). Twenty weeks after surgery, grasping testing, muscle contractility testing, and histological studies were performed. RESULTS: The grasping strength, muscle contraction force and nerve fiber count were significantly higher in group I than in group II, and there was no evidence of nerve recovery in group III. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution from the proximal nerve stump in double end-to-side nerve repair might improve axonal sprouting from the donor nerve and help achieve a better functional recovery in an end-to-side coaptation model.