Process of Obtaining Social Consensus and 3-Year Functional Outcomes of the First Hand Allotransplantation in Korea

Background@#On February 2, 2017, the surgical team of ten board-certified hand specialists of W Hospital in Korea successfully performed the nation's first hand transplantation at Yeungnam University Medical Center (YUMC). This paper reports on the legal, financial, and cultural hurdles that were overcome to open the way for hand transplantation and its functional outcomes at 36 months after the operation. @*Methods@#W Hospital formed a memorandum of understanding with Daegu city and YUMC to comply with government regulations regarding hand transplantation. Campaigns were initiated in the media to increase public awareness and understanding. With the city's financial and legal support and the university's medical cooperation, a surgical team performed a left distal forearm hand transplantation from a brain-dead 48-year-old man to a 35-year-old left-handed man. @*Results@#With this successful allotransplantation, the Korean Act on Organ Transplantation has now been amended to include hand transplantation. Korean national health insurance has also begun covering hand transplantation. Functional outcome at 36 months after the operation showed satisfactory progress in both motor and sensory functions. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score were 23. The final Hand Transplantation Score was 90 points. Functional brain magnetic resonance imaging shows significant cortical reorganization of the corticospinal tract, and reinnervation of intrinsic muscle is observed. @*Conclusions@#Hand transplantation at the distal forearm shows very satisfactory outcomes in functional, aesthetical, and psychological aspects. Legal and financial barriers against hand transplantation have long been the most burdensome issues. Despite this momentous success, there have been no other clinical applications of vascularized composite allotransplantation due to the limited acceptance by Korean doctors and people. Further public education campaigns for vascularized composite allotransplantation are needed to increase awareness and acceptance.

Analysis of Congenital Postaxial Polydactyly of the Foot Using Magnetic Resonance Imagings / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of congenital postaxial polydactyly of the foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-hundred and forty-seven feet of 288 patients who underwent congenital postaxial polydactyly or polysyndactyly correction were divided into five subtypes according to the radiographic shapes of deformity origins (widened metatarsal head, bifid, fused duplicated, incompletely duplicated, or completely duplicated). MRIs were assessed to determine whether they unrevealed areas were fused or separated. MRI was also used to assess cases with radiographic phalangeal aplasia. RESULTS: Huge variations were noted in MRIs. Fusion or separation at the base or head between original and extra digits were observed, and MRI effectively depicted phalangeal aplastic areas. CONCLUSION: MRI evaluations of congenital postaxial polydactyly of the foot are useful for determining the anatomical statuses which were not visualized by plain radiography (level of evidence: 3).

Immediate Nail Lengthening with the Eponychial Folding Procedure in Acute Finger Tip Injury

PURPOSE: We present the clinical results and operative method of the immediate eponychium of nail fold set back for lengthening of nails caused by acute fingertip injuries. METHODS: The research was conducted with a total of 172 patients during the period from January 2014 to June 2016. The operation method was performed in a way to fold down the two sides of the nail eponychium and had suture. A survey of the patients' subjective satisfaction was conducted and the relative nail length was compared before and after the operation as well as the nail length of the uninjured contralateral finger. The mean follow-up period was 18.2 weeks. RESULTS: In all cases, the operation time was under 3 minutes. There were no specific complications such as nail eponychium's necrosis or congestion. The new nail did not have any additional deformation. On average, the extended nail length was 3.2 mm. Compared with preoperation, the average extension ratio of the nail length was 48%, even with 75% of nail length recovery in comparison with the uninjured contralateral finger. The subjective self-satisfaction score was 92.5 on average. The satisfaction score was higher for patients who had greater remnant nail length. CONCLUSION: Immediate nail lengthening with the eponychial folding is a simple, safe and useful method with high subjective satisfaction in aesthetics for the patients with acute fingertip injuries.

Primary Ring Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Transfer with Open Carpal Tunnel Release in Extreme Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical outcome for primary ring flexor digitorum superficialis transfer with open carpal tunnel release in extreme carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Ring flexor digitorum superficialis transfer with open release of the transverse carpal ligament was performed on 23 patients who were diagnosed with extreme carpal tunnel syndrome between September 2008 and August 2013. All patients had visibly severe atrophies, with no sign of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of abductor pollicis brevis from electromyography. They wanted simultaneous reconstruction of the function of the hand as well as recovery of the numbness. We evaluated the clinical results using key-pinch, hand grip abilities, disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores, Kapandji scores. RESULTS: Key-pinch and hand grip abilities had no significant difference after the surgery compared with before, but DASH scores were significantly different, averaging 18.6 after, compared with 39.8 before surgery. And Kapandji scores increased significantly from 4.8 before, to 9.3 after the surgery. Numbness and pain in hands were also markedly improved with a different score on VAS each. CONCLUSION: Primary ring flexor digitorum superficialis opponensplasty with open carpal tunnel release is a very practical and useful way of treating extreme carpal tunnel syndrome in thenar weakness.

The Fate of Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome

PURPOSE: We report the causes and prognosis of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AIN) according to the treatment. METHODS: From March 2009 to December 2015, the 20 patients with the clinical symptom of AIN syndrome were enrolled in the study and electromyography (EMG) of AIN was performed. We retrospectively reviewed hand function test, active range of motion, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and EMG during the recovery from disease. We further surveyed the time of recovery and residual symptoms. RESULTS: The patients with unknown cause of the disease (12 cases), heavy work or trauma (6 cases) and infection (2 cases) were investigated in the study. Thirteen out of 15 cases with conservative treatment and 2 out of 5 cases with a surgical treatment at an average of 8 months from disease were recovered. In addition, 8 cases with fine motor disturbance and 3 cases with tingling residual symptom were observed. CONCLUSION: Due to the low possibility of entrapment neuropathy, conservative treatment for 7 months is the first choice rather than surgical treatment. If there is no improvement from the conservative treatment, surgical exploration of AIN is the indication of treatment. After recovery, patients may have the symptoms of fine motor disturbance and tingling.

Comparison of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome with or without Anconeus Epitrochlearis: Are They Different?

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical difference between cubital tunnel syndrome with anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) and idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome without known other causes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included the 326 patients who were subjected to surgery because of cubital tunnel syndrome from 2008 to 2014. After exclusion of patients with other known causes of cubital tunnel syndrome, a total of 107 patients were divided into two groups; patients with and without AE. The clinical differences between two groups were analyzed retrospectively; age, sex, presence of intrinsic muscle atrophy, interval from symptom development to surgery, pinch power, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score and the nerve conduction velocity (NCV). RESULTS: Thirty four (10.4%) patients, being subjected to surgery had the AE. Among 107 patients who had no other known causes, 26 patients had AE. 19 out of 26 patients with AE was male. Average age of patients with AE was significantly younger. The interval from symptom development to surgery in AE patients was significantly shorter. Motor NCV of ulnar nerve at above elbow joint in comparison with that at below elbow joint in AE patient was more significantly decreased (14.3 m/sec vs. 8.3 m/sec). CONCLUSION: The AE in cubital tunnel syndrome is no more rare structure. In younger male patients with rapidly progressive worsening cubital tunnel symptoms, and if there is significant decrease of ulnar motor nerve velocity at above elbow in comparison with at below elbow, the AE should be considered as cause of ulnar neuropathy.

Hamate Hook Fracture with Flexor Tendon Ruptures as a Golf Injury

PURPOSE: We report surgical results and the relationship between hamate hook fracture and flexor tendon rupture occurred during excessive golf practice or rounding. METHODS: The 16 cases of patients with fracture of hamate hook or flexor tendon injury caused by golf swing were examined retrospectively. Hamate hook excision were underwent in fracture alone, flexor tendon reconstruction with tendon transfer of 3rd or 4th flexor digitorum sublimus (FDS) were done in the flexor tendon rupture. Postoperative results were evaluated by means of American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) to compare total range of motion and the grip strength. RESULTS: The fracture gap was not far apart completely in computed tomography (CT) of hamate fracture alone cases. If the flexor tendon rupture with the fracture, the gap in CT was far apart completely. After flexor tendon transfer surgery, two cases were excellent, five cases were good, two cases were fair in ASSH assessment. One case was re-rupture. Grip strength as compared with the normal side was observed for the mean grip strength of 82% recovery. CONCLUSION: The instability of the hamate hook fracture affected to flexor tendon rupture rather than location of the fracture. Hamate hook excision and tendon transfer with FDS can be a good treatment option.

Comparison of Axillary and Supraclavicular Approach in Ultrasound-Guided Brachial Plexus Block

PURPOSE: We examined the success rate and adverse effects of ultrasound-guided axillary and supraclavicular approach brachial plexus block. METHODS: From December 2013 to February 2014, 580 cases of patients received ultrasound-guided axillary approach or supraclavicular approach brachial plexus block. All blocks were performed by one anesthesiologist under ultrasound visualization using 0.2% or 0.75% ropivacaine 1% lidocaine with epinephrine in 1:200,000 as the anesthetic mixture. RESULTS: Failure rate of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block was 1.2% and 0.2% in axillary and supraclavicular approach, respectively. In supraclavicular approach brachial plexus block, Honer's syndrome was observed in 17.9%, chest discomfort in 14.9%, and arterial puncture in 1%. There was no adverse effect in axillary approach brachial plexus block. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block serves higher success rate and lower occurrence rate of adverse effect and makes it useful for hand and upper extremity surgery. Supraclavicular approach has relatively higher success rate and lower rate of adverse effect than axillary approach.

Functional Reconstruction of the Digit using Palmaris Longus Tendocutaneous Arterialized Venous Free Flap

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the results after functional reconstruction of the digits using palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flap in digits with compound defects. METHODS: This study is based on 29 cases of palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flaps harvested from the ipsilateral wrist for the reconstruction of compound defect of the digits. Over the past 10 years, we performed in 17 cases of complex defects of extensor tendon on dorsum of the digits, 7 cases of collateral ligament of the proximal or distal interphalangeal joint and 5 cases of flexor tendon defect with soft tissue defect on the palmar aspect of the digits. We assessed survival rate of the flaps and functional recovery of the digits. RESULTS: All free flaps completely survived except one with completele necrosis and another one with 50% necrosis. In cases of extensor tendon defect, the mean total active range of motion of the digits was 180degrees, in cases of flexor tendon reconstruction, it was 165degrees. In reconstruction of collateral ligament of interphalangeal joint of the thumb and digits, flexion and extension was within normal range and we got very good results without instability in all 7 cases. CONCLUSION: Palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flaps are very useful for reconstruction of composite defect of the digits with extensor or flexor tendons as well as collateral ligaments.

Arthroscopically assisted Cancellous Bone Grafting and Percutaneous K-Wires Fixation for the Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunions

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical results of patients with scaphoid nonunions treated with arthroscopically assisted bone grafting and percutaneous K-wires fixation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with a scaphoid nonunions which was treated with arthroscopically assisted bone grafting and percutaneous K-wires fixation from November 2008 to July 2012. Time from injury to treatment was 74 months (range, 3-480 months) in average. Functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, which were measured before operation and at the last follow up. RESULTS: All nonunions were healed successfully. The average radiologic union time was 9.7 weeks (range, 7-14 weeks). The average VAS score improved from 6.3 (range, 4-8) preoperatively to 1.6 (range, 0-3) at the last follow up. The average modified Mayo wrist score increased from 62.5 preoperatively to 85.7 at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopically assisted bone grafting and percutaneous K-wires fixation is an effective treatment method for a scaphoid nonunion. It may provide more biological environment than open surgery as a minimally invasive procedure.

Efficiency of Vein Repair for Distally Based Avulsion Flap Injury of the Hand and Forearm

PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate the efficiency of vein repair on flap survival in distally based avulsion flap injury of the hand and forearm. METHODS: Sixteen cases of distally based avulsion flap injury larger than 30 cm2 in size of the hand and forearm in which vein repair was done were enrolled. All had a avulsion injury by rolling machine. To survive the flap, extensive debridement was done to reduce the size of distally based flap injury as little as possible. Thereafter, an average of 1.4 vein were repaired. Postoperatively, hyberbaric oxygen therapy was performed for 2 weeks. The flap survival was assessed at three weeks after operation. RESULTS: When comparing the size of distally based avulsion flap injury and flaps that survived after operation, excellent results were observed in 12 cases, and good results in 4 cases. Additional operation was required including split thickness skin graft in 4 cases. A reverse island fasciocutaneous flap was performed in one case, and elbow joint arthrolysis was performed in another one. CONCLUSION: Treatment of distally based avulsion flap injury of the hand and forearm using vein repair lead to relatively satisfying results in flap survival by allowing earlier motion of the joint, providing favorable functional results.

Modified Bilhaut-Cloquet Procedure for Convergent Type IV of Duplicated Thumb

PURPOSE: The authors applied modified Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure to convergent type of Wassel type IV duplicated thumb. In order to avoid secondary Z-deformity and dysfunction of the reconstructed thumb, the authors modified operative techniques of Bilhaut-Clopuet procedure. METHODS: Fourteen patients received Bilhaut-Cloquet procedures to correct duplicated thumbs from October 2008 to May 2013. Five patients were balanced type and nine patients were unbalanced type. Mean age at the operation was 20.1 month-old (range, 12-52 month-old). Angular deformity, joint stability, range of joint motion and cosmetic outcome were estimated based on Tada score. Postoperative subjective satisfaction score of the parents was evaluated using a 100-points scale. RESULTS: Mean subjective satisfaction score was 75 points at 28 months after the operation. Radiologic study showed bony union of proximal phalangeal bone and stable joint in all patients. Mean range of motion was 20 degrees in interphalangeal joint and 73 degrees in metacarpophalangeal joint. Based on Tada score, the results were good in ten patients (72%), fair in two (14%) and poor in two (14%). Seven patients who were able to follow up for a long term showed no significant difference in length of proximal and distal phalangeal bones compared to the opposite thumb. CONCLUSION: Modified Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure can be applied not only to balanced type of convergent Wassel type IV duplicated thumb, but also to unbalanced type, that focused on functional reconstruction and cosmetic improvement.

Anatomical Distribution of Branches of the Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve during Cubital Tunnel Surgery

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study is to examine the anatomical variations of the branches of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve in Koreans encountered during cubital tunnel surgery. METHODS: Ninety two patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with a standard approach from December 2008 to July 2012. The position of the branches of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve was evaluated based on the medial humeral epicondyle with the elbows fully extended. RESULTS: At least one medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve branch was found during the surgeries in all patients. The average number of crossing medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve branches per patient was 1.6. Thirty-eight percent of the cases showed that the medial cutaneous nerve branches cross proximal to the medial humeral epicondyle within 1 cm. Eighty-two percent showed that the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve branches cross distal to the medial humeral epicondyle within 1.9 cm. CONCLUSION: When using standard approach during cubital tunnel surgery, more than one medial forearm cutaneous nerve is found. Therefore, understanding the general position of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve branches helps avoid iatrogenic damage to this nerve during cubital tunnel surgery.

Replantation for Amputation of the Finger by a Dog Bite

We present the case of a 49-year-old man with a dog bite on his right index finger at the mid-phalanx level. The finger was severely contaminated by the dog bite but, the amputation margin was clean. We replantated the stump. His finger was recovered very successfully 12 months later. It is recommended that in these types of cases, replantation of the severed finger should proceed even if the amputated finger was contaminated by the dog bite, unless there are other factors that prevent replantation.

Revision Surgery after Carpal Tunnel Release for Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

PURPOSE: To report the causes of recurrent and persistent symptoms after carpal tunnel release and to evaluate the result of revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: wenty one patients who underwent surgery for recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome after carpal tunnel release were studied. The mean age was 59 years. There were 2 men and 19 women. The mean time interval between first operation and revision surgery was 29.8 months, and mean follow up period was 10.6 months. The operations were done by single surgeon. RESULTS: The most common cause of failed carpal tunnel release was scar adhesion, which was observed in nine cases. Other causes included incomplete release of transverse carpal ligament in six, scar adhesion with incomplete release in three, iatrogenic median nerve injury in two, and unrecognized calcification in one. Following revision surgery, 15 cases (71%) showed alleviation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: In cases of recurrent or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome following carpal tunnel release, evaluation of the causes is essential in performing revision surgery.

Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Local Lesions

PURPOSE: To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of nonidiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) caused by variable local lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who underwent surgery for CTS caused by local lesions were studied. The average age was 53.3 years. There were 5 men and 10 women. Plain radiographs including carpal tunnel view and ultrasonography were routinely performed, and magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were taken in selected cases. Carpal tunnel release were done by a single surgeon. RESULTS: Lesions causing CTS included calcification in five cases, ganglion in two, malunion after distal radius fracture in one, osteophyte of carpal bone in one, tuberculosis tenosynovitis in one, synovitis by foreign body in one, acute lunate dislocation in one, lipoma in two, median artery in one. Following surgery, all cases showed alleviation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Prior to surgical decompression of CTS, it is important to assess any lesion around median nerve and carpal tunnel through physical examination, radiographs including carpal tunnel view and ultrasonography.

Suspended Replantation in Complete Amputations of the Hand and Finger

PURPOSE: We report the results of replantations which was intentionally delayed for a certain period of time in patients with an amputation of multiple digits, both hands or the single digit presented at night. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two staged intentianlly delayed replantations were performed in twenty patients. Three patients had amputations of four or more fingers, two had bilateral hand amputations and fifteen had a single digit amputation. RESULTS: The mean warm ischemic time was 3 hours and 58 minutes. The mean cold ischemic time was 2 hours and 36 minutes for the first operation, and 15 hours and 13 minutes for the second operation. Twenty digits out of 28 digits (85%) survived completely. At the mean follow-up of months, functional results according to Chen's criteria were rated as excellent in six patients, good in eight, and fair in five. CONCLUSION: When the patients had multiple finger amputations, bilateral hand amputations or presented late at night, intentional delay of the replantation also provide satisfactory outcomes.

Dupuytren's Contracture Release with Straight Line Incision and Multiple Z-plasty

PURPOSE: To report the results of patients with a Dupuytren's contracture treated with fasciectomy combined with straight line incision and multiple Z-plasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed retrospective study on 33 hands in 28 patients who had a Dupuytren's contracture between March 2006 to July 2009. Patients were males and the average age was 62-year-old ranging from 50 to 75. There were 15 single and 18 multiple digits involvement. Operation involved fasciectomy using straight skin incision combined with multiple Z-plasty. Postoperative assessment was based on the Honner's classification and range of motion of the involved fingers. RESULTS: According to Honner's classification, the clinical results were excellent in 19 cases, good in 11 and fair in 3. No complication was found except three patients who complained of pain for 6 months after the surgery. The mean range of motion of the involved fingers was 120degrees preoperatively and it increased to 205degrees postoperatively. Cold intolerance lasted for about 6 months in 5 patients but improved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: In patients with a Dupuytren's contracture, fasciectomy with a straight midline incision and multiple Z-plasty provides satisfactory recovery of finger motions.

Extended Indications of Bilhaut-Cloquet Procedure for Type III and IV of Duplicated Thumb

PURPOSE: The authors applied Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure to Wassel type III and IV duplicated thumb, which was limited to patients with Wassel type I, II. This procedure was applied in order to improve the growth potential, range of joint motion, joint stability and cosmetic outcome. METHODS: Sixteen patients received Bilhaut-Cloquet procedures to correct duplicated thumbs from May, 2005 to December, 2010. Seven patients were Wassel type III, nine patients were type IV. This procedure was applied not only to balanced type, but also unbalanced type or convergent type. Five patients were balanced type and eleven patients were unbalanced type. Convergent type of Wassel type IV was three. Sex ratio was the same, mean age at the operation was 20.1 months old(8~52 months old). Angular deformity, joint stability and range of joint motion and cosmetic outcome were considered together and estimated in Tada score. Also, postoperative subjective satisfaction score of the parents was evaluated by a 100-points scale. RESULTS: Mean subjective satisfaction scored 75 points at 28 months after the operation. Radiologic study showed bony union of proximal phalangeal bone and stable joint in all patients. Range of motion was mean 20 degrees in interphalangeal joint and mean 73 degrees in metacarpophalangeal joint. Tada score showed 'good' in eleven patients(68.8%), 'fair' in three patients(18.7%) and 'poor' in two patients(12.5%). In seven patients those who were able to follow up for a long term showed no significant difference in length of proximal and distal phalangeal bones compared to the opposite thumb. CONCLUSION: Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure can be applied not only to balanced type of Wassel type III, IV duplicated thumb, but also to unbalanced type or convergent type that focused on functional reconstruction and cosmetic improvement.

Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Thumb

Compared with non-microsurgical reconstruction of the thumb, microsurgical reconstruction can provide more desirable postoperative results regarding to the function as well as appearance. Toe transfer in one of its forms offers many of the best ways to reconstruct defects of the thumb. For reconstruction of the pulp, nail, and the first web space, microsurgical transfer of required tissues provides excellent sensory restoration leaving little morbidity at the foot. For composite defect of the partial thumb amputations, wrap-around procedure and trimmed great toe transfer is one of the best options in cosmesis. Trimmed great toe transfer technique is to circumvent the lack of motion of the wrap-around flap. In cases of loss of the entire thumb, preliminary procedure is inevitable to avoid foot morbidity. After distant groin flap and autogenous bone graft, secondary toe-to-hand transfer is possible with great toe or second toe. Regarding to operation timing, preoperative planning is very important to induce rapport formation between patient and doctor. In case of malignant tumor resection, immediate reconstruction is much better than delayed reconstruction. Transfer of all parts of the great toe imparts some morbidity to the foot, but the effect when evaluated with gait studies is generally minimal. Certainly, the tradeoff of a thumb for the loss of the great toe is usually well-accepted by the patient. The primary disadvantage of these techniques is their inherent complexity and, although they offer superb reconstructive options in patients with loss of all or part of the thumb, their application should probably be limited to those practitioners with experience.