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SUMMARY: This study investigates the relationship between the second and fourth finger ratio (2D:4D), physicians' propensity to choose an internal or surgical branch, and sex differences. On a voluntary basis, 177 physicians working in Elazig, 122 men and 55 women were enrolled in the study. Their hands were measured for 2D and 4D lengths, and the 2D:4D ratio was computed. In female doctors, the left hand's 2D:4D ratio is 1.01, compared to the right hand's 1.00. Male doctors' right 2D:4D ratio is 0.99, while their left 2D:4D ratio is 1.00. Male physicians' 2D:4D ratios were different from those of men in the general population, whereas female physicians' 2D:4D ratios were comparable to those of women in the general population. As a result, this study was the first to examine the relationship between the ratio of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D), physicians' tendency to choose an internal medicine or surgical branch, and sex differences. While the 2D:4D ratio was higher than 0.98 in all physicians, it was low in women who disliked their profession and branch. Since there aren't many studies on this subject, data from in-depth studies that will be conducted in the future will help physicians who choose internal medicine and surgery make more informed decisions.
Este estudio investiga la relación entre la proporción de los dedos segundo y cuarto (2D:4D), la propensión de los médicos a elegir una rama interna o quirúrgica y las diferencias de género. De forma voluntaria, se inscribieron en el estudio 177 médicos que trabajaban en Elazig, 122 hombres y 55 mujeres. Sus manos se midieron en longitudes 2D y 4D, y se calculó la relación 2D:4D. En las médicos mujeres, la relación 2D:4D de la mano izquierda es 1,01, en comparación con 1,00 de la mano derecha. La relación 2D:4D derecha de los médicos hombres fue 0,99, mientras que la relación 2D:4D izquierda fye 1,00. Las proporciones 2D:4D de los médicos hombres fueron diferentes de las de los hombres en la población general, mientras que las proporciones 2D:4D de las mujeres médicas fueron comparables a las de las mujeres en la población general. Como resultado, este estudio fue el primero en examinar la relación entre la proporción del segundo y cuarto dedo (2D:4D), la tendencia de los médicos a elegir una rama de medicina interna o quirúrgica y las diferencias de sexo. Mientras que la relación 2D:4D fue superior a 0,98 en todos los médicos, fue baja en las mujeres que no les gustaba su profesión y rama. Dado que no hay muchos estudios sobre este tema, los datos de estudios en profundidad que se realizarán en el futuro ayudarán a los médicos que eligen medicina interna y cirugía a tomar decisiones más informadas.
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Humans , Male , Female , Physicians/psychology , Choice Behavior , Fingers/anatomy & histology , Digit Ratios , General Surgery , Sex Factors , Anthropometry , Sex Characteristics , Internal MedicineABSTRACT
Background: The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D ratio) is derived by dividing the length of the index finger (2D) by the length of the ring finger (4D). It has been considered as an index of how much the fetus is exposed to testosterone in utero. Research has suggested that high levels of testosterone are associated with low 2D:4D ratio. The relationship between 2D:4D ratio and physical performance is still an unexplored field in badminton players. Aims and Objectives: This study intends to assess the digit ratio 2D:4D in non-elite male badminton players in comparison to their sedentary controls. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 male badminton players in the age group of 19–23 years who were practicing badminton for more than 3 years and 30 age, body mass index-matched sedentary controls. The second and fourth finger measurements were taken from scanned printouts using Vernier calipers. Results: The 2D:4D ratio was significantly lower in the left hand of badminton players when compared to their controls (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in 2D:4D ratios of the right hand and 2D:4D (? r–l) between badminton players and controls. Conclusion: There was significant difference in the ratio of 2nd–4th digit between badminton players and controls in the left hand but not in the right hand. The reason for no difference in 2D:4D ratio and controls in the right hand could be due to the fact that badminton is a moderate intensity sport, and also, the study participants were non-elite players.
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SUMMARY: Digit ratio established in utero is positivelly correlated with intrauterine level of estrogen. Since the breast cancer is related to excessive and prolonged exposure to estrogen, digit ratio might be considered as useful marker in breast cancer risk assessment. The aim of the present study was to compare digit ratios in breast cancer patients and healthy controls. The study group consisted of 98 breast cancer patients aged between 29 to 84 years while the control group included 141 healthy women aged between 21 and 67 years. After collecting anamnestic data concerning menopausal status, the length of second and fourth fingers were measured and the digit ratios were calculated for both hands, as well as the difference between right and left digit ratio. Digit ratio was significantly higher on right hand in breast cancer patients compaired to healthy controls (1.003±0.05 vs. 0.990±0.03). Right digit ratio showed better predictive capacity for the breast cancer development then the left (AUC:0.609 vs. 0.541). Negative statistically significant correlation between right digit ratio and the age of breast cancer diagnosis was observed (r=-0.271). Higher values of right digit ratio in women with breast cancer when compared to healthy women suggest their higher prenatal estrogen exposure that confirms the importance of digit ratio determination in breast cancer risk assessment.
La proporción de dígitos establecida en el útero, se correlaciona positivamente con el nivel intrauterino de estrógeno. Dado que el cáncer de mama está relacionado con una exposición excesiva y prolongada a los estrógenos, la proporción de dígitos podría considerarse un marcador útil en la evaluación del riesgo de cáncer de mama. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar proporciones de dígitos en pacientes con cáncer de mama y controles sanos. El grupo de estudio consistió en 98 pacientes con cáncer de mama con edades comprendidas entre los 29 y los 84 años, mientras que el grupo de control incluyó a 141 mujeres sanas con edades comprendidas entre los 21 y los 67 años. Después de recopilar datos anamnésticos sobre el estado menopáusico, se midió la longitud de los dedos segundo y anular y se calcularon las proporciones de los dedos para ambas manos, así como la diferencia entre la proporción de los dedos derecho e izquierdo. La proporción de dígitos fue significativamente mayor en la mano derecha en pacientes con cáncer de mama en comparación con controles sanos (1,003 ± 0,05 frente a 0,990 ± 0,03). La proporción del dígito derecho mostró una mejor capacidad predictiva para el desarrollo de cáncer de mama que el izquierdo (AUC: 0.609 vs. 0.541). Se observó una correlación estadísticamente significativa negativa entre la proporción de dígitos derechos y la edad del diagnóstico de cáncer de mama (r=-0,271). Los valores más altos de la proporción de dígitos derechos en mujeres con cáncer de mama en comparación con mujeres sanas sugieren una mayor exposición prenatal a estrógenos que confirma la importancia de la determinación de la proporción de dígitos en la evaluación del riesgo de cáncer de mama.
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Humans , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Young Adult , Breast Neoplasms/diagnosis , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Fingers/anatomy & histology , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Age Factors , Digit RatiosABSTRACT
Objective:To explore indications for replantation of proximal proper digital artery and establishing extrinsic arterial perfusion pressure in the treatment of special type of severed digits with avulsion over 12.0 hours of warm ischemia, and to analyse the factors that affected the survival rate of the replanted digits.Methods:From September 2014 to January 2022, 8 patients with severed digits and prolonged warm ischemia were treated by transposition of adjacent digital artery together with the technique of extrinsic arterial perfusion pressure in the Department of Wrist and Hand Surgery, the Orthopaedic Hospital in Sichuan Province. During the operation, the defected proximal proper digital artery was reconstructed and repaired with vein graft, one side of the digital artery was repaired with an inverted "Y" vein graft, and one side of "Y" vein was bridged and anastomosed to repair the original digital artery. On the other side, the adjacent proximal proper digital arteries were transpositioned and anastomosed to gain an extrinsic arterial perfusion pressure, which increased the distal haemodynamic and reconstituted the blood supply. Of the 8 patients (9 severed digits) : 1 had severed index and middle fingers, 2 had severed index fingers, 4 had severed thumbs and 1 had severed little finger. All the patients were males, aged 16-63 years old, at 37.6 years old in average. Warm ischemia time of the severed digits were 12.3-20.6 hours, with 17.4 hours in average. The survival rate of replanted digits was observed after surgery. Postoperative follow-ups were conducted through telephone or WeChat reviews.Results:Follow-up time was 6-26 months, at 8.3 months in average. Retrospective analysis was performed. Vascular compromises occurred in 3 patients 4 digits (arterial insufficiency in 1 digit, venous congestion in 3 digits), skin necrosis occurred in 1 patient (1 digit) and digit necrosis in 1 patient (1 digit). Overall, 8 of the 9 replanted digits survived. According to the Replantation Function Evaluation Standard of Hand Surgery Association of Chinese Medical Association, the digit function after replantation was evaluated at excellent in 6 digits, good in 1 digit and poor in 1 digit.Conclusion:For a severed digit with an ischemia time over 12.0 hours, the survival rate can be improved by transposition of an adjacent digital artery to provided extrinsic arterial perfusion pressure.
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Objective:To compare the difference in clinical efficacy between a free wrist crease flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap (SPBRAF) and a traditional free toe flap (TFTF) in reconstruction of hand soft tissue defects, and to provide reference for the treatment of small-to medium-sized hand soft tissue defects.Methods:Data of 37 patients who received hand surgery in Department of Hand Surgery, No.971 Hospital of the PLA Navy from December 2016 to December 2019 for small-to medium-sized hand soft tissue defects were retrospectively studied. Among the 37 patients, there were 32 males and 5 females, aged between 18 and 65 years old, with 41.5 years old in average. According to the reconstructive surgical procedure, patients were divided into SPBRAF group (22 cases) and TFTF group (15 cases). Regular follow-ups were conducted after surgery. The difference in curative effect at the last follow-up between the 2 groups was evaluated by the comparison of data acquired in follow-up. SPSS 25.0 was used to analyse the data statistically. The evaluation indicators included flap survival, long-term recovery of flap, recovery effect at donor site, total active movement(TAM) of the affected digit, time of hospital stay and the time return to work. P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant. Results:All free flaps survived. All patients were entered 6-18 (mean, 10) months of postoperative follow-up to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic effect. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Function of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, in the SPBRAF group, 20 flaps were found in excellent, and 2 in good; in the TFTF group, 14 flaps were found in excellent, 1 in good. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups( P>0.05). The colour, texture and thickness of flaps between the 2 groups were either in excellent or good. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups( P>0.05). TPD in the TFTF group (5-6 mm) was better than that in SPBRAF group (6-7 mm) with statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Texture at donor sites between the 2 groups was either in excellent or good ( P>0.05). In terms of appearance, sensation and recovery time of donor site, it was found that the SPBRAF group(mean, 6 weeks) was significantly better than those in the TFTF group(mean, 8 weeks) and there was statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). In terms of recovery of TAM in single-digit, excellent or good were shown in both groups and there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). In terms of hospitalisation and time for return to work, the SPBRAF group(mean, 8 days and 17 weeks) was significantly better than that of TFTF group(mean, 12 days and 24 weeks), and there was statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:SPBRAF has an ideal effect on reconstruction of small-to medium-sized hand soft tissue defects in hand. Although the flap is still inferior in sensation and appearance compared with the TFTF, the advantages in terms of donor site recovery, patient satisfaction of the donor site and reduced time of hospitalisation and return to original work are more obvious. SPBRAF provides a good complement to surgical procedures reconstructing a digit defect.
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El signo del dedo azul (SDA) es una condición poco frecuente causada principalmente por la oclusión de la vasculatura periférica. Clínicamente puede manifestarse como una coloración azulada o eritrocianótica en uno o varios dedos en ausencia de traumatismo y condiciones propias de congelación. Las etiologías son múltiples e incluyen obstrucción del flujo arterial, disminución del flujo venoso y alteración en la viscosidad sanguínea. La importancia de reconocer el signo como motivo de consulta radica en encaminar un diagnóstico temprano e instaurar un tratamiento que evite la evolución natural de la enfermedad hacia la necrosis, amputación o muerte del paciente. Proponemos un algoritmo diagnóstico para reconocer los elementos de la historia clínica que guíen la etiología y los paraclínicos disponibles desde el Servicio de Urgencias.
Blue finger sign (BFS) is a rare condition caused mainly by occlusion of peripheral vasculature. Clinically it may manifest as a bluish, or erythrocyanotic discoloration of one or more fingers in the absence of trauma and freezing conditions. The etiologies are multiple and include arterial flow obstruction, decreased venous flow, and altered blood viscosity. The importance of recognizing the sign as a reason for consultation lies in the early diagnosis and the establishment of a treatment that finally avoids the natural evolution of the disease towards necrosis and finally amputation or death of the patient. We propose a diagnostic algorithm based on recognizing elements of the clinical history that guide the etiology and paraclinical available from the Emergency Department.
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Signs and Symptoms , Ischemia , Mesenteric Vascular OcclusionABSTRACT
Introduction: Depression in the elderly can have a different pathophysiology and clinical profile, and studies have shown pathological changes in the brain on radio imaging. The present study aimed to find out the association of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the severity of illness and cognition in elderly depressed patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 68 elderly (>60 years of age) depressed patients who had undergone MRI at a tertiary care center, and based on the severity of WMH, they were divided into two groups: no or slight WMH group and moderate or severe WMH group. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scale, and neuropsychological assessments were made for testing attention, concentration and executive function. Results: HAM?D scores were found significantly higher in patients with moderate?to?severe WMH groups (22.6 ± 5.2) compared to those with no or slight WMH (16.3 ± 4.2). The cognitive performance evaluated by backward digit span test, Trail making Test A and B, and Color Stroop test was significantly poor in the moderate?to?severe WMH group. Conclusion: Elderly depressed patients having a greater WMH had more severe depression and poor cognitive performance, especially psychomotor and executive functioning. WMH could be a potential marker for the severity of illness and cognition in depression in elderly persons.
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A patient who suffered soft tissue defects of all 5 digits of left hand was referred to the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China in January 2020. A quadruple paddled posterior interosseous artery flaps was used to cover the defect in index, middle, ring and little fingers and a free hallux nail flap was used to repair the defect in thumb. Two years after operation, the appearance and texture of the flaps of all digits in the left hand were good. The function of the digits was good as well. There were slightly noticeable scars left in both the donor sites of left forearm and right foot.
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Objective:To retrospectively analyse the clinical effect of sensation reconstructed free medial plantar artery perforator flap in repair of digit-tip defects.Methods:From March 2017 to February 2021, 11 cases with digit-tip defect were repaired by medial plantar artery perforator flap in the Department of Hand Surgery of Xuzhou Renci Hospital. The cutaneous sensory nerves were separated when the flap was harvested, and then the sensory nerves were sutured to the palmar nerves of the digits to reconstruct the sensation of the flap. All wounds had exposure of phalangeal bones, the size of the digit-tip defects was 1.2 cm×1.0 cm-2.5 cm×2.2 cm, the size of the flaps was 1.6 cm×1.5 cm-3.0 cm×2.7 cm. Ten donor sites were directly sutured and 1 was repaired by skin grafting. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up through outpatient clinic and WeChat reviews to collect relevant information, including texture, sweating, stability, sensation, degree of bloating, blood circulation, usage of the flaps and skin and scars at the donor sites.Results:All flaps survived besides 1 case had venous occlusion occurred 12 hours after the operation, and the venous occlusion was relieved by releasing the dressing and removing some of sutures, and the flap survived smoothly. The wounds in the donor sites healed well. The postoperative follow-up period lasted for 6-18 months, with an average of 10.7 months. The flaps were soft, wear-resistant, and stable. The skin texture was restored with a small amount or normal sweating. One flap had mild bloated, and another flap showed a slightly poor colour of the flap together with a lower temperature. The sensory recovery of the flaps was good, reaching S 3+ or above. The TPD had achieved 6.0-8.5 mm, with an average of 7.1 mm. One patient had concerns in using the affected digit and 3 cases were in protective use of the affected digits. There was no wear and ulcer in the foot donor sites. According to Wang Shuhuan's assessment of flap function and Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, the patients in this group were scored excellent in 8 cases and good in 3 cases. Conclusion:The application of free medial plantar artery perforator flap in repair of digit-tip wounds can achieve good repairs. The donor site is hidden without effect on walking. It is one of the ideal donor sites for repairing digit-tip wounds.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of Flow-through perforator flap of posterior interosseous artery in repair of dorsal digital soft tissue defect with disorder of blood supply in digital tip.Methods:From January 2018 to June 2020, 12 patients who had digital dorsum soft tissue defect with digital tip blood supply disorder were treated with Flow-through perforator flap of posterior interosseous artery. The size of flaps was 2.0 cm× 2.0 cm-5.5 cm×3.0 cm. The posterior interosseous artery in the flap was bridged with the proper palmar artery of digit, 1 subcutaneous vein in the flap was anastomosed with the dorsal subcutaneous vein, and 1 subcutaneous vein in the posterior interosseous artery with the palmar subcutaneous vein. The donor sites were sutured directly. The wound healing, blood supply of digit and flap survival were observed after operation. The quality of flap survival and digital joint function were observed in the follow-up reviews at outpatient clinic.Results:All the 12 Flow-through perforator flaps of posterior interosseous artery survived, the blood supply of digit was good, and the wounds healed in the first stage. The follow-up period was 6-24 months. The appearance and texture of the flaps were good without obvious bloating. Only linear scar was left in the forearm donor site. According to the Trial Standard of Upper Limb Function Evaluation of Chinese Society of Hand Surgery, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 1 case.Conclusion:The perforator flap of posterior interosseous artery has constant anatomy, and the diameter of blood vessel matches the blood vessels of digits. It is suitable for Flow-through technique. It has less subcutaneous tissue, no secondary thinning, and the donor site can be closed directly. It is a good method to repair the dorsal soft tissue defect with disorder of digital end blood circulation.
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@#Replantation of fingers is highly complex and technically challenging. Surgeons are serious with their selection criteria as many factors are involved in determining good surgical outcome. Improper storages of amputated parts are usually denied the option for replantation. We report a 42-year-old lady who was assaulted with a machete and presented with total amputation of left thumb. The amputated thumb was stored in a plastic bag directly on ice cubes which eventually melted; thumb immersed in water for two hours. On examination, the amputated thumb was neither macerated nor frozen. Replantation was attempted and was successful. There are limited reports on proper methods of storage of amputated fingers pertaining to daily practical scenario. Yet, it is a strict criterion for surgeons in attempting replantation. Direct contact of amputated fingers on ice and immersion in hypotonic solutions leads to irreversible tissue damage. In our case, two hours of unfavourable storage did not affect surgical outcome. In conclusion, clinical assessment of the amputated part is essential in deciding for replantation. Combination of direct contact with ice and immersion in hypotonic solution for two hours should not be a contraindication for replantation.
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Objective:To explore the surgical method and therapeutic effect of repairing soft tissue defect of digit-tip with single subcutaneous pedicle V-Y advancing flap combined with skin grafting.Methods:From August 2013 to December 2020, 25 soft tissue defects of digit-tip were repaired by a single subcutaneous pedicle V-Y advancing flap combined with pedicle skin grafting. The area of the defects was 0.8 cm× 0.8 cm to 1.6 cm× 1.4 cm. The flaps were harvested from palm or lateral side of the wound and the area of flap was 0.5 cm×1.0 cm to 0.8 cm×2.5 cm. In order to make the flap transfer to a further distance, the subcutaneous fibre connection of the flap was cut-off during the operation. At the same time, cut off 1 side of subcutaneous pedicle. Finally, the advanced distance of the flap reached 0.5-1.2 cm. After the flap harvested, the medium thickness skin was removed for graft to close the donor site from the wrist striations. After the surgery, follow-up visits were conducted regularly by outpatient clinic, or via telephone or WeChat review or by home visit. Throughout the follow-up, the flap appearance, sensation and recovery of the function of digital joint were observed, together with the patient satisfaction. Results:After the surgery, the postoperative follow-up lasted for 4 months to 8 years. All 25 flaps and skin grafts were survived in first stage wound healing. The flaps and skin grafting areas had excellent texture. The fingerprint had been reconstructed with good appearance. The TPD was 4-9 mm, the functions of digital joint recovered well, and there was no complain about a discomfort at the donor site. According to the evaluation standard of Michigan hand function questionnaire, all 25 patients were very satisfied with the overall appearance and function of the hand. According to Total Angle of Motion (TAM) evaluation standard, finger mobility was excellent in all 25 patients.Conclusion:Subcutaneous V-Y advancing flap combined with skin grafting is an ideal method for repairing soft tissue defect of digit-tip. The surgery characterises a simple flap cutting, less traumatic damage, long advancing distance of flap and good repair effect.
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Objective:To explore the surgical technique and therapeutic effect of flap wrapping repair of soft tissue defect after digit degloving injury with free arm medial perforator flap.Methods:From October 2009 to December 2020, 15 patients with soft tissue defect after digit degloving injury were repaired with free arm medial perforator flaps. The patients were 9 males and 6 females aged 22 to 50 years old, with an average of 32 years old. Injury mechanism: 13 cases of machine strangulation and 2 cases of machine crushing. Plane of sleeve avulsion injury: at the distal metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb in 2 cases, at the middle and distal segment of single finger of 2nd to 5th fingers in 4 cases, and at distal metacarpophalangeal joint of 2nd to 5th fingers in 9 cases. Seven cases were in left hand and 8 in right hand. Emergency surgery was performed in 2 cases and scheduled surgery in 13 cases. The flap was designed in a shape of a long strip, and the size of the flap was 5.0 cm×2.5 cm-14.0 cm×3.5 cm. During the operation, the artery of the flap pedicle was anastomosed with the palmar digital proper artery or common digital artery of the recipient digit, the subcutaneous vein or the companion vein of the artery was anastomosed with the dorsal or palmar digital subcutaneous vein, and the medial brachial cutaneous nerve carried in the flap was anastomosed with the stump of palmar digital proper nerve. All the donor sites were directly sutured. After the surgery, follow-up visits were conducted regularly at outpatient clinic, or via telephone and WeChat review or by home visit. The flap appearance, sensation and function recovery of digital joints were observed together with the patient satisfaction. Results:All flaps survived successfully after surgery. Six patients with degloving defect of the whole digit had encountered poor wound healing caused by distal phalangeal necrosis. The second stage stump trimming was performed to keep the digit to the distal end of the middle segment. Two cases of thumb and 2 cases of middle finger suffered further burning and worn tears at 7-9 months after surgery and self-healed. The follow-up period was 6-28 (average 16) months. The flap was soft without bloating. The sensation recovered to S 2-S 3. The shape of fingers was good, and no secondary flap surgery was necessary. The overall movement of interphalangeal joints was poor. According to the evaluation standard of Michigan hand function questionnaire, 15 patients achieved very satisfactory with the overall appearance and function of hands. The linear scars at donor site were hidden without complications such as tenderness and contraction. Conclusion:The free medial perforator flap of the arm is easy to design and thin, hence does not affect the shape of a digit. So, it is ideal for the repair of soft tissue defect after digit degloving injury.
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Objective:To investigate the surgical technique and clinical effect of the island flap of dorsal branch of proper palmar digital artery in repair of the soft tissue defect of digits.Methods:From March 2013 to March 2021, 22 cases of digit soft tissue defects were repaired with dorsal branch of proper palmar digital artery island flap. The digit defects involved: 9 thumbs, 5 index fingers, 3 middle fingers, 3 ring fingers and 2 little fingers. The repair of defects covered 8 digit-tips, 7 pulps and 7 dorsal and nail beds. The defected area of soft tissue was 0.8 cm×0.5 cm-1.5 cm×8.0 cm, and the size of flap was 1.0 cm×0.7 cm-1.8 cm×1.0 cm. The donor site in 6 cases was closed directly. The other 16 cases were covered with medium thickness skin graft and pressurised bandaging. The follow-up reviews were carried out via the outpatient clinic visit, telephone or WeChat interview. Results:After operation, 1 flap had cyanosis due to a tight suture and it was relieved after the removal of intermittent suture; Tension blisters appeared in 2 cases and disappeared after 1 week; One case had necrosis at distal flap and healed after dressing change. Other flaps survived successfully and the incision and donor site healed in the first stage. All patients were entered to 6 to 18(mean 10) months of follow-up. At the final follow-up, the appearance and texture of the flaps were good and the protective sensation was restored. The flexion and extension function of the affected digit was normal with the TPD at 7-11 mm. The original shape and function of the digit body were basically reconstructed, except the failure in reconstruction of the special structure of digit body, such as nail, finger pulp thread and fine sensation. According to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Function of Chinese Hand Surgery Society, 11 cases were in excellent, 9 in good and 2 in fair. The excellent and good rate was 91%. The function at donor sites was not affected.Conclusion:Repair of digit soft tissue defect with dorsal branch of proper palmar digital artery island flap is easy to operate, and with a low risk, high success rate and satisfactory curative effect.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of homodigital reversed dorsal digital artery island flap innervated by the dorsal digital nerve to repair degloving injury of distal thumb.Methods:From July 2016 to June 2019, a total of 15 cases (15 thumbs) with degloving injury of distal part were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Tangshan. Nine males and six females were involved, with an average age of 49 years (range, 41 to 69 years). There were twist injury in eight cases and crush injury in seven cases, with four cases of distal phalanx fracture. The defect dimensions after debridement ranged from 3.5 cm×1.8 cm to 4.6 cm×2.4 cm, and the dimension of the flaps ranged from 3.8 cm×2.1 cm to 5.0 cm×2.7 cm. All defects were repaired using homodigital reversed dorsal digital artery island flap innervated by the dorsal digital nerve. The survival, appearance and sensory recovery of the flaps and function of the injured fingers were observed at the follow-up after operation.Results:All the flaps survived without wound infection and blood supply disorder. The follow-up times ranged from 9 to 22 months (mean, 16 months). There was satisfactory appearance of the flaps with similar color and texture to the surrounding tissue. Fracture healing ranged from 4 to 6 weeks. At final follow-up, the values of static 2-PD test of the flaps ranged from 5 to 10 mm (mean, 7.8 mm). The results of range of motion of injured thumb joints were excellent in nine cases and good in five cases. There was slight linear scar left at the donor area of dorsal thumb.Conclusions:The innervated reversed dorsal digital artery island flap has a simple procedure and minimal donor-site cost, which is especially suitable for elderly patients who refuse to free toe transfers.
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Objective:To explore the scanning and image reconstruction parameters, post-processing technology and effect of clinical application of Force CT microvascular anatomy imaging technology.Methods:From April 2019 to June 2021, 50 cases of free tissue flap transfer were reviewed in Department of Hand and Foot Surgery of Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, including 34 males and 16 females in 3-67 (mean, 37) years old. In which, 33 cases were free flap, 10 were free composite tissue flap and 7 were digit reconstruction. CTA image score and clinical application evaluation were performed respectively. Follow-up was conducted by outpatient visit, telephone call and WeChat.Results:The qualified rate of Force CT microvascular anatomy imaging in 73 parts of 50 patients and the coincidence rate with clinical practice were 100%. All tissue flaps and reconstructed digits survived completely. No vascular compromise and other complicatiors occurred. The postoperative follow-up was 3 to 15 months, with an average of 11 months, and the flap healed well. Of the 7 reconstructed digits, 6 were satisfactory in appearance and 1 was reconstructed with flap plasty because of digit bloat.Conclusion:Force CT microvascular anatomical imaging technology can accurately display and reconstruct microvessels, and has guiding significance for the design and transfer of free tissue flap, which has a good promotion value.
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Objective:To explore the surgical method and clinical effect of harvesting 2 ipsilateral free pedicled perforator flaps from a single donor site of superficial peroneal artery in reconstruction of 2 defects in same or adjacent digits.Methods:From November 2017 to August 2021, 12 patients with 2 defects in same or adjacent digits were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital with 2 ipsilateral free pedicled perforator flaps from a single donor site of superficial peroneal artery. Among the patients, 1 had the defect in dorsal and palmar of index finger, 1 in thumb and index finger, 6 in index and middle fingers, 3 in middle and ring fingers, and 1 in ring and little fingers. The size of digit defects was 1.5 cm×0.8 cm-6.0 cm×3.5 cm. The size of flaps was 2.0 cm× 1.2 cm-8.0 cm×4.0 cm. All the patients were included in postoperative monthly follow-up to assess the recovery of recipient and donor sites at outpatient service, by telephone or WeChat.Results:All 24 flaps in 12 patients survived without vascular compromise and achieved 100% of survival rate. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 18 months, with an average of 10 months. Six patients were treated with additional flap thinning and plastic surgery at 4 months after the primary surgery due to slightly bloated flaps. Otherwise, all the flaps in the recipient site had neither pigmentation, obvious hyperplasia nor scar pain. All flaps gained the protective sensations, however the assessment of TPD was not conducted. The flaps were wear-resist and had no ulceration. The texture of the flaps was soft with good elasticity, and the flap did not turn to purple or swelling when in cold. The functional recovery of 23 digits in 12 patients was evaluated according to the total active mobility (TAM) of the digits. It achieved excellent in 3 digits, good in 15 digits, and fair in 5 digits, with an excellent and good rate of 78.26%. A linear scar appeared at the donor site without obvious hyperplasia or scar pain. There were normal sensations around the scar and at the digit-tips. The blood supply to the digit-tips was normal.Conclusion:Harvest of multiple free pedicled perforator flaps from a single donor site of superficial peroneal artery is an effective method in reconstruction of 2 defects in same or adjacent digits at the same time. It has advantages of being a simple surgery procedure by sacrificing only one donor site. It achieves a minimal damage to the donor site and a reliable blood supply of the flap.
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Objective:To explore the surgical method and therapeutic effect of repairing digital tip defect with free flap of proximal perforating branch of proper palmar digital artery.Methods:From March, 2009 to January, 2021, 15 patients with soft tissue defects at the tip of 16 digits were repaired with free perforator flap of proper palmar digital artery. The flap was obtained from the ulnar side of an index finger, on both sides of a middle finger and on the proximal side of the radial side of the ring finger. The size of flaps was 1.8 cm × 1.2 cm - 4.5 cm × 2.2 cm. The flap carried dorsal branch of proper palmar digital nerve and 0.5-4.5 cm of arteriae digitales palmares propriae. The donor digital artery was re-anastomosed in 3 cases 3 digits, transferred and anastomosed in 2 cases and un-anastomosed in 10 cases 11 digits. The dorsal branch of the proper palmar digital nerve in the flap was anastomosed with the proper palmar digital nerve of the finger stump at the recipient site to restore the sensation of flap, and the donor sites at the wrist transverse stripes or elbow transverse stripes were directly sutured. Regular follow-up via outpatient visit, telephone or WeChat interviews was conducted to observe the appearance, sensation and recovery of the flap and finger joint function.Results:After surgery, the flaps and donor site skin grafts of 15 cases with 16 digits were all survived, with first stage healing. A 4 months to 12 years follow-up showed that the flaps were in good texture and full shape with TPD at 7 - 11 mm. The joint function of digits was recovered well, and there was no complaint about uncomfortable donor site. According to the Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire, all 15 patients were satisfied with the overall appearance and function of the hands. According to TAM evaluation standard, all the digits of 15 patients were in excellent.Conclusion:Free flap of the proximal perforating branch of proper palmar digital artery is an ideal in the repair of digital tip soft tissue defect, as it has the advantages of an anatomical constant vessel, hidden donor site, less trauma caused, simple flap resection and good therapeutic effect.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To describe the reconstruction of palmar soft tissue defect of digit using dorsal digital flaps including double dorsal branches of the proper palmar digital nerves (DBPPDN) and report the results of the application of the flaps.Methods:From May, 2005 to April, 2019, a retrospective study was conducted on 113 digits of 113 patients who had palmar soft tissue defects in single digit treated with 4 types of dorsal digital flaps with bilaterally DBPPDN. Flap types: ① Modified cross-digit flap in 29 digits of 29 cases; ②Dorsal digital flap based on the dorsal branch of proper palmar digital artery (DBPPDA) in 43 digits of 43 cases; ③First dorsal metacarpal artery flap in 23 digits of 23 cases; ④ Free dorsal digit flap in 18 digits of 18 cases. In control group, single-innervated flap was used for repair of the defects, only one of injured proper palmar digital nerves on both sides was repaired with DBPPDN. Static TPD, VAS and patient satisfaction of the injured digits were evaluated by means of outpatient follow-up. The t test was applied to compare the 2 groups in relation to the quantitative outcomes. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:In the dual-innervated flap group, flap ischemia was shown in 11 digits and venous congestion was noted in 7 digits. Partial necrosis was noted in 9 flaps and healed without surgical intervention. In the dual-innervated and single-innervated flap groups, the mean static TPD were (6.92±0.12) mm and (8.92±0.20) mm, the score of VAS were (0.46±0.08) and (1.11±0.28), and patient satisfaction were (4.45±0.06) and (4.00±0.16). Significant difference was found between the 2 groups in static TPD, VAS and patient satisfaction. Dual-innervated flaps presented better discriminatory sensation on the flap ( P<0.01) and lower pain incidence ( P=0.0032) and higher patient satisfaction ( P=0.0014). Conclusion:The 4 types of dual-innervated flap are useful in reconstruction of palmar soft tissue defects of digits, especially in prevention of neuropathic pain.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the surgical procedure and clinical effect of the free Flow-through superficial peroneal artery flap for repairing the digit injury with defect of proper palmar digital artery.Methods:From June, 2015 to December, 2019, free Flow-through superficial peroneal artery flap was used to repair the digit injury and to bridge the proper digital artery in 7 digits of 7 patients. There were 2 thumbs, 3 index fingers and 2 middle fingers. The size of defects on digits ranged from 2.5 cm×3.0 cm to 5.0 cm×7.0 cm. The defects of digit proper artery were 1.0 to 3.0 cm. The size of flaps was from 3.0 cm×3.5 cm to 5.5 cm×8.0 cm. The donor areas of the flap were directly sutured or covered with skin graft. Postoperative supportive treatments were given, such as infection prevention, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, analgesia and fluid infusion. The patients were kept in bed for 1 week after surgery. Monthly follow-up review were conducted and the patients were kept with the rehabilitation exercises under medical guidance.Results:All the patients entered postoperative followed-up for 6 to 18 months, with an average of 8 months. All flaps survived without any adverse event. All wounds achieved stage-one-healing. The flaps appeared in good colour, texture, elasticity and the plumps of the digit without obvious bloating. There was no obvious swelling and atrophy of the digits. The skin temperature was normal. According to the Standard for Evaluation of Upper Limb Function by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, 3 digits were excellent and 4 were good. There was no obvious scar at the donor site of shank. The donor site had a good appearance and the limb function was not affected.Conclusion:The free Flow-through superficial peroneal artery flap is an ideal material to repair the defect of digit with the defect of proper digital artery. It has the advantages of simple surgical procedure, reliable blood supply and satisfactory appearance. The defect of proper digit artery can be repaired at the same time of the surgical procedure. The blood supply, appearance and function of the digits could be well recovered and the donor site is not affected.