The Factors Predicting Secondary Displacement after Closed Reduction of Unstable Distal Radius Fracture

PURPOSE: It has been studied prognostic factors about secondary displacement after conservative treatment of the distal radius fracture, but each study showed different results. Authors retrospectively evaluated factors known to be involved secondary displacement of the distal radius fracture to determine its significance. METHODS: One hundred eighteen cases of the radiographically unstable distal radius fractures that closed reduction was adequately performed were retrospectively studied and the radiographic images were taken at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 weeks after closed reduction. During follow-up, dorsal tilt more than 15°, volar tilt more than 20°, ulnar positive variance more than 4 mm, radial length less than 6 mm, radial inclination less than 10° were thought of the loss of reduction. RESULTS: In 41 cases (34.7%), the loss of reduction occurred. Sex, intra-articular fracture, dorsal and volar comminution, concomitant ulnar fracture and involvement of the distal radio-ulnar joint were statistically not significant. Analysis results of the binomial logistic regression model were as follows: age (p=0.003), radial shortening (p=0.010) and ulnar positive variance (p=0.010) were statistically significant as the predictive prognostic factors. Analysis results of the multinomial logistic regression model showed age (p=0.006) as an only statistically significant factor. CONCLUSION: As the predictive prognostic factors for development of secondary displacement after conservative treatment of the unstable distal radius fracture, age was determined as most significant factor. Also radial shortening and ulnar positive variance were thought of the predictive factors for secondary displacement.

Volar Dislocation of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Blocked by Displaced Dorsal Barton Fracture

Distal radioulnar dislocation is commonly associated with radius fracture. Most common dislocation pattern is the dorsal dislocation. We present the unique case of volar dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint blocked by displaced dorsal Barton fracture of distal radius and discuss the injury mechanism and anatomic lesions.

Bilateral Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome: A Case Report

Anterior interosseous nerve is purely a motor nerve and supplies flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger, and pronator quadratus. The etiology and treatment option of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome remain controversial. Bilateral involvement of the anterior interosseous nerve have been described rarely; however, we found no reported case of nonsimultaneous bilateral anterior interosseous nerve palsy associated with the entrapment neuropathy. We present the unique case of delayed anterior interosseous nerve syndrome, 3 years 5 months following an identical event in the opposite extremity and literature review.

Acute Horseshoe Abscess of the Hand after Local Steroid Injection: A Case Report

The differential diagnosis of hand infections is difficult because hand infections can manifest with variable clinical presentations due to the unique anatomic structures of the hand, and the significance of these infections is often overlooked. A horseshoe abscess is a rare type of deep space infection that can occur due to extension of infection through communications between the deep spaces of the hand. Although horseshoe abscesses are well known due to their anatomic characteristics, there are few clinical reports of such occurrences. Such a case has not been reported in the Korean literature. Here we report a case of horseshoe abscess of the hand after local steroid injection.

Misdiagnosed Handlebar Palsy: Giant Cell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath in Guyon's Canal / 대한스포츠의학회지

Ulnar tunnel syndrome (UTS) is a compressive neuropathy of the upper extremity that shows various clinical symptoms according to the anatomic region of the compression site. Numerous factors may cause UTS, and most publications are case reports describing various etiologies; thus, obtaining a correct diagnosis is often challenging. Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is well described to be a common benign soft tissue tumor of the hand; however, it is rarely reported to cause UTS. We report a case of GCTTS in Guyon's canal causing UTS that was misdiagnosed as handlebar palsy.

Idiopathic Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm

Compartment syndrome is caused by elevated pressure in a restricted compartment. It typically occurs after fractures of the extremities and usually has an acute clinical progression. Chronic compartment syndrome is another relatively well known form, typically associated with forceful exercise. Also, there are various reports of compartment syndrome not associated with typical causes. However, reports on compartment syndrome with unknown etiology are rare and there has been none in Korean literature. We report a case of compartment syndrome with no recognizable cause, hence classified as idiopathic.

Short-Term Outcomes of Arthroscopic Synovectomy for Hemophilic Ankle Arthropathy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study reports on the results of clinical and radiological evaluation of arthroscopic synovectomy in hemophilic ankle arthropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2006 and December 2008, arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on 35 ankle joints in 33 patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. The mean follow-up period was 30 months. The range of motion of joint and frequency of intra-articular bleeding and factor dose were evaluated for this study. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hind foot score and subjective satisfaction were used for clinical assessment. Arnolf and Hilgartner classification was used for radiological assessment. RESULTS: The mean dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were 10.1degrees, 30.1degrees, respectively, at preoperation and 11.3degrees, 28.2degrees, respectively on the final day of follow-up with no significant difference in the range of motion. The mean frequency of hemarthrosis decreased significantly to 0.6 times per month postoperative (p<0.05). The mean amount of factor replacement decreased from 5,320 units/mo preoperative to 4,568 units/mo postoperative with no significance difference. AOFAS ankle and hind foot score was improved to 90 points postoperative with significance. On radiologic evaluation, 33 cases showed no significant changes, while two cases had progressed at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic synovectomy for recurrent hemarthrosis in hemophilic ankle arthropathy is a useful method for familiar procedure, decreasing bleeding episodes and subjective satisfaction.

Several Considerations in Free Vascularized Fibular Head Grafting for Giant Cell Tumor of Distal Radius

Treatment of giant cell tumor of distal radius can be treated in several ways according to the aggressiveness of the tumor. The management of giant cell tumor involving subchondral bone of the distal radius has always been a difficult problem and whether preserving joint function should be considered. In these circumstances, wrist arthroplasty using free vascularized fibular head grafting can be considered as one of available options to preserve the wrist joint motion. However, the reports for final outcomes of wrist arthroplasty using vascularized fibular head have been variable and there have been several debates about its techniques. The purpose of this article is to discuss the several considerations in wrist arthroplasty using free vascularized fubular head graft for giant cell tumors of the distal radius.

Outcomes of Unstable Extraarticular Metacarpal Fractures Treated with Low Profile Titanium Plate System

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical results for open reduction and internal fixation of unstable extraarticular metacarpal fractures using low profile titanium plates. METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive patients (76 metacarpals) with unstable extraarticular metacarpal fractures who prospectively underwent internal fixation with plating were enrolled. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. There were 48 males and 14 females; average age was 39 years (range, 15-71 years). The location of the fractures was shaft in 65 metacarpals and the type was transverse in 22 cases, oblique in 46 cases, and communited in 8 cases. Of the 62 patients, 11 were open; 9 of these had additional soft tissue injury. The surgical outcome was assessed by clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Bone union was successfully achieved in all patients on the average period of 6.4 weeks. The final range of total active motion was excellent for 64 cases, good for 6 cases, fair for 5 cases, and poor for 1 case. Postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients (15 metacarpals). Statistical analysis revealed that patient age, occupation, multiple metacarpal fractures, and soft tissue injury were significantly correlated with incidence of complications at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Low profile titanium plating showed the low complication rate and good results in treating unstable extraarticular metacarpal fractures.

Reconstruction of Large Bone and Soft Tissue Defect Combined with Infection in the Lower Extremity with Free Flap Followed by Ipsilateral Vascularized Fibular Transposition

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to report on the results and discuss the role of free flap followed by ipsilateral vascularized fibular transposition (IVFT) for reconstruction of large bone and soft tissue defect combined with infection by open tibia fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the research period, lasting from December 2002 to June 2008 (Kyung Hee University Medical Center), data were collected from three patients who underwent IVFT after free flap. We analyzed the successiveness and persistency of the infection using free flapping, bone union, and hypertrophy between transposed fibula and tibia. RESULTS: Regarding free flap, successive results were observed in all examples. In the final follow-up results, transposed fibulas all survived, having hypertrophy similar to that of adjacent tibia. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of tibia defect with free flap followed by IVTF is a useful and safe method for avoidance of the potential risk of infection for patients with a large tibial bone defect and soft tissue defect associated with infection.

Trigger Wrist

Triggering at the wrist during active flexion and extension of the fingers or wrists is very rare. It is caused by tumors, inflammation, and anomalous muscle belly. We report two cases of trigger wrist caused by synovial hypertrophy and fibroma of flexor tendon.

Multiple Glomus Tumor in Brachial Plexus: A Case Report / 대한골관절종양학회지

Glomus tumor is a kind of vascular tumor that arises from the glomus body, which regulates skin temperature and is placed in the skin and the subcutaneous area. It is a benign tumor that usually presents in the subungal area. It is relatively common in areas other than the fingers, but its occurrence in peripheral nerves is known to be comparatively rare. We report our experience with a case of glomus tumor arising from the brachial plexus, a rare site of occurrence for glomus tumors.

Anatomic Reduction of Mallet Fractures Using Extension Block and Additional Intrafocal Pinning Techniques

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to report the efficacy of the extension block pinning and additional intrafocal pinning technique applied to cases whose mallet fractures were not reduced with extension block pinning alone. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 digits with 14 patients who were treated with the extension block pinning and additional intrafocal pinning technique. There were eight men and six women with an average age of 34 years. The average articular surface involvement was 52%. The average follow-up was 16 months and the mean time from injury to operation was 23 days. RESULTS: All the cases achieved anatomic reduction of fractures. By Crawford's classification, 9 were excellent and 5 were good. The average active flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 78 degrees and the average extension loss was 1.8 degrees. Bone union was observed in all cases after a postoperative mean of 38.4 days. Complications such as skin necrosis, fracture of bony fragments, and nail-plate deformity were not found. CONCLUSIONS: Additional intrafocal pinning technique is considered a simple and useful method to obtain anatomic reduction of mallet fractures in cases where extension block pinning alone is insufficient to restore the anatomic configuration of the articular surface.

Anatomic Reduction of Mallet Fractures Using Extension Block and Additional Intrafocal Pinning Techniques

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to report the efficacy of the extension block pinning and additional intrafocal pinning technique applied to cases whose mallet fractures were not reduced with extension block pinning alone. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 digits with 14 patients who were treated with the extension block pinning and additional intrafocal pinning technique. There were eight men and six women with an average age of 34 years. The average articular surface involvement was 52%. The average follow-up was 16 months and the mean time from injury to operation was 23 days. RESULTS: All the cases achieved anatomic reduction of fractures. By Crawford's classification, 9 were excellent and 5 were good. The average active flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 78 degrees and the average extension loss was 1.8 degrees. Bone union was observed in all cases after a postoperative mean of 38.4 days. Complications such as skin necrosis, fracture of bony fragments, and nail-plate deformity were not found. CONCLUSIONS: Additional intrafocal pinning technique is considered a simple and useful method to obtain anatomic reduction of mallet fractures in cases where extension block pinning alone is insufficient to restore the anatomic configuration of the articular surface.

Reconstruction with Vascularized Fibular Epiphyseal Transplantation of Humeral Head Deformity by Septic Arthritis

PURPOSE: To report the clinical and radiological result of the vascularized fibular epiphyseal transplantation in the treatment of humeral head deformity by septic arthritis. MATERIAL & METHODS: A 3 years old male who has humeral head deformity and bone defect by septic arthritis on neonatal period. We replaced bone defect as vascularized fibular epiphyseal transplantation and lengthened humerus shaft for humerus discrepancy. We followed it up for 14 years. RESULT: We saw the callus formation 2 months after surgery and obtained bone union, one year after surgery. The transplanted fibular bone got hypertrophy. We could check full range of motion on lt. shoulder and The bone deformity was not worsened and The graft did not displaced on last follow up. CONCLUSION: Humeral head reconstruction by vascularized fibular epiphyseal transplantation showed good clinical outcome.

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid-Carboxymethylcellulose Solution on Perineural Scar Formation after Sciatic Nerve Repair in Rats

BACKGROUND: Scar tissue formation is the major cause of failure in peripheral nerve surgery. Use of a hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) membrane (Seprafilm) as a solid anti-adhesion barrier agent is one of the therapeutic approaches to reduce postoperative scar tissue formation. However, a solid membrane may not be suitable for repair of a weak peripheral nerve site. This study examined the effect of HA-CMC solution on perineural scar formation after peripheral nerve repair in rats. METHODS: The sciatic nerves of 40 rats were transected and then immediately repaired using 10-0 nylon. The nerves were divided randomly into two groups. Saline and HA-CMC solution were applied topically to the nerve repair sites in the control and experimental groups, respectively. Reoperation was performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks to assess scar tissue formation. The assessment included the quality of wound healing, presence of perinueral adhesion, cellular components of the scar tissue, thickness of the scar tissue and histomorphological organization of the repair site. RESULTS: Topical application of the HA-CMC solution significantly decreased the macroscopic nerve adherence score and the numbers of the cellular components such as fibroblasts and inflammatory cells (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). The scar tissue formation index was significantly lower in the experimental group at 12 weeks than that in the control group (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). The grading scores of the histomorphological axonal organization at the repair site were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group at 12 weeks (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). No evidence of wound dehiscence or inflammatory reactions against the HA-CMC solution was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of a HA-CMC solution is effective in reducing the perineural scar formation and adhesion after sciatic nerve repair in rats, and is effective in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration at the repair site.

Treatment of Extensive Phalangeal Osteomyelitis Due to Onychophagia: A Case Report

The onychophagia is a relatively common habitual behavior in children. Cosmetic problem is frequently involved, but it can lead to serious morbidity such as damage to nail, paronychia, secondary bacterial infections, dental problems and the phalangeal osteomyelitis. We report one case of surgically treated phalangeal osteomyelitis of distal interphalangeal joint of long finger using shortening procedure in an onychophagia patient.

Reverse Anterolateral Thigh Flap to Reconstruct a Below-Knee Amputation Stump: Two Case Reports

During below knee amputation, the amputation stump must be covered with well-vascularized and sensate soft tissue. Many flaps can be used for this purpose, but available reconstructive options are limited. We performed reverse flow ALT flap elevation on two patients with below knee amputations to reconstruct defects in the stumps. The sizes of the defects in the stumps were 4x16 cm and 5x5 cm, respectively. The most distal portion of the defects were located 20 cm and 16 cm lateral to the knee joint in a curve, respectively. The size of the elevated flap was 5x18 cm for case 1 and 18x10 cm for case 2. The respective pivot points of the pedicles were 7 cm and 6 cm above the patella and the respective lengths of the pedicles were 17 cm and 16 cm. In both cases, venous congestion occurred on the second postoperative day and the flap distal to 10 cm or more from below the knee joint was necrotized at the second postoperative week. Surgeons should be cautious when using a reverse ALT flap to reconstruct a soft tissue defect located 10 cm or more distal from below the knee joint. Since a pedicle longer than 15 cm may develop partial necrosis of the flap, simultaneous application of antegrade venous drainage is recommended.

Homodigital Reverse Pedicle Island Flap for Reconstruction of the Great Toe: A Case Report

Reconstruction of the distal portion of the great toe has always represented a difficult problem to surgeons. There are many methods of flap reconstruction described for foot defects, but none for tip of the great toe. We report a case of reconstruction of the great toe using a homodigital reverse pedicle island flap method. A 25-year-old man had a crushing injury at the distal phalanx of the left great toe. A homodigital reverse pedicle island flap was raised from the dorso-medial aspect of the proximal phalanx of the great toe based on the distal dorsal arcade. The flap covered the exposed distal phalanx and stump was closed without shortening. He made an uncomplicated recovery and when seen 6 months later he had a good cosmetic and functional result. A homodigital reverse pedicle island flap is described for the reconstruction of the distal part of the great toe. It involves only a single stage procedure with minimal donor site morbidity and provides a good cosmetic results.

Comparison of the Nerve Regenerating Effect of Inside-out Vein Grafts, Muscle-filled Inside-out Vein Grafts, and Fat-interposed Inside-out Vein Grafts in Rats / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to compare the nerve regeneration of inside-out vein grafts, muscle-filled inside-out vein grafts and fat-interposed inside-out vein grafts to repair the 10 mm sciatic nerve defects in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed inside-out vein grafts, muscle-filled inside-out vein grafts and fat-interposed inside-out vein grafts to repair the 10 mm sciatic nerve defects in 45 rats. Histological examinations (the numbers and diameters of myelinated nerve fibers), electrophysiologic testing (Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)) examinations were performed 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis of myelinated nerve fibers showed that total number of nerve fibers was significantly greater in group 1 or 3 than that in group 2. There were statistical differences in the three groups for the fiber diameters of the myelinated fibers. Electrophysiologic examination showed that both CMAP and NCV were significantly greater in group 3 than that in group 2 and there was no statistical difference between in groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSION: This study shows that fat-interposed inside-out vein grafts have excellent axonal regeneration as compared to that of inside-out vein grafts or muscle-filled inside-out vein grafts to repair 10 mm sciatic nerve defects in rat. Therefore fat-interposed inside-out vein grafts are an effective method to accelerate the early axonal regeneration for repairing nerve defects.