Clinical Observation on the Thumb-tack Needling for Subcutaeous Embedding Combined with Joint Mobilization in the Treatment of Post-stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of thumb-tack needling for subcutaeous embedding combined with joint mobilization in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.Methods A total of 80 patients with post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 40 patients in each group.Both groups were given arthrocentesis,the control group was given ordinary acupuncture on the basis of arthrocentesis,and the treatment group was combined with thumb-tack needling for subcutaeous embedding.One course of treatment was 4 weeks and a total of 4 weeks of treatment was given.After 1 month of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes of Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)of pain scores and simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA)scores,as well as the pain-free passive forward flexion and abduction of the shoulder joint of the affected limb were observed before and after treatment.The Simple Quality of Life Scale(SF-36)scores of the patients in the two groups were compared after treatment.The safety and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were also evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate was 95.00%(38/40)in the treatment group and 80.00%(32/40)in the control group.The efficacy of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the VAS scores and upper extremity FMA scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the treatment group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the VAS scores and upper extremity FMA scores,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the joint mobility of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the improvement of shoulder joint movement in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale scores of the treatment group were significantly superior to those of the control group in terms of physical function,psychological function,emotional health,and social function levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the treatment group and the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusion Thumb-tack needling for subcutaeous embedding combined with joint mobilization exert certain effect in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome.It can significantly improve the pain symptoms of patients,thus improving their quality of life,and the clinical effect is remarkable.

Finite element analysis of thumb thrust in lumbar fixed-point rotation manipulation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Lumbar fixed-point rotation operation needs collaborative operation of the doctor's hands,and outputs rotation and thumb thrust.Lumbar disc herniation can be treated through disc displacement and adjusting stress distribution.However,the mechanical effects of thumb thrust and the biomechanical effects of loading direction on manipulative effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical difference of lumbar fixed-point rotation manipulation for treating lumbar disc herniation under different thrust directions. METHODS:The L3-5 normal three-dimensional finite element model was constructed and validity was verified.According to the intervertebral disc degeneration Pfirrmann grade,intervertebral disc degeneration was simulated by modifying the L4/5 intervertebral space height,the volume of the nucleus pulposus,as well as the material parameters of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and ligament.Finally,the pathological model of L4/5 moderate disc degeneration with left para-central herniation was constructed,and then the pathological models were used as research objects.Simulation technique:spinning to the right;taking the condition on changing the direction of the thumb thrust to establish three modes of operation(M1:thumb push to the left;M2:thumb push to the right;M3:no thrust push).The protrusion displacement and the disc stress,and the stress and strain of the facet joint cartilage were compared in the three operating modes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Maximum displacement value of L4/5 disc herniation:displacement was 2.672 3 mm for M1,1.156 1 mm for M2,1.826 4 mm for M3,M1＞M3＞M2.(2)The maximum Von Mises stress of L4/5 discs was 1.846 7 MPa for M1,0.419 0 MPa for M2,and 1.257 9 MPa for M3,M1＞M3＞M2.(3)L4/5 bilateral small cartilage produced different degrees of contact stress changes:It was 0.485 5 MPa for M1,0.026 7 MPa for M2,and 0.441 4 MPa for M3,M1＞M3＞M2.Right cartilage contact force was 0.000 5 MPa for M1,0.025 9 MPa for M2,and 0.001 3 MPa for M3,M2＞M3＞M1;the left greater than the right,M1 had the highest value;cartilage strain was consistent with contact stress changes.(4)Different operation modes will have some biomechanical influences on the diseased intervertebral disc and accessory structure.The M1 operation mode can maximize the displacement of protrusion,disc stress and left joint cartilage contact,which can better promote disc displacement,balance stress distribution and reduce facet joint disorder,so the operation is better.

Comparison of two types of pedicled homodigital flap in reconstruction of thumb-tip or thumb-pulp defects / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical effects between the homodigital radial flap of the dorsal cutaneous branch of radial palmar proper digital artery (PPDA) and the homodigital reverse island flap of the ulnar dorsal digital artery (DDA) on reconstruction of defects in thumb-tip or thumb-pulp.Methods:The retrospective case-control study method was used. From January 2016 to August 2022, a total of 65 thumb-tip or thumb-pulp defects were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery of the Second Hospital of Tangshan. Thirty-five defects of thumbs were reconstructed with the homodigital radial flap pedicled with dorsal cutaneous branch of radial PPDA (PPDA group) and the other 30 thumbs were treated by the homodigital ulnar reverse island flap pedicled with ulnar DDA (DDA group). Sizes of the wounds and flaps in PPDA group were 1.9 cm×1.5 cm to 2.9 cm×2.4 cm and 2.1 cm× 1.7 cm to 3.1 cm×2.6 cm, respectively, and the dimensions of the wounds and flaps in DDA group were 2.0 cm× 1.7 cm to 2.9 cm×2.5 cm and 2.2 cm×1.9 cm to 3.2 cm×2.8 cm, respectively. The wounds of donor site in both groups were all directly closed. Survival of the flaps and wound healing of donor sites were observed in both groups. The time of surgery and duration of follow-up of the 2 groups were recorded. Postoperative follow-up included outpatient clinic visits, telephone reviews and WeChat video-clips. At the final follow-up, record of total active motion (TAM) of the injured thumbs, angle of first web of the affected hands, static TPD of the flaps, patient satisfaction of the appearance of flaps and donor sites were taken. According to the Michigan Hand Function Questionnaire (MHQ) evaluation criteria, the patient satisfaction of the appearance of flaps and donor sites were evaluated. The measurement and count data acquired from both groups were compared by independent sample t-test and χ2 tests or Fisher's exact test, respectively. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:All 35 flaps in PPDA group and 26 flaps in DDA group survived primarily, except 4 flaps in the DDA group that showed blisters and healed with dressing changes. The primary survival rate of flap in PPDA group (100%) was higher than that of DDA group (87%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Donor sites of both groups healed primary. The time of surgery and duration of follow-up in PPDA and DDA groups were 59.11 minutes±5.42 minutes and 15.37 months±3.32 months, and 61.27 minutes±5.96 minutes and 16.17 months±3.60 months, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). At the final follow-up, the thumb TAM and angle of thumb web in PPDA and DDA groups were 135.14°±10.04° and 90.29°±4.36° and 132.17°±11.04° and 89.00°±4.81°, respectively. There was no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). The static TPD, patient satisfaction of the appearance of flaps and donor sites in PPDA group were 7.11 mm±1.21 mm, 4.69 point±0.47 point and 4.43 point±0.50 point, which were better than DDA group [8.20 mm±1.47 mm, 4.40 point±0.50 point and 4.13 point±0.57 point, respectively] with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The homodigital radial flap of the dorsal cutaneous branch of radial PPDA and the homodigital ulnar reverse island flap of the ulnar DDA are both suitable for reconstruction of defects in thumb-tip or thumb-pulp. Compared with the homodigital reverse island flap with the DDA, a homodigital radial flap with the dorsal cutaneous branch of PPDA has advantages in higher primary survival rate, better flap sensation and appearance at both of recipient and donor sites.

Genetic polymorphism of WNT9A is functionally associated with thumb osteoarthritis in the Chinese population

Abstract Background In a recent genome-wide association study, novel genetic variations of WNT9A were reported to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of thumb osteoarthritis (TOA) in Caucasians. Our purposes were to replicate the association of WNT9A with the development of TOA in the Chinese population and to further unveil the functional role of the risk variants. Methods SNP rs11588850 of WNT9A were genotyped in 953 TOA patients and 1124 healthy controls. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between the patients and healthy controls were evaluated using the Chi-square test. Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed to investigate the influence of variant on the gene expression. Results There was significantly lower frequency of genotype AA in TOA patients than in the controls 74.9% vs. 81.9%, p < 0.001). The frequency of allele A was remarkably lower in the patients than in the controls (86.3% vs. 90.5%, p < 0.001), with an odds ratio of 0.66 (95% CI = 0.54-0.80). Luciferase Reporter Assay showed that the construct containing mutant allele G of rs11588850 displayed 29.1% higher enhancer activity than the wild allele A construct (p < 0.05). Conclusions Allele G of rs11588850 was associated with the increased risk of TOA possibly via up-regulation of WNT9A expression. Further functional analysis into the regulatory role of rs11588850 in WNT9A expression can shed new light on the genetic architecture of TOA. Key Points Genetic variants of WNT9A were associated with the incidence and severity of TOA. Allele G of rs11588850 was associated with an increased transcriptional activity of WNT9A promoter. Allele G of rs11588850 may add to the risk of TOA possibly via up-regulation of WNT9A expression. Further functional analysis into the regulatory role of rs11588850 in WNT9A expression can shed new light on the genetic architecture of TOA.

Replantation of the thumb or revision of amputation: an epidemiological study / Reimplante de polegar ou revisão da amputação: um estudo epidemiológico

ABSTRACT Objetive: This article presents a retrospective cohort study analyzing patients from IOT-FMUSP who underwent replantation or revision amputation procedures for traumatic thumb amputation between 2013 and 2020. Methods: The study included 40 patients in the replanted group and 41 patients in the amputed group. The patients were divided according to the level of amputation and their medical records were analyzed. Results: A total of 81 patients with digital amputation were analyzed, consisting of 79 males and 2 females, with mean ages of 43 and 49 for the amputed and replanted groups, respectively. According to the Biemer classification, 28.4% had proximal amputation, while 71.6% had distal amputation. The most common occupation was bricklayer (19.75%), and 80.24% were manual workers. Of the patients, 65% returned to their previous work, with 77.77% of them having amputation on their non-dominant hand, mostly caused by circular saw accidents (77.77%). The replantation success rate was 78%, with an average ischemia time of 9 hours and door-to-room time of 2 hours. Conclusion: the study findings revealed that traumatic thumb amputation predominantly affects working-age males with a low education level and the success rate of replantation was high in this ischemia time and door-to-room conditions. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este artigo consiste em um corte retrospectivo que analisou vítimas de amputação traumática do polegar submetidas a reimplante ou procedimentos de regularização da amputação no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medica da Universidade de São Paulo (IOT-FMUSP). Métodos: Foram analisados 40 pacientes reimplantados e 41 pacientes regularizados, que foram separados conforme o nível da amputação e, após, tiveram seus prontuários médicos analisados. Resultados: Foram analisados 81 pacientes com amputação digital (79 homens e 2 mulheres), com idade média de 43 anos e 49 anos (Grupo Amputado e Grupo Reimplante, respectivamente) e 28,4% deles tinham amputação proximal, de acordo com a classificação de Biemer, enquanto 71,6% tinham amputação distal. A ocupação mais comum foi a de pedreiro (19,75%), mas 80,24% eram trabalhadores manuais. 65% dos pacientes retornaram ao trabalho anterior. 77,77% dos pacientes afetaram a mão não dominante, e a serra circular causou 77,77% das amputações. A taxa de sucesso para reimplantes foi de 78%. O tempo de isquemia foi de 9 horas e o tempo de porta-quarto foi de 2 horas. Conclusão: O estudo revelou que as taxas de reimplante foram altas nas condições de isquemia e tempo porta-sala, e a maioria dos pacientes vítimas de amputação traumática do polegar são homens em idade de trabalho e com baixa escolaridade. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo retrospectivo.

Association of adductor pollicis muscle thickness and anthropometric indicators in community older adults / Associação da espessura do músculo adutor do polegar e indicadores antropométricos em idosos da comunidade

INTRODUCTION: The measurement of the adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) has been investigated as an index for muscle mass and undernutrition. OBJECTIVE: However, there are few studies related to community-living older adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with community-dwelling older adults, of both sexes. The APMT, the body mass index (BMI), arm circumference (AC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), and calf circumference (CC) were evaluated. For APMT classification, the 25th percentile value (P25 ≤9 mm) of the sample was considered to identify muscle mass deficit. Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation, and Poisson regression were performed, with a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: Among men, APMT showed a correlation with AC (r=0.350; p<0.01), and among women it was with BMI (r=0.337; p=0.01). There was an association between the BMI classification and the APMT percentile (p=0.020). Older adults with BMI<23 kg/m² were 1.28 times more likely to have APMT≤P25 (p=0.007) and older adults with adequate BMI were 1.23 times more likely (p=0.023). Older adults with reduced CC have a 1.18 times more chance of presenting APMT≤P25 (p=0.064). CONCLUSION: APMT has been associated with BMI in older adults, proving to be a good parameter for the assessment of malnutrition.

INTRODUÇÃO: A espessura do músculo adutor do polegar (EMAP) tem sido sugerido como um índice de massa muscular e desnutrição. OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação da EMAP com indicadores antropométricos convencionais em idosos da comunidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 159 idosos da comunidade, de ambos os sexos, com média de idade de 70,9±29,4 anos. Foram avaliados a EMAP, o índice de massa corporal (IMC), as circunferências do braço (CB), muscular do braço (CMB) e da panturrilha (CP). Para classificação da EMAP se considerou o valor do percentil 25 (P25≤9 mm) da amostra para identificar déficit de massa muscular. Teste Qui-quadrado, Correlação de Pearson e Regressão de Poisson foram realizados, sendo adotado um nível de significância de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Entre os homens, a EMAP apresentou correlação com a CB (r=0,350; p<0,01) e entre as mulheres foi com o IMC (r=0,337; p=0,01). Houve associação entre a classificação do IMC e o percentil da EMAP (p=0,020). Os idosos com IMC<23 kg/m² tinham 1,28 vezes mais chances de possuir EMAP≤P25 (p=0,007) e idosos com IMC adequado tinham 1,23 vezes mais chance (p=0,023). Idosos com CP reduzido apresentaram 1,18 vezes mais chance de apresentar EMAP≤P25 (p=0,064). Conclusão: A EMAP apresentou associação com o IMC em idosos, demostrando ser um bom parâmetro para a avaliação da desnutrição.

Townes-Brocks syndrome caused by de novo mutation in spalt-like transcription factor 1 gene: a case report and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical features and gene variations in children with Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS).Methods:The clinical data of a female infant diagnosed with TBS caused by human spalt-like transcription factor 1 ( SALL1) gene mutation in Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital in May 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Relevant articles up to July 2022 were retrieved from several databases including CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, Chinese Medical Journal Network and PubMed with the terms of " SALL1 gene" and "Townes-Brocks syndrome". Patients diagnosed with TBS caused by SALL1 gene mutation were retrieved and the clinical phenotype-genotype correlations in patients with TBS caused by frameshift mutation in SALL1 gene were analyzed and summarized. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied. Results:(1) Clinical data: The index patient was a 40-day-old girl exhibiting major clinical manifestations of polycystic kidney dysplasia, congenital external ear deformity, preaxial polydactyly and recto-perineal fistula. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed a heterozygous variation of c.420delC (p.S141fs*42) in the SALL1 gene, while the same gene was found to be wild type in her parents and sister. The variant was predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PS2+PM2). (2) Literature review retrieved 161 cases of TBS, of which 71 were attributable to a frameshift mutation in SALL1 gene. Clinical phenotypes of the 71 cases and the index case were summarized. TBS was mainly characterized by external ear, hand and anal deformities, sometimes accompanied by hearing loss, abnormal kidney development and foot deformity. A small number of affected cases presented with rare clinical phenotypes such as abnormal eyes, hypothyroidism and abnormal development. At present, the human gene mutation database records 110 variations in the SALL1 gene, with a majority located in exon 2. The most common mutation type was frameshift variation, accounting for 52%, followed by missense variation and nonsense variation. Conclusion:TBS should be considered in children with ear, hand and anal malformations, accompanied by renal dysfunction and hearing loss, and genetic testing is recommended for timely diagnosis.

Clinical effect of cosmetic reconstruction for partial defect of distal segment of thumb and finger / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of cosmetic reconstruction for partial defect of distal segment of digits.Methods:Form January 2018 to January 2021, the Department of Hand Surgery of Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry(The 521 Hospital of Weapon Industry) admitted 129 patients with partial defect of distal segment of thumb or fingers with phalange or tendon exposure. The patients were 111 males and 18 females with an average age of 34(17-59) years old. The sizes of nailbed defect were 0.4 cm×1.1 cm-1.8 cm×2.0 cm, the length of phalange defect was 0.4-1.8 cm, and the sizes of the soft tissue defect were 1.6 cm×1.8 cm-3.2 cm×4.8 cm. Great toe tissue flaps were used to reconstruct the partial defect of distal segment of thumb or fingers after debridement. Wounds of fibular flap of great toe in 77 cases were directly sutured in 17 patients. The donor sites in rest 60 great toes were narrowed first and then repaired with skin grafts in 10 cases, with artificial dermis in 28 cases and with transverse V-Y advancement flaps of ipsilateral great toes for 22 cases. Forty-nine of 52 donor site wounds for hallux toenail flap were repaired with artificial dermis and 3 with free peroneal artery perforator flaps. The method was outpatient follow-up. Postoperative follow-up lasted until July 2022. The check-items for follow-up included: occurrence of necrosis, appearance, shape and texture of the flap, appearance of the reconstructed nails, TPD of the reconstructed digit pulps, tolerance to cold on the scars of flaps, flexion and extension of the reconstructed digits. The healing time of phalanges of the reconstructed digits was evaluated by X-rays. The appearance, sensation, the tolerance to cold of great toe and the movement of donor foot were also assessed.Results:Postoperative follow-up lasted for 18 to 24 months, with an average of 21 months. A total of 128 flaps survived. Necrosis occurred in 1 fibular hallux flap, the necrosis was cured with a reverse digital proper artery island flap. Thereafter, all flaps healed well. The appearance, shape, texture and nails of reconstructed digits were close to the contralateral digits. The reconstructed thumb and finger were evaluated according to Zook, 127 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.TPD of the pulps of the reconstructed digits was 4-10 mm. The mean score of the Vancouver scar scale(VSS) was 0.6 for scars of the reconstructed digits. The mean score of the Visual analog scale(VAS) was 0.3 for the tolerance to cold. Flexion and extension function recovered well in all the reconstructed digits. According to the Evaluation Criteria of Upper limb Function Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the function of hand was excellent in 127 cases and 1 in each of good and fair. X-rays of all digits showed the phalange healing of the reconstructed digits, with an average healing time of 2 months after surgery, without phalange resorption, infection, nonunion nor stress fracture. There was no difference between the length of the donor great toe and the contralateral toe, except the donor site of the great toe nail root. There was no significant visual difference between the appearance of the donor great toe and the contralateral toe. TPD of the pulps of donor great toe was 4-8 mm. The mean score of the VSS was 1.4 for scars in the donor great toe. The mean score of the VAS was 0.7 for the tolerance to cold of the donor great toe. There was no stress fracture at donor site, and the functions of donor foot were not affected when walking, running, jumping and tiptoeing in all patients.Conclusion:It is an ideal method for reconstructing a partial defect of distal segment of digit by great toe flap. It can not only reconstruct the partial defect of distal segment of the digit, but also results in a good appearance and satisfactory functions of the reconstructed digit. Damage to the donor site is minimum. The length of the donor great toe is unchanged, and it has little impact on sensation and appearance of the donor great toe. Meanwhile, there is no adverse effect on walking, running and jumping with the donor foot.

Free flap of second dorsal metacarpal artery: anatomical study and clinical application / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To observe the path and anatomic distribution of cutaneous branch of second dorsal metacarpal artery(SDMA) from the back of hand to the web of the fingers, and to explore the feasibility and clinical effect on the transfer of free flap of SDMA.Methods:Between June 2018 and September 2018, with perfusion of red latex, 22 hand specimens were dissected to explore the course, vessel calibre and distribution of cutaneous branches of SDMA, and to discover the existence of an innervation of cutaneous nerve in Department of Hand Surgery of Tangshan Second Hospital. Later on, from February 2019 to July 2020, 2 thumb pulp defects of 2 patients were reconstructed with the free flaps of SDMA. One defect was in the left thumb and the other in the right, both were male and compression injuries. Size of thumb pulp and a skin defect was at 3.5 cm×2.0 cm in 1 patient, and 2.0 cm×2.5 cm in the other. There was no neurovascular injury, but 1 patient had a distal phalangeal fracture and a nail bed laceration. The sizes of the flaps were 3.8 cm×2.3 cm and 2.8 cm×2.5 cm. Functional exercises started from 3 weeks after surgery. Patients attended postoperation follow up regularly by outpatient visit, telephone or internet interviews. Follow-up observations included the appearance, texture, sensory recovery of the flaps and thumb functions.Results:Multiple perforating branches (4-9 branches) were found from SDMA, which distributed in the distal 1/3 of SDMA in the anatomic study. It was found that the outer diameter of SDMA was 0.76 mm±0.25 mm at the intersection of extensor tendon of index finger and that of the digital web artery was 0.71 mm±0.12 mm. The length of digital web artery was 11.00 mm±1.27 mm. The 2 surgically transferred flaps were all survived. One patient showed the function of thumb in excellent with two-point discrimination (TPD) at 7.0 mm, at 18 months of follow-up. The other patient showed good thumb movement, soft and elastic skin of the flap and with a 7.5 mm in TPD, at 15 months of follow-up. According to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, the results of the 2 flaps were all excellent.Conclusion:The flap of SDMA has a constant cutaneous nerve and a long vascular pedicle with an ideal vessel size. It is suitable for free transfer and can be used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of thumb.

Clinical effect of free medial plantar flap on reconstruction of severe thumb defect caused by electric burn / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the technique and clinical effects of free medial plantar flap on reconstruction of the severe defect of thumb caused by electric burn.Methods:Surgical techniques and clinical effects were explored in reconstruction with free medial plantar flap for treatment of severe electric burns of thumbs. From July 2016 to July 2021, 18 patients suffered from severe electric burns of thumbs were admitted in the Department of Burn, Zhengzhou First People's Hospital. All the wounds were the entrance of electric burns. After thorough debridement, the arteries, nerves, tendons, phalanges and interphalangeal joints were exposed to various degrees. Damaged digital proper palmar arteries were ligated and defected proper palmar digital nerves were marked and further anastomosed with the nerves carried by the flap. Palmaris longus tendon grafts were employed to reconstruct the defects of flexor pollicis longus tendon. Wounds were closed by transfer of free medial plantar flaps, and the flap donor sites were closed by inguinal skin grafts. Survival of the flap was observed 1 week after surgery, and the survival of the skin graft in the foot donor site 12 days after surgery. Outpatient follow-up including observation of the appearance and texture of the flap, evaluation of sensory function, thumb alignment and finger flexion according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. Evaluate the scar hyperplasia in the foot donor site and the standing and walking functions of the donor foot.Results:All flaps survived,at 1 week after surgery. On the 12th day after surgery, all 16 foot flap survived, and 2 patients had local necrosis, and the necrosis healed completely after dressing change for 10 days, the wound healed completely. Among them, 3 patients without tendon transfer experienced a rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon at 2 months after surgery, and underwent another palmaris longus tendon transfer. After the surgery, functional exercise was performed with the palm and flexor fingers. After 6-12 months of follow-up, the blood supply, appearance, and texture of the flap were good and similar to that of the palmar skin of the thumb, with varying degrees of recovery in sensation. The TPD was 6-11 mm, and the thumb was restored to varying degrees. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 13 cases in excellent and 5 cases in good. Mild scar hyperplasia remains in the flap site of donor feet, which does not affect the standing and walking functions of the donor foot.Conclusion:The texture of medial plantar skin is similar to that of palmar skin, with good wear resistance and good sensation. Furthermore, it causes a little damage to the donor site and without obvious complication. The medial plantar flap is ideal for reconstruction of a severe wound caused by electric burn in thumb.

Innervated arterialised venous flap of the first dorsal metacarpal in reconstruction of thumb and finger pulp defect / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the application and clinical efficacy of an innervated arterialised venous flap of the first dorsal metacarpal in reconstruction of thumb and finger pulp defects.Methods:From December 2021 to August 2022, 17 patients received surgery for reconstruction of thumb and finger pulp defects in the Department of Hand Surgery of Sichuan Modern Hospital. All were carried out in emergency surgery. The affected digits included: 3 thumbs, 4 index fingers, 6 middle fingers, 1 ring finger and 3 little fingers. After emergency debridement, a flap of the first dorsal metacarpal carrying superficial radial nerve and arterialised vein was taken for reconstruction of the defect. Donor site of the flap was directly closed with sutures. The survival and functional recovery of the digits and flaps were evaluated through postoperative follow-ups via outpatient visit and telephone and WeChat interviews.Results:Seven flaps developed blisters after surgery, which gradually subsided and healed after dressing change. The rest of 10 flaps survived smoothly, without any vascular compromise. All of the 17 patients(17 digits) had postoperative follow-up for 3-15 months, with 8 months in average. Appearance of thumb and finger pulps were good, with sensation restored to S 1-S 3+, according to the sensory function evaluation criteria of the British Medical Research Council(BMRC). According to Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, all 17 patientswere in excellent of total active movement(TAM). Conclusion:Innervated arterialised venous flap of the first dorsal metacarpal is reliable in reconstruction of the defects of digit pulps with good function and appearance. The flap is easy to take and with a satisfactory recovery of sensation.

Reconstruction of thumb degloving injury with hallux nail flap combined with 3D printing: a report of 16 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of hallux nail flap design assisted with 3D printing in reconstruction of thumb defect in degloving injury.Methods:From January 2020 to March 2022, 16 patients with thumb defect caused by degloving injury with intact digit flexor and extensor tendons were treated. The patients were 11 males and 5 females, aged 20 to 52 years old, with an average age of 31 years old. The injured patient's hands were firstly scanned by CT and the 3D models were created to map the profile of the tissues required for reconstruction. Photopolymer templates for the defects in thumb were then 3D printed. The printed templates were put on the great toes and accordingly the hallux nail flaps were designed and harvested. The degloving wound of thumb was repaired by the hallux nail flap. Donor sites were repaired with artificial dermis in 6 patients and with ilioinguinal flaps in 10 patients. The effect of surgery was observed at outpatient clinic during postoperative follow-up. The survival of the hallux nail flap and the recovery of the donor site were observed. Function recovery were evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Finger Replantation and Reconstruction of Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:All the harvested hallux nail flaps matched with the profiles of recipient sites. All the hallux nail flaps survived over 4 to 30 months of follow-up, in an average of 16 months. Appearance of all hallux nail flaps was similar to normal thumbs, with good fingerprint and nails. Sensation recovery were S 3-S 4, with TPD at 4-7 mm. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 15 thumbs were excellent and 1 was good. Conclusion:Application of 3D printing assisted hallux nail flap transfer in reconstruction of defect of thumb in degloving injury can precisely design and harvest the required tissue and minimise a damage to the donor great toe. It improves the appearance of thumb as well as patient satisfaction. It is practical in reconstruction of the defect of thumb in degloving injury.

Application of superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in tiled reconstruction of thumbs and fingers / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To summarise the clinical application and results of superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps in tiled reconstruction of thumbs and fingers.Methods:From June 2020 to June 2022, 8 patients with finger or thumb defects (4 thumbs, 2 index fingers and 2 middle fingers) received digit reconstruction in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. Two thumbs (2 patients) were reconstructed with a free partial hallux nail flap combined with a free perforator flap of superficial peroneal artery and an iliac bone graft, 1 thumb was reconstructed with a free partial hallux nail flap combined with a free perforator flap of superficial peroneal artery, 1 thumb and 2 middle fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of superficial peroneal artery combined with iliac bone grafts, and 2 index fingers were reconstructed with lobulated free perforator flaps of superficial peroneal artery. The sizes of the flaps were 1.8 cm×3.2 cm-4.0 cm×10.0 cm. Lengths of iliac crest were 1.5-4.0 cm. The donor sites were directly sutured in 5 patients, skin grafts in 2 and superficial peroneal artery perforator flap reconstruction in 1 patient. Postoperative observations included survival of the digits and healing of the bone grafts. Monthly scheduled postoperative follow-ups were conducted at outpatient clinics and via telephone or WeChat reviews, covering function and appearance of the reconstructed digits, impact on the function and appearance of donor sites as well as the satisfaction of patients.Results:All 8 reconstructed digits survived in one stage and all the 5 bone grafts healed at 3 to 4 months after surgery. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 10 months, ranged 4 to 20 months. The texture of the reconstructed digits was close to that of the recipient site and good in elasticity, without purplish while in cold, nor ulceration, obvious bloating and pigmentation. Sensation of the digit pulps was recovered to S 2 to S 3, and the sensation in touch, pain and temperature were restored. TPD was not checked. There was no noticeable hyperplasia nor pain in the recipient and donor sites. There was no obvious hyperplasia or pain at the donor sites for the hallux nail flap, and the skin grafts or flaps in the donor sites survived well without ulceration or pain and the function of the donor feet were not affected. Functions of the reconstructed digits were assessed according to the Functional Assessment Criteria for Thumb and Finger Reconstruction of the Society for Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 4 patients achieved in excellent and 4 in good. According to the University of Michigan Hand Profile Questionnaire (MHQ), patient satisfaction was found very satisfied with 4 patients and satisfied with the other 4 patients. Conclusion:The superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has advantages of thin and large area with pleasant texture, better sensation recovery and less damage to the donor site. It is an ideal flap for reconstruction of thumbs and fingers.

High-intensity laser therapy combined with targeted hand function training for the treatment of grade 1-2 thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of high-intensity laser therapy(HILT) combined with targeted hand function training on pain and lateral pinch force in grade 1-2 thumb carpometacarpal(CMC) osteoarthritis(OA).@*METHODS@#From April 2020 and April 2022, 42 female patients with thumb CMC OA grade 1 to 2, aged from 58 to 80 years old with an everage of (68.90±7.58) years old were divided into observation group of 21 patients who received HILT and targeted hand function training for 4 weeks, and 21 patients in control group who received ultrashort wave therapy combined with using of an orthosis for 4 weeks. Visual analogue scale(VAS) was applied to evaluate degree of pain, function of finger was evaluated by dynamometer to measure lateral pinch force at baseline, immediately following intervention at 4 and 12 weeks following intervention.@*RESULTS@#VAS and lateral pinch force at immediately and 12 weeks after intervention betwwen two groups were better than that of before intervention(P<0.05). Compared with control group, the degree of pain in observation group improved more(immediately after intervention t=3.37, P<0.05, 12 weeks after intervention t=9.05, P<0.05), lateral pinch force higher than that of control group (immediately after intervention t=-2.55, P<0.05, 12 weeks after intervention t=9.51, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#High-intensity laser therapy combined with targeted hand function training is more effective than traditional methods in improving pain and lateral pinch force in grade 1-2 thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

MRI manifestations of anatomy and injuries of thumb extensor and flexor mechanism / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To explore the anatomy and injuries features of the thumb extensor and flexor mechanism with MRI.Methods:Ten healthy subjects without thumb injury and 20 patients with thumb extensor or flexor mechanism injuries were recruited in the study between September 2013 and September 2021. All subjects underwent MRI examination, the MRI features of thumb extensor or flexor mechanism in healthy subjects and patients were analyzed. The imaging findings were compared with the surgical results and confirmed by followed up in patients.Results:The healthy subjects showed homogeneous low-signal-intensity on T1-weighted and proton-fat saturation sequence(PD FS) images. Twenty patients with thumb extensor or flexor mechanism injures(including 8 cases of extensor pollicislongusinjury,1 case of extensor pollicisbrevis injury, 4 cases of flexor pollicislongus injury, 2 cases offlexor pollicis brevis injury and 5casesofpulley injury) demonstrated poor definition in T1WI, and heterogeneously increased signal intensity in PD-FS. Depending on the degree of injury, the fibers may be partially or completely discontinuity of the involved tendons. There was edema in the soft tissues surrounding the injured sites.Conclusion:MRI is an accurate method for evaluation of the anatomy and pathological conditions of the thumb extensor and flexor mechanism.

Thumb-tack needles based on "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" for sequela of COVID-19 during recovery period / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of thumb-tack needles based on "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" on sequela symptoms, mental state and pulmonary ventilation function in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during recovery period.@*METHODS@#Fifty cases of COVID-19 during recovery period were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with thumb-tack needles at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taiyuan (LU 9). The patients in the control group were treated with sham thumb-tack needles at identical acupoints as the observation group. The treatment in the two groups was given once a day, 7-day treatment was taken as a course of treatment, and totally two courses of treatment were given. The TCM symptom score, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score, pulmonary function (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], peak expiratory flow [PEF]), the severity of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction and pulmonary imaging changes in the two groups were compared before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the total scores and each item scores of TCM symptom scale, HAMA scores and HAMD scores in the two groups were reduced after treatment (P<0.05). Except for the symptom scores of dry throat and dry stool, the total score and each item score of TCM symptom scale, HAMA score and HAMD score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, FVC, FEV1 and PEF in the two groups were increased after treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The severity of pulmonary ventilation dysfunction in the two groups was reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the severity in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the lung shadow area in the two groups was decreased (P<0.05), and that in the observation group was smaller than the control group (P<0.05). The improvement of imaging change in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The thumb-tack needles based on "Biaoben acupoint compatibility" could significantly reduce the sequela symptoms, anxiety and depression in patients with COVID-19 during recovery stage, and improve the pulmonary ventilation function.

Effect of hallux toe nail flap and adjacent island flap of the middle and ring fingers in repair of degloving injury of distal thumb / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To summarise the clinical efficacy and surgical indications for free hallux toe nail flap and adjacent island flap of the middle and ring fingers in repair of distal thumb degloving injuries.Methods:From May 2009 to May 2021, a total of 24 patients (24 digits) with degloving injury of distal thumbs were treated in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery of Baoji Third Hospital. The flap was selected according to the patient's wishes and occupation. Of the 24 patients, 13 were repaired by free hallux toe nail flap transfer (group of hallux toe nail flap), and 11 were repaired by combining the proper palmar digital artery island flap of middle (ulnar side) and ring (radial side) fingers with the same volar common digital artery vascular pedicle (group of tile combined flap). Follow-up was performed at the 1st, 3rd, 6th,12th and 18th months after surgery respectively through outpatient clinic and telephone or WeChat interviews. The follow-ups focused on the appearance, colour, texture and two-point discrimination (TPD) of the flap, as well as thumb flexion, extension, opposition and grasping functions. Functional recovery evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association.Results:All the 24 flaps survived and all were included in the follow-up. The follow-up lasted 12-60 and 6-18 months, with an average of (18.5±0.5) months and (6.8±0.3) months in group of hallux toe nail flap and group of tile combined flap, respectively. Appearance of thumb body and function at the last follow-up showed: in the group of hallux toe nail flap, the nails, thumbtips and fine sensations were restored, with the TPD at 5-8 mm. The thumb flexion, extension, opposition and grasping functions were good. Apart from without nails and fingerprint, the flaps in the group of tile combined flap had good appearance and texture, and the protective feeling was restored with the TPD at 6-11 mm. The affected thumbs also recovered the basic functions of flexion, extension, opposition and grasping. According to the Trial Standard of Upper Limb Function Evaluation of the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society, 7 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, and 1 case was poor in the group of hallux toe nail flap. In the group of tile combined flap, 3 cases were in excellent, 5 in good, and 3 in poor. Appearance of flaps (such as nails and thumbtip fingerprint), fine sensory recovery, and the accuracy and stability of the grasping function, the group of hallux toe nail flap was significantly better than that of the group of tile combined flap. There was no functional impact on the donor site.Conclusion:Both types of flap are classic surgical procedures for repair of distal thumb degloving injury. In order to meet the individual requirement and to improve the efficacy of the treatment, such as for those who have high expectation for digit restoration, especially those who are young with aesthetical or professional requirement, free hallux toe nail flap repair is used to restore the perfect shape and function. And for those who are reluctant to sacrifice their toes or for the middle-aged and elderly people who do not have high expectation for the shape of thumb, a tile combined flap repair is used to restore thumb function.

Pulp defect of thumb and finger repaired by the medial plantar artery flap: Report of 10 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of using the free medial planar artery flap(MPAF) pedicled by the superficial branch of the medial plantar artery in repair of pulp defect of thumb and finger.Methods:Ten patients with pulp defect of thumb and finger were repaired with MPAF of foot in the Department of Hand Surgery of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University from November 2020 to January 2022. There were 3 cases of cutting injury, 2 cases of chainsaw injury, 2 cases of extrusion injury and 3 cases of avulsion injury. Digits injuried: 4 index fingers, 3 thumbs, 2 middle fingers, and 1 ring finger. After admission, Doppler ultrasound was performed to understand the running course of medial plantar artery. Emergency surgeries were performed to repair the pulp defects of thumb and finger with free MPAF, and donor sites were repaired by skin grafting. The area of soft tissue defects was 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.0 cm×4.5 cm, and the size of flap was 2.5 cm×3.0 cm-3.5 cm×5.0 cm after debridement. Postoperative effect was assessed over the follow-up at outpatient clinics by same group of surgeons. Functional recovery was evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association.Results:All 10 free MPAFs pedicled by the superficial branch of medial plantar artery survived. After the transfer, the colour, texture and thickness of the flaps were matched with the digit with pulps realistic appearance. Secondary flap thinning surgery was not required. Two cases had blisters at the distal end of the flap, and healed after fluid extraction and dressing change. All patients had 3 to 18 months of follow-up. The TPD of the flap was 4-7 mm. The skin grafts in the donor sites survived well. At the last follow-up, the upper limb function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with the results of 8 cases in excellent and 2 in good.Conclusion:Free MPAF pedicled by the superficial branch of medial plantar artery can repair the pulp defect of thumb and finger with reliable blood supply, excellent texture and good appearance. And there is no damage to the main vessels in the donor site.

Thumb reconstruction with free spliced bilateral fibular hallux nail flap: A case report / 中华显微外科杂志

A patient who suffered with degloving and destructive servered distal segment of the left thumb was referred to the Department of Hand Surgery, Ningbo No.6 Hospital in May 2021. The thumb was reconstructed by transfer and splicing of a free bilateral fibular hallux nail flap. Metatarsal artery of the metatarsal fibular side of the flap was anastomosed to the proper palmar digital artery at the recipient site. The nerve meridian were anastomosed to the proper palmar digital nerve of thumb, and the distal arterial arch of the metatarsal base between the flaps was anastomosed at the same time. A V-Y advancement flap was employed to repair the donor site. After 3 months, the transferred flaps survived well, the left thumb nail grew well, and the dynamic TPD was at 7 mm. According to the Evaluation Standard of Thumb and Finger Reconstruction Function of the Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, it was evaluated as excellent (14 points). The advancement flap in the donor site survived well, and the walking, running and jumping of both feet were not affected. According to Maryland's foot function scoring standard, it was evaluated as excellent (98 points).

Reconstruction of degree V defect of thumb: A case report / 中华显微外科杂志

In March 2014, a degree V defect of right thumb was reconstructed with a free right hallux nail flap combined with bone and tendon composite tissue of the 2nd toe in the Department of Hand Surgery, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital. A freed right superficial iliac circumflex artery perforator flap (SCIPF) and autologous iliac bone were used to repair the donor site of foot. The hand function was evaluated according to the upper limb function scoring system. Seven years after operation, the function of the right hand was significantly improved and the function of right foot was not significantly affected. According to the Michigan Hand Function Score, the result was 80 point. Functional recovery evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Reconstructed Thumb and Finger Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, the result was excellent (14 point).