Morphometric Variations in the Volar Aspect of the Distal Radius

BACKGROUND: Significant discrepancy exists between anatomical plate designs and the anatomy of the native distal radius, which may be attributable to considerable morphometric variations in the volar aspect of the distal radius. We aimed to evaluate the degree of variability in the morphometry of the distal radius and identify factors associated with this variability. METHODS: We measured the volar surface angle (VSA) of the intermediate and lateral columns and the volar surface width (VSW) in the distal radius from three-dimensional computed tomography scans acquired from 81 cadaveric forearms. These morphometric parameters were compared between the lateral and intermediate columns, between males and females, and between Koreans and Caucasians. Caucasian morphometric data were obtained and pooled from the previous studies. The coefficient of variation was used to assess the variability of the parameters and Cohen's d to estimate the effect size of the difference between groups. RESULTS: The average VSA of the lateral column was 22°± 6°, and that of the intermediate column was 29°± 8° in Koreans (p < 0.001). The variability was high for both VSAs. The VSA of the intermediate column was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Caucasians than in Koreans (p < 0.001). The average VSW of distal radius was 30 ± 3 mm at the watershed line, and it became narrower proximally. The VSW was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Koreans than in Caucasians (p < 0.001). The effect sizes of the difference for the VSA and VSW between sexes, races and columns were medium to large. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability exists in the morphometry of the volar distal radius, with sex, race, and column as contributing factors. These results suggest that surgeons should carefully choose an anatomical volar locking plate with appropriate angulation characteristics for each patient to achieve patient-specific alignment of the distal radius.

Ulnar neuropathy

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy. Its diagnosis is largely based on clinical findings. It has been well known that patients with mild to moderate grade of cubital tunnel syndrome have a high chance of spontaneous resolution, while those with severe degree do not. Thus, the former is treated with conservative methods initially, and the latter is indicated for surgical intervention. There are three types of surgical techniques for cubital tunnel syndrome. Of these, in-situ decompression technique has been gaining popularity as it is simpler and shows similar efficacy with less complications compared to other techniques. In this review, we deal with current concepts of the cubital tunnel syndrome pertaining to the primary clinical practice.

External Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

External fixation with or without ancillary K-wire fixation, once being one of the most popular methods of surgery for unstable distal radius fractures, is now losing its position due to a recent surge in the use of volar locking plates. However, these changes are not firmly grounded on scientific evidence. Recent clinical trials showed that a similar wrist function was achieved when the use of external fixation was compared with that of volar locking plates at 1 year after surgery for the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures, even though the rate of functional recovery was slower in the former. In addition, it is still a question whether additional costs and time paid for volar locking plates can be justified by such a small gain in wrist function. We will review recent studies comparing external fixation with volar locking plates regarding wrist function and costs, and discuss current indication of external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures.

Correction of Post Burn Extension Contracture of 4, 5th Toes Using Free Flap

Old post burn contractures on feet still remain challenging problem for reconstructive surgeon. A 43-year-old male visited Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital with the complain of foot deformity and difficulties in shoe fitting. His right 4th and 5th toes were inverted at dorsal foot. We released the contracture of 4, 5th metatarsophalangeal joint and lengthened extensor tendon by Z-plasty, and covered the resultant defect with the anterolateral thigh flap. The flap was successful and the deformity was corrected. As there have been few reports on reconstruction of foot dorsum, especially on post burn extension contractures in the toes, we report a rare case of contracture release and coverage by free flap.

Myositis Ossificans in the Finger: A Case Report

Myositis ossificans is a solitary benign ossifying lesion in the soft tissue. Occurring predominantly in muscles, a similar lesion may occasionally be found in subcutaneous tissues, tendons, fascia and periosteum. It is often misdiagnosed as an extraskeletal osteosarcoma because of its rapid growth. Therefore, it is sometimes called pseudomalignant myositis ossificans. Myositis ossificans rarely occurs in the distal portion of the finger. We present a case of myositis ossificans of finger and review the the clinical, radiographical, and histological presentation, as well as the appropriate therapeutic management.

Open Reduction Through the Modified Volar Approach in Complex Dorsal Dislocations of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical treatment of the complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal dislocations and its results, emphasizing on the modified volar approach with A1 pulley release. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We experienced 6 cases of dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint. We performed open reduction with the modified volar approach described by Eaton and Dray. Postoperatively posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion was followed. RESULTS: One case with a large osteochondral fracture was operated with volar and doral approach both. Overall end results were good without any significant restriction of motion and stability of the fingers. CONCLUSION: Modified volar approach with A1 pulley release is an excellent method for complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal dislocations without osteochondral fracture.

Coverage of the Severely Traumatized Extremity by Emergency Free Flap: Case Report

Emergency free flap has been advocated to cover the severely injured extremity for more than two decades, due to its numerous advantages such as low incidence of flap failure and infection rate and early recovery of function. But there are very few reports about these. The authors report their experience in using the emergency free flap for reconstruction of extremities. For last 10 years, 4 patients ranging from 3 to 27 years old with severely traumatized extremities were treated with emergency free flap transfers. Three were males and the other was a female. Flap size ranged from 2x5 cm2 to 7x22 cm2. The locations of the recipient site were the dorsum of the foot, the cubital fossa, the popliteal fossa and the upper arm. The number of the donor sites used was as follows: one scapular flap, two parascapular flaps, and one radial forearm flap with the radial bone. All of the flaps survived without need of re-exploration. There was no infection or flap loss. Involved joints have recovered a normal range of motion. Therefore, we consider that the emergency free flap is a very safe and reliable method to cover the severely injured extremities.

Is the Distant Pedicled Flap Still Useful in Reconstruction of the Injured Hand?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the necessity of distant pedicled flap in the treatment of soft tissue defects in the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distant pedicled flap was performed in the 25 hands of 25 patients from 2000 to 2004. There were 20 males and 5 females and mean age was 34 years. The surgery was done for electrical burns in 13 patients, flame burns in 8 patients and crushing injuies in 4 patients. RESULTS: We have performed 25 distant pedicled flaps for the coverage of soft tissue defects in the hands when local and free flaps were unavailable. Soft tissue coverages by distant pedicled flap were completely successful in all the 25 hands. No complication such as total flap loss, marginal flap loss and infection occurred. CONCLUSION: Distant pedicled flaps were very useful alternative method in the treatment of soft tissue defect in the hand.

Free Fillet Flap of the Forearm Amputee for Coverage of the Contralateral below Elbow Amputee and Restoration of the Flexion of the Elbow

Free vascularized tissue transfer to preserve upper extremity amputation level is uncommon but very useful procedure. To cover the below-elbow amputee stump and restore the function of the elbow, we have used a free flap as a spare part concept from the contralateral hand which was so severely damaged that amputation was inevitable.

Medial Plantar Nerve Injury after Screw Fixation of the Calcaneus Fracture

We present a case of medial plantar nerve injury by screw tip after open reduction and internal fixation of intraarticular calcaneus fracture. We reviewed the risk and prevention technique of medial plantar nerve injury in fixing the calcaneus fracture.

Surgical Treatment of Nonunions of the Surgical Neck of the Humerus in Elderly Patients / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of nonunion of the surgical neck of the humerus in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients over 60 years of age surgically treated for nonunion of the surgical neck of the humerus with follow- up over 1 year were investigated. Of the three patients with severe osteoporosis, multiple K-wires were used in 1 patient, and Ender nails were used in 2. The other 4 patients with relatively good bone quality were treated with plate and screws. Functional results were evaluated using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and statistical significance was tested using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Radiological union was obtained in six patients, and 1 patient had no evidence of union at a postoperative 5 years. Active elevation improved from an average of 73 (range, 20-100) degrees to 139 (range, 110-160) degrees. The UCLA score improved from 10.9(range, 7-16) points to 27.3 (range, 10-33) points on the average. CONCLUSION: Open reduction with internal fixation and bone grafting for nonunion of the surgical neck of the humerus in elderly patients may result in significant functional improvement.

The acceptable range of the changes of tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint position in PCL retaining TKA for improved clinical results / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: to find out the change and limit of the changes of tibiofemoral joint line, patellar position and other related variables for improved postoperative knee function after PCL retaining TKRA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The variables mentioned above were measured from the plain radiographs of 101 knees with PCL retaining TKRAs, correlated with clinical outcomes such as HSS score, range of motion and anterior knee pain. Then they were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Tibiofemoral joint line, patellar height and femoral condylar size affected clinical outcomes. Excellent postoperative knee function resulted when the shift of tibiofemoral joint line position was between 5mm inferiorly to 5mm superiorly, postoperative patellar height between 15mm to 30mm, and the change of the femoral condylar size between 10mm decrease and 5mm increase. CONCLUSION: Excellent clinical results would be expected if the changes of the joint line position are kept within the range suggested in this paper.