Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare tumor of the peripheral nerves, which usually involves the median nerve. The authors reported on two rare cases of carpal tunnel syndrome due to LFH of the median nerve. A 49-year-old female patient complained of the mass and symptoms consistent with LFH. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed typical LFH findings. The symptoms were successfully ameliorated with carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis. A 37-year-old female patient complained of weakening thumb abduction and the mass where the MRI showed atypical findings. Opponensplasty and debulking operations were performed after which thumb abduction was improved; however, neurological sequelae remained. LFH of the median nerve is managed on a case-by-case basis as treatment guidelines are not very clearly defined yet. However, the less invasive treatment such as carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis than more aggressive surgical treatment should be recommended as a treatment option.

Clinical Results Over Time for Unilateral versus Bilateral Simultaneous Short Scarf Osteotomy / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE@#This study compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of simultaneous bilateral short scarf osteotomy with those of unilateral short scarf osteotomy in hallux valgus patients.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#The authors undertook a retrospective chart and radiographic review between January 2015 and June 2017 to identify 15 patients (30 cases, group A) who underwent a simultaneous bilateral short scarf osteotomy. The patients were matched with 30 patients (30 cases, group B) with a unilateral short scarf osteotomy. No significant preoperative differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux score, and radiographic parameters. The clinical and radiographic follow-up was carried out at three months and one year.@*RESULTS@#Hallux valgus angles in groups A and B were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 32.5° and 34.7° to 12.5° and 12.2° at 12 months, respectively. The first-second intermetatarsal angles in groups A and B were also reduced from the mean preoperative values of 14.2° and 16.5° to 7.4° and 7.3° at 12 months, respectively. No significant inter-group differences in radiographic outcomes were observed. After three months, the patients in group A reported significantly worse mean pain and functional scores than group B. The mean AOFAS hallux score was higher in group B at the three-month follow-up, but this difference disappeared at the one-year follow-up.@*CONCLUSION@#Simultaneous bilateral surgery can be offered to patients with a hallux valgus deformity requiring correction. On the other hand, they should be informed of the long recovery period.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Anconeus Epitrochlearis Muscle

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical manifestation and surgical results following operative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) caused by anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) muscle. METHODS: Among 142 patients who underwent surgery for CuTS from November 2007 to October 2015, 12 were assigned to the AE group based on discovery of AE muscle; 130 patients were assigned to the other group. We analyzed retrospectively; age, sex, dominant hand, symptom duration, and weakness in hand. Severity of the disease was evaluated using the Dellon classification and postoperative symptom were evaluated using disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Surgery consisted of subfascial anterior transposition following excision of AE muscle. RESULTS: AE muscle was present in 8.5% of all patients, and was more common in patients who were younger and with involvement of their dominant hand; the duration of symptom was shorter in patients with AE muscle. All patients showed postoperative improvement in symptoms according to DASH and VAS scores. CONCLUSION: The possibility of CuTS caused by AE muscle should be considered when younger patients have rapidly aggravated and activity-related cubital tunnel symptoms with a palpable mass in the cubital tunnel area. Excision of AE muscle and anterior ulnar nerve transposition may be considered effective surgical treatment.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Anconeus Epitrochlearis Muscle

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical manifestation and surgical results following operative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) caused by anconeus epitrochlearis (AE) muscle.METHODS: Among 142 patients who underwent surgery for CuTS from November 2007 to October 2015, 12 were assigned to the AE group based on discovery of AE muscle; 130 patients were assigned to the other group. We analyzed retrospectively; age, sex, dominant hand, symptom duration, and weakness in hand. Severity of the disease was evaluated using the Dellon classification and postoperative symptom were evaluated using disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Surgery consisted of subfascial anterior transposition following excision of AE muscle.RESULTS: AE muscle was present in 8.5% of all patients, and was more common in patients who were younger and with involvement of their dominant hand; the duration of symptom was shorter in patients with AE muscle. All patients showed postoperative improvement in symptoms according to DASH and VAS scores.CONCLUSION: The possibility of CuTS caused by AE muscle should be considered when younger patients have rapidly aggravated and activity-related cubital tunnel symptoms with a palpable mass in the cubital tunnel area. Excision of AE muscle and anterior ulnar nerve transposition may be considered effective surgical treatment.

Pyogenic Arthritis of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint Treated with External Fixation in Adolescent

When hand injuries caused by human bite are overlooked and they can progress to pyogenic arthritis. Pyogenic arthritis is difficult to treat and can make severe sequelae in the joints. We report a case of pyogenic arthritis of the hand that occurred after human bite injury in adolescent treated with wide debridement and external fixator. Our literature searches revealed that the use of external fixator is good treatment option for the treatment of pyogenic arthritis of the hand.

Clinical and Radiological Analysis of Angular Deformity of Lower Extremities

The alignment of lower extremities is an important consideration in many clinical situations, including fracture reduction, high tibia osteotomy, total knee arthroplasty, and deformity correction. Mal-alignment of lower extremities is not only a simple cosmetic problem, but it can also produce pain, limp, and early degenerative arthritis. An assessment of lower extremity alignment, including its location and magnitude of deformity, can be achieved via mal-alignment test and mal-orientation test, using a lower extremity standing full-length radiography. Proper evaluation allows the surgeon to determine an effective treatment plan for deformity correction.

Transplantation of a Scaffold-Free Cartilage Tissue Analogue for the Treatment of Physeal Cartilage Injury of the Proximal Tibia in Rabbits

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transplantation of an in vitro-generated, scaffold-free, tissue-engineered cartilage tissue analogue (CTA) using a suspension chondrocyte culture in a rabbit growth-arrest model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We harvested cartilage cells from the articular cartilage of the joints of white rabbits and made a CTA using a suspension culture of 2x107 cells/mL. An animal growth plate defect model was made on the medial side of the proximal tibial growth plate of both tibias of 6-week-old New Zealand white rabbits (n=10). The allogenic CTA was then transplanted onto the right proximal tibial defect. As a control, no implantation was performed on the left-side defect. Plain radiographs and the medial proximal tibial angle were obtained at 1-week intervals for evaluation of bone bridge formation and the degree of angular deformity until postoperative week 6. We performed a histological evaluation using hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue staining at postoperative weeks 4 and 6. RESULTS: Radiologic study revealed a median medial proximal tibial angle of 59.0degrees in the control group and 80.0degrees in the CTA group at 6 weeks. In the control group, statistically significant angular deformities were seen 3 weeks after transplantation (p<0.05). On histological examination, the transplanted CTA was maintained in the CTA group at 4 and 6 weeks postoperative. Bone bridge formation was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: In this study, CTA transplantation minimized deformity in the rabbit growth plate injury model, probably via the attenuation of bone bridge formation.

Extensor Digiti Minimi Triggering Caused by an Anatomical Variation: A Case Report

Although flexor tendon triggering due to stenosing flexor tenosynovitis is common clinically, extensor triggering is quite rare. Known common causes are impingement between extensor tendon and extensor retinaculum, stenosis of the tendon sheath, and impingement between extensor tendon and osteophyte. We report rare case of triggering in the little finger caused by impingement between extensor digiti minimi and synovial septum.

Operative Treatment of Pediatric Distal Forearm Bothbone Fracture

PURPOSE: Pediatric patients with distal forearm bothbone fractures of surgical indication were treated with the Kapandji reduction technique for radius and flexible intramedullary nail for ulna at our institution. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiological results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2012 to June 2014, we retrospectively evaluated 16 out of 18 cases with distal forearm bothbone fractures treated with the Kapandji reduction technique for radius and flexible intramedullary nail for ulna with at least 1-year follow-up. The average age at operation was 9.1 years (7-13 years). RESULTS: Adequate reduction for both radius and ulna was achieved for all cases, and none of the cases showed re-displacement until the last follow-up. Mean 6.6 weeks lapsed until bony union was observed for the radius. For the ulna, the mean was 6.5 weeks. All patients gained full wrist range of motion at the last visit. CONCLUSION: For pediatric distal forearm bothbone fractures, intrafocal Kapandji reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire for radius and reduction and internal fixation with a flexible intramedullary nail for ulna is the technique for handy reduction. Use of this technique can prevent re-displacement during the union process and achieve excellent clinical and radiologic results.

Posterolateral Rotatory Instability of the Elbow without Epiphyseal Injury in Children

Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow in the absence of epiphyseal injury is extremely rare in children. We present a case of 12-year-old child in whom recurrent dislocation of the elbow was associated with a stretched lateral ulnar collateral ligament. We performed surgical repair and reefing of a stretched lateral ulnar collateral ligament by using a suture anchor and a continuous locking suture in order to avoid donor site morbidity and damage of the growth plate, which could occur when a transosseous tunnel for reconstruction was made. At 12 months after operation, satisfactory symptom relief was observed with no evidence of recurrence.

Bilateral Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocations of the Thumb

A traumatic carpometacarpal joint dislocation of the thumb accounts for less than 1% of all hand injuries. Optimal treatment strategies for this injury are still a subject of debate. In this article, we report a case of bilateral thumb carpometacarpal joint dislocations: a unique combination of injuries. We believe our case is the second report of bilateral carpometacarpal joint dislocation regarding the thumb in English literature. It was successfully treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation on one side, and an open reduction and reconstruction of the ligament on the other side.

Treatment of Neglected Monteggia Fracture in Children

No abstract available.

The Treatment for Kienbock's Disease using the Fourth Extensor Compartment Artery Vascularized Bone Graft: Preliminary Results

Lunate revascularization with the vascularized bone grafts is a current concept in the treatment of Kienbock disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and preliminary results of the treatment using the fourth extensor compartment artery (4 ECA) vascularized bone graft for Kienbock disease. Between May 2009 and June 2010, five patients (3 men and 2 women) with Kienbock disease were treated with 4 ECA vascularized bone grafts. The mean age was 32.8 years and mean follow-up time was 13 months. The patients were composed of two patients in stage II and three patients in stage IIIa according to Lichtman's classification. Modified Mayo wrist score including pain, grip strength, range of motion and functional status and radiographic parameters such as carpal height ratio and radioscaphoid angle were evaluated at a final follow-up. Pain was markedly diminished and modified Mayo wrist score was 82 at last follow up period. There were no or little changes in carpal height ratio and radioscaphoid angle. All patients showed satisfactory bony union and no further lunate collapse on follow-up radiographs. The 4 ECA vascularized bone graft is a reliable alternative procedures among revascularization procedures for treatment of Kienbock's disease. It is less invasive and has low risk of kinking of pedicle compared to the 4+5 ECA vascularized bone graft. However, long term follow-up and MRI evaluation at follow up period should be needed for the future.

K-wire Fixation Supplemented with External Fixator Versus Volar Locked Plating for Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius

PURPOSE: To campare the outcomes between K-wire fixation with supplementary external fixator and volar locking plate in the treatment of the unstable distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 26 unstable AO type C3 distal radius fracture retrospectively, treated from January 2004 to February 2009. They were divided into two groups; group I (14 cases of open reduction and K-wire fixation supplemented with a external fixator) and group II (12 cases of volar locked plating). Each group was statistically compared in terms of surgery time, the difference of radiologic reduction, and loss of reduction, range of motion (ROM) and Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found in terms of surgery time, radiologic reduction, and loss of reduction between two treatment groups. After 1 year of surgery, the Mayo wrist score of group I was 80.5 points, and group II was 80, which shows that both groups achieved fairly good score. Although group II gained a statistically significant improvement in the ROM of the wrist except pronation at postoperative three months, no statistical difference of ROM was found between two groups at postoperative 1 year. CONCLUSION: When it comes to the treatment for an unstable intra-articular distal radius fracture, clinical and radiological outcomes are comparable between the patients treated with K-wire fixation supplemented with a external fixator and those with a volar locking plate.

Modified Volar Percutaneous Screw Fixation for the Scaphoid Fractures: Trans-trapezial Approach

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of modified volar percutaneous fixation, in which a screw is introduced through the trapezium (trans-trapezial approach) for the treatment of undisplaced scaphoid fractures and nonunions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed modified volar percutaneous screw fixation in 15 patients between December 2008 and October 2009. There were ten men and five women. The mean age was 45 years (range, 20-59 years). Seven patients had a isolated scaphoid fracture, four had a concomitant distal radius fracture, two had multiple fractures besides scaphoid fracture, one had a trans-scaphoid perilunar fracture-dislocation and one had a cystic nonunion of the scaphoid. The mean follow-up time was 13 months. A standard Acutrak headless screw (Acumed(R)) was used in all cases. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the average arc of wrist motion was 60degrees of flexion and 65degrees of extension. The average grip power of the affected hand reached 90% compared with the unaffected side. The clinical results assessed by the modified Mayo wrist score showed twelve excellent and three good results. Plain radiographs showed accurate central placement of the screw without degenerative change in the scaphotrapezial joint in all patients. The mean time to union was 7.8 weeks. CONCLUSION: We believe that the modified volar percutaneous screw fixation is reliable method. However, long term follow-up is required to determine whether this approach would increase the risk of scaphotrapezial joint osteoarthritis.

Carpometacarpal Joint Dislocation of the Thumb Associated with Fracture of the Trapezium: A Case Report

We report a dislocation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint associated with an oblique fracture of the trapezium. This case was treated with open reduction and internal fixation using two Kirschner wires for the trapezial fracture and repair of the ruptured dorsal capsular ligament and additional Kirschner wire fixation for the carpometacarpal joint stability. At the 12 months follow-up examination, there was no pain or chronic instability. There was no evidence of post-traumatic arthritic changes.

Treatment of Popliteal Pterygium Using an Ilizarov External Fixator

Popliteal pterygium syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that consists of popliteal webs and craniofacial, genitourinary and extremity anomalies. Only moderate successful surgical excision of the fibrotic band within the popliteal web has been reported because the nerves and vessels in the affected site are short and displaced into the web and they are attached to adjacent tissues. We performed hamstring tenotomy on the ischial tuberosity, tenotomy of the flexor hallucis longus and Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon on the ankle in our patient, and this was followed by gradual correction using an Ilizarov external fixator. Full extension of the knee joint was achieved at the ninth postoperative week. However, some recurrence of flexion contracture was noted at two years follow-up. Gradual soft tissue lengthening with an Ilizarov external fixator can be one of the optimal procedures when excision of a fibrous band and Z-plasty are not possible due to severe adhesion of the nerves and vessels into a fibrotic band. However, a cautious approach is recommended when considering the high risk of recurrence.

The Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome: Clinical Investigation of Surgically Treated 7 Cases

PURPOSE: The etiology and treatment strategy of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome are still controversial. Seven patients with the AIN syndrome who were treated by surgical exploration and neurolysis were reviewed at a mean of 35.9 months follow up period. MATERIALS & METHODS: There were six men and one woman. The mean age was 37.3 years, ranging from 26 to 59. No patient was related to trauma and associated neurological lesion. Surgical exploration was performed at 7.7 months after onset of paralysis. RESULTS: All except one patients experienced pain around the elbow region before the onset of the palsy. On 7 patients, only the flexor pollicis longus was paralysed in 1, only the index flexor digitorum profundus in 2, and none had paralysis of the middle. The most common compression structures were fibrous bands within flexor digitorum sublimis arcade. However there was no demonstrable abnormality in three. Recovery was complete in all cases within 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: We recommended surgical exploration and neurolysis in patients who have shown no improvement after 6 months of conservative treatment. And careful preoperative examination is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate surgery, especially in incomplete AIN syndrome.

Surgical Excision of the Lumbar Disc Herniation in Elementary School Age

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To assess the radiological, clinical features and surgical outcomes of six patients of elementary school age with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: LDH is common in people in their fourth and fifth decades. However, the condition is extremely rare in children of elementary school age. Moreover, the clinical symptoms and treatments are different from those of adults. METHODS: We reviewed a series of 6 patients under the age of 12 years, who underwent surgery for LDH at our institution between 1992-2002. Initially, all patients were treated conservatively. The indications for surgery were failure of conservative treatment for 3 months, intractable pain and/or progressive neurological impairment. RESULTS: The surgical findings revealed a protruding disc in five cases and a ruptured disc in one. In addition, separation of the vertebral ring apophysis was observed in 3 cases. The symptoms had disappeared completely at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 10 points in 5 cases and 9 points in 1, and the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria was excellent in all patients. No intervertebral disc space narrowing was observed in any patient at last follow up. In addition, there were no degenerative changes in the vertebral endplate and facet joint. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptoms that persist for more than 3 months or those with a progressive neurological deficit must be considered for surgical discectomy.

Insufficiency Stress Fractures of the Femoral Neck in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: We wanted to compare the insufficiency stress fractures of the femoral neck (group I) with the traumatic femoral neck fractures (group II) in patients who were 70 years of age and older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and October 2006, we evaluated 10 insufficiency stress fractures among 191 femoral neck fractures in patients who were 70 years of age and older. We compared these fractures with the traumatic femoral neck fractures by using the bone mineral density (BMD), neck-shaft angle, the hip axis length (HAL) and the ratio of the HAL to the femoral neck width. RESULTS: The incidence of insufficiency stress fracture was 5.2%. There were 6 cases of displaced fractures and 4 cases of non-displaced fractures. All of non-displaced fractures revealed the tension (transverse) type. The mean neck-shaft angle was 130.45 degrees in group I and this was 131.94 degrees in group II. The mean HAL was 117.6 mm in group I and 115.3 mm in group II, and the ratio of the HAL to the femoral neck width was 0.30 in each group. The BMD (T-score) was -3.73 in group I and -3.4 in group II. CONCLUSION: The BMD of the insufficiency fracture group was significantly lower than that of the traumatic femoral neck fracture group. However, there were no significant differences in the neck-shaft angle, the HAL and the ratio of the HAL to femoral the neck width between the 2 groups.