Reverse Wafer Procedure for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome.

Ulnar impaction syndrome occurs when excessive load across the ulnocarpal joints results in pathologic changes, especially over the articular surface of the ulnar head and proximal ulnar corner of the lunate. The 2 main surgical options in ulnar impaction syndrome are ulnar shortening osteotomy and wafer procedure, whether open or arthroscopically, to decompress the ulnocarpal joint load. However, all of these techniques have their shortcomings and drawbacks. The current study demonstrates a novel technique to decompress the ulnocarpal joint load: the "reverse wafer procedure" for ulnar impaction syndrome. In this surgical technique, we resected the proximal ulnar side of the lunate instead of partial resection of the thin wafer of the distal ulnar head dome in the standard wafer procedure. This technique avoids iatrogenic central tear of triangular fibrocartilage and distal radioulnar joint portal arthroscopy, which is technically demanding while preserving the distal radioulnar joint.

Arthroscopic Dorsal Ligamentocapsulodesis in the Treatment of Occult Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts Associated with Scapholunate Instability: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Clinical Results.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate our preliminary results and experience with the arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis in managing occult dorsal wrist ganglion cysts (ODGCs) associated with scapholunate (SL) instability. Methods: All patients who underwent arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis due to an ODGC with concomitant SL ligament tear were retrospectively reviewed. In addition to demographic data and length of follow-up, outcomes data that included range of motion, grip strength, modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), complications and radiographs were collected. Results: The study included 18 patients (18 wrists; 10 female and 8 male). The mean age was 32 years (range: 19-48) and the mean follow-up was 34 months (range: 24-48). The mean preoperative extension deficit decreased from 5.5° (range: 0°-20°) to 2.7° (range: 0°-15°) at the final follow-up (p = 0.004). The mean preoperative flexion deficits decreased from 4.4° (range: 0°-15°) to 2.2° (range: 0°-10°) postoperatively (p = 0.003). The mean hand grip strength significantly increased from 27.7 kg (range: 22-36) to 38.3 kg (range: 31-46) at the final follow-up assessment (p < 0.001). The mean MMWS improved from 46 (range: 25-65) pre-operatively to 91 (range: 70-100) at the final follow-up (p = 0.0002). No major intra- or postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: SL instability may have an important role in the aetiology of ODGCs, and arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis can provide pain relief and functional improvement without recurrence at the short- to mid-term follow-up in the treatment of ODGCs. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Arthroscopic Dorsal Ligamentocapsulodesis in the Management of Combined Tears of Scapholunate and Lunotriquetral Ligaments: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Clinical Results.

Introduction The literature is scarce regarding the management of combined tears of scapholunate (SL) and lunotriquetral (LT) ligaments. This study aimed to evaluate our preliminary results with the arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis in managing such cases. Materials and Methods Forty-two patients (13 females, 29 males; mean age = 31; age range = 18-51 years) who underwent arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis due to the combined tears of SL and LT ligaments were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up was 38 (range = 24-55) months. The Modified Mayo Wrist Score, the visual analogue scale (VAS), and grip strength were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up examination. Results The mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score significantly improved from 49 (range = 25-70) preoperatively to 82 (range = 60-100) at the final follow-up ( p = 0.000). The mean VAS significantly decreased from 6.33 to 1.6 ( p = 0.000). The mean hand grip strength significantly improved from 31 (range = 19-41) kg to 44 (range = 25-60) kg at the final follow-up examination ( p < 0.001). No major complications were encountered. Conclusion Arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis seems to be a safe and effective surgical technique in the management of this rare combined injury pattern. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, retrospective case series study.

Treatment of persistent large cystic lesions of the humerus with vascularized fibular grafts.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the short-to-midterm results of the resection and reconstruction of large cystic lesions of the humerus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight male patients (median age: 22.9±10.4 years; range, 12 to 42 years) with large cystic lesions of the humerus operated between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The age of the patients, their previous treatments and follow-up periods, the size and location of the cysts, postoperative functional scores, presence of a union, recurrence of the cyst, and graft resorption were examined. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 42.8±7.5 (range, 34 to 54) months. Preoperatively, the mean length of the cystic lesions was 15.1±2.6 (range, 10 to 18) cm. At the final follow-up, the patients had a normal range of shoulder flexion-extension, internal rotation-external, abduction-adduction, and elbow flexion-extension, pronation-supination. The patients had a mean DASH score of 1.13±1.1 (range, 0 to 3.3) and MSTS score of 28.75±1.8 (range, 26 to 30) postoperatively. Complications such as pseudoarthrosis, graft resorption, or cyst recurrence were not observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Although the risk of recurrence is low in small cystic lesions of the humerus, it increases as the size of the lesion increases. This reconstruction technique using vascularized fibular grafts, which we applied, seems to be extremely successful in ensuring biological healing and preventing recurrence and complications in patients with large cystic lesions of the humerus.

Arthroscopic Dorsal Ligamentocapsulodesis in the Treatment of Isolated Lunotriquetral Interosseous Ligamentous Injury: A Retrospective Case Series of 22 Patients.

Background: The literature is scarce regarding isolated tears of lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL). The purpose of this study was to present mid-term clinical and functional results of arthroscopic dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis in the treatment of isolated LTIL tears. Methods: Twenty-two patients (8 females, 14 males; mean age: 31 years; age range: 18-42) with isolated LTIL tears verified by wrist arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed and included in the study. The mean follow-up was 55 months (range: 24-84). The modified Mayo wrist score, visual analog scale (VAS), flexion and extension deficits of passive wrist range of motion (ROM), pain-free ROM with forced wrist extension and grip strength were measured in all patients preoperatively and at final follow-up. Results: The mean modified Mayo wrist score significantly improved from 50 ± 10.29 preoperatively (range: 30-65) to 86 ± 11.61 (range: 60-100) at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). The mean VAS score significantly improved from 7.1 ± 0.83 (range: 6-8) preoperatively to 2.2 ± 1.35 (range: 0-6; p < 0.001) at the final follow-up. At the final follow-up examination, the forced wrist extension was painless in all but three patients who developed pain at 70º, 75º and 80º of extension, respectively. The mean strength of hand grip significantly increased from 38.6 ± 9.68 (range: 24-54) kg to 49.5 ± 12.36 (range: 33-66) kg at the final assessment (p < 0.001). No major complications were observed during or after the procedure. Conclusions: With the encouraging mid-term outcomes and a lower complication rate, arthroscopic LTIL dorsal ligamentocapsulodesis seems to be a safe and effective surgical technique in improving functional outcomes and reducing pain in patients with isolated LTIL tears. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Salvage of Devascularized and Amputated Upper Extremity Digits with Temporary Ectopic Replantation: Our Clinical Series.

BACKGROUND: One of the reasons for unsuccessful replantation is recipient site problems. In cases where proximal stump status cannot be predicted exactly, reamputation may be required depending on the result of infection and tissue necrosis. The ectopic banking method has been defined for this type of injury. In this study, we presented the amputated or devascularized upper extremity digit ectopic banking application results in our clinical practice. METHODS: Nineteen digits (17 patients) banking ectopically were included in the study. All digits ectopically banked in the forearm volar of the non-injured upper limb. Transfers were made after waiting for the appropriate time. Ectopic banking periods, postoperative complications, and other descriptive data were recorded. In the postoperative 6th month, the range of motion (ROM) values of the digits were measured and compared with the ROM values of the same digit on the non-injured extremity.Also, in the postoperative 6th month, a questionnaire with a score of 1-5 was conducted for cosmetic results. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 13.6 months. The mean patient age was 39.5 years. The ectopic banking success rate is 94.1% (16/17). The orthotopic/heterotopic transfer success rate is 100% (17/17). Ectopic banking time is, on average, 19.2 days (min 5-max 55). Average cosmetic scale is 3.54. CONCLUSIONS: We think that the results of our study will shed light on surgeons who make ectopic banking applications.

Soft Tissue Management and Tibialis Posterior Tendon Transfer in Acute Correction for Neglected Drop Foot Deformity.

Acute correction of rigid drop foot deformity can be problematic due to the skin defect that may occur in the medial part of the ankle. The purpose of this study is to present an innovative solution for this problem. We hypothesized that acute correction for rigid ankle contractures without arthrosis might be possible if the medial skin defect could be closed. Therefore, we described a surgical technique for acute functional correction of rigid drop foot deformities. The closure of the medial defect was performed by applying a flap and partial-thickness skin graft. We have retrospectively evaluated the results of 18 patients who were treated between 2010 and 2016 with this technique. The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 9.5 (22-56) years. Foot drop etiology was firearm-related nerve injury. Corrections were performed after 14.6 ± 7.9 (8-38) months following the injury. At the end of an average follow-up period of 44.4 ± 6.2 (37-60) months, 14 of 18 patients (78%) recovered without complications, 3 patients experienced partial loss in the medial skin graft region, and 1 patient developed a superficial infection. None of the patients have developed pes planus. We observed that the ankle flexion contracture, which was 34° ± 9.2° (20°-50°) preoperatively, could reach an average of 2.2° ± 2.5° (0°-6°) dorsiflexion after surgery. We suggest that acute correction and tibialis posterior tendon transfer in the treatment of rigid foot drop deformity can be performed with an effective skin closure with low soft tissue complications.

Reverse sural flap: Our clinical experience with car tire injuries in the anterolateral aspect of the foot.

BACKGROUND: Defects due to car wheel injury at the anterolateral aspect of the foot are challenging due to the characteristics of the region and the trauma. The aim of this study was to present the results of the patients whose skin defects on the dorsolateral aspect of the foot due to tire injuries were treated with reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flaps. METHODS: Fourteen patients with a mean age of 26.9 years (range: 5-46 years) who experienced loss of tissue at the dorsolateral aspect of the foot due to tire injury between the years 2000 and 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. The mean defect size was 27.1 cm2. The patients were followed up for observing the tissue coverage and complications throughout a mean period of 32.4 months. RESULTS: Despite the development of marginal necrosis in two flaps in the early period, tissues in all cases were successfully covered without requiring additional reconstruction. Primary donor site coverage was achieved in all patients without any donor site problems. CONCLUSION: In case of tire injuries at the anterolateral aspect of the foot, low complication and high success rates can be achieved with a case-based approach with reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flap coverage.

Management of upper extremity war injuries in the subacute period: A review of 62 cases.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to describe the relationship between the localization of rarely seen upper extremity war injuries and their complications in the subacute period, and define our preferences for surgery and antibiotic use. METHODS: Patients with an upper extremity war injury who presented to our institution between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Data regarding demographics, time between injury and presentation, location of injury, type of damage, complications, treatment methods, infection rates and antibiotic use were recorded. Tissue defects, fracture fixation, neurovascular damage, infection development and treatment approaches were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-two male patients with isolated upper extremity injuries (mean age: 31.66 ± 8.28 years) were included in the study. The average time between trauma and hospitalization was 14 days. The mean hematocrit (Hct) level at presentation was 36.3 ± 6.8%. Patients had been followed up for an average period of 95.6 ± 32.1 days. Twenty-nine patients (46.8%) had nerve injury, eight (12.9%) had arterial injury that required repair, and 23 had infection (37.1%), of which five developed osteomyelitis. Infection was polymicrobial in nine cases and monobacterial in 14. A positive correlation was found between the presence of fracture and nerve injury (p = 0.013). The frequency of nerve injuries due to gunshot wounds was higher in the mid-section and lower part of the arms and in the proximal forearm when compared to other regions (p = 0.011). The infection rates were significantly higher in patients with fractures (p = 0.033). The mean hematocrit (Hct) level at presentation of the patients with infection (32.1 ± 6.3%) was significantly lower than that of those who did not have infection (38.8 ± 5.9%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Upper extremity war injuries require case-specific solutions. Microbiological samples should be taken prior to empirical antibiotic treatment for infection management and rational antibiotic use principles should be applied according to the culture and antibiogram results. The holistic and ambiguous character of nerve injuries often requires early exploration and combined reconstructive interventions. Arterial injuries can be overlooked by physical examination alone and thus routine angiography should be performed. Completion of the bone and soft tissue reconstructions in the same session using a holistic approach minimizes the possible risks.

A novel nerve transfer: The first palmar interosseous motor branch of the ulnar nerve to the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve.

INTRODUCTION: The recovery of recurrent motor branch of the median nerve might be delayed in high level median nerve injuries due to the long reinnervation distance. The aim of this study is to define a novel nerve transfer to restore the opposition and pinch. METHODS: Two fresh frozen hand cadavers were used for the study. The motor branch of the first palmar interosseous muscle of the ulnar nerve was identified and dissected. Thenar branch of the median nerve was dissected from its insertion site. The motor branch of the first palmar interosseous muscle of the ulnar nerve was transferred to the thenar motor branch of the median nerve. Axon counts were examined histopathologically. Clinically this nerve transfer was performed for two female patients with a high-level median nerve injury. Mehta opposition scores were 21 and 20, respectively and the results were satisfactory six months after the surgery. DISCUSSION: Although exploration and repair are recommended as the first treatment for median nerve injuries, the waiting time until the motor branch is reinnervated is critical in high level lesions. Nerve transfers become very important for fast recovery. CONCLUSIONS: This new nerve transfer proposal may be an important step in nerve transfer surgery.

Trephine biopsy versus conventional open surgical technique for bone graft harvesting from the olecranon: A retrospective comparison of perioperative outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the perioperative clinical outcomes of trephine biopsy (TB) with the conventional open surgical method (COSM) in bone graft harvesting from the olecranon. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 130 patients who underwent bone graft harvesting from the olecranon using either TB or COSM were included. Patients were then divided into two groups: the COSM group (48 patients; 36 men and 12 women; mean age=32 years; age range=18-52) and the TB group (82 patients; 61 men and 21 women; mean age=34 years; age range=20-62). The mean follow-up was 30 months (range=17-57) in the COSM group and 26.8 months (range=6-48 months) in the TB groups. The two groups were compared in terms of pain intensity, operating time, complication rate, elbow range of motion, and the scar sensitivity of the graft donor site. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analogous scale (VAS) on postoperative days 1 and 15. Other outcome measures were evaluated at the final follow-up. RESULTS: In the TB group, the mean VAS score was 4±1.62 on postoperative day 1 and 1.6±0.76 on postoperative day 15. In the COSM group, the mean VAS score was 7.2±1.38 on postoperative day 1 and 3.1±1.34 on postoperative day 15. The early VAS scores were significantly higher in the COSM group than in the TB group (p<0.05). The mean operating time was 7±1.99 minutes in the TB group and 20±4.51 minutes in the COSM group. Hematoma occurred in one patient from each group, with an incidence of 2.1% in the COSM group and 1.2% in the TB group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding elbow range of motion at final follow-up p>0.05). No patient in the TB group showed sensitivity of the scar region, while scar sensitivity occurred in 3 of 48 patients (0.6%) in the COSM group. CONCLUSION: Compared with COSM, TB seems to be a safe technique with similar complication rates. TB can provide shorter operating time, less postoperative pain, and smaller and less sensitive scar compared with COSM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Extracorporeal Free Flap Perfusion Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Device: An Experimental Model.

Extracorporeal perfusion of organs has a wide range of clinical applications like prolonged vital storage of organs, isolated applications of drugs, bridging time to transplant, and free composite tissue transfer without anastomosis, but there are a limited number of experimental models on this topic.This study aimed to develop and evaluate a human extracorporeal free flap perfusion model using an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device. Five patients undergoing esthetic abdominoplasty participated in this study. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were obtained abdominoplasty flaps, which are normally medical waste, used in this model. Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps were extracorporeally perfused with a mean of 6 days. The biochemical and pathological evaluations of the perfusions were discussed in the article.

Perforator artery repair in revascularization of extremity degloving injuries.

INTRODUCTION: This article aims to expand the microsurgical treatment options for extremity degloving injuries with perforator artery repairs of the specific degloved angiosomes in upper and lower extremity. METHODS: Fourteen perforator arteries were repaired in seven patients. Four of them had circumferential degloving and 3 of them have non circumferential degloving injury. All had repair of the perforator arteries of the specific degloved segments. Four patients had additional vein repairs but none of the patients had AV shunts. RESULTS: All perforators provided adequate arterial supply to their specific angiosomes with some necrotic areas in neighboring angiosomes. CONCLUSIONS: Perforator artery repair within the degloved tissues provides a direct arterial supply successfully even if one could not find an intact venous plexus.

Arthroscopic Hemitrapeziectomy and Suture Button Suspensionplasty in the Treatment of First Carpometacarpal Joint Eaton-Littler Stage 2-3 Arthrosis.

Background Degenerative arthritis of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common degenerative condition in the hand. Many different surgical procedures have been applied for years. However, in the studies there is no consensus about the superiority of one technique to another. Questions/Purposes In this study, we evaluated the results of the patients with first CMC Eaton-Littler stage 2-3 arthrosis who were operated to prevent first metacarpal joint lateral subluxation and migration with arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty. Patients and Methods Between 2011 and 2014, 21 patients (16 female, five male) were evaluated retrospectively. Mean age was 52.3 years. The preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed with visual analog scale (VAS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score (DASH) scores. The Kapandji's thumb opposition score was used to assess thumb range of movement. The patients were assessed after arthroscopy according to Badia classification. Results Mean follow-up period was 50.1 months. According to Badia classification, seven patients were found to be type 2 and 14 patients were type 3. The mean preoperative Kapandji's score was 7.6 and the mean postoperative Kapandji's score was 9.2. The mean VAS values were 8.2 preoperatively and 1.9 postoperatively. The mean preoperative DASH value was 23.4 and the mean postoperative DASH value was 5.5. The mean preoperative grip strength was 66.2 and the mean postoperative grip strength was 75.1. The mean preoperative pinch strength was 14.8 and the mean postoperative pinch strength was 20.2. Conclusion Arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty is a minimal invasive technique and can be performed with low morbidity in the treatment of first CMC joint Eaton-Littler stage 2-3 arthrosis. By this technique, the patients' existing instability and pain problems can be solved. Complications, such as loosening of the suture button at the first metacarpal at the postoperative period due to direct trauma to the first CMC joint, could be avoided using a new suture button. Type of Study/ Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV.

Intramedullary Venous Drainage System for Distal Fingertip Replantations.

The number of venous anastomoses performed during fingertip replantation is one of the most important factors affecting the success of replantation. However, because vessel diameters decrease in the zone 1 level, vessel anastomoses, especially vein anastomoses, are technically difficult and, thus, cannot be performed in most cases. Alternative venous drainage methods are crucial when any reliable vein repair is not possible. In the literature, so many artery-only replantation techniques have been defined, such as arteriovenous anastomoses, forming an arteriovenous or venocutaneous fistula, manual milking and massage, puncturing, and external bleeding via a fishmouth incision and using a medical leech. It has been shown that, in distal fingertip replantations, the medullary cavity may also be a good way for venous return. In this study, we introduce an alternative intramedullary venous drainage system we developed to facilitate venous drainage in artery-only fingertip replantations. The results of 24 fingertip replantations distal to the nail fold by using this system are presented with a literature review.

Rehabilitation after successful finger replantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess results of rehabilitation of patients after finger replantation. METHODS: The study examined 160 fingers amputated and replanted at various levels between 2000 and 2013 at the clinic. Mean patient age was 29.4 years. Mean follow-up time was 23 months. Rehabilitation of fingers began between postoperative fourth and eighth week and continued until the 24th week. Range of motion of affected hand, return to daily activities, aesthetic appearance, and patient satisfaction were assessed according to Tamai criteria. RESULTS: Functional results according to Tamai criteria were perfect in 36 patients, good in 54 patients, average in 27 patients, and poor in 18 patients. CONCLUSION: Post-operative rehabilitation of replanted fingers should begin as soon as possible. During the rehabilitation period, physiotherapist, surgeon, and patient must work in close cooperation. Functional results of patients who adjust to the rehabilitation program, home practice, and splint usage are better.

Flexor Tenosynovitis Due to Tuberculosis in Hand and Wrist: Is Tenosynovectomy Imperative?

The treatment of flexor tenosynovitis in the hand and wrist due to tuberculosis is controversial. Although some authors recommend the antituberculous chemotherapy, the others recommend the surgical treatment. In this article, 12 patients with synovial tuberculosis of the flexor aspect of the hand and the wrist were evaluated with respect to diagnosis and treatment modalities. None of the patients had a history of tuberculosis, concomitant disease, immunosuppressive drug use, drug abuse, and human immunodefficiency virus positivity. A chest x-ray and family screening were performed in all of the cases, none had evidence of tuberculosis in the lung. The biopsy, histopathological examination, acid-fast bacillus staining, and BACTEC tuberculosis culture were performed. Antituberculous chemotherapy was initiated in patients diagnosed with tuberculosis by either histological or microbiological examinations. The patients did not undergo any further surgery after biopsy procedures. The lesions regressed totally in all patients after 3 months of treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and signs recruited at five months of treatment. In patients with flexor tuberculosis tenosynovitis, it is possible to achieve good results by applying only medical therapy after a biopsy, and without the need for further surgery.

[Arthroscopic dorsal ligamento capsulodesis results in Geissler grade 2 and 3 scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries]. / Geissler 2. ve 3. derece skafolunat interossöz bag hasarlanmalarinda artroskopik dorsal kapsüloligamentöz onarim sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate results of arthroscopic dorsal ligamento capsulodesis in Geissler grade 2 and 3 scapholunate ligament injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (20 males, 12 females; mean age 30.1 years; range 21 to 42 years) who were performed arthroscopic dorsal ligamento capsulodesis due to Geissler grade 2 and 3 scapholunate ligament injuries between February 2011 and July 2013 were included in this study. Mean duration between the onset of complaints and surgery was 13.7 (range 6-20) months. Joint ranges of motion were compared to wrist motions on the healthy side. Patients were evaluated postoperatively by Mayo Wrist Scoring Test. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 15.12 (range 6-24) months. According to Mayo Wrist Scoring Test, results were excellent in 20 patients, and good in 12 patients. Compared to the healthy extremity, preoperative mean flexion gap range was 2.18° (range 0°-5°), and mean extension gap range was 4.37° (range 0°-15°). Compared to the healthy extremity, postoperative mean flexion gap range was 1.71° (range 0°-5°), and extension gap range was 1.09° (range 0°-10°). Compared to the healthy hand, preoperative and postoperative mean grip strengths were 86% and 94%, respectively. While preoperative VAS score was 6.59 (range 4-9), postoperative VAS score was 1.21 (range 0-6). CONCLUSION: According to the study results, arthroscopic dorsal ligamento capsulodesis is an effective method for the elimination of pain and range of motion limitation, and recovery of grip strength.

[Results of arthroscopic repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex peripheral tears (Palmer type 1B)]. / Triangular fibrokartilaj kompleks periferik (Palmer tip 1B) yirtiklarinda artroskopik tamir sonuçlari.

BACKGROUND: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is the major cause of wrist pain on the ulnar side. In this study, treatment outcomes of arthroscopically repaired peripheral TFCC tears (Palmer type 1B) were evaluated retrospectively. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (30 males, 8 females; mean age 27.6; range 19 to 42 years) with TFCC tears (Palmer type 1B) who were treated arthroscopically between February 2007-July 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. The data were collected by Mayo wrist evaluation form and by preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The results of the data collected by the Mayo wrist evaluation forms were perfect in 30 patients and good in 8 patients. Preoperative VAS was 6.53 (range: 4.5-8.2) and postoperative VAS was 1.48 (range: 0.3-3.1). DISCUSSION: With the arthroscopic technique, TFCC tears can be repaired with minimal harm and better visualization, and evaluation of all the structures of the wrist can be done. Outside-to-inside suturing technique, which is performed through the portal opened 1 cm inferior to the 6R portal, is the least traumatic technique and does not carry the risk of injury to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve. With this technique, the complaints of preoperative pain can be eliminated significantly.

Advantages of using volar vein repair in finger replantations.

Providing adequate venous outflow is essential in finger replantation surgeries. For a successful result, the quality and quantity of venous repairs should be adequate to drain arterial inflow. The digital dorsal venous plexus is a reliable source of material for venous repairs. Classically, volar digital veins have been used only when no other alternative was available. However, repairing volar veins to augment venous outflow has a number of technical advantages and gives a greater chance of survival. Increasing the repaired vein:artery ratio also increases the success of replantation. The volar skin, covering the volar vein, is less likely to be avulsed during injury and is also less likely to turn necrotic, than dorsal skin, after the replantation surgery. Primary repair of dorsal veins can be difficult due to tightness ensuing from arthrodesis of the underlying joint in flexion. In multiple finger replantations, repairing the volar veins after arterial repair and continuing to do so for each finger in the same way without changing the position of the hand and surgeon save time. In amputations with tissue loss, the size discrepancy is less for volar veins than for dorsal veins. We present the results of 366 finger replantations after volar vein repairs.