Open-wedge osteotomy for thumb radial angulation in Apert syndrome using a bone-graft substitute.

A short thumb with radial angulation causes loss of hand function in patients with Apert syndrome. Although past reports have described various procedures for the correction of the thumb, there has been no consensus on the best procedure. This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic results of a surgical technique for the correction of a thumb radial angulation deformity: open-wedge osteotomy using a bone-graft substitute. Ten patients (18 thumbs) who underwent open-wedge osteotomy on the proximal phalange using a bone-graft substitute were evaluated retrospectively. The open-wedge osteotomies had been performed at the center of the proximal phalanx. Thumb radial angles and thumb lengths were measured on radiographs, and the clinical results were investigated, including bone union and complications. The median patient age at the time of surgery was 5.8 years, and the average follow-up period was 6.7 years. The average thumb radial angle was 57.3° preoperatively, 6.5° immediately postoperatively, and 19.8° at the most recent follow-up. The average thumb length was 12.1 mm preoperatively, 18.1 mm immediately postoperatively, and 22.3 mm at the most recent follow-up, indicating an extension effect of more than 50% immediately postoperatively. In all cases, the artificial bone had been absorbed and developed into autologous bone, and there were no complications such as infection and skin necrosis. These findings suggest that open-wedge osteotomy with an artificial bone substitute is simple and effective for treating radial-angulation deformities in patients with Apert syndrome. Level of evidence: Level IV - retrospective case series.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome with Subclavian Artery Thrombosis Caused by Synostosis of the First and Second Ribs: A Case Report.

CASE: A 43-year-old woman presented with pain, paresthesia, and coldness of the right upper extremity suggestive of the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed that the right subclavian artery was constricted because it traveled over an abnormal first rib. After anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy, the patient underwent resection of the abnormal first rib. Postoperative angiography documented improvement over time of the poststenotic dilatation and recanalization of the subclavian artery capable of delivering almost normal distal flow. CONCLUSION: Arterial reconstruction is not always necessary for the treatment of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome associated with poststenotic dilatation of the subclavian artery.

Bipedicled digital artery perforator volar adiposal turned-over flap for reconstruction of transverse fingertip amputation.

Different approaches to fingertip reconstructions are reported for cases in which microsurgical replantation is impossible. This report presents two cases of bipedicled digital artery perforator adiposal flaps for fingertip reconstruction after traumatic amputations. Adiposal flaps, including the radial and ulnar digital artery perforator vessels proximal to the distal interphalangeal joint, were elevated and turned to cover the fingertip defect. After donor-site skin closure, split-thickness skin was grafted onto the fingertip digital artery perforator adiposal flap. The technique is quick and easy to perform under loupe magnification and achieves good results in terms of healing, hand function, appearance, and patient satisfaction.

Clinical results of splinting versus observation for pediatric trigger thumb.

Patients with pediatric trigger thumb present with fixed contracture of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) or snapping of the thumb. We applied a hand-based dynamic splint using coils at the IPJ. The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of splint therapy versus observation. One hundred twenty-nine thumbs (112 patients and 57 boys) were examined retrospectively. At initial presentation, parents selected the treatment after explanation of pathology and consents were obtained. Treatment was concluded when full extension or resolution of the involved IPJ was achieved; alternatively, surgical treatment was offered for patients who failed to improve. Improvement in extension loss to 0° and hyperextension was defined as resolution of the IPJ. Surgery was not selected as a first-line treatment strategy in any of the cases in this study. The rate of resolution was 59% at 31 months of follow-up in the splint group (99 thumbs) and 43% at 30 months in observation group (30 thumbs); there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.15). Twenty-one thumbs showed locking of the IPJ in the extended position during splint therapy, but all recovered with a 71% rate of resolution. The splint group showed a higher rate of resolution than the observation group; however, there was no significant difference between therapies. Our study showed that 55% of patients with pediatric trigger thumb showed resolution following conservative treatment for an average of 30 months until surgery could be performed under local anesthesia. Splint therapy and observation are viable treatment options prior to surgery.

Divergent Dislocation of the Elbow in an Adult with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report.

CASE: A 32-year-old man with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) fell while snowboarding and injured his right elbow. Radiography revealed a posterior dislocation of the elbow and a proximal radioulnar joint dislocation. A diagnosis of transverse divergent dislocation of the elbow was established. Open reduction and repair of the annular ligament, anterior oblique ligament, and capsule was performed with good clinical results. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of divergent dislocation of the elbow in an adult with EDS. Dislocation occurred without a fracture that required open reduction and internal fixation. The presence of soft-tissue fragility, hyperextension, and joint laxity peculiar to EDS are likely contributing factors to this phenomenon.

Assessment of hand function using the functional dexterity test after opponensplasty in young children with Blauth type 2 hypoplastic thumb.

The functional dexterity test (FDT) is a timed pegboard test based on the manipulation of each peg and suitable for young children as it is both simple and quick to perform. We assessed the postoperative FDT values for children with Blauth type 2 hypoplastic thumbs after opponensplasty. We evaluated hand function using FDT for 12 hands of 11 patients with Blauth type 2 hypoplastic thumbs. Opponensplasty was performed in all hands following by Huber's procedure. All patients were evaluated from 6 to 12 months after surgery for hand function using three types of FDT scores: time in seconds to complete the test (FDT time), combined total time with penalty seconds added to the initial time (FDT total), and the number of pegs per second to complete the task as a percentage against normative values (FDT speed). We compared the postoperative FDT scores with those for Blauth type 1 or 2 hypoplastic thumb patients without surgical treatment. FDT time and FDT total for the patients postoperatively were both significantly shorter than those in the type 2 patients without surgical treatment. FDT speed was significantly higher than that for the patients without surgical treatment. There were no significant differences in the three FDT scores between the postoperative patients and the type 1 patients. There were several limitations including small sample size, large ranges of the data, and high number of variables. FDT reflected postopponensplasty improvement in hand dexterity in young children with Blauth type 2 hypoplastic thumb.

Computer-Assisted Three-Dimensional Corrective Osteotomy for Malunited Fractures of the Distal Radius Using Prefabricated Bone Graft Substitute.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) imaging has enabled more accurate preoperative planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of a novel, computer-assisted, 3D corrective osteotomy using prefabricated bone graft substitute to treat malunited fractures of the distal radius. METHODS: We investigated 19 patients who underwent the computer-assisted 3D corrective osteotomy for a malunited fracture of the distal radius after the operation was stimulated with CT data. A prefabricated bone graft substitute corresponding to the patient's bone defect was implanted and internal fixation was performed using a plate and screws. We compared postoperative radiographic parameters of the patient's operated side with their sound side and analyzed clinical outcomes using Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: All patients achieved bone union on X-ray imaging at final follow-up. The mean differences of palmar tilt, radial inclination and ulnar variance between the operation side and the sound side were 4.3°, 2.3° and 1.2 mm, respectively. The Mayo wrist score was fair in 4 patients and poor in 15 patients before surgery. At the final follow-up after surgery, the scores improved to excellent in 3 patients, good in 11 patients and fair in 5 patients. There were two patients with correction loss at the final follow-up, but no patient complained of hand joint pain. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that computer-assisted 3D corrective osteotomy using prefabricated bone graft substitute achieved good results because it worked as a guide to the accurate angle.

Low second to fourth digit ratio in Dupuytren disease.

The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) has been described as reflecting endogenous prenatal androgen exposure. In general, 2D:4D is lower in men than in women and has potential as a biomarker or predictor for various diseases, athletic ability, and academic performance. Dupuytren disease has digital flexion contractures and is known to predominate in men, but the pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear. To clarify the relationships between Dupuytren disease and endogenous androgens, we performed a retrospective analysis of hand radiographs to investigate 2D:4D in Dupuytren disease. The study included male patients with Dupuytren disease (n = 22) and a control group (n = 18) of male patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Only unaffected hands, without contractures or osteoarthritis, were evaluated for the purpose of radiographic assessment. The lengths of the phalanx and metacarpal bones in the second and fourth digits were measured by 2 independent observers who each performed 2 sets of measurements separated by a minimum 1-week interval. The 2D:4D was calculated separately for the phalanges and metacarpals, and a combined (phalanx + metacarpal) 2D:4D was also calculated. The reliability of the observer measurements was established using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and both the intra- and interobserver reliability showed excellent agreement. We found that compared with control group, the Dupuytren disease group had significantly lower phalanx and combined 2D:4D. These findings suggest that endogenous prenatal androgens could contribute to the development of Dupuytren disease, leading to its characteristic clinical presentation predominantly in men and affecting the ulnar rays.

Limited Wrist Arthrodesis for Scapholunate Advanced Collapse Wrist: Triangle Fixation for Four-Corner Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Limited wrist arthrodesis with scaphoid excision is a useful treatment for scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) of the wrist. Multiple Kirschner wires were originally used for internal fixation of the four carpal bones, however long-term cast immobilization, pin tract infection, and hardware removal are still problematic. We introduce and evaluate the clinical outcomes of an internal fixation technique; triangle fixation for four-corner fusion, using three headless screws, as an alternative to conventional multiple Kirschner wires for the treatment of SLAC wrist. METHODS: Five male patients with SLAC wrist secondary to three scaphoid nonunions and two scapholunate dissociations were treated with four-corner fusion using triangle fixation with three Double-threaded Japan screws. The mean age was 59.5 years (35-79 years) and the mean follow-up period was 40 months. After surgery, short arm splints were applied for 3-4 weeks, and then range of motion exercises were initiated. RESULTS: Wrist range of motion and grip strength both improved postoperatively. At the final follow-up evaluation, bone union was completely achieved and satisfactory pain relief was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the conventional Kirschner wire technique, the present technique shortens the period of splint immobilization due to a strong compression force in a skewed position, does not require pin removal or cause pin tract infections, and provides satisfactory results.

Anatomical Origins of Radial Artery Perforators Evaluated Using Color Doppler Ultrasonography.

Background The radial artery perforator (RAP) flap has been widely used for covering hand and forearm defects, and real-time accurate perforator mapping is important in planning and elevating the perforator flap. The origins of perforators, especially the superficial and ulnar perforators, arising from the radial artery are very important in the elevation of the RAP flap. Recently, color Doppler ultrasonography (US) using a higher frequency transducer has been developed for high-quality detection of lower flow in smaller vessels. This study aimed to identify the anatomical locations and origins of perforators arising from the radial artery using color Doppler US in healthy volunteers. Methods Twenty forearms of 10 volunteers were examined. Results In total, 120 perforators arising from the radial artery were identified 15 cm proximal to the distal wrist crease, with an average of six perforators per forearm. More than half the perforators (n = 72, 60%) were located within 50 mm proximal to the distal wrist crease. Regarding the perforator origins in the axial view, 40 perforators (33%) were located in the radial aspect of the radial artery, 47 (39%) in the ulnar aspect, 15 (13%) in the superficial aspect, and 18 (15%) in the deep aspect. In total, 62 (52%) perforators were located in the superficial and ulnar areas, which are important in nourishing and elevating the RAP flap. Conclusion We are the first to evaluate RAP using color Doppler US. This noninvasive, convenient, and real-time technique could be useful for preoperative planning and reliably elevating the RAP flaps.

Planning digital artery perforators using color Doppler ultrasonography: A preliminary report.

Digital artery perforator (DAP) flaps have been applied for the coverage of finger soft tissue defects. Although an advantage of this method is that there is no scarification of the digital arteries, it is difficult to identify the location of the perforators during intraoperative elevation of the DAP flap. In this study, anatomically reliable locations of DAPs were confirmed using color Doppler ultrasonography (US) in healthy volunteers. A successful case using an adiposal-only DAP flap for the coverage of a released digital nerve using preoperative DAP mapping with color Doppler US is also described. A total of 40 digital arteries in 20 fingers of the right hands of five healthy volunteers (mean age: 32.2 years old) were evaluated. The DAPs were identified using color flow imaging based on the beat of the digital artery in the short axial view. In total, 133 perforators were detected, 76 (an average of 3.8 per finger) arising from the radial digital artery and 57 (an average of 2.9 per finger) arising from ulnar digital artery. Sixty-three perforators (an average of 3.2 per finger) in the middle phalanges and 70 (an average of 3.5 per finger) in the proximal phalanges were found. Overall, an average of 1.7 perforators from each digital artery was detected in the proximal or middle phalanges. Moreover, at least one DAP per phalanx was reliably confirmed using color Doppler US. Preoperative knowledge of DAP mapping could make elevating the DAP flap easier and safer.

The Classification of Swanson for Congenital Anomalies of Upper Limb Modified by the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH).

The aim of this study is to introduce the classification of Swanson for congenital anomalies of upper limb modified by the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (the JSSH modification) in English. The Swanson classification has been widely accepted by most hand surgeons. However, several authors have suggested that complex cases, particularly those involving the complex spectrum of cleft hand and symbrachydactyly, are difficult to classify into the classification schemes. In the JSSH modification, brachysyndactyly, so-called atypical cleft hand and transverse deficiency are included under the same concept of transverse deficiency. Cleft hand, central polydactyly, and syndactyly are included in the same category of abnormal induction of digital rays. We believe that the JSSH modification system is effective in providing hand surgeons with the clinical features and conditions for congenital anomalies.

Bisphosphonate-related atypical femoral fracture with bone metastasis of breast cancer: case report and review.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous bisphosphonates (BPs) have been used to reduce the frequency of skeletal-related events due to bone metastases of several kinds of cancers. Although many studies on BP-related atypical fractures (BRAFs) due to the use of BP for osteoporosis treatment have been reported, few reports on BRAFs arising as a complication of long-term BP use for bone metastasis of cancer are available. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer presented with right thigh pain after she had a fall. Radiographs indicated a transverse fracture in the shaft of the right femur. She had been on zoledronate treatment for six years. Based on radiographic and histopathological findings, we concluded that the fracture was not a pathological fracture associated with metastasis but was a complication of long-term BP treatment. CONCLUSION: Clinical oncologists should consider the possibility of BRAFs in patients on long-term zoledronate treatment for bone metastases.

Combined medialis pedis and medial plantar fasciocutaneous flaps for coverage of soft tissue defects of multiple adjacent fingers.

Soft tissue defects of adjacent multiple fingers covered by a single large flap require secondary separation of the flap into each finger. Such covering obstructs independent motion of injured fingers until the single large flap is separated. This report describes the technique of combined medialis pedis and medial plantar fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstructing soft tissue defects of multiple adjacent fingers. Three male patients (age range, 18-33 years) underwent soft tissue reconstructions of multiple adjacent fingers with combined flaps. Injuries involved three adjacent palmar fingers, two adjacent palmar fingers, and two adjacent dorsal fingers. Average sizes of the combined flaps were 4.2 × 4.0 cm for the medialis pedis flap and 3.0 × 1.8 cm for the medial plantar fasciocutaneous flap. All flaps survived without vascular complications, and donor sites healed uneventfully. All patients experienced excellent recovery of range of motion for the reconstructed fingers. In conclusion, combined flaps may offer an alternative for coverage of soft tissue defects that involve multiple adjacent fingers.

Acceleration of peripheral nerve regeneration using nerve conduits in combination with induced pluripotent stem cell technology and a basic fibroblast growth factor drug delivery system.

Various modifications including addition of Schwann cells or incorporation of growth factors with bioabsorbable nerve conduits have been explored as options for peripheral nerve repair. However, no reports of nerve conduits containing both supportive cells and growth factors have been published as a regenerative therapy for peripheral nerves. In the present study, sciatic nerve gaps in mice were reconstructed in the following groups: nerve conduit alone (control group), nerve conduit coated with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSc)-derived neurospheres (iPSc group), nerve conduit coated with iPSc-derived neurospheres and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-incorporated gelatin microspheres (iPSc + bFGF group), and autograft. The fastest functional recovery and the greatest axon regeneration occurred in the autograft group, followed in order by the iPSc + bFGF group, iPSc group, and control group until 12 weeks after reconstruction. Thus, peripheral nerve regeneration using nerve conduits and functional recovery in mice was accelerated by a combination of iPSc-derived neurospheres and a bFGF drug delivery system. The combination of all three fundamental methodologies, iPSc technology for supportive cells, bioabsorbable nerve conduits for scaffolds, and a bFGF drug delivery system for growth factors, was essential for peripheral nerve regenerative therapy.

Clinical characteristics of intraspinal facet cysts following microsurgical bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach for treatment of degenerative lumbar disease.

PURPOSE: Primary intraspinal facet cysts in the lumbar spine are uncommon, but it is unclear whether cyst incidence increases following decompression surgery and if these cysts negatively impact clinical outcome. We examined the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and the risk factors associated with intraspinal facet cysts after microsurgical bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach (MBDU). METHODS: We studied 230 patients treated using MBDU for lumbar degenerative disease (133 men and 97 women; mean age 70.3 years). Clinical status, as assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and findings on X-ray and magnetic resonance images, was evaluated prior to surgery and at both 3 months and 1 year after surgery. The prevalence of intraspinal facet cysts was determined and preoperative risk factors were defined by comparing presurgical findings with clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (16.5%) developed intraspinal facet cysts within 1 year postoperatively, and 24 exhibited cysts within 3 months. In 10 patients, the cysts resolved spontaneously 1 year postoperatively. In total, 28 patients (12.2%) had facet cysts 1 year postoperatively. The mean JOA score of patients with cysts 1 year postoperatively was significantly lower than that of patients without cysts. This poor clinical outcome resulted from low back pain that was not improved by conservative treatment. Most cases with spontaneous cyst disappearance were symptom-free 1 year later. The preoperative risk factors for postoperative intraspinal facet cyst formation were instability (OR 2.47, P = 0.26), scoliotic disc wedging (OR 2.23, P = 0.048), and sagittal imbalance (OR 2.22, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative intraspinal facet cyst formation is a common cause of poor clinical outcome in patients treated using MBDU.

Transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurospheres for peripheral nerve repair.

In spite of the extensive research using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, the therapeutic potential of iPS cells in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury is largely unknown. In this study, we repaired peripheral nerve gaps in mice using tissue-engineered bioabsorbable nerve conduits coated with iPS cell-derived neurospheres. The secondary neurospheres derived from mouse iPS cells were suspended in each conduit (4000,000 cells per conduit) and cultured in the conduit in three-dimensional (3D) culture for 14 days. We then implanted them in the mouse sciatic nerve gaps (5 mm) (iPS group; n=10). The nerve conduit alone was implanted in the control group (n=10). After 4, 8 and 12 weeks, motor and sensory functional recovery in mice were significantly better in the iPS group. At 12 weeks, all the nerve conduits remained structurally stable without any collapse and histological analysis indicated axonal regeneration in the nerve conduits of both groups. However, the iPS group showed significantly more vigorous axonal regeneration. The bioabsorbable nerve conduits created by 3D-culture of iPS cell-derived neurospheres promoted regeneration of peripheral nerves and functional recovery in vivo. The combination of iPS cell technology and bioabsorbable nerve conduits shows potential as a future tool for the treatment of peripheral nerve defects.

Intraneural nodular fasciitis of the median nerve: case report and literature review.

Nodular fasciitis, a benign soft tissue tumor, occurs most frequently in the forearm and is generally divided into subcutaneous, intramuscular, and fascial types. Intraneural nodular fasciitis has been reported in only 5 patients previously. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman with nodular fasciitis within the median nerve at the proximal forearm. Carpal tunnel syndrome was suspected at the initial visit, but high median nerve palsy and a mass at the proximal forearm were found a few months later. Subtotal resection of the tumor within the median nerve was performed and histological diagnosis indicated nodular fasciitis. There was no evidence of recurrence at follow-up 1 year and 3 months after surgery. Motor weakness had resolved but sensation was compromised.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 retained in synthetic polymer/ß-tricalcium phosphate composite promotes hypertrophy of a vascularized long bone graft in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Vascularized bone grafting is a useful method for repairing critical bone defects. The repaired bone often presents compromised mechanical strength because of insufficient thickness of the graft. To promote the hypertrophic response, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) with osteoinductive capacity may be effective. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of BMP in rabbits. METHODS: The first metatarsal bones with or without feeding vessels were transferred to critical-sized bone defects in the femurs of rabbits. Recombinant human (rh) BMP-2 (0, 30, or 60 µg) with a carrier material composed of 30 mg of ß-tricalcium phosphate powder, 30 mg of a polymer gel (p-dioxanone/polyethylene glycol block copolymer) was placed in contact with the cortical surface and the elevated periosteum of the vascularized bone graft. After surgery, hypertrophic changes were evaluated radiographically. Twelve weeks after surgery, the reconstructed femurs were harvested for investigation by biomechanical and histologic methods. RESULTS: Rapid hypertrophy was observed on radiographs in the vascularized bone grafts with rhBMP-2-retaining implants. The increase of bone volume and the biomechanical strength were dependent on the dose of rhBMP-2 (p < 0.01). Histologic sections in the vascularized bone grafts with rhBMP-2-retaining implants revealed a large amount of newly formed bone. CONCLUSION: The potential use of BMP may improve clinical outcome by promoting hypertrophy of the vascularized bone graft and shortening the treatment time.