Lower limb replantation: 27 years follow up.

Replantation of lower extremity is a very complex and difficult procedure. There are still a lot of controversies about indications, even numerous scoring systems are now available that can facilitate the surgeon's decision. We present the functional results of a replanted below-knee amputation in an elderly patient, 27 years after the injury and discuss the indication for replantation.

The current state of bionic limbs from the surgeon's viewpoint.

Amputations have a devastating impact on patients' health with consequent psychological distress, economic loss, difficult reintegration into society, and often low embodiment of standard prosthetic replacement.The main characteristic of bionic limbs is that they establish an interface between the biological residuum and an electronic device, providing not only motor control of prosthesis but also sensitive feedback.Bionic limbs can be classified into three main groups, according to the type of the tissue interfaced: nerve-transferred muscle interfacing (targeted muscular reinnervation), direct muscle interfacing and direct nerve interfacing.Targeted muscular reinnervation (TMR) involves the transfer of the remaining nerves of the amputated stump to the available muscles.With direct muscle interfacing, direct intramuscular implants record muscular contractions which are then wirelessly captured through a coil integrated in the socket to actuate prosthesis movement.The third group is the direct interfacing of the residual nerves using implantable electrodes that enable reception of electric signals from the prosthetic sensors. This can improve sensation in the phantom limb.The surgical procedure for electrode implantation consists of targeting the proximal nerve area, competently introducing, placing, and fixing the electrodes and cables, while retaining movement of the arm/leg and nerve, and avoiding excessive neural damage.Advantages of bionic limbs are: the improvement of sensation, improved reintegration/embodiment of the artificial limb, and better controllability. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:65-72. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.180038.

What microsurgeon, orthopaedic and plastic surgeon should know about bionic hand.

Hand loss is a catastrophic event that generates significant demands for orthopedics and prosthetics. In the course of history, prostheses evolved from passive esthetic replacements to sophisticated robotic hands. Yet, their actuation and particularly, their capacity to provide patients with sensations, remain an unsolved problem. Sensations associated with the hand, such as touch, pain, pressure and temperature detection are very important, since they enable humans to gather information from the environment. Recently, through a synergistic multidisciplinary effort, medical doctors and engineers have attempted to address these issues by developing bionic limbs. The aim of the bionic hands is to replace the amputated hands while restoring sensation and reintroducing hand-motor control. Recently, several different approaches have been made to interface this sophisticated prosthesis with residual neuro-muscular structures. Different types of implants, such as intramuscular, epineural and intraneural, each have their own complementary advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed in this paper. After initial trials with percutaneous leads, present research is aimed at making long-term implantable electrodes that give rich, natural feedback and allow for effortless control. Finally, a pivotal part in the development of this technology is the surgical technique which will be described in this paper. The surgeons' insights into this procedure are given. These kinds of prostheses compared with the classic one, hold a promise of dramatic health and quality of life increase, together with the decrease the rejection rate.

"Close-open-close free-flap technique" for the cover of severely injured limbs.

The treatment of severely injured extremities still presents a very difficult task for trauma orthopaedic surgeons. Despite improvements in technology and surgical/microsurgical techniques, sometimes a limb must be amputated, otherwise severe and potentially fatal complications may develop. There is a well-established belief that severe open fractures should be left open. However, Godina proved wound coverage in the first 72 h (after an injury) to be safe and to bring good final results. So early wound cover (no later than one week after an injury) with well vascularized free flaps became the gold standard. Yet for many patients (some of whom have serious health problems), operative treatment needs to be postponed when they arrive to specialized microsurgical departments for microsurgical reconstruction much later than one week after incurring an injury.  As the definite wound cover period from one week to 3 months seems to be hazardous, especially due to the potential of infection, we developed a safe, original flap technique that prevents infection and covers important structures such as exposed bones, tendons, nerves and vessels. We named this technique the "close-open-close free flap technique". It enables difficult wound cover in any biological phase of the wound, by combining complete flap cover first, with the removal of stitches from one side of the flap after 6-12 h. This technique works very well for borderline cases as well; where even after a complete debridement, dead tissue still remains in the wound - making wound cover very dangerous. Closing completely severe open fractures with free (or pedicled) flaps and removing the stitches on one side after 6-12 h, enables orthopaedic surgeons to safely cover any kind of wound in any biological phase of the wound. Additional debridements, lavages and reconstructions can easily be performed under the flap and after the danger of a serious infection has disappeared, definitive wound closure can be carried out.

Ilizarov fixation for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion: a novel approach.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Ilizarov fine-wire compression/distraction technique in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion (SNU), without the use of bone graft. DESIGN: This is a prospective study of 20 consecutive patients in one center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 20 patients (19 males) with a mean SNU duration of 14.5 months. Four patients had proximal pole, 15 had waist, and 1 had a distal SNU. Patients with carpal instability, humpback deformities, carpal collapse, avascular necrosis, and marked degenerative change were excluded. Following frame application, the treatment comprises three stages: The frame is distracted by 1 mm per day until the radiographs show a 2-3 mm opening at the SNU site (mean 10 days); the SNU site is compressed for 5 days, at a rate of 1 mm per day, with the wrist in 15 degrees of flexion and 15 degrees of radial deviation; the wrist is then immobilized in the Ilizarov fixator for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Radiographic (radiography and CT scan) and clinical bony union was achieved in all 20 patients after a mean of 90.3 days (70-130 days). All patients returned to their pre-injury occupations. Thirteen patients had excellent results, four good, and three fair, according to the Mayo wrist score. CONCLUSIONS: In these selected patients, this technique safely achieved bony union without the need to open the SNU site and without the requirement of bone graft.

Radial nerve palsy.

As a result of its proximity to the humeral shaft, as well as its long and tortuous course, the radial nerve is the most frequently injured major nerve in the upper limb, with its close proximity to the bone making it vulnerable when fractures occur.Injury is most frequently sustained during humeral fracture and gunshot injuries, but iatrogenic injuries are not unusual following surgical treatment of various other pathologies.Treatment is usually non-operative, but surgery is sometimes necessary, using a variety of often imaginative procedures. Because radial nerve injuries are the least debilitating of the upper limb nerve injuries, results are usually satisfactory.Conservative treatment certainly has a role, and one of the most important aspects of this treatment is to maintain a full passive range of motion in all the affected joints.Surgical treatment is indicated in cases when nerve transection is obvious, as in open injuries or when there is no clinical improvement after a period of conservative treatment. Different techniques are used including direct suture or nerve grafting, vascularised nerve grafts, direct nerve transfer, tendon transfer, functional muscle transfer or the promising, newer treatment of biological therapy. Cite this article: Bumbasirevic M, Palibrk T, Lesic A, Atkinson HDE. Radial nerve palsy. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:286-294. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000028.

Giovanni Battista Monteggia (1762-1815).

Giovanni Battista Monteggia was born in Laverne on the 8th of August 1762. Monteggia started his education in the School of Surgery at the Hospital Maggiore in Milano in 1779.This hospital was called "Big House"and it is one of the oldest medical institutions in Italy. He passed exam in surgery in 1781. Monteggia was promoted to assistant at surgery in Maggiore hospital in 1790. He was among the first who gave a complete clinical description of polio. He described traumatic hip dislocation and special forearm fracture which was named after him. Strictly speaking, a Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal third of the ulna with an anterior dislocation of the radial head. Monteggia became a member of the renewed Institute of Science, Literature and Art in Milano in 1813.

Open Dislocation of the High Ankle Joint After Fibular Graft Harvesting.

The free microvascular fibula and soft tissue transfer has become a widely used method for reconstruction of different regions. Donor site morbidity for free fibula microvascular flaps has generally been reported to be low, or at least acceptable. We describe the case of a patient who underwent vascularized free fibula graft harvest for mandibular reconstruction. After 21 months, he had sustained an open dislocation of the left high ankle joint during recreational sports activity. We did not found such case in the published data.

Fractures of the humerus during arm wrestling.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Humeral shaft fractures may occur as a result of arm wrestling. The aim of this study was to present our treatment of humerus fracture sustained during arm wrestling. METHODS: A total of six patients, aged 22 to 48, were treated at our department form January 2008 to January 2010 with open reduction and internal fixation and with hanging arm casts. A review of all the relevant literature on the subject was also presented. RESULTS: In all the cases, the fractures healed and function returned to normal. No patient had any neural or vascular compromise. CONCLUSION: Closed and operative treatments were equally successful in all reported cases.

Replantation of upper extremity, hand and digits.

Replantation is defined as reattachment of the part that has been completely amputated and there is no connection between the severed part and the patient. In Boston in 1962 Malt successfully replanted a completely amputated arm of a 12-year-old boy. Komatsu and Tamai reported the first successful replantation of an amputated digit by microvascular technique. There are no strict indications and contraindications for replantation. It's on surgeon to explain to the patient the chances of success of viability, expected function, length of operation, hospitalization and long rehabilitation protocol. Survival and useful function in replantation of upper extremity amputations is questionable. Success depends on microvascular anastomoses, but the final function is related with tendon, nerve, bone and joint repair.

Distal radius fractures--systematic review.

Distal radius fractures are an increasingly prevalent upper extremity injury, especially among elderly patients. They represent approximately 3% of all upper extremity injures. Severity of these fractures is directly related to bone mineral density of the patient, and clinical results are dependent on this parameter as well. There is a bimodal distribution of these injuries, with a peak between 18 to 25 years of age, predominantly male population and a second peak in the elderly, older than 65 years, predominantly female population. Early reports of fractures of the distal radius considered these fractures to be group of injuries with a relatively good prognosis irrespective of the treatment given. When it comes to complex fractures, regardless of the method applied, major or minor functional invalidity persists. With that in mind fractures of the distal radius are medical, social and economic problems of modern society.

Operative treatment of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures with Kirschner wire fixation--a review.

Although hand fractures are most common fractures treated in orthopedic practice, many practicians treat them as trivial injuries. Improperly managed they can cause consequences and impair hand function. Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures are classified based on geometry, anatomic localization and wound presence and treatment depend on mechanism of injury. Many of them can be treated nonoperatively with reposition and immobilization, but in some cases osteosynthesis is a method of choice. Surgeon can choose various range of fixation material, and choice depends on fracture type and surgeons affinity. Kirschner wire fixation is one of the most frequently used operative procedure for hand fracture treatment. It provides good stability, early mobilization and excellent functional result.

Fractures of the scaphoid, diagnosis and management--a review.

The scaphoid is vitally important for the proper mechanics of wrist function. Fracture of the scaphoid bone is the most common carpal fracture. Among all wrist injuries the incidence of scaphoid fracture is second only to fractures of the distal radius. Scaphoid fractures are significant because a delay in diagnosis can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes that include nonunion, delayed union, decreased grips strength, range of motion and osteoarthritis of the radiocarpal joint. To avoid missing this diagnosis, a high index of suspicion and a through history and physical examination are necessary, because initial radiographs are often negative. Regardless of the technique of bone grafting, there will almost always be some loss of motion even if the fracture unites.

[Baron Gijom Dipitren, Guillaume Dupuytren (1777-1835)].

Baron Dupuytren, Guillaume (1777-1835), French anatomist, pathologyst and surgeon, although was a personal doctor of Napoleon, Lui XVI and Sharles X, remain known for Dupuytrene contracture, due to his name, after he described this disease of palmar fascia in 1833. He started his education at Paris at age of 12, at 18 he was chief demostrator of anatomist prosectors. In 1802. he become surgeon assistant and in 1812 professor of surgery. At age of 38 he become surgeon-in-chief in Hôtel-Dieu the most famous hospital in Europe of that time. Dipitren was a dostor of Lui VIII, who gave him the title of baron in 1823. Also, he was the doctor of Sharles X, and from Napoleon he was decorated by Legue of the Honour. He was the richest doctor of the France, and that time was named Dupuytrens time. He was working the whole day, and was dealing with all parts of surgery, but he become most prominent in orthopaedics, making connections between anatomy, pathology and surgery, what make him popular and famous. Dupuytren dies in age of 58 due to the pleural empyema, but he refused surgery. Before that he had brain stroke, from which he never recover, although he continue with lectures.

[Operative treatment of flexor pollicis longus tendon with Krackow suture, functional results--preliminary results].

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of the injuried flexor tensons is the important part of hand surgery. Tendon adhesions, ruptures, joint contcatures-stifness are only one part of the problem one is faced during the tendon treatment. In spite of improvement in surgical technique and suture material, the end result of sutured flexor tendons still represent a serious problem. THE AIM: To present of operative treatment of flexor pollicis longus injury with Krakow suture technique. METHODS: All patients are treated in the first 48 hours after the accident. The regional anesthesia was performed with use of turniquet. Beside spare debridement, the reconstruction of digital nerves was done. All patients started with active and pasive movements-excercises on the first postoperative day. Follow-up was from 6 to 24 months. In evaluation of functional recovery the grip strenght, pinch strenght, range of movements of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joiht and DASH score were used. RESULTS: In the last two years there were 30 patients, 25 males (83.33%) and 5 females (16.66%). Mean age was 39.8 years, ranged from 17 to 65 years. According to mechanism of injury the patients were divided in two groups: one with sharp and other with wider zone of injury. Concomitant digital nerve lesions was noticed in 15 patients (50%). CONCLUSION: the Krackow sutrue allowed early rehabilitation, which prevent tendon adhesions, enabled faster and better functional recovery.

[Digital nerve injury of the hand-epidemiologic and clinical analysis].

The aim of this study was to show the significance of epidemiologic factors of digital nerve injury and their social influence. 108 patients were operated with primary suture within first 48 h after injury. We record factors as sex, age, etiology, dominance and level of injury. Results of sensory recovery were measured by Medical Research Council scale (MCR). Males predominantly sustain this injury (83.3%) and we seen more frequently in the young adults. Average age is 34.7 years (from 16 to 70). These injuries rarely isolated and most of them are in the zone II (48.1%). The full recovery we have only in nine patients. Digital nerve injury of the hand are more often found in young mail adults who are work active. They are out of work even six months, and sometimes even more. Some of these injuries leaves permanent disability which have a socio-economic importance.