Muscular branches from the ulnar artery are the basis for a pedicled partial flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap.

The feasibility of a pedicled flexor digitorum superficialis muscle flap was studied in 10 fresh cadavers. The number, length and distance from the flexion wrist crease of muscular branches from the ulnar artery in the distal 10 cm of the forearm were recorded. The mean number of muscular branches was 2.7 (range 1-4). The mean distance of the most distal branch was 35 mm (range 26-40) from the proximal wrist flexion crease. Its mean length was 20 mm (range 16-26). A partial muscle flap was raised on the most distal branch and transposed over the median nerve in the distal forearm. Dissection and transposition of this flap were feasible in all specimens. The reliable pattern of muscular branches to the flexor digitorum superficialis allows the elevation of a pedicled partial muscle flap that can cover the median nerve in the distal forearm.Level of evidence: V.

Long-term outcome of extraarticular subtalar arthrodesis in children with cerebral palsy using modified Grice technique.

The purpose of the study is to describe and analyse long-term results of the modified Grice procedure with specially prepared pre-shaped autograft from iliac crest. 54 patients (101 feet) who underwent modified Grice procedure, were retrospectively analysed. Before and after the surgery, talocalcaneal (TC) angle and calcaneal inclination (CI) angle were measured and compared with post-operative values. Furthermore, AOFAS score was assess pre-and postoperatively as well as the subjective evaluation of the patients or their parents. Detailed analysis was performed separately for patients with different forms of CP. Postoperatively, TC angle and subjective assessment decreased, and CI angle and AOFAS score increased significantly compared to pre-operative values. The significant difference was observed among different CP groups in all observed parameters. Severe complications were not observed. The modified Grice procedure with specially prepared pre-shaped autograft showed promising long-term results.

ARE SCORING SYSTEMS USEFUL FOR PREDICTING RESULTS OF TREATMENT FOR CLUBFOOT USING THE PONSETI METHOD?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify whether the Pirani and Dimeglio clinical scoring systems could predict results of Ponseti therapy. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with clubfoot deformities treated with the Ponseti method were enrolled in the study. Clinical evaluation with the Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems was performed before the treatment and after the second cast fixation. The number of fixations, necessity for achillotomy, and recurrence of the deformity were determined as parameters of the therapy results. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of their deformities, and the groups were compared with one another. RESULTS: Clubfoot correction required an average of 6.8 casts. Five patients developed a recurrence. Comparing the therapy outcomes among the groups, we found statistically significant differences in the Pirani classification after the second fixation (the number of casts [p =.003] and necessity to perform an achillotomy [p =.014]) and in the Dimeglio scores before therapy (number of casts [p =.034]) and after the second fixation (number of relapses [p =.032]). CONCLUSION: Although clinical scoring systems showed some dependence on the parameters of treatment outcomes, their predictive function can be used in only a limited way. Level of evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se os sistemas de pontuação clínica de Pirani e Dimeglio poderiam servir para prever os resultados do tratamento com o método de Ponseti. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de pé torto equinovaro tratados pelo método de Ponseti foram incluídos no estudo. A avaliação clínica com os sistemas de pontuação de Pirani e Dimeglio foi realizada antes do tratamento e depois da segunda fixação de gesso. O número de fixações com gesso, a necessidade de realização de aquilotomia e a recorrência da deformidade foram determinadas como parâmetros dos resultados do tratamento. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com a gravidade das deformidades, e esses grupos foram comparados entre si. RESULTADOS: A correção do pé torto exigiu uma média de 6,8 gessos e cinco pacientes apresentaram recidiva. Ao comparar os resultados do tratamento entre os grupos, verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na classificação de Pirani após a segunda fixação (número de gessos [p = 0,003], necessidade de realizar aquilotomia [p = 0,014]) e pontuação de Dimeglio antes do tratamento (número de gessos [p = 0,034]) e depois da segunda fixação (número de recidivas [p = 0,032]). CONCLUSÃO: Embora os sistemas de pontuação clínica tenham mostrado alguma dependência dos parâmetros dos resultados do tratamento, sua função preditiva pode ser usada de maneira limitada. Nível de evidência II, Estudo comparativo prospectivo.

Are scoring systems useful for predicting results of treatment for clubfoot using the ponseti method? / Os sistemas de pontuação são úteis para prever os resultados do tratamento de pé torto equinovaro pelo método de ponseti?

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to verify whether the Pirani and Dimeglio clinical scoring systems could predict results of Ponseti therapy. Methods: Forty-seven patients with clubfoot deformities treated with the Ponseti method were enrolled in the study. Clinical evaluation with the Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems was performed before the treatment and after the second cast fixation. The number of fixations, necessity for achillotomy, and recurrence of the deformity were determined as parameters of the therapy results. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of their deformities, and the groups were compared with one another. Results: Clubfoot correction required an average of 6.8 casts. Five patients developed a recurrence. Comparing the therapy outcomes among the groups, we found statistically significant differences in the Pirani classification after the second fixation (the number of casts [p =.003] and necessity to perform an achillotomy [p =.014]) and in the Dimeglio scores before therapy (number of casts [p =.034]) and after the second fixation (number of relapses [p =.032]). Conclusion: Although clinical scoring systems showed some dependence on the parameters of treatment outcomes, their predictive function can be used in only a limited way. Level of evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se os sistemas de pontuação clínica de Pirani e Dimeglio poderiam servir para prever os resultados do tratamento com o método de Ponseti. Métodos: Quarenta e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de pé torto equinovaro tratados pelo método de Ponseti foram incluídos no estudo. A avaliação clínica com os sistemas de pontuação de Pirani e Dimeglio foi realizada antes do tratamento e depois da segunda fixação de gesso. O número de fixações com gesso, a necessidade de realização de aquilotomia e a recorrência da deformidade foram determinadas como parâmetros dos resultados do tratamento. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com a gravidade das deformidades, e esses grupos foram comparados entre si. Resultados: A correção do pé torto exigiu uma média de 6,8 gessos e cinco pacientes apresentaram recidiva. Ao comparar os resultados do tratamento entre os grupos, verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na classificação de Pirani após a segunda fixação (número de gessos [p = 0,003], necessidade de realizar aquilotomia [p = 0,014]) e pontuação de Dimeglio antes do tratamento (número de gessos [p = 0,034]) e depois da segunda fixação (número de recidivas [p = 0,032]). Conclusão: Embora os sistemas de pontuação clínica tenham mostrado alguma dependência dos parâmetros dos resultados do tratamento, sua função preditiva pode ser usada de maneira limitada. Nível de evidência II, Estudo comparativo prospectivo.