Sequential Clinical Recovery after Replantation for Complete Finger Amputation in Tamai Zone 1.

Background The clinical results of replantation for an amputated distal finger are functionally acceptable. However, few reports exist regarding sequential clinical postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical recovery at every 3 months up to 1 year postoperatively. Methods Nineteen patients (16 patients were men), representing 19 fingers with complete amputation at Tamai's zone 1 and replanted successfully, were included in this study. Total active motion (TAM), grip strength (GS), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SW) test result, static two-point discrimination (s2PD), and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score questionnaire results were obtained postoperatively at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Pulp atrophy and nail deformity were assessed at 12 months postoperatively. Results The postoperative %TAM (compared to the uninjured side, 81.8 ± 18.1 at 3 months vs. 91.5 ± 11.9 at 6 months, p < 0.01), %GS (compared with the uninjured side, 61.3 ± 25.9 at 3 months vs. 78.3 ± 20.4 at 6 months, p = 0.02), s2PD (excellent and good/poor; 7/12 at 3 months vs. 18/1 at 6 months, p < 0.01), and DASH scores (26.1 ± 23.1 at 3 months vs. 12.0 ± 12.9 at 6 months, p < 0.01) recovered significantly from 3 to 6 months but did not change significantly from 6 months onward. The SW test results showed a significant recovery between 3 and 12 months postoperatively (2.83 and 3.61/4.31, 6.65, and undetectable, 1/18 at 3 months vs. 7/12 at 12 months, p = 0.04). The DASH score at 12 months postoperatively was significantly associated with %TAM ( r = -0.64, p < 0.01) and %GS ( r = -0.58, p < 0.01) at 12 months postoperatively and age ( r = 0.52, p = 0.02). Five fingers had pulp atrophy and four fingers had nail deformity. Conclusion This 1-year follow-up study showed the sequential clinical recovery after replantation for complete amputation in Tamai zone 1. Postoperative %TAM, %GS, and the DASH score recovered significantly between 3 and 6 months but significant recovery up to 1 year was not observed.

Reconstruction of a Composite Defect of the Distal Index Finger Using a Chimeric Reverse Flow Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap: A Case Report.

The reconstruction for mild tissue loss at the distal part of a finger is challenging. We report about a 29-year-old man presenting with traumatic tissue loss at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the index finger, including skin, bone, and nerve. Reconstruction using two types of flaps was performed. The dorsal skin flap, nourished by the second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA) perforator, was elevated. The vascularized second metacarpal bone, nourished by the SDMA, was also elevated. Using the vascular connection between the DMA and the palmar digital artery (PDA), both flaps were raised to the distal part of the finger, and the pivot point was set at the dorsal proximal phalanx. After arthrodesis of the DIP joint with the vascularized second metacarpal bone, the digital nerve was repaired using the cutaneous nerve in the skin flap, and the skin defect was covered using the perforator flap. The postoperative course, including flap survival and bone union, was uneventful. A good indication for the reconstruction of the distal part of a finger with this technique is when the defect sizes of the skin and bone differ and the vascular connection between the SDMA and dorsal branch of PDA is not injured.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Distal Screw Penetration in Volar Locking Plate Fixation for Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE: Volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures (DRFs) is a technically demanding procedure with a risk of distal screw penetration through the dorsal cortex or the articular surface. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and details of distal screw penetration after volar locking plate fixation for intra-articular DRFs using a CT scan and to evaluate the relationship between the incidence of screw penetration and fracture comminution severity and the clinical complications of screw penetration. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of 91 adult patients (mean age, 63 years; 27 men) who underwent volar locking plate fixation for intra-articular DRFs from 2015 to 2018. The positioning of the distal screws was evaluated using a postoperative CT scan, and radiological outcomes were compared between the AO C1 and C3 groups. At the final follow-up, tendon rupture and arthritis severity were assessed as clinical complications of dorsal and intra-articular screw penetration. RESULTS: Distal screw penetration was observed in 44 wrists (48%), dorsal cortex screw penetration in 34, intra-articular screw penetration in 13, and both dorsal cortex and intra-articular screw penetration in three. The incidence of intra-articular screw penetration was significantly higher in the C3 group than in the C1 group. No tendon rupture was observed. Multivariable analysis revealed that intra-articular screw penetration was significantly related to high severity of arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the study patients with intra-articular DRFs had distal screw penetration. The incidence of intra-articular screw penetration was associated with the severity of fracture comminution, and the intra-articular screw penetration was associated with the incidence of early radiocarpal arthritis. Intra-articularly penetrating screws should be replaced as soon as they are discovered, regardless of the length of penetrated screw or absence of patients' subjective symptoms. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation for Peritrapezium Traumatic Axial Carpal Dislocation: A Case Report.

Axial carpal dislocations and fracture-dislocations are rare injuries involving derangement of the carpal arches. Several surgical approaches have been reported as a means of treatment, including the use of closed or open reduction and internal fixation. However, to our knowledge, surgical treatment using arthroscopy has not been reported so far. Here we present the case of a 54-year-old man who experienced peritrapezium axial carpal dislocation while reversing his car. Minimally invasive surgery using arthroscopy was performed because of severe swelling of the hand. Reduction under arthroscopic assistance using midcarpal portals was performed based on the relationship between the trapezium and trapezoid, and fixed wires were inserted. Wires were removed at six weeks postoperatively, and range-of-motion exercises of the wrist joint were started. At one-year postoperative follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, with no difficulties while performing daily activities and work. Computer tomography images revealed an anatomical carpal arch without traumatic arthrosis. Arthroscopy-assisted surgery enabled us to anatomically reduce fracture-dislocation of the trapezium and assess the injury path.

Simultaneous Open Reduction and Corrective Osteotomy for a Child With Lateral Condylar Fracture and Cubitus Varus Deformity Following Supracondylar Fracture: A Case Report.

Posttraumatic cubitus varus deformity in pediatric patients may cause second fractures of the distal humerus. Corrective osteotomy is used to obtain good alignment and is generally performed for patients with prolonged deformity or bony union after fracture. We report the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with elbow pain after falling. Plain radiography showed lateral condylar fracture and cubitus varus deformity. This injury was the fourth fracture of the same distal humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation for lateral condylar fracture and lateral closing wedge osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity were performed simultaneously. At the last follow-up, one and a half years after operation, plain radiography showed closure of the physis of the distal humerus, and coronal alignment was maintained. The patient was asymptomatic and satisfied with cosmetic issues. There was no fracture after two surgical procedures simultaneously.

Modified Posterior Trans-olecranon Approach in Tri-vision for Dubberley Type 3B Coronal Shear Fractures of the Distal Humerus.

Coronal shear fractures are rare injuries and standard treatment is yet to be determined. There is still no standard approach and fixation method for Dubberley type 3B cases, which are severe fractures that extend to the ulnar side and are accompanied by posterior comminution, making them challenging injuries. We used a modified posterior trans-olecranon approach in tri-vision in the supine position in two type 3B cases. Bone union was achieved in both cases, which exhibited relatively good treatment outcomes with a mean range of motion of -20° for extension and 127.5° for flexion; mean Mayo Elbow performance score of 90; and mean disabilities of the shoulder, arm, and hand score of 20 points. Thus, a modified posterior trans-olecranon approach in tri-vision is useful for type 3B fractures.

Is Repair of a Small Coronoid Fracture Required in the Surgical Treatment of Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow?

Background: Multiple treatment protocols have been described in literature for the treatment of terrible triad injury (TTI) of the elbow. We believe that repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) should be performed in preference to repair of a small coronoid fracture if the elbow is unstable after fixation/replacement of the radial head and repair of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with TTI associated with a small coronoid fracture in whom the coronoid fracture was not addressed. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of 12 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for acute TTI with a small coronoid fracture (9 Regan-Morrey type I and 3 Regan-Morrey type II). Ten patients had complete MCL injuries. All patients underwent repair of the torn LCL and MCL and treatment of the radial head. The coronoid fracture was not surgically treated. At the final follow-up, the range of motion, degree of flexion contracture, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) were measured. Results: The mean follow-up period was 13.5 months. At the final follow-up, the mean arc of elbow flexion was 132° and the mean flexion contracture was 10°. The mean arc of forearm rotation was 148°. None of the patients demonstrated elbow instability. The mean MEPS was 92.5 points with seven having excellent results and five having good results. The average DASH score was 11.2 points. Conclusions: Our results showed that good elbow stability, arc of motion and clinical outcomes could be achieved without repair of small coronoid fractures in the treatment of TTI. The repair of MCL injuries should be given priority over the fixation of small coronoid fractures to regain elbow stability. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Interosseous wiring for fragmented proximal phalangeal fractures.

Fragmented proximal phalangeal fractures are difficult to treat. Fixation with plate and screws often lead to contractures and extensor tendon adhesions. Interosseous wiring could prevent those complications by repairing the periosteum and avoiding direct contact between implants and extensor tendon, while a good total active motion can be achieved.

High Median Nerve Entrapment by Fracture Callus in Surgically Treated Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a patient with incomplete high median nerve palsy after surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHF). Preoperative images after 11 months after the surgical treatment of the SCHF showed rotational deformity and an isolated median nerve entrapped between the proximal humerus anteriorly and callus posteriorly in the bony tunnel of the distal humerus. Two years after neurolysis, he showed clinical recovery. Four cases similar to our case were reported previously. CONCLUSION: Common pediatric fractures may cause unusual neuropathy. Rotational deformity of fracture might be an important factor for isolated median nerve entrapment after SCHF.

Intra-articular fibromembranous septum after intra-articular distal radial fracture: Arthroscopic excision and factors associated with formation of the septum.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular fibromembranous septum in the radiocarpal joint can cause wrist contracture after distal radial fracture, but the mechanism underlying the formation of the septum is unknown. This study examined the clinical outcomes in patients treated with arthroscopic excision of the septum and the factors associated with formation of the septum in patients with and without a septum. METHODS: Fifty-three patients (22 with septum and 31 without septum) treated for intra-articular distal radial fracture with arthroscopy using a volar locking plate and secondary removal of the plate were included. Clinical outcomes and radiological assessments were analyzed. RESULTS: In patients with a septum, the range of wrist flexion and total wrist arc before the second operation were significantly more limited than in those without a septum (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). The improvement rate (improvement in wrist arc divided by the wrist arc of the healthy side) after arthroscopic excision of the septum and plate removal was greater in patients with a septum than in those without a septum (6.1% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.08). The significant factors affecting formation of the septum were the residual articular gap and the height of the midradial ridge on computed tomography images. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular fibromembranous septum after surgically treated intra-articular distal radial fracture affects limited range of motion and secondary arthroscopic excision of the septum improves the wrist range of motion. Anatomical reduction and maintenance of the articular fragment, as well as anatomical characteristics might be causes of septum formation.

Endoscopic resection of tendon xanthoma in the elbow of a patient with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis.

We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) who had a tendon xanthoma on the right olecranon. The patient successfully underwent endoscopic resection. There were no signs of recurrence on MRI 2 years postoperatively. There were no complications related to the surgery, and the patient is completely satisfied with the treatment outcomes. CTX, a genetic metabolic disorder, is associated with the development of tendon xanthomas. Endoscopic resection of tendon xanthoma in the elbow of patients with CTX is a less invasive method than open resection.

Artery-Only Fingertip Replantation Distal to the Lunula: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Results.

Background: Both arterial and venous repair are crucial for optimal results in digital replantation. However, anastomosis of veins becomes challenging in very distal fingertip amputation. This study aimed to report the clinical results of an artery-only replantation without vein repair for a distal fingertip amputation and to analyze the survival rate and clinical outcomes based on the amputation level. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 47 digits in 38 patients who had undergone fingertip replantation with a mean follow-up period of 12 months. All patients had complete fingertip amputation distal to the lunula. Only one central artery repair distal to the arch was performed. All patients received the postoperative protocol including external bleeding and anticoagulation therapy. Results: By Ishilawa's classification, 12 digits in subzone I, and 35 digits in subzone II. 31 of the 47 fingertip replantations (66%) were successful, and a significantly higher survival rate was observed in subzone I than in subzone II. The mean total active motion of surviving digits was 86% of normal side. The mean grip strength was 82% of normal side. The sensory recovery according to modified Highet and Saunders' classification was S4, S3+, S3, and S2 in fingers 19, 2, 5 and 3, respectively. Conclusions: 66% of survival rate was achieved in fingertip replantation distal to lunula which including large number of crushing/avulsion injury. The result of comparison for the survival rate based on amputation level, a significantly higher survival rate was observed in subzone I compared to subzone II. Therefore, the artery-only fingertip replantation had a better indication for distal amputation, and an aggressive attempt for venous anastomosis or drainage, including a secondary surgery for proximal amputation could be attributed to a higher success rate.

Replantation for multiple digit amputations: A retrospective analysis of the clinical results.

PURPOSE: Replantation of multidigit amputations is difficult to perform due to severe damage to the digits, prolonged operative time, and ischemia. This study aimed to report the clinical results of multidigit replantation. METHODS: A retrospective case series of 34 digits belonging to 12 consecutive patients who underwent multidigit replantation was conducted. Patients with injury in at least one or more amputated fingers proximal to the insertion of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon were included. The mean follow-up duration was 18.1 months. The number of amputated digits, mechanism and zone of injury, survival rate, and clinical outcomes, including the range of motion, grip strength, and sensory recovery, at the final follow-up were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean number of amputated digits per patient was 2.8. Complete survival was achieved in 27 of 31 digits (87.1%). The mean final percentage of total active motion of injured digits was 47.0%, and the mean percentage of grip strength was 45.9% of the contralateral uninjured side. The comparison between patients with two and three amputated digits showed that there was no significant difference in both survival rates and functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that both the survival rates and functional outcomes of multidigit replantation were as good as those of single-digit replantation, and there was no significant difference for outcomes between patients with two and three amputated digits. These results suggested that all multidigit replantations should be performed regardless of the number of injured digits or amputation zones.

Arthroscopic Excision for Intra-Articular Osteoid Osteoma of the Olecranon Fossa: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Intra-articular osteoid osteoma (OO) of the elbow is rare. We report a 26-year-old man who presented with pain, swelling, and limited elbow range of motion. Plain computed tomography (CT) showed a radiolucent round lesion at the distal humerus and reactive bone in the olecranon fossa. Conservative treatment with salicylate failed under the suspicion of OO. During elbow arthroscopy, a red solitary lesion was noted after resection of the white reactive bone in the olecranon fossa and was excised en bloc using a bony chisel. Histological examination showed OO. The patient's symptoms resolved the day after surgery. The patient remained asymptomatic 2 years postoperatively. This case report shows the successful clinical results of an arthroscopic procedure for intra-articular OO based on two primary goals: precise location of the lesion indicated by reactive bone on preoperative CT and histological verification using bony chisel.

Ulnar-sided wrist pain due to radial bifurcation of the extensor digiti minimi tendon: A case report and literature review.

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) without trauma is very rare. We report a 21-year-old woman who presented with dorsoulnar wrist pain during palmar wrist flexion and soft tissue mass at the site of pain. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a round mass radial to the EDM tendon. Conservative treatment for 3 months failed to improve the patient's pain levels. Intraoperative findings revealed smaller radial slip of the EDM tendon, and bifurcation of these was under the distal portion of the extensor retinaculum (ER). Surgical release of the ER, resection of the smaller slip of the EDM tendon, and tenosynovectomy were performed. Histological examination showed tenosynovitis. At the final follow-up 1 year postoperatively, she was asymptomatic. A literature review suggested that stenosing tenosynovitis of the EDM tendon might be caused by frequent use of the hand with a background history of bifurcation of the EDM tendon.

Patient-reported outcomes for cervical disease in end-stage renal disease patients: Propensity matching analysis using volunteer data.

As the number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been increasing, the number of cervical spine surgeries for the patients with ESRD has also been increasing. The purpose is to identify the differences in cervical disease-specific patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between a healthy population and patients with ESRD, adjusting for subjects' age and physical activity. METHODS: The ESRD group included patients with ESRD who were treated with hemodialysis in our outpatient clinic and healthy volunteers were individuals who attended public health lectures. Volunteers with a history of cervical disease were excluded. All participants answered the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) and questionnaires that evaluate the disability in performing physical activities. RESULTS: A total of 111 participants were enrolled and divided into the ESRD group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 71). After adjusting for age and sex using propensity score, cervical function (p = 0.008), lower-extremity function (p = 0.007), and QOL (p < 0.001) in patients in the adjusted ESRD group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In multivariate linear regression, the use of hemodialysis was a significant variable that was negatively related to lower-extremity function (p = 0.004) and QOL (p = 0.011) independent of age and disability in performing physical activity. CONCLUSION: The ESRD was a significant negative factor of lower-extremity function and QOL, independent of age, sex, and disability in performing physical activity. These results can help understand the cervical status of patients with ESRD and adjust the goal for such patients after cervical surgery.

Radiotriquetral arthrodesis for rheumatoid wrist with flexor tendon rupture: A case report.

Flexor tendon rupture in the wrist of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is a rare complication, and there is no standard treatment for the wrist joint. Here, we present the case of a rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus of the left index finger owing to a rheumatoid wrist. Plain radiography and computed tomography showed carpal collapse, especially lunate, and arthrosis between the capitate and lunate. For stability and mobility of the wrist and index finger, resection of the lunate and radiotriquetral (RT) arthrodesis using the distal ulna as a bone graft and arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger were performed. At 2 years postoperatively, her wrist was painless and stable on radiography without recurrence of tendon rupture, and the arc of motion of the dorsal-palmar flexion of the wrist joint was 125°. RT arthrodesis could be a surgical choice of "mobile" partial wrist arthrodesis.