Classification of radial polydactyly based on physical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Previous classifications in polydactyly of the thumb were by the level of duplication on radiography. This study aimed to develop a practical algorithm based on physical characteristics for treatment guidelines. METHODS: The polydactylies were stratified using four physical characteristics: floating, symmetry, dominant side, and joint angulation/nail size. The algorithm identified the hypoplastic type and then stratified the polydactylies as symmetric and asymmetric. The asymmetric type was divided into ulnar dominant and radial dominant. The symmetric type was divided into adequate type and inadequate type. The prediction of treatments was studied retrospectively by the distribution of surgical procedures in 500 patients with 545 affected thumbs, by the new classification and the Wassel-Flatt classification. RESULTS: Of the 545 polydactylies, 78 (14.5%) were categorized as the hypoplastic type, 369 (67.5%) as the ulnar-dominant type, 8 (1.5%) as the radial-dominant type, 70 (12.8%) as the symmetric adequate nail type, and 20 (3.7%) as the symmetric inadequate type. Treatments were excision and reconstruction in 403 polydactylies (73.9%), simple excision in 135 polydactylies (24.8%), and the Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure, ray amputation, and on-top plasty procedures were only performed in 7 polydactylies (1.3%). The distribution of surgical procedures was distinct among the new classification types and was similar among the Wassel-Flatt types. CONCLUSIONS: The new classification stratified polydactylies by physical findings in a stepwise manner. Though surgical technical details are not included, this simple classification is useful for paediatricians and parents to understand how a surgical decision is made. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level IV.

Pneumothorax, an Uncommon but Devastating Complication following Shoulder Arthroscopy: Case Reports.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a mature and widely used treatment to deal with various shoulder disorders. It enables faster recovery and decreases postoperative complications. However, some complications related to shoulder arthroscopy cannot be neglected because they could be life threatening. We presented three cases of various clinical manifestations of pneumothorax after shoulder arthroscopy. The first case was a 65-year-old female who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair under general anesthesia and interscalene nerve block in the beach-chair position. The second case was a 58-year-old male undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and reduction in glenoid fracture under general anesthesia in the lateral decubitus position. The third case was a 62-year-old man receiving arthroscopic rotator cuff repair under general anesthesia in the lateral decubitus position. Each case's operation time was 90, 240, and 270 min. The pressure of the irrigation pumping system was 30, 50, and 70 mmHg, respectively. The second and third cases did not undergo interscalene nerve block. Although the incidence of pneumothorax following shoulder surgery and interscalene nerve block was only 0.2%, it is one of the most life-threatening complications following shoulder arthroscopy. In these cases, multifactorial factors, including patient positioning, interscalene nerve block, long surgical time, size of rotator cuff tears, and the pressure of the irrigation and suction system, can be attributed to the occurrence of pneumothorax. It is crucial to fully comprehend the diagnosis and management of pneumothorax to reduce the risk for patients receiving shoulder arthroscopy.