Treatment of thumb soft-tissue defects using a bipedicle island flap of the index finger: anatomical basis and clinical application.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the thumb with exposure of bone and tendon is challenging. We designed a bipedicle island flap from the dorsum of the index finger to repair thumb defects. One pedicle includes the radial proper palmar digital artery (PDA) of the index finger, another pedicle includes the first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA). The aim of the study was to investigate the anatomical basis and clinical application of this flap. METHODS: Eleven fresh cadaver hands were dissected, the FDMA and the radial proper PDA were exposed. Their origin, distribution and diameter in different locations, especially in the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the index finger, were examined. Ten patients (11 hands) underwent thumb reconstruction using this flap. During follow-up, the flap survival and hand function were evaluated. RESULTS: The origin of the FDMA in three cadaver hands was abnormal. The FDMA was mainly distributed in the proximal area of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx. The radial proper PDA of the index finger formed one constant dorsal branch, mainly distributing in the middle and distal area of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx. All flaps survived. At follow-up, the span of the first web and the range of motion of the thumbs and index fingers reached more than 94 % of the contralateral finger. All patients were satisfied with the hand function according to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). CONCLUSIONS: The bipedicle island flap has two arterial systems to provide sufficient blood supply. This technique provides another option for thumb reconstruction when a large supercharged FDMA island flap needs to be designed, or when there is an additional injury to the radial side of the dorsum of the hand or if there are anatomical variations of the FDMA, or if damage to the FDMA occurs during surgery.

Clinical results of treatment using a clavicular hook plate versus a T-plate in neer type II distal clavicle fractures.

AO clavicular hook plate fixation provides more rigid fixation and good bony union rates for Neer type II distal clavicular fractures. However, the hook may cause rotator cuff tears and subacromial impingement, which adversely affect the clinical results. T-plate fixation is another surgical method of treatment for unstable clavicle fractures, and its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of AO clavicular hook plate and T-plate fixation for Neer type II distal clavicular fractures. Forty-two patients with Neer type II fractures were divided into 2 groups. The hook plate group comprised 23 patients who underwent hook plate fixation, and the T-plate group comprised 19 patients who underwent distal radius volar locking T-plate fixation. Hook plates were removed 3 to 14 months postoperatively in 15 patients because of shoulder function limitations. All patients were evaluated postoperatively for shoulder pain, activities of daily living, range of motion, strength, and satisfaction according to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder rating scale. All fractures in the 2 groups achieved stable fixation and bony union. Both groups yielded similar outcomes with regard to shoulder strength and patient satisfaction (P=.207 and P=.398, respectively). Significant differences existed between the 2 groups in the mean scores of shoulder pain, activities of daily living, range of motion, and total UCLA score (P=.001, P=.011, P=.038, and P=.001, respectively). More patients (74%) in the hook plate group had mild to severe shoulder pain than in the T-plate group (16%). However, shoulder pain was relieved and function improved significantly after removal of the hook plate (P=.001).

[Treatment of conmminuted patellar fractures with internal Ni-Ti patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy of the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures with internal NiTi-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation. METHODS: From March 2004 to June 2007, 38 cases of fresh comminuted patellar fractures were treated with internal NiTi-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation. There were 25 males and 13 females,ranging from 21 to 64 years (mean 42.5 years). All were comminuted fractures with displacement, 16 cases were 3 fragments, 14 cases were 4 fragments, 8 cases were 5 fragments. There were other fractures in 8 cases. During followed-up, knee function and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 8 to 24 months (mean 15 months) and obtained complete bone union. No case of implant was loosening and fragment displacement, traumatic arthritis occured in 2 cases. Under Lysholm & Gillquist score, the results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 19, fair in 2. CONCLUSION: Internal Ni-Ti-Patellar concentrator and tension bind wire fixation is one of the ideal methods for the treatment of comminuted patellar fracture, which could provide satisfied reduction, reliable fixation and good functional recovery.