Vein conduits used to enhance arterial microsurgical end-to-end suture repair: A randomized comparative study.

Wrapping microsurgical sutures with a vein conduit is a well-described procedure for microsurgical nerve repair. While this has rarely been described in the context of vascular repair, this technique could increase the permeability of the sutured vessels. As part of a University Diploma in Microsurgery, 9 junior surgeons performed a comparative study of 18 microsurgical repairs on rats with and without vein sleeve. The vessels used were an external jugular vein sleeve on the end-to-end anastomosis of the common carotid artery and comparing it to this same anastomosis without a sleeve. The data analyzed were rat weight, suture time with carotid clamping time, number of stitches used, complications as well as vascular leakage and permeability of the repair at 0 and 5minutes evaluated with a patency test. The average rat body weight was 255g. Mean suture time was 52minutes in group A (sleeved repairs) and 41minutes in group B (standard repairs). The number of stitches placed was 5.1 points on average in group A and 5.6 points in group B. The time to perform the repair and the number of stitches was not statistically different between groups. The patency test was positive in 100% of cases in group A and in 78% of cases in group B. There was a significant difference between the permeability rate of the repairs, with better results in group A (p=0.03). There were two anastomotic leaks after declamping in the sleeve group and five in the standard suture group, thus 2.5 times more leaks in the group without a sleeve (p<0.01). The addition of a vein sleeve around an end-to-end arterial suture repair seems to improve its permeability and therefore its reliability.

Middle phalangectomy with shortening fusion of the fifth finger in Dupuytren's digital hooks.

Severe contracture of the little finger due to Dupuytren's disease continues to be a therapeutic problem. Fifth finger amputation, which is sometimes the only solution, has a major negative impact on function and appearance, and exposes the patient to adjacent digital hook aggravation. Middle phalangectomy with finger shortening fusion is an alternative surgical solution. The aim of this study was to report on a continuous series of 36 cases treated with this approach. This was a retrospective series of 33 patients (26 males and 7 females) operated from 1994 to 2015. All patients had severe contracture of their little finger and 30 had prior surgery. The combined extension lag was 143° (75-270), with considerable functional deficit and poor appearance. The surgical technique consisted of a dorsal approach, a more or less extensive excision of the middle phalanx, and arthrodesis with alignment of the remaining bone segments, while preserving the fingertip/nail complex. The following outcomes were determined when the patients were reviewed: functional discomfort and use, appearance, residual pain, pulp sensitivity, recurrence of contracture and overall satisfaction. Six patients were dead and two were lost to follow-up. Twenty-five patients (27 cases) were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 64 months (12-280). There were no post-operative complications. Twenty-two patients (24 cases) were satisfied or very satisfied. The resulting appearance was graded at 7.13/10 (1-10). Pain on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale was 0.46 (0-5). Cold intolerance was found in 9 cases (33.3%) and decreased fingertip sensitivity in 3 cases (11.1%). The hand could be flattened in 21 cases; in the other cases, it could not be flattened due to contracture in another finger. Wearing gloves was again possible in 26 cases. Fusion was achieved in 18 of the 21 cases evaluated with X-rays at the last follow-up (85.7%). All the other cases had a non-union with no clinical repercussions. There were 5 local recurrences at the level of the little finger. Finger shortening through a dorsal approach seems to provide satisfactory outcomes in patients with Dupuytren's disease who have severe contracture of the little finger. This technique results in an acceptable looking functional finger, which has sensation and no significant morbidity.

Peritrapezial osteoarthritis: Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Allieu classification.

The Allieu classification takes into consideration the distal and proximal joints of the trapezium. Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthritis, TMC joint instability (TMI) and scapho-trapezio-trapezoid (STT) joint arthritis are considered independently, which better corresponds to the anatomical examinations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the Allieu classification of the peritrapezial arthritis. This was a prospective, single-center study performed from May to September 2016 with 30 cases of primary thumb osteoarthritis. Five raters scored the X-rays twice. In the Allieu classification, TMC arthritis is scored as "0" when the TMC joint is normal, "1" when the TMC joint space is <50% narrowed, "2" when the TMC joint space is >50% narrowed, "3" when the joint space is loose with advanced degenerative changes. TMI is scored as "0" for reducible subluxation, painful and unstable joint, "1" for advanced reducible subluxation, "2" for chronic subluxation <1/3 of the surface, "3" for chronic subluxation >1/3 of the surface. STT joint arthritis is scored as "0" for normal joint space, "1" for joint space narrowing <50%, "2" for important joint space narrowing and "3" for advanced degenerative changes with sclerotic subchondral bone changes. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was assessed using the weighted Cohen's kappa coefficient. Additional analyses were undertaken to determine the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the overall raters. The interobserver reliability was "moderate" to "substantial" for the TMC arthritis; "fair" to "substantial" for STT arthritis and "fair" to "substantial" for TMI. The intraobserver reliability was "moderate" to "excellent" for TMC arthritis (2 "excellent", 2 "substantial", 1 "moderate"); "fair" to "excellent" for the STT (1 "excellent", 2 "substantial", 1 "moderate", 1 "fair") and "fair" to "excellent" for the TMI (1 "excellent", 2 "substantial", 1 "moderate", 1 "fair"). The worst reliability, either for intra- or interobserver, was for TMI. The ICC for TMC arthritis was 0.67 (95%CI, 0.28-0.83); for STT it was 0.47 (95%CI, 0.15-0.66) and for TMI it was 0.30 (95%CI, 0.23-0.70), which is "fair". This study confirms a large variation in X-ray staging for peritrapezial arthritis. It shows that the Allieu classification is moderately reliable. However, the interobserver reliability was better for evaluating the TMC than the STT and worse for TMI. The classification for TMC and STT is simple to apply, based principally on the joint narrowing. The intraobserver is better than the interobserver reliability.

Acute finger-tip infection: Management and treatment. A 103-case series.

INTRODUCTION: Acute fingertip infections (AFTI) are common. Surgical treatment is the norm in case of effusion. There is, however, no consensus on treatment modalities, or on adjuvant antibiotic therapy (AT). We present the results of a consecutive cohort of 103 AFTIs treated in emergency consultation. MATERIALS AND METHOD: One hundred and one patients were treated by excision and extensive lavage under digital anesthesia, with systematic bacteriological sampling. Patient history, treatment history, location, type of bacteria, complications or recurrences and AT prescription were recorded and analyzed. All patients were reviewed at first dressing (5-7 days) and recontacted at 1 month, to record any pain, stiffness or recurrence. Three groups were distinguished: A: without preoperative AT (n=71); B: under AT before surgery (n=14); C: with postoperative AT (for severe comorbidity) (n=16). RESULTS: Mean age was 39.7 years (range: 14-84 years). The three main types of bacteria were: Staphylococcus aureus (58.3%), polymicrobial flora (16.5%), and Streptococcus (12.6%). Mean time to first dressing was 5.7 days. There were no recurrences, whatever the bacterial type or patient group. In 5 patients in group A (8.2%), AT was later prescribed at day 5 (3 for hypercicatrization and 2 for maceration). In groups B and C, progression was unproblematic. At 1 month, all patients considered themselves cured; finger-tip sensitivity was conserved in 10, and 16 were awaiting complete nail regrowth. DISCUSSION: Hospital admission, operative treatment under general anesthesia, and AT are factors exacerbating cost and increase the management burden of AFTI. Treatment in emergency consultation seems perfectly feasible. AT does not seem useful in the absence of severe comorbidities if resection is complete. Analysis of bacterial susceptibility and renewal of the initial dressing at 1 week enable progression to be monitored and treatment changed as necessary.

Interest of the "compress test" in diagnosis of nerve injury in hand wounds.

INTRODUCTION: Hand wounds are a common cause of emergency department admission. Digital nerve lesions are found in 5% of palm wounds. Early diagnosis reduces the risk of morbidity, sequelae and litigation. Screening for digital nerve injury by the usual tests is difficult in an emergency context. We assessed the diagnostic value of the simple "compress test" to screen for pulp sensibility disorder and the factors that may influence the value of this examination, with a view to validating routine use. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study included 821 palm wounds treated between January 2014 and May 2016. There were 605 male and 216 patients; mean age, 42.8 years (range: 18-90 years). The dominant hand was involved in 307 cases (37.4%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the compress test were calculated. Diagnostic value was also calculated according to age, gender, affected digit, dominant side and examiner's experience. RESULTS: Clinical deficit was found in 412 cases (50.2%). A digital nerve lesion was found intraoperatively in 277 cases (33.6%). Test sensitivity was 87.3%, specificity 68.6%, positive predictive value 58.5%, negative predictive value 91.4%, positive likelihood ratio 2.78 and negative likelihood ratio 0.18. The test was more effective for thumb wounds and for examination by a junior surgeon. There were no differences according to injured side, innervation territory or gender. CONCLUSION: This clinical test is reliable, with very good negative predictive value and good sensitivity, allowing its use in routine clinical practice. Nevertheless, surgical exploration of deep palm injuries should remain the rule.

Cross-finger flap for reconstruction of fingertip amputations: Long-term results.

UNLABELLED: Fingertip amputations are severe hand injuries. Their treatment must restore the sensation and metabolic activity needed for pain-free finger function. The cross-finger flap (CFF) can be used for this purpose. The goal of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcome following use of this flap. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 28 patients operated because of fingertip amputation: 16 type 3, 8 type 2 and 4 type 4. The CFF was harvested from an adjacent finger on the dorsal side of the middle phalanx down to the epitenon. A dorsopalmar hinge was preserved to ensure vascularisation. The CFF was divided an average of 18.7 days later. The following parameters were evaluated: pulp volume (injured compared to contralateral finger), presence of neuroma, occurrence of complications (necrosis, infection, and donor site morbidity), cold discomfort, static and tactile discrimination, and patient satisfaction (0 to 10 on VAS). RESULTS: The average follow-up was 19.7 years; 22 patients (78.6%) were re-examined in person or contacted by telephone. The average healthy pulp to reconstructed pulp ratio was 1.03. No postoperative complications such as neuroma were found. Cold sensitivity was present in 7 patients. The flap was re-sensitised in all the patients. There was no donor site morbidity. The average patient satisfaction score was 9 (range 8-10). CONCLUSIONS: Over the long-term, use of the CFF results in nearly normal fingertip metabolism, no complications and good distal sensitivity without pain or neuromas. This is a simple, reliable, long-lasting reconstruction technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

"Butterfly flap": The retinaculum to the rescue of the extensors.

Extensor digitorum tendon (EDT) tear in the wrist is frequently associated with inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis, chondrocalcinosis) or distal radio-ulnar osteoarthritis. EDT protection and repair is often hampered by poor tissue trophicity and associated procedures. We describe an extensor retinaculum (ER) plasty, protecting and recentering the EDTs. The procedure consists in raising the ER on either side of Lister's tubercle so as to create a strap protecting and recentering the 4th, 5th and 6th compartment EDTs; the 2nd and 3rd compartment EDTs are left free on the lateral side of Lister's tubercle. This "butterfly plasty" provides solid and effective protection of the EDTs in an often fragile pathologic context. It creates a glide space, stabilizing EDTs and wrist. LEVEL IV: Retrospective series.

Neuroma-in-continuity of the median nerve managed by nerve expansion and direct suture with vein conduit.

Autologous nerve grafting is the current standard for bridging large gaps in major sensory and motor nerves. It allows both function and pain improvement with predictable results. Clinical observations of nerve elongation caused by tumours have prompted experimental animal studies of induced gradual elongation of the nerve stump proximal to the gap. This technique allows direct suturing of the two nerve ends to bridge the gap. Here, we describe a case of neuroma-in-continuity of the median nerve managed by resection and direct suture after nerve elongation with a tissue expander. We are not aware of similar reported cases. Secondary repair 3 years after the initial injury improved the pain and hypersensitivity and restored a modest degree of protective sensory function (grade S1).

[Treatment for a chronic proximal interphalangeal fracture-dislocation with hemi-hamate arthroplasty]. / Traitement d'une fracture-luxation chronique de l'interphalangienne proximale par un greffon d'hémi-hamatum.

Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are complex and challenging to manage once they become chronic. We report a case of PIP joint fracture-dislocation treated by hemi-hamate arthroplasty. An 18-year-old male polytrauma patient presented with a neglected PIP joint fracture-dislocation in the third finger of the left hand. After four months of follow-up, he remained disabled due to clinodactyly and stiffness. After performing a cadaver study to evaluate the feasibility of grafting, we resurfaced the bone-cartilage defect with a hemi-hamate arthroplasty. The range of motion at the last follow-up was 65° without pain; the DASH score was 2.27. The patient was able to return to heavy manual labour work at 5 months postoperative.

Reverse wedge osteotomy of the distal radius in Madelung's deformity.

Madelung's deformity results from a growth defect in the palmar and ulnar region of the distal radius. It presents as an excessively inclined radial joint surface, inducing "spontaneous progressive palmar subluxation of the wrist". The principle of reverse wedge osteotomy (RWO) consists in the reorientation of the radial joint surface by taking a circumferential bone wedge, the base of which is harvested from the excess of the radial and dorsal cortical bone of the distal radius, then turning it over and putting back this reverse wedge into the osteotomy so as to obtain closure on the excess and opening on the deficient cortical bone. RWO corrects the palmar subluxation of the carpus and improves distal radio-ulnar alignment. All five bilaterally operated patients were satisfied, esthetically and functionally. Its corrective power gives RWO a place apart among the surgical techniques currently available in Madelung's deformity.

Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths in the hand: review of 96 patients with an average follow-up of 12 years.

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumors (GCT) of the hand are relatively common and have a good prognosis, but the risk of recurrence is high. The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical results of a consecutive series of patients and to determine the risk factors for recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 96 patients (57 women, 39 men) operated between February 1982 and October 2005 for GCT of the tendon sheaths in the hand. The average age at the time of the procedure was 47.7±14.5 years (range 13-75). All the patients were reviewed by an independent surgeon. The following were recorded: clinical result (QuickDASH, satisfaction), recurrence, histological appearance of tumor, location of tumor, excision margins and extension into the neighboring anatomical structures (tendon, joint). The tumor was located in the index finger in 29 cases, middle finger in 23 cases, thumb in 21 cases, ring finger in 11 cases, little finger in 11 cases, hypothenar area in two cases and thenar area in one case. In all cases, the lesion was isolated. The swelling was palmar in 27 cases, dorsal in 20 cases and medial or lateral in 59 cases. The most common joint location was the DIP joint (35% of cases). The swollen area was sensitive in 12 cases. The time from the appearance of the tumor to physician consultation ranged between 1 month and 7 years. Before the surgery, standard X-rays were taken in all patients; ultrasonography was also performed in eight patients and MRI in one patient. The tumor had an average diameter of 15.8±2.6mm (range 5-30). Histological analysis revealed a multilobed lesion with multinucleated giant cells, with or without encapsulation. RESULTS: The average follow-up at the time of review was 12.1±3.8 years (range 5-29). There were eight recurrences in seven patients (8.3%). The average time to recurrence was 2.75±2 years (range 1-6.5). In every case of recurrence, there had been intra-articular tumor development and/or tendon destruction (P<0.01). There was one functional complication: one DIP joint fusion secondary to one of the recurrences. The average QuickDASH was 2.3/100 (range 0-31). CONCLUSION: Giant cell tumors of the synovial sheaths in the hand are benign lesions where recurrence is the primary risk. The recurrence typically occurred within 36 months of the excision. Intra-articular tumor development, marginal resection and tendon involvement seem to contribute to recurrence. There was no correlation found between the histological type of tumor (encapsulated or not) and recurrence. LEVEL OF PROOF: IV.

[Cartoons, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide: a solution for the treatment of child's hands wounds]. / Dessin animé, anesthésie locale et mélange de protoxyde d'azote : une solution pour le traitement des plaies de la main de l'enfant.

Wounds and injuries of child's hands are common and create anxiety. The context of stress makes difficult therapeutic cares, anesthesia and surgery, and prevents child's cooperation. We propose a technique combining a local anesthesia performed during inhalation of oxygen and nitrous oxide, and child distraction by watching a cartoon. In a prospective series of 39 children, we evaluated the feasibility of such care and its impact on the child's anxiety by a visual analog scale (VAS) at three moments of care sequence: arrival of the child (EVA1), at the end of the cartoon (EVA2), and at the postoperative visit (EVA3). Thirty-seven children were included (94.9%). Mean anxiety decreased throughout the therapeutic course: EVA1 (5.6), EVA2 (2.97), EVA3 (1.4). Children were less and less anxious along the procedure (100%, 46%, 10.8%, respectively). All children could be treated as outpatients. This procedure allows a rapid and adapted treatment for children's hand injuries. It reduces impact of children's anxiety.

Simplified scaphoid reconstruction technique with Zaidemberg's vascularized radial graft.

For more than 10 years, we have been using a simplified reconstruction technique for scaphoid non-unions that involves the use of a graft first described by Zaidemberg et al. [1]. This approach requires that an island bone graft harvested from the radial styloid and pedicled on the 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery be embedded into the site of the non-union. The objective of our technical modifications was to simplify the harvesting and handling of the graft and the internal fixation. This technique is only used for cases of scaphoid non-union with avascular changes in the proximal fragment, repeated non-union after bone grafting and internal fixation, chronic non-union with osteophyte formation in the dorso-radial aspect and fracture secondary to Preiser disease.

Treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius: a prospective randomised comparison of external fixation 'versus' locked volar plating.

The traditional treatment of severely impacted fractures of the distal radius involves bridging external fixation and maintaining reduction by applying continuous traction. The recent technique using fixed-angle screws within volar plates is reported restore the radial length and the articular profile whilst avoiding joint distraction. It is also believed to produce better and quicker clinical results. To test these claims, we carried out a randomised controlled comparison of the efficiency of external fixation (EF) 'versus' open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating severely impacted fractures of the distal radius. A total of 39 patients were treated with EF, eventually associated with percutaneous pinning, whereas 36 underwent ORIF with a locked volar plate. There was no significant difference in the two groups with regard to changes in the ulnar variance. Articular reduction was poor in two patients in the EF group with residual step-offs exceeding 2mm; another patient of the EF group suffered a secondary loss of reduction, healing with a severe articular malunion (>2mm). By contrast, articular reduction was satisfactory in all the patients of the ORIF group. The clinical results on the Green and O'Brien rating were significantly better in the ORIF group than in the EF group (p<0.01 at 6 weeks, p<0.05 at 6 months). Nevertheless, open reduction and volar plating did not yield better subjective results than EF. However, although not statistically significant, patients treated by ORIF seemed to resume their usual activities quicker than those treated with EF, suggesting that this technique may be adapted to a greater extent in the case of active, young individuals.

Vein conduit associated with microsurgical suture for complete collateral digital nerve severance.

The aim of this study is to present the long term results of a series of 53 vein conduit grafts as first line therapy to repair complete severance of one or more collateral digital nerves. The surgical technique included an epi-perineural suture of the nerve under minimal tension, associated with a vein graft harvested from the back of the hand to cover the nerve. None of the patients presented with a neuroma, spontaneous pain or had stopped using the injured finger. Sensibility results were good or very good in 67% of cases. The scar at the donor site was very light or invisible. A total of 96% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied. This simple technique, by protecting the injured nerve, results in a rate of sensory nerve recovery that is comparable or better than that of other series in the literature, without neuroma and with minimal scarring at the donor site.

[Locked volar plating for complex distal radius fractures: maintaining radial length]. / Ostéosynthèse par plaque antérieure verrouillée des fractures complexes de l'extrémité distale du radius: contribution au maintien de la longueur radiale.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Maintaining radial length, likely to be the main challenge in the treatment of complex distal radius fractures, is necessary for complete grip-strength and pro-supination range recovery. In spite of frequent secondary displacements, bridging external-fixation has remained the reference method, either isolated or in association with additional percutaneous pins or volar plating. Also, there seems to be a relation between algodystrophy and the duration of traction applied on the radio-carpal joint. Fixed-angle volar plating offers the advantage of maintaining the reduction until fracture healing, without bridging the joint. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective study, forty-three consecutive fractures of the distal radius with a positivated ulnar variance were treated with open reduction and fixed-angle volar plating. Results were assessed with special attention to the radial length and angulation obtained and maintained throughout treatment, based on repeated measurements of the ulnar variance and radial angulation in the first six months postoperatively. RESULTS: The correction of the ulnar variance was maintained until complete recovery, independently of initial metaphyseal comminution, and of the amount of radial length gained at reduction. Only 3 patients lost more than 1 mm of radial length after reduction. The posterior tilt of the distal radial epiphysis was incompletely reduced in 13 cases, whereas reduction was partially lost in 6 elderly osteoporotic female patients. There was 8 articular malunions, all of them less than 2 mm. Secondary displacements were found to be related to a deficient locking technique. Eight patients developed an algodystropy. The risk factors for algodystrophy were articular malunion, associated posterior pining, and associated lesions of the ipsilateral upper limb. CONCLUSION: Provided that the locking technique was correct, this type of fixation appeared efficient in maintaining the radial length in complex fractures of the distal radius. The main challenge remains the reduction of displaced articular fractures. Based on these results, it is not possible to conclude that this method is superior to external fixation.