MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 Gene Polymorphisms and Haplotype Is a Risk Factor for Dupuytren Contracture: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on Dupuytren contracture (DC). Genetic polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphism [SNPs]) in genes of these enzymes may individually influence these transcriptions. Haplotype analysis, which is the observation of a group of alleles, could be more useful to identify the association between SNPs and DC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of MMP-1 g.-1607 G>GG (rs1799750), MMP-8 g.-799 C>T (rs11225395), and MMP-13 g.-77 A>G (rs2252070) SNPs individually and in haplotype on DC. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of DC were evaluated and matched, according to age and gender, with the control group of 100 patients without this clinical diagnosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples, and genotypes were obtained by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis of the results included Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test, and PHASE and R software, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The 3 SNPs studied showed significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between the groups: 2G in MMP-1 (P = .018; odds ratio [OR] 1.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.88)), T in MMP-8 (P = .015; OR 0.53 (95% CI, 0.33-0.88)), and A in MMP-13 (rs2252070) SNPs (P = .040, OR 0.54 (95% CI, 0.33-0.90)) are risk alleles. The global haplotype analysis indicated a significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, MMP-1 g.-1607 G>GG (rs1799750), MMP-8 g.-799 C>T (rs11225395), and MMP-13 g.-77 A>G (rs2252070) SNPs, individually and in haplotype, are a risk factor for DC, indicating that these SNPs may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic factor for DC.

Free gracilis muscle transfer with ulnar nerve neurotization for elbow flexion restoration.

PURPOSE: In upper and chronic brachial plexus injuries for which neurological surgery is not a good treatment option, one possibility for gaining elbow flexion is free functional muscle transfer. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the elbow flexion gain achieved by free gracilis muscle transfer with partial ulnar nerve neurotization. METHODS: This surgery was performed in 21 patients with upper and chronic (> 12 months) brachial plexus injuries. The level of injury, patient age, the time between trauma and surgery, the affected side, and the aetiology of the lesion were recorded. The primary outcome evaluated was elbow flexion muscle strength, which was measured using the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) scale, in patients with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The criterion used to classify elbow flexion as good was a grade of M4 or higher. RESULTS: An M4 elbow flexion strength gain was observed in 61.9% of the patients. A gain of M2 or higher was observed in 95.2% of the patients. The mean range of active motion was 77° (range 10 minimum-110 maximum). CONCLUSION: In patients with upper and chronic brachial plexus injuries, free gracilis muscle transfer with ulnar nerve neurotization yields a satisfactory gain in elbow flexion strength and is therefore a good treatment option.

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF LIMITED FASCIOTOMY WITH INJECTION OF ADIPOSE GRAFT FOR DUPUYTREN'S DISEASE.

OBJECTIVE: Dupuytren's disease is a genetic disorder related to the proliferation of myofibroblasts. The pluripotent property of stem cells present in adipose tissue inhibits myofibroblast proliferation. Our study sought to evaluate the effect of stem cell-rich fat grafts in patients that underwent limited fasciotomy. METHODS: We studied 45 patients, in a single-blind, prospective, randomized clinical trial. All patients underwent limited fasciotomy. In one group, fat graft was injected. RESULTS: The total passive extension deficit results did not exhibit a significant difference. Fat group exhibited worse functional score at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, such as higher complication rates (43%), when compared with control group (8%), and more pain at 6 weeks follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fat grafting associated with limited fasciotomy promotes worse functional results compared to conventional limited fasciotomy in the short term. However, long-term results and recurrence rates should be further assessed. Level of Evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

OBJETIVO: A moléstia de Dupuytren (MD) está associada a um distúrbio genético relacionado à proliferação de miofibroblastos. Acredita-se que a propriedade totipotente das células-tronco, presentes no tecido adiposo, seria capaz de inibir a formação dos miofibroblastos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do enxerto de gordura, rico em células-tronco, nos pacientes com MD, submetidos à fasciectomia parcial. MÉTODOS: Estudamos 45 pacientes, em um ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado e cego. No grupo-controle, era realizada apenas a fasciectomia parcial. No grupo com gordura, era realizada a fasciectomia parcial e injetado o enxerto de gordura. Os desfechos foram avaliados pelo Déficit de Extensão Passiva Total (DEPT) e escore funcional Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ). RESULTADOS: Os resultados do déficit de extensão passiva total não apresentaram diferença significativa. O grupo com gordura apresentou pior escore funcional após 6 meses e 1 ano, como maiores taxas de complicações (43%) em comparação ao grupo controle (8%) e mais dor com 6 semanas de seguimento. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de enxerto de gordura associado à fasciectomia parcial promove piores resultados funcionais em comparação com a fasciectomia parcial convencional, a curto prazo. No entanto, a recidiva e os resultados a longo prazo devem ser avaliados. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo prospectivo comparativo.

Comparison between donor nerves to motorize the free functional gracilis muscle transfer for elbow flexion: Retrospective study of 38 consecutive cases in traumatic adult brachial plexus injuries.

PURPOSE: Elbow flexion deficit is a frequent problem in traumatic brachial plexus injuries and reestablishment of this function is the primary treatment goal. When management is delayed, or the initial acute approach fails, free functional transfer of the gracilis muscle for elbow flexion is the treatment of choice. In this report, the authors present the results of a comparison study on different donor nerves (spinal accessory and ulnar) in elbow flexion reconstruction with gracilis flap for traumatic adult brachial plexus injuries. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with both total or partial traumatic brachial plexus injuries was carried out. Of the 38 patients enrolled, 37 were male (97.4%) with a mean age of 28.3 years. The mean follow-up period was 25 months. Postoperative function of the gracilis muscle flap was recorded and patients were divided into two groups according to donor nerve: spinal accessory nerve (SAN) (18 cases), and motor fascicles of the ulnar (ULNAR) (20 cases). RESULTS: Twenty-six cases obtained elbow flexion strength M3 or M4 (68.4%): 0 M0 (0.0%), 4 M1 (10.5%), 8 M2 (21.1%), 9 M3 (23.7%) and 17 M4 (44.7%). The mean interval to first recorded M3 muscular strength was 12.4 months. Functional elbow flexion strength (≥ M3) had the following distribution: SAN 83.3% (15/18) and ULNAR 55.0% (11/20) (p = .086). CONCLUSION: No statistical difference for final muscle strength was found between donor nerve groups.

Lower Trapezius Transfer for Patients With Brachial Plexus Injury.

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus injury is a complex entity that often results in partial recovery. Most studies to date have focused on improving shoulder abduction. However, a recent technique has been outlined-one that transfers the lower trapezius to improve the external rotation of the shoulder. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the gains in external rotation of the shoulder in patients who have undergone transfer of the lower trapezius; secondarily, we assessed the range of motion in the elbow and shoulder joints, as well as the muscle strength and quality of life. METHODS: This article presents a prospective cohort study of 10 patients who underwent transfer of the lower trapezius. During the preoperative period and at 6 months after the operation, both active and passive goniometric measurements were assessed, as were muscle strength, Mallet's classification, and patients' responses to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: External rotation exhibited an improvement of 17° in the active range of motion and 14° the passive range, which was not statistically significant. Flexion and active abduction of the shoulder, as well as the responses to the DASH, showed positive results. The Mallet's classification and muscle strength measurement results were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure might be an alternative for restoration of shoulder function and glenohumeral stabilization and mainly to improve quality of life. However, additional studies are required to define and refine this surgical technique.

The Radial Artery's Sacrifice in the Chinese Flap Is Not Deleterious to Patients.

Background: A widely discussed subject, albeit with few associated studies and publications, centers on whether sacrifice of the radial artery to perform the radial forearm flap (RFF) is deleterious to the patient. The objective of this study was to assess, by questionnaire, the complications reported at the donor site, particularly those related to sacrifice of the radial artery. Methods: During the 2014 Symposium of the Brazilian Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, surgeons were asked to answer a questionnaire on RFF cases and complications. Results: Results were collected from hand and plastic surgeons. Regarding the opinion of respondents on the deleteriousness of sacrificing the radial artery, most answered negatively, that is, no deleterious effects reported. No statistically significant difference was found between the level of experience and opinion on whether sacrificing the radial artery was deleterious. Conclusions: Beyond performing some procedures and following evolution within a specific service, it was decided to broaden the range of opinions and enlarge the casuistic by assessing the opinions of many specialists from the fields of hand surgery and plastic surgery. Data collected using the questionnaire were compared to determine the sequelae at the donor site and particularly whether sacrifice of the radial artery in RFF was deleterious to the patient. Although complaints at the donor site were frequently cited, no objective reports on morbidity following the sacrifice of the radial artery in RFF were provided.

Tratamento da lesäo aguda do ligamento colateral ulnar do polegar: emprego da miniâncura / Repair of thumb's ulnar colateral ligament: use of minianchor

Os autores apresentam resultados preliminares de estudo de viabilidade do emprego da miniâncora na reparação da lesão aguda do ligamento colateral ulnar (LCU) da articulação metacarpofalangiana do polegar ("gamekeeper", "polegar do esquiador"). Foram operados sete pacientes com tal lesão; todos apresentavam abertura > 30 graus na radiografia de estresse. Foram analisados fatores tais como idade, sexo, mecanismo de lesão, tempo decorrido até o atendimento, presença de lesão de Stener e local da avulsão ligamentar. O tempo de seguimento médio foi de oito meses; foi investigado o grau de movimentação articular e a força de pinça em relação ao outro lado, presença de dor ou instabilidade e o tempo para o retorno às atividades. São demonstrados detalhes técnicos do uso daminiâncora, comparados com a técnica do "pull-out" e com a revisão da literatura. Concluem que se trata de método simples que torna a cirurgia menos trabalhosa e proporciona boa estabilidade articular.

Retalho ântero-lateral fascial do antebraço: estudo clínico de 17 pacientes / A clinical evaluation of anterolateral forearm fascial flap: study of 17 patients

Os autores analisam as aplicaçöes clínicas do retalho ântero-lateral fascial do antebraço em 17 pacientes. Realizam reconstruçäo da regiao posterior do carpo e dorsal da mäo, volar da mäo ou da primeira comissura em dez pacientes. Em cinco pacientes, utilizam o retalho em associaçäo com outros tecidos (composto) para reconstruçäo de tendao, nervo digital e polegar. Concluem que a utilizaçäo desse retalho pediculado distalmente nos vasos radiais proporciona bons resultados funcionais em cirurgias reconstrutivas do membro superior e tem morbidade näo significante quanto à cicatriz cutânea no antebraço doador.

Rizartrose do polegar: resultados da artroplastia de ressecçäo e estabilizaçäo ativa / Rizarthrosis of the thumb: results of the resection arthroplasty and active stabilization

Os autores apresentam os resultados do tratamento em 15 pacientes portadoras de rizartrose do polegar, submetidas a artroplastia de ressecçao (trapeziectomia) e estabilizaçao ativa utilizando um dos tendoes acessórios do abdutor longo do polegar. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 32,6 meses e a idade média das pacientes, de 53,5 anos. Após a cirurgia, houve melhora da mobilidade e da força na pinça digital em 90 por cento das pacientes, com remissao da dor em todos os casos.

Tratamento da fratura- luxaçäo transescafoperilunar com o parafuso de Herbert retrógrado / Treatment of transcaphoidperilunate fracture- dislocation using Herbert screw

Os autores apresentam os resultados do tratamento em sete pacientes portadores da fratura luxaçäo transescafoperilunar com o parafuso de Herbert por via retrógrada. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 20 meses. A idade dos pacientes variou de 20 a 33 anos, com média de 22,6 anos. Seis pacientes evoluíram para consolidaçäo radiográfica em tempo médio de dez semanas eo tempo de imobilizaçäo foi, em média, de nove semanas. Näo houve consolidaçäo em apenas um dos pacientes.