Anatomical evaluation of the superficial veins of the upper extremity as graft donor source in microvascular reconstructions: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to investigate the features and resources for vein grafts suitable for upper extremity arteries. METHODS: Sixteen upper extremities of 8 cadavers were investigated. Anatomic localizations, diameters, wall thickness and valve types of the superficial veins of the upper extremity were counted and evaluated. RESULTS: Average diameter of the brachial artery was 3.96 mm, the radial artery 2.54 mm, the ulnar artery 2.12 mm, the proper palmar digital artery 3 0.85 mm, the cephalic vein of the arm 1.81 mm, the basilic vein of the arm 3.20 mm, the cephalic vein of the forearm 2.04 mm, the basilic vein of the forearm 1.35 mm, and the dorsal venous network of the hand 1.27 mm. Three different types of valves were determined. The most frequent valve types were the Type 3 in the cephalic and basilica veins at 86.5% and 90.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Data obtained on the superficial veins of the upper extremity may be helpful to surgeons in microsurgical reconstructions.

[Neuralgic amyotrophy as the primary cause of shoulder pain in a patient with rotator cuff tear]. / Rotator manset yirtigi olan bir olguda omuz agrisinin ana nedeni: Nöraljik amiyotrofi.

A 66-year-old woman with no history of trauma presented with severe shoulder pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed rupture of the supraspinatus tendon, for which surgical treatment was considered. However, it was noted that shoulder pain was accompanied by weakness in the shoulder muscles, and the patient underwent electroneuromyographic examination, which revealed neuralgic amyotrophy. Following physical therapy and rehabilitation combined with appropriate medical therapy, her symptoms significantly improved. In cases with severe shoulder pain without a trauma history, characteristics of pain should be thoroughly analyzed and neuralgic amyotrophy considered in the differential diagnosis.

Functional outcome in patients with zone V flexor tendon injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Zone V flexor tendon injuries may involve major nerves and arteries as well as the wrist and finger flexors. Although these injuries are not infrequent, few studies have reported functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome in patients with flexor tendon repairs in zone V. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with repaired zone V flexor tendon injuries were followed up for an average of 20 months. The postoperative rehabilitation program consisted of a combined regime of modified Kleinert and modified Duran techniques. Outcome parameters were hand function according to the Buck-Gramcko assessment system, grip and key pinch strength values, and return to work status. RESULTS: Functional results were excellent in 92.8% of the digits, good in 1.4%, and poor in 5.8%. Grip strength recovered to an average of 77% and pinch strength to 74% of the uninjured hand. Two tendon ruptures occurred in a patient, and tenolysis was required in 3 patients. Of 15 patients who were employed at the time of injury, 13 returned to their original occupations. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory functional results can be obtained when proper surgical technique is coupled with careful postoperative management in patients with zone V flexor tendon injuries.

[The relationship between quality of life and functional status measurements in shoulder impingement syndrome]. / Omuz sikisma sendromunda fonksiyonel durum ve yasam kalitesi ölçekleri arasindaki iliski.

OBJECTIVES: We compared three questionnaires that are used in the assessment of function and quality of life of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. METHODS: The study included 54 patients (42 females, 12 males; mean age 54 years) with a diagnosis of stage I or II shoulder impingement syndrome. All the patients were administered a standard questionnaire regarding their general health status (Short-Form 36 / SF-36). Functional evaluations were made using the UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) and Constant scoring systems. The results of the UCLA and Constant scores were compared with those of SF-36 with the use of Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: A strong correlation was found between the UCLA and Constant scores (p=0.006). SF-36 parameters of physical function, vitality, and social function showed a strong correlation with the UCLA scores (p<0.005), whereas parameters of general health and role emotional exhibited a moderate correlation (p<0.05). When compared with the Constant scores, SF-36 showed a strong correlation only in parameters of pain and general health (p<0.005). The parameter of role emotional was negatively correlated with the Constant scores. CONCLUSION: Demonstration of correlations between some parameters of SF-36 and the UCLA and Constant scoring systems suggests that SF-36 can be used to assess quality of life of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.