High-resolution sonographic study of the communicating branch of Berrettini: an anatomical feasibility study.

Sensory changes are common manifestations of nerve complications of carpal tunnel surgery. Division or contusion of a superficial communicating branch between the median nerve and the ulnar nerve, the communicating branch of Berrettini, can explain these symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the potential value of high-resolution sonography to examine this branch. We conducted a study on eight fresh cadaver hands. An ultrasound assessment of the communicating branch of Berrettini, accompanied by an injection of methylene blue, was performed by a senior radiologist. Subsequent dissections confirmed that the eight guided ultrasound injections allowed the methylene blue to be placed around the origin and termination of the communicating branch of Berrettini. This study extends the limits of ultrasound both in the postoperative diagnosis of potential nerve complications and its possible use in ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.

Dupuytren's disease and needle aponeurotomy: rupture of a deep common flexor tendon: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The Percutaneous Needle Aponeurotomy (PNA) is a known and validated non-surgical treatment for Dupuytren's disease with a low rate of complications. Initially described for purely palmar forms, the indications extended to digital adhesions. Numerous surgeons remain hesitant about performing the PNA for digital treatment because of the risk of lesions in the noble structures. In literature, one complication is still rare, even non-existent, i.e. the tendon rupture. CASE PRESENTATION: We are reporting here the case of a rupture of the deep common flexor tendon, secondary to a needle aponeurotomy, for a recurring digital form in a 72-year-old woman. We performed surgical treatment by tenodesis of the distal stump and resection of the proximal stump. The result was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The purpose of describing this case is to report this rare complication leading to surgical revision. Within our team, we do not recommend performing PNAs for digital cases, and even less so for recurrences. For those who wish to perform the PNA, they need to know some technical artifices that enable these complications to be reduced, albeit not eliminated.

Squared ligament of the elbow: anatomy and contribution to forearm stability.

OBJECTIVE: The present study describes the macroscopic and microscopic features of the squared ligament of the elbow (SLE). In addition, the SLE biomechanical behavior and contribution to the forearm stability were also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten forearms from freshly frozen cadavers were used for this work. Each forearm was mounted in an experimental frame for quantification of longitudinal and transverse stability. Macroscopic features and biomechanical behavior were analyzed on dynamic videos obtained during forearm rotation. Then, the SLE was harvested from the 10 forearms for microscopic analysis on histological slices stained with hematoxylin-eosin-saffron. RESULTS: Two main SLE configurations were identified. One in which the SLE had three distinct bundles (anterior, middle, posterior) and another in which it was homogeneous. The anterior part of the SLE had a mean length of 11.2 mm (±2.4 mm) and a mean width of 1.2 mm (±0.2 mm) while the posterior part had a mean length of 9.9 mm (±2.2 mm) and a mean width of 1 mm (±0.2 mm). Microscopic examination showed that the SLE is composed of a thin layer of arranged collagen fibers. During forearm rotation, the SLE progressively tightens upon pronation and supination by wrapping around the radial neck. Tightening of the SLE during forearm rotation provides transverse and longitudinal stability to the forearm, mainly in maximal pronation and supination. CONCLUSION: The SLE is a true ligament and provides forearm stability when it is stretched in pronation and supination.