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Resume Le doigt a ressort (ou a ressaut) est une pathologie frequemment rencontree par le chirurgien de la main, il est lie a une inadequation entre la taille des tendons flechisseurs et celle du canal digital, principalement au niveau de sa partie proximale, la poulie A1. Le doigt a ressort peut provoquer des douleurs, un ressaut, un blocage ou une diminution de la mobilite du doigt concerne. La grande majorite des doigts a ressort est d’origine primaire (idiopathique). Le diagnostic est aise dans un grand nombre de cas mais d’autres pathologies peuvent mimer un doigt a ressort (instabilite de l’appareil extenseur, blocage de l’articulation metacarpophalangienne [MP]) et doivent etre eliminees. Les principales methodes therapeutiques employees dans le doigt a ressort sont l’immobilisation, l’injection de corticoide et/ou la chirurgie. L’indication depend avant tout de la forme clinique du doigt a ressort.

Restoration of grip function was achieved through transfer of the recovered biceps tendon to the long digital flexors using a fascia lata graft in seven patients with complete brachial plexus palsy. Initial nerve repair was followed by biceps transfer with stabilising wrist and hand fusions. The biceps recovered to Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4 in all cases. Patients were reviewed at a mean time of 26.7 (range 7–63) months after biceps transfer. After transfer, the total active movement of the digits averaged 55 (range 30–90)°. The strongest measurable grip strength was 6 kg. Patient satisfaction was high. The excellent excursion of the elbow provides a good basis for a transfer to power grip function, enabling a greater total active movement of the fingers to be achieved. We recommend this method as a useful adjunct to the treatment of the complete brachial plexus palsy.

Purpose The aim of this study is to analyse the results of a series of pedicled latissimus dorsi transfers to restore elbow flexion. Moreover, we describe a new technique of distal fixation of the muscle to the proximal third of the ulnar diaphysis to increase the lever arm and improve strength. Methods We retrospectively reviewed seven patients aged from 18 to 49 years. Elbow flexion paralysis was secondary to destruction of the anterior arm compartment in four cases and to brachial plexus palsy in three cases. The humeral insertion of the latissimus dorsi was relocated on the coracoid process in five cases and not relocated in two cases. The patients were assessed using the Medical Research Council grading system, the maximum weight lifted by the wrist and the active elbow range of motion. Results At the last follow-up (mean 26.6 months), five patients recovered M4 elbow flexion strength (0.5 to 8 kg), one patient recovered M3 strength and the last transfer failed because of triceps brachii co-contractions. The mean active elbow flexion was 91° (range, 45 to 130°). Patients with destruction of the anterior arm compartment and particularly whose forearm was not paralyzed had better strength than patients with a brachial plexus palsy (3.25 versus 1 kg). A skin island with the latissimus dorsi muscle flap was particularly useful in case of arm soft tissue defect. Discussion A destroyed anterior compartment of the arm is a good indication for latissimus dorsi transfer to restore elbow flexion. The muscle is usually too weak in high brachial plexus palsy. Finally, the latissimus dorsi needs an objective, reproducible and reliable preoperative evaluation. Level of evidence Level IV.

Isolated fracture of the scaphoid with an associated anterosuperior dislocation of the proximal fragment is an extremely rare injury. We present two cases where open reduction and internal fixation through a palmar and dorsal approach was performed. No instances of non-union, necrosis of the proximal fragment of the scaphoid or scapholunate dissociation were noted during a mean follow-up period of 18 months. Clinical results (active motion, power grip, DASH) following such injury and intervention are presented. The aetiology of this rare injury is discussed.

Trigger finger is an entity seen commonly by hand surgeons. It is produced by a size mismatch between the flexor tendon and the A1 pulley, which causes pain, clicking, catching, and loss of motion of the affected finger. The diagnosis is usually easy but other pathological processes (extensor apparatus instability, locked metacarpo-phalangeal joint) must be excluded. Treatment modalities in trigger finger include splinting, corticosteroid injection and/or surgery. Indication depends on the clinical form of trigger finger.

It has been many years now since the introduction of nerve transfers for repair of traumatic brachial plexus lesions and more recently, we have seen its application in the field of obstetric brachial plexus palsy. These nerve transfers do not represent an alternative to anatomical repair by means of nerve grafting, but represent an additional possibility to increase the reconstructive options and improve the final results. This pushes the surgeon to decide: which function is to be restored by nerve grafting, which one by nerve transfer? What is the more reliable procedure? Does the age of the patient, the delay after the accident, or the type of accident influence this choice? If we add in the possibilities of palliative treatment, one can state that many therapeutic options are available today for brachial plexus reconstruction, and that no real consensus does exist. But some tendencies, some trends are apparent.