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Closed nontraumatic flexor tendon ruptures are classified as spontaneous, infiltrative tenosynovial, iatrogenic, or attritional ruptures based on their mechanism. Attritional ruptures occur over rough bone surfaces that result from various pathologies. Here, we present a case of attritional rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus of the little finger due to pisotriquetral arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Detection of dorsal cortical penetration of distal locking screws is difficult owing to the irregular shape of the dorsal surface of the distal radius. This study was designed to analyze two-dimensional morphological characteristics of the distal radius on axial magnetic resonance image, and to suggest a guideline for evaluation of screw length in distal radius fractures on the fluoroscopic or plain X-ray true lateral image. Methods: Anteroposterior length and lateral width of the distal radius, distance between the highest and the lowest point of the dorsal cortex (deceptive length), and widths of the first to second (hazard zone) and the third to fifth extensor compartments (safe zone) at the Lister tubercle level were measured on 104 axial magnetic resonance images by two hand surgeons. Results: The mean length and width of the distal radius at the Lister tubercle level were 22.96 mm and 30.42 mm, respectively. The mean hazard zone and safe zone widths were 8.72 mm and 19.43 mm, respectively. The mean deceptive length was 4.07 mm and the deceptive length did not have a relationship with height, sex, and age of subjects. Conclusions: We suggest that 4 mm be used as a reference value for the evaluation screw length at the safe zone. If the vertical distance between a distal screw tip and the peak of the Lister tubercle is lesser than 4 mm on a fluoroscopic or plain X-ray true lateral image, dorsal cortical penetration should be suspected. When dorsal cortical penetration at the hazard zone is suspected, both oblique or pro-supination views should be checked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To study the intraosseous 3-dimensional microvasculature of the capitate bone using a novel high-resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging technology, and to examine the blood supply as it relates to the most common fracture types. Methods Ten cadaveric wrists were injected with a lead-based contrast agent. The capitates were harvested and imaged using a μCT scanner. The intraosseous vascularity was incorporated into a 3-dimensional image. We measured the vascular pattern as well as the vessels’ cross-sectional area, number, and distribution. An average capitate fracture line was calculated using clinical data from 22 patients with capitate fractures. The fracture line was projected on the representative capitate to assess its relation with the nutrient vessels’ entry points. Results The capitate is a well-vascularized carpal supplied by dorsal and volar vascular systems that anastomose in 30% of cases. There was no predominance of one vascular system over the other. Most vessels enter the capitate at the distal half and supply the proximal pole in a retrograde fashion. In addition, most specimens (70%) also had at least one vessel entering the proximal pole through the volar capitate ligaments and supplying the proximal pole directly. The average fracture line had an oblique orientation, and 90% of the specimens had a blood vessel entering proximal to that line. Conclusions This μCT vascular study further verifies that the capitate receives most of its vasculature in a retrograde fashion, but the study also shows that most capitates have vessels supplying the proximal pole directly. These findings might explain why most capitate waist fractures do not progress to proximal pole avascular necrosis. Clinical relevance This study characterizes the microvasculature of the capitate and might shed light on processes involved in bone healing and the etiology of capitate avascular necrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap serves an important function in breast reconstruction, but its utility is limited by its inability to provide sufficient breast volume.Objectives: The purpose of this preliminary report was to review the techniques and outcomes of utilizing fat-grafted, volume-enhanced LD flap transfer with fat grafting recipient sites in autologous breast reconstruction.Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 10 patients (14 breasts) who underwent autologous breast reconstruction utilizing the LD flap transfer technique and simultaneous fat grafting between August 2012 and September 2014. Multilayer, multisite fat grafting was performed to the LD muscle, LD skin paddle, mastectomy skin flaps, and the pectoralis major and serratus muscles simultaneously with the LD flap transfer.Results: Three patients underwent an immediate breast reconstruction, four underwent a delayed breast reconstruction, and four underwent a tertiary breast reconstruction following previously failed breast reconstructions (one patient underwent each of the first two procedures, one on each breast). The average age of the patients was 55 years (range, 39-76 years), the average body mass index of the patients was 29.3 (range, 19.6-39.9), and the average fat grafting volume for the patients was 176 mL (range, 50-300 mL). There was 100% flap survival and complete wound healing. No seroma or fat grafting-related complications were clinically detected. Three patients required additional fat grafting.Conclusions: The fat-grafted, volume-enhanced LD flap procedure with fat grafting recipient sites offers a simple and safe technique for autologous breast reconstruction, with low morbidity and fast recovery. It can be a useful alternative to utilizing abdomen-based flaps in autologous breast reconstruction or could be performed to salvage both implant-based and free-flap breast reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is a commonly performed procedure for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, there are concerns that surgical mobilization puts blood supply to the nerve at risk. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of subcutaneous anterior transposition (SAT) and in situ decompression (ISD) on the ulnar nerve''s histologic and electrophysiologic properties in a rabbit model. Methods: We assigned 30 male, young adult New Zealand white rabbits to 1 of 3 groups (each group, n = 10). The extensive dissection–SAT group underwent complete neurolysis of the right ulnar nerve from brachial plexus to wrist and a subsequent SAT, the ISD group underwent ISD with 4-cm-long exposure of the ulnar nerve, and the SAT group underwent SAT with 4-cm-long circumferential neurolysis of the ulnar nerve. We killed the animals 7 days after the operation. We assessed electrophysiologic changes by finding the percentage of compound motor action potential of the surgical limb compared with the contralateral limb, and histologic changes by ischemic fiber degeneration. Results: The extensive dissection–SAT group showed a significantly lower percentage of compound motor action potential and higher grade of ischemic fiber degeneration than the ISD and SAT groups. On the other hand, the percentage of compound motor action potential and the grade of ischemic fiber degeneration were similar between the latter 2 groups without a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that surgical mobilization of the ulnar nerve during SAT has an effect similar to ISD on the nerve''s histologic and electrophysiologic properties at the 7th postoperative day in a rabbit model. Clinical relevance: In a rabbit model, ISD and SAT appear to affect histologic and electrophysiologic findings of the ulnar nerve equally at postoperative day 7, which suggests that they would have the same relative safety in a clinical setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Skeletal metastasis is a common event during the advanced stage of a malignant tumour, but metastasis to the hand is rare (about 0.1% incidence). We have seen seven cases of metastatic malignant tumour of the hand since 1983, and report them here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a rare case of complete dislocation of the thumb metacarpal with extreme displacement. Although there are several reported cases of similar injury in earlier published reports, metacarpals of all the cases remained in situ. In this case, the metacarpal was totally displaced out of the hand. Although open reduction and internal fixation were performed, the clinical outcome was unsatisfactory because of severe soft tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To describe the demographics, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of capitate fractures in the adult and pediatric population treated in our institution. Methods We performed a retrospective chart and radiographic review of 53 patients with capitate fractures treated in our institution between 2002 and 2015. Patients’ demographic characteristics, mechanism of injury, management including surgery-related data, and outcomes, including complications, were recorded. A radiographic evaluation of the location and pattern of the fracture was performed. Results Capitate fractures were prevalent in young males and older females. Fracture location was variable with 9 different locations; in addition 80% of patients had an associated fracture in the wrist or hand. The most common fracture pattern was the transscaphoid, transcapitate perilunate dislocation. Most diagnoses were made with the aid of advanced imaging. Within this series, there was only 1 case (4%) of fracture nonunion and there were no cases of avascular necrosis of the proximal pole in limited follow-up. Isolated capitate fractures were significantly more common in children. In addition, children had better functional outcomes than adults. Conclusions This series provides updated information on this rare injury. Nonunion of the capitate, which was previously described as the most common complication, was rare in this cohort. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to introduce a new wound management method combining negative pressure wound therapy and polymethylmethacrylate sealant for Gustilo type III open tibia fractures and to evaluate its clinical outcomes., Methods: Among 186 patients who visited our institution for the treatment of open tibia fractures between January 2016 and December 2019, 20 male patients who sustained Gustilo type III open tibia fractures and were compelled to undergo delayed flap coverage using negative pressure wound therapy combined with polymethylmethacrylate sealant due to initial critical condition were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively investigated patients' demographics, interval between the injury and flap coverage, number of negative pressure wound therapy changes, flap survival, bone union time, and infection-induced complications., Results: The mean interval from injury until flap coverage was 27.8 (range, 8-63) days. Most soft-tissue defects were reconstructed using free flaps (14/20, 70%); the anterolateral thigh flap was the most frequently used flap (12/20, 60%) in this study. Among 20 flaps trans- ferred, 16 flaps (80%) survived uneventfully, 1 flap (5%) developed partial necrosis, and 3 flaps (15%) failed. The mean follow-up period was 22.7 (range, 12- 43) months. A total of 17 patients (85%) achieved tibia fracture union. The mean bone union time was 31 (range, 12-81) weeks. With regard to infection-induced complications, 3 patients (15%) developed osteomyelitis and no patient showed superficial surgical site infection., Conclusion: Combination therapy using negative pressure wound therapy and polymethylmethacrylate sealant serves as a useful and reliable therapeutic strategy for wound management of Gustilo type III open tibia fractures, especially when delayed soft-tissue recon- struction is unavoidable. Corresponding author: Yoo Joon Sur yoojoon@catholic.ac.kr Content of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License., Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Background: A midshaft clavicle fracture is a common fracture that typically responds well to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, refracture can occur after implant removal (IR). This study aimed to analyze the rate of refracture and related factors after removal of the locking compression plate (LCP) for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 201 patients who had undergone ORIF with LCP for midshaft clavicle fractures after IR after bony union from January 2011 to May 2018 at our institute. We evaluated basic demographic characteristics and radiographic parameters. All patients were treated with an LCP for primary fracture. The patients were divided into two groups: a refracture group that experienced a second fracture within 1 year after IR and a no-fracture group., Results: There were four cases (1.99%) of refracture; three were treated conservatively, while one was treated surgically. All patients achieved bony union. The average interval between refracture and IR was 64 days (range, 6-210 days). There was a significant difference in classification of fractures (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA] classification) between the two groups. However, other patient demographics and radiographic measurements between refracture and IR, such as bone diameter, showed no significant difference between the two groups., Conclusions: This study showed that one in 50 patients suffered from refracture after removal of the LCP. Thus, if patients desire IR, the surgeon should explain that there is a relatively higher possibility of refracture for cases with simple or segmental fractures than for other types of fracture.

Background: Locked posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder (LPFDS) is a very rare injury that occurs predominantly in young patients following high-energy trauma. The long-term outcome of the treatment of this injury is often poor. This study sought to present the characteristics of injury, discuss the pathological anatomy, and to report the treatment outcomes of our case series., Methods: Between January 2012 and May 2018, a total of 234 patients who underwent surgical treatment for proximal humerus fractures were reviewed. Among them, six patients (mean age, 54.7 years; range, 35-76 years) with LPFDS were included in this study. Four patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plates, one with hemiarthroplasty, and one with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Clinical results were evaluated by Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores and radiologic evaluation was conducted using follow-up radiographs., Results: The mean length of follow-up was 26.2 months (range, 12-54). The mean Constant, ASES, and VAS scores were 66.7, 65.5, and 2.2, respectively. Four patients who underwent ORIF achieved bony union, but avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head was observed in two patients. No complications were observed in the patients who underwent arthroplasty surgery until final follow-up., Conclusions: In the treatment of LPFDS, replacement arthroplasty can produce predictable results. The approach of ORIF may be considered as a first choice of treatment in young patients but is sometimes correlated with postoperative complications such as AVN and the functional outcomes may be unpredictable. Therefore, patients should undergo careful diagnosis and treatment of this type of injury., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society.)

A 10-year-old patient presented to the emergency room after a motor vehicle accident. The patient was diagnosed with left scapular body fracture and concomitant inferior angle apophyseal separation with intrathoracic displacement causing hemopneumothorax. The displaced scapular body was reduced surgically and separated apophysis of the inferior angle was fixed to the scapular body with absorbable suture. Postoperative 2-year follow-up showed a good result. A literature search found two pediatric cases of intrathoracic displacement of scapular body fracture. There was no previous report of apophyseal separation of the inferior angle of the scapula.

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the history and physiology of perforator flaps. 2. Understand the concept of "free-style" perforator flaps and principles in design and harvest. 3. Understand the uses of perforator flaps in reconstruction and applications in new settings. 4. Understand new principles in single and multiple perforator flap harvest and adjunct techniques that can be used in perforator flaps. 5. Highlight pertinent anatomy and techniques for selected perforator flaps described., Summary: Extended knowledge of vascular anatomy has propagated the development of perforator flaps, which preserve muscle function and reduce morbidity. This has been achieved through the exemplary works of Manchot, Salmon, Milton, Taylor, and many others. With over 350 clinically relevant perforators in the body, this has created new flap options and a sense of creative freedom for reconstruction tailored toward a specific defect, without constraints of specific landmarks and using a "free-style" approach. Dominant perforators may be found in zones of high perforator density or "hot spots," which can help to conceptualize local flap options and aid flap design. This article aims to outline the history, physiology, and principles of flap design and harvest, and highlight traditional and evolving concepts and modifications of contemporary and traditional flaps that are changing reconstructive practice. This is a broad overview focusing on clinical applications, highlighting key concepts in a selection of new or evolving flaps being used in clinical practice and providing source references to acquire detailed flap descriptions.