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Background We report the Case of Prolidase - deficiency syndrome in a 3-year-old boy suffering from atraumatic compartment syndrome in both hands. Case description We discuss four areas of controversy. First, what could be the reason for an atraumatic compartment syndrome in both hands? Second, should we operate on a 3-year-old boy or use a conservative approach? Third, would we have chosen an operative approach knowing the underlying condition? Fourth, how should we proceed postoperatively? Conclusion We chose to operate him and performed a compartment release operation. He was treated interdisciplinary and discharged after fifteen days.

Background Extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) has proven its clinical benefits in different fields of medicine. Tissue regeneration and healing is improved after shock wave treatment. Even in the case of burn wounds angiogenesis and re-epithelialization is accelerated, but ESWT in extensive burn wounds is impracticable. Hypothesis High energy ESWT influences cutaneous microcirculation at body regions remote from application site. Methods Eighteen Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups and received either high energy ESWT (Group A: total 1000 impulses, 10 J) or placebo shock wave treatment (Group B: 0 impulses, 0 J), applied to the dorsal lower leg of the hind limb. Ten minutes later microcirculatory effects were assessed at the contralateral lower leg of the hind limb (remote body region) by combined Laser-Doppler-Imaging and Photospectrometry. Results In Group A cutaneous capillary blood velocity was significantly increased by 152.8% vs. placebo ESWT at the remote body location (p = 0.01). Postcapillary venous filling pressure remained statistically unchanged (p > 0.05), while cutaneous tissue oxygen saturation increased by 12.7% in Group A (p = 0.220). Conclusion High energy ESWT affects cutaneous hemodynamics in body regions remote from application site in a standard rat model. The results of this preliminary study indicate that ESWT might be beneficial even in disseminated and extensive burn wounds by remote shock wave effects and should therefore be subject to further scientific evaluation.

Summary:. An osteoid osteoma is a rare benign tumor of the carpal bones. It is extremely rarely found in the lunate bone in patients above 30 years of age. We present a case report of a 61-year-old man with an osteoid osteoma of the left wrist, which was masked by degenerative carpal bone disease and a comorbidity of an inflammatory bowel disease. The mainstay of imaging including plain radiographs, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scintigraphy led to the clinical diagnosis of a lunatomalacia. The tumor was removed by coincidence during removal of the diseased lunate bone. Postoperatively, the patient was immediately free of pain and remained free at his 3 months postoperative follow-up.

Solitary primary non-Hodgkin bone lymphoma of the hand is a rare entity with only 3 cases reported in the literature. We report the case of a 77-year-old patient with isolated large B-cell bone lymphoma of the proximal phalanx of the little finger without rheumatoid arthritis or methotrexate treatment. The patient was treated with digital amputation and at 6 months' follow-up showed no relapse or dissemination of the disease.

Selbstverletzungen stellen eines der Hauptkriterien der Borderline-Personlichkeitsstorung dar. Dabei bedurfen thermische Verletzungen von Borderline-Patienten der Behandlung des plastischen Chirurgen, der sich aufgrund der komplexen psychiatrischen Storung der Patienten insbesondere bei repetitiven Verletzungen einer sein Fachgebiet uberschreitenden Herausforderung gegenuber sieht. Diese ist nur durch eine multidisziplinare Behandlungsstrategie zu bewaltigen. Anhand von 3 Fallbeispielen soll die Problematik der Behandlung im Spannungsfeld zwischen dem Bestreben nach einer optimalen plastisch-chirurgischen Behandlung der thermischen Verletzung einerseits und der Limitierung dieser Behandlung aufgrund der akuten psychischen Situation der Patienten andererseits dargestellt werden.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness with a prevalence of 1.5% in Western countries. One of the major characteristics of patients with BPD is self-mutilation of any kind. These patients are especially often seen in our clinic since our institution is collaborating with the department of psychiatry that offers supra-regional specialist inpatient hospital treatment of BPD. Types of self-manipulation are various and include slashing and cutting, burning or freezing, bonebreaking, hitting or incorporation of foreign objects. Due to the difficult-to-treat primary disorder, more wound manipulation or self-injury may occur when tensions continue, even after adequate plastic reconstructive surgical treatment and during hospitalization, which represents a challenge for the plastic reconstructive strategy. We describe special problems associated with plasticreconstructive surgery in the light of BPD and self-mutilation and present our algorithm with a series of recommendations for the treatment of such patients as well as three illustrative case reports.

INTRODUCTION Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is associated with a high mortality. The need for mechanical ventilation is associated with an increased mortality in TEN patients. This study investigates the impact of the timing of initiation of the mechanical ventilation on the survival of TEN patients. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study of 26 TEN patients was carried out. Primary (on admission (group A) and secondary ventilation (>1 day after admission (group B) were analysed for an association with mortality. RESULTS 8 patients did not require mechanical ventilation. 18 patients needed mechanical ventilation. In group A 8 patients with an epidermolytic body surface area (BSA) of 73 ± 16% and a mean SCORTEN of 3.2 ± 1.1 were analysed. In group B 10 patients with an epidermolytic BSA of 76 ± 19% and a mean SCORTEN of 3.8 ± 0.9 were evaluated. Statistical analysis showed an increased mortality in all mechanically ventilated compared with non-ventilated TEN patients (Odds ratio: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.26-3.17 p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Mechanical ventilation in TEN patients is associated with an increased mortality rate, but the timing of initiation of mechanical ventilation does not affect the patient survival rates.

Acute intestinal ischemia represents a rare but often fatal disease. In retrospective analysis, up to 86% with this complication had a prior history of cardiovascular disease (Irvinen et al. Ann Chir Gynaecol 83:22-25, 1994). It is also a rare but well-known complication in severe thermally injured patients. Here, we describe our experience with this disease in our critically ill patients suffering from acute thermal injury. In a retrospective analysis of 634 patients who were treated at our burn care center, three patients were identified with intestinal ischemia. Two patients with non-occlusive disease during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration died, while one patient with arterial embolism in a superior mesenteric artery branch survived. Acute intestinal ischemia is a severe and life-threatening complication in thermally injured patients. It can occur even days after the acute trauma and diagnostic criteria are often insecure.

Adjuvant therapies may improve the outcome after nerve reconstruction. We analyzed the influence of recombinant human Erythropoietin (rHuEpo), which has proven angiogenic and neuroprotective effects, on the quality of peripheral nerve regeneration. Thirty two female Lewis rats underwent nerve reconstruction by means of tubulization (groups I and II) or autologous sciatic nerve grafting (groups III and IV). Groups I and III received daily subcutaneous rHuEpo injections over 2 weeks (1,000 U/kg bw) with normal saline injections as controls (groups II and IV). Data on histology and muscle weight were collected after 7 weeks. Axon count and diameter were assessed by a new method based on digital segmentation. Atrophy of the tibial muscle was less severe in the rHuEpo-treated group compared to controls resulting in significant higher muscle weight quotients (p = 0.006). The same trend was found in the gastrocnemius muscle, but without being statistically significant. No significant differences in axon count or axon diameter were detected in the presence of rHuEpo treatments. Our findings give evidence for a positive effect of Erythropoietin on functional recovery after nerve grafting. Muscle recovery benefited from rHuEpo administration despite absence of improved neural morphology. Semi-automated axon detection facilitated accurate morphometrical assessment.

Background In avulsion-type injuries of the fingers recovery of blood circulation is one of the major obstacles. The indication for finger reconstruction is discussed controversely, being influenced by the patient's needs, the degree of damage to the soft tissue and the prospects of success of the healing process. In this study we present our results after reconstruction of avulsion-type injuries of the fingers. Indications for finger reconstruction will be assessed in consideration of the expected outcome. Patients and methods From 1999 to 2006 we treated 18 patients with finger level avulsion injuries. 15 casualties were caused by rings and three by ropes looped around a digit. The median age at injury was 23 (12 - 66) years. All patients were examined by an independent observer, who did not participate in the operation. Criteria were functional outcome and patient's complaints and satisfaction. Sensibility was evaluated by 2-point discrimination applying the Greulich star. Finger mobility was assessed with the Buck-Gramcko goniometer. Results According to the classification of Urbaniak as modified by Kay, 2 patients ranked in class II, 3 in class III and 13 suffered from complete avulsion-amputations (class IV). Of the latter, 8 allowed primary reconstruction of the blood circulation. Two fingers required early or late secondary amputation. After finger reconstruction, patients spent a median time of 18 (12 - 32) days in hospital while primary amputation resulted in a shorter stay of 4 (2 - 5) days. Active motion after replantation in the proximal interphalangeal joint was reduced on average to 64 (25 - 100) degrees. The distal interphalangeal joint nearly ankylosed in all patients following replantation except for one case with an active motion of 40 degrees . Good sensibility could be achieved in one case, protective sensibility in three and none in two patients. All patients with preserved fingers would again decide in favour of finger replantation. Conclusion In specialised centres replantation of complete avulsion-type finger amputations can be achieved. The decision for or against replantation should only be made after microsurgical assessment of the severed soft tissue and in consideration of the patient's specific demands. With the right indication for reconstruction, the patient's satisfaction often outweighs even poor functional outcomes.

Gastrointestinal complications are a common problem in severe burned patients. Reported complications include paralytic ileus, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, gastric ulcers and acute necrotizing cholecystitis. Although there are no exact data concerning the frequency and outcome of acute intestinal necrotizing ischemia in severe burned patients, it is a well known complication in specialized burn centers. The most common reason for acute intestinal ischemia are arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis and non-occlusive disease. The overall survival differs between 81 % and 34 %. The therapy aims at arterial re-perfusion of life-threatening intestinal regions and resection of necrotic tissue. A 45-year-old male patient attempted suicide by inflaming himself with gasoline. He sustained partial and full thickness burn injury of the face and the throat. Additional burn injuries were found at the chest region, both arms and the abdominal wall. The total burn surface area (TBSA) was 42 % including an severe inhalation injury trauma. The ABSI-score (Abbreviated burn severity index) was 10. The combination of a thrombus at the aortic valve with an tachycardic dysrhythmia was the cause for an embolisation with acute intestinal ischemia. The necrotic part of the small intestine was resected, the further course was uncomplicated.

After second-degree burns, thrombosis of the subdermal vascular plexus may occur, necessitating epifascial necrectomy instead of tangential excision to ensure split skin graft healing. Until now, no parameter has been obtained to explain this phenomenon.Thirty-four patients with deep second-degree burn wounds were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, patients' age was60 years, in group 2,60 years. In each patient, 2 microdialysis catheters were introduced into subdermal tissue of deep second-degree thermal wounds immediately after admission. Another 2 catheters were introduced in control tissue. We measured biochemical parameters (lactate, glycerol and glucose) and complement 3a (C3a) until surgery was performed. The surgically removed tissue was examined histologically.In thermal wounds of both groups, glucose levels fell, but lactate and glycerol levels rose compared to healthy tissue. Within the first 24 hours after trauma, C3a levels were significant higher in both groups, compared with controls (P.01). After 24 hours the levels in group 1 had fallen to nonsignificant values, while in group 2 these levels remained high until surgery was performed (P.001). We found significantly more thrombotic blood vessels in deep dermal tissue of group 2 (P.005). Abbreviated burn severity index score was comparable in both groups.C3a is continuously elevated in deep second-degree burned wounds in patients60 years. This finding may be related to the occurrence of significantly more thrombotic blood vessels in deep dermal tissue of elderly patients. Microdialysis therapy is a useful tool to measure metabolic and immunologic parameters in thermally damaged tissue.

Background. Injections of single-dose vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)165 have been advocated as a therapeutic tool for angiogenesis in ischemic flaps. We challenged this thesis by employing both VEGF165 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) (for competitive inhibition of VEGF signal transduction) in different experimental settings of an ischemic rat flap model. Material and methods. 80 isogenic rats were divided in two groups of 40 animals (groups 1A–1D and 2A–2D). The ischemic target was a 7 × 7-cm epigastric island flap, based on the right inferior epigastric pedicle. Group 1 received flap treatment 1 week prior to flap elevation by test substance injection into its flap panniculus carnosus: 1 ml NaCl 0.9% (1A), 1 ml Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (1B), 1.0 μg VEGF165 (1C), and 10 μg sFLT-1 with 1.0 μg VEGF165 (1D). sFLT-1 is a soluble receptor for VEGF and is able to prevent VEGF signaling through the cell surface receptor. Group 2 had the same flap treatment at the day of flap elevation. Results. In group 1C we found the most vital flap tissue, without reaching significance. Compared with group 1D, however, significantly more flap tissue maintained vital. In groups 2A–2D, no significant results were found with respect to flap survival. Conclusions. Local application of single-dose VEGF165 1 week prior to ischemia dose not have significant clinical angiogenic effects. In this experimental setting, VEGF165-induced angiogenic effects can be significantly inhibited by adding sFLT1 in vivo. A single-dose of VEGF165 under ischemic conditions causes no significantly better flap survival in this model.

In a previous study, the authors found persistence of pedicle blood flow up to 10 years after uncomplicated free latissimus dorsi transfer. In this study, the impact of postoperative complications (hematoma, thrombosis, infection) and successful surgical revision was tested. Since 1982, more than 1200 free tissue transfers have been performed at the authors' institution (Hannover Medical School). Of these, the authors selected two groups of 30 patients each who had received a free latissimus dorsi transfer to the lower leg without microsurgical nerve coaptation for wound coverage. All patients included in this study were carefully selected for clinical homogeneity, with one difference: group I comprised patients who had no postoperative complications after free latissimus dorsi transfer. Group II included only patients with major postoperative complications after the procedure. All flaps in group II survived after successful surgical revision. The arteries, which nourished the lower leg, were visualized and documented by means of a duplex scanner in both groups. Three different time intervals were chosen for measurements of blood flow: 4 to 6 months (groups I.I and II.I), 4 to 6 years (groups I.II and II.II), and 8 to 10 years (groups I.III and II.III). Quantitative measurements of local flap perfusion in milliliters per minute per 100 g tissue were performed by means of the hydrogen clearance technique. In each patient, a total of nine measurements was performed in three phases: phase A, before closing the vascular pedicle by manual compression (n = 3); phase B, with a closed pedicle (n = 3); and phase C, after releasing the vascular pedicle from manual compression (n = 3). Each measurement took approximately 10 minutes. One hundred percent closure of each pedicle in phase B was confirmed by the duplex scanner. Furthermore, all patients were monitored both clinically and by means of the hydrogen clearance technique during phase B for adequate blood supply to the lower leg. Lower leg perfusion showed no statistical differences for phases A, B, and C in all groups of patients. In group I, no statistical differences in local flap perfusion were encountered for phases A and C. In phase B, however, a statistically significant (p < 0.01) complete extinction of local flap perfusion was registered in all patients of group I at the site of the flap's skin paddle. In group II, however, persistent flap perfusion was registered during phase B in up to 50 percent of cases in one subgroup (II.III). No statistically significant alterations of local blood flow were registered in the surrounding tissue of group II during phases A, B, and C. Patients with thrombosis of the venous anastomosis (n = 7) seemed to have the highest incidence of loss of autonomous blood supply through the vascular pedicle (5 out of 11 cases). No inconstant results were found during the repetitive measurements (n = 3) for each patient in each phase. After uncomplicated free tissue transfer, the flap's intact vascular pedicle seems to play an important role in permanent flap survival up to 10 years after the procedure. Postoperative complications after free tissue transfer with successful surgical revision, especially venous thrombosis of the vascular anastomosis, may lead to loss of vascular flap autonomy over time.

Success rates after free tissue transplantation (FTT) have greatly improved over the last 20 years, partly due to improved technical performance of microvascular anastomoses with better optical and instrumental aids. However, flap failure is still a clinical problem and occurs in 5 to 10%, mainly due to blood vessel thrombosis within the first 24 postoperative hours. The clinical results after FTT can be optimized by in-time diagnosis of irreversibly compromised tissue blood flow and immediate operative reexploration. Therefore, there is a special demand for adequate and reliable postoperative monitoring techniques. This article reviews all monitoring techniques which have been performed in the experimental-clinical setting after FTT thus far.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of crush injuries to the feeding arteries of a muscle flap on microcirculatory haemodynamics. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups for intravital microscopy of the cremaster muscle flap. Group 1 served as control. In group 2 the common iliac artery and in group 3 additionally the lower abdominal aorta was crushed with a Kocher clamp (17.4 N) over 5 min. Microcirculatory parameters (red blood cell velocity, vessel diameter, and capillary perfusion) were monitored before and 2 h after crush. In the one-level crush group, red blood cell velocities significantly decreased by 39.17% (P=0.046) in first order arterioles and by 32. 91% (P=0.0106) in second order arterioles. In capillary perfusion, a drop of 48.02% (P=0.0039) was noted. In the two-level crush group, red blood cell velocities significantly dropped over 32.06% (P=0. 0250) in first order arterioles, 35.91% (P=0.0065) in second order arterioles, and 45.69% (P=0.0782) in first order venules. Capillary perfusion was reduced by 20.16% (P=0.374). Arterial crush injuries as possible thrombogenic insults may result in a significant decrease in skeletal muscle perfusion although the blood supply through the crushed supplying vessel is maintained.

Objective Obesity is an important predictor of mortality and morbidity during a hospital stay. There is very little data concerning the impact of the BMI on clinical outcomes in obese burn patients. The purpose of this study is to document the general epidemiological aspects of thermal injuries in an obese population and draw attention to topics relating to the management, rehabilitation and prognosis of burns in this emerging subpopulation of patients. Methods All patients >16 years of age admitted to the burn unit between January 2008 and December 2012 and fulfilling the burn center referral criteria were enrolled in the study. SPSS version 20 (SPSS GmbH Software, Illinois, USA) was employed for data analysis. Results Eleven extreme obese patients (men:women, 6:5) had a mean BMI of 38 kg/m 2 . Their incidence in our study was 5.5%. The mean length of stay was 41.5 days, almost twice that of the non-obese. The presence of co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, or pulmonary disease, the problematic wound healing and the burn wound infection were significantly higher in the obese patients than in the non-obese. The mortality of obese burned patients was 36.4%. Conclusions These facts indicate admission of these patients to a burn care unit for the best possible treatment although they might not always fulfill criteria for admission to burn intensive care unit. Burn centers must be also prepared in terms of special nursing equipment for obese patients.

Summary Introduction One of the most common complications following breast augmentation is capsular contracture. The subclinical infection of the implant is often considered to be one of the main risk factors. It is believed that polyurethane (PU) implants, because of their larger foam-like surface, have lower capsular contracture rates due to better tissue integration. It remains unclear if bacterial contamination and biofilm formation result in higher capsular contracture rates under the condition of the increased surface of PU implants compared to textured silicone-gel implants. The effect of this bacterial contamination was examined in an animal-based study. Methods A total of 80 mini implants (40 textured silicone-gel implants and 40 PU implants) were implanted in the dorsum of female Wistar rats. In each group, 20 implants were inoculated before implantation with a standard amount of Staphylococcus epidermidis . Capsules and implants were explanted after 60 days, followed by double-blind histological, immunohistochemical, and microbiological examinations. Results Macroscopic separation of the total capsule in the textured implant group was possible whereas the growth of surrounding tissue into the foam structure of PU implants made separation in that group difficult. After contamination, a thicker capsule could be observed in both groups without significant differences. Histologically, capsules around PU implants showed significantly lower expression of parallel myofibrils. We were able to describe a significant higher infiltration with inflammatory cells in capsules around PU implants both with and without contamination. Microbiological investigations revealed positive growth of S. epidermidis around one PU implant without related signs of capsular contracture. Discussion This study demonstrates that aside from the surface of silicone implants, bacterial contamination has major impact on the architecture of capsule formation. In our study, we were able to demonstrate that bacterial contamination leads to a thicker capsule and an increased tissue reaction with a higher amount of inflammatory cells. However, a resulting bacterial infection was only demonstrated in one case and had an insignificant influence on capsule architecture. The observed inflammatory reaction around PU implants was observed as a nonbacterial, granulomatose foreign body reaction. EBM rating Level I: Evidence obtained from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial.

We report on two cases of true aneurysms of the palmar arch, both of which were post-traumatic. One was due to repetitive blunt trauma and the other to a glass cut wound. Both aneurysms were detected clinically as pulsating masses without functional disorders. The presence of elastic fibres and smooth muscle in the aneurysm wall proved it to be a true aneurysm. Both aneurysms were excised and replaced by a vein graft from the foot.

The epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare, high-grade malignant soft tissue tumor, which shows preference for distal parts of the extre­mities, particularly the hand. It differ from benign lesions (e.g. ganglion) in ways of that are often non apparent until there is recurrence. Regional lymph node involvement and distant metastases (lungs) are often apparent. Treatment of the ES includes the primary radical surgical excision, sometimes combined with sentinel lymph node biopsy and radiation or chemotherapy. Amputation of the affected fingers is necessary in all cases of recurrence but might be avoided in initial surgery with respect to pediatric patients and maximal function. Consequently, soft tissue defects must be treated following plastic surgical principles. Close oncological follow-ups are inevitable, since there can be tumor recurrence even years after resection of the primary tumor.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare vasoproliferative lesion of uncertain aetiology, involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The predilection of the tumour-like lesion is for the head and neck region. Radical surgical excision is still regarded as the most effective treatment. We present the case of a 33-year-old female with ALHE of the right hand. Preoperative MRI and angiography demonstrated involvement of the fourth and fifth rays, with complete occlusion of the ulnar artery, and a small lesion at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger. Complete tumour excision could not be achieved without resection of the fourth and fifth rays. One year postoperatively, there were no clinical signs of recurrence. The patient refused any further invasive diagnostic and follow-up examinations. Angiolymphoid hyperplasia of the hand is a rare disease, and patients should undergo early surgical treatment to achieve complete excision of the lesion.

The development of microsurgical techniques has changed the surgical treatment of severe hand injuries over the last 25 years. Not only has the repair of vessels by microvascular surgery brought new possibilities of treatment, but the results in repair or peripheral nerves have been improved by the use of new microsurgical techniques, such as perineural suture and interfascicular nerve grafts. The use of vascularized nerve grafts in multiple digit amputations has been a further new idea in emergency hand surgery. The operative treatment of lesions of the brachial plexus has become possible. Nevertheless, the traditional secondary operations such as tendon and muscle transfers are necessary in order to reach an optimal functional reconstruction following nerve injuries.

The purpose of this study was to develop a model for complete arterial thrombosis proximal to the rat cremaster flap for subsequent fibrinolytic studies at the microcirculatory level. We divided 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats into four experimental groups of five animals each. We assigned each group to an established thrombosis model using crush and standard microsurgical anastomosis, crush and intimal abrasion, inverted arterial suture, and intravascular silk sutures combined with microsurgical anastomosis at the common iliac artery. Vessel patency was examined using the milking test 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the thrombogenic insults. The model of perpendicular silk sutures and anastomosis caused complete arterial thrombosis in one animal over 120 min. The other models failed in all animals. In conclusion, the thrombogenic models used in this study are not capable of creating a reliable complete arterial thrombosis in the common iliac artery of the rat.

Frank Siemers *, Martin Struber , Peter Mailander , Alfred Berger , Hans-Gunther Machens a Plastic Surgery, Handsurgery, Burn Unit, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Campus Lubeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lubeck, Germany Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery – Burn Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany

Summary Occurrence of clinically symptomatic benign neurofibromas of peripheral nerves after radiotherapy is a rarity. We saw a 55-year-old female who developed progressive failure of the ulnar nerve 55 years after 20Gy 226 Ra brachytherapy of a haemangioma of the left elbow at the age of 3 months. Nerve compression at the sulcus segment was caused by the intraneural growth of a neurofibroma and the formation of a nerve sheath ganglion. The rapidly progressive symptoms required operative treatment. Due to the infiltrating tumour growth we decided to resect this segment of the ulnar nerve and reconstruct it with an interfascicular nerve graft. This case demonstrates a rare possible consequence of radiotherapy in which the co-existence of two benign lesions required surgical intervention. Radiotherapy-induced malignant tumours and tissue scarring are well known as complications. The present case suggests further possible late effects of radiotherapy to consider.

Clear-cell sarcoma is a very rare tumor that is intimately associated with tendons or aponeuroses. It shares phenotypic features with malignant melanoma and is therefore also referred to as melanoma of the soft parts1. Women are affected more commonly than men. Patients usually are between twenty and forty years of age. Typical sites of the tumor are the limbs, especially the region of the foot and ankle2. Clear‐cell sarcoma is a highly malignant tumor. Metastases to the bones of the hand are very rare, accounting for 0.1% of all metastases3. To our knowledge, the capitate has not been previously reported as the initial metastatic site of soft-tissue sarcoma. Radical excision or even amputation is required for the treatment of such metastases. A twenty‐nine-year‐old man presented with a four‐week history of pain in the right foot. On physical examination, the plantar surface of the foot was swollen and tender. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well‐defined, ellipsoid mass measuring 8 4 3.8 cm, situated between the metatarsal bones and the plantar aponeurosis (Fig. 1). Computed tomography scans revealed erosion of the fifth metatarsal. Open biopsy was performed, and a circumscribed, lobulated nodular mass was found. Histological examination revealed a uniform pattern consisting of compact nests of rounded or fusiform cells with a pale or clear cytoplasm. In between the cells, a network of collagenous tissue was encountered (Fig. 2). Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed antigens for S‐100 protein and melanoma-associated antigen, reflecting melanin synthesis. Antibodies reactive to epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin were negative. On the basis of these criteria, the diagnosis of clear‐cell sarcoma was made. Fig. 1: T1-weighted magnetic resonance image of the right foot, showing a plantar tumor with cystic areas resembling necrotic zones in the center. Fig. 2: a: Clear-cell sarcoma with compact nests of pale-staining …

Snakebite envenomation is an uncommon condition in the northern hemisphere, but requires high vigilance with regard to both the systemic effects of the venom and the locoregional impact on the soft tissues. Bites from the adder, Vipera Berus, may have serious clinical consequences due to systemic effects. A case of a 44-year-old man is reported. The patient was bitten in the right hand. He developed fasciotomy-requiring compartment syndrome of the upper limb. Recognition of this most seldom complication of an adder bite is vital to save the limb. We recommend that the classical signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome serve as indication for surgical decompression.