Successful Intraoperative Salvage of a Venous Congested Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Using a Cross-thoracic Saphenous Vein Graft.

For autologous breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, the internal mammary vessels are a common choice for recipient vessels. However, if these vessels are discovered to be inadequate, this may require the utilization of alternative vessels for successful salvage. Here, we demonstrate the use of a venous conduit for flap salvage in a patient undergoing bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.

Macroscopic-ranged proximity effect in graphite.

We report proximity-induced superconducting features over macroscopic lengths in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The phenomenon is triggered when electrical currents are injected in the material through superconducting electrodes, few millimeters apart from each other. Such a large range is anomalous, as proximity-induced features in normal conductors hardly surpass few micrometers.

Use of a Multivector Mandibular Distractor for Treatment of Pediatric Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Pilon Fractures: A Case-Based Review.

Background: The difficulties in surgical treatment of pilon fractures of the finger include fragment reconstitution and posthealing stiffness. In adults, external fixation with traction and early active range of motion (AROM)/passive range of motion (PROM) during healing is considered necessary for avoiding joint stiffness and attaining realignment. The authors present a unique approach to pediatric pilon fractures that uses open reduction and multivector external fixation with delayed AROM/PROM.

Versatility of Free Cutaneous Flaps for Upper Extremity Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

The goals of upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction should go well beyond providing coverage and restoring function. As the field of reconstructive microsurgery has evolved, free cutaneous flaps (FCFs) are gaining wider application. The advantages of FCF include minimizing donor-site morbidity by preserving the muscle and fascia, improving versatility of flap design, and superior aesthetic results.

Treatment of a Recurrent Neuroma Within Nerve Allograft With Autologous Nerve Reconstruction.

Background: The purpose of this case report is to describe the findings of a neuroma within an allograft, highlight the unique opportunity to evaluate the allograft (following human engraftment) ex vivo histologically, to reinforce an effective treatment strategy, and review outcomes in peripheral nerve surgery regarding gap defect distance.

Method: A 55-year-old, right hand dominant man suffered a workplace injury 37 years ago resulting in lacerations and crush injury of the palm and lacerations of the left index finger requiring multiple neuroma excisions and eventual ray amputation. In an attempt to address stump neuroma pain and restore sensation of the radial digital nerve of the middle finger, which was lost after the ray amputation, a neuroma was resected and reconstructed with a 45-mm bioabsorbable allograft (AxoGen, Inc, Alachua, Florida).

A positive Tinel sign as predictor of pain relief or sensory recovery after decompression of chronic tibial nerve compression in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Predictive ability of a positive Tinel sign over the tibial nerve in the tarsal was evaluated as a prognostic sign in determining sensory outcomes after distal tibial neurolysis in diabetics with chronic nerve compression at this location. Outcomes were evaluated with a visual analog score (VAS) for pain and measurements of the cutaneous pressure threshold/two-point discrimination. A multicenter prospective study enrolled 628 patients who had a positive Tinel sign.

Prevention of ulceration, amputation, and reduction of hospitalization: outcomes of a prospective multicenter trial of tibial neurolysis in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

This is the first multicenter prospective study of outcomes of tibial neurolysis in diabetics with neuropathy and chronic compression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnels. A total of 38 surgeons enrolled 628 patients using the same technique for diagnosis of compression, neurolysis of four medial ankle tunnels, and objective outcomes: ulceration, amputation, and hospitalization for foot infection. Contralateral limb tibial neurolysis occurred in 211 patients for a total of 839 operated limbs.

Modified rotational bowel vaginoplasty after total pelvic exenteration.

Vaginal reconstructive options commonly include the use of split-thickness skin grafts or intestinal conduits. When a colonic segment is chosen, the sigmoid colon is favored because of its location, size, and durability. When circumstances preclude the use of sigmoid colon and a colonic conduit is preferred, creative means of mobilization are required.

Venous flow-through flap reconstruction following severe finger wound infection: case report.

We report a case of a 22-year-old patient who sustained a box-cutter injury to the index finger on her right hand complicated by severe felon. Extensive tissue debridement left the patient with a defect exposing the underlying flexor tendon. A venous flow-through flap from the right forearm was used to provide coverage, which survived completely without venous congestion.

Creation of a four-joint-digit after second toe to digit transplantation: restoration of form and function.

The authors describe the non-orthotopic insertion of an Ascension two-piece pyrocarbon proximal interphalangeal joint at the osteosynthesis level of bilateral toe-to-digit transplantations in an attempt to restore both anatomic length and composite fist formation after traumatic multidigit loss. The non-orthotopic joints provided an additional 30 and 35 degrees of stable flexion to the reconstructed index and longs digits enabling the patient to form a composite fist. There was no evidence of joint instability or loosening.

Painful foot neuromas after toe-to-thumb transfer.

Reconstruction of the thumb by transfer of a toe has evolved technically to the point that this complex procedure can result in a mobile, sensate, and aesthetically pleasing digit that contributes to an almost-normally functioning hand. Donor site deformity is well recognized, primarily as it relates to the appearance of the foot after transfer of the hallux to the thumb position and stiffness of the remaining portions of the big toe. The present report describes donor site disability related to painful neuromas of the superficial and deep peroneal nerves and the common plantar digital nerve to the first webspace.

Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in an insured population in Puerto Rico during 1996.

Objectives: Limited data exists about Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Hispanic populations. The aims of the present study were to estimate overall and specific prevalence of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and to describe the characteristics of a group of patients from the University of Puerto Rico's IBD Registry.

Methods: To estimate the prevalence of IBD, computerized records of all physician billing and hospital discharges from a major health insurer in Puerto Rico and classified with ICD-9-CM codes 555.

Historic origin of the "Arcade of Struthers".

John Struthers wrote in 1848 and 1854 about sites of compression of the median nerve from axilla to elbow. He is best known for describing the rare median nerve entrapment by a ligament from a supracondylar process extending to the medial humeral epicondyle. In 1973, observation of ulnar nerve entrapment associated with a midshaft humeral fracture and subsequent anatomic dissections led to the creation of the term "Arcade of Struthers.