Surmounting the Learning Curve of Core Suture Placement with Tendon Repair Simulator.

Background: Attaining competency in placement of core suture with adequate distance from juncture is a key skill for learners of tendon repair. Currently, this is most commonly practiced on animal models in wet laboratory environment. To improve accessibility and availability, we developed a tendon repair trainer that aims to guide learners in obtaining this key competency.

Biomechanics of Internal Fixation Modalities for Middle Phalangeal Base Fracture Dislocation.

Background: Internal fixation modalities of unstable (>50 percent articular involvement) middle phalangeal volar lip fracture-dislocations include interfragmentary screw and volar buttress plating. This study investigates the mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and stiffness) of interfragmentary screw (IS), simple buttress plating (BP) and buttress plating with subchondral screw (BP+S).

Methods: Fifteen cadaveric digits (5 index, 5 middle, and 5 ring) were prepared by excising its skin envelope and flexor tendons while preserving the structures around the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Peripheral Nerve Lymphomatosis.

Lymphoma involvement of peripheral nerves is rare and it may mimic benign neurogenic tumors or neuropraxic injury. This study presents three patterns of presentations in four patients with neurolymphomatous involvement of their peripheral nerves. We reviewed the clinical records of four patients who underwent exploratory brachial plexus surgery (n = 1), pronator tunnel decompression (n = 1) and peripheral nerve exploration (n = 2) and subsequently found to have neurolymphomatosis (NL).

Tips and Tricks in Mallet Fracture Fixation.

We describe three steps to aid fracture assessment and fixation in the extensor block pin technique for mallet fractures. The first step is the use of fluoroscopy in the initial assessment to determine indication for fixation. Next is the use of supplementary extension block pin to control larger dorsal fragments.

Post-Reduction Stability of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint after Dorsal Fracture Dislocation-A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) dorsal fracture dislocations (DFD) are challenging injuries. Treatment aims to achieve stability of the PIPJ after reduction so that early motion can be initiated. We studied how increasing articular destruction would affect post reduction stability and investigate the amount of traction and PIPJ flexion needed to maintain the reduction.

Relation of Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve to the Volar Approach to Distal Radius.

Background: The anatomy of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LABCN) in relation to volar approaches to the distal radius is not well visited. With the increasing popularity of distal radius fracture fixation with volar locking plates, it is prudent to study the innervation pattern of the LABCN to minimize the risk of nerve injury.

Methods: Ten cadaveric distal radial forearms were dissected to study the relationship between the LABCN, flexor carpi radialis (FCR), superficial branch of radial nerve (SBRN), and scaphoid tubercle (ST).

Intramuscular schwannoma: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features.

Introduction: Schwannomas that arise within the muscle plane are called intramuscular schwannomas. The low incidence of these tumours and the lack of specific clinical features make preoperative diagnosis difficult. Herein, we report our experience with intramuscular schwannomas.

Proposed Guidelines for Treatment of Concomitant Distal Radius and Distal Ulna Fractures.

Background: Concomitant distal radius and distal ulna metaphysis or head fractures (DRUF) are uncommon and acceptable results have been reported from cast immobilisation and internal fixation.

Methods: We reviewed the charts of 1094 patients treated for distal radius fracture at our institution in a two year period from 2009 to 2010. 24 patients with concomitant DRUF with were treated by cast immobilisation (group 1, n = 11), internal fixation of both bones (group 2, n = 7), internal fixation of radius alone (group 3, n = 2), and internal fixation of radius with distal ulna resection (group 4, n = 4).

Well-camouflaged Skin Graft Donor Sites in the Hand.

Three full-thickness skin graft sites within the hand where the donor sites are well blended with surrounding skin contour and crease are described. Two of these donor sites are located within the digit and these provide nonglaborous skin for small defects of the hand, whereas the third donor site along the palmar crease provides glaborous skin. These donor sites provide ease of access, minimal morbidity, and well-matched skin for resurfacing of small defects around the hand.

Crescent flap for fingertip reconstruction.

A volar advancement flap based on V-Y concept for fingertip reconstruction is described. The crescent flap utilises curved incision to preserve fingertip contour and distal digital crease. Satisfactory outcome was achieved in two patients who underwent fingertip reconstruction using this technique.

Cross-finger dermal pocketing to augment venous outflow for distal fingertip replantation.

Venous anastomosis in distal fingertip replantations is not always possible, and venous congestion is recognized as a potential cause of failure. Methods previously described to address this problem include amputate deepithelization and dermal pocketing postarterial anastomosis to augment venous outflow. However, attachment of the digit to the palm or abdomen resulted in finger stiffness.

Early results of combined palmar-dorsal scapholunate ligament reconstruction.

Isolated dorsal scapholunate reconstruction may be inadequate to stabilize and restore physiological scapholunate kinematics in the setting of combined dorsal and palmar ligamental incompetence. To address this entity, a combined reconstruction that encompass both dorsal and palmar scapholunate reconstruction was performed in 20 patients followed up to 19.8 (6-84) months.

Mechanical failure of the distal radius volar locking plate.

Purpose: To review 9 cases of mechanical failure of the volar locking plate for distal radial fractures.

Methods: Records of 374 consecutive patients who underwent volar locking plating for distal radial fractures were reviewed. Mechanical failures of the volar locking plate were defined as plate breakage or bending, screw breakage or loosening, or collapse of articular fragments resulting in intra-articular screw extrusion.

Modification of VY flap to preserve fingertip contour.

Background: VY flap is a reliable treatment for fingertip amputation injuries. Insetting the flap to replicate fingertip contour can be challenging with the conventional method of using sutures. We propose a modification of inset technique with K-wire to simplify contouring during flap inset.

Osteocutaneous VY flap to preserve length in coronal oblique fingertip amputation.

Radial or ulnar oblique amputations treated by nailbed levelling and local digital flap reconstruction can result in significantly shortened fingertip, narrowed pulp and nail shape distortion. A VY type flap containing bone, sterile matrix, and skin was conceptualised to restore nail and pulp contour for coronal oblique amputations. Technical details and a clinical case are discussed.

Bipedicled homodigital neurovascular island flap for resurfacing dorsal digital defects amputation.

Critical defects distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint are usually treated by heterodigital or reverse-flow homodigital flaps. Drawbacks of the former are potential donor digit stiffness and scarring, while the latter might be complicated by flap congestion. A bipedicled neurovascular island transposition flap design that preserves both proximal and distal extent of digital nerve and artery was employed to treat critical dorsal skin defect in two patients with encouraging results.

Safe and easy method to preserve fingertip contour in VY-plasty.

VY-plasty is a well-known technique to reconstruct fingertip defects. A simplified method combining pinning of flap and healing of donor site by secondary intention is described. These steps preserve the rounded appearance of the fingertip and restore the convexity of the hyponychium.

Surgical hand antisepsis-a pilot study comparing povidone iodine hand scrub and alcohol-based chlorhexidine gluconate hand rub.

Introduction: The surgeon uses different methods of surgical hand antisepsis with the aim of reducing surgical site infections. To date, there are no local studies comparing the efficacy of iodine hand scrub against newer alcohol-based hand rubs with active ingredients. Our pilot study compares a traditional aqueous hand scrub using 7.

Extensive open drainage for suppurative flexor tenosynovitis involving five digits: a case report.

An unusual case of suppurative tenosynovitis involving all five digits up to distal forearm in a 20-year-old male with no known risk factors is reported. We highlight the strategy of extensile skin incisions from the wrist to all five digits that allowed flexor sheath debridement, synovectomy, and infection resolution without causing skin flap ischemia. At three months, total active motion of 70% of contralateral hand was achieved.