Safety and efficacy of a nerve matrix membrane as a collagen nerve wrapping: a randomized, single-blind, multicenter clinical trial.

A new nerve matrix membrane derived from decellularized porcine nerves has been shown to retain the major extracellular matrix components, and to be effective in preventing adhesion between the nerve anastomosis sites and the surrounding tissues in a rat sciatic nerve transection model, thereby enhancing regeneration of the nerve. The effectiveness of the membrane may be attributed to its various bioactive components. In this prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled multicenter clinical trial, we compared the safety and efficacy of the new nerve matrix membrane with a previously approved bovine tendon-derived type I collagen nerve wrapping.

Radial Pronation Angle: A Novel Radiological Evaluation Index of Congenital Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis.

Introduction: Congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis (CPRUS) is a relatively rare forearm deformity that is characterized by a fixed pronated forearm of varying severity. The osseous synostosis between the proximal part of the ulna and the radius can be seen on the X-ray images in most cases. Many researchers have attempted to identify methods to measure the disease severity to guide in the treatment of CPRUS.

Reversed vascularized second metatarsal flap for reconstruction of Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia with reduced donor site morbidity.

Background: The predominant method for Manske type IIIB and IV thumb hypoplasia is pollicization. However, for those who are not willing to sacrifice the index finger, a method that could reconstruct a functionally capable and aesthetically acceptable thumb remains desirable. This study aimed to investigate and assess the functional and radiographic outcomes of utilizing a reversed vascularized second metatarsal composite flap for thumb reconstruction as a new alternative.

[Segmental schwannomatosis in upper-extremity: 5 cases report and literature review].

Objective: Multiple schwannomas localized in a single body part not crossing the midline constitute a rare variant of neurofibromatosis, segmental schwannomatosis. We report our experience with 5 cases of segmental schwannomatosis of the upper extremity and review the related literature to improve our skills in diagnosis and differentiation.

Methods: Five patients with segmental schwannomatosis received surgical treatment in our department from 2003 to 2012, of whom 4 were female and the other one male.

Schwannomatosis: a new member of neurofibromatosis family.

Background: Schwannomatosis is a recently recognized peripheral nerve polyneoplasm with clinical characteristics and a genetic background that differ from those of neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). The diagnostic and treatment criteria of this rare disorder are herein discussed.

Methods: The data of 180 patients who underwent operations for benign schwannomas from 2003 to 2012 in our center were reviewed.

[A method of measuring the displacement of the distal radioulnar joint on the three-dimensional CT imaging].

Objectives: To establish a clinical method for measuring the displacement of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) precisely irrespective of ulnar variance, and to derive normal population translation references with palmar and dorsal stress.

Methods: Thirty-seven normal distal forearms were scanned with computed tomography using an apparatus designed by Pirela-Cruz. Each extremity was scanned in two positions: maximal ulnar palmar and dorsal stress.