Soft tissue reconstruction of theupper extremity

Soft tissue coverage of the upper extremity requires careful analysis of each defect by the surgeon to establish an appropriate plan for reconstruction. Each anatomic area of the upper extremity has unique reconstructive requirements. Also, patient characteristics including age, compliance, and medical history play a role in the management of upper extremity wounds. The surgeon must incorporate all of these elements to select a suitable reconstructive option that will maximize function and aesthetics as well as minimize morbidity.     

Physician perceptions of upper extremity reconstruction for the person with tetraplegia

PURPOSE: Upper extremity reconstruction for people with tetraplegia can improve upper-limb function substantially and enhance independence; however, these surgical procedures rarely are performed. This study attempted to identify barriers preventing appropriate candidates from receiving these procedures. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to a national sample of 379 hand surgeons and 384 physiatrists with an interest in spinal cord medicine. The statistical model assessed 2 main outcomes of the physician survey: (1) whether the provider had been involved in at least one of these procedures in the past year and (2) whether the provider desired to be more involved. We hypothesized that these outcomes were associated with provider attitudes and beliefs and failures of the health care system referral networks. RESULTS: Most hand surgeons and physiatrists believed that these procedures were beneficial; however, few had either performed or referred even one case over the past year. Multivariable models suggested that a predominant factor in whether these procedures were being performed was the presence of a relationship between the surgeon and physiatrist. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of coordinated cross-specialty relationships appears to present the largest barrier to the appropriate use of upper extremity reconstruction for people with tetraplegia.     

Neurotization of elements of the brachial plexus.

Satisfactory therapy for an avulsion injury of the brachial plexus has yet to be described. Dorsal root entry zone lesions will usually mitigate the searing pain which is so disabling in some of these patients. Neurotization procedures are effective in restoring limited function to these patients. The most useful isolated movement of the upper extremity is elbow flexion, which is thus the primary target of neurotization procedures. Intercostal nerves and elements of the cervical plexus are the most commonly used donor nerves for neurotization procedures. From our experience and from a review of the literature, it appears that these procedures will be successful in approximately 50% of cases. It must be stressed that before performing a nerve transfer, the surgeon must be certain that the patient is not a candidate for a simple nerve graft.     

Cerebral palsy of the upper extremity

The care of patients with spastic cerebral palsy requires the dedicated attention of a surgeon who is interested in the upper extremity, in association with therapists and other medical personnel who have a similar interest. The difficult problems of the upper extremity have often been overlooked by concerns related to the other skeletal manifestations in the spine and lower extremities. However, a pessimistic view of surgical results in the upper extremity is unwarranted, as even small gains in severely affected patients often result in an improved life. The surgical concepts related to this complex neurologic problem must be kept rather simple, and include principally the release of spastic deforming muscles, and, secondly, the use of augmentation tendon transfers to maintain an improved functional position. In order to allow the augmentation tendon transfers to function with minimal postoperative muscle re-education, tendon transfers that use muscles that contribute to the deformity are preferred; in the transferred position, these will function to correct the deformity and fire in phase without extensive postoperative training. Such muscle transfers are usually available to correct the more common pattern of spastic deformities. The most important aspect of surgical planning is to determine whether or not the individual is attempting to voluntarily use the upper extremity. In such cases, surgical procedures can reposition the deformed limb and enable the individual to function more effectively. On the other hand, it is most important to realize that an operative procedure will not stimulate an individual to begin to use a previously functionless limb.     

Late stenosis of the subclavian vein after hemodialysis catheter injury

In the past several years subclavian vein (SCV) access for temporary hemodialysis has achieved widespread popularity. Two cases of SCV stenosis after cannulation with hemodialysis catheters (HCs) are reported. Incapacitating edema of the upper extremity developed only after subsequent establishment of ipsilateral arteriovenous (AV) fistulas. A literature review revealed eight similar cases. Cases are typical in the development of severe upper extremity edema 2 weeks to 25 months after establishment of AV fistulas and in the site of the stenosis that is near the junction of the SCV and internal jugular vein. It is evident from reported studies of asymptomatic patients that SCV stenosis or thrombosis is a common sequel to cannulation of the SCV with HCs. Awareness of potential delayed stenosis is critical in planning vascular access procedures. Recognition of this complication enables intervention that may preserve the fistula. Balloon dilatation was performed on our patients with initial success followed by restenosis in one patient.     

Management of Complex Upper Extremity Trauma with Associated Vascular Injury

Introduction  Combined soft tissue and vascular injuries of the upper extremity pose several challenges at once to the plastic surgeon. Many decisions have to be taken urgently that will influence the salvage or amputation of the affected extremity. The aim of this article was to provide an evidence-based outline for the management of such injuries. Learning objectives of this article are as follows: (1) approach to a patient with upper extremity composite tissue and vascular injury presenting to the emergency, (2) decision-making as to when to salvage and when to go for amputation of the traumatized upper extremity, (3) role of imaging in emergency situation, (4) role of fasciotomy, (5) intraoperative sequencing of steps, and (6) options for vascular reconstruction and the flaps used for coverage. After reading this article, the reader should have a clear understanding of the management of vascular injury in a patient with composite defects of upper extremity.     

Surgical technique for thumb-in-palm deformity in cerebral palsy

The most common surgical procedure performed by hand surgeons in cerebral palsy for thumb-in-palm deformity is release of the adductor pollicis muscle from the middle metacarpal origin, with additional release of the thenar muscles or flexor pollicis longus, as indicated, to decrease the flexion adduction forces across the first ray. Tendon transfer to augment extension and abduction of the thumb metacarpal will help avoid recurrence, and it commonly includes rerouting of the extensor pollicis longus. Stabilization of the metacarpophalangeal joint might be necessary if hyperextension deformity exists. The assessment of the patient should occur over several visits to determine the correct combination of procedures that will best help the patient achieve a more functional upper extremity or improve hygiene. With appropriate planned procedure, meticulous surgical technique, and adherence to a postoperative rehabilitation regimen, patients can obtain substantial improvement with thumb-in-palm surgical re-positioning.     

Upper extremity reconstruction in the tetraplegic population, a national epidemiologic study

PURPOSE: More than 100,000 Americans live with the disability of tetraplegia. For these people their level of independence often is related to the function of the upper extremity. Reconstructive procedures can improve the use of the upper limb and multiple case series have shown benefit from these procedures for appropriate candidates. Discussions with patients and surgeons, however, suggest that these procedures rarely are performed. This study attempted to assess whether upper extremity reconstruction for the tetraplegic population is being used properly. METHODS: Data from 2 inpatient national databases were used (the National Inpatient Sample and Veterans Affairs patient treatment files) for 1988, 1989, 1999, and 2000. Patients were selected by International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) diagnosis codes for tetraplegia and procedure codes that could represent upper extremity reconstruction. The recommended rate of these surgeries was based on the annual incidence of tetraplegia (5,000) and expert opinion that suggests at least 50% of these people would benefit from upper extremity surgery. RESULTS: Our health care data analysis showed that fewer than 355 of these surgeries were performed in the United States in any year queried. The calculated recommended rate was 2,500 procedures a year, meaning that only 14% of appropriate candidates were receiving upper extremity reconstruction. We also found changes in the expected primary payor, with Medicaid paying for far fewer procedures in 2000 compared with 1988 claims. Finally over the course of time it appears that far fewer of these procedures are being performed. CONCLUSIONS: Functional upper extremity reconstruction for the tetraplegic population is profoundly underused in the United States. Various factors could be causing this disparity of care and we recommend further research into the potential barriers to health care for this vulnerable population.     

Benign upper extremity tumors: factors associated with operative treatment

Background

Tumors are common in the upper extremity and are mostly benign and inconsequential. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with operative treatment for suspected benign tumors of the upper extremity.

Methods

Treated by three different hand surgeons between July 2001 and July 2011, 1,593 tumors were identified using billing records. The measured variables were: sex, age, marital status, pain, neurovascular status, location of the tumor, bilateral involvement, preoperative diagnosis, prior surgeries in general, prior aesthetic surgery, prior tumor surgery in general, prior upper extremity tumors, prior upper extremity tumor surgery, prior surgery for same tumor, current or prior cancer, and number of visits before treatment. Variables associated with operative treatment were assessed in bivariate analysis and backwards elimination logistic regression analysis.

Results

Factors that significantly increased the probability of surgery were a higher number of visits before treatment, giant cell tumors, treated by surgeon A, lipomas, tumors located on the finger, and prior upper extremity tumors. Factors that significantly decreased the probability of surgery were treated by surgeon B and retinacular/tendon sheath ganglion cysts. Prior or current cancer was not significantly associated with operative treatment.

Conclusions

Tumor location, preoperative diagnosis, prior upper extremity tumor, and surgeon affect the likelihood of surgery for an upper extremity tumor. Level of evidence: Prognostic II     

Replantation of the upper extremity in children

Since Malt and McKhann performed the first successful replantation of a traumatically amputated extremity in 1962, there has been a flurry of case reports and articles debating the pros and cons of the various technical aspects of replantation. There have been three case reports of children, under the age of 15, who have successfully undergone replantation of the upper extremity transected through the humerus. The first case report in this article is the fourth. The factors involved in selecting replantation or amputation, and the technical aspects of the operation which are felt to be important, are briefly reviewed. Because the mechanics of limb replantation are rather straightforward, we feel that the pediatric surgeon should be familiar with the preoperative and intraoperative factors to be weighed, and that this alternative to stump closure be carefully considered when one is presented with an upper extremity transection.     

Perceived outcomes and utilization of upper extremity surgical reconstruction in individuals with tetraplegia at model spinal cord injury systems

STUDY DESIGN: Survey. OBJECTIVE: To measure the utilization of upper extremity reconstructive surgery and the clinicians' perceptions of the outcomes provided for persons with tetraplegia across the Model Spinal Cord (SCI) Injury Systems. SETTING: Model SCI Systems. METHODS: Participants: A clinician from each of the Model Centers. Main outcome measure: A mailed survey eliciting responses with respect to: (1) utilization of upper extremity reconstructive procedures and (2) the clinicians' perceived outcomes of these procedures. RESULTS: In all, 76% responded positively about the availability and appropriateness of upper extremity surgical reconstruction at their center. Of the respondents, 75% felt that surgery recipients were generally satisfied with their surgeries, 80% felt that the surgery made a positive impact on recipients' lives, 81% felt that recipients showed increased independence, and 70% reported a positive impact on recipients' occupation. In all, 93% felt insurance companies should pay for the procedures. Compared to the satisfaction of surgery recipients using a similar instrument, clinicians anticipated slightly greater improvements in all areas except occupation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive perception of the benefits of reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia; however, procedures are not routinely offered at all centers. The primary reasons reported for this include the misconception that insurance does not remit payment, that a surgeon is not available, and that surgical candidates are referred to another center.     

Hand assessment and management of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Arthrogryposis of the upper extremity is easy to diagnose. The shoulders, when affected, are adducted and internally rotated; they are thin, and very little girdle muscle is noted. The elbows are usually straight, and extension contractures are present. The hand and wrist are clublike; the wrist is contracted in flexion, with slight ulnar deviation. The thumb is usually adducted and flexed in a palmar direction. The small joints of the fingers are stiff, and frequently the fingers are ulnar deviated. Early treatment consists of passive stretching of the contracted parts by either plaster casts or splints. If successful, this treatment is followed by functional splinting. If stretching is not successful, then surgical release of contracted major joints or parts can be helpful. Tendon transfers are used to give a dynamic force to aid correction of the deformity and provide useful motion. Surgical correction of small joints of the hand has not proved too successful and frequently will decrease mobility even further. The goal in treating upper extremity deformities in arthrogryposis is to provide one extremity that can be brought to the mouth for feeding and hygiene and one that can be used to push up from a sitting position or to be used with a crutch if necessary. Hand function can be improved by careful evaluation and planned procedures that are consistent with the above goals.     

Brachioradialis transposition for elbow extension in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

Disorders of elbow extension occur following traumatic or neurologic injuries of the triceps muscle. Restoration of elbow extension is an integral part of the entire upper extremity surgical reconstruction to improve the following daily activities: bringing down an object from above, handwriting, using the hand in the supine position, steering a wheelchair, driving a car, and swimming. The transfer of the posterior head of the deltoid muscle to triceps (Moberg procedure) and the transfer of the biceps to triceps (Friedenberg procedure) are previously described procedures for the functional restoration of triceps function. In conditions where these procedures cannot be used, we describe a new technique for restoration of elbow extension. In 4 cases with obstetrical palsy sequela, where shoulder abduction was established with the latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer, restoration of elbow extension was planned to aid in activities performed while the hand is above the head. To achieve this goal, the brachioradialis muscle was transposed bipedically to the triceps muscle.     

Ersatzoperationen bei Ausfall motorischer Funktionen an der Hand

Nerve injuries in the upper extremity can result in severe disability. In the last three decades, progress in microsurgical techniques has improved the outcome for nerve injuries and if the prognosis is reasonably good, nerve repair should usually be performed prior to tendon transfer procedures. However, above all proximal lesions of peripheral nerves such as high radial nerve palsy still often yield unsatisfactory results, despite a technically well-executed nerve repair. Prognosis further depends on the time interval since the injury and also on the age of the patient, as the regenerative process is delayed in older patients. The indication for tendon transfers strongly depends on the personal and professional profiles of the individual patient. Tendon transfer procedures alleviate the suffering from functional hand impairment providing a superior alternative to permanent external splints. Tendon transfers are usually secondary procedures for replacing function after evaluation of the functional motor loss. Numerous transfer procedures have been described for every nerve trunk of the upper extremity, their prognosis depending mainly on the extent and pattern of nerve loss, local effects of the trauma (e.g. involvement of soft tissues, joints), and the physiological characteristics of the transferred muscle. Even if the results of the tendon transfers may finally be less satisfactory in cases of complex nerve damage than in isolated motor nerve lesions, they offer a valuable functional benefit, often being the only possibility to restore hand function. Although regrettably underused, tendon transfer improve upper extremity function in more than 70% of patients with cervical spinal cord injury. Reconstruction of key elements such as wrist extension, key grip between the thumb and the index finger, or digital flexion and extension leads to highly improved use of the tetraplegic hand and thus provides new mobility and independence from the help of others. This article presents an overview of the most common procedures to restore hand function in peripheral nerve injuries and tetraplegia in order to provide a systematic approach for decision making.     

Thirty-Day Outcomes following Upper Extremity Flap Reconstruction

Introduction  Flap reconstructions of upper extremity defects are challenging procedures. It is important to understand the surgical outcomes of upper extremity flap reconstruction, as well as associations between preoperative/perioperative variables and complications. Materials and Methods  The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for patients from 2005 to 2016 who underwent flap reconstruction of an upper extremity defect. Patient and perioperative variables were collected for identified patients and assessed for associations with rates of any complication and major complications. Results  On multivariate analysis, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification >2, bleeding disorder, preoperative steroid use, free flap reconstruction, wound classification other than clean, and nonplastic surgeon specialty were independently associated with any complications. Bleeding disorder, ASA classification >2, male gender, wound classification other than clean, and preoperative anemia were independently associated with major complications. Free flap reconstruction was associated with increased length of stay, operative time, any complications, transfusions, and unplanned reoperations. Conclusion  There is an association between complications in patients undergoing upper extremity free flap reconstruction and ASA classification >2, preoperative anemia, preoperative steroid use, bleeding disorders, and contaminated wounds. Male patients may require more thorough counseling in activity restriction following reconstruction. Free flaps for upper extremity reconstruction will require increased planning to reduce the chance of complications.     

Thoracoscopic sympathectomy

The objective was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) for treatment of a variety of sympathetic disorders, including hyperhidrosis, splanchnic pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and Raynaud upper extremity ischemia. Sixty-three ETS procedures were performed in 34 patients at the University of Maryland Medical System between March 1992 and August 1999 (14 male patients, 20 female patients; mean age 22 years). The indications for surgery were hyperhidrosis in 26 patients, upper extremity ischemia in 3 patients, splanchnic pain and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in 2 patients each, and facial blushing in 1 patient. Preoperative symptoms resolved completely or improved significantly in 97.1% (33/34) of patients. One patient with left reflex sympathetic dystrophy had symptoms that recurred shortly after surgery. There were no major complications; one patient with hyperhidrosis reported significant compensatory hyperhidrosis. These findings suggest that ETS is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of a variety of sympathetic disorders. Its application for hyperhidrosis is very effective, and its treatment of splanchnic pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and Raynaud syndrome are rewarding. With increasing experience, ETS should become established in the repertoire of the thoracic surgeon.     

Management of upper limb amputations

Acquired upper extremity amputations beyond the finger can have substantial physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences for the patient. The hand surgeon is one of a team of specialists in the care of these patients, but the surgeon plays a critical role in the surgical management of these wounds. The execution of a successful amputation at each level of the limb allows maximum use of the residual extremity, with or without a prosthesis, and minimizes the known complications of these injuries. This article reviews current surgical options in performing and managing upper extremity amputations proximal to the finger.     

Regional anesthesia in the upper extremity

We have attempted to formulate a guide for surgeons who operate frequently on the hand and upper extremity and who wish to learn how to provide their own local anesthesia. The methods that we have presented are those that work well in our hands and are in frequent use in our practices. We recognize very clearly that there are other methods and that these work well for other surgeons. The method itself is not of great importance (given that it is safe and effective), but the philosophy of learning is. By observation and by practice, the surgeon will gain further mastery of his specialty; we feel strongly that local anesthesia is as much or more a part of surgery than it is of any other specialty. Reading and observation are important. Dissection, whether in the operating room as part of a surgical procedure or in the anatomy laboratory or morgue, is of great benefit in learning the whereabouts and relationships of the nerves that are to be blocked. In the end, however, the surgeon simply must try the various blocks himself on his own patients. Failure is not a calamity; we have tried to emphasize that there are ways to recover with a reasonable degree of grace. The worst calamity is not to learn, not become facile with techniques that are so ideally suited to surgery in the upper extremity.     

Tissue expansion

Tissue expansion in the upper extremity is a valuable technique with expanding indications and expected outcomes. The primary indications are coverage problems after trauma, but the technique is also applicable to defects caused by treatment of hemangioma, nevi, tattoos, or hypertrophic scars as well as correction of unstable tissue or as an alternative to free tissue transfer. The advantage of expansion-specifically, match in tissue texture and retention of sensibility-may be more important in the hand and upper extremity than in other areas. The inevitable capsule that forms around the expander does provide a smooth gliding surface for tendons in the forearm and wrist. In conclusion, tissue expansion of the upper extremity offers the surgeon the ability to improve cosmesis in one location without having to sacrifice cosmesis at a second site.     

Anaesthesia for procedures of the hand and elbow

The majority of upper extremity surgeries are performed on an ambulatory basis under intravenous regional anaesthesia or brachial plexus blockade. The former technique is easy to perform, has a rapid onset and a high success rate but provides limited post-operative analgesia. Brachial plexus blockade provides excellent intraoperative anaesthesia as well as post-operative analgesia, eliminates the need for post-operative opioids, resulting in a decrease in recovery time, shortened hospital stay, increased patient satisfaction and ultimately a decrease in perioperative costs when compared with general anaesthesia. This chapter reviews upper extremity surgical procedures performed below the shoulder, the anaesthetic options available, and techniques used to optimize post-operative pain control.