Primary microsurgical repair of ring avulsion amputation injuries

Patients with ring avulsion injuries of the fourth and fifth digits often demand attempts at reconstruction rather than completion of the amputation. In the past, this has led to reconstruction involving a staged series of operations with results that were often less than desirable. Seven patients with ring avulsion amputation injuries that were reconstructed by use of microsurgical reanastomoses are reported. All were classified as either Carroll type IV or Urbaniak type III. Six patients (85%) had a successful replantation leading to a useful finger. The operating time averaged 5.5 hours. On average, 1.9 arteries (range 1 to 2) and 3.3 veins (range 2 to 5) were repaired for each digit. Average hospital stay was 6.7 days (range 4 to 15). Average range of motion was 0(2)/84(2) for metacarpophalangeal joint and 15(2)/90(2) for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) with distal interphalangeal joint ankylosis at between 0(2) and 15(2) of flexion. Sensibility was protective in all cases and good in three. If the PIP joint was damaged, completion of amputation was the treatment of choice. If the amputation is distal to the PIP with a functional superficialis tendon, primary microsurgical repair is the treatment of choice in complex ring avulsion injuries.     

Palmar dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Fifteen patients with palmar dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint were reviewed 6 to 49 months after treatment (average 17.8 months). Disruption of the extensor mechanism, palmar plate, and one collateral ligament was found in all patients. The loss of static and dynamic joint support caused palmar subluxation, malrotation, and a boutonnière deformity. Two dislocations were irreducible, and three were associated with dorsal avulsion fractures from the middle phalanx. The serious nature of the injuries from this dislocation was initially unrecognized, and most patients were casually treated; delay from injury to referral averaged more than 11 weeks. Twelve of the 15 required surgery for joint reduction and tendon and ligament repair; three treated earlier were managed by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Joint alignment, comfort, and stability were restored, and all returned to full activities including heavy labor. However, a full range of PIP motion was not recovered in any case.     

Elective free vascularized double transfer of toe joint from second toe to proximal interphalangeal joint of index finger: a case report

Alternatives to the treatment of major injuries to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint include fusion, implant arthroplasty, perichondrial grafting, single autogenous free vascularized transfer, and double autogenous free vascularized transfer. A patient presented a gunshot wound to the index finger with loss of skin and extensor tendon and PIP joint disruption. The finger was reconstructed with a composite free flap of skin and extensor tendon and PIP and distal interphalangeal joints of the second toe. A follow-up of 10 months is presented, which demonstrates PIP joint motion and finger function.     

Chronic fracture-subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Reported methods of treatment of chronic fracture-subluxations of the proximal interphalangeal joint require wide dissection and prolonged immobilization and often result in limited motion. Open reduction with minimal dissection, immobilization for 11 days to allow soft-tissue healing, and the early institution of active flexion exercises protected by an extension block splint was done in four patients. The long-term results demonstrate restoration of a stable joint with satisfactory motion and minimal subjective complaints.     

Irreducible open dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint rarely present a problem in reduction. We report a case of dorsal dislocation in which attempts at reduction by manipulation were not successful. A probable mechanism is discussed. In most cases of such injury, the flexor tendons should be elevated by a probe to allow replacement of the head of the proximal phalanx. Received: 30 August 1999     

Management of acute distal radioulnar dislocations associated with radial shaft substance loss

In patients with distal radioulnar dislocations that are associated with a loss of radial shaft substance, the use of an external distractor that is applied to the distal radial fragment and the proximal ulnar shaft allows proper reduction of distal radioulnar articulation. The pins should be placed close to a joint so that the holes left after the pins are removed do not act as diaphyseal stress risers. The position is maintained by appropriate internal fixation and bone grafting of the radius. In cases where the bone is severely crushed and internal fixation cannot be applied, the external distractor may be converted to an external fixator.     

The mechanism of the intrinsic-minus finger: a biomechanical study

To demonstrate in the cadaver model that the sequence of extension of the flexed metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the intrinsic-minus finger can be explained on the basis of moment ratios about these joints, the engineering concept of free body analysis was applied. Intrinsic-minus fingers, i.e., fingers of a cadaver in which all forces exerted by the intrinsic muscles were removed, were observed to hyperextend maximally at the metacarpophalangeal joint before extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint began. Mathematical calculation of moments provides an explanation of this sequence. This study confirmed that, when an equilibrium of forces at the hyperextended metacarpophalangeal joint is reached, the proximal interphalangeal joint is incompletely extended. These forces include: (1) the proximal pull of the extensor tendon; (2) the distal loading of the extensor tendon by the flexor tendons; (3) the force preventing spanning of the laminae.     

Capsulectomy of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints.

From July 1975, through March, 1978, 105 metacarpophalangeal joint capsulectomies in 37 patients, 47 dorsal proximal interphalangeal (PIP) capsulectomies in 26 patients, and 65 volar PIP capsulectomies in 41 patients were performed. The procedures were done after conservative methods had failed, and the results were tabulated in each area by diagnostic category. In the major group in which stiffness resulted from fracture and crushing injuries, average gains of 13 degrees to 18 degrees of active motion were achieved, with a change in arc of motion, while nerve paralysis patients did substantially better. The study should clarify expectations from the procedure; functional gains may still be significant.     

Treatment of blast injuries of the hand

INTRODUCTION: Blast injuries of the hand result from the manipulation of handmade explosives, the blast causes most damage in the first web. Our purpose is to propose a classification of these injuries so as to lead to a therapeutic strategy. METHOD: We report a series of nine blast injuries of the hand in eight patients of average age 24 years. The aetiologie was handmade explosive manufacture (five cases) and the manipulation of munitions (four cases). Five hands presented an amputation of the thumb together with the index and in three of them, the long finger was involved as well. Only one thumb was revascularised successfully. Four thumbs were reconstructed, two by toe transfer, and two by "index bank". DISCUSSION: We observed four different stages: Stage 1: Isolated musculo-cutaneous injury. An intermetacarpal pin avoids first web contracture. Skin coverage is achieved by a pedicled local flap or a skin graft. Stage 2: Osteo-articular injuries of the thumb and second ray but sparing the trapezo-metacarpal joint. The thumb reconstruction is often based upon rinciple. Stage 3: Characterised by a destructive injury of the trapezo-metacarpal joint. Stage 4: Amputation or devascularization of the thumb. Extensive vascular injuries neccessitate a bypass from a healthy zone. The amputations, which are mostly proximal, require a preliminary osteocutaneous reconstruction of the first metacarpal before any toe transfer. Finger translocations are made difficult because of the high rate of serious injuries of the index and palm.     

Proximal tibiofibular dislocation: a case report and review of literature

An isolated dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint is uncommon. The mechanism of this injury is usually sports related. We present a case where initial X-rays did not show the tibiofibular joint dislocation conclusively. It was diagnosed after comparative bilateral AP X-rays of the knees were obtained. A closed reduction was performed and followed by unrestricted mobilization after 1 week of rest. A review of the literature was conducted on PubMed MEDLINE. Thirty cases of isolated acute proximal tibiofibular joint dislocations were identified in a search from 1974. The most common direction of the dislocation was anterolateral, and common causes were sports injury or high velocity accident related. More than 75 % of the cases were successfully treated by closed reduction. Complaints, if any, at the last follow-up (averaging 10 months, range 0–108) were, in the worst cases, pain during sporting activities. We advise comparative knee X-rays if there is a presentation of lateral knee pain after injury and diagnosis is uncertain. Closed reduction is usually successful if a dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint is diagnosed. There is no standard for after-care, but early mobilization appears safe if there are no other knee injuries.     

Dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint: a comparative study of percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation

Nineteen patients with a dorsal fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of a finger were treated with either closed reduction and transarticular Kirschner wire fixation (eight cases) or open reduction and internal fixation, using either one or two lag screws (six cases) or a cerclage wire (five cases). At a mean follow-up of 7 (range 6-9) years, most patients reported satisfactory finger function, even though some of the injuries healed with proximal interphalangeal joint incongruency (seven cases) or subluxation (four cases). Those treated by open reduction complained of more "loss of feeling" in the affected finger and those specifically treated by cerclage wire fixation reported more cold intolerance and had a significantly larger fixed flexion deformity (median, 30 degrees : range 18-38 degrees ) and a smaller arc of motion (median, 48 degrees : range 45-60 degrees ) at the proximal interphalangeal joint, despite having the best radiological outcomes. Closed reduction and transarticular Kirschner wire fixation produced satisfactory results, with none of the eight patients experiencing significant persistent symptoms despite a reduced arc of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion (median=75 degrees ; range 60-108 degrees ). The results of this relatively simple treatment appear at least as satisfactory as those obtained by the two techniques of open reduction and internal fixation, both of which were technically demanding.     

The operative management of the difficult supracondylar fracture of the humerus in the child

A series of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children is presented. The majority was reduced by closed manipulation. The difficult fractures were defined as those in which adequate reduction either could not be achieved by manipulation or was not maintained, or those in which neurological or vascular complications occurred. Such cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The results were assessed with regard to loss of elbow movement, deformity and symptoms. The results of the operative series were comparable with those achieved by closed manipulation in the easier cases. No secondary corrective procedures were necessary. It is concluded that closed manipulation should be used routinely as the method of treatment for supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, except in the difficult case, for which operative treatment should be undertaken. Stiffness or deformity does not follow open reduction and internal fixation.     

The role of mini-fragment screw fixation in volar dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Palmar fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are uncommon injuries, which can be associated with long-term complications if sub-optimally treated. We report two cases of palmar fracture-dislocations of the PIP joint treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a single mini-fragment screw. The long term results of hand and finger function were excellent. Received: 6 July 1999     

Chronic recurrent dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger

Two cases of chronic recurrent dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint were seen after dislocation without an accompanying fracture. Reconstructive procedures prevented recurrent dislocation in both cases.     

Irreducible phalangeal fracture in a child due to flexor tendon entrapment.

A 4-year-old girl sustained a longitudinal shaft fracture of the proximal phalanx of the ring finger. The fracture was irreducible by closed manipulation and required open reduction. The fragments were separated by both flexor tendons near the level of Camper's chiasma, which caused a "pinching" phenomenon when manipulative reduction was attempted. The case presented reveals that an irreducible fracture should be suspected in hyperextension injuries with severe angulation when rubbery resistance is noted at the time of closed manipulation.     

Dorsal dislocation of the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal joints and simultaneous dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the small finger: a case report

A patient with dorsal dislocation of the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) joints and dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the small finger was managed successfully by open reduction and transarticular fixation of the CMC joint dislocation and closed reduction of the MP joint dislocation. This rare combination of injuries has not been reported previously.     

Injury to collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of a finger

Twenty-two patients with injury to the collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of a finger are reported. Thirteen cases were acute injuries and nine cases were chronic injuries. In all cases arthrography was performed. The arthrographic findings correlated with the grade of joint stability. Arthrographics of the unstable joint gave useful information for elucidating the mechanism of injury and deciding whether surgical treatment was indicated. At exploratory surgery, a Stener lesion was identified in one case in which the ruptured end of the ligament was trapped by the proximal portion of the expansion hood and sagittal band.     

手法整复经皮导入空心加压螺纹钉内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折脱位

目的：介绍一种治疗新鲜肱骨近端骨折脱位的闭合整复和半开放手术方法,并对其疗效进行评价。方法：对43例肱骨近端骨折合并肩关节前脱位患者应用反“？”手法整复骨折,经皮导入空心螺纹钉内固定后按单纯肩关节前脱位整复治疗。术后2年进行肩关节Neer评分。结果：术后针眼无感染,均工期愈合。螺纹钉无折断。骨折均在术后2个月内愈合。经24～52个月的随访,无肱骨头坏死发生。疗效优35例,良7例,可1例,优良率为97．7％。结论：反“？”手法设计合理,复位率高。经皮导入内固定可靠,无须外固定,术后可早期活动肩关节,有效预防了关节粘连,较好地保护了肱骨头的血供,避免了肱骨头缺血性坏死的发生。