Regeneration of nails with artificial dermis

Abstract We treated fingertips injured through the proximal half of the nail bed using artificial dermis in 22 patients from 2004 to 2009. We classified the injuries to the nail bed into three types according to where the wounds were. Type ? was localised to the nail bed with or without minor injury to the surrounding structure; type II was an avulsion and amputation of the fingertip including the nail bed, the finger pulp, and the distal phalanx at the level of the proximal nail bed; and type III was post-traumatic shortening of the nail, in which the pulp and distal phalanx were intact. Regeneration and elongation of the nail was achieved in every patient by applying artificial dermis. All patients were satisfied with the results.     

On-top and side-to-side plasties for thumb polydactyly

Introduction“On-top” and “side-to-side” plasties are techniques used for treating thumb duplications in which one thumb is adequate proximally and the other thumb contains a better pulp and nail distally. The detailed functional results of these techniques have not been reported in the literature. We report on two cases.Presentation of casesThe first case had Wassel type VI duplication. The ulnar duplicate had a functioning interphalangeal joint and the radial duplicate had a functioning carpometacarpal joint. “On-top” plasty was done by putting the distal part of the ulnar duplicate on top of the proximal part of the radial duplicate. At 10 years after surgery, the outcome was excellent both cosmetically and functionally. In the second case (Wassel type VII with a zigzag deformity), the radial duplicate had a hypoplastic distal phalanx with no nail. The ulnar duplicate had a functioning interphalangeal joint and the radial duplicate had a functioning carpometacarpal joint. “Side-to-side” plasty was done by joining both thumbs side-to-side at the level of the proximal phalanx. At 3 years after surgery, the outcome we considered acceptable cosmetically and excellent functionally.DiscussionWe could not find similar cases in the literature with detailed long-term postoperative results.Conclusion“On-top” and “side-to-side” plasties in the management of specific cases of thumb polydactyly obtain excellent functional results with excellent or acceptable cosmetic outcome.     

Use of modified tension band sutures for fingernail disruptions

A series of 66 patients, aged between 1 and 70 years, with 70 disruptive injuries to finger nails was reviewed. The injuries were treated by cleaning of the finger, evacuation of haematoma and anatomical replacement of the nail plate, or a substitute, which was secured with a modified dorsal tension band suture without formal repair of the nail bed. K-wire fixation of the distal phalanx was employed only in the event of displaced fracture of the distal phalanx, complete absence of the nail plate and laceration extending to the distal pulp. This simple method, which bypasses the injured and friable, but vital nail structures resulted in uncomplicated re-formation of the normal nail plate in all of the cases. Removal of the nail plate and formal repair of the nail bed is not necessary in any age group with finger nail disruptions.     

A toenail flap based on the fibro-osseous hiatus branch for fingernail reconstruction

This study included two parts: 1) cadaver dissection to elucidate the perfusion of toenail flaps by the fibro-osseous hiatus branch (FHB), and 2) clinical application of the toenail flap for reconstruction of a fingernail defect. Four second toes of two fresh Korean cadavers were dissected. The plantar digital artery (PDA) and terminal segment branch (TSB) were ligated, and red latex was injected distally into the ligated PDA. Perfusion of the dye into the toenail bed through the FHB was observed. From Oct 2004 to Sep 2009, eight toenail flaps based on the FHB pedicle with or without the distal phalanx and pulp were applied to seven patients for finger nail reconstruction. The toenail flap was marked at 5 mm distal to the nail fold and 5 mm lateral to the paronychium. The toenail complex based on the FHB was elevated and transferred to the finger. The nail and matrix were elevated with or without including the distal phalanx. The results of perfusion study showed that one side of the unilateral FHB was identified and traced proximal to the PDA, which was ligated. The distal toenail bed was perfused by the dye through the FHB. In clinical application, all the toenail flaps flourished and survived. We suggest that the toenail flap based on the FHB may be useful for fingernail reconstruction with minimal donor morbidity.     

Hallux Pronation in Hallux Valgus: Experimental and Radiographic Study

Toe pronation is a frequent sign in hallux valgus (HV), but it is difficult to assess and quantify. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between big toe pronation with both radiological and clinical findings and to determine if toe pronation is an influential factor in severity of HV. Six big toe donor proximal phalanges were used to create a radiographic calibrating system controlling their pronation at 0° to 60°. A linear regression model was used to predict proximal phalanx pronation in radiographs. Big toe pronation in HV was clinically evaluated with a prospective study using 132 patients from our surgical waiting list and a control group of 30 patients without HV. Patients standing barefoot on a rigid platform were used to obtain the nail–floor angle. We obtained the following angles: HV, intermetatarsal, interphalangeal, distal articular set angle, proximal articular set angle, first metatarsal pronation, proximal phalanx pronation, and sesamoid bones displacement. We obtained an equation to predict proximal phalanx pronation according to the proportion of the rotated phalanx (p < .001, r = 0.98), and used an intraclass reliability test to assess the intra-/interobserver reliability (p < .001, intraclass correlation [ICC] = 0.89/p < .001, ICC = 0.82). We found that the relation between HV severity and proximal phalanx pronation, nail–floor angle, and first metatarsal pronation was statistically significant (p < .0001, r = 0.64). Proximal phalanx pronation and nail–floor angle should be considered to classify the severity of HV. Using a mathematical formula, we can predict proximal phalanx pronation on radiographs.Clinical Level of Evidence:     

Results of vertical figure-of-eight tension band suture for finger nail disruptions with fractures of distal phalanx

Background:

Fingertip injuries involve varying degree of fractures of the distal phalanx and nail bed or nail plate disruptions. The treatment modalities recommended for these injuries include fracture fixation with K-wire and meticulous repair of nail bed after nail removal and later repositioning of nail or stent substitute into the nail fold by various methods. This study was undertaken to evaluate the functional outcome of vertical figure-of-eight tension band suture for finger nail disruptions with fractures of distal phalanx.

Materials and Methods:

A series of 40 patients aged between 4 and 58 years, with 43 fingernail disruptions and fracture of distal phalanges, were treated with vertical figure-of-eight tension band sutures without formal fixation of fracture fragments and the results were reviewed. In this method, the injuries were treated by thoroughly cleaning the wound, reducing the fracture fragments, anatomical replacement of nail plate, and securing it by vertical figure-of-eight tension band suture.

Results:

All patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. The clinical evaluation of the patients was based on radiological fracture union and painless pinch to determine fingertip stability. Every single fracture united and every fingertip was clinically stable at the time of final followup. We also evaluated our results based on visual analogue scale for pain and range of motion of distal interphalangeal joint. Two sutures had to be revised due to over tensioning and subsequent vascular compromise within minutes of repair; however, this did not affect the final outcome.

Conclusion:

This technique is simple, secure, and easily reproducible. It neither requires formal repair of injured nail bed structures nor fixation of distal phalangeal fracture and results in uncomplicated reformation of nail plate and uneventful healing of distal phalangeal fractures.     

The hallucal distal phalanx and transverse convexity of the nail plate: the relationship

It has been suggested that the distal phalanx is responsible for determining the shape of the nail plate. A pilot study (n =10) was undertaken to analyse the cross-sectional profile of the hallux and identify possible relationship between the distal phalanx and nail plate. The study involved 5 halluces presenting with nails of normal transverse convexity and 5 with overcurvature, taken from 10 cadavers. Transverse cross-sections were analysed at 5 points through each distal phalanx using magnified photographs (×4) and a mathematical formula as a measurement tool. Results suggest that the phalanx plays less of a role in determining nail plate convexity than was previously thought, with high variation between the cross-sections within one digit, and from one digit to the next. This suggests that transverse convexity of the nail plate appears not to be determined simply by the convexity of the underlying phalanx, but rather by other changes stemming from within the individual matrix, subungual dermis or surrounding anatomical structures.     

手指末节套脱伴甲床缺损的一期修复

目的 探讨应用携带附加筋膜瓣的指动脉岛状皮瓣联合断层甲床移植一期修复手指末节套脱伤的方法及疗效.方法 2005年6月至2008年10月,应用三种形式的携带附加筋膜瓣的指动脉岛状皮瓣联合断层甲床移植修复手指末节套脱伤9例,其中采用同指近节逆行岛状皮瓣6例,邻指中节顺行岛状皮瓣2例,结扎指总动脉邻指逆行岛状皮瓣1例.甲床移植来源为(母)趾7例,第二趾1例,撕脱甲床回植1例.结果 术后皮瓣及移植甲床全部存活,随访时间为3个月至2年,重建指腹外形饱满,两点分辨觉为6～12mm.3例新生指甲被覆完全,外形光滑、平整;2例新生指甲被覆超过4/5;3例超过1/2,与甲床贴附紧密;1例仅长出残留指甲.远指间关节活动度为30.～60°,供趾趾甲生长良好,行走功能正常.结论 携带附加筋膜瓣的指动脉岛状皮瓣联合断层甲床移植是修复手指末节套脱伤的一种可行方法.     

Distal Syme Hallux Amputation for Tip of Toe Wounds and Gangrene Complicated by Osteomyelitis of the Distal Phalanx: Surgical Technique and Outcome in Consecutive Cases

Distal hallux gangrene and neuropathic ulceration associated with digit deformity frequently result in osteomyelitis of the distal phalanx. Ideal treatment would involve limited resection to preserve function. We describe our surgical technique and retrospective results for distal Syme hallux amputation with plantar flap closure. An institutional review board-approved review was conducted on cases performed over 8 years. A total of 15 consecutive patients (16 digits) with hallux soft tissue loss who had undergone distal Syme hallux amputation were included. In each case, initial resection removed the distal hallux wound, nail bed, and distal phalanx. The proximal phalanx tip was remodeled, allowing margin biopsy and reduction of prominence. Of the 16 digits, 5 (31.3%) had hammertoe deformity and 1 (6.3%) was excessively long. Positive probe-to-bone status was identified in 8 of the 16 digits (50.0%). All 8 ulcers (100.0%) that probed to bone had histologic or culture results consistent with distal phalanx osteomyelitis. A proximal margin biopsy was taken in 12 of 16 digits (75.0%), and proximal phalanx osteomyelitis was observed in 4 of 12 proximal margin biopsies (33.3%). Two digits (12.5%) failed to heal. Three digits (18.8%) required a more proximal amputation, and the remaining 13 (81.3%) were found to be well-healed and functional at the final follow-up examination. The mean follow-up period was 27.6 (range 8 to 97) months. We have found distal Syme hallux amputation to be an effective treatment when used judiciously for distal hallux gangrene and osteomyelitis associated with neuropathic ulceration. This procedure permits bone biopsy for early diagnosis, confirmation of clean margins, removal of nonviable tissue and the abnormal toenail, and some deformity correction.     

Epidermoid cyst of the phalanx of the finger caused by nail biting

Abstract

Intraosseous epidermoid inclusion cysts of the phalanx of the finger are rare, and are regarded as reactive or post-traumatic pseudotumours. We describe a case of an epidermoid cyst in the distal phalanx of the fifth finger caused by chronic nail biting, which was successfully excised.     

切开复位内固定治疗膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人围术期深静脉血栓的发生规律

目的探讨后正中入路齿状垫片空心钉治疗膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人围术期下肢深静脉血栓形成(deep venous thrombosis,DVT)的发生规律。方法前瞻性分析2014年1月至2017年12月收治的膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人58例,其中男48例,女10例;年龄为18~64岁,平均33.5岁。按Meyers McKeever分型:2型16例,3型30例,4型12例。所有病人均采用后正中入路齿状垫片空心钉固定韧带止点撕脱骨折块。分别在术前、术后进行双下肢静脉超声判断DVT的发生情况,分析其发生规律。结果14例(24.14%,14/58)术前发现DVT,其中远端血栓8例,近端血栓4例,混合血栓2例;术后DVT发生率增加至36.21%(21/58),其中11例远端血栓,7例近端血栓(其中5例为腘静脉血栓),3例混合血栓。7例术前无血栓病人中在术后4例出现远端血栓,2例出现近端血栓,1例出现混合血栓;1例术前为远端血栓的病人在术后变化为近端血栓;其中有50例病人术前、术后血栓未发生变化(37例无血栓病人,7例远端血栓,4例近端血栓,2例混合血栓)。结论膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折病人术前及术后血栓形成均以远端血栓为主,术后DVT发生率有所增加。使用后正中入路齿状垫片空心钉治疗膝关节后交叉韧带止点撕脱骨折,可以获得牢固的固定,在术中暴露时应轻柔操作,降低对腘静脉的牵拉损伤,减少下肢静脉血栓的发生。     

Correction of pincer-nail deformities with autograft or homograft dermis: modified surgical technique

The pincer-nail deformity is characterized by an excessively curved and distorted nail across the transverse dimension. Forty-nine sides (paronychial folds) were dissected off the distal phalanx periosteum with scissors and/or a small elevator. The dermis was placed between the paronychial fold and the plalanx to flatten the germinal and sterile matrix. Direct comparison of autograft dermis to homograft dermis did not show any significant differences in postcorrection appearance of the nail or relief of symptoms. Surgical time averaged 22 minutes less in those patients having reconstruction on both sides of one nail with homograft dermis.     

Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb with rotation of the epiphysis: Outcome 10 years following open reduction and K-wire fixation

IntroductionSalter-Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx with 90° rotation of the epiphysis is very rare. We report on a case of Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb with rotation of the epiphysis and document the outcome 10 years after surgery.Presentation of caseA 5-year old boy presented with Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the thumb with 90° rotation of the epiphysis. Open reduction and K-wire fixation was done. Ten years later, the injured thumb was smaller in width when compared to the contralateral thumb, although there was no length discrepancy. Clinically, there was full range of motion. Radiologically, the physis was still open but there were minor irregularities at the adjacent metaphyseal base and epiphysis. The diaphysis of the injured proximal phalanx had a constricted appearance when compared to the contralateral normal side.DiscussionAfter an extensive literature review, we found one reported case which was similar to our case and had long term assessment. At skeletal maturity, there was complete remodeling and full range of motion of the digit with no shortening. The X-ray showed a constricted diaphysis of the proximal phalanx with an identical appearance to our case.ConclusionWe present a rare case of Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb with rotation of the epiphysis. Long term outcome was satisfactory but there was diaphyseal constriction leading to a narrower thumb.     

The first dorsal metacarpal artery neurovascular osteocutaneous flap--a new method of distal thumb reconstruction]

Basing on the earlier experience with neurovascular flap from the dorsal part of the index when reconstructing soft tissues of thumb and thenar, first of the authors elaborated a method of harvesting this flap together with a dorsal aponeurosis and bone fragment of the proximal phalanx. Blood flow comes from the periosteum of the proximal phalanx. Many small vessels penetrate into it from the dorsal soft tissues thus piercing central part of the dorsal aponeurosis in many points. The flap was used in 25 year old male who had secondary reconstruction of the mutilating thumb pulp when the nail and nail matrix were preserved and in 27 year old male after amputation and replantation of nearly completely damaged distal part of the thumb. In this case bone healing was not obtained in spite of the arthrodesis and extensive impairment of digital nerves did not allow to carry out a primary nerve suture. A bone fragment in the flap was used to perform secondary arthrodesis and well innervated soft tissues of the flap improved sensation of the thumb distal part. The functional and cosmetic results were good. During thirteen and eleven years follow up the patients did not show any complications both in the donor and recipient sites.     

Examination of the anatomic relationship of the proximal germinal nail matrix to the extensor tendon insertion

The purpose of this study was to delineate the relationship of the terminal extensor tendon insertion to the proximal limit of the germinal nail matrix. Sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaver fingers without any evidence of trauma (average age, 55 years; 3 males and 1 female) were used for this study. Under x25 magnification the proximal limit of the germinal nail matrix and the terminal bony insertion of the extensor tendon were identified. The distance from the terminal tendon insertion to the germinal nail matrix was ascertained using precision calipers. The average distance from the terminal extensor tendon insertion to the proximal edge of the germinal nail matrix was found to be 1.2 mm. We conclude that the proximal limit of the germinal matrix is extremely close to the terminal extensor tendon bony insertion. When the extensor tendon insertion is visualized during operative exposures of the dorsum of the distal phalanx, care should be taken to avoid damaging the germinal matrix. Conversely, when the nail bed is being completely excised, visualization of the insertion of the extensor tendon will indicate that further proximal dissection is not required.     

Thumb reconstruction with combination of the wrap-around flap prefabricated by medialis pedis perforator flap with nail bed and phalanx banked from the amputated thumb: A case report

Thumb reconstruction has been a very challenging issue for hand surgeons. In this report, we present a case of thumb reconstruction with combination of the wrap-around flap prefabricated by the medialis pedis perforator flap with phalanx and nail bed banked from the amputated thumb. A 22-year-old man suffered from the left thumb amputation as well as large soft tissue defect of hand and comminuted fracture in wrist due to a crush accident. The distal phalanx and nail bed of left thumb were exposed and no suitable vessels for microsurgical anastomosis could be found, resulting in the great difficulty of replantation. After debridement, nail bed of the amputated thumb was dissected and banked on the medial side of foot, while the distal phalanx was buried in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue. The fracture was fixed with an external fixation and the soft tissue defect was covered with a free anterolateral flap. Wound and bone healing was achieved 6 months after the initial treatment. Thumb was reconstructed with combination of the banked phalanx and a wrap-around flap prefabricated by the medialis pedis perforator flap and the banked nail bed. The postoperative course was uneventful with complications from both reconstruction and donor sites. The nail of the reconstructed thumb grew normally. Thumb oppositional function was rebuilt. The patient was satisfied with the aesthetic and functional outcome at 5-year postoperative follow-up. We propose that tissue banked from the nonreplantable amputated thumb could be used for secondary reconstruction with the technique of flap prefabrication.     

Clinical outcomes of salvage revision surgery following finger replantation with vascular insufficiency: A retrospective study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of revision surgery following replantation of single digital amputations.MethodsIn this study, first, a total of 403 patients (339 male, 64 female; mean age=28 years; age range=1–76) in whom a single finger replantation was performed were retrospectively reviewed, and then 60 patients with arterial or venous insufficiency in whom revision surgery was performed were reanalyzed. The second finger was observed to be the most injured one (32.8%). Injury type was classified as clean cut (25.3%), local crush (38.7), extensive crush (7.9%), and avulsion (28.1%). When taking the levels of injuries of the artery-only finger replantations into account, one finger (0.8%) was nail distal third, 70 fingers (56%) were nail distal third to lunula, 43 fingers (34.4%) were lunula to distal phalanx basis, 10 fingers (8%) were distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, and one finger (0.8%) was middle phalanx. Operative revision was performed on 60 (14.9%) fingers. The need for operative revision was arterial insufficiency in 37 fingers (61.7%) and venous insufficiency in 23 fingers (38.3%). The average revision time was 43 (range=6–144) hours. While the average elapsed time for artery procedures was 35.3 (range=8–110) hours, the average elapsed time for vein procedures was 47.1 (range=6–144) hours. Finger survival rates were examined. Injury mechanism, amputation level, the number of artery/vein repairs and methods were examined in all patients and revision patients separately.ResultsAfter the replantations, according to survival analysis, while 342 (84.9%) fingers were operated upon successfully, 61 (15.1%) fingers developed necrosis. In the patients with revision surgery, the survival rate was 78.3%. The need for revision was arterial insufficiency in 37 fingers (61.7%) and venous insufficiency in 23 fingers (38.3%). The revision rate was significantly lower than other injury types in clean-cut cases. In terms of levels of injury, no revisions were required from distal to lunula level, and the highest revision rate was observed at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint level.ConclusionThe results of the present study have shown that early re-exploration can provide a 78.3% success rate and can increase the survival rate from 67.6% to 84.2% following replantation of single digital amputations. Surgical re-exploration seems to be a reasonable salvage for replanted fingers with vascular insufficiency.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, Therapeutic study     

Nail recession emergency treatment: a new technique for the repair of fingertip amputations

INTRODUCTION: In spite of the recent advances made in microsurgery, the reconstruction of oblique fingertip amputations remains problematical. In cases where reimplantation is technically impossible, the surgeon can utilize a number of different flaps to preserve digital length. METHODS: In certain cases, instead of local flap repair using an advancement flap, the nail complex can be recessed so that after bone shortening of the distal phalanx the free edge of the nail can be stitched to the skin without resulting tension. Two longitudinal incisions are made, and a flap including the nail complex is obtained from the distal phalanx. The dissection is made as far as the base of the middle phalanx, and is superficial so that it does not affect the distal branches of the middle phalangeal arteries. This technique was used consecutively in three cases of oblique fingertip amputations. RESULTS: The average shortening required was 10 mm. In all three cases, the nail was preserved, and pulp sensitivity was excellent (mean static two-point discrimination of 5 mm, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments of 2.83-3.61). The mean period before return to work was 5 weeks. No proximal interphalangeal joint stiffness was noted. However, all the patients complained of pain upon exposure to cold. DISCUSSION: This technique is simple to use, and combines the advantages of bone shortening with the esthetic aspect of preserving the nail complex. No palmar dissection is necessary, and the standard risks associated with advancement flap techniques are thus avoided. Although this reconstruction method results in a shorter finger, good functioning and good immediate sensitivity are maintained.     

女性手部血管球瘤的早期诊断及显微外科治疗

目的：探讨女性手部血管球瘤的临床表现,早期诊断及治疗方法。方法：选择30例女性手部血管球瘤患者,年龄18～48岁,平均35岁;病程3个月～3年。均为单指发病。早期行显微外科手术切除治疗。结果：30例中28例指甲有不同程度的局限性隆起,并可见指甲下有蓝紫色斑点状改变。18例X线片末节指骨有不同程度的受压表现。全部病例均可于指甲上找到明确并且固定的压痛点,术后患指疼痛均完全消失,经平均15个月随访,无疼痛复发病例。结论：甲下有蓝紫色斑点状改变及有固定压痛点,对女性手部血管球瘤患者有诊断意义,早期行显微外科手术切除是治疗此病有效的方法。