Distraction lengthening of thumb metacarpal

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of distraction lengthening of the thumb metacarpal without bone grafting in seven patients with traumatic thumb loss. The distraction was stopped after 57 (range, 42 to 91) days, giving a median lengthening of 28 (range, 20-36)mm. It took an average of 155 (range, 118-196) days for bony consolidation to occur. The mean pinch power was 72% of that of the uninjured hand. The two-point discrimination on the pulp of the reconstructed thumb was 10 (range, 8-12)mm. There were no major complications.     

Reconstruction of the burned thumb by metacarpal lengthening

Insufficient thumb length is a major functional handicap. A technique of metacarpal distraction lengthening of a burned thumb is described. To use this technique successfully, the surgeon must be prepared to replace scar tissue and release a thumb adduction contracture.     

Treatment of a symptomatic trapezial dysplasia with metacarpal instability following thumb metacarpal lengthening with an addition-subtraction osteotomy

The most important problem of trapezial dysplasia with thumb metacarpal instability is of bony origin. Together with the progressive capsuloligamentous decompensation it evolves in a progressive adduction deformity of the thumb metacarpal secondary to the dysplasia of the trapezium with its increased articular slope. The addition-subtraction osteotomy restores the anatomy combining two techniques: an abduction-extension osteotomy of the first metacarpal to correct the axis of the first metacarpal and an opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium to reorientate the trapezial saddle. We present a case of an addition-subtraction osteotomy in a case of symptomatic trapezial dysplasia with metacarpal instability following a thumb metacarpal lengthening in a severely mutilated hand. This technique was especially effective in reducing the instability and pain but mainly in maintaining mobile the only remaining joint of the thumb.     

Distraction lengthening of the thumb following replantation

Distraction lengthening is one of several surgical reconstructive methods used to obtain length of an amputated digit and to improve function. However, the use of this technique following replantation is a relatively new concept. A case of a 32-year-old male who sustained a traumatic amputation of his left nondominant thumb and index finger is described. The injury and the replantation surgery each resulted in a significant amount of bone loss from the thumb. Nine months following the replantation, distraction osteogenesis was utilized to lengthen the thumb and to improve both function and cosmesis.     

Pollicization of index finger after traumatic thumb amputation

Objectives  

Reconstruction of a functionally and esthetically satisfying thumb by pollicization of the index finger.     

Alternatives to thumb replantation in three cases of traumatic amputation of the thumb

Three cases of complete amputation of the thumb are reported in which the amputated distal parts were not suitable for replantation. In all cases there were either complete or incomplete amputations of other digits. Two different techniques were used for thumb reconstruction: 1) pollicization of a partially amputated digit with transposition microsurgery in case 1; and 2) replantation of a less important amputated digit to the thumb stump for cases 2 and 3. These microsurgical efforts successfully restored thumb function in all three patients.     

One-stage thumb lengthening with use of an osteocutaneous 2nd metacarpal flap

Traumatic thumb amputation represents an extremely disabling entity, thus rendering its reconstruction a procedure of paramount importance. A case of a patient, who sustained a traumatic amputation of his left index finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint and of his left thumb in the middle of the proximal phalanx 4 months ago and was initially treated elsewhere, is described. For the thumb reconstruction, an osteocutaneous flap of the radial side of the 2nd metacarpal, which consisted of a 3, 5-cm bony segment with the overlying skin and its blood and nerve supply was used. The flap was transferred and fixed with a plate and screws to the palmar-medial side of the stump of the thumb, while the 1st web space was deepened by removing the rest of the second metacarpal, while a partial skin graft was used to cover a remaining gap. Thumb functionality was restored immediately postoperatively, and the overall result was satisfactory.     

The choice of procedure following thumb amputation

The attributes that make the thumb unique are position, stability, strength, length, motion, sensibility, and appearance. Of these qualities, the first four must be present to an acceptable extent for function to approach normality, while the latter three are very desirable but not essential. Reconstructive alternatives following amputation can be considered in four broad groups: where the length is acceptable but the covering is poor; subtotal amputation, where length is equivocal; total amputation with the basal joint preserved; and total amputation with the basal joint destroyed. In the first group, soft-tissue cover can be improved by local flaps with or without a neurovascular pedicle or by microvascular free pulp transfer. In the second group, metacarpal lengthening by distraction, with or without phalangization, may give adequate length. In total amputations, one may choose osteoplastic reconstruction, pollicization, or toe-to-hand transfer. Which solution is selected depends on the level of the amputation, the presence and nature of injuries to other digits, occupational and social factors, and the availability of tissues.     

Reconstruction of traumatic or congenital amputation of the thumb by distraction-lengthening.

Reconstruction of the traumatically or congenitally amputated thumb presents a significant challenge. The individual needs of the patient must be matched with the armamentarium available to the surgeon. Metacarpal elongation via the distraction-lengthening technique, which uses local tissue without sacrificing any adjacent digits or toes, is a reliable means of increasing thumb length by 3 to 3.5 cm. The optimal situation for performing this procedure is the presence of an amputation in the perimetacarpophalangeal joint region. Although neo-osteogenesis has been shown to be useful in pediatric patients, bone grafting is recommended in those individuals aged 25 years and older with gaps of 3 cm or more. The patient must be carefully observed during the distraction period because of the potential problems that may arise from the use of an external fixation device.     

Mechanisms of cortical bone loss from the metacarpal following digital amputation

Immobilization bone loss, whether due to whole body immobilization or local causes, is associated with an initial rapid phase of trabecular bone loss, but the long-term effects of immobilization on cortical bone are not well described. We have studied metacarpal morphometry in 16 men who had undergone partial or complete traumatic digital amputations 4–71 years earlier. Noninvolved metacarpals from the affected and unaffected hands were used as controls. Cortical bone width was significantly reduced in the metacarpals proximal to the amputated digits (P=0.001). In the 7 subjects who suffered amputation before the age of 19, the cortical bone deficit was primarily due to a reduction in the total width of the medullary shaft (P=0.007), whereas medullary width was not changed. In these subjects the metacarpal was also significantly reduced in length, by a mean 2.9 mm (P=0.035). In the 9 subjects who had their amputation after the age of 19, both a reduction in total width and an increase in medullary width (P=0.017) accounted for the cortical bone deficit. The deficit in total width was related to the time since amputation (P=0.008) and could be accounted for by loss of the normal age-related increase in total width (0.01 mm/year). We conclude that in this model of immobilization osteoporosis, the metacarpal proximal to the amputated digit demonstrates cortical osteopenia. An inhibition of the periosteal bone formation, which is responsible for the normal age-related gain in total width, is an important factor in this bone loss, which thus differs from normal age-related bone loss (which is endosteal) and from bone loss following acute immobilization (which is from trabecular sites). The pattern of cortical bone loss differs according to the age at amputation.     

First dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction: a retrospective clinical study

Extensive pulp (zone 4) defects of the thumb, with the exposure of tendon or bone, are challenging reconstructive problems. Surgical treatment includes the use of local, regional, and free flaps. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap has been used successfully for defects of the thumb. The innerved first dorsal metacarpal artery flap from the dorsum of the index finger was first described by Hilgenfeldt and refined by Holevich. An island flap carried on a neurovascular pedicle consisting of the first dorsal metacarpal artery was first demonstrated by Foucher and Braun. Seven innervated FDMCA island flaps were performed from May 2005 until July 2007 for thumb reconstruction. There were three women and four men with an average age of 54.9 years (range 28–89 years). The mean follow-up period was 15.4 months (range 4–29 months). The dominant hand was involved in six (85.7%) patients. In a retrospective clinical study, the following criteria were evaluated: (1) etiology of the defect, (2) time of reconstruction (primary vs. delayed), (3) survival rate of flap, (4) sensory function (Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments, static 2-PD, pain, cortical reorientation), (5) TAM measured with the Kapandji index, and (6) subjective patient satisfaction (SF 36). Four patients presented with trauma, two patients with defects after tumor resection and one with infection of the thumb. The flap was used for immediate reconstruction in three (42.9%) patients and for delayed reconstruction in four (57.1%) patients. Delayed reconstruction was performed 4.75 (1–12) months after initial trauma or first surgery. The donor area was grafted with full-thickness skin grafts in all cases. All flaps survived. The mean SWMF was 3.31 g and average statis 2-PD over the flap was 10.57 mm. Pain at the flap scored 3.71 over 10 and at the donor site 2.17 over 10. Paresthesia at the flap scored 0.57 over 4 and at the donor site 0.33 over 4. Complete cortical reorientation was only seen in one patient. The mean Kapandji score of the reconstructed thumb was 7.43 over 10. Using the SF-36, mean physical health of the patients scored 66.88% and mean mental health scored 70.55%. Disturbing pain and paresthesia of the flap are exceptional. The static 2-PD is more than 10 mm, and is clinically over the limit. Cortical reorientation was incomplete in all but one patient. Touch on thumb is felt on the dorsum of the index finger; however, sensation is not disturbing or interfering with the patient’s activities. Foucher described the technique débranchement–rébranchement in order to improve this problem. The postoperative total amount of motion of the reconstructed thumb was very good. The results demonstrated that the FDMCA flap has a constant anatomy and easy dissection. It has a low donor site morbidity if FTSG is used. It also shows good functional and aesthetic results. Therefore, the FDMCA flap is a first treatment of choice for defects of the proximal phalanx and proximal part of the distal phalanx of the thumb.     

Psychosocial outcome following traumatic brain injury in adults: a long-term population-based follow-up

Primary objective: On a national basis to conduct a 5, 10 and 15 year follow-up study of representative samples of survivors after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify factors of importance for long-term survival and life satisfaction after TBI occurring in 1982, 1987 or 1992. Research design: Epidemiological, register-based questionnaire survey. Main outcomes, result and conclusions: Out of 389 survivors randomly chosen from a national complete hospital register, 173 had suffered a cranial fracture, 186 a cerebral lesion (brain contusion or traumatic haemorrhage) and 30 patients a chronic subdural haematoma. Out of 337 survivors found eligible for a questionnaire, 76% responded. Among the data registered according to the above mentioned areas, the main findings were that 23-31% of the cerebral lesion responders were unable to maintain earlier work/education at pre-injury level, against up to 14% of cranial fracture patients. Significantly more cerebral lesion patients than cranial fracture patients found emotional control more difficult, as well as increased difficulties with memory and concentration, maintenance of leisure time interests and general life satisfaction. In the long run, an important factor influencing survival among cerebral lesion patients seemed to be whether relations with family and friends could be maintained at the pre-injury level.     

First dorsal metacarpal flap in compound multi tissues thumb reconstruction]

In the years 1985-2000 two females and eleven males aged 3-48 (mean age 27) were treated using neurovascular first dorsal metacarpal flap because of compound thumb multi-tissue defects. In two cases the flap included a fragment of vascularized bone from the index proximal phalanx. Simultaneously a graft of non-vascularized bone in three cases, nerve grafts in two cases and a reconstruction of A1 pulley of the FPL tendon in three cases were carried out. Two patients were operated immediately after the injury and the others had delayed reconstructions. In 6 cases the defects resulted from crushing or lacerated wounds of the proximal thumb and in three cases of the distal thumb. Three thumbs were distally amputated. A 3 year-old child had an extensive palmar tissues necrosis due to an electric burn. Pedicled flaps were used in twelve patients and one patient had an island flap. The flaps ranged from 2.24 to 12.0 square centimetres. The donor wounds were directly closed in 6 patients and in 7 patients they were skin grafted. All flaps survived completely resulting in good function. Vascularized bone grafts raised in the flaps healed after 6 and 10 weeks respectively, those non-vascularized from the olecranon healed after 8 weeks and all were further rebuilt giving strong thumb of proper length. 2PD was 8-10 mm. Reconstruction of the sheath elements with flap tissues successfully supported FPL tendon. None of the donor site were observed.     

Chylothorax following traumatic amputation of upper arm

A young patient who had traumatic amputation of left arm developed extensive chylothorax on right side of chest. The pathophysiology appears to be left subclavian thrombosis secondary to gross sepsis of the amputation stump which resulted in occlusion of thoracic duct opening and chylothorax. The child was successfully treated by closed chest tube drainage.