Background:The posterior interosseous artery (PIA) flap has been widely reported to cover defects at the dorsal aspect of the hand. However, the use of this flap to cover elbow defects has been rarely reported. The purpose of this study was to analyze the anatomical feasibility of the PIA flap to cover elbow soft-tissue defects and, additionally, to review the clinical outcomes of patients treated with this flap.Methods:An anatomical study was performed on 14 cadaveric specimens to assess the number of PIA perforators at the distal third of the forearm, along with the distance of the perforators from the ulnar styloid. Additionally, the pedicle distance from the pivot point to the lateral epicondyle was recorded. A clinical study in 4 patients with elbow soft-tissue defects treated with the antegrade PIA was also performed to assess viability and clinical outcomes.Results:A mean of 3 perforators (range, 2–4) of the PIA were found in the distal third of the forearm. The pedicle distance from the pivot point to the lateral epicondyle was 10 cm (range, 8–11.5 cm). In the clinical study, all cases treated with the antegrade PIA flap showed satisfactory outcomes without loss of the flap or significant partial necrosis.Conclusion:In this limited series, the antegrade PIA flap has shown to be a reliable and effective alternative for treatment of soft-tissue defects at the elbow. The PIA perforators in the distal forearm and the pedicle length allow the flap to easily reach the elbow.
We dissected 30 cadaveric thumb interphalangeal joints to delineate the sensory nerve anatomy of its capsule. Four articular branches supplying the interphalangeal joint capsule of the thumb were found in all specimens. Ulnar and radial proper digital nerves provide one palmar capsular nerve branch on their respective sides. Of the two dorsal branches of the radial nerve at the dorsum of the thumb, we observed that each nerve provided one branch to the interphalangeal dorsal capsule. Our findings demonstrate a consistent pattern of innervation and may provide the anatomical basis to the treating surgeon for an effective and safe denervation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.
Background Numerous surgeries have been described for osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. We describe the senior author's experience with his technique of concurrent arthroplasty of the TMC joint, and carpal tunnel release (CTR) via a radial approach.
Methods The study is a case series of patients managed over a 3-year period. We included 86 patients over 40 years of age that had concurrent CTR. We used the paired t-test to compare the preoperative and postoperative grip strength and functional scoring (including the Levine-Katz questionnaire for carpal tunnel syndrome, disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand [DASH] score and QuickDASH9).
Results Mean age at surgery was 62.8 years, and mean follow-up was 13.1 months. Functional outcomes were analyzed in 65 patients. Grip strength returned to the preoperative measurement by 3 months. Analysis of the nine patients followed up for more than 13 months postoperatively showed a significant increase in grip strength at last follow-up. The grip strength in both hands was also similar beyond 13 months. Significant decreases in the functional scores recorded indicated a reduction in disability, symptom severity, and functional impairment.
Conclusions In conclusion, we present the favorable results of this technique of TMC arthroplasty and CTR involving no bone tunnels and short-term immobilization.
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