Background: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability results from the disruption of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex consisting of DRUJ's primary and secondary stabilizers. The gold standard of stabilization procedure remains ligament reconstruction that utilizes tendon grafts to reanimate the volar and dorsal radioulnar ligament (RUL) as the primary stabilizers of the joint. The palmaris longus (PL) tendon, the graft of choice in reconstructive surgery, is commonly used in DRUJ reconstruction. However, it can exhibit anatomic variations from agenesis to the variation in morphology, location, and attachment that is rarely encountered other than in cadaveric studies. Case Presentation: We present a case of a 14-year-old boy with ulnar-sided wrist pain and instability following an injury in a boxing match four months before admission. The clinical and radiological results suggested a DRUJ injury with extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinitis. A ligament reconstruction using the PL tendon graft was planned. Intraoperatively, the PL was found anomalous with dual distal attachments and a short graft length. Results: We performed Adams ligament reconstruction technique with some modifications to the original design. To overcome the under-sized graft, instead of passing it around the ulnar neck, we added one more bone tunnel on the ulna to enhance the construct stability by a tendon to bone healing.
Conclusion:In reconstructive surgeries, surgeons should consider the other sources of grafts as graft variations exist. Otherwise, as in our case, modifications to the standard technique can be made.
Highlights
Recurrent giant cell tumor of bone of hand treated by double central ray amputation.
Double central ray amputation results in acceptable functional outcome of the hand.
Double ray amputation aims to decrease re-recurrence rates of recurrent GCT of hand.
Introduction and importance
Chronic osteomyelitis often needs extensive debridement that leaves a gap and needs soft tissue reconstruction procedure. The use of pedicled versus free flap to reconstruct soft tissue following surgical debridement has long been debated. Pedicle flap is more favored by many surgeons for the distal third tibia, mainly due to its lower failure rate.
Case presentation
We report a 33-year-old man with eight years of chronic osteomyelitis treated with surgical debridement at the distal third tibia, leaving a 5 cm × 6 cm soft tissue defect with exposed bone. Against the common preference, we performed a distally based hemisoleus flap (pedicled flap) covered with a split thickness skin graft. No signs of flap/graft rejection were observed during follow-up, and the patient was able to return to work four months following the surgery. No limitation in patient's daily activity upon two years follow up.
Clinical discussion
Preservation of critical perforators is essential during the elevation of the flap. The knowledge and application of the vascularity and angiosome principles are crucial in designing this type of flap, as some anatomical variations do exist. Meticulous tissue handling is required to support the basic knowledge of the lower limb vascular system.
Conclusion
Distally based hemisoleus flap is a reasonable option for soft tissue defect following chronic osteomyelitis of the distal tibia.
Summary:
Forequarter amputations in advanced local malignancy or trauma cases often leave a large defect that is challenging to reconstruct. Options for defect closure are varied. A vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap could be an alternative to close a significantly large defect, which is relatively easier than the more technically demanding free flap. This case presents a 64-year-old man with a soft tissue sarcoma in the left shoulder that was treated by forequarter amputation and subsequent defect closure using a VRAM flap. The VRAM flap was initially used to reconstruct the chest and abdominal walls. There have been no reported uses for the shoulder defect. The repair site defect was viable even with a less aesthetic donor site, and all of the defects were closed without any signs of infection. The VRAM flap is a good option for a large defect closure at the shoulder region, particularly after forequarter amputation.
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