Flexor Pollicis Longus Research Articles

Impact of Soong grading on flexor tendon ruptures following palmar plating for distal radial fractures.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate flexor tendon injuries following palmar plating of distal radial fractures relative to the Soong grade. This retrospective cohort study included 113 patients who underwent palmar plate removal after a distal radial fracture between 2010 and 2016. In 13 patients, a greater than 50% injury of the flexor pollicis longus tendon was observed. Of these, nine patients were classified as Soong grade 2, four as Soong grade 1 and none as grade 0. The difference between the Soong groups was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Flexor tenosynovitis was present in eight patients (7%) and more likely in patients with a higher Soong grade (p = 0.026). We conclude that higher Soong grades are associated with significantly more flexor tendon complications. Therefore, elective removal of the palmar plate after union of the fracture should be considered in patients with Soong grades 1 and 2. Level of evidence: IV.

Anatomic Considerations and Reconstruction of the Thumb Flexor Pulley System.

Disruption to the flexor pulley system of the thumb is an infrequent but devastating injury that can lead to significant compromise in both strength and function. Acute rupture leads to pain, weakness, reduced range of motion (ROM), and potential bowstringing of the flexor tendons. Conservative treatment with a pulley ring should be considered in all patients. However, failure of conservative treatment and bowstringing of the thumb are indications for operative intervention. Reconstruction of the oblique pulley system can be performed either in situ or using a free palmaris longus graft. Care should be taken to identify the neurovascular bundles to avoid compression during the reconstruction. Conscious sedation protocols augmented by ultrasound-guided sheath blocks allow the patient to actively and strongly contract the flexor pollicis longus tendon intraoperatively to appropriately tension the construct for optimal results. Rehabilitation should be performed in a stepwise manner beginning with early passive ROM, active ROM, and finally strengthening at around 8 weeks postoperative.

Réimplantation du pouce après une ischémie prolongée et une exposition à des températures extrêmement chaudes : ces facteurs ont-ils une influence significative sur les résultats finaux ?

Historically, it has been stipulated that the success of replantation of amputations depends, among other factors, on the ischaemia time and temperature. For amputations involving the digits, replantation should take place in lees than 12 hours for warm ischaemia and lees than 24 hours for cold ischaemia Short report letter. We report a unique replantation of a completely amputated thumb following prolonged ischaemia time and hot weather exposure of about 40 °C. This is a case of a 30-year old, otherwise healthy non-smoker male who sustained an electrical saw injury to his left thumb. He was referred to our hospital 23 hours following the initial injury and only after having visited 3 different hospitals. At surgery, the wound was thoroughly irrigated and debrided and adequate shortening of the first metacarpal and proximal phalanx of the amputated thumb was performed. This was followed by first metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis using k-wires. The princeps pollicis artery was exposed and repaired and this was followed by repair of both the extensors and flexors. However, it was noted that the flexor pollicis longus was completely retracted proximally necessitating release of the carpal tunnel. The procedure was completed by reconstruction of the venous anastomosis, and exposure and repair of the digital nerves. Finally, a good wash was done and the skin was closed. The patient was placed on routine antibiotics and pentoxifylline. In our case, however, replantation was carried out with excellent final results, although the ischaemia time was 23 hours and the temperature was 40 °C. Mulders et al. described in their study that shorter ischaemia time is associated with successful replantation that replantation of parts of the hand should still be performed even if the ischemia time was prolonged (Lin et al., 2010). We also agree with Yu et al. in their meta-analysis that there was no significant association between ischaemia time and survival rate (Yu et al., 2015). Indeed, one may argue the role of leeching in the salvage of the replanted thumb. In our opinion, however, the decision to resort to such therapy was significant as rapid resolution and re-perfusion started to take place following its initiation. The authors believe that the hand is a crucial part of the body, and if possible, replantation should always be attempted.

Comparative study of pronator teres branch transfer and brachialis motor branch transfer to the anterior interosseous nerve to treat lower brachial plexus injury in rats

Distal nerve transfer is used to treat lower brachial plexus palsy, but outcome series on these transfer procedures following lower plexus injuries are sparse. The objective of this study is to compare treatment outcomes after nerve transfer using the brachialis motor branch (BMB) versus that using the pronator teres motor branch (PTMB). One hundred twenty adult rats with C8T1 nerve root avulsion were randomly divided into three groups (40 each): A: BMB transfer to the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), B: PTMB transfer to the AIN, and C: no repair. Electrophysiological examination result, muscle tension test result, muscle weight and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus, and number of myelinated nerve fibers in the AIN were compared among the groups to evaluate the treatment outcome. Nerve regeneration and muscle recovery in group B was better than those in group A at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the myelinated nerve fibers in groups A and B at 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively. The rats in group B showed greater and more significant improvement in other measured values than those in group A (P<0.05). In conclusion, the PTMB seems a better donor nerve than the BMB for distal nerve transfer to treat lower brachial plexus injury according to the electrophysiological and histological examination in this rat study.

Bilateral isolated absence of flexor pollicis longus tendon: report on a rare case management

Introduction: In human, the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) is an important muscle for function of the hand. Thumb aplasia and hypoplasia represent a large spectrum of deficiencies. One of the variants of type I thumb hypoplasia is the absence or hypoplastic of FPL tendon without deficiency of other thenar muscle. Although rare, we found several literatures reporting the cases. In treating pediatric thumb disease especially for this condition, we have to carefully diagnose the problem to set our goal of treatment. Methods: We presented a case of 8-year-old male with bilateral inability to flex both thumbs at the interphalangeal (IP) joint. His parents realized this condition after he was involved in school activity. On physical examination, we concluded that the patient has absence of FPL and proceeded for reconstruction with tendon transfer from 4th flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and dorsal capsule release. Results: We performed surgery and postoperatively observed the active movement of IP joint. The treatment improved the active flexion of the IP joint around 60 degrees. Conclusion: The absence of IP crease is one of the clear signs of FPL absence or hypoplasia. The usage of dorsal capsule release and tendon transfer in treating FPL absence or hypoplasia without any other thenar anomalies is proven to be adequate and feasible

Effectiveness and Safety of Wide Awake Local Anesthesia no Tourniquet (WALANT) Technique in Hand Surgery

The aim of the study was to confirm the effectiveness and safety of wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique in hand surgery, to present our results and to encourage its use on Romania and all over the world. The study group consisted of 120 patients in which local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine and 1: 100,000 epinephrine solution was used. The conditions requiring surgery were Dupuytren disease (DD) stages II and III affecting one or two digital rays, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), trigger finger (TF), rupture of the flexor pollicis longus�(FPL) tendon. The amount of anesthetic used, onset time, intraoperative bleeding, surgeon�s comfort during surgery, patient�s comfort, operative time, the immediate postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated, correlations between these parameters being made with the help of SPSS 20.0 software using regressions (ANOVA), and taking into account Pearson correlation coefficients with statistical significance, alpha at most .05 and CI 95%. In the group of 120 operated patients (58 men - M and 62 female -F) (M/F ratio = 0.93), no cases of digital necrosis or other vascular complications were recorded. Also, the absence of tourniquets did not result in intraoperative bleeding causing discomfort to the surgeon. The amount of anesthetic varied, being less than that recommended in the literature in approximately 40% of the cases. In all cases, patient comfort and satisfaction were highest, and length of hospital stay was several hours. Phentolamine, an antidote used to reverse the effects of epinephrine, was not used in any case. The correlation coefficient between the amount of anesthetic and waiting time = 0.3372 (p = 0.0001) � positive, direct, moderate, and statistically significant correlation. The correlation coefficient between the amount of anesthetic and length of hospital stay = 0.2700 (p = 0.002) - positive, direct, weak and statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between age and length of hospital stay = 0.1361 (p = 0.1380) - positive, direct, weak correlation, but statistically insignificant. WALANT technique is safe and has many advantages: no need it is not necessary to use the tourniquet and intravenous sedation, surgeon and patient comfort is maximum, there is no risk of finger necrosis, intraoperative collaboration and last but not the least, hospital stay is short and costs are minimal.

Effectiveness and Safety of Wide Awake Local Anesthesia no Tourniquet (WALANT) Technique in Hand Surgery

The aim of the study was to confirm the effectiveness and safety of wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique in hand surgery, to present our results and to encourage its use on Romania and all over the world. The study group consisted of 120 patients in which local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine and 1: 100,000 epinephrine solution was used. The conditions requiring surgery were Dupuytren disease (DD) stages II and III affecting one or two digital rays, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), trigger finger (TF), rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon. The amount of anesthetic used, onset time, intraoperative bleeding, surgeon’s comfort during surgery, patient’s comfort, operative time, the immediate postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated, correlations between these parameters being made with the help of SPSS 20.0 software using regressions (ANOVA), and taking into account Pearson correlation coefficients with statistical significance, alpha at most .05 and CI 95%. In the group of 120 operated patients (58 men - M and 62 female -F) (M/F ratio = 0.93), no cases of digital necrosis or other vascular complications were recorded. Also, the absence of tourniquets did not result in intraoperative bleeding causing discomfort to the surgeon. The amount of anesthetic varied, being less than that recommended in the literature in approximately 40% of the cases. In all cases, patient comfort and satisfaction were highest, and length of hospital stay was several hours. Phentolamine, an antidote used to reverse the effects of epinephrine, was not used in any case. The correlation coefficient between the amount of anesthetic and waiting time = 0.3372 (p = 0.0001) - positive, direct, moderate, and statistically significant correlation. The correlation coefficient between the amount of anesthetic and length of hospital stay = 0.2700 (p = 0.002) - positive, direct, weak and statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between age and length of hospital stay = 0.1361 (p = 0.1380) - positive, direct, weak correlation, but statistically insignificant. WALANT technique is safe and has many advantages: no need it is not necessary to use the tourniquet and intravenous sedation, surgeon and patient comfort is maximum, there is no risk of finger necrosis, intraoperative collaboration and last but not the least, hospital stay is short and costs are minimal. Keywords: local anesthesia, epinephrine, Dupuytren disease (DD), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), trigger finger (TF)

Outcomes of 200 digital flexor tendon repairs using updated protocols and 30 repairs using an old protocol: experience over 7 years.

We reviewed outcomes of 230 flexor tendon repairs in 27 thumbs and 203 fingers in Zone 1 and 2 over 7 years. In 2013, we used a 2-strand modified Kessler method followed by passive motion exercise in repairing flexor digitorum profundus tendon injuries in Zone 2 in 30 fingers; 24 fingers were followed, five (26%) had repair ruptures. Between 2014 and 2017, we used a 4- or 6-strand method to repair 111 flexor digitorum profundus tendons in Zone 2, followed by true early active motion. Two had repair ruptures. Among 101 fingers followed over 6 months, two fingers had tenolysis and 87 (87%) good or excellent outcomes. In 2018 to 2019, we used a 6-strand method to repair 42 flexor digitorum profundus tendons in Zone 2 with out-of-splint early active motion. None had repair ruptures or tenolysis. From 2014 to 2019, 27 flexor pollicis longus tendons were repaired in Zone 1 or 2, and 20 fingers had end-to-end flexor digitorum profundus repairs in Zone 1; none had repair ruptures or tenolysis. We conclude that a strong repair and true active motion are necessary for best outcomes of flexor tendon repairs in the thumb and fingers, and out-of-splint true active motion is safe.

Internally Fabricated Chimera Anterolateral Thigh-Amputate Flaps for Metachronous Reconstruction.

Background:The chimera flap is a versatile and exciting tissue composition for the reconstruction of complex tissue defects.Methods:Here, we present 2 cases of internally fabricated anterolateral thigh (ALT)-amputate chimera flaps for metachronous transfer.Results:A 22-year-old man (case 1) developed extended soft tissue necrosis in both legs following meningococcal septicemia. Before unilateral amputation, a fasciocutaneous flap based on the posterior tibial artery perforators was saved and ectopically implanted onto the ipsilateral thigh, creating an ALT-amputate chimera flap. Three months later, it was shown that the islanded ALT-amputate chimera flap remained well vascularized on either pedicle alone. Thus, a “true chimera circulation” over the scar between the 2 flaps must have developed. Subsequent free tissue transfer to the remaining right lower leg was performed successfully with uneventful healing. A 57-year-old fisherman (case 2) suffered a traumatic avulsion of his left thumb, which was ectopically replanted onto the contralateral thigh, creating an ALT-amputate chimera flap. After 3 months, the flap was raised and orthotopically replanted successfully with arthrodesis through the metacarpophalangeal joint. The previously coapted radial digital lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was coapted in the palm, and an flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) ring transfer was performed for flexor pollicis longus (FPL) reconstruction.Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge, these are the first case reports using the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery system for (1) temporary ectopic implantation of a thumb and (2) temporary implantation of fasciocutaneous tissue based on posterior tibial artery perforators just before below knee amputation to reconstruct the contralateral leg.

P49 Two cases of persistent isolated motor mononeuropathy secondary to etanercept in paediatric population

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in children and has an annual incidence of 33 per 100,000. With the introduction of biologic therapies, the goal of disease remission, both on and off treatment, is becoming increasingly achievable. Etanercept, a TNF-α inhibitor, was the first biologic to be used in JIA and is currently recommended as an add-on therapy in patients with inadequate response to methotrexate alone. While it is generally considered to have a good safety profile, a number of adverse events have been documented, including neuropathy. Methods We present two cases of etanercept related mononeuropathy, which persisted despite intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Results Case 1: A 12 year-old girl with polyarticular JIA, who had commenced on etanercept 2 years previously, presented with an acute inability to fully flex her right index finger, associated with intermittent paraesthesia over the area. On examination, there was weakness in the deep flexor digit II and she was unable to flex at the distal interphalangeal joint. Deep tendon reflexes and sensation were normal. Nerve conduction studies showed absence of voluntarily recruited motor potentials in the right flexor digitorum profundus median to right digit II. Etanercept was discontinued and following review by a paediatric neurologist, a course of IVIG was commenced. To date, however, there has been no appreciable clinical improvement. Case 2: A 7 year-old girl with oligoarticular JIA, who had commenced on etanercept 3 years prior, presented with a ten week history of selective weakness in her left hand and absent power in her flexor pollicis longus. On examination, there was an apparent weakness in her flexor pollicis longus with 0/5 power. Sensory and deep tendon reflexes were normal. Etanercept was discontinued. EMG and nerve conduction studies definitively outruled a proximal median neuropathy or any median motor problem outside of the anterior interosseous nerve. EMG did not find incontrovertible evidence of motor conduction block however this remains a possible and indeed plausible mechanism. She was referred to paediatric neurology and a course of IVIG was commenced. Conclusion While etanercept remains a widely used medication in the setting of JIA, these case studies highlight the potential neurological adverse events that can occur. To our knowledge are the first reports of persistent isolated motor neuropathy secondary to etanercept use in the paediatric population. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Maintenance of pronation function after pronator teres to flexor pollicis longus tendon transfer: a cadaver study.

Mechanistic cadaver study. Patients in groups 4 and 5 of the International Classification for Surgery of the Hand in Tetraplegia have a few options for tendon transfer donors, but in general the needs for reestablishing motor power exceed the donor options, such that any increase in the number of potential transfers can enhance function. Although transfer of brachioradialis (BR) in these patients is well-established, pronator teres (PT) may also be a suitable donor due to its strength and excursion. It has not been extensively studied in this role, possibly because of concerns about its expendability as the major agonist of forearm pronation. The purpose of this study is to quantify forearm pronation capability pre- and post-tendon transfer of PT to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) in a cadaver model. Surgery center in Indianapolis, USA. Five cadaver arms were evaluated for pronation capability against gravity before and after PT to FPL tendon transfer. In both stages, the arms were also assessed for the pronation forces produced at the wrist when pulling PT with 25, 50, and 75 N of force. With each force, the arms were tested in full supination and neutral position. All five arms were capable of pronating against gravity before and after the PT to FPL tendon transfer. Following the transfer, pronation force at the wrist decreased by 1-5 N, but the change was not statistically significant. PT to FPL tendon transfer produces thumb flexion while retaining the forearm's ability to pronate and would likely retain good clinical function, freeing up BR to recreate active finger flexion or extension.

The Effect of Plate Design on the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon After Volar Locked Plating of Distal Radial Fractures.

Injury to and rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon are known complications after volar locking plate fixation for distal radial fractures. Recent investigations have demonstrated that plate positioning contributes to the risk of tendon rupture; however, the impact of plate design has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to compare FPL tendon-to-plate distance, FPL tendon-plate contact, and sonographic changes in the FPL tendon for 2 volar locking plate designs (ADAPTIVE compared with FPL) using ultrasound examination. We identified patients who underwent distal radial fracture fixation by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons with either standard (ADAPTIVE) or FPL plates. Patients were matched by age, sex, and Soong grade. Enrolled patients returned for a research-related office visit for a clinical examination and bilateral wrist ultrasound. We measured plate-tendon distance, plate-tendon contact, sonographic changes in the FPL tendon, and postoperative radiographic parameters in the operatively treated wrist and the uninjured wrist. Forty patients with Soong grade-1 or 2 plate prominence underwent bilateral wrist ultrasound examination; all of the patients had distal radial fracture fixation, 20 with the standard volar locking plate and 20 with the FPL volar locking plate. Similar proportions of patients with the FPL plate (65%) and those with the standard plate (79%) had plate-tendon contact (p = 0.48); however, the FPL volar locking plate group had significantly less of the FPL tendon in contact with the volar plate than the standard volar locking plate group at wrist extension at both 0° (p < 0.001) and 45° (p < 0.001). There was no difference (p = 0.5) in the proportion of patients with sonographic changes in the FPL tendon between the FPL volar locking plate group (25%) and the standard volar locking plate group (21%). The postoperative volar tilt was significantly lower in patients with FPL plate-tendon contact (p = 0.01) and correlated moderately with the percentage of FPL tendon-plate contact at 0° (r = -0.51; p < 0.001) and 45° (r = -0.53; p < 0.001). There were no cases of tendon rupture in the cohort. We found that the FPL volar locking plate and increased volar tilt significantly reduced the plate-tendon contact area compared with the standard volar locking plate. In our asymptomatic cohort, we were unable to find a difference in sonographic changes in the FPL tendon. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical importance of decreased tendon-plate contact area seen in modified volar locking plate designs. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.

An anatomical study of flexor pollicis longus blood supply in the distal radius and locking screw locations of volar locking plates: a cadaver study

An anatomical study of flexor pollicis longus blood supply in the distal radius and locking screw locations of volar locking plates: a cadaver study

Volar locking plates not touching the flexor pollicis longus tendon appear as prominences on radiographs: a cadaver study

BackgroundPlate protrusion is a risk factor for flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture following volar locking plate (VLP) surgery. However, plate prominence on follow-up radiographs is common. We hypothesised that a VLP that does not touch the FPL tendon can appear as a plate prominence projected over the volar ridge on lateral radiographs.Materials and methodsWe studied six current designs of widely used plates in formalin-fixed cadavers. Each plate was placed in six cadavers. We analysed 36 different plate–cadaver combinations. The main aim of plate fixation was to position the plate in the most distal position without FPL tendon contact. Radiographs were obtained using fluoroscopy. We evaluated plate prominence from the volar ridge according to the Soong grading system.ResultsSoong grades 0 (plate did not extend beyond volar ridge), 1 (plate protruded beyond volar ridge) and 2 (plate directly on or located beyond the volar ridge) were observed in 23 (63.9%), 9 (25.0%) and 4 (11.1%) cadavers, respectively. VariAx, DVR and VALCP showed grade 1 prominence, whereas Acu-Loc2, HYBRIX and MODE showed grade 2 prominence.ConclusionsImplant protrusion was observed in 36% of plate–cadaver combinations, even if the plate did not touch the FPL. Estimating the risk of FPL rupture using lateral radiographs alone is likely insufficient. Our findings can be applied to accurately identify the presence of implant prominence following VLP surgery.

Positioning of a Volar Locking Plate with a Central Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Notch in Distal Radius Fractures.

Background Volar locking plates with a central notch were designed to reduce the risk of flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon irritation after volar plating for distal radius fractures. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the course of the FPL tendon after FPL-plate osteosynthesis to identify a plate position that avoids an impingement with the FPL tendon. Patients and Methods Nineteen patients treated with volar plating using an FPL plate for a distal radius fracture were evaluated. Transverse ultrasound images were used to assess whether the profile of the FPL tendon lied within the plate notch. The position of the FPL tendon on transverse ultrasound images was transferred onto postoperative dorsovolar X-ray images to define an FPL tendon corridor for a plate position not interfering with the FPL tendon. Results The FPL tendon was aligned inside the plate notch completely in three cases, partially in 11 cases, and missed the notch in five cases. An FPL corridor was defined at the level of the watershed line with all FPL tendons being completely (74%) or partially (26%) aligned inside that corridor. There was a moderate correlation between the plate notch being positioned inside this corridor and the FPL tendon being positioned inside the plate notch ( r = 0.49; p = 0.033). Conclusion It seems advantageous to place the plate notch within a corridor parallel to the radial shaft between the ulnar edge of the scaphoid tubercle and the scapholunate interval for the FPL tendon protection. Level of Evidence This is Level IV study.

Motor Point Topography of Fundamental Grip Actuators in Tetraplegia: Implications in Nerve Transfer Surgery

The differentiation between an upper motoneuron (UMN) lesion and lower motoneuron (LMN) lesion of forearm muscles in patients with tetraplegia is critical for the choice of treatment strategy. Specifically, the M. pronator teres (PT), M. flexor digitorum profundus III (FDPIII), and M. flexor pollicis longus (FPL) were studied since they represent key targets in nerve transfer surgery to restore grasp function. Forearm muscles of 24 patients with tetraplegia were tested bilaterally with electrical stimulation (ES) to determine whether UMN or LMN lesion was present. For detecting and testing the nerve stimulation points, a standardized mapping was developed and clinically applied. The relationship between the anatomical segmental spinal innervation and the innervation pattern tested by ES was determined. The data of 44 arms were analyzed. For PT, 19 arms showed an intact UMN, 18 arms an UMN lesion, and seven arms partial denervation. For FDPIII, three arms demonstrated an intact UMN, 26 arms an UMN lesion, 10 arms partial denervation, and five arms denervation. For FPL, two arms presented an intact UMN, 16 arms an UMN lesion, 12 arms partial denervation, and 14 arms denervation. A total of 20.1% ES tested muscles were partially denervated. In four patients, only one arm could be tested because of surgery-related limitations. According to the level of lesion and the segmental spinal innervation, most denervated muscles were present in the patient group C6 to C8. The ES, together with the developed mapping system, is reliable and can be recommended for standardized testing in surgery and rehabilitation. It offers the possibility to detect if and to what extent UMN and LMN lesions are present for the target muscles. It allows for refined pre-operative diagnostics and prognostics in spinal cord injury neurotization surgery.

Síndrome do pronador redondo associada à síndrome do nervo interósseo anterior: relato de caso

A síndrome do pronador redondo é caracterizada por dor vaga na superfície volar do antebraço, com parestesias na área de inervação sensitiva do nervo mediano e achados motores mínimos. A síndrome do nervo interósseo anterior é uma paralisia motora pura dos músculos inervados por esse nervo: o flexor longo do polegar, o flexor profundo dos dedos indicador e médio e o pronador quadrado. Normalmente, os resultados de estudos eletrodiagnósticos são normais em pacientes com síndrome do pronador redondo e anormais em pessoas com síndrome do nervo interósseo anterior. A síndrome do pronador redondo é um diagnóstico controverso e ela é normalmente tratada cirurgicamente. A síndrome do nervo interósseo anterior é cada vez mais pensada como uma neurite, que muitas vezes resolve espontaneamente após observação prolongada. As indicações cirúrgicas para descompressão do nervo incluem sintomas persistentes por mais de 6 meses em pacientes com síndrome do pronador redondo ou por um período mínimo de 12 meses, sem sinais de melhora motora, em pacientes com síndrome do nervo interósseo anterior.

Applied anatomy of the compression of the proper plantar digital nerves of the medial great toe

Objective To identify the routes and branches of the proper plantar digital nerves(PPDN) in the medial of the great toe and its adjoining relationship among the surrounding fascia tissues and organs, which was expected to provide accurate localization of the nerve impingement and possible relevant of anatomical basis for the treatment of nerve entrapment in clinical utility. Methods From December, 2016 to January, 2019, a total of 54 formalin fixed feet were collected. Fifty of them were performed conventional anatomical procedure, the other 4 were prepared with sectional anatomical technique. The seats and branches of the PPDN in the medial of the great toe were observed; The width and thickness of the nerve were measured at the first metatarpophalangeal joint(FMPJ), along with its proximal and distal sides 0.5 cm. The origin and origin of fascia were observed by foot dissection. Masson staining was used to observe the tissue changes of the nerves in the FMPJ. Results The PPDN of the medial great toe run between the flexor pollicis longus tendon and the abductor pollicis tendon at the proximal, issued (4.21±0.12) final branches. And governed the sensation of the medial half of the great toe. The width of the nerve at the FMPJ was (3.50±0.09) mm, which was significantly increased compared with that of the near [(1.58±0.04) mm] and far [(1.56±0.03) mm] from the joint. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); The thickness of the nerve in the proximal segment was (0.83±0.04) mm, and that in the distal segment was (0.82±0.03) mm. Compared with that in the FMPJ [(0.67±0.02) mm], the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). A deep fascia was observed on the superficial surface of the PPDN at medial great toe, which was stretched between the tendon sheath of the flexor pollicis longus tendon and the tendon of the abductor pollicis muscle. Masson staining showed obvious proliferation of nerve outer membrane fibers at the metatarpophalangeal joint, the number of nerve fiber bundles increased, and obvious thickening of nerve fiber bundles and nerve fascia. Conclusion Long-term compression can lead to thickening of the epineurium and perineurium, and the superficial fascia is an important factor of thumb pain and numbness caused by the compression of the PPDN at medial of the great toe. Key words: Proper plantar digital nerves; Great toe; Nerve conformity; Foot; Applied anatomy

Sonoanatomy of anterior forearm muscles.

The anterior or volar compartment of the forearm contains eight muscles: five belong to the superficial group (pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor carpi ulnaris), and three to the deep group (flexor digitorum profundus, flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus). Knowledge of the topographic anatomy is essential for correct performance of ultrasound (US) examinations and correct interpretation of the images provided.

Anterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy After Shoulder Arthroscopy Treated With Surgical Decompression: A Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsy is a very uncommon cause of upper extremity pain and weakness that comprises less than 1% of all upper extremity nerve palsies. Rarely reported but also mentioned in the literature is AIN palsy after shoulder arthroscopy. Methods: A systematic review of the literature to date using PubMed was conducted to identify patients who suffered AIN palsy after shoulder arthroscopy procedures. Articles included met the following criteria: (1) published in English; (2) primary presentation of the data; (3) patients had undergone shoulder arthroscopy before developing symptoms of AIN palsy; and (4) diagnosis was confirmed with clinical symptoms of AIN palsy. Measured outcomes included patient demographics, specific shoulder procedure, anesthesia procedure, intra-operative patient positioning, intra-operative compressive dressing, intra-operative traction, surgical versus conservative treatment, abnormal findings during decompression procedure, proposed mechanism of injury, and follow-up. Results: The search yielded 6 articles, of which 4 (13 cases) met inclusion criteria. An additional 2 cases were included in this report totaling 15 cases. The average patient age was 49 years (range: 31-64) with 73% males. At average follow-up of 24 months, 67% of patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms-more than half of which underwent surgical decompression. Patients who failed to progress experienced weakness of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus muscles. Conclusions: Proposed injury mechanisms for AIN palsy after shoulder arthroscopy range from mechanical trauma, compressive hematoma, and direct anesthetic neurotoxicity. Management should be directed by clinical symptoms, imaging, and patient factors with majority of patients expected to have excellent clinical outcomes.