Small Skin Incision Research Articles

Minimally invasive removal of deep contraceptive implants under continuous ultrasound guidance is effective, quick, and safe

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, performance, and complications of a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure of deep contraceptive implant removal under continuous ultrasound guidance.MethodsThe ultrasound-guided procedure consisted of local anesthesia using lidocaine chlorhydrate 1% (10 mg/mL) with a 21-G needle, followed by hydrodissection using NaCl 0.9% (9 mg/mL) and implant extraction using a Hartmann grasping microforceps. The parameters studied were the implant localization, success and complication rates, pain throughout the intervention, volumes of lidocaïne and NaCl used, duration of the procedure, and size of the incision. Between November 2019 and January 2021, 45 patients were referred to the musculoskeletal radiology department for ultrasound-guided removal of a deep contraceptive implant and were all retrospectively included.ResultsAll implants were successfully removed en bloc (100%). The mean incision size was 2.7 ± 0.5 mm. The mean duration of the extraction procedure was 7.7 ± 6.3 min. There were no major complications (infection, nerve, or vessel damage). As a minor complication, 21 patients (46.7%) reported a benign superficial skin ecchymosis at the puncture site, spontaneously regressing in less than 1 week. The procedure was very well-tolerated, with low pain rating throughout (1.0 ± 1.5/10 during implant extraction).ConclusionsMinimally invasive removal of deep contraceptive implants under continuous ultrasound guidance alone is feasible, effective, and safe. In the present cohort, all implants were successfully removed, whatever the location, with short procedural time, small incision size, low pain levels, and no significant complications. This procedure could become a gold standard in this indication.Key Points• Minimally invasive removal of deep contraceptive implants under continuous ultrasound guidance alone is feasible, which led to a success rate of 100% whatever the location (even close to neurovascular structures), with only a small skin incision (2.7 ± 0.5 mm).• The procedure was safe, quick, without any major complications, and very well tolerated in terms of pain.• This minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedure could become the future gold standard for the removal of deep contraceptive implants, as an alternative to surgical extraction, even for implants in difficult locations such as subfascial ones or those close to neurovascular structures.

Total endoscopic anterior pelvic approach (TAPA) - A new approach to the internal fixation of the symphysis

This study presents a detailed documentation of a total endoscopic anterior pelvic approach (TAPA) for plate fixation of a symphyseal disruption. The purpose of this work is to describe a minimally invasive technique as a possible method for reducing complications and hospitalization. Other goals included giving technical recommendations and assessing potential pitfalls and problems of this new surgical approach. Surgery was performed in an interdisciplinary setting by an experienced orthopaedic and general surgeon. The first endoscopic approach used to visualize the injury was the same as is used for endoscopic hernia surgery. The repositioning of the symphysial rupture was achieved either through external fixation or indirectly with traction and a pelvic binder. Plate positioning and fixation were achieved through two additional, minimally invasive incisions. The endoscopic approach shows multiple advantages, such as no detachment of the rectus abdominis muscle and smaller skin incisions. Furthermore, this approach could lessen the incidence of hernia and postoperative pain. We see the presented technique as a simple and innovative surgical method for treating symphyseal disruption.

Tubeless Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with Hemostatic Plug Using Surgiflo® versus Standard Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy using a Nephrostomy Tube: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Background Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the preferred technique for treating large renal stones (over 2cm in diameter). It involves keyhole surgery performed through a small skin incision overlying the kidney. Objectives Our study aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of local hemostatic sealant (surgiflo®) use in tubeless PCNL to enhance postoperative outcomes of PCNL. Patients and Methods We randomized our patients into two groups, Group A nephrostomy tube was used as standard PCNL, and at group B tubeless PCNL was done followed by injection of the local hemostatic flowable gelatin matrix (surgiflo®) under fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position Results There was no statistically significant difference between two groups regarding demographic data age, sex and BMI (P- value 0.280, 0.736 and 0.440 respectively), stone site and size (P- value 0.525 and 0.533 respectively), operative time (P- value 0.855), intraoperative complications as blood loss and pelvicalyceal perforation, (P- value 0.92 and P- value 0.83 respectively), postoperative complication as fever, haematuria and UTI (P- value 1.000, 0,113 and 1.000 respectivly), and Hb drop (P- value 0.735). Conclusion Tubeless PCNL with hemostatic sealant use is associated with less pain, no leakage from nephrostomy tract, less narcotic agent use, and a shorter hospital stay.

A new way of closing the fistulas of the parotid gland, Hesse (Zentr. F. Chir., 1926, No. 22)

A new way of closing the fistulas of the parotid gland is proposed by Hesse (Zentr. F. Chir., 1926, No. 22). First, an oval bordering of the fistula is made with a small skin incision, the ends of which are complemented by a 1-P / 3-centimeter incision. The direction of the incision depends on the position of the fistula, but more often the incision should be horizontal.

Clinical outcome and multifidus muscle changes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Background: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has shown to have smaller skin incision, decreased muscular dissection, and less retraction of the thecal sac, compared to conventional open approach. However, its effects on long term functional outcome and degenerative changes of paraspinal muscles are still obscure. Materials and Methods: We studied 81 patients treated by one team of surgeons at a single institution. In the two level spinal fusion, 18 patients underwent conventional TLIF (C TLIF) and 20 patients underwent MIS TLIF. In three level spinal fusion, 23 patients were treated with C TLIF and 20 patients were treated with MIS TLIF. Clinical outcomes included mean operative times, volume of blood loss, percentage of early ambulation, visual analog scale (VAS), and oswestry disability index (ODI) were analyzed. The change of multifidus muscle was calculated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken before and 6-month after the operation. Results: Lesser blood loss was noted in the MIS TLIF group compared to the conventional group in two- or three-level circumferential spinal fusion. Early ambulation (within 3 days after operation) was found in the MIS TLIF groups. Analysis of VAS scores at leg area showed no significant differences in improvement between each group at 18 month follow up. The postoperative ODI score was significantly less in the MIS TLIF groups than in the C TLIF groups after 6 month follow up. In three segment spinal fusion, MIS TLIF minimized multifidus muscle atrophy, when compared with C TLIF. Conclusion: MIS TLIF in three level lumbar fusion not only has a better functional recovery but also ameliorates the degenerative change of multifidus muscle.

A NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR POST IMPLANT DIFFICULT SKIN CLOSURE

The management of grossly displaced fractures sometimes needs immediate reduction to relieve pressure on neurovascular structures and simultaneous stabilization with plates & screws. Surgeons frequently encounter difculty in the nal stage of surgery which is skin closure due to signicant swelling. Delayed secondary closure increases the risk of exposing the fracture site & implant to infection. Also counselling relatives postop for second surgery and for additional expenditure is difcult. Here we present our experience of managing difcult closures using multiple tension relieving small skin incisions to relieve compartmental pressure and catostrophic wound complications. Here we have shown an example of difcult closure on a complex displaced distal radius fracture post xation.

35 Say no to pneumo: Mini-laparotomy myomectomy is the way to go

This video demonstrates how to perform a safe and efficient mini-laparotomy myomectomy utilizing a unique abdominal entry technique. Leiomyomas are the most common estrogen-dependent benign uterine tumors in women. In patients who desire future fertility or a uterine-sparing surgery, myomectomy is an option. This surgical procedure can be performed using abdominal, laparoscopic, or robotic assisted approach; however, the choice of surgical technique depends on tumor size, surgeon experience and patient preference. Although minimally invasive routes such as conventional and robotic laparoscopy for myomectomy are now readily performed, in patients with significantly large leiomyoma, these routes can prove challenging due to limited visualization, increased risk for bleeding, and longer operating times. If the minimally invasive route proves successful, surgeons are still left with the dilemma of how to remove the leiomyoma from the peritoneal cavity. Commonly, a mini-laparotomy incision is performed for leiomyoma extraction. Mini-laparotomy myomectomy has been described in the literature using a vertical skin incision or Maryland incision to obtain abdominal access. The following video demonstrate a case series displaying a 4-step strategy for mini-laparotomy myomectomy with large leiomyomas to include Step 1: Abdominal entry and optimizing visualization, Step 2: Preemptive measures to prevent excessive bleeding., Step 3: Leiomyoma extraction and morcellation technique, and Step 4: Closure of uterine defects and hysterotomy repair. We present a unique surgical technique using a transverse skin incision with a vertical fascial incision to perform mini-laparotomy myomectomy in large leiomyomatous uteri. Unlike previously described techniques, our method is particularly effective as it maximizes visualization without rectus muscle transection, decreasing postoperative pain while maintaining a desirable cosmetic result from the small transverse skin incision.

Atrial Septal Defect Closure via Ministernotomy in Children

Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is usually performed in children via a conventional sternotomy. In striving to improve the cosmetic result, we have adopted a lower ministernotomy approach with a very small skin incision. We present a single surgeon experience of 110 consecutive patients undergoing surgical closure of ASD, comparing conventional (n=55) and mini-sternotomy (n=55) approaches. Our ministernotomy technique avoids direct superior vena cava cannulation, allowing for a smaller incision, while providing adequate exposure. The ministernotomy approach is safe and provides an excellent cosmetic result.

Long-term results of laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal repair of Morgagni hernia in children and comparison of two different suturing techniques

We aimed to review our long-term results of laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal repair (LAER) of Morgagni Hernia (MH), and to compare the outcome of two extracorporeal suturing techniques. Medical records of patients who underwent LAER of MH between 2006–2019 were reviewed. Two groups were constituted according to the suturing technique; separate perpendicular suturing (SPS) through a stab incision (Group SPS) and multiple angled suturing (MAS) through a small skin incision (Group MAS), and surgical results of the groups were compared statistically. There were 19 (M/F:17/2) patients with a mean age at operation of 51.8 ± 48.09 months. The most common symptoms were pulmonary infections (n = 9) and respiratory distress (n = 3). Chest films were diagnostic in 94.7% patients. Mean diameter of the defects was 5 ± 1.8 cm; and colon was detected in the sac in 84.2%. All MH patients had sacs that were excised either totally (n = 15) or partially (n = 4). No patch repair was performed in our series. Mean duration of follow-up was 62.5 ± 42.9 months. There was one recurrence in a patient with connective tissue disorder in the Group SPS, 2 months after the initial surgery. There was one suture reaction 4 months after surgery in the Group MAS. There were no further complications. Surgical results and cosmesis were statistically insignificant between the two surgical technique groups. LAER of MH is efficient and should be the first choice of managment in children. Mesh repair may be considered for patients with connective tissue disorders. The two suturing techniques in LAER are comparable and do not affect the outcome.

Clinical characteristics that predict parotid abscess: An observational cohort study

BackgroundWe analysed clinical factors that are predictive of a diagnosis of parotid abscess among patients with bacterial parotitis. Material and methodsThis retrospective study included 64 hospitalised patients who were diagnosed with parotid abscess, or bacterial parotitis. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and clinical management were collected. Predictive factors for parotid abscess were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. ResultsThere were 25 patients with parotid abscess and 39 with bacterial parotitis. All patients presented with moderate-to-severe disease, required parenteral antibiotics, or had indicators for surgical drainage. Patient profiles and immune status were not significantly associated with parotid abscess. However, parameters that were significantly related to parotid abscess were subacute presentation (approximate 10.4 days) (p value = 0.016), fluctuation (p value < 0.001), and normal (haemoglobin) Hb level >12–13 g/dL (p value = 0.035). Imaging indicated the abscess location, extension and evaluated the complications. Surgical drainage with small skin incision and antibiotic coverage for possible pathogens, in particular Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. produced favourable patient outcomes. Complication was identified in 3 cases with included septicaemia and cellulitis of the face and parapharyngeal space. ConclusionsAmong bacterial parotitis patients, parotid abscess should be considered in whom presented with subacute duration of symptoms, enlarged glands with fluctuation, and non-anaemic problem. Instead of standard skin incision of parotidectomy, small vertical skin incision over a well localised abscess pocket or fluctuated area achieved the good results.

Endoscopic-assisted pediatric transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing implant: how I do it

Conventional technique for transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing implants surgery requires the elevation of a large retroauricular skin flap to expose the site of implantation, that may cause a large scar and the interruption of retroauricular vasculature. A less invasive, endoscopic-assisted modification of the surgical technique is described, which provides access to the implant site through two small skin incisions and the creation of a pocket in the retroauricular area. Endoscopic-assisted bone-anchored hearing implant surgery could be a viable option for transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing implant surgery, especially for pediatric patients.

Partial Resection of Spinous Process for the Elderly Patients with Thoraco-Lumbar Kyphosis: Technical Report.

Background and objectives: Global sagittal imbalance with lumbar hypo-lordosis can cause low back pain (LBP) during standing and/or walking. This condition has recently been well-known as one of the major causes of reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly populations. Decrease in disc space of anterior elements and an increase in the spinous process height of posterior elements may both contribute to the decrease in lordosis of the lumbar spine. To correct the sagittal imbalance, the mainstream option is still a highly invasive surgery, such as long-segment fusion with posterior wedge osteotomy. Therefore, we developed a treatment that is partial resection of several spinous processes of thoraco-lumbar spine (PRSP) and lumbar extension exercise to improve the flexibility of the spine as postoperative rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Consecutively, seven patients with over 60 mm of sagittal vertical axis (SVA) underwent PRSP. The operation was performed with several small midline skin incisions under general anesthesia. After splitting the supraspinous ligaments, the cranial or caudal tip of the spinous process of several thoraco-lumbar spines was removed, and postoperative rehabilitation was followed to improve extension flexibility. Results: The average follow-up period was 13.0 months. The average blood loss and operation time were 11.4 mL and 47.4 min, respectively. The mean SVA improved from 119 to 93 mm but deteriorated in one case. The mean numerical rating scale of low back pain improved from 6.6 to 3.7 without any exacerbations. The mean Oswestry Disability Index score was improved from 32.4% to 19.1% in six cases, with one worsened case. Conclusions: We performed PRSP and lumbar extension exercise for the patients with LBP due to lumbar kyphosis. This minimally invasive treatment was considered to be effective in improving the symptoms of low back pain and HRQOL, especially of elderly patients with lumbar kyphosis.

Evaluating the course of the saphenous vein and nerve for risk assessment in the suture button technique

The suture button technique can cause damage to the saphenous vein and nerve. We examined the location and course of the great saphenous vein using magnetic resonance imaging and determined its position at 10, 20, 30, or 40 mm proximal to the tibial plafond. We divided the region from the anterior to the posteromedial tibial edges into segments A, B, C, D, and E, and compared baseline data and vein parameters between 56 healthy (group H) and 296 symptomatic limbs (group D). At 10, 20, 30, and 40 mm proximal to the tibial plafond, segments A (53.4%), B (45.7%), C (50.0%), and D (52.6%), respectively, had the highest probability of the presence of the great saphenous vein. The mean angle of the great saphenous vein from the distal anterior to the proximal posterior side of the tibia in relation to the tibial axis was 32.4° ± 4.8°. There were no significant differences between groups H and D. These findings indicate that the position of the saphenous vein and nerve should be determined prior to performing the suture button technique on the medial side of the tibia. This can be achieved under direct visualization through a small skin incision or via ultrasound.

Less Invasive Combined Micro- and Endoscopic Neurolysis of Superficial Peroneal Nerve Entrapment: Technical Note.

As superficial peroneal nerve (S-PN) entrapment neuropathy is relatively rare, it may be an elusive clinical entity. For decompression surgery addressing idiopathic S-PN entrapment, narrow- area decompression may be insufficient and long-area decompression along the S-PN from the peroneus longus muscle (PLM) to the peroneal nerve exit site may be required. To render it is less invasive, we performed S-PN neurolysis in a combined microscope/endoscope procedure. We report our surgical procedure and clinical outcomes. We microsurgically decompressed the affected S-PN under local anesthesia without a proximal tourniquet. We made a small linear skin incision at the distal portion of the S-PN, performed distal decompression of the S-PN where it penetrated the deep fascia, and then performed proximal decompression under an endoscope. At the site where the S-PN exited the PLM, we placed additional small incisions and proceeded to microscopic decompression. We surgically treated three patients with S-PN entrapment. They were two men and one woman ranging in age from 66 to 85 years. The mean postoperative follow-up was 22 months. Their symptoms before treatment and at the latest follow-up visit were recorded on the numerical rating scale (NRS). The mean incision length was 5.5 cm and 17.3 cm of the S-PN was decompressed. All three patients reported postoperative symptom improvement. There were no complications. In patients with idiopathic S-PN entrapment, long-site neurolysis under local anesthesia using a microscope/endoscope combination is useful.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE LATERAL RETROPLEURAL APPROACH TO THE THORACOLUMBAR JUNCTION – REVIEW &amp; EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the minimally invasive technique for the lateral retropleural approach to the thoracolumbar spine and its viability in several affections of the region, demonstrating its indications, potential advantages, and necessary precautions, with an emphasis on the local anatomy, especially the diaphragm. Methods After a review of the literature, the initial experience of the Service is reported, comparing it to the published results. The surgical technique used is described with emphasis on the surgical anatomy of the diaphragm. Results The minimally invasive lateral retropleural approach to the thoracolumbar junction with the application of an expandable tubular retractor was described step-by-step in this study, with emphasis on the crucial points of technical execution, such as preoperative planning, access to the retropleural plane, and an orthogonal approach for adequate discectomy and/or corpectomy and subsequent implant placement. It can be used in the treatment of deformities, degenerative diseases, trauma, tumors, and infections and it allows for adequate interbody arthrodesis fusion rates associated with a smaller skin incision and less soft tissue damage, blood loss, and postoperative pain. Thus, it results in better postoperative mobility and a shorter hospital stay, which can also be observed in the data from initial experience of this Service. Conclusions The minimally invasive technique for the lateral retropleural approach to the thoracolumbar spine with the application of an expandable tubular retractor was shown to be promising and safe for the treatment of several spinal diseases despite the complex and challenging local anatomy and it presents advantages over the morbidity rates observed in the traditional approach. Level of evidence IV; Case series.

Percutaneous, Navigated Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation.

Cervical pedicle screws provide significant biomechanical advantage but can be technically challenging and associated with morbid exposure. Improvements in intraoperative navigation guidance and instrumentation have made feasible this biomechanically robust, but technically challenging procedure. We present our initial experience with minimally invasive (MIS) percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the cervical atlantoaxial and subaxial spine. A retrospective review was performed on 27 cases that involved a novel MIS percutaneous cervical pedicle screw technique. Small lateral skin incisions were made bilaterally on the neck using intraoperative navigation guidance. Subsequently, navigated, percutaneous screws were placed using the Proficient Minimally Invasive System (PROMIS; Spine Wave, Shelton, CT). Computed tomography (CT)-guided navigation was used for cervical pedicle screw placement with subsequent placement of percutaneous rods. Indications for surgery included type II odontoid fractures, subaxial fracture dislocations and burst fracture, metastatic pathological burst fracture, and degenerative spondylosis with stenosis. There were 15 men and 12 women, with an average age 63.5 years. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 24 months (average = 16.7 months). One screw was revised intraoperatively. Two patients (7.7%) required reoperation, 1 patient required repositioning of a C5 pedicle screw, and 1 suffered a C7 body fracture. No nerve root injury, spinal cord injury, or vertebral artery injuries were reported. Percutaneous cervical pedicle screw fixation is a feasible and safe technique when performed with CT-guided intraoperative navigation techniques. Cervical pedicle screw fixation provides a biomechanically superior construct in comparison with a lateral mass technique. In addition, the lack of paraspinal muscle disruption preserves important stabilizers of the posterior ligamentous complex and may reduce wound-healing issues in high-risk cases (eg, trauma patients). Although the current role for percutaneous instrumentation is relatively narrow, the advancement of MIS posterior cervical techniques may provide expanded opportunities in the future.

Anatomic Structures at Risk during Posterior to Anterior Percutaneous Screw Fixation of Posterior Malleolar Fractures: A Cadaveric Study

Category:Ankle; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Posterior malleolus fractures (PMFs) are typically associated with trimalleolar ankle fractures and have been reported to occur in 10-40% of ankle fractures. The PM may be fixed by direct ORIF or indirect percutaneous reduction. Direct reduction via a posterolateral approach is required for larger fragments, which requires prone or lateral decubitus positioning. Indirect reduction and fixation with anterior to posterior (AP) screws remains the most common method, in which screw threads are not entirely across the fracture site to allow interfragmentary compression.Objective: Determine the risk to anatomic structures utilizing a percutaneous technique for posterior to anterior (PA) screw fixation. It is advantageous as it places all the threads across the fracture site even for small fragments and can be performed in the supine position.Methods:10 fresh-frozen, morphologically normal cadaver lower leg. Under fluoroscopic guidance, 1.35 mm Kirschner wire was inserted percutaneously from anteromedial to posterolateral. Guidewire was inserted from a starting point just medial to the tibialis anterior tendon and aimed at a point just lateral to the Achilles tendon. Small skin incision was made over the wire posteriorly, displacing the Achilles tendon medially as required. The wire was then over-drilled in posterior to anterior direction and replaced with a 4.0 mm partially threaded cannulated screw directed posterior to anterior. Each specimen was dissected, and adjacent soft tissue and neurovascular structures were identified. The distance from the guidewire to each anatomic structure of interest was measured. Descriptive analysis and the correlation between the mean distances from the guidewire to each structure was calculated using SPSS version 26.Results:The sural nerve was directly transected in 1/10 specimens (10%) and in contact with the wire in a second specimen (10%). There was a significant correlation between the proximity of the guidewire to the apex of Volkmann’s tubercle and its proximity to the sural nerve.(r= 0.705, p = 0.034) The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle belly was perforated by the guidewire 40% of the time but was not tethered or entrapped by the screw. The neurovascular bundles were safely away from the wire in all cases. The lateral 1-2 mm of the Achilles tendon was pierced by the guidewire 20% of the time. Although suboptimal, these injuries may be of little clinical consequence, and the screw passed without tethering the tendon in all cadaveric specimens.Conclusion:Percutaneous PA screw placement is a safe technique which can be improved with several modifications. A mini- open technique is recommended to protect the sural nerve. The surgeon may consider aiming slightly more medial and closer to the Achilles tendon in order to avoid injury to the sural nerve. It is also advisable to use a soft tissue guide when over-drilling the guidewire. There may be potential for tethering of the FHL with use of a washer or large screw head. Risk to the anterior and posterior neurovascular bundles is minimal.

Minimally invasive dynamic screw stabilization using cortical bone trajectory

BackgroundThe conventional pedicle-screw-based dynamic stabilization process involves dissection of the Wiltse plane to cannulate the pedicles, which cannot be undertaken with minimal surgical invasion. Despite some reports having demonstrated satisfactory outcomes of dynamic stabilization in the management of low-grade spondylolisthesis, the extensive soft tissue dissection involved during pedicle screw insertion substantially compromises the designed rationale of motion (muscular) preservation. The authors report on a novel method for minimally invasive insertion of dynamic screws and a mini case series.MethodsThe authors describe innovations for inserting dynamic screws via the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) under spinal navigation. All the detailed surgical procedures and clinical data are demonstrated.ResultsA total of four (2 females) patients (mean age 64.75 years) with spinal stenosis at L4–5 were included. By a combination of microscopic decompression and image-guided CBT screw insertion, laminectomy and dynamic screw stabilization were achieved via one small skin incision (less than 3 cm). These patients’ back and leg pain improved significantly after the surgery.ConclusionThis innovative dynamic screw stabilization via the CBT involved no discectomy (or removal of sequestrated fragment only), no interbody fusion, and little muscle dissection (not even of the Wiltse plane). As a minimally invasive surgery, CBT appeared to be a viable alternative to the conventional pedicle-screw-based dynamic stabilization approach.

Fasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions for the treatment of early acute osteofascial compartment syndrome in children

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of fasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions for the treatment of early osteofascial compartment syndrome in children.MethodsFrom January 2009 to May 2017, 56 pediatric patients with early osteofascial compartment syndrome in their limbs were admitted into our department and treated with multiple small skin incisions for decompression at the early stage. The skin incisions, function, and sensation of the limbs were followed up.ResultsThe osteofascial compartment syndrome was diagnosed at 7.4 ± 2.1 h after injury, and then fasciotomy was performed at 1.4 ± 0.4 h later. The average procedure time of fasciotomy was 12.7 ± 4.8 min. No postoperative incision infections or neurovascular injuries were observed in all the patients. The incisions completely healed in 7–10 days with an average healing time of 8 days without secondary suture. The patients were followed up for an average of 5.1 years. No Volkmann’s contractures in the injured limbs were found. The appearance, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity of the affected limbs were not significantly different from that of the contralateral limbs. All the patients were free of symptoms and were fully recovered of sensation and function, being an “excellent” outcome at the latest follow-up.ConclusionFasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions, which can be useful to decompress the compartment pressure with fewer complications, is a simple and effective strategy for the treatment of early osteofascial compartment syndrome in children.

Simple Method for Deep Insertion of Drainage Tube through a Small Skin Incision.

Simple Method for Deep Insertion of Drainage Tube through a Small Skin Incision.