Samuel Ribak

Treatment of scaphoid nonunion with vascularised and nonvascularised dorsal bone grafting from the distal radius

We conducted a prospective randomised study comparing the clinical, functional and radiographic results of 46 patients treated for scaphoid nonunion using a vascularised bone graft from the dorsal and distal aspect of the radius (group I), relative to 40 patients treated by means of a conventional non-vascularised bone graft from the distal radius (group II). Surgical findings included 30 sclerotic, poorly-vascularised scaphoids in group I versus 20 in group II. Bone fusion was achieved in 89.1% of group I and 72.5% of group II patients (p = 0.024). Functional results were good to excellent in 72.0% of the patients in group I and 57.5% in group II. Considering only patients with sclerotic, poorly-vascularised scaphoids, the mean final outcome scores obtained were 7.5 and 6.0 for groups I and group II, respectively. We conclude that vascularised bone grafting yields superior results and is more efficient when there is a sclerotic, poorly-vascularised proximal pole in patients in scaphoid nonunion.

The Anatomy and Morphology of the Superficial Peroneal Nerve.

Background Knowledge on the anatomical and morphological characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve is amenable to further refinement. This cadaveric study aimed to further evaluate anatomical and morphological characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve. Methods In this study, 10 lower limbs from five fresh cadavers were dissected. The anatomical characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve were identified. Nerve segments were submitted for histological and morphometric analyses, and nerve thicknesses and number of fascicles were assessed. Results Regarding the superficial peroneal nerves bifurcation, 80% of the terminal branches were distal to the point of emergence from the fascia. In 90% limbs, two sensory branches were observed immediately after the distal bifurcation of the superficial peroneal nerve. The mean distance from the fibular head to the superficial peroneal nerves emergence from the fascia was 24.6 cm and mean nerve thickness at this point was 0.3 cm. The mean distance between the lateral malleolus and the main nerve trunk at the ankle was 4.68 cm. The mean distance from the motor branch of the peroneus brevis to the lateral malleolus was 29.3 cm. Morphometric analyses revealed an average five nerve bundles at the broadest nerve diameter (2.6 mm). Conclusion The anatomical and morphometrical characteristics of the superficial peroneal nerve indicate that it may be a safe and useful donor for autologous graft treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Our morphological study shows a median of five fascicles, and that the thickest diameter of the nerve was 2.6 mm at the emergence from the deep to the superficial compartment.

Use of superficial peroneal nerve graft for treating peripheral nerve injuries

Objective To evaluate the clinical results from treating chronic peripheral nerve injuries using the superficial peroneal nerve as a graft donor source. Methods This was a study on eleven patients with peripheral nerve injuries in the upper limbs that were treated with grafts from the sensitive branch of the superficial peroneal nerve. The mean time interval between the dates of the injury and surgery was 93 days. The ulnar nerve was injured in eight cases and the median nerve in six. There were three cases of injury to both nerves. In the surgery, a longitudinal incision was made on the anterolateral face of the ankle, thus viewing the superficial peroneal nerve, which was located anteriorly to the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Proximally, the deep fascia between the extensor digitorum longus and the peroneal longus muscles was dissected. Next, the motor branch of the short peroneal muscle (one of the branches of the superficial peroneal nerve) was identified. The proximal limit of the sensitive branch was found at this point. Results The average space between the nerve stumps was 3.8 cm. The average length of the grafts was 16.44 cm. The number of segments used was two to four cables. In evaluating the recovery of sensitivity, 27.2% evolved to S2+, 54.5% to S3 and 18.1% to S3+. Regarding motor recovery, 72.7% presented grade 4 and 27.2% grade 3. There was no motor deficit in the donor area. A sensitive deficit in the lateral dorsal region of the ankle and the dorsal region of the foot was observed. None of the patients presented complaints in relation to walking. Conclusions Use of the superficial peroneal nerve as a graft source for treating peripheral nerve injuries is safe and provides good clinical results similar to those from other nerve graft sources.

Dupuytren contracture: comparative study between partial fasciectomy and percutaneous fasciectomy

Objectives To compare the clinical results obtained by using the techniques of open limited fasciectomy (FP) and percutaneous needle fasciectomy (FPC) in patients with Dupuytrens contracture after one year follow up. Methods Thirty-three patients and a total of 50 fingers with Dupuytrens contracture were divided non-randomly and evaluated after undergoing procedures with FP or FPC. The results were evaluated based on the Tubiana classification, DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), time until return to professional activities, total passive extension deficit (DTEP), the relationship between the extension deficit and DASH, recurrence and complications. Results Twenty-six fingers were treated with FPC technique and 24 fingers with FP. The DTEP was significantly lower in FP group (10.23°) when compared to FPC group (23.46°) at 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.038). The remaining items assessed did not show any statistically significant differences. Conclusion Total passive extension deficit at 12 months is lower in the group of open limited fasciectomy. There are no significant differences between groups FP and FPC over the classification of Tubiana, the DASH score, time until return to professional activities and the incidence of recurrence.

Lunate Grafting Into the Radius for Lunate Fossa Reconstruction in Madelung Deformity

A 40-year-old woman presented with Madelung deformity and severe arthritic changes at both the radiocarpal and the distal radioulnar joints. She was treated by using her lunate as an osteochondral graft into the radius allowing reconstruction of the lunate fossa. The scaphoid and triquetrum were removed concomitantly and a Sauve-Kapandji procedure was performed. Complete bone healing was achieved. Ten years later, an excellent functional result was maintained, with a pain-free wrist, an acceptable wrist joint range of motion, as well as a favorable aesthetic appearance. This procedure may be indicated for patients with severe Madelung deformity with painful radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints associated with severe arthritis changes.

Reduction of Morbidity With a Reverse-Flow Sural Flap: A Two-Stage Technique

ABSTRACT The reverse sural flap has often been used for cutaneous coverage of the distal region of the leg and ankle. When the flap is performed in 2 stages, the vascular pedicle is exteriorized and later resected. Our goal was to assess the reverse sural flap performed in 2 stages regarding its viability and low morbidity along the flap‐donor area. Eleven patients with cutaneous coverage loss found in the area between the distal third of the leg and ankle underwent cutaneous coverage surgery with a reverse‐flow sural flap with an exteriorized pedicle, without violation of the skin between the base of the flap pedicle to the margin of the wound. After a minimum period of 15 days with flap autonomy, the pedicle was resected. The flap dimensions, its viability before and after the pedicle ligature, and the distance from the intact skin between the flap base and the margin of the wound were evaluated. Any losses were measured as a percentage of the total flap size. The respective length and width of the flap were a mean average of 7.45 cm × 4.18 cm. All the flaps survived. Partial loss of the flap occurred in 3 patients, ranging from 20% to 30%. The mean average distance of the intact skin between the pedicle base and the margin of the wound was 5.59 (range 4 to 8) cm. Our results showed that the 2‐stage reverse sural flap ensures good flap survival and low morbidity. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4

Fat Grafting for Esthetic Correction of the Muscle Atrophy Secondary to Ulnar Nerve Lesion

Patients with hand muscular atrophy due to damage of the ulnar nerve could be stigmatized for their appearance. Unsatisfactory results in the attempt to correct the atrophy are reported in the literature. Fat grafting is an autologous and easily obtainable graft, antigenic response is very unlikely, it does not require any special material, and the procedure has a low cost. The technique of autologous fat grafting by using fat block, to remodel the first interdigital space, is useful and safe in correcting muscle atrophy of the first interdigital space caused by the injury of the ulnar nerve. This technique is suitable for muscular atrophy caused by injury of the ulnar nerve and nerve compression as well as patients present with esthetic complaints. Fifteen cases were operated using this technique. After the surgery, the resorption of the graft ranged between 12.5% and 66.7%, averaging 28%. Patients were able to check the benefit provided by filling of the atrophied area, which allowed a serene return to their daily life activities, living with others, reducing the need to hide their hands, and even facilitating their reintegration into the labor market.