Tahseen A. Cheema

The Medial Plantar Artery Flap: A Series of Cases over 14 Years

Coverage of the weightbearing heel poses a unique technical challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. In the present study, we share our clinical experience with the use of the medial plantar artery-based flap for coverage of tissue defects around the heel. Eighteen medial plantar artery flaps performed from January 1996 to December 2009 were included. All the procedures were performed by 2 surgeons at Aga Khan University and Hospital (Karachi, Pakistan) and Bahawal Victoria Hospital (Bahawalpur, Pakistan). Of the 18 patients, 16 were male and 2 were female. The indications were traumatic loss of the heel pad in 13, pressure sores in 2, and unstable plantar scars in 3. All the flaps were raised as sensate fasciocutaneous pedicled flaps based on the medial plantar artery. All the flaps healed uneventfully without major complications. The donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft, and we had partial graft loss in 1 case. The sensate flaps had slightly inferior protective sensation compared with the normal side. From our results, we suggest that the medial plantar artery flap is a good addition to the existing armamentarium. It provides tissue to the plantar skin with a similar texture and an intact protective sensation. The technique is easier to master compared with free microvascular flaps and has less risk of any functional donor site morbidity.

Opening Wedge Trapezial Osteotomy as Possible Treatment for Early Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis: A Biomechanical Investigation of Radial Subluxation, Contact Area, and Contact Pressure

PURPOSE Radial subluxation and cartilage thinning have been associated with initiation and accelerated development of osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Few investigators have reported on the benefits of opening wedge trapezial osteotomy for altering the contact mechanics of the trapeziometacarpal joint as a possible deterrent to the initiation or progression of osteoarthritis. We used cadaveric specimens to determine whether opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium was successful in reducing radial subluxation of the metacarpal base and to quantify the contact area and pressure on the trapezial surface during simulated lateral pinch. METHODS We used 8 fresh-frozen specimens in this study. The flexor pollicis longus, abductor pollicis longus, adductor pollicis, abductor pollicis brevis, and flexor pollicis brevis/opponens pollicis tendons were each loaded to simulate the thumb in lateral pinch position. We measured radial subluxation from anteroposterior radiographs before and after placement of a 15° wedge. We used real-time sensors to analyze contact pressure and contact area distribution on the trapezium. RESULTS Center of force in the normal joint under lateral pinch loading was primarily located in the dorsal region of the trapezium. After wedge placement, contact pressure increased in the ulnar-dorsal region by 76%. Mean contact area increased in the ulnar-dorsal region from 0.05 to 0.07 cm(2), and in the ulnar-volar region from 0.003 to 0.024 cm(2). The average reduction in joint subluxation was 64%. CONCLUSIONS The 15° opening wedge osteotomy of the trapezium reduced radial subluxation of the metacarpal on the trapezium and increased contact pressure and contact area away from the diseased compartments of the trapezial surface. Trapezial osteotomy addresses the 2 preeminent theories about the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE By reducing radial subluxation and altering contact pressure and contact area, trapezial osteotomy may prove an alternative to first metacarpal extension osteotomy or ligament reconstruction in early stages of degenerative arthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint.

A Cadaver Model That Investigates Irreducible Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocation

PURPOSE Controversy exists over the pathologic anatomy of irreducible dorsal metacarpophalangeal (MCP) dislocation. The aim of this work is to develop a cadaveric model of MCP joint dislocation that closely simulates the clinical situation and to study the structures around the MCP joint and their contribution to irreducibility of the dislocation. METHODS Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were amputated at the radiocarpal joint and stabilized in a specially formulated fixture. The dislocation was created by an impact load delivered by a servohydraulic testing machine, at a displacement rate of 1000 mm/s and with a maximum displacement of 60 mm. An irreducible dislocation was successfully created in 6 index fingers. An attempt at closed reduction was followed by a dissection of the dislocated joint. RESULTS In the 6 examined specimens, the flexor tendons were ulnar to the joint in all cases, the radial digital nerve was superficial (5 cases) or radial (5 cases) to the metacarpal head, and the lumbrical was usually radial (5 of 6 cases) to the joint. Division of the superficial transverse metacarpal ligaments, natatory ligaments, flexor tendons, or lumbricals does not aid reduction of the dislocation. Division of the volar plate was necessary for reduction of the dislocation in all 6 cases, whereas division of the deep transverse metacarpal ligaments does not allow reduction of the dislocation. CONCLUSIONS We present a model for creating an irreducible MCP joint dislocation using an impact load that simulates the clinical situation. The volar plate is the primary structure preventing reduction of the dislocation. Division of the deep transverse metacarpal ligament is not effective in reducing the dislocation. The flexor tendons, lumbricals, superficial transverse metacarpal ligament and natatory ligaments do not contribute to irreducibility. The anatomy of the structures surrounding the MCP joint is variable, and careful dissection to prevent iatrogenic injuries is mandatory.

Reverse-flow posterior interosseous flap-a review of 68 cases.

We are reporting our 10-year experience with 68 patients. Sixty-six flaps were of fasciocutaneous type and two were of osteofasciocutaneous type. These flaps were used for volar and dorsal traumatic hand defects, first web space reconstruction, thumb reconstruction, and repair of congenital anomalies. Sixty flaps (88.24%) had complete uneventful take-up. Four flaps developed partial necrosis, whereas four flaps suffered complete necrosis. The single most important factor for flap survival in our experience has been inclusion of at least two perforators to supply the skin pedal. The proximal flap dissection has a learning curve and all of our poor results were in the early part of our experience. We believe that posterior interosseous fasciocutaneous flap (PIF) is a versatile and reliable option for the challenging problems of hand soft-tissue coverage.

Calamities of the Extensor Pollicis Longus following Wrist Fractures in Children

fracture of the hamate. There was also a suggestion of disruption at the carpometacarpal joint and a dropped fifth metacarpal (Figs 1 and 2). The patient went on to have an examination under anaesthesia. At the time, the hamate fracture was considered to be stable. A CT scan, after examination under anaesthesia, identified a coronal fracture of the hamate with interposition of the base of the fifth metacarpal between the two fracture fragments. The patient was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a 1.2mm lag screw. This type of fracture of the hamate forms part of a carpometacarpal fracture dislocation involving the base of the fifth metacarpal. Milch (1934) originally identified two types of hamate fractures which passed either side of the hamulus or through the hamulus itself. The less common coronal fracture pattern and its relation to underlying carpometacarpal disruption were not included in this original classification. Its importance was subsequently highlighted in reports by Cain et al. (1987) and Ebraheim et al. (1995). AP and lateral radiographs may reveal an oblong fragment of bone from the dorsal surface of the carpus immediately proximal to the fourth or fifth metacarpal bases (Figs 1 and 2). Since this fracture is likely to be part of a carpometacarpal fracture dislocation, oblique views at 451 degrees of pronation are advised to allow visualisation of the fourth and fifth metacarpal injuries and the carpometacarpal disruption. If diagnosis is still in doubt, a CT scan will further define the injury and aid in preoperative planning. Coronal hamate fractures and the corresponding carpometacarpal disruption have been successfully treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning as well as open reduction and internal fixation with compression screws. Follow-up has shown good surgical and functional results, whether fixation is open or closed. It is important to recognize such carpometacarpal disruption since misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis is common (Chase et al., 1997; Garcia-Elias, 1990; Thomas and Birch, 1983).

Hand involvement in Navajo neurohepatopathy: a case report

We report a case of Navajo neurohepatopathy with severe involvement of the hands. It is a progressive sensorimotor neuropathy with distal weakness, areflexia, and reduced sensation in the extremities associated with acral mutilation. The role of possible surgical intervention is demonstrated in this case.

Simulated Osteotomy of the Trapezium Reduces Radial Subluxation and Improves Contact Pressure Distribution Across the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint in Lateral Pinch

Joint laxity and radial subluxation of the metacarpal on the trapezium have been associated with arthritis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb. In normal flexion and extension of the thumb, the ligaments and the joint are minimally stressed. However, in opposition and lateral pinch (key pinch), the two surfaces rotate on each other, generating an unequal surface stress. Over time, the unequal stresses lead to an asymmetrical wear pattern. This leads to increased strain on the ligaments and may lead to subluxation over time.1 Surgical treatment of early arthritis of the CMC joint includes ligament reconstruction or first metacarpal extension osteotomy to decrease joint laxity. Once laxity exists, joint degeneration is accelerated.2 The long-term impact of painful CMC arthritis on activities of daily living can be debilitating.Copyright