Kienböck’s disease is an avascular necrosis of the lunate that can be accompanied by a lunate fracture. Although numerous studies on Kienböck’s disease have been conducted, its natural history is incompletely understood and there is no consensus for treatment. Various wrist arthroscopic surgeries have been attempted owing to the increasing interest in wrist minimal-invasive surgery. Traditionally, the Lichtman classification, based on the osseous status, is used widely to assess Kienböck’s disease. On the other hand, age, vascular condition, and cartilage status are also important when making a treatment plan for Kienböck’s disease. This article introduces a new classification and treatment algorithm combining osseous, vascular and cartilage classifications. Moreover, the roles and limitations of arthroscopy in this new algorithm are reviewed, and the author’s preferred treatment protocol based on staging is introduced.

Purpose: With the revision of the Organ and Transplantation Act in 2018, the hand has become legal as an area of transplantable organs in Korea. In January 2021, the first hand allotransplantation since legalization was successfully performed, and we have performed a total of three successful hand transplantation since then. By comparing and incorporating our experiences, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive reconstructive solution for hand amputation in Korea. Materials and Methods: Recipients were selected through a structured preoperative evaluation, and hand transplantations were performed at the distal forearm level. Postoperatively, patients were treated with three-drug immunosuppressive regimen, and functional outcomes were monitored. Results: The hand transplantations were performed without intraoperative complications. All patients had partial skin necrosis and underwent additional surgical procedures in 2 months after transplantation. After additional operations, no further severe complications were observed. Also, patients developed acute rejection within 3 months of surgery, but all resolved within 2 weeks after steroid pulse therapy. Motor and sensory function improved dramatically, and patients were very satisfied with the appearance and function of their transplanted hands. Conclusion Hand transplantation is a viable reconstructive option, and patients have shown positive functional and psychological outcomes. Although this study has limitations, such as the small number of patients and short follow-up period, we should focus on continued recovery of hand function, and be careful not to develop side effects from immunosuppressive drugs. Through the present study, we will continue to strive for a bright future regarding hand transplantation in Korea.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to measure time-dependent changes in muscle excursion and collagen content after tenotomy, and to analyze the correlation between muscle excursion and collagen content in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits underwent tenotomy of the second extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles on the right legs and were randomly assigned to three groups based on the period of time after tenotomy (2, 4, and 6 weeks). The second EDL muscles on left legs were used as controls. At each time after tenotomy, passive muscle excursion and collagen content, determined by hydroxyproline content, were measured bilaterally, and the ratio of each value to the normal one was used. RESULTS: The mean ratio of muscle excursion after tenotomy to the value of the control decreased in a time-dependent fashion: 92.5% at 2 weeks, 78.6% at 4 weeks, and 55.1% at 6 weeks. The mean ratio of hydroxyproline content in muscle to the value of the control increased in a time-dependent fashion: 119.5% at 2 weeks, 157.3% at 4 weeks, and 166.6% at 6 weeks. There was a significant negative correlation between the ratio of hydroxyproline content in muscle after tenotomy to the control values and the ratio of muscle excursion after tenotomy to the control values (r=-0.602, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The decrease in muscle excursion seems to correlate with the increase in collagen content in the muscle in a time-dependent fashion following tenotomy.
Animals ; Collagen/*metabolism ; Hydroxyproline/metabolism ; Muscle, Skeletal/*metabolism ; Rabbits ; Tendon Injuries/*metabolism ; Tendons ; Tenotomy ; Time Factors

The extension type locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger is an extremely rare condition characterized by loss of flexion with little or no loss of extension. The most common cause for locking is entrapment of a strap of the ruptured palmar plate. We treated a locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger due to a hyperextension injury. The mechanism of locking was a torn part of the palmar ligament that forcefully rides across the prominence of the radial condyle of the metacarpal bone together with the accessory collateral ligament. These dislocated parts of the ligament formed a constricting bundle that prevented closed reduction. Locking was released successfully by an open reduction using the dorsal approach of the metacarpophalangeal joint without complication.
Collateral Ligaments ; Fingers* ; Ligaments ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint* ; Palmar Plate

PURPOSE: Calcific lesion of the hand is infrequently recognized, presenting with severe pain and swelling of the affected joint. The purpose of this study is to describe clinical features associated with this condition by reviewing surgically treated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in 11 patients who had operation clinical and radiographic data were collected by medical records. RESULTS: Eight patients were females and three were males with age ranging between 27-75 years (mean: 48 years). By location, five cases of interphalangeal joint, three cases of metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb, two cases of carpal tunnel and one case of distal ulna area were noted. Interval between symptom presentation and operation was 9.4 month (range: 6-18 month). During 10 month follow-up (range: 6-12 month), recurrence had not occurred. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of calcific lesion of hand and wrist is low, it may cause severe pain and swelling. If conservative treatment fails or any nerve compression symptom develops, surgical removal of the calcific lesion is recommended.
Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Humans ; Joints ; Male ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; Prevalence ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Thumb ; Ulna ; Wrist

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of plate fixation for olecranon fractures which was difficult to be fixed firmly with tension band wiring alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1995 through 2008, 20 patients who underwent plate fixation of an olecranon fracture were included in this retrospective study. According to the Mayo classification, there were 3 type IIA fracture, 7 type IIB, and 10 type IIIB fractures. Clinical evaluation was done based on radiographic union of olecranon and measurements of range of motion at last follow-up. Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Mayo Elbow Performance score was used for evaluation of functional recovery. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 18 (90%) at an average of 5.6 months. The mean arc of elbow motion was 123degrees and the mean rotation arc was 81degrees. According to the MEPS, sixteen of twenty patients had a good or excellent outcome. The mean DASH score was 16.3. Most common complication was hardware irritation in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Plate fixation is an effective treatment option for severe olecranon fracture pattern like comminuted fractures, Monteggia equivalent with unstable elbows and nonunions.
Arm ; Elbow ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Comminuted ; Hand ; Humans ; Olecranon Process ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Shoulder

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of operative treatment for the unstable ulnar metaphyseal fractures associated with a distal radius fracture in osteoporotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study was done on 10 patients with a ulnar metaphyseal fracture which was remained unstable after reduction and fixation of the distal radius fracture between March 2002 and Feb 2006. The average age was 72 years old. The mean follow up period was 25 months. Of 5 cases of Biayni type 1, 2, 3 fracture, 4 cases were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning and one with open reduction and internal fixation with plate. All type 4 fractures were treated with ulnar resection. Range of motion, visual analogue scale for pain and grip strength were measured and clinical results were evaluated by Cooney's method. RESULTS: In ulnar fixation group, average motion was 68.5, 45.5, 65.3 and 75.8 degrees for flexion, extension, supination and pronation, respectively. The average grip strength was 102% of uninjured hand. In ulnar resection group, average motion was 65.5, 50.4, 75.2 and 75.5 degrees for flexion, extension, supination and pronation, respectively. The mean grip strength was 86.7% of uninjured hand. According to Cooney's method, there were excellent in one patient, good in seven, fair in one and poor in one. Fair and poor results were noted in case of AO type C fractures. CONCLUSION: Unstable ulnar metaphyseal fractures associated with distal radius fractures in osteoporotic patients can be treated successfully with ulnar fixation or resection. Ulnar resection is useful option in selected cases such as severe comminuted fractures.
Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Comminuted ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Osteoporosis ; Pronation ; Radius ; Radius Fractures ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Supination

A left-sided gallbladder occurring in the absence of situs inversus is a rare anomaly. This anomaly was found in a 50-year-old man without any evidence of pancreatobiliary disease. Epigastric transverse ultrasonography showed a normal gallbladder with its fundus extending past the left lateral end of the liver. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed that the gallbladder was located beneath the quadrate lobe (S4) of the liver to the left of the left branch of the portal vein, and S4 was hypertrophied to compensate for atrophy of the lateral inferior segment (S3) of the liver. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed that the gallbladder and pancreatobiliary tree were normal, and that the cystic duct joined the common bile duct from the right side making a characteristic U-shaped hairpin bend.
Atrophy ; Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Common Bile Duct ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Cystic Duct ; Gallbladder ; Gallbladder Diseases ; Humans ; Liver ; Middle Aged ; Portal Vein ; Situs Inversus

PURPOSE: We wanted to assess the radiological and clinical results and the prognostic factors after an operation for capitellar fractures associated with/without other injury around the elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 25 patients (mean age: 49 years-old) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar fractures, there were nineteen type 1 fractures and six type 3 fractures. The mean follow up period was 14.8 months. We assessed the factors affecting the radiological and functional results, such as the fracture pattern, the patient age and the surgical approaches. RESULTS: In 24 of 25 patients, bony union was achieved at postoperative 1 year. There were eighteen excellent, four good, two fair and one poor functional results according to the Broberg and Morrey elbow score. The most common type was type 1 and the most common associated injury was lateral condylar fracture. The patients with type 1 fracture rather than the patients with type 3 fracture and the patients who had an extraarticular associated fracture rather than an intraarticular associated fracture had better clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: 22 (88%) of the patients were satisfied at the result. The type of capitellar fracture and an associated intraarticular elbow fracture were shown to be important prognostic factors in this study.
Elbow ; Elbow Joint ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans

Tufted angioma is a rare slowly progressive vascular tumor, characterized by histopathologic findings of numerous angiomatous lobules of "cannonball" appearance within the dermis. It affects children but occurs infrequently at birth. It appears as a clinical imitator of hemangioma of infancy (HOI), so it needs to be differentiated from HOI. Clinically, lesions most often present as red to purple, indurated or nodular plaque, and are usually located on the neck, upper trunk or proximal limb. We report six cases of tufted angioma of congenital onset. We undertook immunohistochemical study using CD31, D2-40 and GLUT1 to rule out other vascular tumors or malformations, particularly HOI. These cases may demonstrate the keys of differential diagnosis between HOI and tufted angioma, which share common features clinically and rarely histopathologically.
Child ; Dermis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Extremities ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Iodine Compounds ; Neck ; Parturition ; Skin Neoplasms