1.Half-wedge osteotomy and reverse repositioning for dorsal malunion distal radius fracture: a preliminary report with a case series
Sangwoo KIM ; Hyunsik PARK ; Jongick WHANG
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):29-35
Purpose:
Treatment options for distal radius malunion with dorsal angulation include open-wedge osteotomy using a volar approach or closed-wedge osteotomy. An advantage of open-wedge osteotomy is that it preserves the length of the radius; however, it often requires bone grafting and presents difficulties in achieving reduction. In contrast, closed-wedge osteotomy makes correction easier, but it requires ulnar shortening osteotomy. Therefore, in this study, we propose an effective surgical method that compensates for the disadvantages of both techniques by using half-wedge osteotomy and rotational placement.
Methods:
This study presents five cases of distal radius corrective osteotomy and ulnar shortening osteotomy performed at our institution using half-wedge osteotomy and rotational placement for distal radius malunion between 2017 and 2021. Surgical efficacy was evaluated by assessing radiographic changes, visual analog scale scores, and the quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score postoperatively.
Results:
The bone union was achieved in all cases, and computed tomography scans performed 6 months postoperatively showed ongoing bone healing. Postoperative dorsal tilt was restored to the normal range, and the clinical scores improved.
Conclusion
Half-wedge osteotomy and reverse repositioning for dorsal malunion distal radius are effective treatments, as they facilitate the correction of malunion, reduce the need for ulnar shortening length, and eliminate the need for bone grafting from the iliac crest.
2.Half-wedge osteotomy and reverse repositioning for dorsal malunion distal radius fracture: a preliminary report with a case series
Sangwoo KIM ; Hyunsik PARK ; Jongick WHANG
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):29-35
Purpose:
Treatment options for distal radius malunion with dorsal angulation include open-wedge osteotomy using a volar approach or closed-wedge osteotomy. An advantage of open-wedge osteotomy is that it preserves the length of the radius; however, it often requires bone grafting and presents difficulties in achieving reduction. In contrast, closed-wedge osteotomy makes correction easier, but it requires ulnar shortening osteotomy. Therefore, in this study, we propose an effective surgical method that compensates for the disadvantages of both techniques by using half-wedge osteotomy and rotational placement.
Methods:
This study presents five cases of distal radius corrective osteotomy and ulnar shortening osteotomy performed at our institution using half-wedge osteotomy and rotational placement for distal radius malunion between 2017 and 2021. Surgical efficacy was evaluated by assessing radiographic changes, visual analog scale scores, and the quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score postoperatively.
Results:
The bone union was achieved in all cases, and computed tomography scans performed 6 months postoperatively showed ongoing bone healing. Postoperative dorsal tilt was restored to the normal range, and the clinical scores improved.
Conclusion
Half-wedge osteotomy and reverse repositioning for dorsal malunion distal radius are effective treatments, as they facilitate the correction of malunion, reduce the need for ulnar shortening length, and eliminate the need for bone grafting from the iliac crest.
3.Half-wedge osteotomy and reverse repositioning for dorsal malunion distal radius fracture: a preliminary report with a case series
Sangwoo KIM ; Hyunsik PARK ; Jongick WHANG
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):29-35
Purpose:
Treatment options for distal radius malunion with dorsal angulation include open-wedge osteotomy using a volar approach or closed-wedge osteotomy. An advantage of open-wedge osteotomy is that it preserves the length of the radius; however, it often requires bone grafting and presents difficulties in achieving reduction. In contrast, closed-wedge osteotomy makes correction easier, but it requires ulnar shortening osteotomy. Therefore, in this study, we propose an effective surgical method that compensates for the disadvantages of both techniques by using half-wedge osteotomy and rotational placement.
Methods:
This study presents five cases of distal radius corrective osteotomy and ulnar shortening osteotomy performed at our institution using half-wedge osteotomy and rotational placement for distal radius malunion between 2017 and 2021. Surgical efficacy was evaluated by assessing radiographic changes, visual analog scale scores, and the quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score postoperatively.
Results:
The bone union was achieved in all cases, and computed tomography scans performed 6 months postoperatively showed ongoing bone healing. Postoperative dorsal tilt was restored to the normal range, and the clinical scores improved.
Conclusion
Half-wedge osteotomy and reverse repositioning for dorsal malunion distal radius are effective treatments, as they facilitate the correction of malunion, reduce the need for ulnar shortening length, and eliminate the need for bone grafting from the iliac crest.
4.Usefulness of the osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap for small to moderate-sized bone and soft tissue defects of the hand: a report of two cases
Yongwhan KIM ; Hyunsik PARK ; Jongick WHANG ; Sangwoo KIM
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):60-65
Reconstructive options for multidigit or soft tissue defects of the hand are varied, yet complex hand defects remain particularly challenging. These cases often necessitate microvascular reconstruction using osteocutaneous free flaps to achieve functional limb salvage. This paper presents two cases of osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap surgery performed at our institution, demonstrating the efficacy of this technique in managing complex hand defects. One case involved a severe crushing injury on an index finger with only the ulnar neurovascular bundle remaining, and the other involved a crushing injury on the first web space with severe comminution of the first metacarpal bone. After an emergency simple debridement, reconstructive surgery using the osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap was performed a few days later. Both cases healed without necrosis. Although both patients lost interphalangeal joint function, they were able to maintain grasping function and finger length without amputation. The osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap is an effective reconstruction method for addressing small to moderate-sized segmental bone and soft tissue defects of the hand caused by trauma. This procedure can be conveniently performed in a single session under regional anesthesia.
5.Comparative outcomes of the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar flap for fingertip and pulp defect reconstruction: a retrospective chart review
Sangwoo KIM ; Deokhyeon RYU ; Jongick WHANG ; Hyeunggyo SEO ; Jaewoo HEO
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):51-59
Purpose:
This study compared the outcomes of three commonly used reconstructive techniques—the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar (RASP) flap—for the reconstruction of fingertip and pulp defects, in order to provide guidance for surgeons in selecting the appropriate method based on defect size and patient characteristics.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients who underwent fingertip or pulp reconstruction. Nine patients received thenar flaps, 26 received partial toe pulp free flaps, and 15 received RASP flaps. Patient demographics, defect size, flap survival, donor site morbidity, and patient satisfaction were analyzed.
Results:
All flaps survived. In the RASP flap group, three cases of partial necrosis were successfully managed without additional surgical interventions. The thenar flap group had donor site pain and joint stiffness, while the partial toe pulp free flap group exhibited no donor site complications. The RASP flap group experienced hypertrophic scarring in five cases. Patient satisfaction was high across all groups, with the partial toe pulp free flap yielding the most positive outcomes.
Conclusion
The thenar flap is a reliable option for small defects, especially those with exposed bone, but is associated with donor site morbidity and joint stiffness. The partial toe pulp free flap provides superior functional and aesthetic results for moderate defects, though it requires more surgical expertise and has a longer recovery time. The RASP flap is optimal for larger defects, offering good cosmetic results but requiring careful donor site management to avoid hypertrophic scarring.
6.Usefulness of the osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap for small to moderate-sized bone and soft tissue defects of the hand: a report of two cases
Yongwhan KIM ; Hyunsik PARK ; Jongick WHANG ; Sangwoo KIM
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):60-65
Reconstructive options for multidigit or soft tissue defects of the hand are varied, yet complex hand defects remain particularly challenging. These cases often necessitate microvascular reconstruction using osteocutaneous free flaps to achieve functional limb salvage. This paper presents two cases of osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap surgery performed at our institution, demonstrating the efficacy of this technique in managing complex hand defects. One case involved a severe crushing injury on an index finger with only the ulnar neurovascular bundle remaining, and the other involved a crushing injury on the first web space with severe comminution of the first metacarpal bone. After an emergency simple debridement, reconstructive surgery using the osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap was performed a few days later. Both cases healed without necrosis. Although both patients lost interphalangeal joint function, they were able to maintain grasping function and finger length without amputation. The osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap is an effective reconstruction method for addressing small to moderate-sized segmental bone and soft tissue defects of the hand caused by trauma. This procedure can be conveniently performed in a single session under regional anesthesia.
7.Comparative outcomes of the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar flap for fingertip and pulp defect reconstruction: a retrospective chart review
Sangwoo KIM ; Deokhyeon RYU ; Jongick WHANG ; Hyeunggyo SEO ; Jaewoo HEO
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):51-59
Purpose:
This study compared the outcomes of three commonly used reconstructive techniques—the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar (RASP) flap—for the reconstruction of fingertip and pulp defects, in order to provide guidance for surgeons in selecting the appropriate method based on defect size and patient characteristics.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients who underwent fingertip or pulp reconstruction. Nine patients received thenar flaps, 26 received partial toe pulp free flaps, and 15 received RASP flaps. Patient demographics, defect size, flap survival, donor site morbidity, and patient satisfaction were analyzed.
Results:
All flaps survived. In the RASP flap group, three cases of partial necrosis were successfully managed without additional surgical interventions. The thenar flap group had donor site pain and joint stiffness, while the partial toe pulp free flap group exhibited no donor site complications. The RASP flap group experienced hypertrophic scarring in five cases. Patient satisfaction was high across all groups, with the partial toe pulp free flap yielding the most positive outcomes.
Conclusion
The thenar flap is a reliable option for small defects, especially those with exposed bone, but is associated with donor site morbidity and joint stiffness. The partial toe pulp free flap provides superior functional and aesthetic results for moderate defects, though it requires more surgical expertise and has a longer recovery time. The RASP flap is optimal for larger defects, offering good cosmetic results but requiring careful donor site management to avoid hypertrophic scarring.
8.Usefulness of the osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap for small to moderate-sized bone and soft tissue defects of the hand: a report of two cases
Yongwhan KIM ; Hyunsik PARK ; Jongick WHANG ; Sangwoo KIM
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):60-65
Reconstructive options for multidigit or soft tissue defects of the hand are varied, yet complex hand defects remain particularly challenging. These cases often necessitate microvascular reconstruction using osteocutaneous free flaps to achieve functional limb salvage. This paper presents two cases of osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap surgery performed at our institution, demonstrating the efficacy of this technique in managing complex hand defects. One case involved a severe crushing injury on an index finger with only the ulnar neurovascular bundle remaining, and the other involved a crushing injury on the first web space with severe comminution of the first metacarpal bone. After an emergency simple debridement, reconstructive surgery using the osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap was performed a few days later. Both cases healed without necrosis. Although both patients lost interphalangeal joint function, they were able to maintain grasping function and finger length without amputation. The osteocutaneous lateral arm free flap is an effective reconstruction method for addressing small to moderate-sized segmental bone and soft tissue defects of the hand caused by trauma. This procedure can be conveniently performed in a single session under regional anesthesia.
9.Comparative outcomes of the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar flap for fingertip and pulp defect reconstruction: a retrospective chart review
Sangwoo KIM ; Deokhyeon RYU ; Jongick WHANG ; Hyeunggyo SEO ; Jaewoo HEO
Archives of hand and microsurgery 2025;30(1):51-59
Purpose:
This study compared the outcomes of three commonly used reconstructive techniques—the thenar flap, partial toe pulp free flap, and radial artery superficial palmar (RASP) flap—for the reconstruction of fingertip and pulp defects, in order to provide guidance for surgeons in selecting the appropriate method based on defect size and patient characteristics.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients who underwent fingertip or pulp reconstruction. Nine patients received thenar flaps, 26 received partial toe pulp free flaps, and 15 received RASP flaps. Patient demographics, defect size, flap survival, donor site morbidity, and patient satisfaction were analyzed.
Results:
All flaps survived. In the RASP flap group, three cases of partial necrosis were successfully managed without additional surgical interventions. The thenar flap group had donor site pain and joint stiffness, while the partial toe pulp free flap group exhibited no donor site complications. The RASP flap group experienced hypertrophic scarring in five cases. Patient satisfaction was high across all groups, with the partial toe pulp free flap yielding the most positive outcomes.
Conclusion
The thenar flap is a reliable option for small defects, especially those with exposed bone, but is associated with donor site morbidity and joint stiffness. The partial toe pulp free flap provides superior functional and aesthetic results for moderate defects, though it requires more surgical expertise and has a longer recovery time. The RASP flap is optimal for larger defects, offering good cosmetic results but requiring careful donor site management to avoid hypertrophic scarring.