Adolescent ; Female ; Gigantism ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Humans ; Limb Salvage ; methods ; Lipomatosis ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Upper Extremity ; pathology ; surgery

Post-burn contractures are common entities seen in developing countries. There are multiple reasons for the development of contractures, most are preventable. In extensive contractures, a strategic plan is necessary to release all contractures and yet not antagonize post-operative positions. It is also necessary to be cost-effective and minimize the number of surgeries needed. Conventionally the release sequence in extensive burn contractures is proximal to distal. In this case report, we discuss an unusual sequence where we released distal contractures before the proximal to achieve optimum results. A 3-year-old child with post-burn contracture of hand, wrist, elbow, and axilla was treated in 2 stages, with the release of wrist contracture and cover with pedicled abdominal flap in the first stage and division of pedicled flap with the release of axilla and elbow contracture in the second stage. Thus, the release of all contractures was achieved without antagonizing post-operative positions and minimized the number of surgeries. A case-based approach may be crucial in making a strategic surgical plan to minimize the rehabilitation phase, rather than following known dictums.
Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Surgical Flaps/surgery* ; Upper Extremity ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; Contracture/surgery*

Amputees ; Deltoid Muscle/surgery* ; Humans ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Nerve Transfer ; Quality Control ; Upper Extremity/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of lidong needling therapy (acupuncture technique combined with therapeutic movement of the body) on upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery in combination with functional exercise. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with postoperative lymphedema of breast cancer in the upper limbs were randomized into an observation group (36 cases) and a control group (37 cases). The routine nursing care and functional exercise were given in the control group, twice a day, for about 10-15 min each time, lasting 8 weeks. On the basis of the treatment as the control group, lidong needling therapy was applied to the acupionts on the affected upper limb, i.e. Jianyu (LI 15), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4) and ashi points (the most obvious swelling sites), as well as to bilateral Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. The needles were retained for 30 min. While the needles retained, the patients were asked to move the affected shoulder to 90° by the sagittal anteflexion and keep it elevated. Simultaneously, the hand on the affected side was clenched and opened slowly and coordinately. Lidong needling therapy was delivered once every two days, three times weekly for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the difference of the circumference between the affected and healthy limbs, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for swelling and the score of disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) were compared in the patients of the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment, except for the circumference of the area 10 cm below the cubitel crease in the control group, the differences in the circumferences of the rest parts between the affected and healthy limbs were reduced in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, in the observation group, for the circumference at the level of hand between the thumb and the index finger and that of the wrist, the differences between the affected and healthy limbs was smaller compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, except for the areas 5 cm below and above the cubitel crease, the differences of circumferences between the affected and healthy limbs in the observation group were smaller than those in the control group in the rest parts (P<0.01, P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the swelling VAS scores were reduced when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, DASH scores were reduced in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the observation group was 83.3% (30/36), which was higher than that of the control group (35.1%, 13/37, P<0.01). CONCLUSION Lidong needling therapy combined with the functional exercise obtains the satisfactory clinical effect on the upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. This treatment effectively relieves swelling and improves the upper limb function.
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Upper Extremity ; Treatment Outcome ; Lymphedema/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery in the treatment of finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury. METHODS: Between July 2011 and June 2020, 14 cases of finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury were repaired with dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery. All patients were male, with a mean age of 36 years (range, 22-56 years). The defects were located on the index finger in 8 cases, middle finger in 4 cases, and ring finger in 2 cases. The causes of injury include 8 cases of emulsion paint injection, 4 cases of oil paint injection, and 2 cases of cement injection. The time from injury to debridement was 2-8 hours, with a mean time of 4.5 hours. The soft tissue defects sized from 4.0 cm×1.2 cm to 6.0 cm×2.0 cm. The flaps sized from 4.5 cm×1.5 cm to 6.5 cm×2.5 cm. The donor site of the flap was repaired with skin graft. The pedicle was cut off at 3 weeks after operation, and followed by functional exercise. RESULTS: All flaps and skin grafts at donor sites survived, and the wounds healed by first intention. Twelve patients were followed-up 16-38 months (mean, 22.6 months). The texture and appearance of all flaps were satisfactory. The color and texture of the flaps were similar to those of the surrounding tissues. The two-point discrimination of the flap was 10-12 mm, with a mean of 11.5 mm. There were different degrees of cold intolerance at the end of the affected fingers. At last follow-up, the finger function was evaluated according to the Upper Extremity Functional Evaluation Standard set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, 3 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and 1 case was poor. CONCLUSION The dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery can effectively repair finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury. The operation was simple, and the appearance and function of the finger recover well.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Perforator Flap ; Upper Extremity ; Fingers/surgery* ; Ulnar Artery ; Skin Transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of dorsal plate assisted fixation of dorsal lunate fossa fracture block of distal radius. METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2022, 30 patients were treated with dorsal plate assisted fixation of dorsal lunate fossa fracture of distal radius, including 13 males and 17 females, aged from 42 to 68 years old with an average of (48.7±5.6) years old;According to Doi fracture classification, 24 patients were type 3 blocks and 6 patients were type 4 blocks. The degree of palmar angle of anterior and posterior distal radius was fixed by dorsal steel plate during operation. Fracture healing and functional recovery of wrist were observed after operation. Functional evaluation was performed by Gartland and Werley scoring system at 12 months after operation. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 12 to 13 months with an average of (11.3±0.9) months. All fractures healed for 4 to 5 months with an average of(4.7±0.8) months. Median palpal inclination of anterior and posterior distal radius fixed by dorsal plate was 5.30°(4.85°, 6.03°), 12.45°(11.98°, 13.43°) respectively, and had statistical difference( P<0.01). Gartland and Werley scores was (1.1±0.4) at 12 months afteropertaion, and 27 patients got excellent result and 3 good. CONCLUSION Dorsal plate assisted fixation of dorsal lunate fossa fractures is beneficial to reduction and stabilization of displaced dorsal fractures and restoration of palmar inclination.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Radius/surgery* ; Lunate Bone/surgery* ; Upper Extremity ; Wrist Joint ; Wrist ; Fractures, Bone

OBJECTIVETo study the methods of surgical treatment and the prognosis of acute embolism of the upper extremity.

METHODSBalloon catheter embolectomy through the brachial artery was performed in 18 patients with acute embolism of the upper extremity.

RESULTSBoth the pulse of the radial and ulnar artery could be palpated in 8 patients, either the pulse of the radial or ulner artery could be palpated in 9 patients. The temperature of the upper extremity was increased in the patient whose embolectomy was performed in the 6th day after onset of the illness. Three patients died postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONSEmbolectomy through the brachial artery is an effective method to treat acute embolism of the upper extremity. Elderly and heart and pulmonary diseases are the high risk factors for postoperative death.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cause of Death ; Child ; Embolism ; etiology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Upper Extremity ; blood supply

Subcutaneous emphysema is commonly associated with infection caused by gas-producing organisms. In this case report, we describe a rare instance of traumatic subcutaneous emphysema of the hand and forearm caused by a puncture injury to the first web space of the hand. Our objective is to increase awareness of the potential for seemingly minor trauma to cause entrapment of significant air in subcutaneous tissues, thereby decreasing the likelihood that a clinically benign-appearing patient will be started down an unnecessarily aggressive treatment pathway. A 16-year-old, otherwise healthy white female, presented to the pediatric emergency room with an impressive amount of subcutaneous emphysema that developed over a 12-h period after sustaining an accidental laceration to the first web space of her right hand. She appeared nontoxic and had a clinically benign presentation. A comprehensive work-up was performed. She was splinted by the orthopedic surgery resident on call, and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for overnight monitoring. She received tetanus vaccination and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient was discharged 2 days after admittance, with a splint applied to her right hand and forearm. She undertook home-based physical and occupational therapy. She had a pain-free range-of-motion in the right wrist, elbow and shoulder. The swelling in the right hand subsided completely. Although initially alarming, traumatic subcutaneous emphysema in an otherwise healthy patient from minor wounds (as featured in this case) does not necessarily mean one ought to proceed down an aggressive treatment algorithm. Careful evaluation of the patient's history, clinical examination findings, and determination of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score can help guide physicians in the management of traumatic subcutaneous emphysema and potentially avoid unnecessary and costly interventions.
Humans ; Child ; Female ; Adolescent ; Forearm ; Subcutaneous Emphysema/diagnosis* ; Upper Extremity ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Wounds, Penetrating/surgery*

In order to investigate the effects of a decreased activity on skinfold thickness, circumference and muscle strength of the extremities during the recovery period following heart surgery, skinfold thinkness, circumference and muscle strength of the extremities were measured on days 0, 3, 6, and 9 following the surgery, and compared with those on the arrival day of intensive care unit. Skinfold thickness was measured using a skinfold caliper(Saehan Cor., Korea), circumference of the limbs were measured with a tape measure, upper extremity strength was determined using the Takeigrip dyanmometer and lower extremity strength was measured by pressing the flatfoot on an electronic digital health meter while lying on a bed. Results from this study were thus : 1. Skinfold thickness of triceps, quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscle on days 3, 6, 9 following the heart surgery was not significantly different from that of on the day of operation. 2. Circumference of midupperarm and midthigh on days 3, 6, 9 following the heart surgery was not significantly different from that of on the day of operation. Circumference of midcalf on days 3, 6 following the heart surgery was not significantly different from that of on the day of operation, while that of midcalf on day 9 following the surgery decreased significantly compared with that of on the day of operation. 3. Muscle strength of the upper extremity was not significantly different from that of on the day of operation, while that of the lower extremity of day 9 following the surgery decreased significantly compared with that of on the day of operation. From these results, it may be concluded that circumference and muscle strength of lower extremity can be decreased due to the postoperative inactivity following heart surgery in congenital heart disease children.
Child* ; Deception ; Extremities* ; Flatfoot ; Heart Defects, Congenital* ; Heart* ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Lower Extremity ; Muscle Strength ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Muscular Atrophy* ; Skinfold Thickness ; Thoracic Surgery* ; Upper Extremity ; Child Health

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of lateral thoracic flaps pedicled with subscapular vessels for defects in the upper extremities.

METHODSFrom June 2003 to September 2009, 5 cases with large soft tissue defects in the upper extremities were treated with lateral thoracic flaps pedicled with subscapular vessels. The flap size ranged from 23 cm x 8 cm to 40 cm x 20 cm. The subscapular vessels, the thoracodorsal vessels, the lateral branch and the cutaneous perforators of thoracodorsal vessels were all included in the flap. A muscular sleeve of 2-3 cm in width was preserved to protect the musculocutaneous perforator. The defects in the donor area were closed directly or covered by skin graft.

RESULTSThe lateral thoracic flaps were used in four cases. A combination of lateral thoracic flap and paraumbilical flap was used in one case. Partial necrosis happened at the distal portion of the flap in one case. All the other flaps survived completely. 4 cases were followed up for two to fourteen months with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. The color, texture and thickness of the flaps were also satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONSThe lateral thoracic flap pedicled with the subscapular vessel is flexible for repairing defects in the upper extremities with a reliable blood supply, leaving less morbidity to donor site.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin Transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Treatment Outcome ; Upper Extremity ; injuries ; surgery ; Young Adult